09.15.17 PCTO by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY TIMES &

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 5, NO. 11

FREE • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

PIECES I

n the wake of Hurricane Irma’s destructive path across Florida, communities

are gathering to ensure no resident goes hungry as Plant City becomes a staging area for returning power to the Tampa Bay region. SEE PAGE 3.

ON THE COVER Row 1: Tree fallen on a home on Glen Harwell Road early Monday morning (Deanna Hurley). Row 2: The BBQ sign at Johnson’s BBQ was knocked loose by the storm (Breanne Williams); Irma’s winds knocked over a mounted lantern (Karen Berry). Row 3: Low hanging power lines adorned roads across Plant City (Breanne Williams); A Ready Ice distributer unloaded a semi full of bagged ice in the parking lot of Southern Hospitality on Monday. The ice was sold for $3 a bag (Breanne Williams). Row 4: Railroad arms were broken throughout Plant City early Monday morning (Deanna Hurley); Neighbors helped each other clean up the trees and debris in the Sam Allen Oaks community (Deanna Hurley); One neighbor used his tractor to move fallen trees in the Sam Allen Oaks community (Deanna Hurley). Row 5: Many trees were entirely uprooted due to the high winds of Hurricane Irma (Karen Berry); Fire Ants piling up on a fence to get out of the water (Deanna Hurley); Downed power lines littered the streets of Plant City, like these found in Historic Downtown (Breanne Williams). Row 6: Fallen trees knocked power out in many residential neighborhoods (Karen Berry); The gazebo at Walden Lake Park experienced major flooding Monday morning due to Hurricane Irma (Breanne Williams); A tree fell on a Hummer at Stingray Chevrolet, leaving almost no damage (Deanna Hurley).

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

United Food Bank of Plant City aids community after Irma The United Food Bank of Plant City is distributing food to anyone in need. Starting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, those in need of food picked up a bag of nonperishables, juice and bread. The service was provided free of charge through the end of the week. The service did not count as a regular pickup for the UFB’s clients. UFB was giving each person approximately 20 pounds of food and families of four were given two bags to meet their needs. Hundreds of bags were filled by UFB and as people arrived, volunteers loaded the food into waiting vehicles. One man’s eyes filled with tears as Mary Heysek, the executive director of the UFB, placed a bag full of food in his back seat. The shelves at UFB are nearly empty and Heysek said they are in desperate need of donations. United Way Suncoast gave $7,000 to replenish its shelves during the disaster, however, help from the community is always needed. “We have a lot of donations from the community, but we definitely need more,” Heysek said. “We’re serving more than our normal clients so that’s hard, but the community is always good to us so I’m hoping people donate and I’m hoping word gets around that we’re offering this service so people know to come and get help.” If you would like to donate any nonperishable items, UFB will be accepting donations anytime during normal business hours. The address is 702 E. Alsobrook St. # H.

City Commission to discuss potential property tax increase The City Commission will hold a public hearing Sept. 18 to discuss the proposed property tax increase. The hearing was supposed to be held during a Sept. 11 regular commission meeting but was cancelled due to Hurricane Irma. The proposal could increase the property tax rate, also known as millage, from $4.7157 per $1,000 in property value to as much as $5.7157 per $1,000 in property value, 4.7157 mills to 5.7157 mills. The raise would be solely directed to fund infrastructure and road projects and could bring in additional revenue of $1.9 million to

Breanne Williams

Above: Members of the community waited in line for supplies at the United Food Bank of Plant City. Left: Mary Heysek,

the Executive Director of the United Food Bank of Plant City, with a pallet of donated bread.

the city. Any increase would be the city’s first since 1991. Other agenda items from the Sept. 11 meeting will be rescheduled for a later date. The public hearing will be held at City Hall in the Sadye Gibbs Martin Auditorium, 302 W. Reynolds St., at 7:30 p.m.

YMCA opens doors for Irma victims Many YMCAs in Florida, including the Plant City branch, are opening their doors to the community following Irma’s destructive path across the state. While they do not have the resources to open as a shelter during storms, Lalita Llerena, the communi-

cations director for the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, said all branches want to help their community in any way they can. Anyone is welcome to come use the ‘Y’s showers, charge their phones and escape from the heat in its air conditioning. “We will treat them as a guest,” Llerena said. “We don’t want to turn anyone away and they are all welcome, especially if they don’t have any hot water or electricity. The ‘Y’ has always been here to strengthen the community. That’s what we’re all about. This is a time where people come together. We’re all family, we’re all in this together and the ‘Y’ is happy to help our community.”

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

NEWS BRIEFS

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

‘They’re doing everything in their power.’ — Sandee Sytsma, the chair of the board of Florida Strawberry Festival

Thousands of responders are gathering at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds to restore power to residents in Hillsborough and Polk County. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Photos by Breanne Williams

From top to bottom, left to right:TECO has been working around the clock to restore power to residents of Hillsborough and Polk County; Thousands of trucks were gathered at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds as crews were briefed and sent out to aid the surrounding communities; John Currier, the logistics coordinator for the storm, surveyed the operations and ensured everything stayed on schedule; Diesel trucks were brought to the staging area to refuel the power trucks due to the gas shortage throughout the state; Responders were given time to eat, rest and then were sent out to their assigned substations; As crews arrived, they gathered in Grimes Hall for a briefing; Trucks arriving at the Festival Grounds were waved through gates near Grimes Hall and parked on whatever available land they could find; Porta-potties were brought in front of the hall for the thousands of gathered workers.

est known for midway rides and music acts, the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds are now playing host to more than 3,000 utility trucks from around the nation. TECO is using the grounds as a staging area as it looks to restore power to hundreds of thousands in Hillsborough and Polk County. John Currier, the logistics coordinator for the storm, said as of Tuesday, 45% of TECO customers were without power. Statewide, estimates on Wednesday morning said 3.9 million homes and businesses remained without power, more than 37% of the 10.5 million electric accounts in Florida. That’s down about 2.8 million, though, from the peak outage reported by the state of more than 6.7 million accounts out as of 4:40 p.m. Monday — 64.2% of the state. Before Irma even made landfall crews from across the country including Michigan, Wisconsin and even Canada were headed south to aid in the recovery. “We’ve been very proactive from day one,” Currier said. “Florida can do a storm. We practice this all the time. We do mock drills and coordinate with our other utilities. I don’t think we’re missing a beat.” As teams arrive, they sign in, receive a briefing, a meal and, in some cases, given time to rest. Their trucks are refueled and then they are sent out to their assigned bases. Currier said they are authorized to create 12 centers, though the most they’ve ever had to open were two centers in 2004 for Hurricane Charley. Thanks to Irma, six centers are being utilized by TECO to repair the immense damage. The Florida Strawberry Festival Board was notified days ago their building, which was designed to withstand a Category 5 hurricane, would be needed, according to Sandee Sytsma, the chair of the board. Sytsma, who previously worked for TECO for 20 years, said she is proud to see such a massive response from organizations all across the country and happy the Strawberry Festival could help. She said when they built Grimes Hall, where the responders are gathering at the festival grounds, they were debating whether to make it Category 5 resistant. Now she is relieved they went the extra mile. Responders will work 16 hour shifts, day and night, until power is restored. Currier said while the plan is extremely efficient, no recovery operation of this size has been done in Florida since Hurricane Donna in 1960. The obstacles are many and yet the determination is high. “There’s not enough gas in our state and we’re really in need of hotel rooms, but our guys are ready to go to work,” Currier said. “They want to get out there, they want to go. It’s a culture for us, that desire to keep people with power. It’s in our blood.” Jeff Piechocki, an employee of Michels Power, drove all night from Michigan to aid in recovery. He said the traffic in Florida, specifically at the turnoff at Orlando, was “horrid” and added hours to their journey. He said the trucks were running “on fumes” by the time they arrived in Plant City. Luckily, diesel trucks are bringing fuel to the center to send crews out as quickly as possible. Currier said the goal is to restore power to nearly every client by the end of the week. Residents need to be patient, Sytsma said, and trust the power company will do its job. “We thought we were going to be homeless a few days ago and now we’re just electricity-less,” Sytsma said. “We need to get in perspective. If people weren’t trying so hard you would have a reason to complain, but they’re doing everything in their power. It’s an inconvenience, it’s no longer a disaster. Don’t worry, the calvary is here.”

