09.22.17 PCTO by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY TIMES &

Observer

Local boxer issues challenge.

SEE PAGE 12.

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 5, NO. 12

FREE

•

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

Property tax increase nears Final budget and first tax rate increase since 1991 to be voted on Sept. 25. SEE PAGE 6 YOUR TOWN

Courtesy of FEMA, Bill Koplitz

FEMA offers aid for roof repair

ALWAYS FAITHFUL, ALWAYS READY

Plant City residents whose roofs were damaged in Hurricane Irma were able to apply for temporary coverings through Operation Blue Roof, a mission managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Operations for FEMA. Residents signed up for the program Sept. 18 through Sept. 22 at the Seffner-Mango Branch Library. If approved, FEMA will provide the homeowners in disaster areas with fiber reinforced sheeting and installation to cover damaged roofs until they were able to be permanently repaired.

Plant City boy pays it forward for birthday Rex Rothman isn’t asking for a new superhero toy or the latest Disney movie for his seventh birthday. Instead, he wants to help others who aren’t as fortunate as him. Rothman is asking friends and family to donate to the Florida Baptist Children’s Home in Lakeland in place of purchasing him presents. His hope is the donations can buy “birthday baskets” for the children at the home.

A former Marine Corps Captain is helping the 72-year-old neighbor she rescued when a tree crushed her house during Hurricane Irma. DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

urricane Irma took nearly everything from longtime Plant City resident Shari Bickhart, including her life, when a massive oak tree toppled on her home. Now, the ex-Marine who rescued her is reaching for help to piece Bickhart’s life and home back together. WHEN THE STORM COMES

It was near midnight and nearer to pitch black. Irma’s winds were blowing over Christina Peters’ farm, slapping against homes in her Lanier Road neighborhood and swinging tall oak trees to the limits of flexibility. She was getting ready to settle into bed for the night when she sent a final text to reassure a friend. “Everything will be fine as long as one of these trees doesn’t fall,” she wrote. Then the call came. One of the trees fell. Bickhart, Peters’ 72-year-old nextdoor neighbor, needed help. She was watching TV from the same straightback chair she sits in every night when the windows in front of her blew out and the front of her home ripped open. “I thought the wind had blown the front of the house in on me,” Bickhart said. “I didn’t know it was a tree until Christina told me.“ Peters, 30, a former Marine Corps captain, said that’s when her training kicked in. She sprung from bed and ran to Bickhart’s adjacent property. “I hopped out of bed, put on my shoes and just ran over here with a flashlight,” Peters said. “I didn’t know what was happening. I just assumed the wind had blown the trailer open, but then I thought, ‘Oh my goodness, these trees are coming down’ and then I started to get nervous.”

Daniel Figueroa IV

Hillsborough County crew removes downed tree from Shari Bickhart’s home on Sept. 14.

SEE TREE PAGE 3

Thieves strike Plant City Church three times during Irma recovery A group of thieves burglarized First Baptist Church Midway three times and Saint Clement Catholic Church at least once in the days following Hurricane Irma. DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

Daniel Figueroa IV

The scene on Quail Oaks Road as HCSO detectives and deputies search the allegedly stolen van and detain suspects.

The dirt roads of farm-filled northeast Plant City were still littered with downed trees and debris from Hurricane Irma Thursday when Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Frank Harned was in his cruiser searching for a stolen church van. First Baptist Church Midway, which as of Friday morning was still without power, had been first burglarized sometime between Monday evening and Tuesday Morning, while much of the city was still in the dark trying to assess damage from the weekend’s hurricane. Wednesday, the thieves returned for the van. After an anonymous tip led police to search the area for the van Thursday morning, Harned got a call on his radio saying the church had been hit again. That’s when he asked for a little divine inter-

vention. “My wife is religious. I have my moments,” Harned said. “But today I said, ‘God, show me this guy so I can take care of your church.’ I almost ran into him.” Minutes after saying his prayer, Harned said, he had to slam on his brakes as the white van sped past him while he was getting ready to turn from Mayday Drive to Wilder Road. He followed the van about a quarter mile to Quail Oaks Drive and pulled it over, just one mile down the road from FBC Midway. Miguel Zavala, the van’s sole occupant, was arrested at the scene. The tip reported Zavala, 18, was seen with two as-yet unidentified males. “Three times they hit us this week,” FBC Midway Pastor Mike Rippy said. “They came back and robbed us with our own van.” In the first strike, Rippy said,

thieves broke a window and unlocked a door stealing snacks and a donation box with $100 in cash from the children’s ministry, as well as Rippy’s computer, iPad and a hard drive with more than 10 years of sermons, notes and other personal work. They also stole a number of church keys. The van was stolen from church property Wednesday afternoon. Sometime between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, Rippy said, the youth ministry building was broken into. A TV and other items were stolen, he said. According to HCSO, when the van was searched, deputies discovered some of the items from FBC Midway and a number of TVs from St. Clement Catholic Church. “They (HCSO) were able to determine he was in possession of property from St. Clement,” Plant City Police Department Spokesman Al Van Duyne said. “They broke into the separate trailers on the backside of the church. The property was valued at around $1,000.” SEE CHURCH PAGE 3

