1.21.21 PLCO by Plant City Observer

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VOLUME 6, NO. 130

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FREE • THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

FIRE QUICKLY DOUSED IN MANN BUILDING PCFR immediately responded to a fire in the Mann Building in historic downtown on Jan. 11.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

A fire sparked to life in the wee hours of the morning on Jan. 11 in the Mann Building in historic downtown on Reynolds Street. Smoke wafted out of the old building and the fire department saw a stream of water flowing from Mr. Sebas Ice Cream Store. There was an attempt to

get access to keys to get into the building and the firefighters eventually forced entry into the ice cream store, according to the incident report. The water was there, but there were no active sprinklers. So the second floor was entered. The hallways were clear, no smoke barred the way and the historic doors — all of which were locked — were opened before the department entered a suite toward one end of the hall.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

2021 JUNIOR ROYALTY PAGEANT

JUSTIN KLINE

The 2021 Junior Royalty Queen and court passed their crowns to the next generation on Saturday night. SEE PAGE 11

SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The start of the new year always brings the passing of the crowns from one generation of Plant City royalty to the next, and the 2021 Junior Royalty Pageant kept that tradition alive after a year that was anything but.

After nearly five hours of a tough competition, four girls walked away with new titles and a new duty to represent Plant City. Bridget Mae McLaughlin was named 2021 Junior Royalty Queen and her court includes Princess Brooke Sidnei Browning, Duchess Danica Faith Gill and Baroness Carrigan Beau Brake.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

NEWS BRIEFS

Courtesy photo

The Optimist Club’s annual Oratorical Contest offers youths a way to earn scholarship money through public speaking.

Optimists to host oratorical contest for youths The Plant City Optimist Club is getting ready to host its annual Oratorical Contest and registration is now open. Youths younger than age 19 (as of Oct. 1, 2020) who are not enrolled as degreeseeking students at a post-secondary institution can participate in the Feb. 15 contest, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. that evening and will be held at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center, 302 S. Maryland Ave. All contestants will be asked to prepare a four-to-five minute speech around this year’s theme of “Healing the World with Optimism” and present it in front of an audience of family members and the Optimist Club. Judges from the Plant City Toastmasters will grade each contestant based on their poise, adherence to the topic, overall effectiveness and their delivery and presentation. The top two finishers will move on to the Zone 6 contest in Winter Haven in March. Those who continue to perform well in this year’s circuit can win anywhere from

$1,000 to $2,500 in scholarships at the North Florida District Finals in April and possibly advance further to the sixth annual World Championships in St. Louis, MO in July. Since 2001, nine Plant City-area youths have won the North Florida District Finals competition and two have competed at the World Championships. Visit plantcityoptimistclub.org to register and get more information.

RSVP for Citizen of the Year luncheon The 2021 Plant City Outstanding Citizen of the Year will accept their award on Feb. 17, but those who wish to attend the 62nd annual luncheon need to RSVP well in advance. The Kiwanis Club of Plant City asks anyone interested in attending the annual luncheon, to be held at 11:30 a.m. at the TECO Expo Hall at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds, 2301 W. Oak Ave., to purchase tickets before Feb. 1. Tickets cost $30 per person and checks can be made payable to Kiwanis Club of Plant City, 1902

File photo

Jim Scott was named Plant City’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 2020.

Bond St., Plant City, FL 33563. For more information, contact Sharon Moody at 813-453-7134 or sharonmoody91@yahoo. com.

Virtual career fair for veterans today According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the veteran unemployment rate in December 2020 was 5.3 percent — more than double the December 2019 rate. DAV and RecruitMilitary are offering unemployed United States military veterans a chance to get back to work in the Tampa Bay area. The Tampa Virtual Career Fair for Veterans will be held entirely online from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and “is open to all members of the military community, past and present, as well as military spouses and dependents,” according to a press release. The free career fair will link job seekers up with employers looking to fill jobs quickly in large group, small group and one-on-one formats. Sign up online and join the event at recruitmilitary.careereco.com/Fair/

EventDetails?fairId=6158e64b-9238-41a0a8e6-ac6701280e6b.

