FOCUS Magazine

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas from all of us at FOCUS!

12/08/2024

12/02/2024

This month's Rising Star, sponsored by Jarrett Scott Ford , is Summer and Autumn Castro.

Sisters who train together go to college together — or at least that’s the case for Summer and Autumn Castro.
When they were just 5 and 6 years old, Summer and Autumn watched their little brother play t-ball and were instantly drawn in. Shortly after, they began Little League.
“We started playing softball when we were 10 and 11, and it’s been our life since,” said Autumn.
Since starting softball, the sisters have played in their school and travel leagues. Summer and Autumn knew what their goal was after being around other athletes trying to make it to be better than everyone around them.
“Being around girls better than us made us want to play softball in college,” said Summer. “And playing with my sister has helped me grow so much together and always motivates me to strive to improve.”
This year, that dream to play in college made it one step closer to becoming true.
“Clark Atlanta University reached out to me since it’s my senior year and wanted to get me interested in committing to the softball team,” said Summer. “I went out there and told the coach that I loved what I saw but only would consider it if my sister came too.”
Shortly after, Autumn committed to playing for them when she graduates in 2026.
“It’s great to know that I have something like this to look forward to,” said Autumn. “Not only am I joining a collegiate team and living out my dream, but I get to do it all with my sister by my side!”
Next fall, when Summer heads out to Atlanta to kick off her collegiate career, Autumn will focus on making her last two years in high school a success.
“My goal is to keep a positive mindset and my confidence,” said Autumn. “I know from all the practice and training I do with my sister that I have the skills to be my best self.”

12/02/2024

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN | The November issue of FOCUS is on newsstands now. Santa and Mrs. Claus appear on the front cover and will ride into town this Friday in the historic Plant City Christmas Parade. Learn more about the parade in this special issue on stands now or online at https://focusplantcity.com/focus-plant-city-23-11/

11/28/2024

We want to extend our heartfelt thankfulness to our readers, advertisers and the community at large. It is because of your support that FOCUS is the largest print publication in Plant City for 22 years. Happy Thanksgiving!

10/29/2024

This month's Rising Star, sponsored by Jarrett Scott Ford, is Durant diver Chloe Crim.

Since she was just five years old, Durant High School Diver Chloe Crim’s life has revolved around being in the water. Though she doesn’t remember what first caught her interest in diving, it’s been her love ever since.
“I told my parents when I was five that I wanted to learn, so they signed me up,” said Chloe. “After 10 years, it’s been the only sport I’ve ever done.”
As Durant’s only diver on the team, Chloe is used to diving solo.
“Even though my competition scores go toward the girl’s swim team’s score at our weekly swim meets, I am usually one of the only divers at competitions, so it’s about beating myself and doing better every competition,” said Chloe.
And getting better is what she trains for year-round.
“I’ve had two coaches during my career who have helped me become the athlete I am today,” said Chloe. “They both have prepared me for my next big step — college diving.”
While Chloe has had lots of experience in high school diving at 1 meter, collegiate diving is both 1 and 3 meters.
“I’ve been working on being more confident in my dives, as well as working more on the 3 meter,” said Chloe.
As for Chloe’s resume, she’s made an impressive splash in the diving world.
“Last year, I placed 2nd at both districts and regionals and then went on to the finals at states,” said Chloe. “After that, I made it to nationals, which was a huge deal for me.”
Chloe’s favorite dive to complete is the Forward 1.5 Full Twist, which involves diving forward while doing a 360-degree twist and going head-first into the water.
As for her future goals? Chloe is reaching for the stars.
“My biggest dream has always been to go to college on a scholarship for diving,” said Chloe. “I want to place higher at states and grow the number and difficulty of dives I do in competitions so it will get the attention of college coaches.”
Be on the lookout for Chloe at local swim competitions and the bright future she’s making for herself in the diving world.

10/28/2024

ON STAND NOW | The October issue of FOCUS is here, featuring Andre Avramovic on the front cover. Andre owns SG Trailers, located on Highway 60, a full-service trailer sales, repair, and manufacturing business. Inside, we honor breast cancer fighters and survivors with a special Breast Cancer Awareness section, plus much more. Pick a copy up now or read online at https://focusplantcity.com/focus-plant-city-23-10/

10/18/2024

Follow this link for Plant City area resources!

