05.19.17 PCTO

PLANT CITY TIMES &

Observer

PCHS softball all-in for states. SEE PAGE 12.

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 4, NO. 45

FREE

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FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2017

Temple Terrace mayor could replace Herr Commissioners will select an interim city manager during a special meeting Friday, May 19.

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV

HIBACHI EXPRESS

STAFF WRITER

Photos by Daniel Figueroa IV

NEW FOOD SPOTS

POP UP

Within the past month, Plant City residents got three new options for eats around town. SEE PAGE 4

The City Commission voted 4-1 to postpone voting on the lone applicant for the interim city manager position until other potential candidates are found and reviewed by commissioners during a special meeting Friday, May 19.

The decision came following a brief standoff during a special commission meeting Monday, May 15, where commissioners Nate Kilton and Mike Sparkman wanted to confirm the selection of Temple Terrace’s former city manager and current mayor, Kim Leinbach, during the meeting. ViceMayor Bill Dodson and Commissioner Mary Mathis, while impressed with Leinbach’s resume, wanted to hold off on the vote.

“It’s just a very important step to not move hastily just because we are faced with a pressing deadline,” DodSEE CITY MANAGER PAGE 5

YOUR TOWN

Courtesy photo

Willis Peters students got fresh cuts.

Local barber cuts hair for graduation THE CAPTAIN’S SHIP FISH MARKET

APPLE BERRIES

No hostile work environment at PCHS, district says Coworkers’ messages about another teacher did not create a hostile environment for ag teacher Kelley Ware, the district said.

EMILY TOPPER MANAGAING EDITOR

File photo

The Hillsborough County School District did not find that the actions of agriculture teacher Michael Paul or department chair Julia McConnell created a hostile work environment.

Following allegations to the Hillsborough County School District’s Office of Professional Standards of “inappropriate and unprofessional dialogue” about her between coworkers, Plant City High School ag teacher Kelley Ware was told by the district that the actions of her fellow teachers did not warrant disciplinary action.

SEE PCHS PAGE 4

Students at the Willis Peters Exceptional Center got to graduate in style thanks to a Plant City barber.

Marco Ramirez, owner of City Cuts Barber Shop, visited the school the morning of Wednesday, May 10, to give away free hair cuts to several graduating students.

Plant City finance department shines The City of Plant City has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for the budget year beginning Jan. 1, 2016, according to a letter sent to the city.

The program was established in 1984 to “encourage ... governments to prepare budget documents ... that reflect both the guidelines established by the National Advisory Council on State and Local Budgeting and the GFOAs best practices on budgeting,” according to the GFOA website.

Budget Manager April Condo also received recognition in the letter and was awarded a certificate of achievement.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2017

WEEK OF MAY 19, 2017

“They wanted this for themselves and for each other. The love they have for each other is great ... they truly have the team, family and champion mentality.”

— Ashley Bullion, Plant City High School softball coach, helped guide the Raiders to this weekend’s state championship series. SEE PAGE 13.

HELPING HOOF W

Vettes Club donates to Unity

hen Kiersa the horse was feeling stuck, she got by with a little help from her friends.

According to Hillsborough County

Fire Rescue, crews were called to free the 25-year-old horse from thick mud on Monday, May 15. Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Alexandra Urban, Hillsborough County Public Works, RVR Horse Rescue, HCFR and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office's Agriculture unit, Kiersa was safely removed from the mud.

When it was determined that the horse was stuck too tightly to be freed by conventional means, Urban put the horse under anesthesia so that the rescue crews could prepare to scoop her out of the mud with heavy machinery. They were able to secure straps around the horse and lift her up with a gradall.

Photo courtesy of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue

Kiersa was woken up about 30 minutes

Kiersa the horse was rescued Monday, May 15.

after being pulled from the mud. The horse

ONLINE

Video of the rescue, shared on the HCFR Facebook

did not sustain any injuries.

page, can be viewed at ow.ly/OclW30bMEgR.

— JUSTIN KLINE

Members from the Tampa Bay Vettes Club presented Unity in the Community with a $5,000 check, with money raised from their annual fundraiser.

The presentation was made at Stingray Chevrolet. President Ralph Girard of the Corvette Club presented the check to Marsha Passmore, Unity in the Community chair.

Courtesy photo

The $5,000 check was presented to Unity in the Community.

Vettes Club donates to Unity Members from the Tampa Bay Vettes Club presented Unity in the Community with a $5,000 check, with money raised from their annual fundraiser.

The presentation was made at Stingray Chevrolet. President Ralph Girard of the Corvette Club presented the check to Marsha Passmore, Unity in the Community chair.

Beveard beats Martin, 6-5 Plant City Little League’s top 5/6 Tee Ball team wowed the crowd under the big-league lights Monday, May 15.

Team Beveard beat Team Martin, 6-5, in the division’s championship game at Plant City Stadium, 1900 S. Park Road.

Officer honored at Optimist Club dinner The Plant City Police Department’s 2017 Officer of the Year, Joshua Snyder, was honored again at a Monday, May 15, event.

Snyder, a senior officer, was honored at the 2017 Plant City Optimist Club Respect for Law Dinner, held annually to show appreciation for those sworn to serve Plant City. He was presented with a plaque.

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CHARTER SCHOOL SET TO OPEN DOORS IN PLANT CITY

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FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2017

TIMELINE Lighthouse Academies has expanded to six states since the first school opened in 2004.

2004

Bronx Lighthouse Charter School opens in September with 128 students

2005

Lighthouse Academies opens schools in Indiana (Indianapolis Lighthouse and Gary Lighthouse).

2006

The Lighthouse Network expands to Chicago, Illinois, with the opening of Bronzeville Lighthouse Charter School as well as two other schools in northwest Indiana

2009

Lighthouse opens Jacksonville Lighthouse Charter School in Jacksonville, Arkansas The first Lighthouse College Prep Academies open in Gary and Indianapolis Lighthouse Academies enrolls 4,300 students and has close to 500 staff members

2010

The third College Prep Academy opens in Gary, Indiana

ICan Lighthouse Charter Academy, led by Plant City native Theresa Williams, offers an art-infused curriculum that aims to prepare students for college.

EMILY TOPPER MANAGING EDITOR

When the 2017-2018 school year starts, educator Theresa Williams will have her newest title: principal of ICan Lighthouse Charter Academy, a year-round, tuition-free school that offers an art-infused curriculum.

The school will operate out of the First Baptist Church of Plant City campus, 503 N. Palmer St. In its first year, the school will offer curriculum for kindergarten through fifth grade.

The school is partnered with Lighthouse Academies, a nonprofit network of charter schools that operates 19 schools throughout the nation.

The nonprofit seeks to address the achievement gap created by income inequalities by preparing students for college through art-infused programs, according to its website. Academies operate on a 190-day calendar.

According to the Lighthouse website, the schedule is “true to our uncompromising focus on preparing every student for college.”

“I’m prepared to be the complete educator,” Williams said. “I’ve done high school, middle school, college.

I’m ready to work with the babies.”

Williams is “homegrown,” she said.

She’s a Plant City native, and has been an area educator for the last 19 years.

“I’m from Plant City,” Williams said. “I’m raising my family here.”

Williams graduated from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s College of Education. She then returned to her hometown, teaching at the collegiate level and at Turkey Creek Middle School. Most recently, she served as an assistant principal at Durant High School.

Williams said the opportunity to work at the charter school, which is expected to have between 250 to 326 students and about 20 staff members in its first year, will be unlike anything she’d done before. For example, she said, teachers can create a song or dance to help students memorize a math lesson.

“I like that it was different from what I was used to,” Williams said.

“It’s art-infused, so the teachers are tasked with the skill set to teach art through curriculum, such as dance, art or drama. The teachers are tasked with making the curriculum come alive through aspects of art.”

NEW SCHOOL ON THE BLOCK

ICan is the brainchild of founder Zenobia Cann, who serves as the academy’s board chair.

Cann became familiar with Plant City when she met Pastor Calvin Callins Sr., the pastor of Greater New Hope Anointed Ministries.

At the time, Cann said, Callins had a prodigy program at W.E. Phillips Learning Academy, another charter school started by Cann in Seffner.

Metropolitan Lighthouse Charter School opens in New York

2011

IF YOU GO

Pine Bluff Lighthouse Charter School opens in Pine Bluff, Arkansas

ICAN ENROLLMENT FAIR When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, May 20 Where: ICan Lighthouse Charter Academy, 503 N. Palmer St. Includes: Meeting staff and board, school tour and giveaways

Three more Lighthouse College Prep Academies open, located in New York and Indiana.

2012 Phillips closed in 2014 due to low enrollment, Cann said.

But she saw a need in Plant City.