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

BRIEFS

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

P R O P E R T Y M A N AG E M E N T C O M M E R C I A L R E N TA L S R E S I D E N T I A L R E N TA L S

Plant City duck braves Hurricane Irma, gains stardom

While Florida experienced one of the largest mass evacuations in the state’s history, one fervent fowl refused to abandon her unhatched chicks. The courageous female, formerly known as “Mama Duck,” was given the name of her ominous foe, Irma, by Joy Anne Trent, the woman upon whom’s property she had built her nest. Irma is one of four Muscovy ducks that reside on Trent’s property, though the others tucked tail and flew to safety at the first sight of a sinister sky. Trent noticed Irma had not “evacuated” with her friends, choosing instead to not leave her 13 eggs. Trent was terrified. She and her boyfriend debated over how to save both the mother and her unhatched ducklings. They considered bringing all 13 eggs inside and plotted how to capture the mother without causing her to panic, before begrudgingly Courtesy photo accepting the safest option was to let “Irma” the duck braved her hurricane namesake her weather the storm alone. to protect her eggs. The tree under which the duck was perched was visible from Trent’s bathroom window and she spent inspiring experience behind her. much of the night peering at Irma’s small form in the darkness. When the Kiwanis Club spelling sun rose the next morning Trent ran bee rescheduled outside, feeling sick to her stomach, to see how her beloved companion The fifth annual Plant City Kiwanis had faired through the hurricane. Club Spelling Bee has been resched“We expected her to be gone or the uled due to Hurricane Irma. nest to be smashed and there was “We’re still looking forward to this whole pile of debris from the live having it and will let the public know oak, just loads of branches,” Trent as soon as we solidify a date,” event said. “I was pulling the branches off organizer David Wolf said. and I begin to hear a chirping sound, I pull the branches and the moss off FEMA relief available and there she was. She was fine and The Federal Emergency Management the nest was OK.” Agency’s Individuals and Households Trent gave her food and water Programs is offering financial aid and throughout the rest of the day and direct services for those who have seshe slowly recovered. On Tuesday she rious need following Hurricane Irma. finally accepted the threat was over There is up to $33,000 available in and began to return to her normal financial help, though some forms of routine. Trent snapped a picture of IHP aid are limited. her stretching prior to returning for Temporary housing in the form of the first time to the pond for a quick money to rent a different home or dip. a temporary housing unit are availAfter Trent posted the image on able as well as money for repair for Facebook, Irma went viral. The imhomeowners. Funds to replace a age was shared over 62,000 times disaster and damaged home and aid and received over 139,000 likes. The for construction, under specific regu•overwhelming No Plugged-Up Sound responseFeeling took Trent• Natural lations, are alsoQuality offered. FEMA’s IHP by surprise and her friend created a aid covers miscellaneous assistance • Virtually Invisible • Automatic Feedback Cancellation Facebook page just for the heartenlike fuel, medical expenses, moving Automation Gainhatch, Control Volumerelated to the ing•duck. When the eggs Trent • Adjustable and storage expenses plans to place their pictures on the hurricane and other aid.15th Take advantage advantage of ofspecial specialsavings savingsthrough through July March 31st site and leave this stressful, though Call 1-800-621-FEMA to learn more.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

Tree FROM PAGE 1

The massive tree covered Bickhart’s front door, it’s branches piercing walls and windows. One branch entered the house right where Bickhart would’ve been in bed any other night and its trunk lay pushing through the roof just above where Bickhart was sitting. Flashlight in hand, Peters pushed against the wind and torrents of rain to make it to the blocked front door, then rushed to the back of the house where she was able to reach Bickhart. The women grabbed Bickhart’s 50-year-old Yellow Naped Amazon Parrot, Sammy, and ran back to Peters’ home. “I was so lucky,” Bickhart said. “My hero.”

Daniel Figueroa IV

Pastor Mike Rippy shows where thieves attempted to break a lock on FBC Midway’s youth ministry building. Eventually, they broke the door’s window to gain access to the building.

Church

AFTERMATH

By the Thursday after Irma struck, the tree that devastated Bickhart’s home laid in large pieces along the road, just removed from the house by Hillsborough County crews. Inside, branches littered the bedroom and appliances were blown all over the kitchen. Bickhart has lived in the home for more than 40 years and can’t afford to have insurance on it. Social Security is her primary source of income, she lives primitively but spirited, mowing the large swath of land behind the house and helping Peters take care of her horses and dogs while Peters is at work. “Every day, she comes over. She’s always taking care of them when I’m at work,” Peters said. “This is me trying to pay her back. Bickhart lost nearly everything in the storm, even her car was damaged when it got pinned between the house and tree. Peters has set up a GoFundMe page to help Bickhart recover. The page has received more than $4,000 in donations from 55 people since going live. Bickhart is not alone. Destruction from Irma’s path has been widespread said FEMA spokesperson Bill Lehman. Lehman said assistance is available for people in situations like Bickhart’s, but when relief can be expected is unclear. “FEMA’s program is designed to help people who are uninsured or underinsured for housing assistance, in addition there may be assistance for housing needs or vehicle needs,”

FROM PAGE 1

HCSO charged Zavala with grand theft of a motor vehicle and burglary of an unoccupied dwelling during a state of emergency for the FBC Midway break in. PCPD charged him with three counts each of criminal mischief to a place of worship and burglary of an unoccupied structure during a state of emergency. The investigation is ongoing. Van Duyne said the charges are “enhanced” because of the governor’s state of emergency, meaning what might normally be a third degree charge would increase to second degree. The three strikes weren’t FBC Midway’s first. About two weeks ago, Rippy said, three guitars and a microphone were stolen. There are no suspects in that case. In the aftermath, FBC Midway has had to incur a number of costs to replace and re-secure its property. Rippy said it cost $500 for new locks and keys, $350 to block the church’s entry and $1,800 for video surveillance. Being robbed, Rippy said, made him feel vulnerable, but also solidified the resolve of his congregation and brought its members closer together. “Morale is great. We’re not going to let anything deter us,” he said. “Even with them breaking into our church, we forgive them and love them. We love them as God loves them. It’s not something we’re holding on to.”

Photos by Daniel Figueroa IV

Above: Bickhart’s vehicle was also damaged in the storm. Right: The tree might have been removed from the house, but Christina Peters now wonders how long it will stay in the road.

Lehman said. “In a normal disaster you can get a check within seven to 10 days. It’s hard to put a number on this one because two continuing disasters taking place, Texas and Florida. It is being expedited. We know people are hurting.” Lehman said registration is key. Getting on disasterassistance.gov or calling 1-800-621-3362 and registering is the first and currently most crucial step to making sure there’s a chance for someone to receive FEMA services including grant money, aid with repairs, rental assistance, longterm housing in motels and transitional assistance for evacuees returning home. FEMA disaster recovery teams are also going door to door registering people and a disaster recovery center has been set up in Riverview at 6437 Watson Road. There is, however, a cap on how much grant money FEMA can provide, Lehman said. With more rain coming daily and branches and holes still filling Bickhart’s home, Peters is doing all she can

to make sure her neighbor’s life gets back to normal as soon as possible, “When you see somebody who needs help you can’t just ignore it,” Peters said. “Especially when you have somebody who is so selfless, that’s when you really want to help that person, your heart just kind of melts for them. I think more people should care.”

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

We asked: If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

“Pizza. It’s my favorite “Brownies. That’s the food.” perfect food. It’s got chocolate and nuts, — Tira Roberson, 20 that’s protein.”

“I would definitely eat cheeseburgers. I gotta keep this beautiful figure that I have. Anything less would be a sin.”

— Al Hughes, 69

— Dave Doback, 57

“I would probably do lasagna from Maggiano’s. It’s freaking amazing and their food is authentic Italian. I can always eat pasta.”

