01.25.24 PLCO

FREE • THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

VOLUME 11, NO. 31

SIX HOUR COMMISSION MEETING ENDS WITH COMMISSION APPROVING INDUSTRIAL REZONING OF BLUE STEEL SITE MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

While most Plant Citians were comfortably tucked in their beds Monday night, a good night’s rest eluded city commissioners, city staff, developers, attorneys and residents, most of them disgruntled, who showed up in opposition to a hotly contested project that would pave the way for 243.4 acres on Swindell Road, west of County

Line Road, to become an industrial park.

Commissioners heard three public hearings about the project: a legislative public hearing on an ordinance to annex six parcels totaling 89.35 acres into Plant City, a legislative public hearing for a map amendment of the entire 243.4 acre site requesting a future land use designation of Plant City Industrial and a quasi-judicial public hearing

on an ordinance rezoning the property from Hillsborough County Planned Development, Agriculture Single Family-1 and Agriculture Rural to the Oakfield Business Park Planned Development District to allow industrial uses, excluding auto-body repair and recycling operations, on the property.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

MEET 2024 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL QUEEN

Annistyn Faith Griffin

Photos courtesy of Juan Lozoya

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

PlantCityObserver.com

NEWS

2

CITY COMMISSION RECOGNIZES PLANT CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR 100 YEARS The City Commission honored the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce with a resolution celebrating its 100th anniversary of playing a leading role in community, business and economic development in the area. The East Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce, the forerunner of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, was officially created in 1924 to meet the needs of community, with a dual concern for business and for quality of life and to promote commercial, industrial, agricultural and civic interests in Plant City and East Hillsborough County.

“I’m proud because I inherited a legacy of all of the people who came before me and how strong the chamber has helped the community to grow and to be a part of this celebration is an honor,” said Chamber President Christine Miller, who accepted the resolution alongside incoming chairperson Lisa Rhodes.

Mayor Nate Kilton commented about the importance of the organization that has worked as an incubator, producing more than a few community leaders. “It’s an organization that’s been so important in our community not just for what it does for our businesses but how it overlaps in everything else in the life of our community,” said Mayor Nate Kilton.

JEREMY SIDLAUSKAS OFFICIALLY SWORN IN AS FIRE CHIEF Fire Chief Jeremy Sidlauskas was officially sworn into office at an Investiture ceremony held at City Hall on Jan. 22.

Family, friends and coworkers gathered for the ceremony, which included remarks from City Manager Bill McDaniel and Mayor Nate Kilton. City Clerk Kerri Miller administered the oath.

“The role of Fire Chief is not merely a title but a profound leadership responsibility that requires courage, dedication and a commitment to the safety and well-being of the entire community,” said McDaniel.

POLICE DOG DIES AFTER CONTRACTING PNEUMONIA The Plant City Police Department is mourning the loss of one of their ownPolice K9 Ryker died after contracting pneumonia.

Ryker, a German shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix, had been picked up from Southern Coast K9 on Jan. 10, 2024. After he started showing symptoms, he was rushed to an emergency vet and later put to rest on Thurs., Jan. 18.

Ryker’s replacement was picked up yesterday. As of Monday night, a name hadn’t yet been given to him. The new dog, an 18-month old German shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix, will be Officer John Gilmore’s partner. It’s his fourth dog.

CITY EMPLOYEE RECOGNIZED FOR KIND HEART Stormwater Operator Michael Homesly was driving the City’s on-call truck when, on his way home on Strawberry Drive at Thonotosassa Road, he passed a woman on a mobility scooter that appeared to be in distress. He circled back and found that she was stuck on a rather steep hill and had been shouting for help. The only person to stop, he assisting her by rolling her up the hill. She thanked him and continued on her way.

“I always say things like this are a representative of the quality of our team members and their conscientiousness towards the community they serve,” said City Manager Bill McDaniel.

IRS FREE FILE NOW AVAILABLE FOR 2024 FILING SEASON IRS Free File is now available for the 2024 filing season. With this program, eligible taxpayers can prepare and file their federal tax returns using free tax software from trusted IRS Free File partners.

Taxpayers, including active-duty military, with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $79,000 or less in 2023 can likely find an offer from an IRS Free File provider that matches their needs. Those with an AGI over the limit can still file their return for free using Free File Fillable Forms.

To find the right IRS Free File offer, taxpayers can visit irs.gov.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer invites college students to apply for a scholarship provided by the Florida Supervisor of Elections (FSE). The FSE is offering three $1,200 scholarships to eligible Florida residents who are accepted or enrolled as a full-time student in a senior college or university in Florida. Students must also be at least a junior in college, or have enough credits for enrollment as a junior prior to the application date.

Hillsborough County residents must apply through the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office. Students who apply must be either a Political Science, Public/Business Administration or Journalism/Mass Communication major.

The application deadline is March 8.

To learn about the full list of requirements and how to apply, visit VoteHillsborough.gov/Scholarship.

LOOKING FOR A GOOD BOOK? CHECK OUT ONE OF THESE 2023 MOST READ In celebration of the Florida Department of Education’s Literacy Week, Jan. 22 to 26, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative is taking a look at 2023 reading habits to help raise awareness about the importance of daily reading.

Library customers borrowed a record 8.5 million library materials last year.

That’s enough books, when placed end to end, to reach from Tampa to Boston.

These are the top books checked out in 2023 in the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library branches and online: 2023 Top 5 Adult Fiction “Desert Star” by Michael Connelly “The Boys from Biloxi” by John Grisham “Long Shadows” by David Baldacci" “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus “No Plan B: A Jack Reacher Novel” by Lee Child 2023 Top Young Adult Fiction “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson “The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han “The Inheritance Games” by Jennifer Barnes “Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”

by Suzanne Collins 1/11 & 1/25 Keiser - Lakeland 231-2143 Keiser January Print Ads

Plant City Observer 5x6 KC 12/11/23

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

PlantCityObserver.com

3

Queen and Court Crowned At 89th Annual Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Scholarship Pageant MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

JOSE LOZOYA PHOTO CREDIT

The Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court were crowned at the 89th Annual Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Scholarship Pageant on Sat., Jan. 20 at the Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center.

The annual event, presented by Plant City Lions Club, featured 17 contestants displaying poise, grace and determination as they vied for a title and the opportunity to represent the Florida Strawberry Festival and Plant City community at more than 80 guest appearances throughout the coming year.

At the end of the night, Annistyn Faith Griffin, a junior at Durant High School who is also dual-enrolled at Hillsborough Community College, was crowned the 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen. She is joined by First Maid Taylor Marie Gregory and court members SaraGrace Elizabeth Sparkman, Abigail Louise Spivey and Zion Nevaeh Keese.

Griffin will receive a $1,200 scholarship from the Plant City Lions Club and $1,400 scholarship from the Florida Strawberry Festival. Gregory will receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Plant City Lions Club and $1,200 scholarship from the Florida Strawberry Festival. Each court member will receive an $800 scholarship from the Plant City Lions Club and $1,000 scholarship from the Florida Strawberry Festival.

During the evening, contestants persevered through a personal interview (conducted earlier in the day, worth 25% of their total score), casual wear (worth 30% of their total score), public speaking (worth 15% of their total score) and an evening gown competition (worth 30% of their total score). After the judges’ scores

were tabulated by an independent auditor, the 17 contestants were whittled down 10 semifinalists, which included: Hope Alyse Storter, Milee Gale Hastings, Asia Angelique Hodge, Gracie Ashlyn Carter and Addison Love Griffin. Garner earned the title Miss Congeniality and received a $400 scholarship from the Plant City Lions Club.

After the top 10 finalists were announced, those contestants were sent to a sound-proof room where they awaited their turn on stage to answer an impromptu question: “The Strawberry Queen is known to be well rounded as she represents an entire community. Share one of your extra-curricular activities or involvements and how it has shaped you into the person you are today.”

The panel of independent, Miss America-certified judges scored each contestant based on impromptu public speaking (25%), overall look (40%) and stage presence (35%).

Following the impromptu question, the 2023 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Kennedie Clinton and her court shared a

farewell message to the audience. Clinton said her favorite moment during her time as queen was the Night to Shine event and the Baby Parade. “I loved the Night to Shine event but the day of the baby parade a mom came up to me and told me her daughter had dressed up as me with a black and white dress with rhinestones,” she said. “The mother sent me pictures of her smiling and standing next to my dress.

She was super excited when she got to meet me. It’s one of those moments where I got to see how I’m impacting my community of youth and inspiring the next generation of strawberry queens. It was heartfelt.”

She also offered advice to the new queen and court. “Just have fun because it goes by so fast,” she remarked. “Trust me, I thought it was a cliche but it really does go by so fast so enjoy every moment.”

Plant City Lions Club Pageant Committee Chairman Gail Lyons was impressed by all the contestants’ willingness to serve their community, the motto of the Lion’s Club. “This pageant is about the contestants, teamwork, empowerment and love,” she said. “I hope each one of these ladies

goes away feeling encouraged and take something they have learned to help them find their own path and achieve their own dreams.”

Florida Strawberry Festival President Kyle Robinson said the new Queen and her Court, as well as all the contestants, did extremely well. “Any of them could have been in the top 10 or the top five but the judges worked hard to pick five amazing young ladies whose abilities they showcased during the pageant will serve them well in their year on the court,” he said.

“They not only represent the Strawberry Festival but the entire city of Plant City.”

In addition to making appearances at an upcoming city commission meeting, Robinson said they’re also planning a trip for them to visit the state capital and meet with their state representatives and maybe even the governor. “I’m confident this group of girls will represent us well just like the previous queen and courts have done in years’ past,” he said.

4

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

Queen Meet 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival

ANNISTYN FAITH GRIFFIN

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

JOSE LOZOYA PHOTO CREDIT

With the Florida Strawberry Festival around the corner, the queen of strawberries was crowned last weekend.

