Historic Plant City Main Street is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization and preservation of our charming downtown through community-driven economic development, cultural enrichment, and historic preservation. As an accredited Main Street America™ program, we are committed to fostering a vibrant, welcoming destination where residents and visitors alike can experience the heart and soul of Plant City. Through signature events like Oktoberfest, Last Friday, and the Strawberry Drop, we celebrate our heritage while creating fresh opportunities for local businesses, artists, and families to thrive. At the core of our mission is a deep respect for history and a bold vision for the future — “Bringing Our Downtown Into Tomorrow Without Losing Her Yesterday”. - DMH
Shannon Keil, MBA - Executive Director
Executive Director | Historic Plant City Main Street
Shannon Keil, MBA, is proud to serve as the Executive Director of Historic Plant City Main Street, effective October 13, 2026. A fifth-generation Plant City native, Shannon brings more than 25 years of experience in leadership, mentoring, event management, sponsorship development, and community engagement, along with a deep-rooted love for the community she calls home.
With a Master of Business Administration and certification as a coach, Shannon is passionate about building relationships, empowering others, and bringing people together to create meaningful opportunities. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in service, collaboration, and the belief that strong communities are built when people work together toward a shared vision.
For Shannon, Plant City is more than a hometown—it's part of her family, her story, and her heart. She is honored to help guide the future of Historic Downtown Plant City while celebrating the history, people, and local businesses that make it special.
As Executive Director, Shannon works alongside the Main Street board, downtown merchants, volunteers, community partners, and residents to strengthen connections, support local businesses, create new opportunities, and foster a vibrant, welcoming downtown where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Shannon believes the future of downtown is brightest when the community comes together to celebrate its accomplishments, support its entrepreneurs, and turn shared ideas into action. Her vision is to honor Plant City's rich history while embracing new possibilities that will help downtown continue to grow and thrive for generations to come.
Rooted in Plant City's past and passionate about its future, Shannon is excited to bring people together and make a lasting difference—one partnership, one opportunity, and one community connection at a time.
Meet the Team
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Lizzette Sarria
Board President
As a seasoned accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner, Lizzette Sarria has been helping businesses grow and succeed since founding her company in 2001. A strong advocate for economic growth and historic preservation, she envisions downtown Plant City as a thriving hub for residents and visitors alike. Lizzette brings her financial expertise and love for the community to her role on the Historic Plant City Main Street Board.
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Karen Knox
Board Vice President
A hometown is more than a place, it’s a feeling of belonging.
Born and raised in Plant City, Karen cherishes the community and the events that bring people together. She’s seen the city grow over the years while still holding onto its small-town charm.
Karen spent many years at the ballfield cheering on her son and daughter, and now enjoys watching her grandkids do the same. She also shares a love for livestock and looks forward to seeing her grandkids follow in her daughter’s footsteps showing animals. A proud Plant City Toastmaster, Karen once won the District 84 Humorous Speech Contest with a story about her daughter and her pig, Bacon Bits.
Karen currently works at Primo Brands as an Enterprise Leader and spent 28 years prior with Progressive. With over 39 years in customer service, she values helping others and believes consistency builds trust.
She is honored to serve on Historic Plant City Main Street and give back to the community that’s given her so much.
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Tammy Chancey
Board Secretary
With more than 20 years of real estate experience, Tammy brings both expertise and a true heart for community to her new role. As team leader of Team Chancey, she is recognized for her energy, professionalism, and passion for helping others.
Her background in corporate training and event planning fuels her enthusiasm for creating meaningful experiences that bring people together. Actively involved in local service organizations and charitable initiatives, Tammy is dedicated to strengthening small businesses and celebrating the spirit of Plant City. -
Jake Buckner
Board Member
A Tampa Bay native, Jake Buckner is the Nationwide Product Manager for GT Grandstands and a proud graduate of Leadership Plant City. He has a background in entrepreneurship, having successfully built and sold his own marine detailing business. Jake is passionate about volunteering, fishing, and the outdoors. He is excited to contribute to the growth and vitality of Plant City through his role on the Historic Plant City Main Street Board.
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Kaleb McDonald
Board Member
Kaleb McDonald is a Plant City native and proud business owner of Mac’s Excavating Inc. He cherishes his hometown, where he lives with his wife, Jordan, and their growing family. Kaleb enjoys boating and spending time with his loved ones. Committed to his community, he is excited to give back through his role on the Historic Plant City Main Street Board.
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Robert Tuppeny
Board Member
Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Robert Tuppeny has called Plant City home for over 21 years. He co-owns The Crafted Butterfly in downtown Plant City with his wife, Diane, and manages visual merchandising for MacDill Air Force Base and other military locations in Florida. With 30 years of experience in visual merchandising, Robert is passionate about community, family, and creativity. He is proud to serve on the Historic Plant City Main Street Board.