Plant City Observer
y Observer
YO UR HOMETOW N. YO UR NEWSPAP ER .
VOLUME 6, NO. 133
YOUR HOMETOWN. YOUR NEWSPAPER
FREE • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021
. YO UR NEWS PAP ER . MCINTOSH PARK DUE UP FOR UPGRADES BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
McIntosh Park is officially getting two miles of trails as well as a wildlife viewing observation tower.
McIntosh Park is one step closer toward becoming a major destination in Plant City. The park, which lies on 363 acres at 775 East Knights Griffin Road, has long been a passive recreational park. The goal is to transform it into a facility that both highlights the beauty of nature and offers unique experiences for those who attend. Approximately 120 acres of the park have been used as stormwater treatment from the City of Plant City’s canal system via an agreement with SWFWMD.
It opened to the public in 2015 and had rudimentary trails cut into the grass at the site. Over the past month, massive changes have furthered the immense upgrade to the land. The current construction all lies under Phase 1 of the project. Trail paths have been cleared at the site and a surface material will be applied to make it more convenient to walkers. The city is building two miles of trails as well as an observation tower at the property.
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SANDEE SYTSMA NAMED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Justin Kline
Sytsma has long played a foundational role in the community. Whether she’s serving with the Florida Strawberry Festival or giving back with her church, Sytsma has been “the embodiment of an outstanding citizen.” BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Every year, the community comes together to honor one resident who has gone above and beyond to be considered the annual Citizen of the Year. This is the 62nd annual ceremony and Sandee Sytsma was shocked when she realized she received the high honor on Wednesday. Her family hid behind the stage to surprise her on her big day and the joyous announcement was cheered on by a large crowd of wellwishers.
The award was created decades ago to highlight civic-minded Plant Cityarea residents who have dedicated their lives toward giving back to their community. They must have a strong character, a humble spirit and carry the virtues of Plant City in their bones. Sytsma received her recognition from last year’s recipient, Jim Scott. Scott didn’t have to try very hard to unearth a plethora of reasons Sytsma was the perfect fit to receive this year’s coveted award.
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