Red, ripe strawberries are not just a historic crop in eastern Hillsborough County; toward the middle of March they become deliciously affordable as market prices drop, shipping becomes expensive and U-fields open in the Plant City area. ...more

April 1, 2009

Festival queen Lauren Der and court members — first maid Sara Beth Newsome, Megan Cochran, Joclyn Emerson and Morgan Feaster — are being profiled by "Good Morning America's" Saturday feature program in a bimonthly segment, "American Snapshot." ...more

February 24, 2009

It's lunchtime at the Whistle Stop Cafe in historic downtown Plant City, where the waiters know your name and probably your order. If you prefer your iced tea unsweetened, you'd better speak up. ...more

February 22, 2009

It's in eastern Hillsborough County, but Plant City is the most Southern town around. ...more

February 22, 2009

Despite recent freezes, local experts say there will be abundant berries available for the annual Florida Strawberry Festival, which begins next week. ...more

February 18, 2009

Despite recent freezes, local experts say there will be abundant berries available for the annual Florida Strawberry Festival that begins Feb. 26. ...more

February 12, 2009

Heavy groundwater pumping to irrigate crops during recent cold snaps might be to blame for a half-dozen recent sinkholes that have closed roads in the Plant City area, Hillsborough County officials say. ...more

February 11, 2009

Area strawberry fields were hit with the coldest temperatures of the season last week, but growers used sprinklers to limit damage to berries and blooms. ...more

January 28, 2009

Freezing temperatures forecast for tonight from the Panhandle to the Everglades pose a serious threat to the state's agriculture industry. ...more

January 22, 2009

When The Beatles made their history-making musical invasion and took the United States by storm in 1964, 9-year-old Joe Bithorn was immediately fascinated with their sound and style. ...more

November 5, 2008