“We wanted to be an extension of the public school system,” Cann said. “The district needed help with overcrowding in the lower grades. We looked at demographics and population, and we found pockets in Plant City.”

With a need discovered, the school needed a location. Callins introduced Cann to First Baptist Plant City, which is relocating to a larger campus at 3309 James L. Redman Parkway later this year. The church had enough space for the school’s classrooms and activities, which will primarily take place on the first and second floor of the Palmer Street building.

For Cann, bringing in someone to run the academy who has experience in Plant City was a necessity.

“That was important for us,” Cann said. “We’re asking the community to entrust us with their little ones. It was imperative that we found someone who knew Plant City. She left and went off to college, but what does she do? She came back.”

Though the school has a high focus on art in its curriculum, Florida statutes require that charter schools follow state-mandated assessments. In addition to those, Cann said, internal assessments also will be conducted.

“We’ll do those not only to know where they are, but to celebrate even minute accomplishments,” Cann said. “We want to celebrate every step of the way, every milestone between point A and B.” In the next few years, Cann and Williams hope that the school will continue to add grades up to eighth grade. For a long-term vision, they hope that ICan will eventually offer kindergarten through 12th grade.

At its First Baptist location, Williams and Cann said, the school has room to expand. Enrollment is open.

According to the Hillsborough County School District’s website, 40 charter schools operated in the county in the 2016-2017 year, serving 17,883 students that totals 8.3% of the district’s 214,749 students between kindergarten and 12th grade.

Tulsa Lighthouse Charter School opens in Tulsa, Oklahoma

2013 Photos by Emily Topper

Top: The charter school will operate out of the First Baptist Church of Plant City campus, 503 N. Palmer St. Above: Zenobia Cann, founder, and Theresa Williams, principal, hope to create a school that will prepare students for college with arts-infused curriculum.

LIGHTHOUSE ACADEMIES STATISICS

The first classes at Gary Lighthouse Charter School and Indianapolis Lighthouse Charter School graduate. 100% of graduates were accepted to four-year colleges or universities, earning more than $3 million in scholarships collectively.

2014

19

Schools

3

5

NEW YORK SCHOOLS

1

Number of states

ILLINOIS SCHOOL

7,587 2015-2016 enrollment

5

ARKANSAS SCHOOLS

LIGHTHOUSE ACADEMIES DEMOGRAPHICS

8%

7

WHITE

INDIANA SCHOOLS

3%

OTHER

2015

The first graduating class at Bronx Lighthouse Charter School had above a 90% graduation rate.

Indianapolis Lighthouse Charter School – East in Indianapolis, Indiana, opens in August for grades 7-9. The school will grow to serve through grade 12.

Capital City Lighthouse Charter School in North Little Rock, Arkansas, opens in August for grades K-6.

18%

HISPANIC

71%

1

99% of graduates were accepted to four-year colleges or universities, earning more than $3 million in scholarships collectively.

BLACK

OKLAHOMA SCHOOL

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

Source: Lighthouse-Academies.org

Tulsa Lighthouse Charter School expands to second campus to house the Upper Academy.

Oklahoma City Lighthouse Charter School opens in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in August.

3

4

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2017

FEEDING FRENZY DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

THE CAPTAIN’S SHIP FISH MARKET

When Darnell Cole, a retired education administrator, moved to Plant City about three years ago with his wife, Theresa, a nurse at Ultimate Medical Academy in Tampa, he knew he wanted to start a small business. He just wasn’t sure what that would be.

“I asked people around what was needed,” Darnell Cole said. “The more people I talked to, this (a fish market) kept coming up.”

About one month ago, Darnell Cole unfurled the sails of The Captain’s Ship Fish Market, a small storefront on Baker Street selling a selection of fresh fish and seafood.

While the store’s primary function is as a seafood market, it offers limited menu items including a fried fish sandwich and, soon, fish and chips.

The sandwich can be made with any fish from the day’s fresh selection and costs about $8. Served between two slices of white bread with lettuce, tomato and mustard, do not be fooled by this sandwich’s simplicity.

APPLE BERRIES

Apple Berries opened in early May, taking over the location of the defunct Plant City Cafe in the Village at Walden Lake Plaza, and is the product of a lifetime’s worth of restaurant experience.

Husband-and-wife duo Sheree and Ronnie Hess are the owners. Sheree Hess has been working in restaurants for more than 30 years, since she was about 15 years old. Finally, Ronnie Hess said, the couple felt it was time to have a place of their own.

Breakfast items such as waffles ($4.50, $5.50 for Belgian), made with a homemade batter, and pancakes customizable with options such as chocolate chip-walnut ($3.99 for a short stack, $4.99 for a full stack), have proven popular, Ronnie Hess said.

They’ve also had success with burgers.

“We do a high-end burger,” Ronnie Hess said. “Everybody loves the burger.”

Ronnie and Sheree even have their own signature burgers. Sheree’s Blue Burger ($8.49) is topped with blue cheese and Ron’s Breakfast Burger ($9.25) is topped with bacon, egg and

HIBACHI EXPRESS

Restaurants offering Far East fare might be few and far between in Plant City, but with the opening of Hibachi Express in the Walden Woods shopping center, a new option is growing in popularity.

Hibachi Express is a counter service restaurant offering freshly prepared Japanese dishes. Highlights of the Hibachi Express menu include an assortment of maki, the ubiquitous seaweed-wrapped Japanese sushi rolls, and hibachi entrees, meat and vegetables prepared in the Japanese Teppanyaki style made popular by American hibachi-grill restaurants.

With lunch specials priced at $6.95 between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily, diners can choose two rolls from a lunch selection, or hibachi entrees served with fried rice and mixed vegetables. All lunch specials come with a fountain drink.

The new restaurant on the block also offers dinner options. With portions larger than those of the lunchtime menu, dinner pricing for hibachi entrees (vegetarian, steak, shrimp or salmon served with fried rice, mixed vegetables and a salad) ranges from $8.95 to $11.95.

For the restaurant, quality and presentation are part of the deal customes get when they walk in the door.

According to the restaurant’s staff, the Snow Mountain Roll (imitation

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER Locally owned by Ed Verner, Karen Berry, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes The Plant City Times & Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC, a jointventure of the Tampa Bay Times and Plant City Observer LLC.

1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103 Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850 www.PlantCityObserver.com ©Copyright Plant City Media LLC 2014 All Rights Reserved

FROM PCHS PAGE 1

IF YOU GO THE CAPTAIN’S SHIP FISH MARKET Location: 3418 W. Baker St. Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday Cuisine: Fresh fish sandwiches, fish and chips

The freshness of the fish is bolstered by a homemade batter’s flavor. The other sandwich add-ons complement the fish and allow it to shine, creating a lunchtime snack.

Darnell Cole said the Captain’s Ship will soon offer a “buy two, get one free” special on sandwiches between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Fish isn’t the only thing on Darnell Cole’s mind. He hopes the Captain’s Ship will “provide quality, fresh seafood to Plant City and surrounding communities, then take those resources and put something back into the community. That’s important, too.”

Photos by Daniel Figueroa IV

Velma Holloman, an employee at The Captain’s Ship Fish Market, with the fried fish sandwich.

“One incident is not reflective of the entire school, our culture, or our staff.”

IF YOU GO

— Susan Sullivan, PCHS principal

APPLE BERRIES Location: 1701 S. Alexander St., Suite 108 Hours: 7 a.m to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday Cuisine: Breakfast and lunch, specializing in American and Latin American foods.

cheese.

The Hess family is particularly proud of their Latin American offerings. A more than 40-year-old recipe is used for deviled crab ($4.49) they get from Ybor City, and an Ybor City Classic Cuban ($6.49 for a 6-inch and $8.49 for a 9-inch) is made with ham, salami, swiss cheese and house-made roast pork.

Ronnie Hess said he was excited to come to Plant City, which he sees as a welcoming community.

“Everybody is awesome out here,” Ronnie Hess said. “The people are super nice. They treat you like you are at home around here. It’s a lot different that Tampa.”

Chocolate chip-walnut pancakes at Apple Berries.

IF YOU GO HIBACHI EXPRESS Location: 2218 James L. Redman Parkway Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday. 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sunday Cuisine: Japanese

crab meat, shrimp tempura and avocado topped with spicy mayonnaise and crunch, $8.95) has become one of the most popular items.

Salmon, which can be easy to overcook and is rare in quick-serve settings, was flavorful and moist. The vegetables were also well-cooked, served reasonably al-dente without turning to mush.

The Plant City location is the latest franchise of this growing chain. Hibachi Express also has a sister restaurant in Lakeland, located at 5351 N. Socrum Loop. Both locations offer the same hours for customers.

Contact Daniel Figueroa IV at dfigueroa@plantcityobserver.com.