Trade Space becomes U-Haul neighborhood dealer U-Haul International announced Jan. 15 that Trade Space, 3801 Paul Buchman Highway, is now an authorized U-Haul neighborhood dealer. Trade Space will offer U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment and other essential services now that it is an official neighborhood dealer. “U-Haul has teamed with independent dealers to offer moving equipment since 1945,” the company said in a press release. “With the COVID-19 outbreak creating challenging times for small businesses, more than 20,000 dealers across the U.S. and Canada are creating supplemental income through their U-Haul partnership. When a customer rents from a U-Haul dealer, they are directly supporting an independent small business in their community.”

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

SADYE GIBBS MARTIN COMMUNITY CENTER ONCE AGAIN THE CENTRAL HUB FOR PLANT CITY The new Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center has safety protocols in place to ensure COVID-19 doesn’t hinder the abundance of programs offered at the facility. There’s something for everyone and the calendar is ever expanding.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center is open and ready to embrace the community with a variety of new programs aiming to be a perfect fit for all residents. The center has been open for five months now and has already seen a warm welcome from its community. The former MLK Rec Center was beloved, to say the very least, and many mourned its loss when storm damage to the aging building led commissioners to choose to demolish the structure and build a massive, multimillion dollar facility in its place. However, the potential and vision for the new facility has won over many who have taken the time to visit. “I want this center to harbor a positive environment for people of all walks of life, ages and backgrounds,” Julie Garretson, Recreation Supervisor II, said. “I want us to provide something for everyone and to make sure anyone who walks through those doors feels like they’re a part of the community at this community center. Whenever people come in they often will share stories with me about all the memories they, or their parents or grandparents, had at the old community center. I love to hear those stories and I want to make this the perfect place for the next generation to make similar memories here.” The center, which has already overcome a variety of hurdles by successfully opening in the middle of a pandemic, has new strategies in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Anyone who enters the building with the intent to stay has their temperature checked at the front lobby via new kiosks. High-touch areas — like doors, equipment like volleyballs and basketballs and other areas that receive frequent contact — are constantly disinfected. Anyone who enters the building is required to wear a mask and the staff keep their masks on as well until they return to their individual offices. When players are in the gym, they are asked to keep their masks on until they begin exercising. For example, the players wear their masks while on the bench during games but take them off once they enter the game. And during the exercise classes, attendees are socially distanced and have the choice to remove their masks if they wish. Many choose to keep them on but those who feel comfortable may remove them at that time. “We want to promote healthy lifestyles here so we are taking this seriously and ask those who walk through our doors to as well,” Garretson said. “We want to make sure everyone feels safe enough to come out and enjoy the

facilities and everything we have to offer.” The community center frequently updates its calendar with programs and events offered at the facility. While everything is subject to change due to COVID-19, the current plan is to steadily increase the offerings at the center. The full calendar can be found on the center’s website at plantcitygov.com/parksrec/ page/sadye-gibbs-martin-community-center-programming. You can also follow the Parks and Recreation Department on Facebook at @pcrecandparks. The center currently has its after school program for children age 5-12. The free Open Gym sessions are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. It’s one of the most popular activities offered and the center currently has nearly 1,300 unique memberships. Court space and capacity will vary due to programming and events. Basketball, volleyball and pickleball courts are available. When you come for the first time, you fill out a registration waiver and then you can simply check in with your phone number on each visit afterward. The Walk-n-Talk open sessions from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day let anyone who wants to use the interior of the air-conditioned gym or the outside of the building to do laps comfortably move around and get their miles in. M.A.T.E.S. Fitness — a free energy-filled fitness class for all ability levels — is from 10 to 11 a.m. every other Saturday. The group is in the process of adding a weekday to its schedule. There is also a yoga class for all skill levels from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The class is $10 and focuses on “building strength, better balance and overall flexibility through breath work, grounding and thoughtful sequencing.” Youth can take part in the free Youth Basketball Skills and Drills from 5 to 6 p.m. on on Wednesday. DSLA has its tutoring sessions from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday and Wednesday. This is just the beginning for the center. By this summer the center wants to restart an adult basketball league and then hopefully add an adult pickleball league soon afterward. Garretson added that they want to soon start a college and career mentorship program that will be free for high school students. It will cover topics like credit scores, studying for the SATs, getting ready for college and plenty of other things that are often overlooked in schools. Those who want to do something else after graduation other than college will learn how to search for jobs and to present their best skills to land the career of their