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

Slice of life:

Greater New Hope feeds Plant City after Irma

Local pizzerias feed people during Irma ABC Pizza and Hungry Howie’s stayed open Sunday and Monday to serve customers. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Justin Kline

Danny McIntyre and Calvin Callins put the idea for the cookout together Tuesday morning.

In the rush to prepare for Hurricane Irma, some in Plant City weren’t fortunate enough to get all the nonperishable food they needed from the gas stations and grocery stores. But even on Sunday, with winds starting to howl and rain starting to pour, and after the storm passed Monday morning, they weren’t out of options. A pair of Plant City pizzerias, ABC Pizza House and Hungry Howie’s, stayed open Sunday and Monday to serve locals whatever food they had in stock when much of the city had closed its doors. “It wasn’t about money,” Hungry Howie’s owner Charlie Sobh said. “It was about service … we’re pleased we were able to help and service everybody.” Both pizzerias were faced with staffing shortages and a limited amount of supplies, forcing them to close their doors earlier than normal Sunday and Monday to conserve food. Cars flooded the parking lots and lines of people wrapped around the buildings from open to close. But neither business lost power, so people were able to escape the heat and feed themselves and their families with a hot meal. “Some people, you know, they have no lights,” ABC Pizza owner Ted Fotopoulos said. “No food at the house to cook.” Ted Fotopoulos estimated he and the store’s reduced staff — some of whom left their homes to stay at the restaurant during the brunt of the storm — made roughly 700 pizzas from Sunday through Tuesday. The biggest order came from Verizon, which ordered 100 pizzas Tuesday morning for workers patching things up in Plant City. Though pizzas were the mostordered items, customers were able to eat anything ABC Pizza had on hand to offer. “The grill was off the chain with hamburgers and steaks, fried food,” Spirit Fotopoulos said. “It was nonstop.” One block down the street, Sobh

The church held a free cookout in its parking lot on Tuesday.

Like many people in Hillsborough County, Calvin Callins woke up Tuesday morning without power or water. But Greater New Hope Anointed Ministries’s pastor wasted no time making sure others in the Plant City community got help when they needed it. All it took was an 8 a.m. phone call from Plant City High School girls basketball coach Danny McIntyre, who wanted the church and the Plant City Family YMCA to team up to help people. “It was a spur of the moment,” Callins said. “I actually came down here at 8 o’clock this morning … one phone call, one (Facebook) post and the city has come together quick.” By 11 a.m., the church had grills and smokers fired up in the parking lot and tables set up indoors for hungry Plant Citians to fill up and cool down without spending a dime. “I called it an ‘outdoor kitchen,’” McIntyre said. “If (people) need to come warm something up, we’ve got cookers for them. Gas tanks, let them warm up their food. If they just want a hot dog or hamburger, or we’ve been donated sausage and ribs, come and eat.” Beyond all the hot dogs and hamburgers, the church allowed people to hang out inside and make use of its air conditioning, television and electricity. The Plant City Y helped with the cookout and also promoted use of its nearby facilities, offering the community a place to cool down and shower. Much of the food Greater New Hope’s that day was donated by WinnDixie and the church used some of its own food, as well. The church also took to social media to solicit donations from the community. Some people pulled up in the parking lot to drop off water, chips and other items. “It’s fellowship,” McIntyre said. “We all get through this thing together.”

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Photos by Justin Kline

ABC Pizza House made hundreds of pizzas for customers.

Hungry Howie’s served people even if they didn’t have enough money to spend.

and the Hungry Howie’s staff were hard at work serving customers of their own. But Hurricane Irma presented them with a dilemma they had to plan around: a flooded warehouse.” “The warehouse was underwater,” Sobh said. “I had to wake up early every day, get in the van and pick up food.” Sobh and his staff were still able to feed hundreds of people, including members of the National Guard. He said the restaurant sold more chicken wings than pizzas, though the store did sell enough pies to run out of boxes Monday. They also helped out when people were short on cash. In one case, Sobh says, a customer with a $40 order only

found $10 on hand to pay. A woman in the restaurant offered to cover the rest of the payment herself but Sobh split it with her. “People have a heart,” he said. “That's one thing I can tell from this.” The restaurant wasn’t able to deliver food or offer its buffet service, and could only take walk-in orders because the staff was too busy cooking to meet the high demand. Though it was an exhausting experience for Sobh, he said feeding Plant Citians was worth the extra effort. “It's a beautiful community,” he said. “They're loyal to us and were loyal to them.”

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

We asked: How did you handle Hurricane Irma?

“We were very lightly impacted. Nothing more than a slight inconvenience. We just really want to help our neighbors and make sure everybody has what they need.”

“We were out of power for three days. Got a little roof damage but nothing too major. No flooding.” — Margaret Stevenson, thirties

— Julie Cole, 47

“We made it through ... My son and his wife stayed with me through the hurricane. We were all in one house ... it was an experience.”

“I evacuated to a safer home in the Thonotosassa area ... one of (my trees) fell right on my driveway where my truck would have been.”

— Paulette Stevenson, 55

— Zach Hilferding, 38

“We did OK. We really prepped for it. I had lots of water and my tubs and sinks full. I was ready… There was heavy debris from the trees, we had four large garbage bags filled with it.”

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Please contact Jan Griffin at 813-754-8685 if you have questions or need additional information.

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Saturday, Sept. 23rd

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

Margaret Speed Garvin Margaret Speed Garvin was born September 6, 1933 to the late Deacon Osborn and May Lou Speed in Eaton Park, FL. The family moved to Lakeland, FL in 1945, and became members of Pilgrim Rest Freewill Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Reverend I.W. Tomlin. Margaret joined the church at the age of nine and was baptized at age ten. Singing was a gift from God and she loved doing it. Her grandmother played an important role in Margaret’s life as she always reminded Margaret that her singing gift was from the Lord. Her favorite song, “A Charge to Keep I Have,” would also become her ambition and fulfillment in ministry. Margaret attended Rochelle High School from 1951-1954, where she was a member of the Panther Cheerleading Squad and the basketball team. Upon graduation from Rochelle High School, Margaret married Joseph Garvin on January 7, 1954. She worked dutifully as an employee at Publix Supermarkets, Inc., for 18 years, until her retirement in 1986.

YOU OBSERVED

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

Plant City recovers from Irma

Lydia Lindow: “Large tree down at Smokin Aces. The restaurant is fine thank goodness, but still no power.”

hen Irma struck Plant City Sunday evening, she brought strong winds and torrential rain, wreaking havoc throughout the state. Millions in Florida were without power and early Monday morning the road to recovery began. Residents began dealing with fallen trees, scattered debris, flooding and damaged property as they surveyed Irma’s impact. Many businesses will remain closed through the end of the week as they wait for power to be restored while others were able to reopen Monday and begin serving their community. The general consensus throughout the city seems to be relief as Irma weakened to a Category 2 hours prior to hitting Plant City.

As a member of Pilgrim Rest Freewill Baptist Church, she was very active in ministry. Margaret was appointed to serve on the Mother’s Board when her husband, “Joe” was ordained as a deacon. She became spiritually and affectionately known as “Mother Garvin” throughout her church and the community. Mother Garvin was the founder of the Garvin Singers; Director of the Gospel Teenagers and Choir #2; member of the D.L. Bright Gospel Chorus; member and director of the Mass Choir; director of the Your Choir Ministry; member of the Home Mission Board #2; Sunday School Teacher; and Program Coordinator for Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. However, Kingdom-building would not stop for Mother Garvin at Pilgrim Rest. In 1986, Margaret attended Christ Community Christian Center Church and enrolled in the Spiritual Authority and Christian Growth classes to fulfill the requirements for church membership. Sister Garvin served faithfully as a Care Group Leader: Deacon of Food Service, Water Baptism and Communion for 15 years. Brother Garvin and Sister Garvin gave the first $3,000.00 towards starting the church-owned Hazel Perkins Gray Child Development Center. They also traveled with Pastor Walter Laidler to Oral Roberts University and Crenshaw Christian Center. In 2007, in recognition and honor of 60-plus years of dedication, loyalty, and service to the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Pastor Laidler instituted within the ministry of Helps, “The Joseph & Margaret Garvin Missionary Guild.”

— BREANNE WILLIAMS Tammy Piergallini: “Hastings Cove Ln off Stanley Rd.”