Because the conversations between the teachers and their friends were made on their personal cell phones and during personal time — many of the conversations took place during the students’ winter break — the school district determined that no further action was needed by the professional standards department.

On Monday, March 27, Ware received a letter from the district stating that the case had been officially closed.

At the end of the letter, Johnny Bush, general manager of professional standards for the school district, wrote, “It is my opinion that your coworkers did not use professional discernment, however; their actions do not warrant disciplinary action by this office ... It is the District’s expectations that all employees will conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.”

Paul has served with the Hillsborough County School District since 2002, and Ware since 2003. McConnell has served since 2010.

Neither Paul nor Ware have had a previous OPS reprimand, according to school records. McConnell has received one prior letter of reprimand.

Ware did not respond to requests for comment.

Plant City High School Principal Susan Sullivan said that Ware came to her about the text messages in January. At the time, Sullivan said, she contacted school district’s Office of Professional Standards. In addition to the ethics course that teachers take once per year, they are advised to act professionally. “(The staff) is told to be careful and professional in conduct,” Sullivan said.

She added that, despite the incident between the teachers, PCHS students have had a ‘banner year.’

“I don’t want this to give the kids any reason to not celebrate ... at their upcoming Baccalaureate or graduation.”

Sullivan also said the incident is not a reflection of Plant City High School as a whole.

“Our kids have done great things and will continue to do great things,” she said. “This community has been supportive of them. Once incident is not reflective of the entire school, our culture, or our staff.”

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

Snow Mountain Roll and Spicy Tuna Roll at Hibachi Express.

CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Fridays. It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City. The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103.

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Ware filed the report Monday, Jan. 30, Ware also stated that her fellow teachers “took and shared photos” of both Ware and students without permission.

Ware’s allegations involve fellow agriculture teacher Michael Paul, 40, and Ware’s department chair, Julia McConnell, 33.

Verizon text messages acquired by the Hillsborough County School District show text messages between Paul, McConnell and two of their friends.

Both of the friends are involved in local agriculture, but are not teachers at Plant City High School.

Records of conversations provided by the school district begin on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, and continue through Sunday, Jan. 8.

In the conversations, the teachers shared screenshots of Ware’s Facebook posts, including one about her attendance at cattle shows. After sharing one in the group text message, Paul, McConnell and their friends made sexually charged jokes about Ware. Discussion that followed included conversation about powdered sugar, lubricant and gloves.

Ware was occasionally in the group messages that occur through January.

In the private threads both about Ware and other unrelated topics, McConnell made multiple mentions about deleting the group thread.

Call Al Berry, Sarah Holt or Danny Crampton at (813) 704-6850.

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To contact us, send your information via: Email: Emily Topper, etopper@ PlantCityObserver.com.

Mail: The Plant City Times & Observer, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33563

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Observer

Publisher / Karen Berry, kdberry@inthefieldmagazine.com Managing Editor / Emily Topper, etopper@ PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline, jkline@ PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Daniel Figueroa IV, DFigueroa@ PlantCityObserver.com Editorial Designer / C.J. Major, cmajor@yourobserver.com Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor of In the Field / Sarah Holt, sarah@ inthefieldmagazine.com

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” — Friedrich Hayek, “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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5

FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2017

City takes first step to control trash removal for residents, businesses

STAFF WRITER

Plant City is getting ready to take out the trash — all of it.

During a Monday, May 15, special meeting, City Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve an interlocal agreement that would have Plant City take over solid waste collection for areas annexed into the city after 1983.

“Water and sewer services are already provided to those citizens by the city.

Entering into this agreement allows us to provide more comprehensive services to our citizens. The City of Plant City servicing Plant City citizens makes sense.”

— City Attorney Ken Buchman

The Solid Waste Disposal and Resource Recovery Act of 1983 allowed Hillsborough County to retain control of solid waste removal for certain parts of unincorporated Hillsborough County, even if those areas were annexed into other cities.

“Water and sewer services are already provided to those citizens by the city,” City Attorney Ken Buchman said. “Entering into this agreement allows us to provide more comprehensive services to our citizens. The

Contact Daniel Figueroa IV at dfigueroa@plantcityobserver.com.

POPPELL

Photo courtesy, Tampa Bay Times

Kim Leinbach is the current mayor of Temple Terrace.

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would not have enough time to get the announcement out and follow their selection process in enough time to make the May 19 deadline.”

A vote to make an offer to an interim city manager will take place at the Friday, May 19, meeting, Lott said.

“I’m voting Friday morning,” Lott said. “As long as there is a motion and a second, I am voting Friday morning.”

Leinbach, 68, is the only person to submit a resume for the interim city manager position so far. He became mayor of Temple Terrace on Nov. 8, 2016, and had served as its city manager between 1999 and 2013 before that. He also served as an interim city manager during the summer of 2016, working in Mount Dora for about five months.

Leinbach said he would prefer to submit his letter of resignation during a Temple Terrace City Council meeting ff he is offered and accepts the position, but should be able to accommodate Plant City’s urgent schedule. Temple Terrace holds city council meetings on the first and third Tuesday of every month and has its next meetings scheduled for Tuesday, May 16 and Tuesday, June 6.

Leinbach said he found out about the available position through the network of people he knows from his time in city management, and that he looks forward to the prospect of serving Plant City. He also said he has no interest in the position on a permanent basis.

“I think it’s an outstanding city,” Leinbach said. “I think it has its act together. It would be an honor to serve Plant City. I’ve done city management since I left college, sometimes it’s hard to stop.”

Leinbach said he would be in attendance during the special commission meeting at 9 a.m. Friday, April 19 in the Sadye Gibbs Martin Auditorium at City Hall, 302 W. Reynolds St. Contact Daniel Figueroa IV at dfigueroa@plantcityobserver.com.

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son said. “There is still sufficient time in that present timeline to get a lot done. Just acting on haste and making an appointment based on a resume alone…that would not be the way I would choose to act on placing an interim city manager appointment.

We have insufficient information at this point.”

Mayor Rick Lott, who indicated early support for Leinbach and said he understood both sides, served as a moderator of sorts as the pros and cons of making a quick selection were debated. Sparkman issued an early motion to offer Leinbach the position.

Kilton issued, and later withdrew, a second to that motion, paving the way for Friday’s meeting.

City commissioners are in overdrive to select an interim city manager before current City Manager Mike Herr’s last day, Friday June 2. Herr announced in early May that he’d be leaving Plant City to become Winter Haven’s city manager. Commissioners indicated whoever is selected to become the interim city manager would have to start five days before Herr’s departure to ease the transition, making the selection process even more urgent.

“We have a very short timeline here,” Kilton said. “With our exiting city manager on June the second, in my mind, we’d almost want someone to be here that last week that he’s here for transition. Really, we’re talking about making a decision by this time next week at the latest.”

Lott called a special meeting Monday, May 8, to discuss the interim city manager position, during which commissioners voted to reconvene with a list of potential applicants. Dodson indicated the Florida League of Cities could provide qualified and vetted applicants through a Senior Advisor program. Plant City, Dodson said, had successfully used similar League of Cities programs in the past to select a city manager.

Dodson was tasked with bringing those names to the Monday, May 15, meeting. However, because the commission did not have a vote to provide the League of Cities with a job announcement, Dodson said the League of Cities could not provide the names.

Following Monday’s vote to send the job announcement to the the League of Cities, the League would have had until Thursday to get the names of any candidates to the City so they may attend Friday’s meeting. According to the office of the clerk, it had not yet received a draft of the announcement for the League by Tuesday afternoon.

Later that day, the clerk’s office said it was advised by the League that “they

renewal period (Sept. 30, 2020),” Herr said in the agenda report.

The Hillsborough County Commission will vote on its portion of the agreement during a Board of County Commissioners meeting at 9 a.m.

Wednesday, June 7 in the County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa.

0003578756-01

FROM CITY MANAGER PAGE 1

Daniel Figueroa IV

The City of Plant City will soon handle trash removal for all residents and businesses.

239061

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV

City of Plant City servicing Plant City citizens makes sense.”

The Hillsborough County Commission will also have to approve the agreement, but commissioners seemed confident the deal would go through.

“It’s because of the relationships we’ve built in the county (that) we got this done,” Commissioner Mary Mathis said. “I can’t wait to see what else we can get done with the county commissioners and their staff.”

If the deal goes through, City Manager Mike Herr indicated in an agenda report that the city could generate income.

“The proposed ordinance will result in an estimated increase in cumulative net operating income of $7.6 million during the next 10 years for the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund,” Herr said in the report.

Commissioner Nate Kilton said the agreement “allows us to better serve our citizens and community in a way that will be sustainable for the future of Plant City.”

