04.11.24 PLCO

MEETING OF THE PLANT CITY CITY COMMISSION

The

Roseland Park community of 40 to 50 homes should be seeing improvements in drainage and roadways

Jack Duncan has lived in the Roseland Park subdivision in south Plant City for 42 years and over that time he said he’s seen some its infrastructure show its age.

Among the problems Duncan said he’s seen is “bad” ooding on McDonald Street, north of his wood frame house at the southern dead end of that road.

“You have to drive a loop around it to get past it,” said Duncan, sitting on his front porch with friends just before noon Tuesday. “I heard about the improvements. This has been needed for a while; something has needed to be done for a long time now.”

Following Monday’s Regular Meeting of the Plant City City Commission, the Roseland Park community of 40 to 50 homes should be seeing improvements in drainage and roadways in the neighborhood.

The city commission voted 4-0, Commissioner Michael Sparkman was absent, to authorize City Manager Bill McDaniel contract with Kamminga & Roodvoets, Inc., Tampa, for $3,219,986 for the Roseland Park subdivision drainage and roadway improvements project.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

A PEEK BEHIND THE WALLS

NEW SOUTH FLORIDA BAPTIST HOSPITAL HOLDS PUBLIC PREVIEW OF NEW MEDICAL FACILITY

For the past 70-plus years, South Florida Baptist Hospital has served the Plant City and surrounding communities in its Alexander Street facility

With a goal of a mid-May opening, South Florida Baptist Hospital (SFBH) will be treating and caring for its patients in a new state-of-the-art facility being built o exit 22 of Interstate 4.

To give folks the chance to see the inside of the new hospital, SFBH is holding a community preview event. From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 21, sta at the hospital, 3202 N. Park Road, will give guests a chance to see what services, amenities and medical services the new hospital will o er.

The new $326 million, 424,000-squarefeet facility will be the newest of BayCare’s 16 hospitals across west central Florida. The current hospital is 250,000 square feet.

Ground for the new SFBH medical center was broken in Oct. 2021.

SFBH President Karen Kerr said the new hospital will continue the legacy of serving Plant City residents and folks from surrounding areas.

“Building this new hospital means we will have the capacity to continue serving the health care needs of our growing and dynamic community,” she said in a written statement.

According to information provided by SFBH, once constructed, the new hospital will feature 146 private patient rooms, contain an 85,000-square-feet medical arts building and will employ a sta of more than 800 along with 250 physicians.

Among the areas of specialization that will be o ered will be general surgery, orthopedic surgery, urology, imaging, cardiac catheterization, emergency care and labor/delivery.

SFBH Director of Operations Beth Tan-

credo said the new medical arts building will make it possible for patients undergoing any type of procedure or surgery to get all their tests “done in one place.”

“It will house a state-of-the-art outpatient imaging center, provide lab services, a spacious infusion center, wound care and adult physical therapy and also include o ce space for BayCare Medical Group physicians,” she stated by email. “All the amenities a patient might need for health care will be in one location.”

During the 3-hour event, guests will be able to take self-guided tours through designated areas such as the emergency department and the 26-bed intensive care unit. Visitors will also be able to tour one of the eight operating rooms in the new surgery center or one of the seven new labor and delivery suites.

“We’re excited to give people an opportunity to preview the new hospital,” stated Kerr. “We’ve worked hard to bring this

project to fruition amid much anticipation. We are looking forward to nally opening our doors for all to see.”

In addition to self-guided tours, guests attending the community preview event can visit the “health village” in the hospital’s parking lot. There, hospital representatives will be available to answer questions and provide information on hospital services. In addition, the Community Health Wellness on Wheels bus will be at the event, as well as the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Wellness and Safety Center and Pediatric Transport Team, providing information on pediatric services.

To register for the community preview event, go to https://events.blackthorn.io/ en/4PhhY86/south- orida-baptist-hospital-preview-event-5a2g6f3A8Ce/overview or call 800-BAYCARE (229-2273).

PAUL CATALÁ STAFF WRITER

PAUL CATALÁ STAFF WRITER

FWC SETS UP TRAIL CAMERAS FOR ONLINE VIEWING

The Everglades Wildlife Watch is a new Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) volunteer program and participatory science project based in south Florida, hosted on the Zooniverse platform. It’s focused on improving understanding of wildlife patterns on the FWC’s wildlife management area system and combines in-the- eld volunteering with online participation to give us a region-wide idea of the species that call south Florida home.

Throughout the region’s 17 wildlife management/ wildlife and environmental areas, volunteers are setting and maintaining trail cameras. As those cameras collect photos, the images are uploaded to the Everglades Wildlife Watch Zooniverse project, where anyone can get online and classify photos. Once photos are analyzed and the wildlife has been identi ed, the data is sent to area biologists so they can better manage wildlife management areas. The results will also be uploaded to the interactive Data Dashboard, where visitors can see what kind of wildlife has been spotted on FWC cameras around the region and learn more about each species.

To access the cameras, see www.Zooniverse.org/Projects/FWC/Everglades-Wildlife-Watch

NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY

April 27 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and is a way for people to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs at locations in communities across

the United States in a convenient, safe and responsiblemanner.

In Plant City, the city will be involved, set up outside of the CVS drugstore, 2302 James L. Redman Pkwy. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., volunteers will be collecting any unused prescription drugs. Those are then delivered to the Drug Enforcement Administration which will dispose of the drugs properly. For information, see www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/takeback. html#:~:text=The%2026th%20National%20Prescription%20Drug,potential%20for%20abuse%20of%20 medications.

MIKE SMITH OF THE CITY’S INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT RETIRES

Mike Smith retired from the city’s IT department April 5. On Facebook, the City of Plant City cited his “exemplary dedication and commitment” during his 28-year tenure with the City.

“We are deeply grateful for his tremendous service to Plant City,” the City stated.

BLUEBERRY PICKING PARTY

Plant City’s Wish Farms, 1301 S. Frontage Road, will be the site of a blueberry picking party 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Toward the end of the season, Wish Farms opens select strawberry and blueberry elds to the public, as well as local area food banks and other community organizations, to pick fresh berries. Non-pro t a liated attendees pick

for free and the general public pays a small fee which is donated to a sponsored charity.

Guests should enter at the “Semi-Truck” entrance and drive straight back through the gates and park on the lawn Pricing is $5 per pound u-pick. Visitors should bring their own containers to take berries home Wish Farms will provide buckets for picking only. For information, see wishfarms.com/berry-u-picks/ or call (813) 752-5111.

RODEO WRANGLES IN APRIL 12, 13

The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds will host the Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival.

Gates at the fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Rd., Dover, open at 5 p.m. each day and some of the best cowboys and cowgirls in the southeast region will saddle up for a full rodeo with bull riding, bronco busting, barrel racing, calf roping, team roping and bull dogging , There will be a Family Festival featuring live music, food and entertainment activities for the family.

Emmet Stevens Jr. takes the stage in the Bartow Ford Beer Barn each night playing country music hits. There will also be a mechanical bull to de, axe throwing, monster truck rides, camels and elephants and the chance to take pictures with snakes, monkeys and a giant hay wall. Additionally, there will be free games and giant slide.

For information, see www.hillsboroughcountyfair.com or call 813) 737-3247

The City of Plant City is 25 miles east of Tampa, 50 miles west of Orlando, and a stone’s throw from Lakeland. Plant City covers 32 square miles and holds a population of more than 38,000.

