PLANT CITY TIMES &
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 4, NO. 4
YMCA hires new director. PAGE 12 FREE
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FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016
YOUR TOWN Road Work Two road projects have been accepted as part of the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Transportation Improvement Program for fiscal years 2017 through 2021. Work will be done to State Road 39 South, and U.S. Highway 92 from Park Road to County Line Road will be widened. The funding for the State Road 39 South is $700,000, and funding for U.S. Highway 92 is $1.8 million. The Transportation Improvement Program contains over $1.8 billion in transportation projects over the next five years and documents metropolitan priorities funded through state and federal sources. Sam Allen Road widening from State Road 39 to Park Road was a metropolitan priority in previous years and is also funded through the Transportation Improvement Program.
Emily Topper
Dee Dee Wheeler Sgt. Al Van Duyne, Plant City Police Department Chief Ed Duncan and Deanna Hurley pose in front of the PCPD. In light of the recent police shootings, the women will be hosting free photo sessions for officers and their families.
BLUEBLOODS Two local photographers are using their talents to honor law enforcement officers and their families by offering free photo shoots. EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER
F
ive police officers were
of the World, the Plant City Police
killed in Dallas, Texas,
Department has taken to social
Thursday, July 7, during an
media to show its gratitude for the
Graduate
attack by a gunman who left seven
baked goods, food, flowers and
more officers injured and two ci-
handmade cards brought in by ap-
vilians wounded.
preciative residents.
On Friday, July 22, Bruton Memorial Library Director Tonda Morris graduated from the Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute in Tallahassee. The institute is administered by the Florida Department of State’s Division of Library and Information Services. The primary goal of the institute is to assist in preparing library leaders to provide the highest quality library services to the citizens of Florida.
Ten days later, three law en-
Two local photographers are
forcement officers in Baton Rouge,
taking their appreciation one step
Louisiana were killed by another
further. In August and December,
gunman.
photographers Dee Dee Davidson
Around the nation, citizens have
Wheeler and Deanna Hurley will
gone out of their way to show sup-
offer free portraits for law enforce-
port for law enforcement officers.
ment officers and their families.
In the Winter Strawberry Capital
SEE PAGE 9
BATTER UP
Five tumors have one community united Brandon Farms strawberry grower Joe Gude was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme. A fundraiser for the family will be held Saturday, July 30. EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER
On Monday, July 25, the Gude family home on Sydney Road was quiet. Two-month-old Piper Mae was cradled carefully in mother Lindsey Pope Gude’s arms. Lindsey Pope Gude stepped quietly from the family room to the bedroom. She snuck past her husband, Brandon Farms Owner Joe Gude. He was sleeping in a recliner in front of the television. It had been a long morning. It had been a long few months. On a wall outside of the bedroom, the couple’s wedding photos were hanging: one of Lindsey Pope Gude and Joe Gude outdoors in the dusk, posing against an antique Chevrolet; one of the newlyweds in a happy embrace. Under an adjacent wall, a wheelchair sat at the ready. Lindsey Pope Gude crossed into the bedroom, easing into an armchair
with Piper and a bottle. Piper was born Thursday, May 26, at Brandon Regional Hospital. It wasn’t the family’s first hospital visit. One day earlier, Joe Gude had a biopsy. Five tumors were on the right side of his brain, leaving the left side of his body paralyzed. The official diagnosis came two weeks later, on Thursday, June 9: glioblastoma multiforme, tumors that can affect the brain or spine. The cancer is rare. There’s fewer than 200,000 cases each year in the United States. Treatment is severe. Joe Gude, 46, gets five days of radiation six weeks at a time, combined with taking a chemotherapy pill every morning. “We’re just waiting for September to know what our next step is,” Lindsey Pope Gude said. “I’m a huge Christian. I have faith. I know He holds our tomorrow.” SEE GUDE PAGE 8
All Stars go to Tournament of State Champions. PAGE 12
FOOD TRUCK RALLIES ARE BACK
Gude Family Courtesy
Joe Gude and Lindsey Pope Gude with Faith, 19, and Ashlyn, 16, after the birth of Piper, the newest member of the family.
It’s been two years since the rallies have been held. But they’ll be taking over downtown again. Find out when on PAGE 8