According to Vice-Mayor Bill Dodson, the deal was a long time coming and one that brings Plant City closer together. He said it’s taken the work of three administrations to make it happen. Mayor Rick Lott commended the efforts of Buchman to negotiate and finalize the agreement.

“This was a hard one, and you brought it home,” Lott said.

Under the agreement, Plant City will take over solid waste removal for all residential areas of the city annexed after the 1983 Act as of Jan. 1, 2018.

Commercial properties would remain under county control until the “termination of the County’s contracts for the collection of solid waste - either at the end of the renewal period (Sept. 30, 2023) or at the end of the initial period if the County chooses not to extend the contracts into the

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PLANT CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY PUBLIC NOTICE April 21, 2017

DATE: JUNE 6, 2017 TIME: 4:00 p.m.

PLACE: Plant City Housing Authority 1306 Larrick Lane Plant City, FL 33563 The Purpose of the hearing is to obtain input from the city residents in reference to the Capital Fund Five-Year Plan submission to be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for grant year beginning 2017 and ended 2021.

Total estimated grant funds are based on the last actual capital fund grant awarded for 2016 in the amount of $254,350. All residents are encouraged to attend this hearing. A copy of the Capital Fund Five-Year Action plan will be available for review from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. prior to public hearing at the address below. Persons can also submit written comments prior to public hearing to:

Plant City Housing Authority |1306 Larrick Lane, Plant City, FL 33563 For Further information please contact Patricia Dexter, Executive Director at (813) 752-0569.

238844

Commissioners approved an interlocal agreement with Hillsborough County to take over trash service in areas of the city added after 1983.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

|

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2017

We asked: How do you feel about the American Health Care Act (AHCA) passing the U.S. House?

COPS CORNER

MAY 8

The following information was gathered from incident and arrest reports obtained from the Plant City Police Department.

DUDE, YOU GOT A DELL 4310 block of Kipling Avenue.

Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant who stated unknown suspect(s) entered her unlocked Dodge Journey overnight and stole a Dell laptop computer and $10 in cash.

MAY 5

PRY BEFORE YOU BUY 900 block of West Baker Street.

Burglary: Officers met with complainant who stated unknown suspect(s) pried open his home’s back door and stole a PlayStation 3 video game console, several video games and DVDs.

MAY 9

MYSTERY SHOPPER 2910 block of Spring Hammock Drive.

Fraud: Officer met with complainant who stated she had found that an unknown suspect used her credit card information to open a J.C. Penney credit card in her name in Virginia.

MAY 6

HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT 900 block of South Evers Street.

Trespassing on school property: Officers responded to a report of a subject walking on the roof of an elementary school and arrested a juvenile.

“Someone’s trying to come up with one bright idea.

You can’t come in and try to make all these quick decisions. Are they really listening to their constituents?”

“We change administrations every four years and things like the ACA get dismantled and taken apart regardless of their merit. They don’t have something tested or even better.”

— Eric Newark, 53

— Scott Smallwood, 61

CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT 1510 block of South Alexander Street.

Battery: Officers responded to a convenience store and met with complainant who stated a female customer had struck her during an argument. The subject was identified and contacted, and she stated that the complainant threw a soda on her. Neither party wished to press charges, and waivers of prosecution were signed. The store’s manager requested that the subject be trespassed from the property.

MAY 7

“I feel good about it. I’m hoping deductibles fall for everyone.”

“I’m concerned about medicare. I don’t want all the cuts. I still want to be able to afford health insurance.”

— Shawn Shepherd, 54

— Leslie Puckett, 64

“I’m hoping to see lower costs.”

LOCK YOUR CARS 800 block of North Tever Street.

Vehicle burglary: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) entered her unlocked vehicle overnight and stole her Social Security card, as well as various credit cards. The credit cards were then used at a Wal-Mart.

CAUGHT RED-HANDED 700 block of East Calhoun Street.

Attempted burglary: Officers met with complainant who stated a juvenile subject attempted to break into his home by breaking a window lock and a door. The subject was located and admitted guilt in the incident. Complainant declined to press charges and signed a waiver of prosecution, but wanted the incident documented.

MYSTERY SUBSTANCE 300 block of South Frontage Road.

Criminal mischief: Officer met with complainant who stated unknown suspect(s) damaged the front windshield of his Jeep Cherokee SUV by throwing an unknown substance onto it. The incident occurred between 9 a.m. and 12:40 p.m. Tuesday, May 9.

MAY 10

WORST STEREO THIEF EVER 3320 block of Silverpond Drive.

Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant who stated an unknown suspect entered his unlocked Ford F-150 pickup truck between 12:30 and 1:20 a.m. Wednesday, May 10, and attempted to steal the vehicle’s stereo system. Suspect was unable to remove the unit from the dashboard, but did cause damage to the dash. No other damage was found, and nothing was stolen.

MAY 11

MOTHER-DAUGHTER BONDING 2800 block of James L. Redman Parkway.

Retail theft: Complainant stated that two female subjects, a mother and a daughter, were stopped by a store’s Loss Prevention team under suspicions of shoplifting. Complainant stated the mother struck a Loss Prevention officer in the face in the process. Stolen items were found on the daughter’s person. The daughter was arrested and taken to jail for a felony offense, and the mother was released with a court date for simple battery.

“I’d like to see more of a collaborative effort between democrats and republicans.”

— Jack Shepherd, 56

MAY 5

CLEANED OUT 310 block of Park Spring Circle.

Residential burglary: Complainant reported that unknown suspect(s) had stolen various electronics and other items from her apartment. The stolen goods were valued together at $11,595.

— Dewayne Wright, 44

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Adam Putnam makes campaign stop at FSGA

|

7

FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2017

TLM P ROPERT Y C ARE “Weekly or Monthly Payments”

T ony R amos o wneR

The Florida Commissioner of Agriculture hit the trail for governor in May, with one of his first stops in Dover.

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ticians aspire to be someone. I don’t think he’s done this out of aspiration, I think he did it out of obligation.”

Cheered on by constituents, when Putnam took the microphone he said that there was “so much more to be done.”

“Not only are we Americans, but we get to call Florida home,” Putnam said. “I think we can build a stronger, better Florida, even more than we have right now.”

As of press time, Putnam’s only declared Republican opponent is Dr. Usha Jain, a Lake Butler-based physician. Declared Democrats include Tallahassee mayor Andrew Gillum, former U.S. Rep Gwen Graham and Winter Park businessman Chris King.

Putnam’s action plan is outlined on his website and follows many of his conservative principles, including supporting law enforcement officers and giving parents a voice in education.

“I’ve got four kids in the public school system right now,” Putnam said. “We need to put parents in charge (of education) and give them choices.”

Improving education, he said, goes beyond the classroom.

“We need to provide job training and marketable skills for students when they graduate high school,” Putnam said. “We can build a Florida ... where, when students graduate from Plant City or Bartow ... they don’t have to leave town to find a job.

We can reverse that flow, and become the magnet for talent. That’s what Florida can be.”

At least one Florida teacher in the

GARAGE DOOR REPAIR & SERVICE, LLC audience supported him. Buddy Coleman, 45, grew up in Dover and is an ag teacher at Turkey Creek Middle School. He plans on voting for Putnam.

“I’ve traveled on the ag leadership team for ag teachers last year,” Coleman said. “He seems like he’s always tried to make a difference.”

“Our diversity is our strength,” Putnam said. “No one’s going to outwork us, no one’s going to outwork me. We can prove to the nation and to the world that Florida is the launchpad for the American Dream.”

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Once the bus drove up the driveway of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, the crowd began chanting: Adam! Adam! Adam!

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam took his time entering the building off of Lewis Gallagher Road in Dover, stopping to talk to 4-H and FFA students who had signed in guests at the event.

“A lot of us in this room have been waiting for this day for years,” Rep. Jake Raburn (R-Lithia), who represents District 57 in the Florida House including Valrico and Brandon, said.

The ‘Up and Adam’ breakfast at FSGA drew dozens of supporters for Putnam Thursday, May 11.

Putnam filed papers to run for the gubernatorial seat in 2018 Monday, May 1. He was of the first Republicans to enter the race.

“Finally,” Rep. Dan Raulerson (R-Plant City), who represents District 58 in the Florida House, including Plant City, Dover and Thonotosassa, said. “Finally, Adam Putnam is running for governor.”

Prior to the FSGA breakfast, Putnam delivered his first speech as a candidate Wednesday, May 10, in his hometown of Bartow.

Putnam has served as the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture since 2011, and was re-elected in 2014.

After graduating from the University of Florida, Putnam was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1996, at age 22. He represented District 63, serving areas including Lutz and Lake Magdalene, until 2000.

He then served in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Florida’s 12th district of Pasco and parts of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, until 2011.