Together, Margaret and Joe traveled to England, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Austria. They have taken six cruises to the Caribbean Island. Now she leaves to cherish her memory and legacy, a devoted husband of 63 years who was her faithful caregiver, Joseph Garvin, Deacon and Elder; four loving daughters; Vivian Garvin Townes (Robert), a set of twins, Beryl Garvin Gordon (Steve) and Bridget Garvin Fortham, and Debbie Garvin Cobb (David); one remaining sister, Bessie Speed Melton; sisters-in-law: Ivory Simmons, Viola Thompkins, Lorraine Bonaparte, Luvenia Garvin, Martha Speed, and Latha Speed; ten grandchildren; Tamesha KNighten, Tina Townes, Errick Townes, Derrick Townes, Deaundra Cobb, Danielle Cobb, Laticia Joseph, Adrian WIlson, Steven Gordon and Joseph Gordon; thirteen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, the late Deacon Osborn and Mother May Lou Speed; six sisters: Lillie S. Neal, Clemateen Butler, Thirsa L. Hudson, Essie M. Joyner, Naomi Glover and Yvonne Williams; and five brothers: John H. Speed, Arthur Speed, Madison Speed, Willie Speed, and CECIL SPeed.

Connie Daniel Korte: “On the walking trail around Walden Lake.”

Tiffany Duncan: “Shepherd Rd.”

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Nicole Aumond Smith: “Our tree split in half, fell into our house and took out another tree and blocked E. Keysville Rd. Love how our community got together to move it from the road <3”

April Terrell: “Huge gust of wind carried our trampoline over our fence and into the pool...never touching the fence!!”

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

COPS CORNER

SEPT. 1

File photo

Control of Walden Lake Golf and Country Club was appointed to receiver Andrew Bolnick on Sept. 6.

Archibald loses control of Walden Lake Golf Course STAFF WRITER

In a judge’s chambers on the fifth floor of Tampa’s Edgecomb courthouse, representatives from three parties gathered as the golf course at Walden Lake again inched closer to entering a new era. Judge Emmett Battles, on Sept. 6, ordered the appointment of Clearwater-Based Andrew Bolnick as receiver for the golf course, stripping Professional Golf Global Group (PGGG) and Lynn Archibald, president of PGGG, of any control and passing it to Bolnick. In real estate, a receiver is a court-appointed individual who becomes responsible for the management of a property in foreclosure. “We have some unusual circumstances in this case,” Battles said. “I think I heard them earlier, about when they actually took possession of the property.” The receivership was granted in the case of Today’s Bank vs. Visions Golf. According to a complaint filed Dec. 23, 2016 in Hillsborough County Court, Today’s Bank alleges Visions defaulted on the golf course’s $2.1 million mortgage. Archibald, who has managed the course since 2015, claims he owns the property. Visions Golf disputes Archibald’s claim of ownership and is suing PGGG over its claim of ownership and a deed Visions said Archibald improperly filed in April, nearly five months after the foreclosure suit was filed. A hearing to appoint a receiver was originally held July 18, where both plaintiff, Today’s Bank, and defendant, Visions Golf, stated appointing a receiver would be in the best interest of the course. Archibald attended

at the property, including the clubhouse, have visible signs of advanced deterioration including mold growth on and around the exterior of building, broken windows, and wood rot. Paved driveways and access areas are cracked and or deteriorating. Water appears to be intruding in other areas around the clubhouse.” Real estate tax on the property has also not been paid since 2013, threatening a tax deed sale. The real estate tax issue is another of Visions’ arguments, saying PGGG violated the terms of escrow and has no ownership of the property. As receiver, Bolnick would be responsible for not only maintaining the property, but monitoring taxes and insurances. The purpose of a receiver, which is a court-sworn neutral party, Serrano said, is to maintain the “status quo” during the foreclosure process. Bolnick has more than 35 years of experience as a receiver. Bolnick said the course, as well as the clubhouse, pool and tennis courts will be closed. The property had no insurance when he took over, but he said he will be obtaining some this week. Bolnick was appointed during the threat of Hurricane Irma, when insurance companies weren’t writing new policies on many threatened areas. Additionally, he said, an assessment of what can be done to prevent further deterioration of the course and club will begin this week. “At this point, we do not have the required funds to maintain the golf course,” Bolnick said. “It is already deteriorated to such a point that the economics don’t make sense to reopen the golf course at this point.” Serrano said Today’s Bank hopes to have a foreclosure sale “well before the end of the year,” wiping out any further interest PGGG might have and again placing the future of a golf course at Walden Lake in limbo. Archibald did not respond to a request for comments.

EBAY BUMMER 4100 block of Kipling Ave. Fraud: A Plant City woman is out $2,500 after falling victim to an EBAY scam. The victim told police she attempted to purchase a Toyota SUV through the website and didn’t realize she was being swindled until she had already sent the seller $2,500 in EBAY gift cards to purchase the vehicle. FINDER’S RETURNERS 100 block of W. Ball St. Recovered gun: What is lost, it seems, can sometimes be found. Officers responded to a woman who reported her stolen handgun had been found in her mailbox. She told officers she believed a former tenant had returned it but, “happy to have her gun back,” declined to prosecute.

SEPT. 4

TWO-DOLLAR BILL, YA’LL 600 block of Herring St. Vehicle burglary: Six $2 bills were stolen from a woman’s unlocked car, she told police. NOT THIS AGAIN, GUYS 2000 block of Clubhouse Drive Burglary: Mirroring a similar incident in June, police reported someone forced entry into the Walden Lake Country Club, breaking “numerous items” and setting off fire extinguishers.

SEPT. 6

ORDERING OFF MENU 1100 block of Goldfinch Drive Theft: Cell phones, it appears, are not a part of the buffet at Buddy Freddy’s. A woman told police her cell phone was stolen after she left it on the restaurant’s buffet line.

SEPT. 7

SOMEONE’S GOIN’ FISHING 1310 block of Redbud St. Theft: Police said a Plant City man reported the theft of five fishing rods and reels from his garage. The equipment was valued at $500. The phantom fisherman remains at large.

Plant City Wonder Women Friday, Septmeber 29 (Reg. $305) Offer expires 9/29/17. Includes exam, cleaning & x-rays. New Patients Only.

(Reg. $1,920) Offer expires 9/29/17. $960 for implant, not including abutment and crown for new and existing patients for first implant.

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DANIEL FIGUEROA IV

the hearing, but could not speak on PGGG’s behalf without a lawyer. Battles granted an extension of the hearing to allow Archibald to retain counsel for himself and PGGG. Jesse Lee Ray and Elizabeth Fernandez signed on to represent PGGG, filing an objection to the appointment of a receiver. Battles told Fernandez the objection was a procedural gaff and there should have been a motion to intervene filed, but allowed PGGG to be represented any way. Fernandez claimed PGGG has valid interest in the case and should be heard, while Today’s Bank’s lawyer, Meghan Serrano, objected, saying the PGGG deed being filed after the foreclosure nullifies its interest. Fernandez and Ray have also filed motions to set aside defaults in other cases relating to the golf course where PGGG and Archibald have been judged against. Among the cases is a $50,000 breach of contract suit where Today’s Bank alleged PGGG violated a contract to obtain ownership of the mortgage on the course by missing the downpayment. Archibald closed the course in June and announced plans for a massive, multi-phase overhaul. However, residents have seen little progress on the course and city documents show PGGG has struggled to keep the length of grass within city code. One resident, Ray Riggsbee, showed up to defend Archibald and gave sworn testimony. “I don’t know if a receiver is going to do a better job,” Riggsbee said. “But I’m here to attest that there’s only one guy, ever since the big boys pulled out of Walden Lake Golf and Country Club, who has tried to do anything positive about turning the club around and returning it at least to a partial glory that it used to be in our town of Plant City, as this gentleman right here. Unfortunately, he’s kind of by himself.” In addition to overgrown grass, the order appointing the receiver states it was needed because “the amenities

SEPT. 2

Offer PatientsOnly. Only. Offer expires expires 9/15/17. 9/29/17. New No Patients 249482

Amid foreclosure and contested ownership, the golf course was placed in the hands of a receiver.

