6.8.23 PLCO

PCPD MASTER POLICE OFFICER DENNIS PAWLOWSKI RETIRES AFTER 28 YEARS

HIS YEARS OF SERVICE LEFT A LASTING POSITIVE IMPACT ON MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.

MICHELLE CACERES

STAFF WRITER

In 1995, Plant City Police Department (PCPD) hired then 25-year-old Dennis Pawlowski as a police officer for the night shift. He worked from 4 p.m. until 4 a.m., patrolling the streets on the west side of town, including Madison, Ball, Warren

and Renfro.

Last week, after working for PCPD for 28 years, Pawlowski retired from the force. His fellow offiers, members of his family, civic leaders and citizens celebrated his retirement at a ceremony

HOLE IN ONE DONUTS MAKES YELP’S LIST OF TOP 100 DONUT SHOPS

PLANT CITY’S NOT-SO-SECRET DONUT SHOPS HAVE BEEN CREATING THE PILLOWY TREATS FOR MORE THAN TWO DECADES.

at police headquarters, where he was presented a commemorative plaque, a retirement badge with identifiation card and his service fiearm.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

WALDEN LAKE REZONING OPEN HOUSE SET FOR THURSDAY, JUNE 8 AT WALDEN LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

MICHELLE CACERES

STAFF WRITER

Americans now know what Plant City residents have known for years: when it comes to the tastiest donuts in the U.S., Hole in One Donuts’ pillowysoft, delicious confections are the best of the best. Yelp, a popular online director for discovering local

businesses, has ranked the top 100 donut makers, based on reviews by the Yelp community, and Hole in One Donuts has glazed its way into the number 60 spot.

READ STORY ON PAGE 7

Representatives of the Walden Lake development team will be on hand at an open house at Walden Lake Elementary School, located at 2800 Turkey Creek Road, on Thursday, June 8 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to share the latest plan before the City of Plant City to redevelop the former golf course property in Walden Lake.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

REUNION COMMITTEE SEEKS PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1973 GRADUATES

Graduates from Plant City High School’s class of 1973 will be celebrating their 50th class reunion on Sat., September 23 from 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. at the Eaglebrook Country Club, located at 1300 Eaglebrooke Boulevard in Lakeland. The cost is $100 per person with a cash bar. Dust off our dancing shoes and catch up with fellow graduates. Make a reservation today by mailing a check or money order to: PCHS Class of 1973, Debbie Dukes Swindle, C/O PCHS Class of ’73, P.O. Box 313, Babson Park, FL 33827.

If you have knowledge of any class of 1973 graduates that have passed away, please send their information to Rebecca Johnston Phillips at Beccasue55@yahoo. com.

ARJUN NIMMALA NAMED 2023 WADE BOGGS ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners recognized Arjun Nimmala of Strawberry Crest High School as the 2023 Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award winner. Nimmala, a highly skilled shortstop who is expected to be a fist-round Major League Baseball draft pick, was dominant in the sport this season. He hit an astounding .479, with six home runs, three triples, seven doubles

and 29 RBIs and had a .904 slugging percentage and nine stolen bases. Defensively, he recorded a fielding pecentage of .958 with just three errors all season. Nimmala is a two-time, fist-team All-Western Conference selection and the 2023 Florida Athletic Coaches Association’s District 15 Most Valuable Player. He recently graduated high school with a cumulative GPA of 6.9 in the school’s rigorous IB program.

HOPE LUTHERAN WELCOMES MOBILE FOOD PANTRY

On Thursday, June 15, Hope Lutheran Church, located at 2001 North Park Road, will host “Moving Hope” mobile food pantry in its parking lot. Food will be distributed to those in need beginning at 6 p.m. until the supplies are distributed. Anyone in need of grocery assistance is encouraged to visit the food pantry as the ministry, in association with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lakeland, works to eliminate food insecurity in the community. Various goods are available, from vegetables to meats to diary and baked goods. No identifiation is required.

For more information, contact the church office at 813-752-4622.

JUNETEENTH EVENTS RETURN

The Wilson Foundation is bringing back its annual Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth) events this month, an event commemorating the effective end of slavery in the United States. Check out one or all of the following:

Friday, June 16: Harambee Worship at Mt. Olive Baptist Church

The service begins at 7 p.m. with Reverend Jason Montgomery as speaker.

Saturday, June 17: Multiple Events

The action-packed day starts with a parade at 11 a.m. (roads close at 10:30 a.m.) that runs from West Ball Street to Ronald L. Snowden Park. Its Grand Marshall is The Ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Following the parade will be The Inclusion event from noon until 4 p.m. at Faith Temple P.B. Church and Ronald L. Snowden Park, which will feature vendors, music, games, a car show and more. The Gathering will take place that evening at

Mt. Olive Baptist Church at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) featuring evangelist Lorraine “Punch” Baldwin and other local groups.

Sunday, June 18

Wake up bright and early to worship at the Morning Glory event at New Grace C.M.E. Church at 7:30 a.m. with evangelist Chavonda Barnes. The celebration will conclude with a Juneteeth/Father’s Day luncheon at 3 p.m. at the Elder Larry Sykes Christian Fellowship Center, located at 108 South Warnell Street. Tickets are $15 per person.

For more information about these events visit www.1wilsonfoundation.com.

PLANT CITY ENTERTAINMENT SEEKS MUSICIANS

Plant City Entertainment is looking for volunteer musicians for its upcoming production of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”. If you have some free time and play the tenor saxophone, piccolo, trumpet, trombone, drums, guitar, violin or bass, they need you to help make their production a success. Interested musicians can text Musical Director Mackie Kostanski at 813-716-5663 or Director Kristen Permenter at 813-562-1457.

Photo (left to right): Molly Beattie, Wade Boggs, Akhil Nimmala (Arjun’s younger brother), Neeru Nimmala and County Commissioner Ken Hagan.

SUMMER STAYCATION

Affordable tubing options bring thrilling fun for families this summer.

Sometimes there’s nothing better on a hot summer day than cold water and, thanks to several spring-fed Florida rivers, there are several state parks where you can forgo the costly commercially-owned water parks and flat the day away on the cheap. An added bonus is you enjoy Florida’ breathtaking natural beauty, surrounded by its pristine and natural wetland ecosystem.

Tubing in Florida is a popular activity so if you plan on visiting one of these state parks, especially on weekends, get there early because as soon as the parks reach capacity, they close to all visitors. Whether you bring your own tube or rent one onsite, some parks have restrictions on tube diameter (some can’t be more than six feet wide).