At the FSGA breakfast, Putnam found like-minded supporters. A fifth-generation Floridian, according to his website, Putnam grew up on his family’s cattle ranch and citrus groves in Bartow.

Raulerson was tasked with introducing Putnam at the breakfast.

“How do you introduce someone that everyone already knows?” Raulerson said. “We’ve watched him grow up politically, and we’ve watched him grow in to the statesman that he is today.”

Raulerson mentioned Fresh From Florida, an initiative started by Putnam that supports Florida agriculture and its farmers, as a highlight of Putnam’s political leadership thus far.

“That’s the kind of of leadership and innovation that we need in the governor’s mansion,” Raulerson said.

“I do not like career politicians. I look at Adam as a statesman. Career poli-

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Guests chowed down at 1916 Irish Pub while participating in raffles for food and wine, giveaways from local businesses and more.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

|

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2017

Photos by Justin Kline

Durant students were excited for their big night.

Cougars go ‘Around the World’ O

n Saturday, May 13, Durant students learned they were now free to move around the dance floor.

The school's prom, held in Riverview at the Regent, had an "Around the World" theme that invited students to get "Prom Passports" and visit stations representing countries including Italy, France, Mexico and more.

Jenna Farnum and Morgan Middleton checked students in at the door.

— JUSTIN KLINE

Tamara Hanson, Victoria Isgett and Jazmyn Johnson

Students received passports and could take their own "passport pictures.”

Sierra Flood and James Runey Samantha Gipson and Channon Clifton

Marlesha Jack and Shayun Bryant

Seniors charge forward

S

trawberry Crest High School seniors celebrated their upcoming graduation with a dinner Tuesday, May 4, at the school.

After chowing down on Chick-fil-A sandwiches in the cafeteria, students headed to the auditorium to watch their senior slideshow.

SCHS seniors will graduate Friday, May 26.

—EMILY TOPPER

Photos by Emily Topper

Crest juniors Andrea Ramos, Meghan Sorg, Jenna Wolfe, Krista Garcia and Alee Judge.

Students watched their senior slideshow Tuesday, May 4.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

|

FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2017

9

Plant City participates in

Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge

The Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District sponsored the event, held between Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 30.

Photos by Daniel Figueroa IV

Above: The Plant City Lions Club planted 20,000 wildflower seeds at McIntosh Park as part of the Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge.

Left: Lions Club members fight with tools at McIntosh Park.

Far left: Wildflowers were spread along a 30-by-30 foot tract.

Below: Jean Ann, David and Robbie Davenport helped spread wildflower seeds.

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

Members of the Plant City community recently participated in the Plant City-led Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge, a series of events aimed at raising awareness and accountability for conservation of natural resources.

The events took place from Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, through Sunday, April 30, Arbor Day weekend.

The event was sponsored by the Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District, an organization based in Plant City. According to conservation district board member Mark Proctor, the challenge aimed to “create a greater awareness of the critical need for conservation in urban, suburban and rural communities.”

According to the United Nations, the world’s population will reach 9 billion by 2050. In 2011, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations released a report stating that food production would need to increase by 70% to sustain that number. The report also cited climate change and poor farming practices as leading sources of a decrease in farm productivity, calling for major intensification of sustainable production methods throughout the world’s farmlands.

“People don’t think about it,” Proctor said. “But if we don’t increase food production by 70% in the next

40 years, we will be confronted with mass starvation due to our burgeoning population.”

Betty Jo Tompkins, executive director of the Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District, said dozens of projects took place in Plant City and surrounding areas during the challenge. In one of the first events, the Plant City Lions Club helped plant 20,000 wildflower seeds in McIntosh Park.

“The goal of this effort is to increase the pollination by bees that is essential for crop production,” Tompkins said. “In fact, bumblebees have just been placed on the endangered species list, and out of over 2,000 species of bees, only seven actually produce honey.”

Additionally, Hillsborough County

Commission Chairman Stacy White visited Blues Berry Farms, where owners Susan and Scot Dumke demonstrated their conservation methods. The farm uses a large field fan to help control temperatures at night, employs numerous nuisance animal deterrents and uses micro-drip irrigation, a system that provides precise levels of water and nutrients to a plant’s root zone.

“We were thrilled with the involvement of so many groups from throughout Hillsborough County,” Tompkins said. “(We) are already signing up clubs and individuals for next year’s event.

Contact Daniel Figueroa IV at dfigueroa@plantcityobserver.com.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

|

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2017

SATURDAY, MAY 20

BRING YOUR OWN ART PARTY AT OFF THE TRACKS GALLERY Takes place from 4 to 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 20, at Off the Tracks Gallery, 119 E. Reynolds St. Bring art to work on and get feedback from other artists. Call (813) 495-8807.

ONGOING

BEST BET FRIDAY, MAY 19

NRG SING OUT LOUD! TALENT SHOW Begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 19, at Plant City Entertainment, 101 N. Thomas St. Next Radical Generation will host a talent show for aspiring musicians. Tickets are available at NRG.TicketLeap.com/NRG.

1982 PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RING CEREMONY Begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the Florida Strawberry Festival Expo Hall, 303 N. Lemon St. The members of the 1982 Plant City High School basketball team will be honored with rings for winning the 1982 state championship. Tickets are available at PCHS1982.com.

PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS CLUB #4051 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Thursdays at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 S. Evers St., Plant City. New members welcome.

MONDAY, MAY 22

ACOUSTIC HAPPY HOUR 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

PLANT CITY AREA DEMOCRATS MEETING Begins at 6 p.m. Monday, May 22, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. City Commissioner Mary Thomas Mathis will speak about the City of Plant City’s current and future issues.

BINGO 6:30 p.m. Saturdays, at American Legion Post 26, 2207 W. Baker St. There is a full kitchen.

CITY COMMISSION MEETING Begins at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 302 W. Reynolds St.

CHRISTIAN MUSIC 6:33 to 8:33 p.m. Thursdays, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220.

THURSDAY, MAY 25

INTEGRITY BUSINESS REFERRALS LUNCHEON Takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Call Norm Blanton at (813) 326-0749.

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TER S I G E R

PAINTING WITH BETTY FAIRBANKS AT THE CLASSROOM GALLERY Takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. Fridays at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. The cost is $20 per class.

Bring own supplies and references to learn about color theory, design and different techniques. Call (813) 757-3632.

THE CLASSROOM GALLERY 1 to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. Art is on display by members of the East Hillsborough Art Guild.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB 1 p.m. Fridays at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 Carey St. For more information, call Walt Arnold at (813) 752-1602.

KEEL AND CURLEY LIVE MUSIC 6:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100.

KRAZY KUP LIVE MUSIC 8:33 to 10:33 p.m. Saturdays, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220.

O’BRIEN’S LIVE MUSIC 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

OPEN MIC NIGHT 8 p.m. Wednesdays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 7648818.

PLANT CITY CONNECTIONS 8 a.m. Tuesdays, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill, 106 State Road 60 E. This networking group hosts speakers each meeting. Facebook. com/groups/pcityconnections.

PLANT CITY DAYBREAK ROTARY CLUB 7 a.m. Mondays at South Florida Baptist Hospital’s Community Conference Room, 301 N. Alexander St. PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB Noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays at Buddy Freddy’s, 1101 Goldfinch Drive.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

|

11

FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2017

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A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 26, at Wells Memorial Funeral Home and Event Center, W. Reynolds St. The family will Proudly supporting1903 the Plant City Strawberry Festival. receive friends beginning at 10 a.m.

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IRISH LUCK: Dennis and Debbie Gillespie recently took a two-week trip to celebrate Dennis Gillespie’s retirement with their two oldest grandchildren, Austin and Zoe Davis. The family grabbed an Observer photo in front of the Blarney Castle in Cork.

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MADE THE CLIMB: Darryl and Linda Dempsey brought a copy of the newspaper to Mt. Rainier, in Washington.

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Plant City

10/13/16 11:03 AM

MAY 19, 2017

SPORTS

“I want to keep working harder. I want to be the best and I want to make my team proud at being the best.”

— Lexi Moore has stepped up for Plant City softball. SEE PAGE 14

Do you have a good sports scoop for us?

Email Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

Rec & Parks Department promoting summer youth activities Plant City youths have plenty of opportunities to learn and have fun this summer.

The Plant City Recreation & Parks Department is currently promoting four summer sports camps and its two annual, center-focused summer programs. Most events are scheduled to begin in June, and all will run through parts of July and August.

Three of the events will be held in Plant City High School’s gymnasium.

Sports camp registration forms can be found online and downloaded from PlantCityGov.com. Forms must be submitted at least two weeks prior to an event’s start date.

BASKETBALL

First up is the 2017 Summer Basketball Clinic, where youths can learn the game from Raiders varsity coaches Billy Teeden and Danny McIntyre, staffers and players.