dreams. That program aims to kick off in February. There will also soon be a coffee, games and conversation program for adults who want to ease back into the programs at the community center. This morning program will allow residents to come in, enjoy a cup of coffee, play some games and have some pleasant conversation with their neighbors. There will also be some teaching elements on topics like how to use Zoom so those who struggle to understand the new, rapidly evolving technology can stay up-to-date. One of the most exciting things on the horizon is the Her Time to Play program, which is a partnership with the WNBA. This is specifically for girls age 7-14 and will give them lessons on confidence, teach them how to face challenges and learn values on and off the court as well as feature life skill builders. It’s completely free and will begin in April. The registration link will be on the Parks and Rec Facebook page as well as at the center when it is available. April will also have co-ed cheerleading for a low cost. “My goal is to make sure that anyone who walks in our doors has something for them here,” Garretson said. “Every community, every background can feel at home and be safe here. This community center is just that: a center of the community, for the community and it’s important to me to ensure that everyone in our community has something here they love and want to be a a part of.” To channel that community spirit, Garretson said she hopes to soon have a community track meet at the Marshall Middle Magnet School track for anyone age 5 and up. She said it’ll be great to have experienced community members come and have some friendly competition with the younger runners. There will be five to six different events, food trucks and a few other celebratory elements. Since the center opened in the middle of a pandemic, there really wasn’t a traditional grand opening event for the entire community to come out to. This will be a much-anticipated celebration. The city’s annual summer camp program starts in June for kids in grades K-8. The city has also approved the addition of a playground at the facility for this fiscal year.

If you have ideas for programming, please contact Garretson at recinfo@plantcitygov.com.

Photos courtesy of the Plant City Parks and Recreation Department

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY

Observer

This week on Cops Corner: Plant City Police investigated fake bomb threat, a stolen wallet, a stolen vehicle, a toll road

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

misunderstanding and more.

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com

Photo: iStock

Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com

JANUARY 8

DIS-APP-OINTMENT

IT WASN’T ME

1 Police Place Fraud: This complainant stated someone stole $935 from his Suncoast bank account through an online cash app.

900 block of South Empire Street Stolen tag: This complainant stated the after he sold his vehicle in early 2020 with attached tag FL UN14X, someone ran multiple tolls and FDOT sent the charges to him instead of the driver. MAIL CALL

CLEANED OUT 1320 block of East Laura Street Theft: This complainant stated someone stole $1,100 from her business and $400 from her bank account.

500 block of East Baker Street Mail theft: Officers responded to a reported theft of mail.

JANUARY 12

JANUARY 10

AIRING IT OUT

DECAL DEVIANT

1700 block of James L. Redman Parkway Criminal mischief: This complainant stated someone smashed the rear window of his Kia SUV between 6:30 and 8 a.m. in the morning.

1320 block of East Alabama Street Stolen vehicle decal: This complainant stated someone stole the decal from her license plate by an unknown subject. She did not know when the theft happened.

JANUARY 11 GOING OFF-SCRIPT 2510 block of Thonotosassa Road Fraud: Publix’s pharmacy flagged a fake prescription for codeine.

$85

ed free

NO BOMBS, JUST BURGERS 2400 block of James L. Redman Parkway Information report: Checkers received a call on its store phone just before midnight from a blocked number. The caller reported a bomb, but no explosive devices were found.