LAWN PARTY 710 block of W. Madison St. Criminal mischief: A loud noise at the front door led to the signs of a front-door rampage. A woman told police she heard the noise and responding officers found the furniture on her porch had been flipped and aluminum torn from her door. No suspects were found and damage was valued at $300.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 813-704-6850

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

The go-karts offered will top out at 80 miles per hour. They come with a standard seat belt and riders must pass a test to access the “hard” track.

STATE FARM® AGENT

Auto | Annuities | Home | Life Small Businesses | Retirement

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Tony Lee CLU, CHFC 813.752.7202 1702 S. Alexander, Plant City, FL 33563

NOW HIRING !

Shining Stars

Child Development Center

Get up and go-kart

Now Enrolling Ages 6 Weeks to 12 Years

(813) 704-6614 License number CH433133

A new go-kart facility is coming to Plant City. The massive 70,000 square foot tracks will offer a unique experience for the area.

Plant City Community Church of the Nazarene 2402 Mud Lake Road | Plant City, FL

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LEGAL

CenterState/Sunshine Bank Merger Newspaper Notice OCC application Notification is given that application has been made to the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”), 500 North Akard Street, Suite 1600, Dallas, Texas 75201-3342 by CenterState Bank, N.A., main office located at 1101 First Street South, Winter Haven, Florida 33880 for consent for the merger of Sunshine Bank, main office 102 West Baker Street, Plant City, Florida 33563 with and into CenterState Bank, N.A. Under the terms of the Merger, Sunshine Bank would merge with and into CenterState Bank, N.A. CenterState Bank, N.A. is evaluating what need, if any, there is to close or consolidate branches in geographies where CenterState Bank, N.A. and Sunshine Bank branches overlap or for other business reasons. When CenterState Bank, N.A. identifies branches that will be closed or consolidated, CenterState Bank, N.A. will follow the appropriate OCC procedures for such actions.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

CenterState Bank, N.A. Winter Haven, Florida

Published 9/8, 9/15 and 10/6/2017

Sunshine Bank Plant City, Florida

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This notice is published pursuant to 12 USC 1828(c) and 12 CFR 5. Anyone may comment on this application with the OCC by submitting written comments, which must be received by the OCC no later than October 6, 2017, to the Director of District Licensing, Office Comptroller of the Currency, Southern District, 500 North Akard Street, Suite 1600, Dallas, Texas 75201-3342. The public file is available for inspection in the district office during regular business hours. Written requests for a copy of the public file on the application should be sent to the Director of District Licensing at the address noted above.

PLANT CITY 1907 S. Alexander St., Ste. 2 Plant City, FL 33566 | (813)752-6604 BRANDON 329 Pauls Dr. Brandon, FL 33511 | (813)689-9297

rcwcpas.com

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Navigation to Wealth Creation

Plant City could soon be home to one of the largest and fastest indoor gokart facilities in the country. Echo 6 Racing plans to open mid2018 and Skyler Wilson, 24, the assistant director of operations, said they hope to draw people into the community “This is going to be the biggest indoor track with the fastest cars in the area,” Wilson said. “We plan to also have an arcade incorporated into it, so you won’t just be getting the track. There are only so many times you can do the indoor track but this adds another element to it, so it’s more family friendly.” The new facility will have two different tracks, a beginner and an advanced course. The beginner track will be for a more easy going experience with cars going 40 to 50 miles per hour. The advanced track will only be available for those who have successfully met the safety qualifications on the beginner track. Advanced level cars are able to top out at 80 miles per hour. There will be eight to 10 cars on each track at one time, with 40 cars on location. Wilson said this allows the track to remain uncrowded and competitive without creating a long wait for the cars. The cars are contracted from an outsourced company that claims they are the fastest in the country. Wilson, who has lived in Plant City for five years, said his goal is to be able to bring growth to all areas of the city. “We’re wanting to draw people into the community, to further the community,” Wilson said. “We want people not only coming to us but coming to all the other stores that Plant City has. Getting growth in Plant City.” Though the track alone will be a draw for adrenaline junkies, Wilson said the unique atmosphere of the facilities will set it apart from the tracks you may find in Tampa or other nearby cities. “It’s going to be like nothing you have ever seen,” Wilson said. Echo 6 Racing plans to mimic the family mindset of other businesses like TopGolf, who offer a lifelong membership. Wilson said the plan is for clients to pay a fee for a membership card and then pay by three races.

“This is a family friendly facility. The age of the driver will be up to the parents’ discretion and we hope to offer everything you would need for a fun day out. I think when people see the large scale of the track it’ll be an eyeopener and they’ll see the potential of what it can bring to Plant City." — Skyler Wilson

The goal is to make it affordable for all levels of membership, those who come only once and those who plan to come every week. Located on James L. Redman Parkway, the facilities will have plenty of room for growth. Wilson said the plan now is for 70,000 square feet of track with the potential to grow up to 150,000 square feet. He said the hope is the community flourishes by its addition. He said ideally new businesses will flock to the surrounding area to make Plant City a destination and “put the town on the map.” “Plant City is in the middle of a bunch of major cities but it doesn’t have anything to offer that is crazy big right now,” Wilson said. “If you think of Plant City, we have a movie theater… Brandon has a mall and the movies, Tampa has everything, if you go just down the road to Lakeland they have nearly everything. Plant City is smack dab in the middle, but we have nothing.” Wilson said he wants Echo 6 Racing to be a full experience for clients. While the details have yet to be completely worked out, he said he wants to see an eatery, like what is offered at TopGolf, and other amenities to be added to offer customers everything they would need for a day of fun. Updates will be available on the Echo 6 Racing Facebook page and as an incentive, anyone who likes the page and subscribes to the email list will be entered into a drawing for a six month unlimited ride karting license. “This is a family friendly facility,” Wilson said. “The age of the driver will be up to the parents’ discretion and we hope to offer everything you would need for a fun day out. I think when people see the large scale of the track it’ll be an eye opener and they’ll see the potential of what it can bring to Plant City."

DRIVERS NEEDED! CLASS A & CLASS B CDL DRIVERS FOR DUMP TRUCK & TRANSPORT Apply in person at

1901 Industrial Park Dr. Plant City, FL 33566 between the hours of 8:30am & 4:00pm

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Courtesy rendering

The above track is a similar style to what Echo 6 Racing plans to offer at its facilities. It plans to offer two tracks for varying levels of speed.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

CARPET STEAM CLEANING

2 Rooms $65 or 3 Rooms $85 & Get Hallway cleaned FREE. Additional rooms $20 ea.

Photos by Breanne Williams

Walks Ins Welcome • Appointments Available

Free Rider Fellowship, located at 2207 Mud Lake Road, created a “Give and Take Box” to benefit those in need in the community. The box is filled by the congregation and community members alike with nonperishable items and money for anyone in need.

(813) 704-4857

Paying it forward

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1803 James L. Redman Pkwy,. Plant City, FL 33563 City_Cuts_Barbershop

Time for New Glasses?

A local church has created a “Give and Take Box” that anonymously provides food and funds for those in need in the community.

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STAFF WRITER

813.754.3593 | 2002 S. Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563

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

T ony R amos o wneR

Photos by Breanne Williams

The “Give and Take Box” is located at the front of the church by the road so anyone driving by can simply stop and take what they need.

— Aaron Brown

other churches throughout the state are considering creating one as well. “We’ve had anonymous donations constantly since we put the box out,” Brown said. “It’s been a pretty awesome thing.”

CUTEST CRITTER

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Brown said his church was searching for a way to serve the Plant City community. They had originally fed the homeless a few times and then Brown said they sat back and realized that need was being met by others in the area. “Every day of the week there is someone feeding the homeless and that’s great, that’s awesome,” Brown said. “What we wanted to do is help the needy, the person who maybe is a single mother, or a single parent in general, who is struggling to make ends meet and is struggling to put food on the table for their kids. They can drive by and get food and there’s no shame in it, it’s all anonymous.” The hope, Brown said, is that one day when people are in a more stable financial situation they will remember the help they received and have the desire to help those still in need, either by giving back to the box or by helping in some other way. The box is located on 2207 Mud Lake Road in Plant City. Dry and canned food along with supplies and even money are left in the box for anyone in need. If you would like to donate, simply drive up and place your items inside.