“I love tacos so prob- “Pizza because it’s got ably that because all the food groups.” sometimes we hon— Pepper Hughes, 67 estly eat them twice a week.” — Kristina Rhodes, 29

— Jasmine Campbell, 19

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PLANT CITY TIMES &

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

CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Fridays. It is inserted into the Tampa Bay Times for subscribers. The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103.

SEND US YOUR NEWS We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements.

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Observer Publisher / Karen Berry, KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt, SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline, JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Daniel Figueroa IV, DFigueroa@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams, BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com Editorial Designer / C.J. Major, cmajor@yourobserver.com Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

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

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

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A public hearing will be held Sept. 25 at City Hall.

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City adopts tentative budget and property tax increase The city commission Monday approved the tentative budget for the 2017 fiscal year, including the first property tax increase Plant City has seen since 1991. The $75 million budget has seen little change since commissioners held the first budget workshop in late July. During the workshop, Mayor Rick Lott proposed the property tax increase as a way to address what city officials commonly refer to the the most common complaint in Plant City, the condition of its roads. “We’ve been discussing this now since June, so don’t think we’ve passed a budget without a lot of discussion,” Lott said. “We’ve had workshops, lot of discussions, we’ve been through it many, many, many times. At this point in time, it’s the opportunity for us to either discuss it some more or, if we’re comfortable with it (vote). We still have one more public hearing where we can still make changes, if necessary.” The FY2017 budget (which runs from Oct. 1, 2017 through Sep. 30, 2018) raises Plant City’s millage rate by one mill, from 4.1757 to 5.7157. The millage rate is the rate of tax per $1,000 of taxable value. Under the new budget, taxes would increase by $1 for every $1,000 of taxable property value. In Plant City, the average home is worth about $100,000. With the $50,000 homestead exemption, the average resident pays taxes on $50,000 of their home’s value. The new tax rate would increase an average Plant City home’s city property tax by $50 per year, or about $4 per month. According to city staff, the tax increase will raise nearly $2 million for street projects. The money raised from the increase will go into the budget’s general fund and show as a transfer from the general fund to a project called ‘street resurfacing.’

Plant City currently maintains about 160 miles of roads. Road projects were previously funded at $1 million a year, which would have all city-maintained roads repaired and maintained about once every 64 years. According to the city’s engineering department, it would be ideal to maintain roads in a 15-to-20 year cycle, requiring a $4 million-per-year investment in roads. For the next two budget cycles, Hillsborough County has agreed to provide Plant City with $2 million for road projects if Plant City can raise $2 million of its own, adding up to the $4 million needed for the city’s goals. While the future of that matching grant isn’t guaranteed, commissioners anticipate Hillsborough County could continue the grant in future years if Plant City continues to have its own matching funds. The public hearing provides a venue for Plant City residents to voice any support or concern over the budget. Two residents spoke during the meeting, neither objecting the raise. “My taxes are going up a hundred bucks,” John Anderson, a Plant City resident, said. “If there was a donation jar down on Alexander, I would’ve put 100 bucks in it a decade ago.” Anderson did, however, object to an item in the Police Department’s budget providing $335,000 for an armored tactical vehicle to “provide better protection for our citizens during high risk situations,” according to city documents. Anderson questioned the necessity for such an expenditure in Plant City. “I’m really questioning how much this piece of equipment is going to be used,” he said. “I think we can use some asphalt equipment instead.” The tentative budget and millage rate were adopted with a 5-0 vote. Commissioner Nate Kilton abstained from voting on the approval of the Economic Development Corporation’s funding because his accounting firm, Sedita Kilton, provides accounting services for the EDC. The final public hearing on the budget and millage rate will be held during the Sept. 25 commission meeting to be held at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall in the Sadye Gibbs Martin Auditorium, 302 W. Reynolds St.

The PROMINENT Study is researching a new investigational medication for people with type 2 diabetes and elevated triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) to see if it can help prevent heart attacks and other heart-related problems. The study will also look at how safe the study drug is, and how it affects the level of triglycerides in the blood.

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proposed 1.0 mill increase

$1.9 million

Revenue generated annually from increase

$99,371

average property value in Plant City

EVERY $100,000 OF PROPERTY VALUE $100 per year or $8 per month

WITH $50,000 HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION $50 per year or $4 per month

UNDER $50,000 IN PROPERTY VALUE

No property tax change

20%

of all residental properties, in Plant City, are valued at less than $50,000

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

WE’RE PUTTING SCIENCE TO WORK FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.

To learn more about Mosaic’s support of STEM education, visit Science.MosaicCo.com.

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At Mosaic, we’re putting science to work right here in the community. From serving as docents at the Coastal Education Center to volunteering in robotics labs, our scientists and engineers work closely with Tampa Bay area schools to provide students with innovative learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Mosaic ecologist Michelle helps students explore the plants and wildlife found at the Coastal Education Center, located at the mouth of the Alafia River.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

A squeal of a good time

Hardwood BBQ feeds Plant City after Irma

fter Hurricane Irma, people from all over the country came to Plant City to help get everything back to normal. Layla Drawdy and the Hardwood BBQ team knew what those linemen, first responders and residents doing what they could to help out needed but couldn’t easily have: a hot, home-cooked meal. So on Sept. 16, the group did something about it. After three days of planning and rounding up food, Hardwood BBQ set up shop at Diamond R Fertilizer and cooked hundreds of pounds of food, served hungry people and didn’t charge a dime, though many chose to donate money to help Hardwood pay for the food. “We are a community that likes to come together and do things for people that are in need or people that are doing great things for us,” Drawdy said. “We just felt like, you know, these people are out here working 16-hour shifts seven days a week and they’re eating, but they’re not getting any home cooking. We just wanted to feed these people and anybody that was out of power for any amount of time that just hadn’t had any good food.” Hardwood split $1,880 in leftover donation money between the United Food Bank of Plant City and Florida 4-H and FFA’s RCMA assistance missions in south Florida, and leftover food was donated to the Hands of Hope initiative.

Photos by Justin Kline

For many people, Hardwood BBQ might have prepared their first homecooked meals since Hurricane Irma hit.

BREANNE WILLIAMS

BY THE NUMBERS

STAFF WRITER

pork butts

800

pounds of meat

400

pounds of macaroni salad

490

pounds of green beans

$1,880

donated to charity and relief efforts

Breanne Williams

More than 200 students gathered to see if their names would be drawn.

Mikaela Sandrik and Venus Nelson watch over a pot of green beans.