The 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Pageant contestant Annistyn Faith Griffin may have randomly drawn ‘Contestant #2’ from a basket of contestant numbers, but by the end of the night it would be clear that she was number one.

Griffin, a junior at Durant High School who is also dual-enrolled at Hillsborough Community College, was crowned the 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen.

While on stage, before the top five contestants were announced, even though her mind was filled with a flood of emotions, she said she felt at peace. “It was a peaceful day and I felt that whatever was in God’s plan and whatever door he wanted to open for me, that’s the door that would be opened,” she said.

When she heard her name called for the top five, she was thrilled. When emcees announced she was queen, her knees buckled and the emotions that were so contained came pouring out. “I just remember looking up and seeing my family launch out of their seats,” she said. “I was so overwhelmed with a lot of love from the support of my family and community.”

Her parents are Artis and Jennifer Griffin.

Griffin’s extracurricular activities include play-

Q&A

Q: What is your experience in pageantry?

Back in 2017, I competed in Little Miss Plant City for the second time and was named First Maid.

Then in 2023, I was Miss January in the Durant High School Calendar Girl pageant.

Q: What’s your favorite part of Florida Strawberry Festival?

My favorite part would have to be the community.

This community is just one big family. You can’t walk down the midway without seeing somebody that you know. This community is so loving and supportive of not only the exhibitors in the agricultural building but everybody here. I also love our hometown vendors. It’s such a special feeling to now be an ambassador for this festival and this community.

Q: What’s your favorite Florida Strawberry Festival food?

It’s Ms. Cindy Griffin (I’m not related to her). She serves this bowl of chocolate and strawberries and you get to dip them. You can dip your strawberries in as much chocolate as you want. I dip them and then after I’ve eaten the strawberries I have leftover chocolate and just take a spoon and eat the chocolate. I’m obsessed with it. They’re so good. When you show steers, you’re here every day. I’d go down there every day and I became so familiar they just say ‘welcome back.’

Q: Who’s your role model and why?

My role model would definitely have to be Morgan Rummage, my devotional group leader at my church, Bell Shoals Baptist in Brandon because she is such a confident person. She’s just a light in my life and she gives great advice and is just a really good human. I love her a lot.

Q: Is there anyone you’d like to thank for \ helping you reach your goal?

I’d like to thank my community. Two years ago, I fell off a golf cart and was in the ICU for five days

ing Varsity and Club volleyball, showing steers at the Florida Strawberry Festival Youth Steer Show and participating in her church’s youth group. She is also a member of several academic honor societies, including National Honor Society and National English Honor Society. She has more than 150 volunteer hours, including service at South Florida Baptist Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. She spoke about that time in service during her impromptu interview question.

“Two years ago I was in the patients’ shoes,” she said. “I was just trying to find my joy and I made a promise to myself that I’d not only choose joy but be able to impact my community. I’m hoping to become the 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen to be able to give back and share my joy with others like I did back in the hospital.”

Now that she wears the crown, she looks forward to sharing her joy with others. “I see my role as being a leader but also being an ambassador for this community,” she said. “I remember when I was a little girl looking up to the strawberry queen and her court and wanting to be just like them.”

She hopes to live in such a way that little girls will look up to her and her court. “I think it’s very important that you continue to have your morals and stay true to yourself, no matter if eyes are watching or not,” she said.

She also looks forward to serving with the other court members.“We’re going to be a great team together and we already have so much love for each other and can’t wait to radiate that onto our community,” she said. “I’m excited for it and I know the other girls are too.”

with a head trauma. I suffered a traumatic brain injury with two brain bleeds. Two weeks later, I was flipped upside down in a Jeep and my community literally saved me then. I owe it all to them.

When I was going through those two accidents, the community supported me so much and made me feel so valued. And to be in a position to give back and bring joy and positivity in this next year is such an exciting and honoring thing for me.

I’ve been through a lot but wouldn’t change a single thing that’s happened because it’s made me the person I am today.

I would also have to say Jessi Rae because I was never able to talk about anything that I’ve gone through without bawling my eyes out and she was able to just help me gain confidence and be able to speak about my testimony. She’s just made me feel so much more confident in myself and my abilities to be able to serve this community and represent Plant City.

My second person I’d like to thank would have to be my twin sister, Addison, and my big sister because even though my twin sister didn’t get on the court, seeing her reaction backstage was just something I’ll never forget. She’s been my number one cheerleader since leaving the womb.

I couldn’t have asked for two better sisters.

I’d also like to thank my mom and my dad because of their sacrifices. they’ve always put their daughters first and reminded us that we’re fearfully and wonderfully made and just being their daughters and reminding us to be ourselves has made the biggest impact on me.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your year on the Court?

I’m most looking forward to being able to represent my community with these four girls beside me. They’re just such beautiful girls inside and out and strong Christian girls that have amazing morals and I know without a doubt this year’s going to be amazing because I have them by my side.

PlantCityObserver.com

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

5

6

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

Meet 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival

First Maid

TAYLOR MARIE GREGORY

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

JOSE LOZOYA PHOTO CREDIT

2024 Florida Strawberry Festival First Maid Taylor Marie Gregory, daughter of Diane and Steve Gregory, is a junior at Seffner Christian Academy.

A student athlete, Gregory is a member of Varsity Sideline Cheer, Competition Cheer, Varsity Soccer and Varsity Softball teams. She is a member of Hillsborough County 4-H, participating in both the rabbit and horticulture shows. She is also involved in Drama, Honors Choir and Student Government.

Academically, she is ranked among the top three in her class and is a member of the National Honors Society and Society of Mensa Scholars. She has also met the minimum requirements to be a Florida Medallion Scholar as a junior.

In her spare time, she enjoys sewing, baking, clay shooting, spending quality time with family and friends and playing with her rabbit, Waffles.

Her volunteerism with Veterans, through Wreaths Across America, Operation Homefront and The Salvation Army, was sparked by her love for her grandfather. “Veterans are super near and dear to my heart because my grandpa served in Vietnam,” she said.

“So many people that we know used to serve or are active-duty right now.

They’re such a large portion of our community and people who I choose to honor.”

When she heard her name called as one of the top five, tears filled her eyes. “It’s been a dream of mine since I was five and it still hasn’t sunk in yet,” she said.

“I felt like it was very surreal.”

Q&A

Q: What is your experience in pageants?

I was in the top 10 in the Florida Strawberry Festival Junior Royalty Pageant last year. I was also crowned the 2020 Junior Harvest Queen for the Hillsborough County Fair and I was the 2021 USA National Miss Central Florida Junior Teen so I’ve done that system a few times. I was USA National Miss Tampa Teen this past year.

Q: What’s your favorite part of Florida Strawberry Festival?

My favorite part of the Florida Strawberry Festival is probably the Neighborhood Village because it’s a collection of all the different talents in our community and it showcases everyone’s individuality but it all portrays strawberries.

Q: What’s your favorite Florida Strawberry Festival food?

Definitely the Fiske Fries, the Cajun ones.

They’re my moms favorite too. We share a bucket but then end up getting two because I can eat a whole bucket by myself.

The Cajun seasoning is sitting on a table next to the stand and I shake it on their fries. No ketchup, just Cajun.

Q: Who’s your role model and why?

My role model is Kayleigh McEnany, the former White House Press Secretary. She’s a strong Christian woman who is involved on television which is something rare to see. She has a successful career and is also a wife and a mom first. I feel like she is

embracing being what feminine is all about, it’s all about balance.

My role model is also my parents because they’ve shown me what teamwork really is and how to create a loving home and how to put others first in every situation.

Q: Is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping you reach your goal?

There’s such a long list but thank you to my Lord and Savior because without him I wouldn’t be here. That’s first because the amount of prayer that’s gone into this has been huge. Second, I’d like to thank my parents because this was a big commitment for them too. They’ve pushed me to be the best I can be and encouraged me so much.

Then I’d like to thank Sara Beth Carlton for all of her help and countless hours to get me where I am.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your year on the Court?

I think I”m most looking forward to making this my mission field by serving the Lord where I’m at because there are so many people you can touch. I also feel like I’ve gained four best friends in just a couple of days.

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

7

8

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

Meet 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival

Court Member ZION NEVAEH KEESE

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

JOSE LOZOYA PHOTO CREDIT

You’ll have to be quick to catch up with 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival Court member Zion Nevaeh Keese, a senior at Durant High School who is a track and field and cross country dynamo. She runs the 100, 200, 4x100 meter relays and 5K races and also competes in the long jump.

In the on-stage interview question, Keese, the daughter of Brian Keese and Tabitha Tillman, said it was skills she learned through participation in those sports that will help her fulfill her responsibilities as a court member.

“I feel like they have both taught me to finish strong, so no matter where I am in life I will always push through and do my best in any circumstances whether it comes to answering questions or participating in community activities,” she said.

In fact, she fell in love with cross country so much that she led the team’s fundraising efforts when she raised more than $2,000 in one hour during a fundraiser. That’s team spirit.

When she’s not running, she’s an active member of the Delta Sigma Theta’s Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully (GEMS) program, which connects community-minded young women with academic and service opportunities. She is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and Durant High School’s Art Honor Society.

In her free time. she inspires others through her YouTube channel, @zionnevaeh, which focuses on finding joy in her everyday life.

She hopes to serve as a beacon for the diversity of beauty. She wears her ‘signature’ big natural hair to remind others that you are beautiful just as God made you.

After answering the on-stage question, she said it felt like her soul jumped out of her body and she was just watching herself on stage.” It didn’t feel like I was in my body and then I was the first person called for top five,” she said. “I kept it together but once I looked over at my mom, she started crying and then I started crying. It was a great moment because it was a win that my family needed.”

Q: What is your experience in pageantry?

This is only my second pageant. I did my first pageant a couple months ago and won Durant High School’s December Calendar Girl Scholarship Pageant. Started practicing for the Queen’s Pageant right after that. I’m learning it’s important to be confident in the way you answer questions and the way you walk across the stage.