According to the tracking of the city o ces, 224 single-family home permits were issued in 2021, 490 in 2022, and 718 in 2023. This trending development will continue to rapidly grow the population.

Why all of these new homes? What draws people to our town? Why have current residents chosen to call Plant City home? The Observer took to the streets to nd out.

In an informal survey, we asked, “Why do you live in Plant City?” Here are the most common reasons.

Twenty percent reside in Plant City because they enjoy the historic, smalltown feel. “The redone downtown is a nice place to walk around,” Mary Celeste said.” And she enjoys “the friendly, Southern, polite people.” James Brown, who volunteers at the Plant City Photo Archives, said the rst time he drove through Plant City, he “…loved the historic feel and older homes.” Also, the railroad and farms are similar to the town where he grew up. So, years later when he had the chance, James moved here.

Sixteen percent live here because of the quiet feel and slower pace of life. Contrasting Plant City to the lives of his family in New York City, Reese Clark, said, “The city sleeps.” Desiree Rangel likes the, “… quiet…” of Plant City.

In a related reason, eight percent moved here to escape city tra c. Adam Saunders’ thinking is, “I like the rural feel, but I

want to be near Tampa…” to access what the urban area has to o er.

Twelve percent of those who answered the question moved for jobs in Plant City at businesses such as Del Monte Foods and C&S. In another example, Frances Jimenez and her husband recently opened Silver Heart Adult Daycare and relocated to live near their business.

Sixteen percent also moved here for various reasons related to location. A nicer area, access to family, and a job that requires travel to both Tampa and Orlando made Plant City a smart place for them to live.

Another twenty percent of respondents indicated they live in Plant City because “I was born and raised here.” Even when some moved away, they returned because Plant City is home to them. Connie Dasher, a 1976 Plant City High School graduate, moved to the Bu alo New York area for a few years. But, with her mother, she moved back and is happy to be in Plant City again.

Finally, eight percent said new housing is the primary reason they transplanted here. Robert said he could buy a new home in Plant City for the same amount of money as an older house that would soon need repairs in areas such as Brandon and Riverview.

Other mentioned favorites about Plant City are ease of access to shopping and restaurants and Main Street’s Last Friday events.

Almost all of these residents surveyed love, love, love Plant City. So, it is no surprise the population growth is accelerating so quickly.

The enormously popular Vintage Market Days, the traveling pop-up indoor/outdoor market, will return to the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, located at 2508 W. Oak Ave., this weekend for a three-day shopping event with the theme “Bloom.”

The upscale market will feature more than 100 vendors, some local and some from all around the country, displaying a wide variety of vintage goods, including original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home decor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies and seasonal plantings. There’s even food trucks (including Smitty’s Hand-Dipped Buttermilk Corn Dogs, a taco truck and Loaded Spudz) and live music.

Justin and Dana Friesen are the masterminds behind the event. The couple own a screen-printing boutique, selling their one-of-a-kind t-shirts at pop-up markets all across the country. They loved selling at their favorite market, Vintage Market Days, so much they decided to buy it. “It seemed like the next logical step for us, and being vendors we brought so much experience with us,” said Dana Friesen.

In a world where you can click and get anything you want delivered to your home in days, vintage is special because buyers talk to the people who picked that item and learn about its unique history. “You can’t nd that at Hobby Lobby,” said Friesen.

The vendors are also decorating a cionados, ready to assist shoppers by sharing their design prowess. “They’re ready to help you make something beautiful with whatever space you have,” said Friesen.

Vendors will be set up in the Grimes Family Agricultural Center and Astin Farms Pavilion.

“We are excited to welcome thousands of people from all over the area to come to Plant City with their girlfriends, have a co ee and donut, leisurely do some shopping, eat lunch at one of our food trucks and then shop some more,” said Friesen.

Event hours are Fri., April 12 (an Early Buying Event) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat., April 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sun., April 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission to Vintage Market Days is $15 on Friday or $10 on Saturday/Sunday. Children under 12 are free. Visitors can snap a sel e in front of one of the springthemed walls and that photo is your re-entry ticket, good for re-entry into the event all weekend.

Parking is free. First Assembly of God Plant City’s youth ministry will be assisting with parking and porter service, where large items like furniture will be held and loaded in your vehicle when you’ve nished shopping). A free bag drop area also allows visitors to shop hands-free shopping (no need to carry your purchases).

Learn more about Vintage Market Days at vintagemarketdays.com, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for a preview of the goods.

Reese Clark and Desiree Rangel enjoying downtown Plant City

MARCH 29

Who Did It? – Battery

1200 block of N Ferrell St

An o cer responded to a disturbance call between two roommates. Both decided to press charges on each other for battery. Direct File Charges were led on both parties.

You Can’t Golf Here

500 block of N Plant Ave - Information

An o cer responded to the above location in reference to the complainant locating his unreported stolen golf cart. The golf cart was turned over to the complainant and he was advised to contact HCSO to le a theft report.

That’s Methed Up – Possession of drug paraphernalia

500 block of N Plant Ave

While investigating the above-listed case, a suspect was detained and prior to being placed in the rear of the marked vehicle, was patted down and a small glass pipe was suspected to be in his pocked. He stated that it was a bubble and was used to smoke methamphetamine. The glass pipe eld tested positive for methamphetamine residue and the suspect was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to Orient Road Jail.

Hit and Run – Battery

3400 block of W Baker St

An o cer met with the complainant at the above listed location who stated he was battered by an unknown patron causing a large laceration over his left eye.

MARCH 30

No License to Drive – Criminal Citation

Park Road/Sam Allen

An o cer initiated a tra c stop due to the vehicle having a modi ed exhaust system. The driver advised they did not have a driver’s

license and was never issued one. The driver was issued CCI for NVDL and UTC for having a modi ed exhaust system.

No License to Drive take two – Criminal Citation

W Alexander St/S. Baptist Church Rd

An o cer issued a criminal citation for NVDL while conducting tra c enforcement.

MARCH 31

That’s Not Yours – Shoplifting

2600 block of James L Redman Pkwy

An o cer responded to the above-listed address in reference to a delayed theft complaint. Upon arrival, contact was made with a suspect matching the description provided by PCPD dispatch. An FCIC/NCIC check was being conducted when the suspect ed the scene on foot. He was captured shortly by responding o cers and detained. He was placed under arrest for 1 count of felony petit theft and 1 misdemeanor count of resisting without violence. An ECRA was completed, and he was transported to Orient Road Jail.

Shop and Dash – Shoplifting x2

2600 block of James L Redman Pkwy

An o cer met with loss prevention who advised a male concealed $105 worth of merchandise and passed the last point of sale without o ering payment for it. When confronted he dropped the merchandise, which was fully recovered, and ran. Additionally, a female selected merchandise throughout the location, and attempted to return the items for cash and was denied. She also left when confronted.

APRIL 1

Not Funny – Armed Robbery

3500 block of W Baker St.

An o cer responded to the above-listed location and met with the victim, who reported upon exiting the store, she was ap-

proached by a male who brandished a handgun, demanded her phone, and took $100 cash from the inside cover.

De nitely Not Funny – Shooting with Injuries

N Alexander St/W Baker St

O cers responded to the Brandon Main Emergency Room in Brandon in reference to a patient admitted to the hospital with a gunshot wound. The victim advised he was traveling northbound on North Alexander Street conducting a U-turn at the intersection of West Baker Street when an unknown sedan pulled up next to him. He observed two unknown subjects exit the vehicle and attempt to pull him out of his vehicle while brandishing handguns. He conducted a U-turn and the subjects began to shoot at his vehicle striking it four (4) times. One of the projectiles entered the driver’s side door and struck him in the calf area.