Looking For A Hobby Of A Lifetime? Cost To Earn Your Wings…

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Plant City Airport Services 813-752-4710

r WE BUY GOLD & SILVER! Jewelry & Watch Repair Insurance Appraisals Buying Gold & Diamonds

Fine Jewelry Sales Custom Designs Graduate Gemologist

New owner with Joe Grimes still doing repairs 1701 S. Alexander Street • Suite 102 • Plant City, Florida 33566

(813) 752-0585

Do you want Plant City to see how cute your favorite pets are? Send your pictures to Staff Writer Breanne Williams at bwilliams@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

YFJ0801@yahoo.com

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“What we wanted to do is help the needy, the person who maybe is a single mother, or a single parent in general, who is struggling to make ends meet and is struggling to put food on the table for their kids. They can drive by and get food and there’s no shame in it, it’s all anonymous.”

m o w ing -e d g ing -m u l ching -T R imming -s od s p R ink l e R R e pa iR -c l e a n u p s -T R e e w oRk p R e ssu R e w a shing -l a nd s c a p e d e sign

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The “Give and Take Box” at Free Rider Fellowship offers anonymous help for anyone in need. The box was designed to offer assistance for people in Plant City with a focus on single parents or those struggling to make ends meet. Aaron Brown has been the pastor of Free Rider Fellowship since it’s inception approximately 11 years ago. When his congregation first told him of their desire to create the box he was skeptical about its success. He said he went along with it, thinking it wouldn’t hurt to try, but that he truly doubted it would be an actual asset to the community. Within a matter of days he admitted he was wrong. “It literally only took a few days for me to realize this was going to take off,” Brown said. “I was out there when we installed it on a Saturday and by Monday morning I had watched people come up, look at it, try to figure out what it was. I have a great bird’s eye view from my office. I was sitting in there working on sermon work and watching cars pull up, look at, watching people take food from it and then, surprisingly, I watched car after car pull up and put food and items in it.” Brown said it didn’t take long for him to become a believer. There were multiple times he and members of his congregation would pull up to the church and find bags of groceries from Publix stacked on their front porch because the box was full of food. The idea for the box came from Glen Tussing, a founding member of the church. Brown said Tussing thought the box would be a great asset to those in need. Tussing told Brown having the box at the front of the church would allow any member of the community to either donate or to stop by and take what they need, regardless of if they attended the church or not. Brown has spread the word about the success of the box and he said

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813-986-1266

SAMMIS LAW FIRM Attorneys on call 24/7

Free consultation Criminal Defense Attorneys for Plant City

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IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT: Stinky’s owner Autumn O’Ryan tried to give him a “a proper adornment to counteract his name.” O’Ryan said he is a valuable member of their family, even if he often doesn’t smell the nicest.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

Jimmie Earl Wise Jimmie Earl Wise, 81, of Plant City, born on May 7, 1936 in Opp, Alabama, entered into eternal rest on September 4. Expressions of condolence at www. HopewellFuneral.com.

Headed on a great trip? Did you take the Observer with you on vacation? Send your pictures to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

www.HopewellFuneraI.com

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

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Mary J. Vallejo Mary J. Vallejo, 87, of Lithia, born on November 1, 1929 in Tampa, entered into eternal rest on September 6. Expressions of condolence at www. HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

www.HopewellFuneraI.com HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

239042

Alton ‘Al’ Seagraves Alton "Al" Seagraves, 77, of Plant City, born on July 26, 1940 in Georgia, entered into eternal rest on September 3. Expressions of condolence at www. HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

www.HopewellFuneraI.com HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

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ALL OBITUARIES ARE PROVIDED BY FUNERAL HOMES AND FAMILIES.

Florist 116 North Collins Street Plant City, FL 33563 ph: (813) 567-5735 allabloomtampa.com

VACATION DAYS: Harry and Marilyn Day recently toured Scotland and Ireland and made sure to bring a copy of the Plant City Times & Observer. In this photo, the Days posed with the paper during a day at Ballachulish Golf Club in Scotland.

Historic Downtown 249277

New beginnings

New beginnings for widows and widowers

for New widows beginningsand widowers.

for widows and widowers.

LIFT ® is a social support program that helps widows and widowers adjust to the loss of a spouse by providing hope to reinforce a sense of wholeness and purpose in those who may be feeling lost or isolated.

We invite you to join us at our next Dignity Memorial LIFT even Plant City Dignity Memorial LIFT Program The 3rd Monday of Every Month Wells Memorial and Event Center, The Tranquility Room 1903 West Reynolds Street, Plant City, Florida 33563

Please RSVP to: Wells Memorial 813-752-1111

® isprogram by the Dignity Memorial network of funeral, a socialthat support program helps widowsSponsored and widowers LIFT ® is a socialLIFT support helps widows andthat widowers LIFT is Open to All Widows and Widowers cremation and cemetery providers, the LIFT program adjust to the lossadjust of a spouse providing hope tobyreinforce a sense of to reinforce to thebyloss of a spouse providing hope a senseandofentertaining. There are no fees is both educational by theorDignity network of funeral, cremation and cemetery providers, t wholeness and purpose in those may beinfeeling ormay isolated. dues participate. Dignity Memorial LIFT members wholeness andwho purpose thoselost who beSponsored feeling lost ortoMemorial isolated.

LIFT program is are bothonly educational and entertaining. areornopersonal fees or dues to participat responsible for their ownThere meals Dignity Memorial LIFT members are only responsible for their own meals or personal expen expenses. Participation is not restricted to those who have Participation is not restricted to those who have been served by Dignity Memorial providers been served by Dignity Memorial providers.

We invite youWe to join us at ourtonext Memorial LIFT event. invite you joinDignity us at our next Dignity Memorial LIFT event. Plant City Dignity Memorial LIFT Program Plant City Dignity Memorial LIFT Program The 3rd Monday of Every Month

The 3rd Monday of Every Month

Wells Memorial and Event Center, The Tranquility Room

Wells Memorial and Event Center, The Tranquility WellsRoom Memorial and Event Center

1903 West Reynolds Street, Plant City, Florida 33563

LIFT is Open to All Widows and Widowers

Please RSVP to: Wells Memorial 813-752-1111

LIFT iscremation Open to and All Widows Widowers Sponsored by the Dignity Memorial network of funeral, cemetery and providers, the LIFT program is both educational and entertaining. There are no fees or dues to participate. Dignity Memorial LIFT members are only responsible for their own meals or personal expenses.

813-752-1111

Plant City

Light refreshments will be served www.wellsmemorial.com

Sponsored by the Dignity Memorial network of funeral, cremation and cemetery providers, the

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1903 West Reynolds Street, Plant City, Florida 33563 Please RSVP to: Wells Memorial 813-752-1111

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN 3 to 8 p.m. The monthly Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is in Historic Downtown Plant City. This is the first month the event includes a swap meet. The swap meet is for classic cars, muscle cars and hot rod parts only. All vehicles made in 1993 or before are welcome. Registration begins at 3 p.m. DJ Tiny will offer hits from the 50s, 60 and 70s. There will also be food vendors, market vendors and kids’ entertainment. NIGHT OF ONE MILLION MEALS 6 to 9 p.m. The One More Child Celebration Ball is a semi-formal event at the John R. Trinkle Center at Hillsborough Community College, 1206 N. Park Road, that will raise money to support the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes, The Porch Light and Orphan’s Heart. There will be delicious food and entertainment by the Buzzcatz, an Orlando-based band with musicians from Central Florida. Party dresses, ties and bow-ties are encouraged to add to the ambiance of the evening. The Buzzcatz will play classics and dance-floor favorites. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased at ow.ly/ncCU30f86rK.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 19

GFWC OF PLANT CITY WOMAN’S CLUB’S ICE CREAM SOCIAL 1:30 to 3 p.m. Members and potential members are being treated to a “Hot Fudge in the Summertime” Ice Cream Social at the GFWC Club House, 1110 North Wheeler Street. SELF DEFENSE CLASS 1 to 5 p.m. The Plant City Cham-

ber of Commerce is hosting a self defense class at the chamber. The class will have hands on practice in the correct and most effective way to defend against street attacks. Home and workplace security are also covered and handouts will also be provided. Attendees must be at least 16 years old and should wear loose fitting workout clothes. The class is taught by Charles Closshey, a licensed professional bodyguard. RSVP by calling 813-754-3707.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 23

GARDEN FEST & MORE 2017 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The ninth annual Garden Fest & More will have everything from plants to garden art and food. The event is at McCall Park on 100 N Collins St. The Plant City Garden Club is taking vendor reservations on the club’s website. Call 813-567-5735.