10/16/2024

This Friday night, will host its 9th annual Halloween party! The party starts at 9pm with live music and a costume contest with $500 for the grand prize winner! Enjoy a night of fun and fright at 2309 W Thonotosassa Road.

10/16/2024

Some of the city's churches are providing essential services to those impacted hardest by Hurricane Milton:

GraceWay Church of Plant City is offering a free hot meal at 5pm and visitors have the opportunity to shower, pickup ice for coolers and wash their clothes. Community prayer starts at 6:30pm. 3106 S Wiggins Rd

The Crossing Church and First Assembly of God Plant City have partnered with Hillsborough Title and need your help! Chainsaw crews are needed to remove trees. They have the chainsaws, gas and gloves! They also need folks willing to deliver meals to those who are still without power. Volunteers should report to 1605 S Alexander St at anytime.

Ekklesia Revived is actively collecting donations which will go directly to those impacted by the hurricane. Donate at www.ekklesiarevived.com/revived-relief
Or you donations can be sent via CashApp to $ERChurchPC

The church is donating free hot meals, hygiene essentials, clothing, and household supplies directly to communities.

First Baptist Church of Plant City will served free hot meals today through Friday from 12 to 2pm, as a partner with Florida Disaster Relief. TOMORROW only, starting at 11:30, there will be distribution of free essentials such as water, diapers, and food, in partnership with One More Child. These items will be distributed until all items are gone. 3309 James L Redman Pkwy

10/15/2024

District staff will return to schools tomorrow (Wednesday, October 16) to plan and prepare students back on Thursday, October 17.

RETURN TO SCHOOL UPDATE: With the tremendous progress made yesterday through campus cleanups and the restoration of power in our community, we will bring all school-based and district staff back on Wednesday, October 16, to plan and prepare to welcome students to school on Thursday, October 17.

As of this morning, we have 35 schools without power and have been assured that our utility partners will be able to get all schools back online in the next 36 hours.

We understand other neighboring school districts are reopening to students on Wednesday, but our district had more schools that suffered damage and significant power outages.

As a proactive measure, our bus drivers ran their routes this morning to assess hazardous conditions and ensure safe roadways. We ask all parents to remain flexible as our drivers may have to take different routes to bus stops.

District officials have decided to extend the first quarter to Friday, October 25, giving students adequate instructional time to complete the grading period. Our Academic Services team is reviewing the calendar to determine necessary adjustments to make up the required instructional time, and we will communicate that at a later date.

We are grateful we can reopen schools to students on Thursday, to provide some sense of normalcy. If your family faces any issues that will prevent your child from returning to school, please contact your child's school so that they can assist with any potential resources and support.

Thank you for your continued flexibility during these difficult times.

10/14/2024

Hillsborough County Public Schools will remain closed on Tuesday, October 15. Read the full statement from the district below:

POST MILTON UPDATE #3:

Despite our recovery efforts, we need at least another day before we can safely reopen. It's been heartwarming to see our community come together, especially in support of our schools. We want to express our gratitude to everyone who has been helping with cleaning and repairs on our campuses.

Here is the most up-to-date information:

- About 100 schools are without power as of Monday morning.
- More than a dozen schools have standing water in them.
- Food deliveries for breakfast and lunch are delayed.
- Many roads still have hazards, and some traffic signals are not working.

Based on these factors, schools and district offices will remain closed on Tuesday, October 15.

Our goal is to reopen on Wednesday, but our decision will be based on power restoration. Our priority is to safely reopen schools as soon as possible.

We will continue to work closely with TECO on restoration efforts.

Thank you for your continued flexibility, and we will provide another update tomorrow.

10/14/2024

Any able volunteer in Plant City who wants to help clean up/help at the homes of our first responders, please come to “The Bunker” at 1605 S. Alexander Street for assignments. If you have tools, coolers, or pop-up canopies, please bring them. Thank you!!

10/14/2024

Three additional locations for FREE hot meals, provided by The Salvation Army of Tampa.

The Salvation Army of Tampa will offer free meals to those impacted by Hurricane Milton this Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at various locations in Plant City from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Thank you to Keel Farms, Grimes Hardware Center, Glover School, and the Salvation Army for supporting our community!