Q: What’s your favorite part of Florida Strawberry Festival?

I enjoy the strawberry shortcake stand. I feel like the volunteers are so kind and it shows the true Plant City. That people are just so very kind in this town.

Q: What’s your favorite Florida Strawberry Festival food?

My favorite food is the donut burger.The donuts are the bun.It’s donut meat donut and whatever you want on the burger but I like mine with just cheese. You have to try it.

It’s a good balance between sweet and salty.

Q: Who’s your role model and why?

Mine would have to be my mom. I feel like the way she’s raised me has shaped me into a wonderful woman. She’s very kind to everyone she crosses paths with. I feel

Q&A like that has taught me to always welcome people with open arms and never judge a book by its cover so I always treat everyone with kindness.

Q: Is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping you reach your goal?

Mine would have to be my family for pushing me and encouraging me even from a far distance. I could feel them there. Miss Jessi Rae was my pageant coach. I feel like she did so much with such a small amount of time. She helped me gain even more confidence than I had before. She washed away any insecurity I ever had just by her encouraging words.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your year on the Court?

I feel like God put me here to represent and encourage my community. I’m also really excited to see Kirk Franklin (a songwriter best known for leading urban contemporary gospel and Christian R&B ensembles). I remember being a little girl in church singing his songs, for a good hour we would sing his songs. I’m excited to meet him. One of his famous lines is “even though I’m hurt, see l smile.”

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

9

10

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

Meet 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival

Court Member SARAGRACE ELIZABETH SPARKMAN

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

JOSE LOZOYA PHOTO CREDIT

When 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival Court member Saragrace Elizabeth Sparkman, daughter of Tom and Katie Sparkman, was on stage waiting for the court members to be announced and heard her name called, she was surprised.

“I was calm and at peace while I was waiting for the names to be read because I knew it was all in God’s hands with how He wants to work with me,” said the teen.

Then they called her name. “It still hasn’t sunk in that I’m a court member for the Florida Strawberry Festival,” she said. “I can’t wait to experience this with the other court members.”

Sparkman, a junior at Plant City High School and lifelong Plant City resident, spends much of her time volunteering at community events, including Tim Tebow Night to Shine, Raider Buddies Club, Top Button Boutique, in the nursery at her church and at the Florida Strawberry Festival.

Volunteerism is so near and dear to her heart that when she was asked the impromptu question about her favorite extracurricular activity, her thoughts immediately turned to her time volunteering at the Festival. “My favorite is Special Smiles Day, it was new last year where more than 300 kids (with special needs) just got to be kids for one day,” she said. “They shut off all the lights and sounds. They taught me so many things about myself and to live life to the fullest every single day and just be happy and smile all the time. I was so blessed to be a part of it.”

A combination of girly girl and student athlete, Sparkman was on the school’s Varsity Flag Football team her sophomore year and Varsity Cheer team this year but also is in her school’s Cosmetology program. After she graduates, she plans to go to New York City to further her cosmetology education, and wants to open her salon chair to individuals with disabilities.

Q&A

Q: What is your experience in pageantry?

Since I was five years old, I grew up doing Junior Royalty pageants. In 2016, I was a part of the Little Miss Plant City Court. In 2023, I was Miss April for Plant City High School’s Calendar Girl. Last year, I was a top ten finalist in the Queen’s pageant.

me to always look at the positive in every situation and be kind to whoever you meet because you never know what they might be going through. She’s encouraged me to be the best me I can be. She’s such a hard worker and has taught me such good morals and how to be a hard worker.

Q: What’s your favorite part of Florida Strawberry Festival?

My favorite part is the new event, Special Smiles Day. Growing up I got to be a part of many events with individuals with disabilities so last year I got to help out and it was just the best experience ever. I got to hang out with my cousin who has autism and spend the whole day having fund and riding rides. Their laughter and smiles was just so amazing and it was such a blessing to be a part of that last year.

Q: Is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping you reach your goal?

I have two. First my immediate family and my festival family. I grew up here so I have a lot of “aunts and uncles” and they were just cheering me on throughout the whole process. Secondly, Jessi Rae Varnum pushed me to be the best version of myself I can be so I can help my community the most.

Q: What’s your favorite Florida Strawberry Festival food?

Everybody judges me but mine is the chocolate covered bacon from Maverick’s Chocolate Barn. It’s the best! You dip the bacon in the chocolate.

Q: Who’s your role model and why?

Mine is definitely my mom. She’s taught

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your year on the Court?

Mine is definitely getting to make my mark on the festival and town. Growing up I was always known because of my family who I love, but I also want to be known for my positive impact on the town. I also look forward to making four beautiful best friends and having four Strawberry sisters the rest of my life.

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2023

11

12

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

Meet 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival

Court Member ABIGAIL LOUISE SPIVEY

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

JOSE LOZOYA PHOTO CREDIT

2024 Florida Strawberry Festival Court member Abigail Louise Spivey wasn’t used to being cheered for as her name was called as a court member. She was used to doing the cheering.

The junior at Plant City High School, who is also dual-enrolled at Hillsborough Community College, is on the Plant City Varsity Cheer team, the 2023 award-winning Plant City cheer competition team and the award-winning Plant City High School Unified cheer team. She’s got lots of team spirit.

Oh, and she’s got chickens, awardwinning ones. In last year’s Florida Strawberry Festival’s Mosaic Youth Poultry show, she exhibited the reserve champion.

During her on-stage interview question, Spivey, the daughter of David and Lisa Spivey, said her participation in cheer helped shape her into the person she is today. “From the second I joined the Unified cheer team I was surrounded by a community of the most loving individuals that I now call my friends,” she said.

That experience led her to another passion...becoming the Vice President of Plant City’s Raider Buddies and the Special Olympics Club. “Working with the special needs programs has been something that has made such a big impact on my life and it’s something that I hope to continue to do in the future.”

During the pageant, Spivey was the third contestant named to the court.

“When they called my name I was shocked because it didn’t feel real,” she said. “When I saw Zion and Saragrace had been called before me I was happy because it means I get to spend the year with people I have grown to love.”

Q&A

Q: What is your experience in pageantry?

The Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Scholarship Pageant was my twelfth pageant. I did Little Miss Plant City, Calendar Girl and Junior Royalty and never made it into the top 10. In December I went out for Plant City Sweetheart and then I came to this pageant and got on the court.

Q: What’s your favorite part of Florida Strawberry Festival?

Honestly I think my favorite part has to be the rides. I feel like the rides is where you can see a lot of our community come together. You’re on a ride with random strangers, screaming if you’re scared, enjoying the same thing at the same time as so many other people. The Space Roller, that has a large broom with six arms where the seat flips on the arm and then the arms spin, has been my favorite ride since the fifth grade Q: What’s your favorite Florida Strawberry Festival food?

I think I have two. One of them would have to be the Island Noodles without all the vegetables because I’m very picky and then second would have to be deep-fried Oreos.

They are amazing and I always ask for extra powder on it. It makes it ten times better.

Q: Who’s your role model and why?

My dad is my absolute hero. He’s a third generation strawberry farmer. Growing up and always being in the berry fields, I’d hear him say ‘there’s my little strawberry queen.’

I owe this all to my dad. I couldn’t have done

this without his support and love. He taught me by example from an early age by putting himself out there and providing for our community. He taught me the importance of agriculture . I hope to give back to Plant City the same way I’ve watched him all these years.

Q: Is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping you reach your goal?

Mine would also have to be Jessi Rae Varnum. When I look at myself back in June to now I don’t recognize myself. She helped me understand how to be confident and poised and represent myself well. She was there for me in September when I was going through grief for the first time. Even though I couldn’t talk to anybody, I could talk to Jessi. Her support helped me get through hard times and everything up until the pageant. And also the biggest thanks to “Mama Kay” Varnum. She was also one of my biggest cheerleaders and helped me believe in myself and supplied me with an unlimited supply of Diet Cokes.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your year on the Court?

I just really want to represent my entire family very well and represent myself very well. It’s important to me to hold myself to a high standard. Representing our local farmers, that’s something so important to me. Representing my dad, representing the Spivey name, representing my mom, all those people I love best. That’s what I”m looking forward to.

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

13

14

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

Plant City Lions Club Continues the Tradition

GAYLE LYONS GUEST WRITER

At a meeting of the Plant City Lions Club, on July 5, 1929, Albert Schneider, the first president and organizer of the club, suggested the members sponsor a festival that would involve Plant City and the surrounding communities. A committee was formed and the city quickly got on board. City Manager John C. Dickerson was named General Manager. The city also advanced $1,000 for the committee’s operating revenue to be reimbursed from the festival’s first proceeds.

The organization’s incorporating charter was approved by the State of Florida and, at a meeting at City Hall, the Strawberry Festival Organization elected its officers and directors to include Albert Schneider, President, W. Dee Marley, Vice President, Henry H. Huff, Secretary, Henry S. Moody, Treasurer, and James Henderson, F.E. Cummins and Marcus Cone, Directors.

The newly incorporated Strawberry Festival Organization drew up plans for the inaugural event, which would include the selection and crowning of a Festival Queen.

The Queen would be selected through a contest sponsored by the Future Farmers of America and would be featured in the grand parade on opening day and crowned at the festival grounds.

The Plant City Enterprise, under Fenton M. Prewitt, and The Courier, under Wayne Thomas, both published every Tuesday and Friday, kept a running commentary on the festival’s developments. The necklace the Future Farmers of America was to present to the new Festival Queen was on display at Edgar Hull Jewelry.

The Woman’s Club of Plant City and the Home Demonstration Club agreed to present their third annual flower show in conjunction with the festival and the communities of Dover, Hopewell, Seffner, Trapnell, Lithia, Turkey Creek, Cork, and Springhead all registered to participate.

Announcements were made in the two local papers that nominations for festival queen were open and any “maid” or “matron” residing in East Hillsborough County was eligible. There was a form in the paper to clip and complete and it was submitted to Gray Miley, who was working with the sponsoring Future Farmers of America committee.