— JUSTIN KLINE

All linemen working in Plant City were welcomed to take a break and eat.

The 36th annual pig drawing for the Florida Strawberry Festival was Monday night at the Charlie Grimes Agricultural Center. Over 200 students waited with bated breath for their name and number to be called for the show. Though the fair normally only takes 85 applicants, Paul Davis, the festival general manager, promised to buy two pigs, increasing the total to 87 lucky students for the first time in the festival’s history. “I just hate to see the kids go away sad,” Davis said. As the seats in the hall slowly filled, Ray Clark, the announcer for the event, asked how many of those who had been chosen were sitting in the red plastic seats reserved for the winners for the first time. At least a quarter of the students raised their hands. Though more than half of those in attendance left without being drawn, the 87 who remained all wore smiles as they were given instructions on the next steps for the fair. The tag show is Nov. 6 and exhibitors were advised not to purchase their pigs until the end of October. They were reminded of the rules in the manual for the show and encouraged to begin sending letters to prospective buyers as soon as their pigs

were tagged. Some of the major guidelines for caring for the pigs and what to expect for the show were outlined and students were warned to maintain the standards required or else they would not be allowed to compete. Rhonda Burnette, owner of Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply, told the exhibitors about the feed payback program offered by her store. Any student that buys 11 bags of feed at Harold’s between October and March is entered into a drawing. The winner is reimbursed for all of the feed they purchased while raising their pig. A second place winner is reimbursed for half of the feed they purchased. The feed purchases will give each applicant one entry to the drawing. However, every $100 spent in the store, will give the applicant another entry. Harold’s is also having pig sales on site on Oct. 7 and 28. Though the show is the highlight of the year for many of the exhibiters they were told their grades were the most important thing throughout this experience and anyone who fell below the criteria would be barred from the show. The Strawberry Festival has one of the top shows in the southeastern United States when it comes to revenue brought in by the pigs and the exhibiters were challenged to work hard to maintain that standing.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

When It’s More Than Just A Pizza. Sometimes feeling like life is getting back to normal can be something simple like your own home, starting work, returning to school or your favorite food. We have all been through a lot recently, some more than others. Your neighborhood Hungry Howie’s hopes that in the next few days you can feel like your life is getting back to normal again.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

SUNDAY, SEPT. 24

HOTRODS, HOPS & HOUNDS 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lakeland Automall is hosting Hotrods, Hops & Hounds to benefit SPCA Florida. The event will be located at the Mulberry Civic Center, 901 N.E. 5th Street, Mulberry. There will be food trucks, live entertainment, craft beer, a VIP lounge and an open car show. General admission is $35 and VIP tickets are $50. For more information go to www.spcaflorida.org/hhh.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 23

BEST BET

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. For more information, call 813-567-5735.

MONDAY, SEPT. 25

PLANT CITY AREA DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEETING 6 p.m. The Plant City Area Democratic Club will hold its monthly meeting on the fourth Monday, September 25, 2017 at the Bruton Memorial Library. All Democrats interested in local, county, state and national political events and issues are welcome. DIAMONDS & DENIM 2017 GALA 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The 2017 Diamonds & Denim Gala will be held at the Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds. Benefits from the Gala will go to South Florida Baptist Hospital. The event is presented by SFBH Foundation and Lockwood, Steely & Gill. For ticket information contact SFBH Foundation at 813-757-8478.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 29

PLANT CITY MAIN STREET FOOD TRUCK RALLY 5 to 9 p.m. The monthly food truck rally is held in Downtown Historic Plant City at the corner of Drane Street and North Palmer Street.

For more information, call Karen Thompson at 813-210-9236. The following trucks are scheduled to be present on site: Around the World Burgers, CJ’s Traveling Pizzeria, In the Middle Food Truck, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood Express, The Kitchen by Devin Davis, Melt Machine, Papa Ron’s Cajun Creole, Rolling with my Hoagies, Sawadee Thai Food and Tamale and Company.

ONGOING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERSHIP DRIVE The Plant City Chamber of Commerce is hosting a month long 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 group for those grieving the loss of someone close. Each session includes a video and group discus-

PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA REGISTER FOR UPCOMING…

YOUTH SPORTS

sion. 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. Call 813-307-8015 Ext. 7111. PAINTING WITH BETTY FAIRBANKS AT THE CLASSROOM GALLERY Takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. Fridays

at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. The cost is $20 per class. Bring own supplies and references to learn about color theory, design and different techniques. Call (813) 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. ACOUSTIC HAPPY HOUR 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

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THURSDAY, SEPT. 28

Thank you God Thank you 1 Responders st

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each other is what

community

is all about.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

O S E RV E our community mpassionate care since 1896. emorial® professionals,

we’re dedicated to helping families createTimothy a unique and meaningful memorial that truly Lubrano celebrates the life it represents.

Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability James A. Coker ement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline®

James A. Coker, 93, of Plant City passed away September 8, 2017. Visitation and Strawberry service wereFestival. held at roudly supporting the Plant City Wells Memorial September 15.

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM

Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy Rachel Ann Smith

James

James Earl Dicks, Sr.

Timothy James Lubrano, age 62, was found dead at his home in Seneca, South Carolina in early January 2017. Timothy was predeceased by his parents, Salvatore Joseph Lubrano and Shirley Ann Gnacke Lubrano and a sister Sharon Lubrano. Surviving are two sisters, Mary Yoder Humphreys (Ron) of Lancaster, SC, Luann Blasquez of Waynesboro, Virginia, and a brother, Thomas Joseph Lubrano (Diane) of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Arrangements were handled by the Sandifer Funeral Home in Westminster, South Carolina.

813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com

Taking care of each other is what

Rachel Ann Smith, 78, of Plant City, born on February 27, 1939, entered into eternal rest on September 11. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Floyd Ray Carlile

10/27/15 10:42 AM

Floyd Ray Carlile, 89, of Plant City, born on July 26, 1928 in Koshkonong, Missouri, entered into eternal rest on September 14.

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we’re dedicated to helping families create a our community unique and meaningful memorial that truly mpassionate care since 1896. Ronald E. Faris celebrates the life it represents. emorial® professionals,

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Ronald Faris, 82,Plan of Plant City died Service Guarantee > E. National Transferability Sept. 13, 2017. ement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline®

Visitation Sept. 22nd from 10 a.m.12 p.m. at the funeral home followed by a service at 12 p.m. Burial at Garden of Memories in roudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. Tampa at 2 p.m.

