At last week’s City Commission meeting, the City Attorney Kenneth W. Buchman proposed two ordinances that would amend Plant City code regarding the sale of cannabis if the federal government moves to legalize the drug.
Many states and territories now permit marijuana possession for certain medical purposes, and
some have decriminalized or legalized possession of small quantities of marijuana for personal use.
Under federal law, marijuana remains a Schedule One controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), and possession of marijuana for medical or personal use remains illegal.
MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITERThe Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center was aglow with glitz and glam Saturday night as contestants vied for a title in the 2023 Junior Royalty Pageant sponsored by the Florida Strawberry Festival. The fie judges had their work cut out for them as more than 100 contestants confidently displyed their grace, poise and personality during the pageant, emceed by brother/sister duo Kyle Robinson and Kerri Robinson Knox.
The Anointed Life Ministry of Plant City was recognized by the City Commission, earning a proclamation recognizing its 10 years of dedicated service to the community, helping guide the congregation on their spiritual quests. The church, headed by Pastor Lloyd MdDonald Jr. and his wife Evon, was established January 2013 and has grown from two members (its founders) to 75 members who meet in-person every week to learn about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Many other members, some from other states, watch the services via Zoom.
“The recognition is a great accomplishment for our ministry that can be achieved and cherished as we share the message of Jesus Christ
with others,” said Pastor McDonald. “I ask God to help us in accomplishing positive things to help our community and fellowmen.”
“We’re a small congregation but we have big dreams,” said MdDonald.
Mayor Nate Kilton proclaimed the proclamation as the highest honor that can be bestowed on an organization. City Manager Bill McDaniel commends the church for its positive impact on the city. “Our faith community is one of the backbones of Plant City and it’s very important to us,” said McDaniel.
Its ministries include helping the homeless, grief counseling, mental health assistance and its children’s back-to-school program. For more information about The Anointed Life Ministry of Plant City visit www. theannointedlifeministry. com.
Hillsborough County Public Schools is celebrating a graduation rate of 87.9 percent for the 2021-2022 academic year, a nearly two-point increase from prepandemic levels. It also marks the fist time since 2017 that HCPS students have outperformed the state graduation rate.
Plant City’s high schools have graduation rates well-above the average for Hillsborough County. Plant City High School has a graduation rate of 96.2 percent. Strawberry Crest High School has a graduation rate of 97.2 percent. Durant High School has a graduation rate of 91.5 percent.
“This accomplishment is about more than a number. Our students, families, and staff hve contended with a worldwide pandemic that created struggles that extended far outside the classroom. This is an impressive feat that is directly related to the tireless efforts of dedicated teachers, school-based leaders, school coun-
Approximately two dozen Marshall Middle Magnet IB World School male students have been inducted into the Gentlemen’s Quest (GQ) club.
“The club creates a brotherhood that focuses on behavior and respect for each other and all mankind,” said math teacher and club sponsor Stanley Glover.
Its mission is to help students realize their full potential by making positive choices regarding their academics and behavior and equip them with the skills necessary to become productive citizens.
Glover also gives students opportunities to practice public speaking skills. Club members participated in the opening ceremony of the MLK Festival last week, reciting inspirational messages from public figues to the audience.
Laughing in church is usually frowned upon but there will be plenty of chuckles happening at First Church of God, located at 601 North Gordon Street, at 7 p.m. on Sat., Jan. 21 when nationally-renowned comedian Dennis Gaxiola, a devout Christian and one of America’s funniest clean comedians, performs his stand-up routine.
The show is being provided free of charge to the community. Gaxiola, who is known for his performances on Comedy Central’s Laffapalooza with Jamie Foxx, will also speak at the church’s 10:30 a.m. workshop service on Jan. 22. “We’re trying to bless the community with some free top-notch entertainment- a comedy show that’s family-friendly,” said Pastor Paul Flores.
Start planning now if you wish to have your plants on display at the Florida Strawberry Festival as a part of the Plant City Garden Club’s Horticulture Show.
Plants will be accepted on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be dropped off at the NeighborhoodVillage Building, on the south side of the Administration Building right next to Gate 4, off f Berryfest Place. Eligible plant specimens to be entered into the competition must be grown by Hillsborough County residents.
To enter your plants for prizes, they must be in your possession for three months prior to opening day of the Strawberry Festival. There is an exception for multiple plants (Dish Gardens, Fairy Gardens, Terrariums) which must have been in exhibitors’ possession for at least six weeks.