The hoops clinic is scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in three sessions. The first session runs Monday, June 5, through Thursday, June 8, the second from Monday, June 19, through Thursday, June 22 and the third from Monday, July 10, through Thursday, July 13. Registration costs $115 per child, per camp. Campers must be between age 6 and 14.

For more information, call Teeden at (813) 967-7551.

Justin Kline

OPEN GYM

Also on deck for June is the 2017 Summer Open Gym, which runs Monday, June 12, through Thursday, July 20.

The free event works in two shifts.

The gym is open for kids age 8 to 17 from 12 to 5 p.m., and open to kids age 16 and older from 5 to 9 p.m. The 8 to 17 gym time will not be available from Monday, June 19, through Thursday, June 22, and from Monday, July 17, through Thursday, July 20. Registration forms for those under age 17 must be completed by a parent or guardian and turned in before the gym can be used.

Those 18 and older must complete an emergency contact card.

For more information, call (813) 6594255.

Plant City softball is all in for Friday’s game.

PCHS SOFTBALL MAKES

STATE FINAL FOUR The Raiders advanced with a 1-0 win over Lakewood Ranch on Friday, May 12.

CHEERLEADING

The 2017 Summer Cheerleading Clinic, run by varsity head coach Karen Snapp and her Raiders team, will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 18, and Wednesday, July 19.

Cheerleaders are asked to bring their own lunches and water bottles, and are required to wear a t-shirt, shorts, sneakers and a hair tie. No jewelry is permitted.

For additional information, contact Snapp at (813) 757-9370, or by email at Karen.Snapp@sdhc.k12.fl.us.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

It took a grueling 11 innings of play, but the Plant City Raiders booked a trip to Vero Beach to play for the 8A state championship with a 1-0 win over the nationally-ranked Lakewood

P.C. Lancers make State Cup final four

SOFTBALL

The Plant City Lancers 2002 Boys team will begin semifinal play Saturday, May 20, for the Florida Youth Soccer Association State Cup.

REC CENTER PROGRAMS

JUSTIN KLINE

The Rec & Parks Department is also promoting a summer softball academy, run by former Plant City High School and Florida Gulf Coast University softball player Makensie McAvoy. Full details for the camp are still to be announced, but the department will take calls at (813) 659-4255.

The city is also still accepting registrations for its Youth Summer Programs.

The program is hosted at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center and the Planteen Recreation Center and, though each nine-week program is independent, both run from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 5, through Friday, Aug. 4. All children enrolling in a program must have at least completed kindergarten, and must present their last report card as proof.

The MLK Rec Center’s program is open to children age 5 to 13, at a cost of $275 per child. The Planteen program is for kids age 6 to 15 at a cost of $375 per child. The fees cover transportation, food, field trips and camp shirts, and payment plans are available for both programs.

For more information about the MLK program, call Lillie Brown at (813) 7579196. For more information about the Planteen program, call Maggie Morona at (813) 659-4256.

Ranch Mustangs on Friday, May 12.

The Raiders picked up the win thanks to some late-game heroics at the plate and Edmilly Molina's quick feet from third base. Making the win even sweeter for Plant City is the fact that it put this team where no other Raiders squad has gone before.

SEE SOFTBALL PAGE 13

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? JUSTIN KLINE

The thrill of college recruiting Sports Editor Justin Kline says there’s nothing in sports quite like the college recruiting scene.

SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

With a 5-5-5 record at the end of their season, the Plant City FC Lancers hit a slump and may not have looked like a tournament contender. But the team proved that not all slumps are meant to last and have completely turned it around in time for the Florida Youth Soccer Association’s 2017 State Cup series.

That 5-5-5 team made it all the way to the round of four, in which it will play over the weekend. “(It took) a lot of hard work,” head coach Roger Kennedy says. “We won because of what we’ve done the last two years. Working hard every day, every week … last year, we didn’t even make it to the second round of State Cup. They’ve improved so much.”

Fatigue, illness and outside commitments (such as the high school season) hurt the 2002 Lancers in the later half of its season, but wouldn’t affect it for good.

As a member of the Florida State Premier League, one of the state’s top youth soccer leagues, the Lancers

"First time in (Plant City High School) history," head coach Ashley Bullion says. "We played our hearts out."

Plant City went into the game as the clear underdog, despite a 21-2 record.

were able to qualify for the State Cup series despite placing eighth out of 16 in the FSPL season. Fifty-one teams participated in the U15 division’s first round of the tournament, back in March, but the 2002 Lancers were not among them — the team received a bye for the round, giving it several extra weeks to regroup and practice.

The 2002 Lancers began their quest for the State Cup in the second round, starting with a Saturday, April 8, 1-0 win over West Pasco FC. The following morning, Plant City FC picked up another 1-0 win, this time over St. Petersburg-based Strictly Soccer FC. Ives Estates Thunder proved to be a SEE SOCCER PAGE 13

Justin Kline

The Lancers practiced for a rematch with Key Biscayne at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex this week.

I

n my opinion, the college recruiting process — especially for football — is the wildest thing in all of amateur sports.

You can’t get that kind of drama anywhere else. Even professional athletes, many of whom get a “diva” label for their over-the-top antics, don’t treat their own contract signings with the same levels of mystery, spectacle and heart as today’s high schoolers do. A pro’s Twitter post is not nearly as exciting as, say, Tahj Rice’s superhero-themed commitment video from this past March, in which he announced his intention to play at Duke.

I’ve seen letters from recruiters that range from traditional, low-key styles to current Florida director of player personnel Drew SEE KLINE PAGE 13

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

MaxPreps.com had Lakewood Ranch ranked as the top team in Florida and eighth in the nation, and the Mustangs had smacked a whopping 43 home runs in 2017. Bullion says that with those stats and that reputation in mind, there was no question that the Raiders weren't going to be favored in the matchup.

That was, possibly, just what Plant City needed.

"We were not picked to win," Bullion says. Being in that situation, I think, took a lot of pressure off the girls, made it more fun for them. They just knew if they played as flawless as possible, we had a good chance."

It wasn't a flawless game for either team, but it was marked by a classic pitchers' duel. Plant City sophomore Ashley Blessin and Lakewood Ranch senior Logan Newton, determined to gain the upper hand, each recorded 15 strikeouts. Bullion says that, by the end of the game, it was apparent that the finish would come down to

one side tiring out or making the first mistake.

That went to Lakewood Ranch.

The game got out of Newton's control in the 11th inning, Plant City's final at-bat. After striking out three times, Molina solved the puzzle and hit a double to get on base. Beka Schulte sent Molina to third base with a single and, on what was to be the fourth ball while attempting to walk Emily Longoria, a passed ball allowed Molina to score from third.

"From the top to the bottom of our lineup, we fought," Bullion says. "We fought every inning. We never got rattled, never felt the urgency, just played our game and capitalized on their mistake."

The Raiders held on for the win and, almost four hours after the first pitch, were elated. Another goal had been met, another dream had been realized and all eyes turned to one final prize.

Plant City will first have to get past Wellington Friday, May 19, to get to the championship game, but whether the team is still the underdog or not,

Bullion says that the girls' "champion mentality" has never been stronger.

"The best I've seen all of them play, ever," Bullion says. "They wanted this for themselves and for each other. The love they have for each other is great ... they truly have the team, family and champion mentality."

Plant City will face Wellington in the first round of states on Friday, May 19, at the Historic Dodgertown complex at Vero Beach. Entering the game, Wellington’s Wolverines sported a 21-6 overall record and had advanced from a 6-5 win over Lake Howell High School in their own regional championship game. Upto-date stats for Wellington were not made available at press time, but the offense averaged just over seven runs scored per game.

Results from the state semifinal game will be viewable online at PlantCityObserver.com.

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THE LANCERS

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FROM SOCCER PAGE 12

thorn in Plant City FC’s side, picking up a 6-0 win over the team on Sunday, April 23, but the Lancers were not eliminated from the tournament.

They bounced back in the round of 16 with a pair of 3-2 wins — one Saturday, May 6, over the Boynton Beach Knights, and one Sunday, May 7, over Tampa Bay United Premier.

“One thing I can say is, we were not lucky,” Kennedy says. “We fought for every single game. We didn’t get any breaks or any lucky games. We worked for everything. They fought for everything.”

The Lancers point out that, as one of the younger teams in the tournament, virtually all of their opponents have been bigger, faster or stronger.

But the team has shown that it’s crafty enough to make up for what it lacks in size.

“Once we get the ball, we counterattack all the way to their side,” midfielder Alexander Vela says. “Then we get chances to score.”

On Saturday, May 20, Plant City FC will face a familiar foe in Key Biscayne SC at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, 2701 Lake Myrtle Park Road, Auburndale.