John R. Bauer, Jr. John R. Bauer, Jr., 52, of Plant City, born on October 31, 1964 in Syracuse, New York, entered into eternal rest on September 17.

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Emilie Edmiston passed away quietly on September 12, 2017 at Grace Manor Suites. She was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on November 7, 1925 to Mr. and Mrs. A.P. Matthews. She now joins her parents and husband Dr. John M. Edmiston in eternal peace. Emilie was instrumental in starting the Ladies Auxiliary at South Florida Baptist Hospital in Plant City. She was also an avid tennis player and equestrian. In later years they traveled extensively and enjoyed fine dining. She and Dr. Edmiston had been active members of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Emilie is survived by her sons: Dr. John R. Edmiston (Cecilia), Andy Edmiston (Debbie), and Dr. Mark S. Edmiston (Elizabeth) as well as Marge Nesbitt and family for their long-time love and support. Emilie’s legacy was grace, kindness, and love of family which she passed on to her many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The family would like to thank the compassionate caretakers at the Grace Manor Cottage for their loving care and kindness. Memorials may be made to honor Emilie in care of the Alzheimer’s Association, 601 S. Florida Avenue, Suite 3, Lakeland, FL, 33801. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 29, at 3:00 at the Chapel of First United Methodist Church in Lakeland, Florida. Condolences may be sent to www. heathfuneralchapel.com.

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Deloise Johnson, 86, of Plant City, born on August 10, 1931 in Tampa, 10/27/15 10:42 AM entered into eternal rest on September 8.

HOPEWELL www.HopewellFuneraI.com HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

James Earl Dicks, Sr., longtime local businessman, father and grandfather left this world from his home in Crystal River, FL by natural causes on Monday, September 11, 2017. Jim loved life and lived it fully, thanks to his success in several businesses. He loved the waters of Crystal River, FL and the snow of Mount Snow, VT. He had an inquisitive mind and an interest in sharing his thoughts with those he loved. Jim was born in Tampa, March 24, 1943, the eldest son of James Raymond Dicks and June Simmons Dicks. He graduated from Plant City High School in 1961 and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida in 1969. Jim is survived by his children James Earl Dicks, Jr., Jana Dicks Kent and Justin Lamb; as well as his six grandchildren, Jacy Kent, JillyAnne Kent, James Dicks, Jacqueline Dicks, Levitt Lamb and Tripp Lamb. In lieu of flowers the family requests that charitable donations be made to Save Crystal River, Inc., P. O. Box 2258, Crystal River, FL 34423. Please use:Jdicks@idefsys.com to send condolences to the family.

Deloise Johnson

Joyce WellsMemorial.com Ann Hightower, 74, of Ft. 813-752-1111 Meade, born on October 18, 1942 in Milan, Georgia, entered into eternal rest on September 11. Expressions of condolence at www. HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

Emilie Matthews Edmiston

ALL OBITUARIES ARE PROVIDED BY FUNERAL HOMES AND FAMILIES.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

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Historic Downtown 249278

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

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

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

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

Football games rescheduled

Chasing ‘Cyborg:’ Chevelle Hallback looking for Cris Justino match

Several Plant City-area football games lost to Hurricane Irma have been rescheduled for the following dates:

Hallback, a pro since 1997, called out the UFC star Sept. 7 and hopes to book a fight.

DURANT 9/28: @ Newsome, 7:30 p.m. 10/2: @ East Bay, 7:30 p.m.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

PLANT CITY 10/2: @ Lennard, 7 p.m. 11/3: @ Wharton, 7:30 p.m.

It’s been exactly three years and one month since Chevelle Hallback’s last boxing match — and not for lack of trying. Though the Plant City native could say she went out on a high note, having defeated Victoria Cisneros by TKO at Amalie Arena on Aug. 22, 2014, her body has told her otherwise. So the woman dubbed “Fists of Steel” has continued training — and waiting — for the next fight, whenever that may be. If Hallback, 46, gets her way this time around, she may find herself toe to toe with one of mixed martial arts’ most notorious women. Cris “Cyborg” Justino, Ultimate Fighting Championship’s current female featherweight champion, was granted a boxing license by the California State Athletic Commission on Sept. 6. By Sept. 13, she had a willing opponent in Hallback. “I don’t think she’s no better than I am,” Hallback said. “I don’t think she’s no stronger than I am. Intimidation factor is out the window.” Hallback took to Facebook Sept. 13 to publicly announce her desire to fight Justino, 32, whenever the UFC fighter is ready. In person, she lights up at the mention of Justino and is quick to elaborate on her Facebook comments. “They say it’s hard for her to find fights in MMA because people are afraid of her and whatnot,” Hallback said. “I wanted to put the word out right away that I’m not afraid.” She said a fight with Justino would likely happen at the 154-pound junior middleweight/middleweight level, one weight class above the welterweight level Hallback last fought at.

STRAWBERRY CREST 10/2: vs. Tampa Bay Tech, 7 p.m.

Halloween softball The Plant City Recreation and Parks Department is accepting registrations for the annual Women’s Softball Halloween All-Night Classic, an overnight slow-pitch tournament inviting players to don their best costumes and have fun on the Plant City Stadium and Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex fields. There are 28 camping spots with basic electricity, 26 30amp spots for mid-size campers and several non-electric spots available. The cost to register is $300 per team and the deadline to sign up is Oct. 13. For more information, call (813) 659-4255 or go online at TeamSideline.com/PlantCity.

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.

SEE BOXING PAGE 13

TRAINING

Chevelle Hallback one day wants to open a boxing gym in Plant City and train both kids age 6 through 17 and seniors over 60 at no cost. For now, though, she does offer to personally train clients. Hallback said anyone interested can call her at 813-575-3732 to set up an appointment.

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? JUSTIN KLINE

USF gives HS football players sweet deal The University of South Florida let athletes and first responders attend its Sept. 15 football game against Illinois for free.

nfortunately for local football players, nobody got to play the game they love last Friday night. Instead they got the next-best thing. University of South Florida head coach Charlie Strong invited all Florida high school football players and coaches — as well as first responders and their families — to watch the Bulls take on Illinois at home that night, for free. “It’s all about who’s been impacted by the storm,” Strong said at his Sept. 12 press conference. “You want (to win) because now we have a way to give back to the community and give back in a really good way, where they have a chance to watch our football team.” I caught much of the game on TV and it was so cool to see a mix of high schoolers from all over the state in SEE KLINE PAGE 13

Justin Kline

Chevelle Hallback feels fresh and ready to fight, whether her opponent is Cris “Cyborg” or someone else.