It’s important for families to prioritize safety during their tubing adventures. It’s advisable to wear life jackets, apply sunscreen and stay hydrated and adhere to the guidelines provided by each park.

So, as the temperatures rise, Florida’s affordable tubing destinations stand ready to offer families an affordable way to cool off and enjy the summer months. For more information about these and other Florida parks visit www.floridatateparks.org.

RAINBOW SPRINGS STATE PARK

Location: 19158 S.W. 81st Place Road, Dunnellon

Hours: Headsprings Entrance; 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year, Tubing Entrance Memorial Day through Labor Day, 8 a.m.3:30 p.m., seven days a week

Fees: Tubing is $22 per person which includes shuttle service and tube rental, Headsprings entrance fee is $2 per person, children under six admitted free Rainbow Springs State park features one of the largest springs in the state.

Tubing the crystal-clear waters of Rainbow River is a relaxing experience but is not allowed within the headsprings area of the park. Instead, the tubing entrance is located on S.W. 180th Avenue Road.

Once you park at the tubing entrance, visit the concessionaire to rent tubes and receive shuttle service. It doesn’t matter if you bring your own tube or rent theirs, the cost is still the same. Tubers must be at least fie years of age. A shuttle drives guests two miles upstream, where you enter the Rainbow River and leisurely flat back to your vehicle. The trip takes about an hour and a half to complete.

In addition to flating down the river, the park offers camping, goecaching, hiking trails, canoe and kayak rentals, uncovered picnic tables and grills, wildlife viewing, a concession stand and snorkeling. Swimming is allowed in the headsprings, where the average depth is between 10 and 18 feet deep, but all inflaables, including rafts, tubes and balls, are prohibited. Swimmers may wear life preservers or use noodles.

BLUE SPRINGS STATE PARK, ORANGE CITY

Location: 2100 West French Ave., Orange City

Hours: 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year,

Fees: $6 per vehicle (two to eight people), tube rentals are available through Blue Springs Adventures (833-953-2583)

This is one of the shortest tube runs at less than a mile, beginning just below the Blue Springs headspring area and ending near the St. Johns River. Visitors can bring their own tubes or rent them on-site. The water stays at a crisp 72 degrees throughout the year.

In addition to tubing, the park offers bird-watching, a two-hour narrated nature and ecological cruise on the St. John’s River (additional fee), camping (additional fee), fishing hiking, canoeing (rentals available), picnic facilities with tables and grills, a concession stand, a playground, scuba diving (additional fee), snorkeling and swimming. The park is also home to the Thursby House, built by Louis Thursby in 1872. Visitors can take a self-guided tour through the historical home to see how early pioneers lived more than 100 years ago.

KELLY PARK/ROCK SPRINGS

Location: 400 East Kelly Park Road, Apopka

Hours: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Fees: $3 per vehicle (one to two people),

$5 per vehicle (three to eight people) Kelly Park, part of the Orange County Parks and Recreation Department, features a free-flwing natural spring that is a cool 68 degrees year round, full-service concession, a picnic area and playground. Tube rentals are available from vendors outside the park but guests can bring their own pool noodles or flats (must be les than fie feet in width). The tube run takes only about 25 minutes to flat down and then there’s a 10-minute walk on a paved sidewalk back to the main parking area.

It’s important to note that, with the exception of ADA service animals, no pets or alcohol are allowed in the park.

The park closes when it reaches capacity which happens often in the summer months but it updates its webpage frequently to provide notice when the park is full. Each morning, 280 vehicles will be allowed entry, and an additional 50 vehicles are allowed in after 1 p.m. with an afternoon parking pass. You must get a voucher in the morning once the park hits the initial capacity to be able to gain access at the 1 p.m. re-open time. Only one voucher will be given per car on a fistcome, fist-served basis.

A fair word of warning, its website states that on a typical summer day, the park will be full within an hour of opening, with some people getting in line as early as 4:30 a.m.

Since this is not a state park, for more information about Kelly Park/Rock Springs visit www.ocfl.ne.

SYSCO CELEBRATES GROUNDBREAKING OF NEW SITE IN PLANT CITY

The more than 500,000 square foot facility in the Southern Oaks Business Park is slated to open in early 2025.

Leading foodservice distribution company Sysco Corporation announced this week its decision to secure a sizable warehouse space in Plant City as part of its expansion strategy. The move aims to bolster Sysco’s logistical capabilities and meet the rising demand for its services in the region.

The global food distributor’s more than 500,000 square foot site, Sysco Tampa Bay, will be nestled in the bustling industrial zone at Southern Oaks Business Park, located at 475 Charlie Taylor Road Building 2. The prime location offers easy connectivity to I-4, allowing Sysco to be wellpositioned to efficiently serve its clients across Florida. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2024 with a planned opening in early 2025.

The decision to expand operations to Plant City comes after the City Commission granted the company an Economic Ad Valorem Tax Exemption of 50% of the assessed value of all new qualifying improvements and 50% of all qualifying tangible personal property levied by the city for seven years, from January 1, 2026.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Tuesday, June 6, where remarks were given by Florida Secretary of Commerce Laura

DiBella, Plant City Mayor Nate Kilton, Plant City Economic Development Council President and CEO Steve Morey, Sudler Companies Principal Dan Sudler and Sysco North Florida Regional President Jane Grout.

Grout’s remarks centered on the company’s strong family culture, a characteristic Plant City embraces. “As the leading food service distributor in the U.S. and globally we understand the importance of taking care of people,” she said. “The new Tampa Bay site will provide great jobs with benefits for hundreds in the community and serve thousands of customers including restaurants, healthcare, education, travel and leisure locations throughout the North Florida region as well as all of Florida.”

An estimated 200 jobs will be created with an average annual compensation of $82,500 plus a comprehensive benefit plan.

Mayor Nate Kilton showed gratitude to those who assisted in bringing the project to fruition. “Thank you for selecting Plant City, it’s great to have partners that want to be here and share our same values,” he said.

Morey expressed his enthusiasm regarding Sysco’s decision to establish a presence in Plant City. “Our community is growing and it’s growing in the right way, we’re embracing business investments which

provide the jobs and capital that fuel sustainable growth,” he said. “Commercial investments like this give us the means to provide the services and amenities that add to our quality of life.”

Sysco operates 333 distribution facilities worldwide and serves approximately 700,000 customer locations. For fiscal year 2022, that ended July 2, 2022, the company generated sales of more than $68 billion.

Rainbow Springs State Park pictures

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

This week on Cops Corner, Plant City Police investigate: A stolen motorcycle, a crashed car and a missing mailbox.

MOVING

E Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. / S Park Rd.

Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon: At roughly 10:30 p.m., an officer responded to the area at the listed location in reference to a report of a vehicle that had just been shot.

GOTCHA

100 block of Lake Blvd.

Warrant arrest: An officer made contact with one individual at the listed location who had an active warrant out of Hillsborough County. The individual was subsequently arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

STICKY FINGERS

400 block of N Alexander St.

Petit theft: An officer responded to a business at the listed location in reference to a theft that had occurred.

LIGHTS OUT

E Baker St. / N Palmer St.

Drug arrest: An officer conducted a traffic top on one individual that was riding a

bicycle with no lights, and subsequently met with the rider. The individual was later placed under arrest and transported to Orient Road Jail.

MAY 28

BYE-CYCLE

600 block of N Dort St.

Residential burglary: An officer met with the victims at the listed location who reported the theft of a bicycle from a screened in porch.

TWO-WHEELED MOTION

1300 block of E Warren St. Stolen vehicle: An offer met with the victim at the listed location who reported that a motorcycle was stolen from the residence at some point in the last week.

CRASH LANDING

Spring Meadow Dr. / Griffin Bd.

DUI: An officer responded to the intersection at the listed location in reference to a report of a single vehicle crash with property damage and made contact with the driver. The driver was subsequently arrested for DUI and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

MAY 29

MAIL CALL

500 block of N Franklin St. Theft: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who stated that an unknown individual took their mailbox at some point throughout the night.

JUNE 1

TRAILER TRASHED

2700 block of Airport Rd.

Grand theft: An officer made contact with the victim at the listed location who stated that an unknown individual stole a 16-foot Cargo Express enclosed trailer from the parking lot.

BAD CAR-GO

1200 block of W Bates St. Stolen/recovered vehicle: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who advised that an unknown individual took their car from the driveway without their knowledge/permission at around 3 a.m. the night before.

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CONTACT US

The Plant City Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. The Plant City Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B.

If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

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COMMUNITY SAYS FAREWELL TO RETIRED POLICE OFFICER DENNIS PAWLOWSKI

THE HOMETOWN HERO WHO HAS A SERVANT’S HEART WILL SPEND HIS TIME EXPANDING HIS CHRISTIAN MINISTRY.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

example for everybody else.”

A testament to that example was the number of residents who took off ork to show up to honor the man who served not only the community at large but their families. Plant City resident

Nicole Robinson met Pawlowski in 1995 while living on Madison Street with her two daughters, aged fie and seven and her mother. Her young nieces and nephews were frequent visitors. “Officer Pawlowski was like a father figue to our kids because we were all single mothers,” she said.

Over the course of his career, Pawlowski served in a variety of capacities, including patrolman, in the bicycle unit, K9 officer, field taining officer and accreditation manager. In 2022, Chief Bradford presented him a “Legacy Badge,” a badge bestowed to the longest tenured police officer in the agency. His name was engraved on the back of the badge. During the ceremony, the badge was passed on to Master Patrol Officer Darren Culmer, who now holds the distinction.

Plant City Vice Mayor Mike Sparkman and City Manager Bill McDaniel shared personal stories and highlights of his career. Both praised Dennis for his years of selflss service and were thankful for their years of friendship with Dennis.

Police Chief James Bradford spoke of Pawlowski’s tenure and how he was an integral part of PCPD’s success over the years and how Dennis is leaving a legacy that will endure forever.

Officer Pawlowski was a mainstay here at the police department,” said Bradford. “He’s proved to be wise, caring and always set the perfect

He played kickball with the children and took them fishing on his dys off. He gave them insight into spirituality and faith. He was there for her family during births, deaths, birthdays and graduations. Robinson said those simple acts of kindness had a lasting impact on her family. “During that time I had hit a rough spell and was standing on a cliff at that point in y life and every time I saw him, he would hug me, love me and tell me he was praying for me,” she said. “I thank God for placing him in our lives, his strong faith in Christ is why I’m still here and I’m the person that I am today.”

Pawloski almost chose another career field He applied to both the police department and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Both departments were processing his applications at the same time. PCPD was the fist to offer him employment.

“It was a God thing and even though I have a passion for wildlife, it all fell into place,” he said.

While he can look back on a successful career with satisfaction, his time as a community-oriented police officer holds a special place in his heart. “I built so many lifelong relationships and to have that kind of positive impact on people

has meant a lot to me,” he said.

Pawlowski’s future plans, in addition to hunting, fishing and amily vacations, include expanding Trinity Sportsman Ministries, a ministry he started in 2005 to share the message of Christ through outdoor experiences.

While Robinson, whose children are now grown up and have children of their own, is happy that Pawlowski has retired, she’ll miss the life lessons he instilled and the encouragement to be her best self. “Our community needs more officers like Dennis Pawlowski who will set an example for kids in the community,” she said.

Police Chief James Bradford congratulates Officer Dennis Pawlowski on his successful law enforcement career.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

MS. SARAH HOLT, MANAGING EDITOR, PLANT CITY OBSERVER

I am writing regarding the proposed Major Modifiation for Walden Lake. I received the “propaganda postcard” sent to all Walden Lake residents by the petitioner, announcing an open house for June 8. I also take note of the PCO’s June 1 issue which restated much of the petitioner’s marketing hype from the postcard. Since the Planning Board’s February meeting, the last public event on this matter, in which the Planning Board denied the proposed major modifiation, the petitioner has been continuing their work in the shadows. We now see petitioner’s May 16 letter to Julie Ham, Plant City’s Planning & Zoning Manager, a 104-page letter with attachments as well as a 3-page markup of the Walden Lake Community Unit District with petitioner’s latest iteration of ongoing changes to its ill-conceived proposal, and lastly it includes a 7-page document noting changes since the Planning Board meeting.

I want to highlight three things, 1) there is only a petitioner, no developer, 2) this matter is too complex, with stakes too high, to be managed on the fl. The application as filed mut be what is reviewed not ongoing revisions and 3) the careful planning for and as built condition of Walden Lake must be the minimum standard for any potential additional building in the Walden Lake community.

1 -The propaganda postcard talks about a development team, and PCO’s article references engineers, land planners, environmental, traffic andtormwater experts; this should be summarized as come meet the petitioner’s hired guns. There is only a petitioner; there is no plan, merely the petitioner’s proposal and there’s no “development team,” merely a petitioner.