APRIL 2

Carving a Name? – Criminal Mischief

1200 block of W Reynolds St

O cers were dispatched to the above-listed location in reference to a disturbance call with an employee and a Hispanic male who was last seen walking eastbound on Baker Street. While en route to the scene, an o cer observed a Hispanic male matching the provided description approaching the above-listed location. The subject walked up to a parked vehicle holding a straight-blade knife and began to cause damage to the rear trunk of the vehicle. An o cer approached the suspect who began to walk away while holding the knife and refused to comply with the o cer’s commands. Shortly after he dropped the knife and was subsequently arrested for criminal mischief and resisting o cers without violence. Lugo was transported to Orient Road Jail.

MEETING OF THE PLANT CITY CITY COMMISSION

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Primarily, the bid includes replacing existing drainage inlets and culverts and regrading and reconstructing roadways within the Roseland Park subdivision.

During a presentation, Frank Coughenour, city engineer, said most of the homes in Roseland Park were built in the 1960s and is one of the older neighborhoods in the city. That area is bordered by forested areas to the north, east and south. The 100-year oodplain encroaches on the eastern third of the subdivision “and that’s what really initiated a lot of this project is the ooding in the area,” said Coughenour.

To minimize ooding and to make roads more passable, the project is expected to “drastically improve the situation,” he said.

Work will include replacing about 1,800 feet of culvert, replacing inlets and junction boxes for collecting storm water and rebuilding road asphalt and base. About 3,000 feet of sidewalk, driveway aprons and curb ramps and replacing south Court Street with a paved walking trail leading to Roseland Park.

Commissioner Jason Jones said he visited the neighborhood about three weeks ago and said “I kind of bounced around in my Jeep quite a bit.” He asked if all the roads in Roseland Park would be redone and was told they would be. “I’m very glad to hear that. It’s going to be a good project,

especially for that community,” he said.

Commissioner Bill Dodson said for more than 10 years, he’s been hearing concerns from residents regarding drainage and roadways.

“I’m glad to see now that it’s on the doorstep and we’llnally be able to get it done even though it’s going to cost us an arm and a leg,” he said. “But the folks that live there, they’ve earned all of the e ort by the city to get if xed.”

According to the city, other work includes “minor water and wastewater utility relocations, sidewalk and curb ramp replacement to meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements.”

The project also includes eliminating south Court Street between east Roseland Avenue and Carolina Avenue. That part of the roadway doesn’t include any driveway access to adjacent properties and the road “will be replaced with greenspace and sidewalk.”

“If they put in new streets, I think that’s de nitely a good thing,” said Duncan, 64. Bids went out for the drainage and roadway improvements Nov. 1, 2023. The city stated two bids were o ered by the Feb. 29 deadline based on the city engineer’s estimate for the project of $2,668,997. In ation increased that cost 20 percent over a year, primarily regarding labor and heavy equipment.

According to Coughenour, the city has $1,871,673 available in its Capital Improve-

ments Program (CIP) for the project. Additional funding of $1,348,314, plus project contingency will be transferred.

Work on the Roseland Park improvements should begin by early October with an estimated completion date of April 2025.

In other city commission action:

„ The commission voted 4-0 to provide written ndings and denying the Periwinkle Planned Development Rezoning application. That application was for district rezoning for a telecommunication tower near the corner of Sydney and Turkey Creek roads.

„ The commission voted 4-0 to conduct annual reviews and to establish fees and charges for basic and advanced life support services by Plant City Fire Rescue.

„ The commission voted 4-0 to adopt an ordinance amending Plant City Code regarding townhouses. Current regulations regarding townhouses can be found in the R-2 Zoning District Standards. That had caused confusion as to whether or not these standards only apply to townhouses in the R-2 District or if they also apply in other zoning districts. To clear any confusion, the city is moving these regulations to a di erent section of the Code called “supplemental regulations.” These regulations apply to all related development throughout the City and are above and beyond what the zoning district requires.

Jack Duncan points out areas of McDonald Street that frequently ood in heavy rains. He’s lived in his house at the dead end of the street for 42 years.

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF DEVOTION AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PLANT CITY

First Baptist Church of Plant City (FBCPC) Associate Pastor Tommy Warnock this year celebrates 40 years with the congregation. Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, his journey to Christ was one de ned by stepping into the light that God placed before him.

Re ecting on his early years, Warnock recounts how he grew up in a family that didn’t attend church but he started attending Memphis’ Broadmoor Baptist Church, admittedly more for the pretty girls than the gospel instruction. Then, one Sunday evening in August 1973, something happened that shaped the 15-year-old’s future. Pastor Charles Dill, a guest preacher was speaking to the congregation. “I don’t have a clue what he said that night, it wasn’t the message but the cumulation of messages that I had heard,” said Warnock, who also witnessed seeing Jesus re ected in the lives of the young men and women at church.

At the end of the service, there was an opportunity to respond and congregants could walk down to where the preacher was standing and you could have a short conversation with him. Warnock walked up to Dill and told him that he wanted his life to be like theirs (he pointed at the other youth in the congregation).

“Right there in front of everybody that big ole’ man and I got down on our knees

and he showed me how to pray,” said Warnock.

As Dill whispered words into his ear, Warnock prayed that God loved him, admitted that he’d been living life his way instead of God’s way, he thanked God for what Jesus did that nobody else could do and that he was making a choice to accept His gift and choose to make Him the boss of his life.

Ten months and many lessons and Sundays later, Warnock found himself on a mission trip in Coal Valley, Illinois. He was sick most of the trip but one memory stands out. A little girl walked up to him and said she wanted Jesus in her heart. He quickly looked around for help but saw nobody else around. He showed the little girl what he had done 10 months ago to bring Jesus into his own heart. “That sweet eight or nine-year-old girl in her di cult circumstances she was in said a prayer in her own words and in her own way accepted Jesus’ gift of salvation,” said Warnock.

As he boarded a bus, he looked up and saw that Dill was the bus driver. Warnock told him about his experience with the little girl and then Dill threw his arms up in the air and said ‘praise the Lord, I’m a grandfather.’ Warnock was puzzled at his reaction.

“He told me I had walked with somebody else to the Lord, and because he had walked with me that made him a spiritual grandfather,” he said. “I’m 65 years old and I’ve never forgotten that and the desire to do that again.”

After graduating high school and while working towards a bachelor’s degree from Memphis State, Warnock got a call from Oscar Calhoun at FBCPC about working at the church as its summer youth director. The year was 1980. He performed his duties well, loving those he served, met a beautiful young woman and parishioner named Pam Connell, but returned to Tennessee at the end of the summer to complete his last semester at Memphis State. Months after returning home, FBCPC

leadership reached out and o ered him a full-time job.

“I wanted to be a mortician and had a girlfriend in Memphis,” recalled Warnock, but after his girlfriend broke up with him, he made the decision to return to Plant City. He arrived in Jan. 1981 and spent his time assisting with the children’s church, working with youth and college-aged students, holding services at nursing homes and even leading music (once, he joked).

He also started dating Pam Connell. “I wasn’t supposed to date girls in the church but I liked her and already had thought I could marry this girl,” he said. “She was so strong and she didn’t need me and that was so attractive to me.”

