SUMMARY: Plant City is introducing its first annual New Year’s Eve strawberry drop, a countdown celebration featuring a 6-foot strawberry that will drop from 80 feet during the countdown. This initiative aims to revitalize downtown, foster community pride, and attract locals and tourists alike. Executive Director Don Hayatt emphasizes the importance of creating memorable celebrations that the community can own. Business owners like Brandon Snyder of Propagation Whiskey Bar express optimism about the event, highlighting its potential to draw attention to downtown businesses. Plant City is experiencing growth and aims to showcase its vibrant community through events like this.

Plant City is known for its strawberries, but what they will unveil for the first time on New Year’s Eve is something you can’t grow on any farm.

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SUMMARY: As 2025 begins, excitement fills the streets of Damascus following the recent fall of Bashar Assad’s government, symbolizing hope for a brighter future. In Beirut, residents express cautious optimism amidst ongoing crises. Meanwhile, war-torn Gaza remains in despair, with many fearing the worst after a catastrophic 2024. Across the region, the mood is mixed, reflecting both optimism and traumatic memories. Syrians dream of unity and peace, while those in Gaza lament their hardships and loss. As families celebrate the new year, the looming uncertainty reinforces a shared yearning for a better future amid lingering conflict.

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SUMMARY: Florida’s pension system improved significantly in the past fiscal year, with the Florida Retirement System achieving a 10.52% investment return, boosting its net position to $199.7 billion, up 6.6% from $187.4 billion. The funding ratio increased from 82.4% to 83.7%. Total liabilities rose to $6.06 billion, while employer contributions surged by 15.6% to $6.5 billion. Employee contributions also increased to $923 million. Benefits for retirees climbed 0.9% to $12.36 billion, supporting 459,428 retirees and beneficiaries. The system, which has 659,333 contributing members, offers both a defined-benefit pension and an investment plan option.

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