ONGOING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERSHIP DRIVE The Plant City Chamber of Commerce is hosting a month long

BEST BET TUESDAY, SEPT. 19

FIFTH ANNUAL KIWANIS CLUB BUSINESS SPELLING BEE 7 p.m. The fifth annual Plant City Kiwanis Club Business Spelling Bee will test which business has the “best speller in town” at Plant City Entertainment. The money raised will help Kiwanis provide for the children of Plant City with their annual “Stuff the Bus” and “Read Around the World” campaigns. Trophies and door prizes will be awarded. For additional information or tickets contact David Wolf at 813-7179300 or david@haught.biz.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 21

PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS OPEN HOUSE 7:30 to 9 a.m. Plant City Toastmasters is inviting the public to meet members, observe speakers and discuss the importance of communication skills for today’s professionals. Come hungry, there will be a light breakfast and coffee. The Toastmasters meet every Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at the Plant City Chamber of Commerce. For more information email Adrian Smude at AdrianSmude@gmail.com.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

membership drive. Those who join this month will be given a special rate with increased incentives to join. A membership application can be found at www.plantcity.org/newmemberapp. For more information call Norm Nelson at 813-754-3707. BINGO AT THE AMERICAN LEGION 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Every Saturday. Papers sold and kitchen opens at 5 p.m. Bingo is 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Plant City American Legion is located at 2207 W Baker St. GRIEF SHARE CLASS 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Hope Lutheran Church is hosting a grief share class series. The course will be a seminar and a support

PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA REGISTER FOR UPCOMING…

YOUTH SPORTS

group for those grieving the loss of someone close. Each session includes a video and group discussion. Both the morning and the evening session will be identical. To register for either or for more information contact Rev. Dean Pfeffer at 813-752-4622. DIABETES PREVENTION CLASS 16 WEEK SERIES 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the United Food Bank of Plant City, 702 E Alsobrook St # H. UFB is hosting a diabetes prevention class, which will be taught by registered dietitians and health educators. The series is free to the public. Registration is required. Contact 813-3078015 ext. 7111.

PAINTING WITH BETTY FAIRBANKS AT THE CLASSROOM GALLERY 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 813-986-3632. 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.

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SATURDAY, SEPT. 16

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SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

SPORTS Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Email Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

Register for Optimist golf tourney The Plant City Optimist Club/Plant City Recreation and Parks Department Golf Classic is going on 23 years strong and will be back later in September. Registration for the Sept. 23 tournament, which will be held at Diamond Hill Golf Club, 13115 Sydney Dover Road, Dover, is underway. Golfers can sign up for the four-person scramble for $75 per player, and there will also be a putting contest, two long-drive holes, two closest-topin holes and a raffle with door prizes. Cash awards will be presented to the top three tournament finishers of the day. Registration will begin at 11 a.m. and the shotgun start is scheduled for 1 p.m. The $75 fee covers 18 holes, golf cart rental, range balls, food and more. The tournament hosts are also seeking business sponsorships, which are tiered and come with various perks depending on the level purchased. Funds raised from the tournament will benefit the Optimist Club’s activities in the Plant City community, including events such as the Respect for Law program, athletic competitions, scholarships, the Citizen of the Year program and more. Registration forms must be completed and submitted with payments by Sept. 18. They can be printed from ow.ly/1h3y30eLhow. For more information, call Walt Arnold at 813-7521602 or Jeb Hicks at 813-727-1204.

Photos by Justin Kline

Quinton Aaron and his foundation’s team were treated to a free meal.

‘Blind Side’ star visits Plant City Quinton Aaron, best-known for his portrayal of Michael Oher, is promoting a Dec. 8 charity event in town. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Tri-Star Punt, Pass, Kick The 2017 edition of the annual Optimist Football Tri-Star Punt, Pass and Kick Competition kicks off at the end of September. The PPK event, to be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 30, is free and open to all children age 6 through 15 as of Sept. 30. Boys and girls compete separately and those in the flag football program may compete after their 8:30 a.m. game or before their 9:45/11 a.m. game. Registration may be done on site before the start of the competition. All participants must wear sneakers. Cleats, open-toed shoes, sandals and bare feet are not allowed. Competition winners will be announced at 11 a.m.

Smokin’ Aces Steakhouse owner Robert Jordan welcomed Quinton Aaron to his restaurant on Aug. 24.

Five years ago, actor Quinton Aaron created the Quinton Aaron Foundation to help at-risk youths. On Dec. 8, he’s hosting a party to celebrate the anniversary and Plant City is invited. Aaron, best-known for starring opposite Sandra Bullock in the 2009 film “The Blind Side,” came to town Aug. 24 to shoot some promotional videos for the “Seeds of Success” fundraiser at Wishing Well Barn, which will benefit both his foundation and Tampa Bay-area charity Forgotten Angels, with which Aaron also works. “We love Plant City … everybody’s just absolutely amazing,” David Tyler, executive director for the Quinton Aaron Foundation, said. Aaron and Tyler started the Quinton Aaron Foundation in August 2012 with the goal of helping children overcome problems stemming from bullying. Aaron visits schools around the country to tell his life stories and personally meet with children with the goal of preventing them from hurting themselves, though he has also helped kids learn to make better choices in life and improve themselves in and SEE BLIND SIDE PAGE 13

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

JUSTIN KLINE

Though early, cancellations good idea Hillsborough County’s decision to cancel school sports and activities for Irma was the safe bet.

here’s nothing wrong with playing it safe around this time of year. I know we weren’t anywhere near Hurricane Irma’s path of destruction on Friday and probably could have had our football and other sports either that night or Thursday,

but Hillsborough County’s decision to halt everything until further notice was the right call. I know that probably bummed some of our athletes out but hear me out: you may not be able to get those games back, but you’ve got plenty of time to play more in the future. Hurricanes used to not bother me much at all when I was a kid, which is funny because I moved here just a few weeks before Charley passed right over my parents’ house in 2004. The storms came and went and, once they were over, I’d go outside and hang out

with my cousin and our friends. We were always lucky enough to not sustain any major damage, and we were never without power for terribly long. I bought in to all those memes you’ll see on Facebook depicting native Floridians’ casual approach to storms — anything at category 2 and below means someone near you is having a “hurricane party.” When you’re just a kid, you don’t have as much to worry about. Then you get older. SEE KLINE PAGE 13

Justin Kline

Strawberry Crest only missed one game due to the hurricane, thanks to their Sept. 8 bye.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Hurricane Irma tests new FHSAA playoff rule Old

The hurricane rocked the Tampa Bay area Sept. 10 and 11 and nixed football for two weeks.

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Durant will host Strawberry Crest on Sept. 22, but could play a makeup game sooner.

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL Game of the Week and the Gridiron Report podcast will return next week, when football teams are able to take the fields on a Friday again. This time, the previews will mainly focus on Strawberry Crest’s Sept. 22 matchup at Durant, which kicks off the Plant City-area crosstown rivalry series.

is no explicitly stated makeup agreement, the FHSAA could step in to work with both teams on a compromise. The FHSAA’s playoff points system comes with an eight-game minimum, meaning a school must finish at least eight contests to become eligible for playoff contention. Rescheduling of

district games means teams will get to play nine games this season, at least on paper — there is always the threat of another hurricane, such as Jose, forcing more suspensions and pressing schools for time. Should another storm or two cause further suspensions for football, the FHSAA will decide whether to scrap the eightgame minimum. Per the FHSAA, makeup games could be played as early as Sept. 18 or 19. Schools will be able to add games to their schedules to make up for any lost action, but that comes with a caveat: because such games were not included on the teams’ original schedules, they would not count toward the playoff points system. While there is value in getting live snaps, such games would essentially be meaningless for playoff contenders. Information about rescheduled game dates and times will be posted to PlantCityObserver.com when it becomes available.