After going on a date to Flagship Restaurant in Clearwater, he marched into the preacher’s o ce the following Monday and told him about his feelings for Connell, who gave him his blessing as long as it didn’t a ect his work. The couple never sat together in church and didn’t go anywhere in Plant City together alone.

Two months later, Warnock gathered all the money he could get his hands on and gave it to his pastor, who was visiting the Holy Land. While in Bethlehem, he purchased a diamond for Warnock. On April 26, 1981, he popped the question. Connell said yes and the couple married on Jan. 2, 1982.

During the same time, wonderful Christian people began to encourage him to go back to school. In the fall of 1981, he attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas. While attending school, he worked at a church in Plano, Texas but leadership at FBCPC continued to stay in contact with the young preacher. “I got asked several times about coming back to Plant City but said no every time,” Warnock recalled.

Then, in early 1984, the pastor ew out to see him and spent the day with him. By the end of the visit, Warnock agreed to return to Plant City.

His rst day as youth pastor at FBCPC was March 18, 1984.

FBCPC Senior Pastor Dr. Brian Stowe, who has served with Warnock since 2013, joked that Warnock has been at the church one out of every four days its been in existence (it was established in 1866) but his example and service have made a huge impact on the congregation. “He has brought a level of devotion, commitment and a genuine humble spirit that loves people where they are,” he said. “He helps people where they are get closer to Jesus.”

Warnock said his lengthy service at FBCPC has brought with it several blessings. He said he’s been able to see generations of families come to know Christ, witness baptisms and weddings for parishioners and their children and even their children’s children. He’s also had the chance to work with a whole host of sta members, who he said are some of the most wonderful people in the world.

It’s also satisfying when he sees members have a ‘grandfather’ moment like he had so many years ago. “To lead somebody to Christ and help them learn how to walk with Christ and then for them to lead somebody to Christ and help them walk with Christ is biblical,” he said. “That’s 2 Timothy 2:2.”

Warnock, who is now associate pastor, is also a resource for the Plant City High School football team, where he’s stood on the sidelines and assisted with their growth for 40 seasons.

Through the years, he’s grateful to God for every moment. “I’m just so grateful for my journey and I hope it doesn’t end anytime soon,” he said. “This church has endured world wars, depressions, recessions and we’re still here and I thank God that as Plant City’s population increases, we’re here to help all these new and wonderful people come to a relationship with Jesus. This is the coolest thing in the world.” gives him for years to come. “I’m where I’m

PLANT CITY POLICE EXTENDS THEIR OUTREACH

Plant City’s new Community Service O cer Melisa Stilley already getting out and about

Melisa Stilley has more than 17 years of law enforcement experience as a sworn police and civilian o cer.

Stilley will now get to share that experience and knowledge as the Plant City Police Department’s citywide Community Service O cer (CSO).

A CSO is a non-sworn o cer of the police department and is designated to handle calls for service that do not require a sworn police o cer.

Stilley o cially began working as a CSO for the PCPD on January 29. CSOs address

long-term community concerns. They can be dispatched to a scene to relieve an o cer who can then respond to higherpriority calls. They also work to build relationships of trust with residents, speak to neighborhood groups, take part in business and civic events, consult with social agencies, and take part in educational outreach with students.

During her workday Tuesday, Stilley and PCPD Public Information O cer, Captain Alfred Van Duyne, took time to discuss her new role with the department in the newly established position as CSO for the entire city.

Stilley said she was ready to get out into the Plant City communities to establish a rapport with residents and get to know their needs and expectations from the PCPD.

“I know it’s a brand-new position for Plant City. Knowing what an asset a CSO can be makes it really geared to building a relationship with the community,” she said.

In her role, Stilley will be working with and assisting a police department with 78 sworn o cers. Van Duyne said the PCPD is looking to add another CSO to have dayto-day CSO split coverage for both o cer shift rotations.

“The goal is to expand the unit and grow the (CSO) program. It’s about establishing community relationships and fostering those relationships,” he said. “Her role as CSO is important as she will be responsible to augment patrol o cers with duties that will alleviate tasks for the o cers so they can respond to other high-priority calls.”

Among her duties as CSO, Stilley’s duties may include investigating private parking lot crashes, ling lost-found property reports, ling missing persons reports, investigating disabled and/or abandoned vehicles, going to loose animal calls, doing car Vehicle Identi cation Number veri cations, assisting with crime scene processing and evidence collection and helping with tra c direction-control throughout the city.

Stilley has a business administration degree from Odessa College, Odessa, Texas; studied criminal justice at the University of Texas, Arlington, and Columbia Southern University, Orange Beach, Alabama; and completed police academy training at the North Central Council of Governments, Arlington, Texas.

Prior to Planty City, Stilley was sworn in as a police o cer in Dallas-Fort Worth and was a civilian o cer in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Collier County, Florida. She said she’s “excited” for residents and visitors to Plant City to get the chance to experience the CSO side of policing.

“It’s absolutely exciting; I’m excited for Plant City to experience this side of policing,” she said.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 9,000 Community Service O cers – also known as CSOs – in the United States.

PAUL CATALÁ STAFF WRITER

with his family to Oldsmar when he was 4 years old. His parents and older brother live in Safety Harbor and his sister lives in Orlando. He lived with his family in Safety Harbor for more than 15 years but now resides in downtown Tampa.

Fahmy has made it a practice to take time to listen to patients’ concerns in a comforting bedside manner.

That combination of care and compassion led Fahmy to being selected as South Florida Baptist Hospital’s (SFBH) “Physician of the Year” as an Emergency Room Physician.

Fahmy, 28, is one of about 250 doctors and about 800 medical and administrative sta at SFBH, 301 N. Alexander St., which began serving the Plant City area in 1953.

Fahmy said SFBH was holding daily celebrations of physicians in anticipation of “Doctors Day” March 30. He said he was nishing an overnight shift when Dr. Brooke Shepard, medical director and chief medical o cer, was coming in for her morning shift and presented the award -- a plaque, a monetary gift and a photo of him in the new Emergency Department when it opens up in May -- to him along with “some nice words from the sta that was there overnight.”

“It was incredibly humbling and very gratifying. I truly love my job, the incredible sta at SFBH, and love the interactions I have with patients- so to see that I was valued as much as I value them meant the world to me,” said Fahmy.

Shepard said Fahmy is a “talented and skilled Emergency Medicine physician who takes extraordinary care of his patients.” She said he’s a medical doctor who spends extra time explaining care to patients, family members and to the nurses.

“He brings a calm reassuring demeanor to what can sometimes be a hectic situation for patients and their loved ones,” she said via email. “He always has a big smile on his face and is a joy to be around.

Fahmy was born in Egypt but he moved

Fahmy is the rst member of his family to become a doctor. He said he knew at a young age he wanted to help people in some capacity, but it wasn’t until he had mentors growing up in high school and college who were involved in medicine that made him aspire to get into medicine professionally.

“A big reason for why I came back to the area after my medical training was to be closer to my family,” he said.

A 2013 graduate of Palm Harbor University High School, Fahmy’s path to the point of the SFBH acknowledgment began as a pizza delivery driver.

Fahmy’s path to a career in medicine started at the University of South Florida, Tampa, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical science in 2016. From there, he nished his residency in emergency medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta in 2023.

Fahmy recently nished his medical training at Grady Hospital, Atlanta, where he learned how to be an ER doctor. His rst time to practice independently was at SFBH, where he began in Aug. 2023.