GAME OF THE WEEK

Strawberry Crest at Durant The Chargers and Cougars will face off at Cougar Path in the Plant City area’s first post-Irma action. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

You’d be hard-pressed to find a team in Hillsborough County riding a wave like the Durant Cougars were before Hurricane Irma. After stunning Jesuit on the road in the 2017 season opener, the Cougars followed up with a 28-14 win over Sickles on Sept. 1 that saw Durant overcome a flag-filled first half to shut the Gryphons down in the second. Though the team hasn’t played since that night — only Irma spent the last two weeks shutting the game down more than the Cincinnati Bengals’ opponents — it’s safe to say expectations are still running high for head coach Mike Gottman’s squad. Also entering Friday’s game after a win are the Strawberry Crest Chargers, who snapped one of the state’s longest losing streaks Sept. 1 with a 23-6 win at King thanks in large

part to Jaquell Narine’s stellar performance: 166 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 21 carries. The death of the 25-game skid even made national news when it happened, getting picked up by USA Today High School Sports. Crest hopes to play spoiler to Durant’s homecoming game. The Cougars will do everything they can to not let that happen. Durant showed balance in its scoring output against Sickles. Carlton Potter threw touchdown passes to Agiye Hall and Jory Cole in the first half, and Cameron Myers and David Tabakovic scored rushing touchdowns of their own. Myers was the one who provided the “dagger,” making a 59-yard scamper toward the end zone count in the third quarter to finish up the scoring. The Cougars know that, after Justin Kline

SEE FOOTBALL PAGE 13

Jarrett Rappe warms up on the Strawberry Crest sideline.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Times

Chevelle Hallback fights Dominga Olivo at Amalie Arena in June 2014.

Old

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Tuesday – Saturday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM 2806 James L Redman Parkway The Village Suite 206, Plant City, FL 33566 www.edgeoftherazor.com (407) 616-0026 EdgeofRazorINC

LEGAL NOTICE

Boxing FROM PAGE 12

Though Justino did recently test for her boxing license, she has not yet announced a timeframe for when she’d like to get in the ring with a live opponent — she’s currently lobbying for a UFC bout with former bantamweight champion Holly Holm, whose popularity surged when she became the first fighter to defeat Ronda Rousey at UFC 193 in 2015. Coincidentally, Holm and Hallback have fought twice in the boxing ring. The former UFC champ won both matches, one in 2007 and the 2010 rematch, by unanimous decision. Hallback said Holm is the only fighter to have both beaten her and granted a subsequent rematch request. The reason Hallback was so quick to push for this fight, she said, is because she believes she and Justino have something in common: an intimidation factor. Hallback said that neither woman has an easy time getting fights these days, most likely due to their reputations, but Justino hasn’t had as hard a time finding opponents. She last fought in July, winning the vacant UFC featherweight title with a thirdround TKO stop of Tonya Evinger at UFC 214. Meanwhile, Hallback has had just

FAMILY FRIENDLY

If anything is as important to Chevelle Hallback as boxing, it’s her family. Though Hallback said she is close with her family, nothing comes close to the bond between her and her grandmother. Every Tuesday, the two women have a “date night” where they hang out, cook meals and watch a pair of Tyler Perry television shows religiously: “the Haves and Have Nots” and “If Loving You is Wrong.” Hallback is the oldest of 18 grandchildren and, according to her, the “favorite.” “My grandmother, that’s my heart,” Hallback said. “And she feels the same about me.”

two sanctioned matches since 2011 — both in 2014. Her pro record, which spans from her 1997 debut through 2014, stands at 30-8-2 with 13 knockouts. “My career, a little bit, is in limbo because I can’t get fights for whatever reason,” she said. “I don’t want to say that people are afraid of me but, for whatever reason, I can’t get any fights … she’s feared. Some say that I’m feared. Two feared females in the

fighting game — let’s get it on.” Hallback trains at boxing gyms all over the Tampa Bay area and lifts weights at Power Shop Fitness in downtown Plant City to stay in what she described as good enough shape to where her conditioning could be ring ready in “two or three weeks.” She also offers a personal training service for clients and, upon retirement from the ring, hopes to open her own boxing gym in Plant City. Retirement is something she’ll talk openly about these days, but not as something she’s currently considering. Hallback said “one of two things are going to happen.” She’ll either have a fight televised on HBO — which would make her and her opponent the first women to have that honor — or her body will finally tell her it can’t cooperate any longer. At the moment, Hallback said she feels good and brought up the fact that Bernard Hopkins was able to fight at a high level through his early 50s, even winning a championship at age 49 in 2014. Even if a Cyborg-Hallback bout doesn’t make it to HBO, the Plant City native is determined to get back in the ring and show someone why she earned the nickname immortalized in ink on her arm. “If she’s crossing over to the boxing world, I’m here,” Hallback said. “I’m ready and I’d love to fight her.”

PUBLIC AUCTION STORAGE SALE In accordance with the provisions of the Florida Self Storage Act (sections 83.801 - 83.809), there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy an owner and/or manager’s lien of the goods hereinafter described and stored at the Life Storage location listed below. And, due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties known to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the below stated location(s) to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on Wednesday, 9:00 am, October 11, at 1005 South Alexander Street, Plant City, FL 33563, 813-759-9526. CUSTOMER NAME

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Football FROM PAGE 12

starting the season on such a high note, expectations are as high as they’ve been in some time. But with the offense performing as well as expected and the young defense getting the hang of its varsity reps — the group staved off Jesuit in Tampa and held Sickles to eight completions on 24 attempts — Durant believes it has what it takes to keep winning. Crest relied heavily on its run game to beat King, totaling 280 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Quarterback Jarrett Rappe couldn’t find success through the air, completing one of seven pass attempts for 10 yards and throwing two picks, but did pick up 41 yards and a rushing touchdown on 10 carries. The Chargers’ defense kept the Lions off the scoreboard until the fourth quarter, but King could only muster six points then. Though the Chargers missed out on a district game with Tampa Bay Tech, their return to action won’t be easy. For both teams, tonight’s game will be a way to shake the rust off in preparation for a shorter week. Durant will go to Newsome on Sept. 28 to start another chapter of the Alafia River Rivalry and Crest will pay Plant City a visit that same evening — one day earlier than that game was originally scheduled, thanks to Irma’s impact on Hillsborough County.