JANUARY 14 SHOPPING SPREE 200 block of Citrus Landing Drive Fraud: This complainant stated she found multiple transactions within her checking account that she was not responsible for. SUSPICIONS CONFIRMED 2300 block of James L. Redman Parkway Warrant: While responding to a report of a suspicious person in the area, officers made contact with a male subject whom they found to have an outstanding Hillsborough County warrant for burglary and grand theft of a motor vehicle. He was arrested and taken to Orient Road Jail without incident. BAD VIBES AT GOODWILL 2800 block of James L. Redman Parkway Vehicle burglary: This complainant stated someone entered his vehicle and stole his wallet while it was parked at the Goodwill parking lot.

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4720 block of Dawn Meadow Court Unlawful entry into a vehicle: This complainant stated someone entered his 2008 Dodge pickup truck.

1000 block of North Knight Street Fraud: This complainant stated he wrote a check for $15 on Dec. 25, 2020 and put it in his mailbox to be mailed out. On Jan. 8, a male subject he did not know came to his house with the check and told him it was found inside a book at a local laundromat. The check was altered to the amount of $315 and to be made out to a woman the complainant does not know. He did not get any information on the male subject who came to his house or the laundromat where the check was found. He also did not lose any money. The complainant signed a waiver of prosecution.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S READ EVERYWHERE Did you take the Observer with you on vacation? Send your pictures to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

FESTIVAL SHORTCAKE FAVORITES POSTPONE UNTIL 2022 Two of the biggest, most popular strawberry shortcake booths at the Florida Strawberry Festival will not be present this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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dred volunteers and a lot of them don’t feel comfortable going out and that’s not going to happen… It’s the same exact situation with the Historical Society.” Davis said the festival strongly believes it should not have a build-your-own shortcake experience this year for attendees. There’s no way it can follow CDC guidelines and keep the tools used by the public sanitized. But at the end of the day, he said, they are the Florida Strawberry Festival so shortcake will be available to those who want some. The festival is currently having conversations with a few other organizations to take up the mantle and provide shortcake this year. It may look different, but some form of shortcake will be provided. There are still a lot of pieces he said they have to juggle, like finding a way to serve safely and get procedures in place to constantly sanitize the tables in the seating areas around the festival, but Davis said they are determined to figure it out. Both St. Clement and the East Hillsborough Historical Society have promised to return in 2022.

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issue. Bender said the income it derives from the shortcake booth is its main source of funding. She said that she and the organization’s members, volunteers and supporters will “truly miss being a part of the Florida Strawberry Festival in 2021, but we all have the best wishes for everyone as we work through the coming year and look for better days to come.” Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis said he understood why the decision was made by each organization, especially since both rely so heavily on volunteers. “We’re going to have a festival this year, but it’s going to be different. It’s going to be a lot different,” Davis said. “We aren’t going to have our MainStage entertainment because it would require people sitting close together and we aren’t going to allow that. We are going to have more ongrounds entertainment because you can social distance with that. But we will see other changes as well. A lot of the senior volunteers we have had in the past are not going to be able to come and I’m sure the COVID fears are a big part of that. As far as St. Clement’s, they rely on a couple hun-

County Line Rd.

For many reasons, the 2021 Florida Strawberry Festival is not going to be like any other. When the festival announced the headline entertainment had been canceled, many took to social media both in support of the decision and vehemently against it. The reality is the pandemic is far from over and as of yet the vaccine has not been widely distributed. In an abundance of caution and in an effort to protect volunteers, both St. Clement Catholic Church and the East Hillsborough Historical Society have announced their strawberry shortcake booths will not be at this year’s festival. “Due to the culpability of possibly exposing our volunteers to the virus which has ended the earthly lives of over 380,000 Americans, and with all due consideration to the average age of our volunteers, our board of directors feel this is the best decision we can make at this time,” Shelby Bender, President & Executive Director of the East Hillsborough Historical Society, Inc., said. “The rollout

a lot of good. The money we raise we use for our outreach and our community programs. But it was just too risky.” Bazley said St. Clement prepared for the possibility it might not return this year to the festival. As the pandemic continued, the church took precautions and began financially planning to not have the income from the booth in 2021. The funds raised were always designed to be “bonus money” which the church uses for programs and outreaches the church runs year-round. And it’s a hefty fundraiser: last year alone it received $180,000 from the booth for its programs. On average, St. Clement alone sells more than 100,000 shortcakes a year. The lines wrap around the building. No matter what time of day you go, there’s a crowd of people itching to get their hands on the sweet treat. There was no way to protect the sheer number of volunteers needed to have any semblance of control over the social distancing of customers. So rather than risk everyone’s health, the church chose to step aside for one year. The East Hillsborough Historical Society, Inc. is facing the same

Maryland Ave.