Fahmy has an active Florida state medical license through 2025 and held a Georgia state license through 2023.

As for his future in medicine and at SFBH, Fahmy said he’s still “a young doctor and there is always more medicine to learn.” He said he wants to grow professionally and “have as much of a positive impact on the local Plant City community as possible.”

Outside of SFBH and the emergency room, Fahmy said he enjoys playing basketball, saltwater shing and watching National Football League football, especially the Buccaneers. He said if he wasn’t in medicine, he’d like to have been a professional basketball player.

PAUL CATALÁ STAFF WRITER

PLANT CITY’S WATER FLOWING WITH QUALITY 2023

WATER-QUALITY REPORT SHOWS CITY WATER IS AT OR EXCEEDS STANDARDS

PAUL CATALÁ STAFF WRITER

Overall, the state of the water running from Plant City faucets is “good quality, safe drinking water.”

That’s the bottom-of-thewell conclusion by Mark Woodward, Plant City’s water conservation coordinator and the city’s annual water quality report.

April 4, the 26th Annual Drinking Water Quality Report was released by the City of Plant City Utilities Department. The 2023 water quality report concluded the city’s drinking water “meets all state and federal standards and Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requirements for Consumer Con dence Reports.”

According to the report, in 2023, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) performed a Source Water Assessment to city’s drinking water system. That study was done to locate any potential sources of contamination in the vicinity of Plant City wells.

“There are eight unique potential contaminant sources identi ed for our system. All rated as low,” the report stated.

Plant City’s water source is groundwater pumped from the Floridan Aquifer,

an underground layer of water-bearing material. This aquifer is one of the most productive aquifers in the world, covering approximately 100,000 square miles of the southeastern United States including all of Florida and parts of Georgia.

Plant City water is taken from four deep wells located within City limits which are from 746 to 1,200 feet.

According the Quality Report, in 2023, an average of 7.66 million gallons of water was produced for Plant City customers each day, as Plant City is inter-connected with the City of Lakeland’s water supply, also pumped from the Floridan Aquifer.

According to the study, in 2023, an average of 20,370 gallons of water per day of the total supply came from Lakeland.

Woodward, who’s worked for the city as water conservation coordinator for 20 years, said the study showed the health of the municipality’s water meets or exceeds standards every year. The system is steadily dependable, he said, but the City is building a new water treatment plant. It should be completed in early 2025 and is being built at State Road 39 north, known as Paul Buchman Highway, north of Interstate 4.

Woodward said the study was “pretty much the same” as 2022’s study as far as sampling by the city’s utilities operations sta who send samples to laboratories to be analyzed.

Woodward said the annual study helps the city determine and helps city sta know how Plant City is doing as far as maintaining and improving water quality.

“Plus, it’s required. All utilities have to submit a water-quality report and there are certain timelines for that submittal,” he said.

Monitoring of Plant City’s water is done by the Utilities Operations Division, which maintains four water production plants 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Highly trained and licensed professionals “collect and test samples throughout the water distribution system on a daily basis in accordance with State and Federal laws and regulations,” according to the study.

Plant City’s water is chlorinated for disinfection purposes, polyphosphate is added to keep naturally occurring iron from settling in the water system and to “reduce lead and copper corrosion in the plumbing system.” Also, hydro uosilicic acid is added for dental health purposes.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Callen Hartline

What position do you play in baseball?

I play shortstop and catcher. My favorite is catcher. But I will play any position they need me to. I just love playing.

Do you have a favorite all time sport memory?

Last spring during the regular season I only struck out once.

Is there a sport that you haven’t played yet that you eventually want to play and why?

Tackle Football, I really want to play baseball and football in high school.

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

I am playing outside with my brother or cousins… most of the time we play wi eball.

What’s the hardest thing about playing baseball?

Not getting down on yourself. Errors happen, you just have to move on to the next play.

How important is it to be a supportive teammate to your squad?

Very important! If one teammate gets

down on themselves, it can bring down the whole team. So, you have to encourage each other so we can all do our best.

Do you have a favorite player currently in the MLB? If so, who?

Yes, Freddie Freeman. Because he has a lot of fun playing.

What’s something in baseball that you want to continue improving?

Everything. I have great Coaches and teammates who challenge me every week.

Do you prefer playing baseball games in the morning, afternoon or evening and why?

At night, it’s cooler and it’s fun to play under the bright lights.

What are your go-to songs to get you hyped and ready for game day?

Any Classic Rock. “Back in Black” by AC/DC is one of my favorites.

DURANT FINISHED STRONG VS RIVERVIEW

The Cougars scored an amazing come-from-behind victory.

The Durant Cougars Varsity baseball team entered Tuesday’s game with a record of 13-3, riding a two-game winning streak against Newsome and Plant City. They took on the Riverview Sharks, who entered the game with a record of 3-14, looking for their rst home win since March 12.

Nick April-Gath led o for the Cougars and ew out to center eld. Blaine Rowland drew a walk in his rst at bat which put one on. Chase Mobley struck out which made it two outs with Brantley Howard up in the cleanup spot. During the at bat, a wild pitch advanced Rowland to second, followed by Rowland stealing third after the following pitch. Howard doubled with a missile of a ball sent past the third base line, bringing in Rowland for the Cougar’s rst run of the game. Jackson McClellan hit in the fth spot and ew out to left eld in his rst at bat.

Tristan Macpherson took the mound for the Cougars and drew an out on his very rst pitch of the game as the leado Riverview Shark lined out to rst. Macpherson walked the second and third batters, putting two on with the cleanup hitter looking to take the lead for the Sharks. After a full count was forced, the clean-up hitter popped out to rst base, making it two outs for the Sharks. The bases were loaded after a third walk for Macpherson and a fourth walk brought in a runner in to tie it. After a fth walk and another run brought in from it, the Cougars opted for a pitching change, bringing in Lonnie Coburn. Riverview wasted no time welcoming the new pitcher with a two-run double. After another walk, the bases were loaded. A balk on Durant advanced all runners on base, bringing in another score for the Sharks. Back-to-back singles for the Sharks brought in two more runs

for Riverview. Durant opted for their third pitcher of the inning, bringing in Gehrig Graham. Another Cougars balk, advanced Riverview runners to second and third. The bases were loaded for the Sharks but they ew out to center eld, ending the inning with Riverview up 7-1.

Tristan Brown led o the inning for the Cougars and singled past the rst base line. Pete Oderio got his rst at bat for the Cougars and got a walk. Dylan Hotz’s at bat was with 2 on, zero outs and he bunted safely but at the cost of getting Brown out at third. Shawn Graves was up and got out, which brought Nick April-Gath up for the secdon time through the order, he dropped a bunt and loaded bases for the Cougars. Blaine Rowland got his second at bat and they got a balk, bringing in a run for the Cougars. Rowland got a double, bringing in two for the Cougars. Chase Mobley hit a missile to center eld, which put runners on corners with two outs. Brantley Howard was up with two on and Mobley stole second, followed by a balk from Riverview, bringing in Rowland for the Cougars. Howard doubled, which dropped the Sharks lead to just one run. Jackson McClellan was hit by a pitch, which put two runners on for Durant and a wild pitch advanced both runners. Tristan Brown grounded out to head to the bottom of the second, down 1.

Gehrig Graham came back out to pitch in the bottom of the second and struck out the rst Sharks batter, followed by a quick pop out to the catcher. It was three up three down, as the third batter ew out to left eld for a quick 1, 2, 3. End of the second had a score of 7-6 with Riverview up.