Ballot boxes for votes were placed in stores around town to receive votes from the community. Each candidate received 5,000 votes to start. After that, each vote was one penny and pennies for votes were placed in clearly marked envelopes. By February 24, the last day to nominate a candidate, there were 36 names submitted.

Each newspaper, The Plant City Enterprise and the Courier, would print the 10 leading candidates on subsequent publication dates. The highest vote getter was elected Festival Queen, the next five would make up the court. It is reported that Nettie Simmons, a girl from Dover, was in the lead early, but was soon passed by Irvine Hopkins Wilder of Midway, daughter of Calffrey La Fayette Wilder and Joanne Singletary Wilder. Irvine Wilder’s lead gave way to Charlotte Rosenberg, daughter of Sam and Fannie Rosenberg, who had a retail business in Plant City.

With a vote total nearing 50,000, Charlotte Rosenberg became the first Strawberry Festival Queen and her court included Irvine Wilder, Nettie Simmons, Alice Sly, Kathryn Dudley, and Alice Maxey.

The Festival began on March 12, 1930, and on opening day, the first Strawberry Festival Queen and her court led a parade of elaborately decorated floats, cars, horsedrawn carriages, and marchers. The parade started north of Risk/Herring Street, on Wheeler Street, and wound its way through the crowded streets in the Historic District.

The coronation was at the end of the parade. The Queen was preceded by her four heralds, two Pages bore her train and two more carried her crown and necklace.

The platform was decorated with a red, white, and blue bunting background and an overdrape of blue material with a silver fringe. Potted palms and ferns surrounded the throne in the center of the stage. Albert Schneider introduced Mayor/Commissioner George A. Carey, who gave a brief speech before crowning the first Queen at 2:30 p.m., March 12, 1930.

The crowing was followed by a band concert, entertainment, vendors, rides, and more. The remaining days of the Festival were Thursday, March 13 – Strawberry Day, Friday, March 14 – Tourist Day, and Saturday, March 15 – Farmers Day. Today, the tradition continues. Things have changed quite a bit as the pageant is held in the Grimes Family Agricultural Center and has a spectacular stage production.

Once the Queen and Court are crowned, they are featured ambassadors for the Florida Strawberry Festival. Their first official event is the first Tuesday following the pageant when they attend a luncheon with the Plant City Lions Club members and the Lions Club members douse them with questions regarding their experience and what they expect their journey to be like in the coming year.

The tradition continues………..

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

15

16

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

BLUE STEEL INDUSTRIAL PROJECT GETS GREEN LIGHT FROM CITY COMMISSION AT CONCLUSION OF SIX-HOUR MEETING

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

As Monday night turned into Tuesday morning, the crowds may have thinned but by the time the meeting concluded at 1:40 a.m., there were still a surprising number of exhausted people who were anxiously waiting to hear the commission’s decision.

Most left disappointed because, after hours of testimony and public comments, commissioners, by unanimous votes on the annexation and map amendment and a vote of four to one on the future land use designation of industrial, approved the project.

It wasn’t before hearing hours of testimony of county and city zoning officials, the applicants and their representatives and dozens of residents, who vocalized several objections to the project, including increased heavy-truck traffic on Swindell Road as drivers try to avoid the heavily congested I-4, increased light pollution, the destruction of wildlife habitat, the potential for noise pollution and just a general incompatibility to the rural nature of area.

One resident built a model of how the project’s five multi-story buildings will look next to neighboring homes.

“There are so many homes here and I don’t understand how they looked at this and said go ahead,” said one resident.

The most prevailing objection was the impact to wetlands and possible effects the development will have on neighboring residents whose homes abut the Itchepackesassa Creek and Wiggins Prairie Mitigation Bank, a conservation area established to provide mitigation for wetland impacts. Many residents are already experienc-

ing flooding concerns and worry the project, which will be built up because of current building standards, will exacerbate the issue.

Mayor Nate Kilton addressed the audience after the public comment period closed. “I don’t think it’s a realistic expectation to think that this property would never be developed and would stay agricultural, I’m very concerned about the water issues,” he said. “I wish it could stay like it is but I do think that the proximity of this project to the interstate is a core factor along with access being limited to County Line Road and the natural wetland buffers. I think there are times when reasonable people can reach different conclusions and tonight I agree with staff and the conclusions Ms. Baker has reached on this project.”

Before the vote, Commissioner Mathis questioned Planning and Zoning Coordinator Robyn Baker about the next steps in the process and how quickly before dirt could be turned on the property. “The next step would be several rounds of site plan review, staff will issue comments, it will go around as many times as we need until all agencies are satisfied,” she said. “Since it does have wetlands on site we will involve the EPC in the conversation as well as the Southwest Florida Water Management District and other agencies. I’ve seen site plan reviews done as quickly as a couple months but we’ve had others that take a year.”

Blue Steel Development Principal Howard Bayless said it would probably be closer to 15 months before construction will begin. “We have to work with FDOT, Hillsborough County, Southwest Florida Water Management District and the City, it’s not like we show up tomorrow and get started, it’s a long-term project.”

When completed, he said the project will benefit the community. “I think this project will bring more opportuni-

ties for jobs,” he said.

Travis Luttrell, arguably one of the most outspoken opponents of the project, was grateful that his and others’ voices were heard. “Hopefully they got the message loud and clear that flooding is a problem and it’s always going to be a problem. Rural residents live in a 100-year floodplain and commissioners have justified their decisions by stating the ‘floodplains were meant to flood’,” he said. “Until the Itchepackesassa Creek problem is fixed residents are always going to turn out like this. The Creek is going to be their problem at the end of the day.”

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

PlantCityObserver.com

17

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS GET LOOK AT LOCAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES THANKS TO FUTURE CAREER ACADEMY

Seniors from several area high schools toured local businesses to explore possible career options after graduation.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

It’s a question high school seniors grapple with as they prepare to graduate and continue their education or enter the workforce.

Future Career Academy (FCA) is helping students answer this question through a yearlong program that combines classroom learning with community-focused business partnerships. In their English 4 class, they take career aptitude tests, watch industry exploration videos, learn to how to dress for success and build a resume.

Last Friday, those students, more than 300 strong from Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest High Schools and Simmons Career Center, left the classroom and boarded buses that rolled around town, delivering them to local businesses offering in-demand, living wage, entry-level jobs with long-term career growth and sustainable employment.

The first stop on one of the two Simmons buses was Gordon Food Services (GFS), where students learned about the company that distributes food to commercial clients, toured the warehouse and learned about the myriad of job opportunities available at the company, from maintenance technicians and drivers to warehouse selectors and office staff.

GFS Human Resources Manager Lynn Pomeroy said the company is happy to connect students to careers. “We think it’s really important to help your high school students figure out what they want to do, it’s so hard for kids who don’t know what they want to do when they get out of high school,” she said. “We offer a lot of opportunities and this program is good for them and it’s good for us.”

After the tour, students boarded the bus to drive to their next stop, South Florida

Baptist Hospital, where students learned that the hospital, who will be moving to its new facility at the end of April, has several different entry-level career options.

Several students were interested in careers in medicine, including Daniela Villanueva, who went up to staff after the presentation to discuss future employment opportunities. She hopes to one day be an ICU nurse and when she learned that the company offers tuition assistance, she wanted to learn more. “After high school I hope to get hired here,” she said. “I’m interested in being a transporter as a starting point toward my ultimate goal.”

Sarah Dominey was also interested in the hospital but for a different reason. She currently works at Culver’s and has earned a couple of food service certifications while at Simmons. “I liked the cafeteria at Baycare and Gordon Food Services,” she said. “I want to explore my options and see what’s open.”

The bus then took students to the Plant City Stadium, where in addition to a lunch catered by Chick-fil-A, city employees shared a presentation that highlighted the different departments within the City of Plant City government and job opportunities available in each one. Students got a close-up look of several pieces of heavy equipment that city employees use on a daily basis as City Manager Bill McDaniel hurled t-shirts at gleeful students from a boom truck.

“Remember today is all about showing you career opportunities that are right here in the Plant City community for you,” he said. “We’ve shown you a whole host of them today so when you’re thinking about your future and you’re wondering where you might want to land, keep Team Plant City in mind.”

Planning and Zoning Coordinator Robyn Baker also spoke to the crowd, sharing that a career is not as much a sprint as it

is a marathon and that where you begin your career is not where you end up. “The current head of our department started with the city when she was 16 years old and now she’s the Planning and Zoning manager,” she said.

After lunch, the final stop of the day for some Simmons students was Patterson Companies, that transport perishable and nonperishable goods for customers.

In all, 32 high schools, career academies and exceptional schools in eight communities will participate in more than half a dozen business tours throughout January and February. “Each community has their own day of Business Tours so we are able to showcase local, accessible jobs while also reinforcing the sense of community in each part of our county by joint efforts of our many partners like EDC’s, Chambers, CDC’s and other unique to each area,” said FCA CEO Yvonne Fry. She considers Friday’s event a resounding success. Some students have already emailed multiple employers in the hope of securing a job. Fry also received texts from principals that students expressed to them excitement and hope they have for their future. “I think my favorite quote from a student to me on Friday was that they had no idea how great this town was and what all they could do here,” said Fry. She was happy students could learn something she already knew: this com-

munity is amazing. “This all started and continues and is successful because so many people in Plant City care about our community and also about our kids,” she said. “Our town showed up for these young adults in a big way. For most, it was the first time that they have experienced anything like this. People made time for them, showed them life-changing opportunities, encouraged them and believed in them. That will change the trajectory of many lives.”

For more information about Future Career Academy visit thefuturecareeracademy.com.

18

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

Get More With VIPcare More time with your doctor Specialized care Primary care that goes above & beyond

Schedule your visit today!