“We were losing, 2-0,” Kennedy says. “We were without one of our better players. We came back and tied the game, 2-2, so we feel really good about playing this team. There’s no

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Cease negative mental chattering ...

Pessimism blunts the tools you need to succeed.”

– Bruce Lee Puzzle Two Solution: “A good writer turns fact into truth; a bad writer will, more often than not, accomplish the opposite.”

– Edward Albee

This week’s Sudoku answers

The Lancers practice at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex.

pressure on these guys, whatsoever.

We just go out and play.”

Plant City and Key Biscayne are both FSPL teams, and met during the regular season. In that game, the Lancers came back from a two-goal deficit to tie. This time, Plant City FC wants to end the game on a higher note and end the tournament on the

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

highest note.

“I’m excited,” midfielder David Ruiz says. “I think we can go into the final and, hopefully, win the State Cup. I feel like we can win and give them a battle.”

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

JUSTIN KLINE ©2017 NEA, Inc.

FROM KLINE PAGE 12

Hughes (in)famously beginning notes with phrases such as, “WHAT UP, Big Time?!!” His style has been described as both “cool” and “embarrassing” online but, as cheesy as it is for a grown man to write that in a note, I’m leaning toward “cool.”

I’ve been captivated by the aura of a player getting big-time attention. I went to high school with a guy named Marvin Robinson, who had seemingly been recruited by Michigan for forever, and it seemed that everywhere he went — besides school, of course — he had at least one or two guys wearing Michigan gear with him. This was a common sight at the local Gold’s Gym. Marvin carried himself with the confidence of a kid who knows he’s big time, played well for the Lake Region Thunder and eventually did end up in the maize and blue, just as the entire school knew he would.

There’s a sketchier side to the process as well, but that’s not on the kids. Every college football fan has heard the tales of improper benefits used as recruiting tools, whether it was in the form of money, cars or whatever a player needed. You don’t have to look very hard to find someone online grousing about how Alabama and Nick Saban essentially run a car dealership for top recruits, or to learn about the “bag men” who make anonymous payments to athletes. For the latter, there’s a piece

by SB Nation writer Steven Godfrey from April 10, 2014, called “Meet the Bag Man” that offers a fascinating look.

And, before anyone asks, I do not know of any Plant City athletes currently receiving any kind of benefits from college programs. I am also not here to speculate on whether anyone’s going to show up to school in a tricked-out Chevrolet Camaro while wearing a program’s gear next week.

Of course, not all athletes accept

such benefits, if they’re even offered anything at all. Not all programs will go to those extents and start a bidding war for one kid.

As we enter the summer months, many local football players are going to be featured in camps and showcases around the state, if not the country. Though it’s not giving anyone legitimate game film, it is an opportunity to show college scouts, what they’re capable of. I’m hoping that our Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest athletes that make these rounds will find success in the near future, and that they’ll enjoy the ride the whole way through.

After all, you only get this kind of chance once in your life.

Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Times & Observer.

Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

This week’s Crossword answers

2017

168342-1

www.rollysonfearnow.com

239174

The 2002 Boys team has been together for two years.

11 Juan Brito — striker 19 David Ruiz — midfielder 7 Alexander Vela — midfielder 14 Christian Ortiz — midfielder 6 Carlos Morales — right wing 12 Eric Morales — right wing 8 Jonathan Espinoza — left wing (not pictured) 21 Erik Villaseñor — left wing 10 Jorge Leon — right back 17 Zachary Spivey — left back 78 Frankie Morales — left back 18 Andres Sanchez — center back 13 Edgar Posadas — center back 1 Oscar Villanueva — goalkeeper

13

FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2017

239752

FROM SOFTBALL PAGE 12

|

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

|

FOCUS ON FITNESS

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2017

Lexi Moore

DR. JENNIFER CLOSSHEY

Answering readers’ questions

This season has been the best in Plant City High School softball history, and several on the roster are playing the best softball of their amateur careers. That includes junior outfielder Lexi Moore, whose .392 batting average, 31 hits, 21 runs scored and three stolen bases are all second-best on the team. Moore played a big part in helping the Raiders make it to the regional championship game, going 3-for-4 with a run scored against East Bay in the Tuesday, May 9, semifinal.

Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.

Dr. Jennifer Closshey opens up the mailbag to address Plant City readers’ wellness questions.

With so much health-related information coming our way from the news, advertisers and internet, it’s sometimes hard to sort it all out.

Many in Plant City have reached out to me for answers, and I want to thank you all for the great questions you’ve sent.

IS GREEK YOGURT BETTER FOR YOU?

Greek yogurt is high in protein, offering 17 grams of it against only five to seven grams of sugar in a single serving. This thick, extra-tart yogurt mixes well with sweet fruits, such as bananas or pineapple. The Australian yogurts are less thick and only slightly tart, making them better suited for green and tart fruit smoothies. Traditional yogurts work well in all smoothies and are less expensive.

Also consider the other international yogurt on the scene — Icelandic, or ‘Skyr,’ which packs 19 grams of protein per serving. With even less sugar per serving, at two to three grams, Skyr is thicker and more tart than Greek yogurt.

No matter which yogurt you choose, be confident that yogurt is an excellent source of protein, calcium and other important nutrients.

WHY DO I GET DIZZY WHILE WORKING OUT?

Dizziness is an important message from the body indicating something is wrong. Don’t ignore it.

The four main causes of dizziness during exercise are a drop in blood pressure, a drop in blood sugar, the pH level of the blood becoming too acidic or simply holding your breath.

These conditions can happen during and immediately after exercise.

Two ways to stabilize blood pressure include proper warm-ups and cool-downs with each exercise session, as well as staying hydrated.

Blood sugar can be affected by the timing of eating. Try to eat at least three hours before a workout. Eat-

ing too close to exercise can trigger the release of insulin, the hormone that triggers sugar absorption from the blood. Blood sugar drops as the sugars are absorbed.

Intense exercise can build excess lactic acid, thus making the blood too acidic. Adjust your workouts for less intensity until muscle and strength are built up. A little soreness is normal and expected with exercise, but excess soreness can actually slow the progress toward fitness.

You all have a big game this Friday.

What are you most excited for?

I’m just really excited that this is the first time we’re going to states in PCHS history. The team’s just really close. We’re all very excited. We can’t wait to win. We’re ready to go.

DOES EXERCISE REALLY BENEFIT LEARNING?

Research from the Holland Medical Center shows that the timing of working out after class influences learning retention. Study participants who exercised four hours after study had higher retention levels than those who exercised immediately after, or not at all. The secret might be the improved timing of the release of catecholamines, which are natural compounds that improve memory.

Let exercise be a healthy part of your study plan. Include sufficient sleep, proper nutrition and relaxation to keep a balanced approach to learning and living.

What’s it like, being part of the team that’s gone further than every one before it?

It feels amazing. We’re all very close.

We’re like sisters. We’re just ready to stick together and take it all.

That was a tough regional championship game against a nationallyranked team. But you all went out there, played hard and got it done.

What was that game like?

It was very, very long. It wasn’t really stressful. It was, like, going back and forth. It was a very hard battle. Our pitcher did amazing. Ashley Blessin.

I’m very proud of her … we went in there with the mentality of, “Can’t stop, won’t stop,” and we wanted to take it all. We wanted it more.

“WHY DO I HATE TO EXERCISE?”

Believe it or not, years ago, I used to hate to exercise, too. Here’s my secret to turning that attitude around.

Do what you hate the most first in the day. Start your day with exercise.

Getting up an hour earlier is only hard the first week or so. Then, it becomes a habit for the body.

I’m very proud of that. I want to keep working harder. I want to be the best and I want to make my team proud at being the best.

Where have you improved the most?

I would have to say my slapping. I’m left-handed, but I was not a slapper. I usually would just get in the box and hit, and hope for the best. My coach got in the (batting) cage with me one day and said, “We’re going to slap.”

From there on out, I’ve slapped on every at-bat, except for like, one or two … my batting average is high and I’ve worked very hard.

What advice would you give to a freshman joining the team?

I would say that we would welcome you with open arms and we would love for you to come out and try out.

We have a lot of fun, but we are very competitive.

Which athletes do you look up to?

Do you have a favorite?

I do, but it’s not softball. It’s Derek Jeter.

You’re the first softball player in a while who hasn’t told me about Kevin Kiermaier.

Yes. It’s actually Derek Jeter. My whole family loves the Yankees and we admire Derek Jeter.

Looks like you’ve had a pretty good season yourself. How do you feel about your performance this season?

I’m actually very proud of myself and my performance.