Pete Oderio led o in the third and got a four pitch walk. Dylan Hotz reached safely again but Oderio was out at second.

Shawn Graves ew out to left eld, which brought Nick April-Gath back up for the third time and he singled, bringing in Hotz, which tied the game at 7 with two outs.

Nick April-Gath stole second and third during Blaine Rowland’s at bat. The Sharks

balked once again, and brought in AprilGath for the score, which gave the Cougars the lead, after being down 6 at the end of the rst. Right after that, the Sharks went to the bullpen for their second pitcher of the game. Rowland stole second which put a runner on second with Chase Mobley back up, but he ew out to right eld to end the inning.

Gehrig Graham returned to the mound for the Cougars and stayed hot, striking out his rst two batters to start the bottom of the third. The third batter had a hard-fought at bat, but it resulted in a ground out to second to end the inning. At the end of the third, the Cougars are on top, 8-7.

Brantley Howard led o in the top of the fourth for the Cougars, looking to keep his double streak alive as he doubled in the rst and third innings. While it wasn’t a double, Howard got his third of the game with a single up the middle. During Jackson McClellan’s at bat, Howard stole second, then advanced to third after a bad throw from the Sharks. McClellan hit a sacri ced y, getting out, but brought in Howard. Tristan Brown struck out and that brought up Pete Oderio, who was

walked in his last at bat. Oderio singled up the middle to keep the inning alive. Nick Maurello subbed in for his rst at bat of the game and struck out, which sent it to the bottom of the fourth, with the Cougars scoring one run in the inning.

Once again, Gehrig Graham started the inning for the Cougars in the bottom of the fourth. The bottom of the 4th started with a single through second and shortstop for the Sharks, which was the rst hit allowed by Graham. The second batter ew out deep to left eld for the rst out of the inning. Graham struck out the next two batters to end the fourth, Durant up 9-7. Shawn Graves led o to start the fth inning for the Cougars and drew a walk. Nick April-Gath grounded out but advanced Graves to second. Blaine Rowland got an RBI opportunity and he got help with Graves stealing third. Rowland tripled based o pure hustle. Chase Mobley hit a sacri ced y, scoring Rowland. Brantley Howard was up for the fourth time through the lineup and was walked. Jackson McClellan looked to get on base after hitting a sacri ce y in his last at-bat, but ended up popping out to send it to the bottom of the fth.

PHOTO BY HILLARY HARTLINE

MARCH 2024 Real Estate Transactions

Data pulled from GTAR MLS as of 4/3/24 for the Plant City market area. Mortgage Data from Freddiemac.com

REAL ESTATE PRO SAYS DON'T BELIEVE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS SETTLEMENT MYTHS:

Last week the National Association of Realtors announced a settlement agreement in the Sitzer Burnett case that would take e ect in July. For those who missed the declarations in the media that this outcome will render transacting real estate almost free, protect consumers, and make homeownership a ordable once again, the settlement does none of that. Here’s the truth.

1. THE SETTLEMENT FORCES BROKERS TO REDUCE THEIR COMPENSATION. FALSE.

The settlement in no way establishes a standard or limitation on Realtors for what they may charge, nor services they elect to deliver. Those fees have always been negotiable and there has never been any collective bargaining. In every market, there is a wide variety of fees, just as there are levels of marketing, service, and competence.

2. THE SETTLEMENT WILL, FOR THE FIRST TIME, ALLOW SELLERS TO NO LONGER PAY COMPENSATION FOR AN AGENT BRINGING THE BUYER. FALSE. There has never been an obligation for a seller to pay buyer agent compensation, yet it is a practice that’s worked well. A past rule requiring an o er of some amount of compensation was a rule of display on a Realtor-owned MLS, yet it could have been as low as $1. That limitation was removed and today the MLS accepts all listings, regardless of buyer agent consideration.

3. THE SETTLEMENT PROHIBITS SELLERS FROM PAYING A COMMISSION TO A BUYER’S AGENT AND RELIEVES SELLERS OF THE FINANCIAL BURDEN. FALSE.

The mandate restricts properties with an o er of buyer agent compensation from displaying on association-owned MLS, yet the practice can’t be restricted in any other form of marketing. Sellers may still elect to pay buyer agent compensation to di erentiate their properties. While sellers can elect not to pay buyer agent compensation, that doesn’t mean they will avoid the economics as buyers may write into any o er a contingency requiring the seller to cover the cost or request other concessions.

4. The settlement will serve to meaningfully lower prices and make homeownership a ordable again. False. Values in real estate are determined by supply and demand. Fees in a real estate transaction represent additional expenses, yet these include not only commissions but many other related charges. Should real estate commissions be reduced by 1% because of compression, that $500,000 home will now cost $495,000. Not only is the potential impact marginal at best but

do you think the seller now believes the home is worth less and will happily give the di erence to the buyer? The reason home ownership is increasingly less affordable is that homes in our market have signi cantly risen in value these last few years.

5. The settlement is a win for buyers who will now be able to negotiate the fee for representation. Questionable.

For readers who have purchased homes, it is more than likely you were happy to have the seller compensate your agent, so you didn’t have to. For buyers who had to provide the down payment and closing expenses, having the commission paid by the seller and incorporated in the home price allowed them to nance the amount over time instead of coming up with additional cash at closing.

6. The settlement will result in signicant restitution to consumers who were “harmed” over recent years in their transactions by Realtors. False.

The settlement is huge, yet when one divides the amount by the number of potentially qualifying consumers it works out to about $10 per person. Those bene ting are the attorneys who have submitted a request to the court for over $80 million in fees.

As a real estate professional for over 40 years, I have had the privilege of working with Realtors who represent the public in what is likely their largest investment. What I have witnessed are the countless situations where an agent has gone above and beyond to help buyers realize their dreams and sellers maximize their returns, often serving in ways far beyond their job description.

Everyone would like to see costs lowered yet I do not see the Department of Justice going after attorneys or other professions we wish would charge less. I always believed in the concept of free enterprise. If one is willing to assume the risk of running a business, one may do so at rates that allow a reasonable return for the capital investment and time. As my dad would say during his 60-year career, you wake up every day unemployed and have to nd a job. Then you spend out of pocket and don’t make a cent unless you achieve someone else’s goals.

The brokerage community has always adapted to best represent buyers and sellers whenever there is a shift in the environment. And we will again. Yet when an industry I love is singled out and the justi cation is for false reasons, I will not be quiet.

Budge Huskey is chief executive o cer of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. (Special to the Herald-Tribune, published 3/22/24)

The truth is the real estate transaction will become even more important to have representation by a quali ed Realtor®, experienced in the ever-changing market.

As we look at the Plant City housing data, March 2024, our market area had 123 homes sell, 241 under contract and 220 available for sale. The rst quarter of the year, we saw a 32% increase in units sold versus Q1-2023 but the price increase was at, less than 1% increase over the same time period. The markets have stabilized with the higher mortgage rates and lower inventory. Buyers and Sellers are accepting these prices and rates as the new normal. We are carrying about 2.5 month’s supply housing inventory, a 17% decrease over last month’s supply. The summer selling season is around the corner, many factors stand to change.

In March 2024, the average sold price was $362,207 or an average price per SF of $199.15 compared to the previous month, these data points are up 1.8% and 9.4% respectively. New construction homes accounted for 69 units last month at an average price per SF of $183.24 discounted almost 20% compared to other sellers in the market. Looking at another perspective of the data, if you are planning to list and sell your home, you stand to gain 15-20% more than the new construction models.

