FREE • THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023
VOLUME 10, NO. 60
EIGHTEEN MONTHS AFTER SHARING THEIR I-DO’S IN “TENDER” MOMENT WITH CHECKERS, PLANT CITY COUPLE STILL GOING STRONG
PAUL DAVIS Recognized With 2023 YMCA Strong Leader Award
Davis is the 20th recipient of the Plant City YMCA’s annual award for people who go above and beyond to make a difference in the community.
MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER
It’s been a wild ride for Arley and Vicky Smude in the eighteen months since the couple tied the knot. With a proposal that went viral after Vicky got down on one knee and used a Checkers’ Fry Burger as part of the proposal and a wedding that made the news because it included a chicken tender bouquet and a 43-foot Fry Love Express serving guests Checkers chicken tenders and their trademark seasoned fries during the ceremony (the couple really loves Checkers), how do you keep that kind of excitement alive?
The couple will soon be plenty busy. They’re expecting their fi st child, a son, whose due date is Jan. 4, 2024. If an addition to the family isn’t enough to keep them occupied, they’re also taking over the family business: Metals and Nature. Located at 1501 W. State Road 60, its unassuming front entrance leads shoppers to a twoacre natural wonderland featuring a garden of wrought iron, statuary, yard art and garden and home decor.
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MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER
The TECO Exhibition Hall at the Florida Strawberry Festival was packed with well wishers last week as well-known local resident Paul Davis was honored as a community leader who exemplifi s the YMCA’s commitment to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Davis was announced as the Y’s 2023 Strong Leader Award recipient.
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