For the full list of rules, regulations, and awards for the contest, please visit: https://fltrawberryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2023-StrawberryFest-UPDATED-Horticulture.pdf
JANUARY 6
UNLOCKED
JANUARY 7
ROCK AND ROLLED
JANUARY 8
DRIVESHAFTED
UNLAWFULLY CARRIED
RING THE ALARMS
2000 block of Lakehouse Cove Isle
CAUGHT RED HANDED
1400 block of S. Collins St.
LOST AND FOUND
S. Alexander St. / YMCA Pl. Recovered stolen fiearm: An officer conducted a traffictop at the listed location in reference to a traffic inaction. During the traffictop, a fiearm was discovered that was previously reported stolen out of Zephyrhills.
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“Federal policy regarding marijuana possession seems to be shifting,” said Buchman. “As Congress is considering various bills that may ultimately lead to the legalization of marijuana, our ordinances should be modified o reflect what the City Commission wants consistent with State law.”
The move comes after President Joe Biden’s October decisions to call for a review of federal cannabis scheduling under the Controlled Substances Act and grant a pardon to current U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents convicted of the federal offense of simple possession of marijuana. In December, members of Congress failed to include a key cannabis banking bill, that would have undone federal restrictions that make it difficul for legal cannabis businesses to access financial ervices, as part of the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill.
Currently, Florida Statutes, Section 381.986(11) gives municipalities the choice of either banning Medical Marijuana Treatment Center Dispensing Facilities throughout the City or allowing them in any place that a pharmacy is located.
Plant City’s current ordinance bans the sale of cannabis within city limits but provides that if Federal law changes, allowing the sale of marijuana, then medical marijuana can be sold in the C-1B zoning district.
There are 38 Medical Marijuana Treatment Center Dispensing Facilities within Hillsborough County, including 29 in Tampa, six in Brandon, one in Apollo Beach, one in Riverview and one in Seffne. Polk County has 16 dispensaries, including eight in Lakeland.
Two ordinances were submitted for the City Commission’s review. One ordinances would provide that if the federal government allows for the sale of marijuana, that medical marijuana would be sold in all zoning locations that a pharmacy would be allowed. The second ordinance provides that the sale of medical marijuana would be banned within the city. Buchman’s recommendation was the the Commission submit one or both ordinances to the Planning Board for its recommendation.
Ultimately, the City Commission decided to send both ordinances to the Planning Board for review. Public hearings will be held in coming months to gather public feedback.
It is not possible to solve a problem, if one does not understand the problem. The problem facing the residents of Walden Lake is the same problem facing the City, and any potential developer. The planned community of Walden Lake is protected by a legal designation referred to as a “planned community or COMPREHENSIVE PLAN”. In much the same way the US constitution protects our rights, the “comprehensive plan document” protects the stated and implied property rights to residents of Walden Lake. Residents built and bought homes based upon this legal document – decisions about foundation height, home positioning, fencing, pool locations, and much more. In order for any developer to build upon what was formerly the “golf course land”, the CITY must break the glass to Walden Lake’s Comprehensive Plan. Once shattered, it can not be pieced together.
Imagine for a moment, that years ago you bought a “whole life insurance policy” for the long term benefit f your family. You dutifully, paid the premiums. Suddenly, you learn the insurance company has sold your policy to someone else, and that new owner, has just informed you they intend to change the terms – the whole life insurance policy you bought is now passé, and you now own a term policy with an expiration date. Would you not scream immoral, and ask the state insurance regulators to intervene? If the City breaks the glass to Walden Lake’s Comprehensive Plan, the CITY will be completing a “bait and switch” on 2500 resident families in Walden Lake – and producing a moral hazard precedent.
A. Walden Lake “gifts” to PLANT CITY the 75 vacant/perimeter acres (worth $5 million) it owns between Griffinoad and Mud Lake (original maps to the comprehensive plan showed it as a school zone).
B. In lieu of this gift, the CITY purchases the former “golf course” land from the out of town land speculators, and designates the land a PARK (SPARKMAN or LOTT Park?) complete with walking, exercise trails, and fishing lakes for the benefit f the entire city.
C. With a small parking lot on Clubhouse Drive, the trails would now unite with the trails around the lake.
The WLCA will drop all resident restrictions, inviting all non residents to walk the new trails. In return, the City agrees to never sell the park land, or rezone. Both the City and community reach a maintenance agreement.