One Visit Could Change Your Life.

www.getvipcare.com

www.saludvip.com

(813) 733-6462

SaludVIP Plant City 2402 James L Redman Pkwy Plant City, FL 33566

Aileen Velez, M.D. ġūġȐƳƧəɔĒŸƧƳƧəɔõūęɔŸƳŁġƟɔęġƳõņşƧɔǔõƟǛɔĹƟŸũɔƜşõūɔƳŸɔƜşõūɘ %ņƧĒƼƧƧɔǕņƳŁɔõɔşņĒġūƧġęɔđƟŸŜġƟɔŸƟɔõĺġūƳɔĹŸƟɔũŸƟġɔęġƳõņşƧɘ

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

RETIRED PLANT CITY GREEN BERET HONORED WITH NEW HOME

FELIX HAYNES GUEST WRITER

In and out of the Army, retired Plant City Green Beret Chief Warrant Officer Jose Santiago is a hero.

Santiago and his family have been selected by the prestigious national non-profit Building Homes for Heroes to have a new home given to them. Local construction firm PulteGroup will build the home.

Santiago joined the Army in 1993 because he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father and brothers, who had served in World War II, Vietnam, and the Gulf War. Special Forces, Ranger, and Airborne qualified, he earned three Bronze Stars, the Army Commendation Medal for Valor, and numerous other decorations for service.

During his career Santiago suffered a traumatic brain injury when he was rolled over by a vehicle. He was also hurt numerous other times in parachute jumps and suffers from PTSD. In selecting Santiago, Building Homes for Heroes CEO, founder, and New York business executive Andy Pujols said,

“Having served nearly 30 years and rising to become a member of our elite Special Forces, Jose Santiago’s dedication to his country and his family is truly inspiring. We are honored to give back to Jose and so many other deserving veterans through partnerships with patriotic companies and builders like PulteGroup.”

Post-military, he is the legal guardian of his disabled sister and the sole caretaker for his elderly mother, who has a heart condition. His son and daughter also live with him.

For more than a decade, PulteGroup has partnered with non-profits in its Build to Honor program to build mortgagefree homes for injured veterans.

Founded after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Building Homes for Heroes provides new homes for veterans and first responders.

The organization is on track to gift its 400th home this fall to a selected honoree.

Building Homes for Heroes and PulteGroup broke ground for Santiago’s new home last Thursday.

19

20

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

Member FDIC

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

Committed to Plant City. "|-@;7 b|_ 0-mh;uv who have 7;;r uoo|v bm |_; Ѵ-m| b| -u;-ķ o u 0-mhĽv =o1 v =ou o ;u ƒƖ ;-uv _-v 0;;m |o v;u ; o m;uŊl-m-];7 0 vbm;vv;vķ ruo=;vvbom-Ѵ Culvķ -m7 =-lbѴb;v |_-| -m| - v|uom]ķ Ѵo1-Ѵ 1omm;1ঞom b|_ |_;bu 0-mh -m7 0-mh;uĺ ol; ]uo b|_ vĺ 509 W ALEXANDER ST. | PLANT CITY, FL | 33563

813.707.6506 |_;0-mho[-lr-ĺ1ol

Plant City is undergoing a fundamental shift from our agricultural roots and in the words of Mayor Nathan Kilton, “Plant City is no longer a rural community.” Tomorrow’s future lies in solidifying our fiscal responsibility; underpinning that is a need to urbanize. Our new communities have increased City expenditures far beyond the residential taxbase. This means that “Plant City’s future will be in logistics,” according to City Manager Bill McDaniel, thus making industry and commercial/mixeduse more and more prevalent across our town. Unfortunately, this also means current and future residents can no longer trust the Plant City Imagine 2040 plan.

This week, dozens of rural neighbors pleaded their concerns of preserving agricultural lands to the City Commission, all of which fell on deaf ears. Vice Mayor Mary Thomas Mathis gave a cursory acknowledgement of rural turn out and then the Mayor clearly stated how he was going to vote, prior to calling for a motion. Subsequently the Vice Mayor made two motions and seconded the third, resulting in annexing, changing the land-use and rezoning over 250 acres of Ag land to industrial.

Their decision places a seven-story warehouse (the size of City Furniture) in the back yards of rural residents and an additional four more five-story buildings in the same location. This is concerning because the Imagine 2040 Plan encouraged “infill” development, but our commissioners are not following their own model. As more and more developers procure Ag land across unincorporated Hillsborough County, City Commissioners are likely going to continue to do the same regardless of what the plan states.

Rural residents have common concerns that City Commissioners are dismissing– Flooding, Traffic, Natural Wildlife and Quiet Residential Lots. Our most important concern is flooding. Rural residents live in a 100yr floodplain, and commissioners have justified their decisions by stating that “flood plains were meant to flood.”

Blinded by their arrogance, commissioners and City Staff fail to recall that a 100yr flood plain only has a 1% chance of flooding in any given year; it’s not meant to flood by new developmental runoff and outdated SFWMD models multiple times per year. The more they increase development on our outskirts, the more our rural communities will suffer from additional flooding due to poor decisionmaking by elected officials. Which now, as we all know, is not important because “Plant City is no longer a rural community.”

Travis Luttrell

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2023

COPS CORNER

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY

This week on Cops Corner, Plant City

Observer

police investigate multiple thefts, stolen vehicles and more.

istock

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com

JANUARY 12

JANUARY 15

JANUARY 15

STICKY FINGERS- Retail Theft 2600 Block of East Alexander Street Officers arrested a woman for felony petit theft. She was transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

NO LICENSE TO DRIVE- Criminal Citation Lemon Street/West Reynolds Street While conducting a traffic stop, an officer issued a driver a criminal citation for driving without a valid driver’s license (NVDL).

LUNCH BUNCH- Vehicle Burglary 3300 Block of Delaware Avenue An officer met with the victim who stated that she noticed her lunch bag, which also contained her Apple AirPods and portable phone battery charger, were missing from her vehicle.

JANUARY 13 CAT-ASTROPHE— Theft 1000 Block of Fairwinds Circle Officers responded to the apartment complex and met with the victims, who reported an unknown person removed the catalytic converter from two vehicles.

A FAILED TEST- DUI Arrest East Alexander Street/Walden Woods An officer met conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic infraction at the above-listed intersection. The driver was arrested for DUI. A SPEED DEMON UNDER THE INFLUENCEDUI Arrest State Road 574/Sammonds Road An officer observed a red Ford Mustang traveling on State Road 574 approaching the intersection of Sammonds Road traveling eastbound at a recorded speed of 91 miles per hour. The 22-year old driver was subsequently arrested for DUI.

JANUARY 14 A THIEF IN THE NIGHT- Retail Theft 2600 Block of James L Redman Parkway An officer responded to a retail store and met with loss prevention who reported a television, valued at $238, was stolen.

NO LICENSE TO DRIVE- Theft/Credit Card Fraud 2600 Block of James L Redman Parkway An officer met with the victim, who reported that an unknown person had stolen her wallet from her shopping cart at Walmart and then used it six times at various locations for total charges of $114.

JANUARY 16 SLOW YOUR ROLL- Grand Theft 2200 Block of James L Redman Parkway While on patrol, an officer observed a man riding a Publix motorized grocery cart. Problem was, the man wasn’t in the Publix parking lot but traveling north on James L Redman Parkway. He was charged with Grand Theft and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

INTAKE- Warrant Arrest 100 Block of Oakbrook Lane An officer arrested a young man for an active Hillsborough County warrant for Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Discharge a Firearm from a Vehicle, Discharge a Firearm in Public or on a Residential Property, Improper Exhibition of a Firearm and Minor in Possession of a Firearm while conducting open warrant checks. A bond of $18,000 was given and he was transported to Orient Road Jail.

GUN GONE- Theft of a Firearm 1300 Block of East Church Street An officer responded to a residence in reference to a delayed theft complaint. A man advised the officer his firearm, a Taurus G2C.9MM, was stolen.

JANUARY 18 REPOSSESSION GOOF- Stolen Vehicle 300 Block of West Grant Street Officers responded to the complex and met with the victim, who reported her Toyota Corolla was stolen from the parking lot. Later that day, Plant City Police Department was contacted and advised a wrecker service repossessed the wrong vehicle. The car was returned to its rightful owner.

CUT THE CHEESE- Retail Theft 200 Block of West Alexander Street Officers responded to the retail store and made contact with the store manager, who reported that $29.60 worth of meats and cheese was stolen.

CAR-TED OFF TO JAIL- Attempted Carjacking Arrest 900 Block of West Reynolds Street An officer responded to the intersection of West Reynolds Street and North Franklin Street in reference to an attempted carjacking. Carlos Martinez was arrested and charged with attempted carjacking and possession of a controlled substance and transported to Orient Road Jail.

Sports Writer / Dylan Tice dtice@plantcityobserver.com Staff Writer / Michelle Caceres michelle@plantcityobserver.com Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

Advertising / DeDe Floyd dede@plantcityobserver.com Advertising / Gail Lyons gail@plantcityobserver.com Advertising / Karen Berry kberry@plantcityobserver.com

CONTACT US

The Plant City Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. The Plant City Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

SEND US YOUR NEWS

We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements.

To contact us, send your information via: Email: Sarah Holt, SHolt@ PlantCityObserver.com.

Mail: The Plant City Observer, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B, Plant City, FL 33563

FOLLOW US Facebook: Plant City Observer Instagram: @plcobserver Twitter: @PlantObserver

O Plant City Observer

is locally owned by Ed Verner, Karen Berry, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes

This week’s Sudoku answers

21

The Plant City Observer is published by Plant City Observer LLC.

This week’s Crossword answers This week’s answers Jumbles:

110 E. Reynolds, Suite 100B Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850

EXERT UNIFY SPRUCE OVERDO Answer: They needed a remedy, so they went to a

Publishers of the

highly-rated doctor to -- PROCURE ONE

Plant City Observer

PlantCityObserver.com ©Copyright Plant City Media LLC 2018 All Rights Reserved

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

SPORTS Logan Teeden Plant City High School Junior, Logan Teeden, is in his third season on the basketball team at PCHS. How long have you been playing basketball?