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FROM PAGE 12

out of the classroom. “Before the movie, I didn’t really have the ability to do that on a bigger scale because I was struggling myself,” Aaron said. “After the movie I realized it gave me such a platform to be able to reach out and affect a larger audience.” Aaron’s foundation also does regular follow-ups with schools and children to make sure things are going well, and to offer more support if needed. He also works with Forgotten Angels, which assists foster children in high school who are aging out of the system but still need help. It’s fitting considering Aaron became famous for portraying NFL player Michael Oher, himself a foster child, in the biopic film. Oher lived with several foster families before finding success with Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, who helped him have a stable home life and raise his grades enough to go to college. He was drafted 23rd overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. Starring in the movie gave Aaron the platform and resources needed to get his foundation off the ground, but he wasn’t the only person who took action because of it. “The amount of people I get that approach me and tell me they were

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Blind Side

Puzzle Two Solution: “Go for a walk through Central Park ... it’s the best way to get a feel for what makes New York so special.” – Ivanka Trump

This week’s Sudoku answers Quinton Aaron talked to fans at the restaurant and posed for photos with anyone who asked.

LEARN MORE For more information, visit QuintonAaron.org or call Wishing Well Barn at 813-478-6554.

inspired by the film to help out people they normally wouldn’t help or stuff like that is amazing,” Aaron said. After filming the promotional videos, Aaron and his team visited Smokin’ Aces Steakhouse — another

Forgotten Angels supporter — where they enjoyed a free meal and met local fans. The restaurant will also participate in the Seeds for Success event. Seeds of Success will begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 8 at Wishing Well Barn, 4302 Pippin Road, and is open to the public. The fundraiser will feature appearances by celebrities and Tampa Bay-area athletes, with actor Jae Head confirmed and several others in the works, according to Tyler. There will also be music and spoken-word poetry, and American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson will perform. ©2017 NEA, Inc.

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? FROM KLINE PAGE 12

I own a home and a car now. I’ve got bills to pay every month and I’m not sure the corporations that get my money care more about someone’s well-being during a serious storm than getting payments in on time. I work for a company headquartered in a flood zone in Sarasota. I don’t have pets or a significant other to worry about, but taking care of myself through a hurricane is enough of a burden. I haven’t really changed my stance on tropical storms and depressions but a real, nasty hurricane isn’t something I’m totally chill about anymore — especially not the nastiest Atlantic storm ever recorded. I lost the bay window at the front of my house when Irma’s air pressure caused a seal to break internally,

This week’s Crossword answers

JUSTIN KLINE

popping the entire window out onto my sidewalk, but was fortunate the winds blew all the rain away from the empty hole. My car had to weather the storm’s fury outside but was unharmed. All things considered, I got lucky. But not everyone else did. As much as I wanted to be at Newsome on Friday night for the Alafia River Rivalry game, on which I had written a preview about before Wednesday’s announcement, I can live without it. Athletes are better off for having had last Thursday and Friday to prepare with their families. As much as I wanted to be at Strawberry Crest this Friday, teams and families in the Tampa Bay area need to regroup and rebuild after taking damage. Even if you were fortunate enough to not be badly affected by Irma, we’re not out of the woods just yet.

Hurricane Jose’s path, which looked favorable for Florida last week, is not completely certain yet. There will likely be more activity in the Atlantic if there already isn’t. After a storm like Irma, we can’t afford to be caught off-guard. Like you, I can’t wait for hurricane season to officially die down and leave our local sports uninterrupted. Let’s all stay safe out there so we can live to play another day.

Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Times & Observer. Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

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Hurricane Irma brought plenty of uncertainty to the state of Florida earlier this week, from its projected track to its landfall impact. Four days after it passed through the peninsula, the storm is still creating complications — including for high school sports. Though Hillsborough County Public Schools announced Tuesday afternoon schools would re-open Sept. 18, athletics governing body Florida High School Athletic Association allowed teams to practice as early as Tuesday and even on Sept. 17 if they wish to do so. Local athletic directors began meeting with the HCPS athletic department Wednesday to discuss makeup dates and cancellations on a school-by-school basis. But the biggest question mark lies with football. With the overhauled playoff system in effect this season, Irma’s effects could shake up the playoff picture. Teams’ Sept. 8 games were cancelled due to the weather, leaving tonight’s slate in question for some time. It was later announced all athletics would be suspended until Sept. 18, meaning teams will miss the first week of district play. The FHSAA mandates any suspended district games in classes 5A through 8A must be finished from the point they left off at, therefore schools needed to negotiate rescheduling for at least this week’s slate of games. All three Plant City-area schools fall in class 7A for football. Information from the meetings was not available at press time, though the rules state any “postponed or suspended contests must be completed by Tuesday of the school’s last permitted regular-season game.” Teams enter into contracts for games that contain makeup agreements, though there are rules in place to cover situations where things don’t go to plan. For example, should a team not fulfill its agreement, the FHSAA could give it a forfeit loss. But if there

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

Agiye Hall

PLANT CITY TIMES &

Observer

Since making his high school debut with three touchdown catches in Durant’s preseason opener against Blake, freshman wide receiver Agiye Hall has found his niche as an important part of the Cougars’ offense. Against Sickles on Sept. 1, Hall caught a 45-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Carlton Potter to tie the game at 14-14 in the second quarter. Durant went on to win, 28-14. Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.

1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33563 PHONE: 813-704-6850 | WEBSITE: PlantCityObserver.com

TO EMAIL US Email press releases, announcements and Letters to the Editor to: Managing Editor Sarah Holt, sholt@plantcityobserver.com or Publisher Karen Berry, kberry@plantcityobserver.com Associate Editor Justin Kline@plantcityobserver.com

So you went to Burnett Middle School and chose to attend Durant instead of a school closer to you. What made you pick Durant? Academic-wise, because Armwood didn’t really have good academics. I just wanted to be a student-athlete on and off the field.

TO ADVERTISE Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advertise: To obtain information, call Chandler Workman at 813-704-6850 or email at cworkman@plant cityobserver.com. Obituaries: For information and rates, call Linda Lancaster at 813-704-6850.

How long have you been playing football? About eight years.

Legals: For information and rates, call Karen Berry at 813-704-6850.

What got you into it? My mom said she wanted me to try it because I did basketball. So I was like, ‘Sure, why not.’

Which is your favorite? Wide receiver. Durant’s a pretty stable program that sticks to its traditions. When you first got there, how long did it take to go with the flow and mesh in with this group? Just a week, not so long. As soon as stuff started happening over and over I just got grooving and I started rolling with the wave. What’s the best thing about playing with these guys? More competition. A lot more competition … it makes me want to work harder and harder to be the best. When did you feel like you started to fit in? As soon as I got there. Everybody welcomed me and said I was really good, so I took that on and got better. You had a great preseason game. How did you feel afterward? I felt great. But I felt like I didn’t do the best I can. What are your goals? 15 touchdowns, over 1,000 yards receiving and to get better, like always.

Still play basketball? Yeah, I do track and basketball now. And football.

TO SUBSCRIBE To subscribe: Please call Linda Lancaster at 813-704-6850, or email llancaster@plantcityobserver.com for more information.

Which is your favorite? Football. It’ll always be football. What does it feel like, coming on as a freshman and you’re already making an impact? It feels really great. I feel like if I can do more, I can be even better.

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What are your strengths? I’m best at blocking, making great catches.

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What other positions have you played? Running back. I’ve played safety, corner, outside linebacker and also (defensive) end.

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I LOVE PLANT CITY

FORECAST

High: 90 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 80%

Friday, Sept. 15

7:14a

7:32p

Saturday, Sept. 16

7:14a

7:31p

Sunday, Sept. 17

7:15a

7:30p

Monday, Sept. 18

7:15a

7:28p

Tuesday, Sept. 19

7:15a

7:27p

Wednesday, Sept. 20

7:16a

7:26p

Thursday, Sept. 21

7:16a

7:25p

High: 90 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 80%

Do you have a photo that speaks to the heart of Plant City? Send it to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@PlantCityObserver.com

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, SEPT. 15

SATURDAY, SEPT. 16

SUNDAY, SEPT. 17

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

Sunrise Sunset

MOON PHASES

High: 89 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 50%

Sept. 20 New

Sept. 15 Last

Sept. 24 First

Oct. 5 Full

MONDAY, SEPT. 18 High: 89 Low: 71 Chance of rain: 10%

Leanne Smith submitted photos taken via drone by her boyfriend, Thomas Way. “I am always trying to get shots with my iPhone of the tower during sunset since I live within a block of the strawberry,” she said. “He surprised me and took these shots.” Smith wins this week’s I Love Plant City photo contest.