Such a solution will honor both the letter and spirit of Walden Lake’s comprehensive plan’s laws, unite WALDEN LAKE with Plant City, honor a City Leader, and turn a “pig’s ear into a silk purse” – problem solved.
Don MarshallWalden Lake Resident (30 years)
CITY COMMISSIONERS HOPE TO STAY AHEAD OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S SCHEDULING OF THE DRUG
This year’s theme, “We Have A Winner!”, was intuitive because four winners were announced at the end of the competition.
Fourteen-year-old Plant City High School student Madelynn Marie Hardwick is this year’s Queen with Bella Grace Bikowski as the fist-runner up. Eleven-year-old Marshall Middle Magnet IB World School student Giselle Elena McDowell is this year’s Princess with Kennedy Duncan as the fist runner up. Eight-year-old Lincoln Elementary Magnet School student Olivia Pilar McDowell is this year’s Duchess with Kenslie Culbreath as the fist runner-up. Six-year-old Lakeland Christian School student Aubrey Sweeney is this year’s Baroness with Drew Taylor as the fist runner-up.
The field f contestants was narrowed down to 10 finalits in each category after contestants were introduced and walked the stage. Contestants were judged on personality (30%), stage presence (30%) and overall beauty (40%). Each finalit in the Duchess, Baroness and Princess category answered an on-stage interview question: “What makes The Florida Strawberry Festival a winner in your eyes?”. Answers included riding the midway rides,
livestock exhibits, spending time with family, and eating the delicious festival food, from the hot dogs to the gigantic fried doughnuts. “The line for doughnuts starts behind ME,” proclaimed Olivia McDowell. Many of the answers also included chowing down on strawberry shortcake. This year, the Queen finalits had the daunting task of answering one of three impromptu questions selected from a bowl. Without pause, all 10 finalits delivered answers with enough clarity and charisma to make any professional public speaker envious.
Pageant Chairman Jessi Rae Varnum, herself the 2014 pageant winner, was grateful for the group of volunteers that help make the pageant a success, including the backstage volunteers tasked with keeping the girls quiet and assisting with bathroom breaks all while maintaining excitement and energy. “When the finalits were named we had 120 girls huddled near the stage and it was an enormous task to maneuver the finaists on-stage quickly,” she said.
The 2022 pageant winners had front-row seats at this year’s contest. Former Queen Kennedie Clinton, who is a contestant in this week’s Queen’s pageant, said the moment was bittersweet. “It’s sad
closing the doors on this pageant but I’m very excited to compete in the Queen’s pageant,” she said. She and her court (Baroness Kezley Salinas, Duchess Rowen Ashford Morgan and Princess Ivy Belle Garner) got teary-eyed during the slideshow that documented their adventures last year. Clinton’s advice to this year’s winners are enjoy every minute of it. “This was the best year ever,” said Garner.
A unique feat at this year’s pageant was the crowning of sisters Giselle Elena McDowell and Olivia Pilar McDowell. Their mom, Diana McDowell, was speechless when she heard her daughters’ names announced as winners. “They’re going to be able to make so many memories together,” she said. Varnum can’t recall another time when sisters have won a title in the same year. “This will be an amazing bonding experience for them,” she said.
Hardwick and her court can be seen at festival and community events throughout the year. “I’m honored to represent The Florida Strawberry Festival and Plant City community and look forward to getting to know the other court winners,” she said.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced Mon., Jan. 23 as the beginning of the nation’s 2023 tax season when the agency will begin accepting and processing 2022 tax year returns.
“Be prepared for lower tax refunds not because taxes have increased but because several COVID-era programs have expired and weren’t renewed by Congress,” said Raulerson Castillo & Company Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Irene Castillo.
The reasons tax refunds may be smaller this year include:
No recovery rebate credits for 2022.
The expanded child tax credits have expired. For 2021 returns, the child tax credit offered up to $3,600 per child under age six and up to $3,000 per child ages six
through 17 with half available via upfront payments. For 2022, the tax break reverts to the previous amount- up to $2,000 per child under the age of 17.
The expanded child care credits have expired. For 2021 returns, the credit jumped to up to $8,000 for one qualifying person or $16,000 for two or more dependents. However, for 2022, those caps returned to $3,000 and $6,000, respectively.
The expanded charity deduction expired. For 2021 returns, single donors could claim a deduction of up to $300 for cash donations. Married couples filing jointly could claim a deduction of up to $600 for cash donation. This tax break wasn’t extended for 2022.