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “Character ... it can’t be ultimately changed. It’s the structure of our bones, the blood that runs through our veins.” – Sam Shepard

Justin Kline

Carlton Potter commands the Durant offense at the line of scrimmage.

the stands, sitting together to enjoy a free game on a night where, had Irma avoided the state, they could have been lining up against one another on the high school fields. The nationally-ranked Bulls entered the game with a 2-0 record at No. 22, as did the unranked Illini. Dual-threat quarterback Quinton Flowers led the way with four total touchdowns and 386 all-purpose yards as USF picked up a commanding 47-23 win over Illinois. In my opinion, the Bulls would have been winners no matter what the final score was. One of the reasons I’ve always enjoyed covering sports is that they’re representative of society at large. If you’re looking for business, politics, entertainment, hard news, deep features, data dives and, of course, opinion pieces, you can find that in spades in athletics with the added bonus of something fun to watch. Sports can both highlight important issues and

Puzzle Two Solution: “All Americans need a sense of place. That’s what makes our physical surroundings worth caring about.” – Ed McMahon

This week’s Sudoku answers THE OTHER GUYS PLANT CITY The Raiders are hoping to resume the season at home with an improved look against East Bay. When Plant City hosted Hillsborough Sept. 1, the two teams played a less-than-memorable game that ended with the Terriers scooping up a bunch of turnovers and a 14-0 victory. Though the defense put forth a great effort, keeping the game from getting too out of hand,

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

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the Raiders offense struggled to find a rhythm and couldn’t find a formula for finishing drives. East Bay lost to Newsome, 17-14, in a double-overtime finish that night. Indians quarterback Tanner Morris completed two of his six pass attempts for just three yards, but Davonte Williams (106 rushing yards, two touchdowns) and the ground attack racked up 183 total yards and helped keep East Bay alive.

JUSTIN KLINE

serve as a necessary distraction from our problems, though many people would prefer all of the latter and none of the former. On Saturday, this football game served its purpose as a necessary distraction. By now, I think we’ve all seen what Hurricane Irma did to parts of Florida. Though the Tampa Bay area did catch its fair share of damage I’d say we got lucky compared to our friends down in Naples and Fort Myers, Miami and the rest of South Florida, for example. A lot of people I know from college that stayed in the areas were without power, water, work and their own homes for much of last week. Even in central Florida, things got a little rough — just ask our Observer colleagues in the West Orange/Windermere area near Orlando, some of whom had no power as late as Sunday morning. Irma put those first responders to work and they deserved a reward for their efforts, even if it’s as simple as a free football game. Irma took these

kids out of school and sports, and likely caused many of their families to fall on hard times, and they deserved to have someone go out of their way to do something nice for them. I’m sure the Bulls gained a lot of new fans with the gesture, but they’ve made it clear that wasn’t the intended goal. I don’t want to say I hope this happens the next time a hurricane comes through the state because, obviously, we don’t want to see more hurricanes come through. It’s just good to know that people still have the desire to help others even when they don’t have to. Now let’s hope we don’t catch any more storms this year. I’m not trying to miss any more high school football than I have to, either. Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Times & Observer. Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

This week’s Crossword answers

2017

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

FOCUS ON FITNESS

JENNIFER E. CLOSSHEY, PH.D.

Exercise for pain relief Working out might be the last thing on your mind. But, working out could be a solution for the pain.

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xercise interrupts the ongoing cycle of pain by allowing body tissue to re-remember its intended purpose. Chronic pain conditions cause limitations in range of motion and function. Exercise helps wake the body up to return to mobility and use. Regular exercise continues to expand the body’s range of physical capabilities and strength.

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Low-impact walking is an excellent form of light aerobic exercise with plenty of benefits. Besides boosting stamina and energy, increased circulation from walking increases oxygen and nutrient flow to the muscles and organs. Added circulation coupled with movement reduces stiffness and pain.

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Highly recommended by doctors for pain management, yoga, tai chi and pilates are the most researched and documented exercise systems. Classes are readily available. The certification of each style ensures the public that standards of practice are offered. Ask to verify your instructor is properly licensed and certified. Build strength, flexibility and bal-

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Swimming defies gravity, making exercise easier on joints and muscles. Try the regular water aerobics classes at the local YMCA. Their professionally-trained instructors can help you get started and pace yourself safely and easily. Besides, muscles relax in heated water — thus, reducing stress. The reciprocal stationary bike offers another way to track laps. Many find the back-and-forth motion of pedaling to be relaxing, as well. Work your way up to laps on the elliptical, which has lower impact than a treadmill.

ance slowly over time while benefiting from the stretching and movement patterns. Yoga and pilates have been shown to help with headaches, arthritis and long-term injuries. Breathing exercises can helpful for pain relief. Being bedridden does not mean you can’t use breath techniques to minimize pain. Imagine drawing your breath into parts of the body with or without muscle contraction. Let the breath fill the area with expansion and increased circulation. Where your attention goes, energy flows. TRIED AND TRUE

Simple stretching brings fast results. Taking your arms over your head for a shoulder stretch opens up the heart and lung areas. Twist gently from side-to-side to wake up the torso. Step forward with a gentle lunge to help the feet, ankles, calves, thighs and lower back. Don’t forget to do both sides for balance. Hot and cold packs are standbys for home remedies for pain and certain kinds of injuries. Make a homemade ice pack with a sealable plastic bag. Or, grab a bag of frozen vegetables for quick relief. Wrap the ice pack in a soft towel to protect the skin. Everyday activities like playing with the kids, cleaning the house, gardening and washing the car count. Make chores easy on yourself with the right equipment. Take plenty of breaks, as getting fatigued can add to the pain factor. PACE YOURSELF

Consult a physical therapist or a personal trainer experienced in protocols for pain and recovery to set up a solid plan. You control the pace as no one knows exactly what you are experiencing.

Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative health based out of Plant City. Contact her at JenniferClosshey@gmail.com.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

FORECAST

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, SEPT. 22

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

Friday, Sept. 22

7:16a

7:23p

Saturday, Sept. 23

7:16a

7:22p

Sunday, Sept. 24

7:17a

7:21p

Monday, Sept. 25

7:17a

7:20p

Tuesday, Sept. 26

7:18a

7:19p

Wednesday, Sept. 27

7:18a

7:18p

Thursday, Sept. 28

7:19a

7:16p

SATURDAY, SEPT. 23 High: 90 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 50%

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

SUNDAY, SEPT. 24

Sunrise Sunset

MOON PHASES

High: 89 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 10%

Oct. 20 New

Oct. 15 Last

Sept. 24 First

Oct. 5 Full

MONDAY, SEPT. 25 High: 89 Low: 71 Chance of rain: 10%

RAINFALL

OKRA Shipping point: Orlando $10.35 to $10.95

Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

Follow us on social media: @PCTObserver on Instgram, @PlantObserver on Twitter and Plant City Times & Observer on Facebook.