2 - This matter is too large with too many affected folks with decades of history in the Walden Lake community as planned and built to allow the proposal for radical change to be managed on the fl. The Planning Board ruled that the application as filed as what they were reviewing, not a moving target with the petitioner’s ongoing minor changes and extensive lip service publicizing their “concessions” and how much they “want to work with” the community. The City Commission should maintain the precedent set by the Planning Board and limit the review to the application as filed Staff eview, Planning Board review, public hearings and community input were all based

on the application as filed Failing to hold this standard would be a failure of due process.

3 - Walden Lake as planned and built is a gem resulting from careful planning, with low density and sparse exceptions to an overwhelming majority of detached single-family homes. With over 2200 homes, and some 200 considered villa or townhome the careful planning that yielded our as built Walden Lake has only 10% combined villa/townhome. Petitioner’s May 16 letter with changes after the Planning Board meeting has moved from 550 households to 529 of which 356 are villa/townhome so 67.3% of their proposal is other than detached single-family. The areas of the old clubhouse, driving range tennis courts and swimming pool with old holes 10/18 on the old Hills course (between 2201-2301 Clubhouse and the RR tracks) has overall 315 of the 529 households. Clubhouse Woods has 55 homes, Aston Woods has 158 homes, Wedgewood has 26 homes, so for these three neighborhoods we have 239 homes on 127 acres, 1.88/acre. Petitioner’s 315 households referenced are on 87 acres, which is 3.62/acre. The proposed density is unacceptable; shoehorning dense multi-family in on top of built-out areas of detached single-family along Clubhouse Drive, in the middle of Walden Lake, is a planning nightmare and complete failure. Petitioner’s propaganda regarding their concessions, which as stated in February are not concessions, but really a ploy. This was a conniving false start then fallback to the next unacceptable proposal. They should have never proposed apartments and commercial, so the recent application lacking those elements is not from concessions, it’s their move to pie in the sky, high density development that is completely incompatible with Walden Lake as planned and built.

This highlights how a most critical and important matter, affecting safety and quality of life as well as property value, is being managed on the fly y the petitioner. This does not illustrate a reasonable petitioner that wants to work with the city and the Walden Lake residents and stakeholders. Starting with apartments and commercial in the middle of Walden Lake should have been laughed out of City Hall, and petitioner should be embarrassed to have done so, they should not be touting “no apartments or retail” as in the propaganda postcard.

As stated in February, it’s easy to see why so many citizens of Plant City and residents of Walden Lake have organized resistance to the ill-conceived proposed major modifiation. Petitioner’s scheme with the false start has become clear. The current proposal should be considered a failed fist effort, not praised as friendly concessions and changes.

Sincerely,

Robert J. Norton, Clubhouse Woods Resident

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN: Marsha Passmore, Karen Langford, Dodie White, Dawn Hyatt, Kim Netterfield Marion Smith and Teresa Rimes brought a copy of the Plant City Observer along with them for their “Girlfriend’s Cruise 2023” to the Southern Caribbean — traveling to Curaçao, Aruba, and then back up to Coco Ca

SAFE SUMMER TRAVEL CAMPAIGN BEGINS

FLORIDA GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS AND VISITORS TO ‘ARRIVE ALIVE’ TO THEIR TRAVEL DESTINATIONS.

HOLE IN ONE DONUTS MAKES YELP’S LIST OF TOP 100 DONUT SHOPS

PLANT CITY’S NOT-SO-SECRET DONUT SHOPS HAVE BEEN CREATING THE PILLOWY TREATS FOR MORE THAN TWO DECADES.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is launching its annual Safe Summer Travel Campaign – reminding all Floridians and visitors that safety is paramount.

FLHSMV and FHP are partnering with the Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Police Chiefs Association, Florida Sheriff ’s Association and AAA to promote safety messages covering buckling up, driving patiently during months with heavy traffic, never driving impaired, tire safety and maintaining vehicle roadreadiness and preventing vehicular heat stroke.

“As summer arrives, we want you to arrive alive; FHP Troopers stand ready to enforce all traffic violations and e committed to public safety,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze II, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Remember always to obey all traffic ws and be courteous to other road users while traveling in our great state this summer.”

CRASH DATA ANALYSIS

With traffic higher during summe months, so too are citations and crashes.

• According to FLHSMV data analysis, in June and July last year, there were 107,048 crashes with 499 deaths and 2,385 serious bodily injuries.

• During those two months, law enforcement issued 3,165 citations for unlawful speed, while 2,349 crashes resulted from excessive speed.

SLOW, SOBER AND SECURED

With more cars on the road, it’s important to understand that traffic will be avy before hitting the road. Expect delays and approach travel with patience. Also, when you get in your vehicle, buckle up – it’s

the law and it could save your life. Obey all posted speed limits. Speeding and driving aggressively increases the probability and severity of a crash. Slow down and stay cool-headed. Roads are no place for aggressive behaviors.

Never drive impaired. There are always alternatives – taxis and ride-shares or designating a sober friend. Report impaired drivers by dialing *FHP (*347) or 911.

ROAD-TRIP READY

According to AAA, 57% of Floridians plan to take a summer vacation and 87% plan to do so by road trip. However, 21% will fail to get their vehicle inspected prior to travel.

In the same way you make sure your vehicle is filled up with fuel or electric charge) prior to departure, make sure you’re fully road-trip ready – perform vehicle maintenance, check tires including the spare, and make sure there are no vehicle recalls.

Tires are your vehicle’s fist line of defense. They should have correct pressure and adequate tread. Never overload a vehicle, as the weight change can result in premature tire wear, blowouts, and hydroplaning.

HOT CARS

Florida summers are incredibly hot. Temperatures inside a vehicle can heat up by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, and children get hot faster than adults. NEVER leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle, not even for a short time.

Cracking a window does little to keep a vehicle cool. Ignoring this advice could be deadly, as well as incur severe criminal penalties.

For a more detailed information on these topics and to find additional esources and materials, please visit FLHSMV’s Safe Summer Travel campaign website, www.flhsv. gov/Summer.

Hole in One Donuts has two locations in Plant City: 410 North Alexander Street and 1707 James L. Redman Parkway.

While many of the top spots went to donut shops that push the envelope by creating donuts with a gourmet flai, adding expensive ingredients like Valrhona chocolate or Maldon sea salt, the owners of Hole in One donuts forgo the fru-fru and just create large, sweet, simple donuts that melt in your mouth.

A testament to its success is the lines of customers that sometimes spill out the front doors.

Customer and Lakeland resident Penn Pixley is a member of a Tuesday morning breakfast club. The Lakeland Hole in One Donuts location was closed for the week so he and his group made the trip to Plant City for his weekly donut fix “I always get an apple fritter, they’re delicious,” he said. They’re also a labor of love. Sam Kan and Judy Pum, the owners of the North

Alexander Street location, start their workday at 2 a.m., mixing and working the dough to create tasty donuts, fritters, muffi, turnovers, cinnamon rolls and infamous donut holes. Kan works hard in the kitchen every day until about 8:30 a.m. or 9 a.m.