The Earned Income Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit “lookback” rule has expired, which allowed taxpayers to
use 2019 earned income information to determine eligibility for the credits.
Even though the IRS will begin accepting returns on Jan. 23, employers have until Jan. 31 to issue workers their W-2s and 1099s. “Wait for your issued W-2 document because using your paystub can lead to errors and refund delays,” said Castillo. Even the IRS urges people to have all the information they need before they file a tax return to avoid the possibility of needing to file an amended tax return.
More than 168 million individual tax returns are expected to be filed, with the vast majority of those coming before the April 18 tax deadline. With the three previous tax seasons dramatically impacted by the pandemic, the IRS has taken additional steps for 2023 to improve service for taxpayers by hiring more than 5,000 new telephone assisters and added more in-
person staff to support taxpayers. “With these new additional resources, taxpayers and tax professionals will see improvements in many areas of the agency this year,” said Acting IRS Commissioner Doug O’Donnell.
The IRS has a variety of free services available to assist taxpayers, including it’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs, that offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. Taxpayers can also get help from trusted tax professionals, commercially available tax software as well as IRS Free File, which provides free electronic filing of tax returns.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.IRS.GOV.
THE IRS PROMISES MORE TAXPAYER
THIS YEAR BUT EXPECT SMALLER RETURNS AFTER MANY COVID-ERA PROGRAMS HAVE EXPIRED.
Plant City residents celebrated the 37th annual Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Festival at a kickoff event at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center last Friday with an opening ceremony and luncheon followed by a weekend of parades, awards ceremonies and celebrations.
At the kickoff, Improvement League of Plant City (ILPC) board member Gwendolyn Thomas and Mayor Nate Kilton welcomed the crowd followed by performances by Lincoln Elementary IB Magnet School’s strings and chorus groups. Marshall Middle Magnet IB World School’s Gentlemen’s Quest club, donned in black suits and sunglasses, shared words of inspiration with the audience. Keynote speaker Pastor Maxie Miller of New City Church of Plant City then spoke about the importance of seeking education through academia, military service or learning a trade.
Miller, who earned a Master of Divinity from Samford University and a Doctor of Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, stressed education as a way to become quick and resolute thinkers with the ability to discern truth from fiction. “Most people think the purpose of education is to equip them so they can forever trample over the masses or furnish them with noble ends rather than a means to an end,” he said. “It seems to me education has a two-fold function: one is utility and the other is culture, making us better citizens and people of God accomplishing the things He want us to accomplish.”
He asserted that King’s message about education is as relevant today as it was when he wrote them in an article published in 1947. “Intelligence plus character is the goal of true education,” he said.
The following day, the streets of downtown Plant City were filled with revelers enjoying the high school marching bands, floats and $3 million worth of classic Corvette cars. ILPC President William Thomas Jr. said the cold weather didn’t stop hundreds of people from coming out to enjoy the event. “There was a very diverse crowd lined up and down the parade route,” he said.
After the parade, a Battle of the Bands at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center drew local school bands that competed for cash and prizes. Strawberry Crest High School won first place but Plant City High School, its first year in the competition, nabbed the second place spot. Both schools received $1,000 checks for their music departments.
The following day, six students were presented scholarships at a Leadership Breakfast. Several local organizations were presented awards for their positive contributions to the city, including The
United Food Bank of Plant City, recognized with the MLK Leadership Award for its Feeding Our Legacy program that provides food to the city’s senior population.
Monday saw a standing-room only crowd at The Bing Rooming House Museum for a celebration hosted by the Woman’s Club of Plant City, where keynote speaker Keith Worth shared his rendition of King’s “I Have A Dream” speech. As he began reciting the words from memory, a voice in the audience piped up. “I was there,” said Plant City resident Gloria Carter Cozart.
While a student at Tennessee State University, she was among the more than 100,000 people that gathered in the park between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. on that hot August day in 1963 to hear King speak to the throngs of civil rights activists. During his speech, she recalls standing close to the stage and hearing the voice of legendary gospel vocalist Mahalia Jackson, who was standing behind King, say, “Tell them about the dream, Martin.” King then set his prepared notes aside and shared his dream. She said she returned to Washington in 1983 for the March on Washington in honor of the 20-year anniversary of King delivering the famous speech.
Cozart said Worth did an excellent job with his rendition of the speech. He received a standing ovation after he spoke the last words. “It’s important to me as a black woman that we continue the dream because it hasn’t yet been fulfilled,” she said.