I’ve worked very hard. We’ll come out and have batting practice, I’ll go home and I’ll still have my own batting practice. I’ve actually made first team in the conference this year, and

Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative health and YMCA yoga instructor in Plant City. Contact her at JenniferClosshey@gmail.com.

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FORECAST

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, MAY 19

High: 95 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 50%

SATURDAY, MAY 20 High: 94 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 60%

High: 93 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 40%

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Puzzle Two Clue: O equals G ©2017 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

©2017 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

St.

1 Playful mischief-maker 6 Monarch’s domain 11 Double-staged or doublecycled 19 Tummy problem thought to be caused by worry 20 Harmon or Dickinson of TV fame 21 Review again in depth 22 Someone not from around here 24 Not arranged in a straight line 25 Become more inclined?

26 Wooden duck, e.g.

28 Frog’s relative 29 Do in, as a dragon 30 Spring month 32 Wood or Turner of Hollywood fame 35 Group of five 38 “Rolling in the Deep” and “Hello” singer 40 Stars and Stripes country 43 Resistance unit 45 “And now, without further ___ ...”

46 One refusing to adapt 50 Me, in France 51 Blood donation quantity 53 Aahs’ partners 54 Sellers of goods 56 Ghana’s capital 58 Clamped on a workbench 61 Texas-to-Virginia dir.

62 Young’s partner in accounting 63 Seats with three legs 65 Not even a single time 67 Things on bulletin boards 69 Offspring of a male donkey and a female horse 70 Island state in the West Indies 73 “Physician, ___ thyself” 74 Chess moves early in a match 77 Pine tree goo 78 Hymn-playing instruments 81 Nutmeg coats, e.g.

82 Dog’s foot 85 Defeats 87 ___ Hall University 88 Rock from space 90 Far, far from being rich 92 Japanese wrestling 93 Bon ___ (witty remark) 94 Not strictly controlled 99 Like uncooked meat 100 Pie ___ mode 101 “___: Miami” (TV series) 102 Atlanta university 103 Guiding principles 105 Panhandler’s income 108 Quite capable 110 College head 111 ___ Romeo (sports car) 114 Archie Bunker’s wife 116 Some prison movie highlights 120 Like birds that hunt by night 124 What meals provide 126 Bridge support 127 “Understand?”

128 Move into highway traffic 129 Meerschaum part connected to the bowl

6:36a

8:14p

Sunday, May 21

6:35a

8:14p

Monday, May 22

6:35a

8:15p

Tuesday, May 23

6:34a

8:16p

Wednesday, May 24

6:34a

8:16p

Thursday, May 25

6:34a

8:17p

May 21 Last

May 30 First

June 9 Full

County Line Rd.

Park Rd.

Thursday, May 11

0.00

Friday, May 12

0.00

Saturday, May 13

0.00

Sunday, May 14

0.00

Monday, May 15

0.00

Tuesday, May 16

0.00

Wednesday, May 17

0.00

YEAR TO DATE:

MAY TO DATE:

2017

7.73 in.

2017

1.22 in.

2016 11.24 in.

2016

1.77 in.

Lakeland

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WALKER PLAZA 617 N. Maryland Ave., Plant City (813) 752-1548 www.feltonsmarket.com

Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

SJU STTVX BTF WUUM ST XFLLUUM.”

olds

Reyn

HOME PROTECTION PEST CONTROL Steve Paul, Owner

CHOICE MEATS • PRODUCE • GROCERIES

CROSSWORD

LJPSSUIDWZ ... OUXXDEDXE NVFWSX

Baker St.

Felton’s Market

CELEBRITY CIPHER

“LUPXU WUZPSDHU EUWSPV

PLANT CITY

4

Lic. # JB 138531 241092

239270

• Seal and Expunge • DUI • DV Injunction

Visit FeltonsMarket.com for our weekly specials

Maryland Ave.

Criminal Defense Attorneys for Plant City

Saturday, May 20

The only bug you should have in your home or business is the one in our logo! We now have a mosquito fogger!

• Roach & Ant Control • German Roaches • Bees • Ground Hornets • Fleas & Ticks • Rodent Control • Quarterly & • Spiders Semi-Annual Service • Silverfish

Mon-Sat 7am - 9pm | Sundays 7am - 8pm At Felton’s we offer a complete line of fresh meat and produce. You’ll find only the best quality meats at bargain prices. Whether it be that special occasion dinner, or you are planning a large party, call or stop by today. No matter what your needs, Felton’s is sure to have the finest, most tender meat and tasty produce anywhere.

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8:13p

GOT PESTS?

FRESHEST MEAT & LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN!

Free consultation

6:36a

RAINFALL

OKRA

Attorneys on call 24/7

Friday, May 19

May 26 New

MONDAY, MAY 22

SAMMIS LAW FIRM

Sunrise Sunset

MOON PHASES

SUNDAY, MAY 21

The Market at St. Martin Farms captured this photo of Austin Lumley cutting the rows Wednesday, April 17.

The Market at St. Martin Farms wins this week’s I Love Plant City photo contest.

Do you have a photo that speaks to the heart of Plant City? Send it to Managing Editor Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

813.757.6752 Cell: 813.716.0623 www.homeprotectionpc.com Hours: 8am-5pm M-F • Sat by appt.

Family Owned & Operated Since 2006 • 19 Years Experience

©2017 Universal Uclick

130 English class writing assignment 131 Like an excellent guard or sentry

DOWN

1 Phoenix NBA players 2 Blood blockage 3 Teen’s main squeeze?

4 Most insignificant 5 Not wait until the last minute 6 Like London weather, often 7 Conclusion 8 Like fine wine 9 NFL blockers 10 Laurie of “Roseanne” 11 However, poetically 12 Desire 13 1952 Olympics site of Norway 14 Small medicine bottle (var.)

15 Role for John Wayne 16 Blvd. kin 17 Where Nemo and Dory live 18 Call Gary “Larry,” e.g.

23 Brand of jet boat 24 Gotham, initially 27 Nabisco cookie 31 Homo sapien

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33 Language 34 For what Richard III offered “my kingdom” 35 Mamas’ mates 36 Formal proclamation 37 Implying nothing, one way or the other 38 Having dull, sustained pain 39 Basket carried on the back 41 Fire engine’s wail 42 Present a question 44 Atomizer outputs 47 Turkey Day mo.

48 Defeater of HHH in ‘68 49 Is perched precariously 52 Cause inconvenience or discomfort to 55 Battlefield medical setups 57 Janney of TV’s “Mom” 59 “Be it ___ so humble ...”

60 Bright star of Cygnus 64 TV unit 66 Demolish, Brit-style 68 “So, what have we here?”

71 It’s a wrap, baby!

72 Cleopatra’s beloved 74 Type of ray

75 Part of the iris in the eye 76 Takes a “Wheel of Fortune” turn 79 One who won’t put down roots 80 Covers the ground with a white blanket 83 Skylit courts or lobbies 84 Tiny 86 One often inebriated 89 Title sitcom role for Charles Dutton 91 Grade school play time 95 Turned right on horseback 96 Encroach (on) 97 Inspirational phrases 98 Old monetary unit of Greece 104 Tooth covering 106 Photo finish that’s not glossy 107 Severely blighted city blocks 109 Marina ___ Rey, Calif.

110 Worshipped being 112 Guitar neck object 113 Rice of vampire stories 115 “Gilligan’s Island” shelters 117 Paris papa 118 Locomotive operator (Abbr.)

119 Editor’s “don’t take this out”

120 Short sleep 121 Geisha’s belt 122 Tea holder 123 Bill dispenser, briefly 125 Coastal inlet

239049

I LOVE PLANT CITY

FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2017

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2017

“I had no second thoughts, I knew I wanted to use South Florida Baptist Hospital.” ~ Glenda R., a patient of South Florida Baptist Hospital

Emergency Care When You Need It When it comes to all the health care needs of Glenda and her family, South Florida Baptist Hospital has always been her first choice. From her emergency visits to endoscopies and a robotic surgery, Glenda has received a lifetime of care here. A member of the community since 1953, South Florida Baptist Hospital was built on quality, compassionate care. You’ll find a highly skilled and experienced team that works to make patients and visitors as comfortable as possible during their hospital experience. When you’re treated at South Florida Baptist Hospital, you’ll feel at home, close to home — all your health care needs are covered, without ever leaving Plant City.

Let South Florida Baptist Hospital be your partner in getting you well and keeping you well. Fill out a health profile online at SouthFloridaBaptistCare.org and you’ll be sent a complimentary travel first aid kit.

Emergency Care Our modern Emergency Center treats a wide variety of medical and surgical conditions and is one of the largest and most technologically advanced emergency centers in eastern Hillsborough County. We treat adult and pediatric patients, and our fast and friendly service is provided by clinicians focused on delivering the best care to you.

BC1701958-0317

238893

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