“The fist couple years were a struggle getting up so early but after time we got used to it,” said Kan.

Kan and Pum learned the donut trade because their parents used to own donut shops. The couple perfected their parents’ recipes and opened their own donut shop.

They were thrilled to hear they made Yelp’s Top 100 list but recognize that wouldn’t have been possible without their customers. “We appreciate all our loyal customers who spread the word about our donuts as well as our new visitors trying them for the fist time,” said Pum. “We hope to keep Hole in One open for many more years, thank you for all the support.”

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

HUNDREDS GATHER TO PROTEST FLORIDA SB 1718

Marchers raise awareness of their concerns about the law set to take effect July 1.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Hundreds of Plant City area residents gathered in the parking lot of Plant City Plaza on South Collins Street last week to protest the signing of Florida SB 1718, a bill which includes a number of new anti-immigration measures that Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law on May 10. The legislation takes effect July 1.

The peaceful yet passionate group, holding signs and waving flas from their native countries, marched north down Collins Street, turned eest on East Reynolds Street and concluded at the county courthouse.

Participant and radio personality Eli Aguilar was surprised at the turnout, which she hopes raises awareness about concerns some community members have about the ramifiations of the legislation.

“One part of the legislation that worries our community is when you go to hospitals they’re going to have to report when you’re undocumented to the government,” she said. “This is going to cause people to be scared and cause issues with their health.”

The legislation requires each hospital that accepts Medicaid to include a question on admission or registration forms that asks whether the patient is a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the U.S. or is not lawfully present in the U.S. Hospitals will be required to provide a quarterly report to the Agency for Health Care Administration detailing the number of patients that visited the emergency department or were admitted to the hospital in each category of the citizen status question on the admission or registration forms.

Other elements of the legislation include:

* Making the use of E-Verify mandatory for any employer with 25 or more employees and fining emplyers who fail to use E-Verify $1,000 per day. E-Verify is an Internet-based system operated by U.S. Citizenship

and Immigration Services (USCIS), part of the Department of Homeland Security, in partnership with Social Security Administration (SSA) and provides an automated link to government records to help employers confirm the emplyment eligibility of new hires.

* Suspending licenses of any employer who knowingly employs illegal aliens, and makes using a fake ID to gain employment a felony.

* Enhancing penalties for human smuggling, including making knowingly transporting fie or more illegal aliens or a single illegal alien minor a second-degree felony subject to a $10,000 fine and up o 15 years in prison.

* Providing $12 million to continue the Unauthorized Alien Transport Program to relocate illegal immigrants to sanctuary jurisdictions.

* Prohibiting local governments from issuing Identifiation Cards (ID) to illegal aliens

* Invalidating ID cards issued to illegal aliens in other states.

Aguilar also thinks the legislation will affect the agricultural industry but the effects could impact many more industries, from hospitality to construction.

“Farmworkers are going to lose workers, we need them here but we’ve already seen people leave Plant City,” she said. “We’re just here to work hard.”

She hopes this demonstration and others throughout the state will raise awareness of the challenges that undocumented immigrants and those in the community face.

“I’m just hoping the governor analyzes this law that has passed and thinks about it,” she said. “I want immigrants not to be scared to be in Florida.”

SPORTS

FEATURED FUTURE: MARCUS SPRINGFIELD

Featured Future is a summer series where the Observer will highlight local student athletes who are preparing to continue their athletic and educational careers at the college level, or those who have already begun that journey.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

After four years of football at Strawberry Crest, Marcus Springfield signed his national letter of intent this spring, committing to continue his athletic and academic journey at Wabash College in Crawfordsville Indiana.

“It’s amazing,” Springfield said. “I always had the dream as a kid to go play college football. Obviously I didn’t know where, but I always knew that I wanted this for sure so to see it actually come into play is amazing.”

A four-year varsity athlete for the Chargers, Springfield was a core part of Strawberry Crest football’s revitalization under head coach Phillip Prior.

“I always enjoyed playing football at Crest,” Springfield said. “Playing football in front of my school was one of the best feelings that I could ever have. Starting out at Crest we weren’t the best, my freshman and sophomore year, so the backlash at school wasn’t great. But my junior and senior year, as we started to get better and started to mature, I just really enjoyed going to school and playing football… Being a part of that was amazing because I had plenty of opportunity to leave and to go transfer, but I really wanted to stick it out with the guys that I came up with and that didn’t quit on me. So it was amazing to see our efforts come to fruition.”

With back-to-back winless seasons in 2015 and 2016, the Chargers won just three games combined over the next two seasons. Entering the program in 2019 alongside Prior, Springfield’s first two years at Crest didn’t see much more success as the Chargers totaled just two wins in 2019 and one win in 2020. But as a junior in 2021, Springfield was a focal point of the Chargers’ defense as they rattled off a 5-5 record — Strawberry Crest’s highest single-season win total since 2013. As a junior, Springfield led the team with 4.9 tackles per game, passes defended with five and forced fumbles with two. A player in all three phases, he added 18 rushing yards, 51 receiving yards, 197 return yards on kickoffs and 74 return yards on punts. As a senior, his presence only became more impactful as he led the team with four interceptions and five passes defended on defense, then turn-

ing right around to lead the team with 24 receptions, 293 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. In the backfield he added 115 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns on 20 carries and continued to serve as the Chargers’ primary return man, totaling 187 return yards on kickoffs.

As a result, the Chargers finished the 2022 season at 6-4, the programs first winning season since 2013.

A threat in all phases of the game, Springfield noted that he was recruited to Wabash as a defensive back but will have more clarity on his potential role once he arrives in Crawfordsville.

“I’m going in as a defensive back right now,” Springfield said. “They recruited me as a corner but they’ll obviously see my position once I get up there and we’ll go from there. They liked my versatility and my physicality. They were looking for strong, physical corner and they saw how I was playing safety, how I was playing DB, how I was moving around the field and they said that they think that I can be that for the team.”

Following his strong senior season, Springfield was selected to participate in the Hillsborough County All-Star Football Game and offers began rolling in from a number of Division II and Division III schools, a list that included the University of Mount Union, Capital University, Stevenson University, Wilmington University, Carthage College, Muskingnum University and of course Wabash College, but for Springfield he says that the choice was clear.