0.00

Thursday, Sept. 14

0.40

Friday, Sept. 15 Saturday, Sept. 16

0.03

Sunday, Sept. 17

0.00

Monday, Sept. 18

0.00

Tuesday, Sept. 19

0.00

YEAR TO DATE:

SEPT. TO DATE:

2017 41.47 in.

2017 8.69 in.

2016 36.82 in.

2016 4.84 in.

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covering 106 Born in Nome 110 18th in the Greek alphabet 112 Counts 114 You have it coming (Pt. 3) 117 Japanese equivalent of a zither 118 Sierra ___ (nation) 119 A next of kin, for some 120 Peeper 121 Fit of temper 122 Part of a watch or flower 123 Many are reserved 124 Summer hrs. in many U.S. states

DOWN

Horse Barns | Pole Barns | Steel Buildings

48 Not permissive at all 50 Old late-night host Jack 51 Something to be judged on in a pageant 52 The cheaper spreads 54 Miner’s means of transport 55 Things crunched in a gym 56 Part of an inning 57 Camouflage 59 Hound or badger 61 Place to store a missile or grain 63 You have it coming (Pt. 2) 71 The animated explorer 72 Boy or very young man 73 Broadway’s Todd 74 Western neckties?

78 Chewable item for a cow 81 Empty-syndrome link 83 Transfer design 84 By order of, in memos 85 Fishy, wriggly and slippery 86 Movie premiere parties 88 Window division 89 Congeniality 92 Certain Wall Street worker 94 Seemingly forever 95 Not varying 96 Eyelid protrusion 97 Like the merchandise in a thrift store 98 Bridges on a TV show 101 Seed’s hard outer

1 Ratchet parts 2 Enlightened Buddhist 3 Verbal outpouring 4 Lacking facial color 5 Second word of a New Year’s Day song 6 Judge who tried O.J. Simpson 7 One who’s easily manipulated 8 Feverish fits 9 Sail holder 10 Disgruntled sounds 11 Big name in China’s history 12 Way less intelligent 13 Boats meant to be stable, not swift 14 Ruler’s creation 15 Group of like-minded countries 16 Puts in stitches 18 Bicycle built for two 20 Brings cheer to 23 Drink from a pot? 24 Lustrous material 25 How some like their martinis 30 Sympathetic one or any nurse, essentially 31 Surname among great artists 33 ___ pendens (notice of a lawsuit) 34 Pioneer or colonist 36 Place in California known for wine-growing 37 Natural wound cover 38 Mob’s violent disorder 39 It contains a few last words? 40 “Oh, yeah, before I forget ...” 41 To judge or think 42 Angelic rings 43 “Well, ___ you clever!” 44 Be a parasite

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813.754.1766 Office 813.754.5166 Home 813.759.8984 Fax

45 “Cold Mountain” protagonist 46 Parodied 47 Points of convergence 49 Indian prince’s spouse 53 Machines that lead to growth? 56 How to make smoke rings or bubbles 58 Old-style commotions 60 Gerard or Hodges 62 Coffee variety 64 Like a cut diamond 65 Penetrating, zesty flavors 66 Valuable gray matter product 67 With tears welling up 68 Ancient Peruvians 69 Obviously wasn’t erect 70 Lovett with the pipes 74 Neck section 75 Most populous city of Norway 76 Doing business, as a store 77 Salty seven 79 Bone connecting wrist and elbow 80 Like pink hair 82 Cut deeply, as prices 85 International agreements 87 Speak or utter 90 Light into 91 “The Playboy of the Western World” playwright 93 Thing on many keyboard keys 97 Guitar relative, briefly 99 Be a serious collector 100 Miss Hawkins of Dogpatch 102 Info from a cockpit 103 Used a Singer 104 Cafeteria stock 105 Thus far 106 Poses questions 107 Fabled creature with a painful thorn 108 Con’s debate position 109 Kilt wearer 110 Not overly neurotic 111 More of the same, in research papers 112 Catcher’s catchall 113 Greetings in the old Roman Senate 115 Drunkard 116 Govt. property overseer

MOBILE

Richard C. Bliss 813.478.3566 Richard P. Bliss 813.478.4697 George E. Bliss 813.478.3470

249352

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

CBC1257107

249450

www.drgaffney.com

Bliss Enterprises

GARAGE DOOR REPAIR & As SERVICE a1bo0kuut sa 249495

Dr. Jeremy H. Gaffney O.D. Dr. Barry M. Gaffney, O.D. PA Dr. Daniel G. Gaffney O.D. The struggle between fashion and function is officially declared a tie! Never before have eyeglass frames been offered in so many stylish choices. Yet, you’ll be amazed at how many options are at your fingertips to help you see well and protect your vision!

0.11

CELEBRITY CIPHER

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

“GXJIJGLDI ... SL GJZ’L YD RBLSCJLDBT GXJZEDO. SL’U LXD ULIRGLRID FM FRI YFZDU, LXD YBFFO LXJL IRZU LXIFREX FRI ADSZU.” – UJC UXDHJIO “FXX FRNLOVFKI KNNH F INKIN CA SXFVN. PEFP’I YEFP RFUNI CML SEBIOVFX IMLLCMKHOKWI YCLPE VFLOKW FJCMP.” – NH RVRFECK

Puzzle Two Clue: A equals F

ONLINE

Wednesday, Sept. 13

Puzzle One Clue: M equals F

After a thunderstorm in Dover, Kaitlyn Sullivent glanced at the sky and saw a beautiful sunset, which she captured with her camera. Sullivent wins this week’s I Love Plant City photo contest.

SUDOKU

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

9-21-17

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

Ladies Night Out

You’re Invited Learn More About Breast Health Part of our Ladies Night Out series. Join our physician expert for a discussion about breast care and breast health services. This event includes tours of the Cancer Resource Center and Women’s Center.

Tuesday, October 3 | 5pm Tour 5-6pm, Seminar 6-8pm

South Florida Baptist Hospital Administrative Conference Room 301 N. Alexander St., Plant City Space is limited. Register today:

249615

(855) 314-8352 | BayCareEvents.org

Angela Sroufe, MD Radiologist

17-180396–0917