Couple's historic home hits 125th anniversary

Randy and Chris Larson of Plant City are celebrating the 125th anniversary of their historic Franklin Street home.

"We believe it is the oldest standing residence in the city limits," said Randy.

Every March, the home is the scene of the biggest Strawberry Festival "post-parade party" of the year when the Larsons fill their yard with local and national notables. Bush family members have dropped by a few times, and there are always dueling political candidates enjoying strawberries, barbecue and lemonade, catered by Johnson's Barbecue.

Back in 1917, the house, described as the "most desirable and imposing" structure in town, underwent extensive renovations, including the construction of a bathroom, new plumbing, hot and cold water in all rooms, and new paint inside and out — for a total cost of $2,000.

Built in 1887 by a former Confederate army colonel, the house has been home to notable local Democrats, a former leader of the Florida Republican Party and a state representative, not to mention Plant City's first licensed undertaker and the chairman of the first Strawberry Festival finance committee.

Randy, a former mayor of Plant City, said he and his wife did the upgrades themselves while living in the house, which they bought in 1999. The changes included stripping wallpaper, redoing the kitchen and floors, and modernizing the two guest houses and various elements of the main house. The addition of a pool was a promise to their two children, now grown, who endured the seven-year project.

No invitation is necessary for the March 5 party, which runs from 2 to 5 p.m. Drop by the house, 207 N. Franklin St., say "hello" to Randy and Chris and bend the ear of dueling politicians, if you can get a word in edgewise.

MTV in Plant City?

The network known for edgy reality shows and music videos is in talks to film shopping scenes for a new show in production and has picked Devony Davenport's Sister's & Company boutique in downtown Plant City for February filming. Not sure if that means Plant City's downtown is now uptown, but it could be fun for Devony and the girls at the shop.

"It could be really good or really bad," said Devony.

I have a feeling it's another good event at festival time to put our town on the map.

He shoots his age

Plant City native Robert Manee celebrated his 80th birthday on Valentine's Day, and I'm told he still shoots his age in golf. How neat is that? Robert plays four or five days a week when he's in Plant City and during the summer months in North Carolina. Happy birthday, and happy golfing, Robert.

Four Plant City students up for award

Four Plant City students have performed heroic deeds and displayed acts of selflessness and good citizenship during this past year and have been nominated by their school guidance counselors for the St. Joseph's Kids and Heroes program.

Jackson Hardee and Isis Ash of Plant City High School, Tatiana Gallego of Trapnell Elementary and Jalonda Lancaster of Durant High School are up for the award from St. Joseph's Children's Hospital. The award is in its 15th year and has recognized more than 1,300 students.

Ash had her birthday celebration at the local blood bank and asked for blood donations instead of presents. Hardee started a letter-writing campaign that so far has raised $500 to remodel the home of a local veteran who lost both legs and an arm in an explosion last year. Lancaster has raised more than $15,000 through school service clubs, and Gallego responded quickly to resolve a public safety issue in her neighborhood.

Teddy bear drive a big success

People brought more than 120 teddy bears on Feb. 12 for Hope Lutheran Church's annual Teddy Bear Sunday. Half of the bears were donated to United Food Bank of Plant City, and the other half went to Plant City Fire Department.

The church has donated bears in past years to children in New York following the 9/11 attacks, troops in Iraq and children in Haiti.

Help showcase the Tampa area

Plant City's Yvonne Fry, a volunteer captain for the 2012 Tampa Host Committee for the Republican National Convention, is inviting residents to volunteer as ambassadors for the region. More than 7,500 volunteers will welcome guests at airports and hotels, as well as at various events. Call Yvonne at (813) 319-9000 if you want to help.