The prevailing mortgage rates from Freddie Mac for the average 30yr-term loans have bounced around the past few weeks. Your individual rate will depend on many parameters, like income, debt, credit score, etc. While we nished the year at 6.61%, the latest 4-wk average was 6.81% and the Fed has even thrown out the idea on another rate increase instead of rate cuts.

I cannot express enough this importance, if you are in the market to buy or sell your home, please seek an experienced professional Realtor® to assist you in this transaction process. There are too many consequences, going it alone without proper experienced representation. Get the real scoop on our market. If you have any questions, want a market value analysis of your home, or see what's available to purchase, please reach out.

M Crawford Crawford Group

SALES SNAPSHOT

The following residential properties were a sample listed as sold on the Greater Tampa Realtors Association MLS in March 2023 for the Plant City Market Area.

The home at 3703 Pierce Harwell LP sold March 8 for $167,000. Built in 1959, it has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and 988 square feet of living area.

The home at 737 Ashentree Dr sold March 22 for $235,000. Built in 2015 it has 2 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1185 square feet of living area.

The home at 3826 Sun ower Field PL sold March 28 for $284,990. Built in 2024 it has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bath and 1673 square feet of living area.

The home at 3607 Red Egret Ln sold March 13 for $310,000. Built in 2000, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1620 square feet of living area.

The home at 3808 Creekwoods Dr sold March 19 for $325,000. Built in 1991, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1149 square feet of living area.

The home at 3619 Natural Trace St sold March 21 for $334,235. Built in 2024, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1556 square feet of living area.

The home at 1207 Madison St sold March 15 for $345,000. Built in 1966, it has 4 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1628 square feet of living area.

The home at 3444 Silver Meadow Way St sold March 14 for $350,000. Built in 1994, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1850 square feet of living area.

The home 1803 Walden Pl sold March 28 for $369,000. Built in 1985, it has 2 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1628 square feet of living area.

The home at 2502 Savannah Dr sold March 8 for $399,999. Built in 1984, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 2156 square feet of living area.

The home at 905 N Johnson St sold March 22 for $420,000. Built in 1950, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 bath and 2234 square feet of living area.

The home at 3403 Young Rd sold March 29 for $440,000. Built in 1970, it has 4 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1968 square feet of living area.

The home at 3701 Joe Sanchez Rd sold March 7 for $502,000. Built in 1970, it has 3 bedrooms, 3 bath and 1936 square feet of living area.

The home at 5700 Kelly Rd sold March 8 for $653,000. Built in 1983, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 bath and 2044 square feet of living area.

The home at 5924 W Farkas Rd sold March 29 for $835,000. Built in 2001, it has 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bath and 3472 square feet of living area.

We asked Plant City: Who was (is) your favorite teacher? Why?

Mr. Clark.

He’s the bestest EVER!

Jennifer Ann

Mr. Schism at PCHS, he was a wonderful teacher who truly cared about all his students. I still have the letter he wrote to each of his classes where he addressed every single student and remember when he was willing to pick up any students on prom night who were in an uncomfortable situation or needed a safe ride home. So glad I got to attend his retirement party and I hope he’s doing awesome

Jennifer Jordan

Miss Martha Justice !! She made learning so much fun. Was just one of the best! Got me interested in the Holocaust in 7th grade! She didn’t play either I wouldn’t try her lol. She was also my favorite Spec’s employee.

Elizabeth Wojciechowicz

My 5th grade gifted teacher at Walden Lake Elementary, Ms Keeler. I’m in my 30s and still remember the way she made me feel; Smart, Purposeful, strong! My love of writing came from her. She never saw all the imperfections I felt and not only did she make me feel important, she made my mother feel proud of her parenting. She fostered my love of Harry Potter and reading while steering my strong, independent personality in a positive direction. What a di erence she made.

Dayla Wilkerson

I’ve encountered so many teachers through elementary - college, that it’s hard to just choose one but if I had too it would be Gina Petty Sanders. My Spanish teacher in high school but most importantly my “ Tia” ! After highschool through college, she always checked up on me to see how “ Cali “ was doing. We’ve been in close contact ever since and I will always cherish our moments together.

Cala Callins

Mrs Brownlee, Jackson Elementary

Angelia Ashworth Corbett

Mr Cameron and Mrs Townsend at Cork in the 90s. What a powerful team!

Deanna Hurley

Hands down, Renee Kelly at Marshall! …..How else would I know all the capitals of South America AND be able to recite all 50 states in alphabetical order?! (It blows the minds of the Yankees up here in Ohio.)

Jennifer Kersey

Ms Linda Herman you were the best teacher a student could ever ask for! You changed my life for the better and I will forever be grateful for your kindness and support you taught me so much and I will always remember you! #oneofakind

Ashley Going

Mercedes Soto. Spanish teacher, PCHS , 1984.

Joe Robinson

Mrs stallings at Cork and Mr Davidson and Mr Clark at high school

Missy Hutchison Mason

Mrs. Sylvia Knox PCHS 1981-82 - Shorthand teacher. She gave me confidence I didn’t know I had, and encouraged me to strive for higher goals.

Tina Garrett Hauser

I’ve had too many good ones to choose a favorite. Two of my top favorites have passed on (Tim Cribbs & Stacy delcastillo). Mr. Lynch, my high school chemistry teacher probably could see I always struggled with math but never ran out of patience with me. For that reason chemistry has always been one of my favorite fields of science to study! Mrs. Mareda Hewlett Westerman also started my love of learning the language of Spanish! I’ve had so many good & caring teachers over the years!

Haley Francis

Her Name was Mrs Roe she was a 5th grade teacher at Springhead Elementary she taught us kids with her heart and soul until she became ill at the end of our school year !! We were devastated and I’m not sure how things turned out for her but I hope she is doing well Chasity Rademacher

Mrs Whitehurst at Bryan elementary in the 80’s. She was a wonderful teacher Wendi Haney

I was fortunate enough to have had some really great teachers. In fact, I never had a bad one. Narrowing it down is absolutely impossible. But the one’s that have a voice in my head everyday are Ms. Joy Trask, Mr. David Knox, Mrs. Mary Diggs, Mrs. Brenda Gibbs, Mrs. Charlotte Lehman, and the incomparable Mrs. Pat Bishop. These people changed my life.

Marlon Bearry

Mr. Ray Clark Best Ag Teacher around!! Aimme Larkin Meiers

Karen Jackson 3rd grade at Dover Elementary and Della Warner from PCHS. Regina Haase Hawthorne

Gina Petty Sanders 1992! She was the sweetest and always made me laugh..! Y una muy bueno profesora! Oh and Mr. Ray Clark!

Kerri Roberts Chisholm

Nancy Sabrina Gates was my all time favorite teacher and I was blessed to have her for 3 social studies classes at Turkey Creek and at Durant.