I’ve been playing basketball since I was 4 years old.

What’s it like playing High School basketball with your dad as your coach?

Playing basketball for my dad is awesome because I love having someone that I can trust as a coach.

How is it going from playing with your older brother Taylor growing up to now having him be a part of the PCHS coaching staff?

Having my brother go from a teammate to a coach is great because he’s a good supporter and an experienced helper with the team.

Your team is currently on pace to have one of the best seasons in PCHS basketball history. Why is this team so good?

By Dylan Tice | Photos by Cady

I’d say the team is very good this year because of how well the team chemistry is. It’s amazing to have a team that you love and are successful with.

I noticed you guys are 8-0 at home. How much of an impact does playing at home help you guys?

One part of my game that I need to work on is finishing inside. I’ve done a great job at getting to the rim, now I just gotta finish.

Do you have a favorite college or NBA player that you try to mimic their game?

PCHS home games are just a good environment. Teams coming to us is always an advantage for us in the game.

An NBA player that I want to play like is Marcus Smart on the Memphis Grizzlies. He is always hustling on defense and is playing hard no matter what. He’s not the best scorer but he’s always showing up on defense.

Do you have a favorite personal highlight or memory that you want to share from this season?

If you’re not playing basketball, what are you doing in your free time?

My favorite memory this season is when our favorite senior who doesn’t normally dress, scored eight points in a row. It was one of the most exciting things that I’ve seen.

When I’m not playing basketball, I’m playing baseball and hanging out with friends and family.

If you could improve your game in one certain aspect, what would you choose and why?

What’s your top three songs to get you hyped and ready for game day?

No top 3, but any song by Drake.

PLANT CITY BASKETBALL ROLLS OVER ROBINSON ON SENIOR NIGHT DYLAN TICE SPORTS WRITER

Plant City High School boys’ basketball hosted Robinson High School on the Raider’s senior night. Before the game, each senior was announced to cheers from friends and family.

The game started with team manager Andre Goedtke making a baseline 3 to put the Raiders on the board. This basket was huge for both Goedtke and the team. He is the team manager and got to dress for Senior Night. Teammate Logan Teeden spoke about how hard Goedtke works and that he didn’t start playing basketball until his freshman year. The rest of the team and the crowd showed him all the love when he made the first basket of the game. The energy was palpable and you could tell this team wanted to deliver on senior night.

Goedtke then stole the ball on the next possession, but Plant City couldn’t convert. After a couple of missed opportunities by Robinson, Michael Bell scored for the Raiders on an easy bucket from an inbound pass. Robinson started attacking the paint and found some success, scoring back-to-back buckets. The Raiders responded with a 3 from Malachi Morris.

After a floater by Robinson, the Raiders quickly pushed the pace and Gavin Tinsley grabbed the offensive rebound and got the put-back. Some fouls by the Raiders sent Robinson to the line and they went 1-2 on the attempts. Gavin Tinsley got a good look at midrange and converted, extending the Raiders lead. Then for a good portion of the final minutes of the first quarter, the Raiders scoring was halted, and Robinson was scoring however they wanted, ultimately regaining the lead. Leroy Lucas did hit a 3 for the Raiders to end the quarter but trailed 21-16 at the end of it.

Leory Lucas picked things right up where he left off, hitting a 3 to start the quarter for the Raiders. Robinson answered back with a tough layup and then a timeout was called. Robinson was leading at this point in the game, up 23-19.

Laurice Hamilton checked in and scored instantly for the Raiders off an inbound pass. The very next possession had the crowd on their feet as the Raiders got into transition and Malachi Morris found Gavin Tinsley open for the dunk. Robinson did stay competitive despite the tough home crowd, hitting back-to-back baskets after the dunk. Gavin Tinsley proceeded to post up and hit a smooth floater for the Raiders.

Robinson responded with their own floater.

Gavin Tinsley started getting more defensive attention at this point in the game and got double-teamed but finds Creighton Long cutting to the rim for the layup. Robinson ended the half with momentum as they converted an and-1, but then turned the ball over and got a fastbreak layup. At halftime, the score stood at 33-27 with Robinson in the lead.

The second half started with Robinson getting the ball and the momentum quickly turned in favor of the Raiders as Jamin Andrews got a sensational block.

Andrews defense got rewarded as Gavin Tinsly found Andrews in the paint for the Raider’s bucket. Then Tinsley got rewarded for that assist because on the very next possession, Malachi Morris stole the ball and found Tinsley for the fast break layup. Robinson was then forced to take a timeout as Gavin Tinsley pump faked at the baseline and got a wide-open dunk for the Raiders. It was tied at this point in the game at 33-33 and all the momentum was with the Raiders as the players and crowd were pumped up. Fresh off the 6-0 run for the Raiders, Robinson got to the free throw line after the timeout and went 1-2, but it was Robinson’s first points of the half.

Malachi Morris got in isolation and hit the midrange pull-up to give the Raiders their first lead since early in the first quarter.

A couple more fouls on the Raiders end up sending Robinson to the free-throw line and they hit both. The Raiders crowd once again went bonkers, this time due to Creighton Long hitting a baseline 3 with the student section right behind him. The Raiders finished the third quarter very strong with multiple impressive plays.

Jamin Andrews had another momentumshifting block, this time smacking it off the backboard, then ran down the floor, got the offensive rebound, and put back.

Leory Lucas executed a perfect hesitation to get the Robinson defender in the air and then he converted a smooth floater. The quarter ended with Gavin Tinsley getting an offensive rebound and put back. Plant City was ahead 46-42 at this point in the game and outscored Robinson 19-9 in the third quarter.

The fourth and final quarter starts and the teams end up in a jump ball situation, but the possession arrow is in favor of Robinson. The second half struggles continue for Robinson as they airball their first shot of the quarter. Michael Bell attacked the paint aggressively for the Raiders and scored the first points of the quarter.

Jamin Andrews continued to wreak havoc on defense, this time getting a steal for the Raiders. He once again got rewarded for his defensive prowess as Malachi Morris found him for another Raiders bucket. Robison did show some life on the next possession with a tough and-1. The Raiders and Robinson both got sloppy on back-to-back possessions, turning it over, but Robinson was forced to call a timeout as Creighton Long hit another baseline 3 for the Raiders. With 5:07 left in the game Robinson was down 8.

The Raiders got the inbound pass to resume play and Gavin Tinsley got to the

paint and hit the layup for one of the easier points of the game. Frustrated by his defense, Robinson’s head coach opted for another timeout. The time out was for nothing as Robinson airballed the shot and it went out of bounds. Michael Bell followed it up with a mid-range shot to extend the Raiders lead. Robinson once again got to the free throw line and converted both free throws. Gavin Tinsley found Jamin Andrews in the paint for the tough layup and the crowd was screaming with passion at this point. Robinson did quiet them down for a second as they got an and-1, but it quickly got loud again as Michael Bell missed, and got his own rebound by out-hustling Robinson and converting the putback. Leroy Lucas then got back-toback layups for the Raiders and with under 2 minutes left, the game was out of reach for Robinson and the crowd was cheering “we want Andre.” Coach Teeden gave the crowd what they wanted, subbing in Andre Goedtke. Robinson hit some free throws, but the Raiders made it a priority to get Andre the ball and he hit a hook shot in the paint and the Raiders student section erupted in excitement. The game ended with the Raiders winning 69-56, outscoring Robinson 42-23 in the second half.

The Raiders are on fire, winning 6 games in a row and staying undefeated at home, now 8-0.

They have 5 games remaining so be sure to show up and support the local team on these upcoming games: 1/26 @ Sante Fe Catholic 7:30PM 1/29 @ Tampa Bay Tech 8:00PM 1/30 Vs Sickles 6:30PM 2/2 Vs Alonso 6:30PM 2/3 Vs Discovery 3:00PM

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2023

23

We asked Plant City: When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

What is your current job?

AROUND TOWN

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR When I was a little girl I wanted to be a teacher. I used to be a corporate trainer for 15 years but for the last 18 I have been in Real Estate.

Tammy Alfonso Chancey I wanted to be a teacher! And I am a teacher.

Sheyanne Royal Edling I wanted to be a music teacher bc of Mrs. Shirley Williams at Jackson Elementary. I started my career teaching elementary school and now teach 8th grade reading.

Carol Corley I’m not growing up! Just gonna get bigger toys and keep playing in the sand box!

Kimball Wetherington I wanted to be a teacher and a chef! I am lucky enough to do both!

Teresa Adinolfi Baxter

I wanted to be a veterinarian, I’m retiring Pediatrician and I am a nurse. as one at the end of this month after 40 Tammi Leigh years of practice.

Bill Wicker I wanted to be a fashion designer. I now work in insurance analytics.

Dancer, I love to dance…I am a Probation Amy Henry Officer.

Diaz Eli I wanted to be an astronaut. I’m a college financial aid consultant. I’m too When I was five years old I told my dad short to be an astronaut. that I wanted to be a children’s padtor. I Amy Flowers have been a full time pastor for 24 years now. I guess I called it! Haha I wanted to be a veterinarian but now Michael Pippin I’m a medical coder.

Tasha Rothrock Coulter Large animal veterinarian currently I’m a personal and commercial insurance I wanted to be chemist or Indiana Jones agent. when I grew up and now I’m a real Ray McNab estate agent.

Laura Schmidt I wanted to be an archeologist. I am a retired ICU nurse.

I wanted to be a photographer working Leslie Pratt for National Geographic. Currently a Domestic Engineer.

Shirley M. Steele Astronaut! Retired now but my last position was a quality engineer.

289704-1 Tim Harman Teacher- I’m a teacher.

Yanet Garcia Teacher…stay at home, homeschool mom.

Carrie Rojas Veterinarian. Legal stuff.

Courtney Blair I wanted to be a news anchor. I work in title insurance/sales.