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1 The Thatchers Arms, for one 4 ___ New Guinea 9 Much closer than there 13 Play to ___ (end with a score of 4-4, e.g.) 17 Genetics subject 18 Propelling a vessel, in a way 19 Talk pompously to a large crowd 21 Blind trio of a nursery rhyme 22 Why you should be penned up (Pt. 1) 26 Certain military officer 27 Not even close to wordy

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28 Corpulence 29 Happen consequently 30 One equals 100 centavos 31 Experienced a distraction? 32 Montgomery bus rider Parks 35 Try to earn tips 38 Hose down but good 42 Piece of body armor (var.) 45 Tirelessly or with indefatigable energy 47 Make nonalcoholic punch alcoholic 48 Do something below one’s dignity 50 Open to a breeze 51 Mea ___ (my fault)

52 “Set Fire to the Rain” pop singer 54 Crosses a lake, in a way 55 No longer active (Abbr.) 56 Collection of abridged works 57 Terrain of the Great Plains 59 Urging 61 Clapton of music 63 Why you should be penned up (Pt. 2) 71 Noted federal agent Eliot 72 Miles-hour link 73 Full in all aspects 74 Legend of the auto racing world 78 Quality of a color 81 Ye olde pulpit

83 Offend others’ nostrils 84 French river 85 Swiss canton 86 DVR button 88 Gaelic language 89 Many are commissioned 92 Young hare 94 Change for a five 95 Command from a drill sergeant 96 ___ Torino 97 Fortify, as one’s loins 98 Rose or Seeger 101 Very proficient 106 Fencing maneuver with a thrust 110 Feature of a Broadway theater

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112 Setting for 74-Across 114 Why you should be penned up (Pt. 3) 117 Type of proprietorship 118 Type of finish or ID 119 Contour feathers 120 Greek letter resembling a P 121 Batik necessities 122 Lee or Musial 123 Woods used in shipbuilding 124 Start for Diego or Fernando 1 The-lower-the-better thing for shoppers 2 Still up for grabs, as a competition 3 False deities 4 Remove a fruit’s outer layer 5 Fleshy seed coating 6 112-Across repair area 7 Combine forces 8 Legendary choreographer de Mille 9 “___ it going?” 10 New York canal 11 Backstabbing snitch 12 The study of animal behavior in their natural habitats 13 Half of an old radio comedy duo 14 Polynesian carved talisman 15 Actor on “Law &amp; Order: SVU” 16 One of a few “choice” words? 18 Proprietors 20 Falling back, as a tide 23 Former French coin of low denomination 24 A long way from being a child 25 Strawberry shade 30 Place to host a barbecue 31 First-stringer 33 No spring chicken 34 Female visionary 36 A long way from being nearby 37 “Would ___ to You?” (Eurythmics hit) 38 Comfortable and closefitting 39 Look at lustfully 40 Austia’s Wildspitze and others 41 Monetary unit of Myanmar 42 Group of key officers 43 Indian or Pacific

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44 Museum artifact 45 Like wet concrete 46 February eave danglers 47 Scandinavian known for herding reindeer 49 Charles II’s mistress, actress Nell 53 The Furies of Greek myth 56 Use a 1969 telephone 58 “Shall ___ myself out?” 60 Coldness in the fall air 62 Constant couch potato, e.g. 64 Like seated wedding guests, often 65 Becomes a bounder 66 “___ la Douce” 67 Beginning for mix or state 68 “Rumble in the Jungle” site 69 Young’s “books” partner 70 “The Dick Van ___ Show” 74 “And another thing ...” 75 ___ of Arc 76 Do a secretarial chore 77 Contents of some mining trams 79 Constellation bear 80 Son of Seth in Genesis 82 Protrude outwards 85 Promises to wed 87 A Gabor sister 90 Like settled debts 91 Kathmandu’s place 93 Makes into law 97 Fuel type 99 Pharaoh’s land 100 Old Native American shelter 102 Marina-Rey link 103 Fancy washstand pitchers 104 Former Turkish high official 105 Iron Mike the former boxer 106 Post-combat affliction, briefly 107 Seaman’s greeting 108 It can reduce a store’s inventory 109 Blessed French women, for short 110 Start for “new world’s record” 111 1982 Disney sci-fi film 112 Ice skating place 113 Collections of anecdotes 115 Stroller rider 116 Turned ___ dime

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

R A U L E R S O N ’ S

R E P O R T

R A U L E R S O N ’ S

R E P O R T

HIGHLIGHTS & HAPPENINGS HIGHLIGHTS HAPPENINGS & AUGUST 2017 AUGUST 2017

Thank You. SUMMER EVENTS

SUMMER EVENTS I have been enjoying time this summer speaking with I have been enjoying time this summer speaking with constituents and attending post session constituents and attending post session legislative legislative wrap-ups. Many of you have shared your thoughts and concerns with me. I value your wrap-ups. ofhearing you have shared thoughts opinions and Many appreciate from you so that I your can better representand you in Tallahassee. Plant City Towers concerns with me. I value your opinions and appreciate hearing from you so that I can better represent you in Tallahassee. International Paper Company Plant City Living Center Ladies and Gentlemen, TEMPLETerrace TERRACE43rd 43RDAnnual ANNUAL 4TH Temple 4th OF ofJULY JulyPARADE Parade I celebrated Independence Day with my constituents in Temple Terrace. The day began with the annual communityItparade. Ouran local areaand Eagle served as Grand has been honor a Scouts privilege to serve you Marshals, these lastintroducing five years,over Life100 hasunits. presented some twists Families and friends crowded together, and children scurried to catch candy & beads. Parade watchers and challenges that will not allow me to continue as State Representative for District 58. For that I am enjoyed the festive floats and the patriotic music played by the marching bands. The day concluded very sad. I hope extravaganza. I have servedI want you well. Legislative Aid Amber SmithTerrace and District with a spectacular fireworks to giveMy a special shout-out to the Temple Fire, Aid Robyn Bryant Police, andhave Public Works departments making day possible! been invaluable. As for a team wethis created and passed substantial legislation. Our goal was always to

protect our constituents and to preserve their Legislatures rights. I am very grateful to them. We made great strides Assembly of State in the areas of:

Over the last several years, thousands of you have contacted my office in support of the Article V movement. Since 2013, I (Midtown). have been part of the Assembly of State Legislatures. In 2016 we held Storm water permitting for municipalities a meeting in Philadelphia, and fund completed Eliminating regulations that threaten non-profit raisersthe (Pigmulti-year Jam bill).effort to establish the procedural rules needed to hold a state-led convention for proposing • Increasing independence for Inspectors General. amendments to the U.S. Constitution. More than 60 • Increasing transparency government. state of legislators representing 30 states attended, STATE REPRESENTATIVE • Increasing the effectiveness Bay'ssigning local transportation authority. culminatingofinTampa the historic DAN RAULERSON of a resolution in support of the 110 W. Reynolds Street, Suite 204 I am very concerned about direction of to our State Plant City, FL 33563 rulesthe package. I want thank allLegislature. Over the last few years the power in District 58 Tallahassee has becomeofmuch more centralized. This you who have participated in is in direct conflict with individual freedom. This (813) 757-9110/District (850) 717-5058/Tallahassee political process. Yourinvolvement voices puts more power in thethe hands of the few. Our and participation in this election will protect dan.raulerson@myfloridahouse.gov been heard, you are def us from the influence ofhave wealthy specialand interests. If you have comments, questions, or nitely making a real difference. Independence Hall, Philadelphia would like additional information on For more information, please visit These special interests give large contributions to the political action committees of those that will do June 17, 2016 the topics included in this up-date, please contact my office. www.assemblystatelegislatures.com their bidding.

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We should all be concerned that career politicians are working with large corporations and lobbyists in Tallahassee to decide who your representative will be... Instead of you. Special elections generally have a low turnout. We have an opportunity to change that. Make the most of it. Read the literature and investigate the candidates in this special election. My hope is that YOU will decide who represents District 58, not just a few voters, not the power brokers in Tallahassee. My hope is that liberty is exercised and not diminished. Make this the government that YOU want.

God Bless you and God Bless the great State of Florida.

All the best,

R A U L E

R A U L

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SU I ha I ha cons legis wrap opin conc value and hear so th repre Dan Raulerson Talla TEMPLETerrace TERRACE43rd 43RDAnnual ANNUAL Temple