Leah Roland Beveard

Mr. Cameron at Cork Elementary! Jessica Deese

Mr. Jones, English teacher, Turkey Creek Evelyn Alderman Horton

Richard L. Hicks

Richard L. Hicks 72, went home to be with our Lord and savior Jesus Christ on Mar. 26, 2024. Born and raised in Plant City, Fla. He graduated from Plant City High School class of 1970. He was the owner of Superior Countertops and Cabinets. He was preceded in death by his father

Dr. Wilbur L. Hicks and mother Katherine P. Hicks, brother Wilbur S. Hicks, sisters Angela Hicks, Betty Philpot, and Virginia Zinner. Survivors include his wife

Marilyn Hammock Hicks, daughter Olivia Weaver (Mark), grandchildren

Melanie Garrison, Matthew Garrison, Austin Weaver; great-granddaughter

Presley Waldrop, brothers

Stuart Hicks (Kathy), David Hicks and sister Karen Schatt Phagan (Bill). A celebration of life will be held at Pleasant Grove Assembly of God, 7051 Turkey Creek Rd. Plant City, Fl., April 16, 2024. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. and Service at 11 a.m. with pastor

Joe Zaino o ciating. In lieu of owers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or Pleasant Grove Assembly of God Building Fund.

Susan “SuSu”

Elizabeth Williamson

Susan “SuSu” Elizabeth Williamson, 58, of Dover, Fla., born on June 15, 1965, in Plant City, Fla., entered into eternal rest on Apr. 5, 2024.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Mike Collins

Mike Collins, 52, of Plant City, Fla., born in Lakeland, Fla., on Nov. 21, 1971, entered into eternal rest on Apr. 3, 2024. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Elva Morua

Elva Morua, 65, of Plant City, Fla., born on July 28, 1958, in Cerralvo, Nuevo León, Mexico, entered into eternal rest on Apr. 7, 2024.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Terri Anne (née Pickering) Pardo

Terri Anne (née Pickering) Pardo, born Oct. 14, 1971, passed peacefully at home in Plant City, Fla., the morning of Apr. 2nd, 2024.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Steven J. Baker

Steven J. Baker, 72 went home to his Lord and Savior Apr. 3, 2024, surrounded by family after a motor vehicle accident on Mar. 31, 2024.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Robert M. Putnall

Robert M. Putnall, 47, of Lithia, Fla., born on Dec. 4, 1976, in Lakeland, Fla., entered into eternal rest on Apr. 1, 2024.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Julius “Jack”

Crawford Cain, Jr.

Julius “Jack” Crawford Cain, Jr., 84, of Plant City, Fla., born in Ft. Meade, Fla., on Jan. 11, 1940, entered into eternal rest on Apr. 1, 2024.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

John Christian Battle

John Christian Battle, born on Oct. 5, 1971, at MacDill Airforce Base in Florida, passed away peacefully on Apr. 2, 2024, in Plant City, Fla., He was a man of strength, both in character and in his love for lifting weights. Services will be held privately by the family.

Mary Kathryn Knick

Mary Kathryn Knick, a cherished matriarch and beacon of wisdom, passed away on Apr. 3, 2024, in Tampa, Fla., at the age of 91. Born on May 12, 1932, in Middleborough, KY. Mary’s memorial service will be at 2 p.m. April 20, 2024, at Plant City Kingdom Hall, 3202 N Maryland Ave, Plant City, FL 33563.

LindaAnn May Leon

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

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Edna Coleman Tice

LindaAnn May Leon, a ectionately known as Linda, passed away peacefully on Apr. 8, 2024, in Ruskin, Fla., at the age of 56. Born on Aug. 13, 1967, in Wayne, Michigan, Linda’s legacy is one of unwavering love and passion. A memorial for Linda will be on Apr. 10th, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church.

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

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

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

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Edna Coleman Tice, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Apr. 3, 2024, in Plant City, Fla., at the age of 69. Born on Nov. 22, 1954, in Edmore, MI. Services will be held privately by the family. Online condolences can be made at www.haught.care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

215 Sydney Washer

It’s the Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival, preHillsborough County on April 12 and 13. The best cowboys and cowgirls in the southeast region compete in a FULL RODEO with two days of bull riding, bronco busting, barrel racing, calf roping, and more! Come early for the

THURSDAY, APRIL 18

FINALLY ON PAPER WRITERS'

6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Bender

Hall, 302 Carey St

3rd Thursday of Each Month Open To Everyone, Beginners To Published

“A writers’ group is a supportive community of like-minded writers who come together to pursue the art and craft of writing. Park on the North side of the building. Enter Bender Hall through the center door under the carport.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

PLANT CITY STRAWABERRY

CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St.

The Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is back on Sat., April 20, rain or shine. Register your cars and trucks of allmakes, models and years for free starting at 3:00 p.m. Free show with Award of Excellence trophies. Live music by DJ John Paul Gasca.

BENJI PADGETT & FRIENDS

Snag a deal on gently-used clothing, household goods, toys and more at this community yard sale. This event will be held rain or shine. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

OPEN MIC NIGHT

7:00pm - 8:30pm

Krazy Kup, 101 East J Arden Mays

Boulevard

Open Mic Night at Krazy Kup! Join us for our KRAZY FUN night, where you get to be the show!!!! Come out, strut your stu , and show us what you got! Performers must be 13 and up.

Krazy Kup, 101 East J Arden Mays Boulevard

Join the talented Benji Padgett and friends for an evening of music that will uplift and inspire. We'll be passing a bucket of love!

MONDAY, APRIL 22

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

7:30 p.m. at City Hall

Residents are invited and encouraged to participate in public City meetings to ensure that their voice is heard and they are up-to-date on the things happening in the community. Residents can make public comments during meetings and attend meetings for the City Commission, Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Historic Resources Board and more.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

MIND MY SKIN…..

BEYOND THE SURFACE

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center 302 South Maryland Avenue

Mental Health Forum "Mind My

Skin: Beyond the Surface". This event will bring attention to vitiligo awareness as well as other skin disorders and provide a variety of resources to assist those a ected by mental health due to living with a skin disorder. Vitiligo is a condition that is caused by inammation in the body that results in the skin losing its natural pigment and color. Vitiligo a ects seventy million men, women, and children worldwide and causes signi cant challenges to mental health and selfesteem. Open to any individuals living with skin disorders and there will be free melanoma screenings.

BLUEGRASS NIGHT WITH REMEDY TREE

7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Krazy Kup, 101 East J Arden Mays Boulevard

Remedy Tree is Florida's hard-driving modern bluegrass band. Lyric-driven songs, foot-stomping energy and heartwarming melodies de ne Remedy Tree, a band focused on original music blending bluegrass, folk, and old-time music with new ideas creating a truly unique modern Americana sensation.

To have your event included in our calendar, visit the calendar section of our website at www.PlantCityObserver.com

Send your photo submissions to staff writer Sarah Holt at sholt@plantcityobserver.com or hashtag #iloveplantcity on Instagram for @igersplantcity to feature.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

High: 86 Low: 60

Chance of rain: 100%

FRIDAY, APRIL 12

SUNRISE/SUNSET

FORECAST WEATHER

High: 82

Low: 57

Chance of rain: 7%

Tuesday, April 16 7:02a 7:54p Wednesday, April 17 7:01a 7:55p

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

High: 84

Low: 55

Chance of rain: 5%

SUNDAY, APRIL 14

High: 87

Low: 60

Chance of rain: 5%

RAINFALL MOON PHASES

MONDAY, APRIL 15

High: 90

Low: 64

Chance of rain: 7%

LAST WEEK: 0.70 in.

Apr 15 1st Qtr.

Apr 23 Full Apr. 1 3rd Qtr. May 7 New

BLUEBERRIES

Shipping point: Florida $39.00-$43.00

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

At her home in Plant City, Dana Jones snapped this photo of a caterpillar, that, if all goes well, will one day transform into a beautiful butter y.