Morgan Mullis I wanted to be a park ranger when I grew up and now I just make alcohol for a living.

Cody Lenz

YOUR CALENDAR

24

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

BEST BET FRIDAY, JANUARY 26

PLANT CITY MAIN STREET’S LAST FRIDAY

5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at McCall Park With a “Pirates and Princesses” theme, ayyyye do believe it’s sure to be a fun-filled night of live music, an exhibitor market, Main Street Kids Zone, local shopping, food trucks and more. Those feeling adventurous can don their best pirate or princess attire (there’s a costume contest).

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 TAMPA BAY RODEO’S BULL BASH & COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Rd., Dover Get ready for a brand new event thundering into the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds- Tampa Bay Rodeo’s Bull Bash & Country Music Festival. Two nights of heartpounding bull riding and legendary live country music combine for an exhilarating, action-packed event. The best bull riders in the region will be competing for the title and cash prizes in this single event competition. Country music legend John Michael Montgomery will perform Friday alongside Tampa-area artists Randy McNeeley. Gates open at 5 p.m., live music begins at 5:45 p.m. and the Bull Bash begins at 7:30 p.m. Headlining artists take the stage nightly at 8:15 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets visit hillsboroughcountyfair.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 TAMPA BAY RODEO’S BULL BASH & COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Rd., Dover This is the second night of this heart-pounding bull riding and legendary live country music event. Rising star Priscilla Block will perform alongside Tampa-area artists Cross Fire Creek. Gates open at 5 p.m., live music begins at 5:45 p.m. and the Bull Bash begins at 7:30 p.m. Headlining artists take the stage nightly at 8:15 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets visit hillsboroughcountyfair.com.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 30 LEARN TO DANCE 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Strawberry Square’s Dance Center, 4401 Promenade Blvd.

Kick up your heels at this beginning square dance class.

For more information visit strawberrysquaredancing.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 BENNETT, LANE, WALKER & FRIENDS 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Krazy Kup IBMA winning and Grammy nominated artists grace the stage at Krazy Kup for an evening of phenomenal bluegrass music. Ticket are $20 per person.

PAINT AND CREATE 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Krazy Kup Valentines is right around the corner! Come join us in the loft for one of our most popular paintings plus the best coffee around! Tickets cost $40 per person. Take home an 11” x 14” acrylic-on-canvas painting of “Highlander in Love.” All supplies provided. This is a prepaid event and payment must be received by Thurs., Feb. 1 to guarantee materials.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9 BENNETT, LANE, WALKER & FRIENDS 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Krazy Kup IBMA winning and Grammy nominated artists grace the stage at Krazy Kup for an evening of bluegrass music.

Tickets are $20.

21ST ANNUAL BLACK HERITAGE BANQUET/GALA 6:30 p.m. at Hillsborough Community College’s Trinkle Center Comedy magican Dewayne Hill performs his G-rated act. Master of Ceremony is Maurice “MO” Billington. Tickets are $50 per person. For more information call Sharon Moody at (813) 453-7134.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10 21ST ANNUAL BLACK HERITAGE FESTIVAL YOUTH SUMMIT 9 a.m. to noon at Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center Church and youth school groups are cordially invited to attend this event that begins with free continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m. For more information visit celebration2. homestead.com.

PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES 2024 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 4007 Airport Rd. This annual community event features a wide variety of family activities at the Plant City Airport. See real aircraft and radio-controlled aircraft displays and demonstrations, a car show and operating model train layouts. There will be many hands-on stations for kids, bounce houses for the littles, food trucks, local vendors and more. Children 10 and younger are free. Ticket pricing is $7.50 online in advance and $10 at the gate. Parking is free.

MARJAZZMAR FESTIVAL 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Robert Willaford Train Museum Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy this jazz festival. For more information visit celebration2.homestead.com.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15 BLUEGRASS WITH LARRY CORDLE & MARK “BRINK” BRINKMAN 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Krazy Kup Enjoy the music of Larry Cordle, a Grammy awardwinning singer/songwriter, and Mark “Brink” Brinkman, a songwriter who has numerous number one songs in bluegrass, gospel and Americana music. Tickets are $25 per person.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16 ACHIEVE PLANT CITY’S ANNUAL WINE TASTING AND CASINO NIGHT 6 p.m. at Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Rd. Let the good times roll, Mardi Gras-style, at Achieve Plant City’s Seventh Annual Wine Tasting and Casino Night fundraiser. Bring your Krewe to celebrate Achieve’s 12 years of accomplishments and revel in musical entertainment, casino games, auctions, food and beverages and fun. For more information or tickets visit achieveplantcity.org.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3 CHILIFEST/RAILFEST 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Robert Willaford Railroad Museum Hosted by The Arts Council of Plant City, come out, enjoy some tasty chili while enjoying local entertainment and see all the train museum has to offer. Chili tasting is $5 per person.

ŇŅŇʼn

ƄĸŚŶŰҰ ģŔĸŚĴģŬ !$,1$.4

DH6( К !56 4)$!;ϩ )4!6%5 Ѳ 4)0#%55%5 # !.. !4- G2/ К K2/

*.1$.4

DE4$ К !56 4)$!;ϩ 1-%/10 # !.. !4 G2/КK2/

DK6( К !56 4)$!;ϩ Ц 116!56)#Ч :2%$)6)10 ).$.)&% # !.. !4 G2/ К K2/

$1(1/0

DH6( К !56 4)$!;ϩ )6#(%5 Ѳ )<!4$5 # !.. !4 G2/КK2/

EB6( К !56 4)$!;ϩ 72%4(%41%5 Ѳ )..!05 # !.. !4 G2/ К K2/

/ -0 #* .

%'0%* .

I6( К !4/%4Щ5 !4-%6 # !.. !4- CB!/ К E2/

DG6( К !56 4)$!;ϩ )'(6/!4% 10 !)0 64%%6 # !.. !4 G2/ К K2/

DJ6( К E4$ 007!.

-61"%4&%56 # !.. !4 E2/ К CB2/

#$.'

!1 4

$-.

,%+ #* .

CE6( К !/2.% 6(% )6; # !.. !4 F2/ К J2/

CF6( К 1.706%%4 224%#)!6)10 )00%4 1#!6)10 HϩEB2/ К J2/

DH6( К !56 4)$!;ϩ !.!:; !45 # !.. !4 G2/ К K2/

EB6( К /!.. 75)0%55 %!510 )#-1&& # !.. !4 G2/ К K2/

) ' #* .

CE6( К )2 Ѳ (12 46 !. !06! %66%45 # !.. !4 G2/ К K2/

#$4 EC56 К !56 4)$!;ϩ 0)/% # !.. !4- G2/ К K2/

EC56 К 64!9"%44; 412ϩ %9 %!4Щ5 %.%"4!6)10 I2/ К CDϩEB!/

!1, DJ6( К !56 4)$!;ϩ JBг5 %10 )'(6 # !.. !4 G2/ К K2/

% %2 1/ %. 0 $0 /0Ő ʳ˪˘˔˥˘ˠ˔˜ˡ˦˧˥˘˘˧ˣ˟˔ˡ˧˖˜˧ˬ˙˟

˃ʿʴˁˇʶʼˇˌˀʴʼˁˆˇ˅ʸʸˇʡ˂˅ʺ

FŬşŻĴҰMũşŚŰşŬ

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

PlantCityObserver.com

Colt Anthony Baker, 37 of Plant City Fla., born on Feb. 11, 1986, in Las Vegas Nevada entered into eternal rest on Jan. 12, 2024.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Tom Booth Tom Booth, 79, of Lake Wales, Fla., born on Sept.

25, 1944, in Olean, New York, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 20, 2024. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral. com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Walter Raleigh Moore Walter Raleigh Moore, affectionately known as Papa, passed away on January 16, 2024, in his Plant City, Fla., home surrounded by loved ones. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

David A. Hooper David A. Hooper, 68, of Lithia, Fla., born on Dec. 20, 1955, in LaGrange, Georgia, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 14, 2024. Expressions of condolences at www.

HopewellFuneral.com.

SGT David “Randy” Randolph Dixon

SGT David “Randy” Randolph Dixon, 53, of Dade City, Fla., born on May 26, 1970, in Plant City, Fla., entered into eternal rest on Jan. 21, 2024. Expressions of condolences at www.

HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Barbara Newsome McIntosh Barbara Newsome McIntosh, 80, of Lakeland, Fla., born on Mar. 12, 1943, in Plant City, Fla., entered into eternal rest on Jan. 19, 2024. She was a retired teacher for Hillsborough County Schools and a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Dover where over the years she served as minister’s wife, devoted choir member, and beloved Sunday School teacher.

She loved the Lord, her family, and the church dearly. She was preceded in death by parents, Duck and Marceil Newsome; husband, Chuck McIntosh; grandson, Nehemiah

McIntosh; and sister-in-law, Velma Newsome. She is survived by children, Marty McIntosh (Vicki) of South Bend, Indiana, and Sherry Varnum of Lakeland; grandchildren, Zachary, Charlotte, Emmylou, Cosette, Henry, and Isabel; brother, Joe Newsome (Kathy); and many other family, and friends. Her family wishes to thank the many family and friends who loved her with prayers, care, and support throughout her life. A funeral service will be held Jan. 27, 2024, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Dover, 3223 Gallagher Road, Dover, FL where the family will receive friends beginning at 9 a.m. Committal to follow at Dover Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gideons at https://www.gideons. org/donate. Expressions of condolences at www.

HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Miley, Jeanette Alderman and Virginia Beauchamp. Paul was active in his church for decades, teaching Sunday School and leading singing for many years. He loved the Lord, his family and agriculture.

He also loved his country, enlisting in the Army to serve as a cook in Korea. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and cooking. Services were held Jan. 24, 2024, at Bethany Baptist Church, 3409 Cork Rd, Plant City, FL 33565.

Expressions of condolence can be made at www. hopewellfuneral.com.