Woman’s Club of Plant City member Karen Griggsby was happy to see so many people attend the event. “King taught us how we ought to be as a people when we come together in Plant City,” she said. “As a community and as a society we don’t have to give people with hate in their hearts a voice.”
Williams is grateful for city leadership’s support of the MLK events. “AfricanAmerican history is part of the fabric of Plant City and city leaders have really gone all-in this year to help make MLK events a success,” he said.
ILPC member Beatrice Crowell said even though MLK Day has passed, there’s no time to relax. “We’re already starting planning for next year’s events because it’s important to keep King’s legacy going in our young people to instill in them the importance of his message,” she said.
Mayor Kilton is grateful for the volunteers that work to host the MLK festival.
“This event is a great contribution to the community,” he said. “It’s an excellent way to kick off the new year and set the tone for 2023,” he said.
Residents of Grace Manor assisted living facility organized their own Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration on Monday, with the assistance of staff members throughout the organization.
With the help of executive director Sheryl Vitelli and activity director Paige Hicks, the event first came to fruition through a casual conversation over lunch between residents Brenda Thompson and Eleanor Gaston, two of Grace Manor’s African American residents that strongly felt the importance of holding the facility’s first MLK Day celebration. After some brainstorming, Gaston began organizing the event while Thompson reached out to Elder Larry Sykes, a pastor at Greater St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Plant City for the past 19 years who agreed to join in on the celebration.
“We welcome you to us on this special day because it’s a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.,” Thompson said. “It’s an honor to recognize his efforts for freedom on this national Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.”
The event filled the room with residents as Thompson greeted all those in atten
dance, followed by an opening prayer from fellow resident Martin Rollyson. As Gaston shared her feelings on the day’s importance and Sykes gave a brief sermon on the importance of spreading love, especially on days of such vital remembrance such as MLK Day, St. Luke’s choir — known as their praise team — filled the facility with song.
“Martin Luther King Jr. fought for freedom and equality for everybody and it has taken generations to try and live up to those ideals,” Gaston said. “Freedom and equality carries a heavy price tag that millions of Americans have paid for again and again, with toil, faith and blood. The old saying, ‘freedom isn’t free,’ is very evident in the ongoing struggle for all Americans. We have a great hero who has paved a way for greater freedom for all and today we present a tribute to one of the important milestones, one that we will always remember because he did so much in advancing the cause of equality and justice. Today we celebrate the national holiday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Having met him on two different occasions, and even having him for dinner at my house, I can truly say that he was a great man.”
In addition to the inaugural MLK Day celebration, Thompson and Gaston announced that they will also be holding a Black History Month celebration at Grace Manor next month on Feb. 28.
“Eleanor and I eat lunch together and that is how this program came about, with brainstorming and thinking about what we could do,” Thompson said. “And it couldn’t have happened without Reverend Sykes
and Mrs. Sykes. Both of them were here, they came and we had a planning meeting and that’s how all of this got started and this is only the first because we’re going to have another event next month for Black History Month. Now if you think that this event is something, you just wait and see. It’s going to be great.”
Youth football has long been a staple of Plant City, with successful programs like the Dolphins and Colts, but now the Turkey Creek Trojans are making some big changes to their youth football program in a dedicated attempt to make a return to their past glory.
One of the most notable changes will come in the form of their board members, with some old faces still around in addition to several young and energetic members that have recently joined the organization’s board.
“Last season many of the ‘older generation’ members had thinned out, almost everyone had left except for four individuals that were on the board previously,” board member Kaitlin Storey said. “This year there was a major shift, there are 24 of us that are on the board and nearly all of them are new faces”
In 2022, Turkey Creek had one team reach the playoffs in their Pee Wee age group while cheer had an extremely successful year under a new cheer director, placing in the top three across several different competitions throughout the year.
In addition to an influx f new board members, the Trojans have built a relationship with Southeastern University’s football program through the TriCounty Youth Football and Cheer Conference as well as partnering with Durant High School as their offensive line members paid a visit to Turkey Creek’s practice last year to help the kids.
With their new motto “The Creek is on the Rise,” Turkey Creek aims to give their youth athletes a strong foundation through sports while strengthening their relationships within the Plant City community.
For more information on the Turkey Creek Trojans youth football organization, visit www. turkeycreektrojans.org or follow the Turkey CREEK Trojans page on Facebook.
TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER
Durant basketball made their way to Riverview on Tuesday as both the boys and the girls left with wins over Spoto, with the boys claiming a 60-50 victory after the girls thoroughly handled their contest by way of a resounding 79-13 final.
Spoto’s girls entered the contest at 8-9 on the season – coming off of a strong stretch that featured five wins over their previous seven games – and were quickly able to open the scoring with a layup for a 2-0 lead and subsequently keep the contest tight for much of the first quarter. Durant quickly responded with a bucket from senior forward Sophia Flair to tie it at 2-2 but the Spartans swiped a 3-2 lead back on a free throw at the other end. After a defensive stop from Spoto, senior Ki’Ajanae Gordon came up with a steal and took it right downcourt for a bucket at the other end to give the Cougars their first lead of the night at 4-3. Inside buckets from senior guard Miani Mejia and Flair extended the Durant lead to 8-3 but a three from Spoto cut the deficit to 8-6. Gordon then came up with another steal, converted on the other end with another easy basket, but Spoto fired right back again with a three to cut the Cougars’ advantage to just 10-9. A three from Mejia and a score in transition from senior Maggie Lauber would put Durant up by six, but yet another three from Spoto once again cut the advantage to one possession as Durant held a 15-12 lead.
And while the Spartans found a way to hang around for much of the first quarter, the game would quickly take a turn. As Durant raced out to a 24-12 lead, a foul put the Spartans at the free throw line where they would convert one shot in what would astoundingly be
their last point of the contest. Following one more drive and layup from Gordon, Durant would hold a 26-13 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The start of the second quarter was a masterclass from Durant’s defense, forcing turnover after turnover as the Cougars’ offense continued to ride hot hands from their senior stars in Lauber, Mejia and Flair. The trio seemingly scored with ease as the Cougars continued to build their lead up to 48-13 and a late layup from junior Hailee Rawlins gave Durant a 50-13 lead heading into halftime.
The second half was merely a continuation of the dominance that Durant displayed in the first two quarters, with tight defense and offensive play that couldn’t be contained even as the Cougars began to rely heavily on their bench to handle much of the remaining work. On the heels of an unreal 55-0 run to finish the contest, the Cougars cruised to a 79-13 final.
The win moves Durant’s girls to 13-4 on the season, with two of their four losses this year coming outside of their regular season schedule against two strong Tampa Bay area teams in Riverview Sarasota and Tampa Prep via tournament play during the holiday season. Their 63-point margin of victory also marks the Cougars’ biggest win of the year and their largest single-game margin of victory since notching a 78-11 win over Spoto in 2022.
After a contest against Leto on Wednesday, the Cougars will finish their regular season schedule with road games against Leto on Friday and Brandon next Monday.
Following the girls contest, Durant’s boys rallied to a 60-50 victory to move to 11-7 on the year, led by senior guard Xavier Peavy’s team-high 27 points.
Durant girls soccer made the trip over to Lutz on a cold Friday evening last week as they faced one of their toughest opponents on this year’s schedule in an undefeated Steinbrenner Warriors squad, falling 3-1 in just their second loss of the season.
The first half was extremely back and forth, with much of the game being played in the middle third as both defenses were able to largely stifle any potential chances coming out of the strong forward play that both teams have at their disposal.
In the 17th minute, Durant earned their best offensive opportunity of the contest to that point as forward Rachel Horn forced
was deflected just wide of the net and sent out for a corner kick. The corner was sent in toward goal and ricocheted into the box off the post, put back toward net and sent out off for another corner off of a Durant defender. The ensuing corner was then sent to the far post, headed back into the box but eventually cleared by the Cougars. Late in the half Durant put together a pair of chances, starting with another strong play to steal possession up the right side by winger MyKala Ulrich, pushed into the 18-yard box and fired low and aimed just inside the near post only to be narrowly saved by a diving Steinbrenner keeper. And a few moments later, Ulrich once again controlled possession up the right wing before creating enough space to send a low cross
were once again held without a goal, and Steinbrenner wasted no time tilting the pitch back in their favor with a response. In the 48th minute, Steinbrenner was able to force a turnover on Durant’s side of the field, resulting in a stellar shot from outside the box, sent off the post and out for a goal kick. A few moments later, freshman Kendal Vician controlled possession for the Cougars into the 18-yard box, passed in front of goal where the ensuing shot was sent just over the bar. And in the 52nd minute the Warriors added to their lead as a cross into the box was directed on goal and kept out by a fantastic save by Durant’s junior keeper Taylor Crone, only for the rebound to fall right at the feet of Steinbrenner forward Aaliyah Pitts who cleaned up the rebound
the second half as the Cougars chased the contest – and sent into the box, redirected on goal and past the Steinbrenner keeper by Horn.