“I had different offers from different schools but they would just offer me, they wouldn’t really keep up with me or work with me as a person,” Springfield said. “Wabash made an effort to show that they want me and that they wanted me up there at the school. They would always check up on me, not just as an athlete, but as an actual person too.”

As members of the North Coast Athletic Conference, Wabash has won no fewer than seven games in a season since 2004 — going without a losing season since 1975. The Little Giants football program finished

7-3 in each of the last two seasons under head coach Don Morel, a winner of the NCAC Coach of the Year award in both 2018 and 2019 who will enter his eighth season as head coach at Wabash and his 12th year with the program after previously serving as offensive coordinator for four years before being promoted to head coach in 2016. So by joining one of the winningest programs in DIII history, Springfield is in position to step right into a winning culture on day one.

“It’s very exciting,” Springfield said. “I like to win, I’m a winner, so I’m really looking forward to this college experience where I can go to an established college program at the DIII level where we can make a push for a championship.”

And while the opportunity to continue an athletic career at the collegiate level is the dream for so many, Springfield’s accomplishments in the classroom are just as impressive as he graduated from Crest with a 4.4 GPA and was selected for the 2023

National Football Foundation’s ScholarAthlete Award.

“I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I have without academics, if I’m being honest,” Springfield said. “Academics just plays such a big role, especially at a prestigious school like Wabash and when you’re look at the opportunities to make six figures within 10 or 15 years of graduation. Academics has always been important, my dad and grandma always pushed that on me because once football is gone the one thing that I’ll have is my knowledge, so I always strive for my academics.”

Taylor Jenkins is the Sports Writer at the Plant City Observer. Email: tjenkins@ plantcityobserver.com.

PLANT CITY’S CHEYENNE BUBENHEIM TAKING OVER AMERICAN CORNHOLE LEAGUE

As an ACL professional since 2019, Bubenheim has become one of the most accomplished women in the sport.

being a blind draw, meaning you didn’t know who your partner would be, she didn’t want to drag anyone down because she didn’t play as much at the time. But by naturally finding herself around cornhole tournaments, she began playing more in between the tournament rounds and practicing with her dad.

As her cornhole skills began to sharpen, Bubenheim and her family played with a group that was part of a league that’s now become the ACL. She began attending tournaments and accumulating points until her point total rose to the point where she qualified for the professional division in 2019. In the years since, Bubenheim has become one of the most accomplished cornhole players in the world with a number of ACL victories before becoming the first woman to reach a pro singles final in 2021. The next year she followed that accomplishment with a 2022 Women’s Singles World Championship, a 2022 Women’s Doubles World Championship and the 2022 ACL Woman of the Year award — given to the top-ranked woman in the ACL.

“Cornhole really wasn’t that big, even when I turned pro, but now cornhole’s my full-time job. It’s grown so much,” Bubenheim said. “When I first made it into the pro division it was a big deal but then a couple of years ago I made history as the first woman to ever make it to a pro singles final. In pro singles you’ve got men and women together and I became the first woman to make it to pro singles final so that’s really what pushed me to be able to get some bigger sponsors and actually make it my full-time job.”

Cheyenne Bubenheim is a professional cornhole player from Plant City, joining the American Cornhole League in 2019.

A 2018 graduate of Durant High School, Bubenheim began taking classes to earn her Real Estate License before changing paths with the opportunity to participate in the ACL as a full-time athlete.

Her introduction to cornhole began just as it does for many others, playing with family around gatherings and holidays, but she would also tag along as her dad and uncle played in cornhole competitions on Friday nights at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse off of State Road 60 in Plant City, alongside family friends. At first Bubenheim said that she wouldn’t play because with the tournaments

With the help of those sponsors — including cornhole bag company AllCornHole, a roofing and apparel company AAR in North Carolina and Alan’s Air Conditioning in Plant City — she now travels throughout the country most weekends for tournaments as part of the ACL’s Pro Series, consisting of an annual season that runs from October to the following August. The Pro Series includes four Pro Nationals tournaments, eight Pro Shootout tournaments, the ACL World Championships and several optional open tournaments. In the ACL Shootout Series, event victories will automatically qualify the winners for the ACL Pro Shootout Championship.

Bubenheim will make her way to Portland this upcoming weekend for the ACL Bag Brawl, the third Pro Nationals Tournament of the 2022-2023 season, with the ACL Final Chase in Detroit to follow from June 30 to July 2 and both the ACL Pro Shootout Championship and the

ACL World Championships taking place in Rock Hill, South Carolina from July 29 to August 6.

“I just practice every day with my husband and we play together and he really pushed me to be more confident and do more with the sport,” Bubenheim said of her journey through the ACL with the support of her husband Brandon. “I enjoyed playing and traveling and doing that stuff but I really don’t think that I’d be in the spot that I am now without him. It all just all kind of happened.”

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

MAY 2023 Real Estate Transactions

Local MAY 2023 sales and trend

School’s out for the summer… where is our housing market going from here?

Many thought we would be headed to a crash similar to the last market downturn of 2006-08, but we are nowhere close to a crash, quite the opposite. The Federal Reserve has been applying pressure with rate hikes in the treasury rates attempting to get the inflation dwn over the past 12-15 months. These rate increases have worked in slowing the inflation omponents; food costs, fuel, utilities, vehicle purchases, but housing costs seem to have bottomed in February and on the rise again.

Many would have thought mortgage rates more than doubling from the low three percentage rates of last year to the high 6.7 to 7.0’s would have stalled the housing market. Now in some areas of the US that has been the case, but in our central Florida area or Plant City our values continue to move up. Yes, when all the rate increases came, we peaked last May/ June and had seven to eight months of slight declines, but those values bottomed in February and this May’s data numbers show we have surpassed the peak of last year.

People need housing, some may be downsizing, some may need more space for family growth, some may just be moving to the area with occupation change. While housing inventory is still at all-time lows in terms of supply, the demand for housing will keep prices moving up. I believe the new mantra is “marry the home and date the rate,” people are buying now and will be looking to refinane down the road when rates come back down. The house purchase is still one of the best investments one can make. Over the past 12 years, our area has averaged a 12 percent increase year over year return. Put another way; that 1,800 square foot three-bedroom, two-bath home purchased in 2011 for $116,500 is now valued at over $358,000.

So where do we go from here? Higher mortgage rates have not stalled the market. If the rates decline this summer in the high fies to low sixes, I believe we will be back into the multiple offer situations and increased property valuations. As a buyer,

information

time isn’t on your side. As we look at the Plant City housing data, May 2023, our market area sold 93 homes for the month continuing to surpass the previous threemonth average of 87 units per month. That number comprised of 15 new construction homes which should continue due to the new housing developments. Our housing inventory declined to 1.8 months’ supply, still considerably less than the three to four months average supply needed for a normal market period. Our ADOM, average days on market, last month was 32.8, about 10 days less than last month, which means homes are going under contract sooner.