OBITUARIES

Colt Anthony Baker

25

Joseph Paul Miley Joseph Paul Miley, 89, of Plant City, Fla., went home to be with the Lord Jan. 18, 2024. He is survived by children, Joseph Paul Miley Jr., Aubrey Miley and Gwen Poole (Freddie); two grandchildren, Mandi Davis (Jeremy) and Emma Lauren Poole; and two great-grandchildren, Malin Joy Davis and Marin Leigh Davis. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Betty Jean Miley; and siblings, William

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

O\ Q

H 2 EOH D P L LO G 7 $YD H

W L H LP V DU /

U D UG )R IW &D *L

7KHUH V QHYHU EHHQ D EHWWHU WLPH WR TXLW ZLWK *URXS 4XLW 7REDFFR )UHH )ORULGD V *URXS 4XLW 6HVVLRQV LQ SHUVRQ RU YLUWXDO QRZ RIIHU SDUWLFLSDQWV LQ JLIW FDUGV IRU WKHLU DWWHQGDQFH *URXS 4XLW RIIHUV IUHH H[SHUW OHG LQ SHUVRQ RU YLUWXDO VHVVLRQV IRU DOO )ORULGD UHVLGHQWV UHJDUGOHVV RI LQVXUDQFH VWDWXV 8SRQ FODVV FRPSOHWLRQ SDUWLFLSDQWV DUH HOLJLEOH IRU QLFRWLQH UHSODFHPHQW WKHUDS\ VXFK DV JXP SDWFKHV RU OR]HQJHV 3UH UHJLVWUDWLRQ UHTXLUHG &DOO 86) $+(& 3URJUDP WRGD\ DW

ZKLOH VXSSOLHV ODVW * if medically appropriate for those 18 years of age or older

Learn more about all of Tobacco Free Florida’s tools DQG VHUYLFHV DW WREDFFRIUHHȵRULGD FRP TXLW\RXUZD\

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

OBITUARIES

26

Henry Sherman “Buddy” Conrad, Jr.

Henry Sherman “Buddy” Conrad, Jr., (94), of Plant City, Fla., was born on Oct. 17, 1929, at home on Trapnell Road in Plant City, Fla. He entered into eternal rest on Jan. 20, 2024. He attended Welcome Baptist Church. At 20, he joined the Air Force and was a member for 9 years. He then joined the U.S. Customs Service and eventually retired as Chief Inspector at the Port of Tampa in 1988. After retiring, Buddy became a U.S. Customs Broker, an International Freight Forwarder, and did consulting for G.E. He was a member of NARFE, the Elk’s Club, and the Greater Brandon Republican Club.

His hobbies included traveling, cars, and ballroom dancing. He is survived by his daughter, Jaye Patricia Conrad Mestre (Juan) of Oviedo; grandchildren, Jes-

sica Lynn Mestre Jeffery (Will) of Orlando, Victor Conrad Mestre (Karen) of Olympia, Washington, and Cecilia Lea Mestre Slack (Brandon) also of Orlando; greatgrandchildren Maddox Porter Mestre, Elliott Jay Slack, Niko Lynn Mestre Jeffery, Everett Ward Mestre, and Charlie Conrad Slack; loving sister Pat Varnum, and many other family and friends. He was predeceased by his wife of 45 years Anita Porter Conrad. He was also predeceased by Henry Sherman Conrad (father), Iva Conrad (mother), Mary Eunice Lane (sister), James A. Conrad (brother) and Betty Jean Brantley (sister). The family will receive friends Jan. 25, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 S. County Road 39, Plant City, FL. A funeral service will be held on Jan. 26, at 11 a.m. at Welcome Baptist Church, 11308 Welcome Church Street, Lithia, FL where a committal will follow at Welcome Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Welcome Baptist Church Building Fund. Expressions of condolence at: www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Elmer “Sonny” Ayers III

Rose Marie Montgomery

Elmer “Sonny” Ayers III, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Jan. 10, 2024, at the age of 80. Friends and family will be received Friday Jan. 26, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Thonotosassa Church of God, 11702 Taylor Rd, Thonotosassa, FL 33592. A Funeral service will follow at 12 p.m.

Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

Rose Marie Montgomery, a beacon of love and courage, passed away peacefully on Jan. 13, 2024, HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM in Tampa, Fla., at the age of 70. Funeral Services were held Jan. 24, 2024, at Mildred Griffin Haught Funeral Home 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Mildred Griffin, a beacon Blvd. Plant City, FL 33563. of wisdom and love, passed Online condolences can away peacefully on Jan. 22, be made at www.haught.

2024, in Venice, Fla., at the care. age of 96. Services will be held privately by the family.

Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Edith Evelyn Howard In the warm embrace of our Lord, Edith Evelyn Howard, a steadfast servant of God and a beacon of love and light in her community, was called to her eternal home on Jan. 15, 2024. A Funeral Service was held Jan. 20, 2024, at Eastside Baptist 1318 E. Calhoun St., Plant City, FL 33563.

Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

City, FL 33563. Online condolences can be made at www.haught.care.

Brinda Wynema Mansell

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Brinda Wynema Mansell, a beacon of love and gentleness, passed away peacefully on Jan. 17, 2024, in Tampa, Fla., at the age of 75. Family will be receiving friends on Jan. 25, 2024, from 10 to 11 a.m. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Plant

/PSUI $PMMJOT 4USFFU 1MBOU $JUZ '- QI BMMBCMPPNUBNQB DPN

27

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

FORECAST

SUNRISE/SUNSET Sunrise Sunset

THURSDAY, JAN 25

Thursday, Jan 25

7:18a

6:03p

Friday, Jan 26

7:18a

6:04p

Saturday, Jan 27

7:18a

6:04p

Sunday, Jan 28

7:17a

6:05p

FRIDAY, JAN 26

Monday, Jan 29

7:17a

6:06p

Tuesday, Jan 30

7:16a

6:07p

High: 86 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 16%

Wednesday, Jan 31

7:16a

6:08p

High: 86 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 15%

WEATHER

Send your photo submissions to staff writer Michelle Caceres at michelle@plantcityobserver. com or hashtag #iloveplantcity on Instagram for @igersplantcity to feature.

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JAN 27 High: 86 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 8%

Jan. 25 Full

ONLINE

Follow us on social media: @PCObserver on Instagram, @PlantObserver on Twitter and Plant City Observer on Facebook.

1st Qtr.

LAST WEEK:

MONTH TO DATE:

High: 77 Low: 51 Chance of rain: 42%

3.95 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

JAN. AVERAGE:

3.95 in.

3.00 in.

MONDAY, JAN 29

STRAWBERRIES Shipping point: Florida $26.00-$28.00

High: 65 Low: 45 Chance of rain: 3%

STEAM CLEANED

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

Emergency 24-Hour Service

3 ROOMS $90

WATER REMOVAL

Broken Pipes, Toilet Overflow, etc

Includes ,ĂůůǁĂLJ ĐůĞĂŶĞĚ &ƌĞĞ

ĂƌƉĞƚ ZĞƉĂŝƌƐ ĂƌƉĞƚ ZĞƐƚŽƌĂƚŝŽŶ Θ LJĞŝŶŐ DŝŶŝŵƵŵ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞ ũŽď ΨϳϬ͘ϬϬ

AllSaintscc.com (C) 2024 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

character 25 A-plus student 28 Amtrak sta. times 29 Slot in a cash drawer 30 Twisted humor 31 Female sib 32 "East of Eden" director Kazan 33 Docent's deg.

34 Hard-to-open cap 39 Air gun shot 40 Jazz singer Anita 41 Op. __: footnote abbr.

43 Diet based on the eating habits of early humans 46 Business attire 47 Mexican coin 48 Coffee order similar to a

Feb... 16

0.21 in.

CARPETS

Across 1 Peruvian people who cultivated potato varietals 5 Channel that covers Capitol Hill 10 Puzzle that may have dead ends 14 More than a snack 15 Words to live by 16 Emotional request 17 Spring flower painted by van Gogh 19 Feminine pronoun 20 Like one's back during cat pose 21 Throw shade at 23 Finger food at luaus 24 "Mossy, bossy" Seuss

Feb. 9 New

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, JAN 28

Brenda Miller took this photo in her neighborhood of a couple of turkeys taking a stroll down the street.

Feb. 2 3rd Qtr.

vampire 2 Overly anxious 3 Dramatic end of a cinematic chase scene 4 Socially dominant figures 5 Kept in the email loop 6 __ Lanka 7 A pop 8 Athletic brand with a three-stripe logo 9 Deferential denial 10 Dashboard abbr.

11 Pepper named for a Syrian city 12 Focus (on) 13 With very little effort 18 Luthor of the comics 22 Looking swell 25 Short cut?

26 Save, as a newspaper article 27 Eurasia's __ Mountains 29 Alero automaker, informally 32 Macaroni often used in cold salads 33 Zoo trench 35 "Yeah, sure" 36 Dog that licks Garfield latte 37 Enjoy the lake in winter, 50 Not quite foggy perhaps 51 Post-op area 38 Aversion 52 __ card: smartphone 42 Place to buy gifts for kids need 43 Vaccine manufacturer 53 Lively dances 54 Novelist __ Neale Hurston 44 Tucked-away recess 45 Bay leaf source 56 Scold harshly 46 Gymnast Biles who won 59 Like 8 or 88 60 Gabrielle of "Being Mary four gold medals in Rio 47 Cushion Jane" 49 Ask for a donation 61 Filmmaker Preminger 50 "Calvin and Hobbes" 62 Depend (on) bully 63 Trivial, as a complaint 53 Measly 64 Cry 55 "__ takers?"

57 Trivial complaint Down 58 Received 1 Sticks a stake in, as a

Storm Water, A/C Leaks,

TILE & GROUT STEAM CLEANED ϱϬ ĐĞŶƚƐ ƉĞƌ ^Ƌ͘&ƚ͘

28

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

PlantCityObserver.com