The loss was just Durant’s second of the season as they moved to 14-2 on the year, with their only other loss coming in a 2-1 final against 13-2 Tampa Catholic in the Tampa Bay Top 10 semifinals in December. With their regular season coming to an end, Durant will enter their tournament play as the district’s top seed after finishing the
were handed just their second loss of the season as they fell short against the Warriors in a 3-1 contest.Sophomore Mykala Ulrich Senior Katlyn Levasseur Senior Emma Harnage and junior Rachel Horn
“I can’t remember all the movies I saw at the Capital Theater but I know that with 30 cents I got to see the movie and had popcorn and a soda. And had a great time and then walked back home.” - Matthew Ellis
“Amityville Horror, the original.” - Jennifer McPherson Stuart
“101 Dalmatians back in the 60’s.” - Cynthia Davis Van Camp
“Jurassic Park.” - Ray McNab
“Around the World in 80 Days, here in Plant City.” - Diane Walker Brennon.”
“Star Wars at a drive-in in Arkansas in 1978.” - Rebecca LeMire
“Saturday afternoon cartoons at the Capital Theatre.” - Bruce Hildreth
“Live and Let Die! In Puerto Rico, 1973.”Farah Perez
“Smoky and the Bandit.” - Lee Robbins
“Song of the South.” - Cheryl Thompson
“Saturday Night Fever.” - Will Hudson
“Coal Miner’s Daughter at Brandon Twin.” - Kristi Mowery
“Footloose.” - Beth Wilkinson
“Rambo.” - Steve Davis
“Redline 7000 at the Starlite, 1965.” -
Tracy A. Troeger, 68, of Fort Myers Beach, Fla., born in Elkhart, Ind., entered into eternal rest on Jan., 11, 2023.
Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Reverend Elvin R. Hall, 93, of Plant City, born on Nov. 11, 1929, in Plant City, entered into eternal rest on January 13, 2023.
Gerard “Jerry” Anthony Hanley, 64, of Sun City Center, born on Oct. 1, 1958, in Pawtucket, R.I., entered into eternal rest on Jan. 11, 2023.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
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Felix Castro Santiago, 36, of Dover, born on April 13, 1986, in San Juan Numi, Oataxa, Mexico, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 13, 2023.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
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Alvin Eugene Gentry, 79, of Branford, Florida, born on Oct. 2, 1943, in Deland, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 12, 2023.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral. com.
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Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com. 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1
Joshua “Josh” Conrad, 50, of Orlando, formerly of Lithia, born on July 21, 1972, in St. Petersburg, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 16, 2023.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral. com.
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2023 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL QUEEN’S SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT
6 p.m. at Charlie Grimes & Family Agricultural Center, 2508 West Oak Ave. Sponsored by The Plant City Lions Club, come out and cheer on your favorite contestant as dozens of beautiful and talented young women compete for the title of Queen in this annual community event. Who will be crowned this year’s Queen? Tickets cost $15 each and can be purchased at www. plantcitylions.org.
CRAFTING WITH JESSICA SMITH
5:30 to 6:30 at 302 W. McLendon St. Make your way to the Bruton Memorial Library for a night of crafting with guest host Jessica Smith. Registration is open and required for all in attendance. For more information, or to register, visit www.plantcitygov.com/library/page/ programs-events.
COACH BAG BINGO
6 to 9 p.m. at 1263 Kingsway Rd. Coach Bag Bingo will benefit Bies 4 Christ, a non-profit that povides donated bicycles to the needy, veterans, underprivileged children and seniors while also ministering to the their spiritual needs. Tickets to the event will cost $50 each and include 10 rounds of bingo, food, drinks, raffle pres, a 50/50 raffle and0 chances to win a brand new Coach bag. For more information or to register for the event, visit www. bikes4christ.com.
BEGINNING RUMBA CHOREOGRAPHED BALLROOM DANCE LESSONS
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 4401 Promenade Blvd. Head down to the Strawberry Square Dance Center for Beginning Rumba Choreographed Ballroom Dance Lessons. No experience is required and each lesson will cost $7 per person, per lesson. For more information or to register, text Cindy at 864-723-6965
MLK HEALTH, FITNESS AND WELLNESS FAIR
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center The final vent of the city’s annual MLK festival, learn how to get healthy in 2023 and enjoy a 2k walk through Historic Lincoln Park (a.k.a. The Bottom).
STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN
3 to 6:30 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is back on Saturday, Jan. 21, rain or shine. Cars and trucks manufactured in or before 1996 can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music by DJ John Paul Gasca.
6:30 to 8 p.m. at 4401 Promenade Blvd. Head down to the Strawberry Square Dance Center for Beginning Modern Western Square Dance Lessons, starting on Tuesdays in January. No experience is required and the fist lesson is free, with each additional lesson costing $7. For more information or to register, call Cherylene at 770-825-6513 or the Strawberry Square Dance Center at 813-752-0491.
MOBILE FOOD PANTRY
8 a.m. at 702 E. Alsobrook St., Suite H. The United Food Bank of Plant City will be hosting their mobile pantry. The event is open to everyone on a fist come, fist serve basis and will be held behind their building. For more information, call the United Food Bank of Plant City office at 813764-0625 ext. 5.
FREE
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Federal, state and local opportunities are constantly changing. If you’ve served any time in the military, retired or non-retention, and would like to review your benefis please take advantage of free assistance at the Bing House Museum, 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walk-ins welcomed or call 813-704-5800 to set a specific time.
CHAMBER GALA 2023
6 to 9 p.m. at 1206 N. Park Rd. The Trinkle Center at HCC’s Plant City campus will play host to the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Gala. The event will welcome a new Board of Directors and Chair of the Board, Wesley Joyner, and celebrate the winners of the 2023 Best of Plant City Awards. RSVP is required and admission costs $125 per person, with the reception and cocktail hour beginning a 6 p.m., followed by dinner, the main program and awards ceremony at 7 p.m. In accordance with the 80’s theme, 80’s outfis are highly-encouraged, or semi-formal attire if not. Award voting will open Jan. 5 and run through Jan. 13. Sponsorship opportunities are also available at price points of $600, $900 and $1,200. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, reach out by phone at 813-754-3707 or by email at Matthew@ PlantCity.org.
COSMOS QUEST
6 p.m. at 302 W. McLendon St. The Bruton Memorial Library will play host to Cosmos Quest with Craig MacDougal: How to Get Started in Astronomy. The event is free for adults and teens, offering an opportunity for attendees to learn the basics of astronomy, the latest news and look up with a SkyTour telescope viewing. For more information on the event or to register, visit the Programs and Events page at www.plantcitygov.com/library.
LAST
5 to 9 p.m. at 110 N. Collins St. The Last Friday in Downtown Food Truck Rally is held with a new theme each month. There will be live music, market vendors and food trucks. The event is family and pet friendly and all are recommended to bring chairs and blankets. January’s theme will be Pirates and Princesses!
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5202 Thonotosassa Rd. Head out to Keel Farms for their Family Fun Day and enjoy tour trollies of the farm and their winery and opportunities to watch the kids pick their own strawberries, pet the friendly farm animals or bounce in the Rockin Bouncie House. Adults will be able to relax and listen to the music of Keel Farms’ DJ, enjoy an adult beverage at the farm bar and then take in a complimentary lunch and drink courtesy of Keel and Curley Farm and the Camaraderie Foundation. Register now at www.camaraderiefoundation.org to ensure you get your spot before they fill u. For more information, contact Clay Keel by email at clay@keelandcurleywinery.com.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. Make your way to the Robert W. Willard Railroad Museum for this year’s Chilifest Cookoff. A panel of judges will be in attendance to select winners from the mild, spicy and novelty category while anyone who comes out can help select a winner for the people’s choice category after tasting all of the delicious recipes made throughout the event. To enter your prizewinning chili or to see a complete list of rules, contact Frank Cummings at 813-363-8071 or Marsha Passmore at 813-245-2244.
THURSDAY, JAN 19
Sunrise Sunset
Thursday, Jan 19 7:20a 5:58p
Friday, Jan 20 7:19a 5:58p
Saturday, Jan 21 7:19a 5:59p
Sunday, Jan 22 7:19a 6:00p
Monday, Jan 23 7:19a 6:01p
FRIDAY, JAN 20
Tuesday, Jan 24 7:18a 6:02p
Wednesday, Jan 25 7:18a 6:03p
SATURDAY, JAN 21
SUNDAY, JAN 22 High: 79 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 16%
MONDAY,