We now have had three months of increases in the average sold price and average price per square foot of homes sold in Plant City. In May our average sold price was $391,151 a 2.2 percent increase over April, a 6.6 percent increase over the previous quarter, a 6.1 percent increase yearto-date and 2.9 percent over the previous May 2022 which happened to be the peak last year. When we look at average price per square foot, the percentage increases are even better; May 2023 - $228.65 per square foot, a 14 percent increase over April, an 18 percent increase over previous quarter, a 6.5 percent over the previous May 2022. This trend will continue and will increase substantially when the mortgage rates stabilize.

30-year average mortgage rates came in for the month of May at 6.49 percent but its still trending up for the time, the past week the rate was 6.79 percent but I believe the Fed may pause the rate increases this coming meeting in June which will help stabilize that component of the process.

So, what about the coming months? People will be buying and selling homes, prices have turned the corner and are rising again. We are progressing into the spring/summer buying season, typically we have the strongest buying demand during this time, with inventories low and the current lending rates will be the new norm. The supply-demand models will dictate the new market levels.

courtesy of The Crawford Group.

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 representation. 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 May 2023 for the Plant City Market Area.

The home at 709 E Alabama sold May 30 for $131,000. Built in 1959, it has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and 735 square feet of living area.

The home at 3304 Hickman Ave sold May 3 for $195,000. Built in 1996 it has 2 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1011 square feet of living area.

The home at 1901 W Hunter Rd sold May 10 for $249,900. Built in 2019, it has 2 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1216 square feet of living area.

The home at 1203 N Ferrell St sold May 5 for $299,500. Built in 1953, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1416 square feet of living area.

The home at 2211 Preservation Dr sold May 12 for $305,000. Built in 1992, it has 2 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1488 square feet of living area.

The home at 2804 Wilder Park Dr sold May 15 for $329,000. Built in 1994, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1273 square feet of living area.

The home at 2741 Walden Woods Dr sold May 31 for $349,900. Built in 2011, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1558 square feet of living area.

The home at 2601 Bridle Dr sold May 30 for $356,100. Built in 1990, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 2035 square feet of living area.

The home 7202 Whalens Hideaway St sold May 24 for $370,000. Built in 2017, it has 2 bedrooms, 2 bath and 984 square feet of living area.

The home at 1209 Wild Daisy Dr sold May 15 for $385,000. Built in 2018, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1655 square feet of living area.

The home at 3105 Chitty Rd sold May 1 for $420,000. Built in 1976, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1456 square feet of living area.

The home at 3886 W Capri Coast Dr sold May 12 for $472,980. Built in 2023, it has 4 bedrooms, 2 bath and 2162 square feet of living area.

The home at 1707 Charleston Woods Dr sold May 12 for $539,000. Built in 2001, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 bath and 2581 square feet of living area.

The home at 3301 Lampp Rd sold May 23 for $550,000. Built in 1990, it has 3 bedrooms, 3 bath and 1854 square feet of living area.

The home at 2895 Hammock Dr sold May 26 for $650,000. Built in 1994, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 bath and 2902 square feet of living area.

The home at 4909 Stanley Rd sold May 18 for $975,000. Built in 1979, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 bath and 2074 square feet of living area.

Data pulled from GTAR MLS as of 6/5/23 for the Plant City market area.

We asked Plant City: What is your favorite music album(s) ever?

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR

“Greater by Mercy Me.” - Jennifer McDonald

“Close To You by The Carpenters.” - Cynthia Davis Van Camp

“I go back and forth between two, depends on the day. Deja Entendu; The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me. Both by Brand New.” - Matthew Gaither

“George Harrison, All Things Must Pass.” - Michele Jury

“Goodbye Yellow Brick Wall and Barry Manilow’s ‘Even Now.’” - Jennifer Fenner

“Def Leppard, Hysteria. Not a bad song was ever made by DL.” - Patrick Weldy

“Rumors by Fleetwood Mac.” - Jennifer Coons Hamilton

“Physical Graffit” - Michael Feduccia

“Dangerous by Morgan Wallen.”Chassie Alford

“The Joshua Tree by U2.” - Dana Polk Deliguiori

“Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfied. Plug Me Into Something by Henry Gross.”Larry Turner

“Heaven and Hell by Black Sabbath.” - Brandon Shearer

“Too many to name.” - Stephanie Connoy

“My Home’s In Alabama by Alabama.” - Amanda Gilley

“Early Buffett, A1A.” - Michael Hardin

“Abbey Road by The Beatles.” - Morris Pate

Robert ‘Bob’ Warren Bruffett

Robert “Bob” Warren Bruffett, 79, of Bartow, born on June 22, 1943, in Miami, entered into eternal rest on May 29, 2023. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Charles ‘Charlie’ Thomas Hicks Sr.

Charles “Charlie”

Thomas Hicks Sr., 92, of Lithia, born on Dec. 5, 1930, in Winthrop, Mass., entered into eternal rest on May 29, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Tom Acquafredda

Tom Acquafredda, 76, of Lakeland, born on May 31, 1946, in Bronx, N.Y., entered into eternal rest on May 30, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Vera Rose (Bagley) Daniels

Vera Rose (Bagley) Daniels, 94, of Lithia, Fla., entered into eternal rest on May 30, 2023, Vera was born on April 24, 1929 in Turkey Creek, Fla. to Henry and Carrie (Evans) Bagley.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Donnie Ray Davis

Donnie Ray Davis, a beloved husband, father, brother, and Pop Pop, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2023, at the age of 64.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Jerry Douglas Gentry

Jerry Douglas Gentry, 80, of Sydney, Fla., born in Cookville, Tenn., on Aug. 7, 1942, entered into the arms of his Lord on June 1, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Carol Lewis

Carol Lewis, 79, of Zephyrhills, born on Sept. 17, 1943, in Plant City, entered into eternal rest on June 5, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Andrew ‘Andy’ Jackson Glenn, Jr.

Andrew “Andy” Jackson Glenn, Jr., 76, of Lithia, born on Sept. 14, 1946, in St. Petersburg, entered into eternal rest on June 5, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Gerald Edward Sutton

Gerald Edward Sutton, 88 of Dover passed away May 27, 2023. A funeral service was held June 1, 2023 at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W Dr MLK Jr Blvd, Plant City. His interment was held in Hopewell Memorial Gardens.

Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Viola Mae Loetscher

Viola Mae Loetscher, 97, formerly of Plant City, Fla., born June 27, 1925, in Parma, Mo., entered into eternal rest on May 31, 2023, in Salem, Ark., surrounded by her family.

Online condolences may be made at www.dotycoxblevins.com.

David Leon Calhoun

David Leon Calhoun, 70, was born July 2, 1952 in Plant City, Fla.

As a young man, David served in the U.S. Army and then entered into a lifelong career at IMC New Wales. He passed away on May 31, 2023, with his loving daughters by his side. David is survived by his daughters Guyla Anderson (Adam) and Megan Feaster (Clinton), grandchildren Reagan Anderson and Riley Anderson, fie loving

siblings and their spouses, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Vernon and Bernice Calhoun and brother John Calhoun. David was a proud veteran and avid hunter. He was a man’s man with the most gentle heart and a love for his daughters like no other. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Sunday June 18, 2023, 3 to 5 p.m. (Father’s Day) at the Big Red Barn Events, 4816 Deshong Dr, Plant City, Fla. Burial is scheduled for Tuesday June 20, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102 Ave, Bushnell, Fla. In lieu of flwers please donate to the ALS.org or your local veteran’s hospital.

SUNDAY, JUNE

11

FLAG DAY CEREMONY

1 p.m. 1501 N. Alexander St. The Plant City Elks Lodge 1727 will host a Flag Day Ceremony at their lodge. The event will take attendees through the history of all our nation’s flas. The Lodge will highlight their members who have served as the veterans present the nine historic flas. A box lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the ceremony in exchange for a donation made to the lodge and all are welcome to attend. If you’re planning on attending, please RSVP to Ed Wise by calling 863-370-0772.

THURSDAY, JUNE 8

WALDEN LAKE REZONING OPEN HOUSE

5 to 7 p.m. at 2800 Turkey Creed Rd. Representatives of the Walden Lake development team — including engineers, land planners, environmental, traffic an stormwater experts — will be available to answer questions that the community may have at their open house. Hosted at Walden Lake Elementary School, community members may attend to see the vision that the Walden Lake development team has for the community while having their voices heard and questions answered. For additional information, visit www.MovingWaldenLakeForward.com, call (813) 8354001 or email engage@MovingWaldenLakeForward.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

retired or non-retention, and would like to review your benefis please take advantage of free assistance at the Bing House Museum, 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walk-ins welcomed or call 813-704-5800 to set a specific tim.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN

SATURDAY, JULY 1

BLUEGRASS JAM

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. This is an open invitation for local Bluegrass musicians and fans to come to the Krazy Kup loft and jam, clap hands, stomp feet and enjoy! Krazy Kup holds their Bluegrass JAM on the fist Saturday of every month.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 5

SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS WITH ESTRANGED FAMILY

LOW COUNTRY BOIL

6 to 10 p.m. at 1501 N. Alexander St. The Plant City Elks Lodge 1727 will be hosting a low country boil. Attendance will cost $17 if tickets are purchased before June 10 and $22 if purchased after, all are encouraged.

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

3 to 6:30 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is back on Saturday, June 17, rain or shine. Cars and trucks of all makes, models and years can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music by DJ John Paul Gasca

FRIDAY, JUNE 23 - SUNDAY, JUNE 25

MEGA ADOPTION EVENT

5 to 9 p.m. at 110 N. Collins St. The Last Friday in Downtown Food Truck Rally is held with a new theme each month. There will be live music, an expanded exhibitor market, a bounce house, a scavenger hunt, food trucks and more. The event is family and pet friendly and all are recommended to bring chairs and blankets. June’s theme is The 80’s!

6:30 to 8 p.m. at 1107 Charlie Griffind. Join other parents who are estranged from their adult children. PEAK (Parents of Estranged Adult Kids) group provides a safe place to listen, share and support others going through the hurt of adult family abandonment. Meetings will include group discussions, self-care and positive inflenced activities to help cope with the situation. PEAK is not appropriate for abusive relationships or mental illness. Meetings are the fist Wednesday of each month at GracePoint Church. For more information, visit www.peaksupportgroup.com

OPEN MIC NIGHT

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd.

Open Mic Night is back at Krazy Kup. Join them for a fun night where you get to be the star of the show. Come out, strut your stuff and shw everyone what you’ve got.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14

FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Federal, state and local opportunities are constantly changing. If you’ve served any time in the military,

Various times at 2508 W. Oak Ave. Plant City will be hosting a mega adoption event at the Florida Strawberry Fairgrounds, an opportunity to enjoy some food, meet with pups that need a home and adopt a furry friend for free. Along with sponsors that include Petco Love, Hillsborough County Pet Resources Foundation, Inc., Friends of Animal Services Inc., Team Godwin Foundation and Florida Leaders of Lifesaving, you can attend the event on Friday, June 23 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., on Saturday, June 24 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, June 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information,

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

I LOVE PLANT CITY

tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com or

FORECAST

THURSDAY, JUNE 8

90

72

of rain: 24% FRIDAY, JUNE 9

92

72

of rain: 23%

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

93

73

50% SUNDAY, JUNE 11

93

73

SUNRISE/SUNSET

30%

MOON PHASES

(C) 2023 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

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

Send your photo submissions to staff writer Taylor Jenkins at

hashtag #iloveplantcity on Instagram for @igersplantcity to feature.

Brenda Miller sent us a photo of her orchids blooming in the Plant City sun.

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

You don’t have to go far for extraordinary care.

You can count on BayCare in Hillsborough County.

You’ll find all the care you need, close to home. We have a wide range of services and facilities to meet all the health care demands of the community. Whether it’s primary care, emergency care or anything in between, you always get extraordinary care from BayCare.

Outpatient centers

n Two BayCare HealthHubs®

n Two BayCare Outpatient Centers

Publix

Laboratories BayCare in Hillsborough County n Riverview n South Tampa n Town ‘n’ Country

BayCare Medical Group offices

n Twenty-six primary care practices

n Forty-four specialty care practices

n Four hospitalists/palliative care providers

Rehabilitation centers

n BayCare HealthHub (South Tampa) Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation

n St. Joseph’s Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation Center

n South Florida Baptist Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation Center

n South Florida Baptist Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation Center at the BayCare HealthHub

To discover all the BayCare locations near you, go to BayCareInHillsborough.org or scan this code.

n St. Joseph’s Hospital

n St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital

n St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital

n St. Joseph’s Hospital-North

n St. Joseph’s Hospital-South

n South Florida Baptist Hospital