STAFF WRITER

and facilitation of the muchneeded vaccine for the virus has gotten off to a slow start and since over 80 percent of our volunteers fall in the high-risk category, we feel that we must make the health and safety of our volunteers the pinnacle of our decision.” St. Clement Catholic Church, which is known for its build-yourown-shortcake booth, echoed the sentiment. Jessica Bazley, PR Coordinator for St. Clement’s Make Your Own Shortcake Project, said that any way they sliced it, it was a “nightmare.” The church wanted to find a way to make it happen, but the math simply didn’t add up. The booth has 35 volunteers for the morning shift, 35 in the evening and more than 100 total that prep berries each morning in Cronin Hall. “If one person got quarantined that first Thursday, the entire shift — every single person they came in contact with — would need to quarantine as well,” Bazley said. “We could not figure out a way to keep our patrons safe and keep our volunteers safe. 1/14/21 & 1/21/21 We had multiple meetings about Keiser - Lakeland it, we prayed about it, we didn’t Plant City Observer 5x6 DL and really were know what to do 12/28/20 conflicted about it because it does

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BREANNE WILLIAMS

Lakeland

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

MANN BUILDING FIRE EXTINGUISHED The Jan. 11 fire was quickly put out by Plant City Fire Rescue, but the building experienced some water damage. FROM PAGE 1 BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Smoke blanketed the floor and a trail of black, charred wood led up a small section of the back wall. The fire was smoldering, confined to the area of its initial blaze, thanks to the renovation in the 90s that led to the instillation of a sprinkler system into the old building. The two sprinkler heads were able to keep it quelled until the department could finish extinguishing the fire. The incident report states the fire was found to be caused by a waste bin fire while no one was in the building. The flames then extended to cabinetry nearby. However, the sprinklers were able to contain the fire to the area of origin. “The last time we had a fire in downtown, we lost half a city block of historic buildings,” Ed Verner, owner of the Mann and Lee buildings, said. “I think that was on everyone’s mind that night. There was a quick response, both by the fire department and several of those who work in the two buildings who rushed over to provide keys… the sprinkler system in place absolutely dampened the flames and probably saved both buildings. The fire department did a great job at responding quickly and doing their best to ensure that the fire did not spread to the rest of the building.”

Verner said when he arrived on the scene he even saw Fire Chief David Burnett with a mop in his hand, attempting to get rid of some of the water. The Mann and the Lee buildings are now joined following the renovation Verner had done in the late 90s. Each had a brick wall that was adjacent to one another. Though each had major renovations, much of the original hundredyear-old wooden structure remains in place. The dousing of the fire has led to water damage throughout the building, but Verner has already begun repairs. “Theres a few people I think it’s important I thank for their quick actions that helped assist in responding to that night,” Verner said. “LaRoyce Keene and Debby Keene were one of the first on the scene to help assist the firefighters and helped them get access to the Mann Building. Tom Thompson was also there to help give access to the Lee Building. Robert Norton also responded before the sprinklers had even turned off. I also need to thank Jason Jones with Advantage Restoration. They were onsite immediately and helped to evacuate the water. They’ve helped save a lot of the damage.”

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL QUEEN’S PAGEANT AHEAD The new Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and her four court members will be chosen in this Saturday’s pageant.

KATE TURNER

HAYLEE DIANE CHRISTOPHER

DAUGHTER OF

Richie and Kristin Christopher

JADA RAMSEY

EMMA GRACE LIVINGSTON

Senior at Bloomingdale High School Wade and Kellie Turner

Senior at Plant City High School

DAUGHTER OF

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

“The show must go on” seems to be the motto on everyone’s lips as the community prepares to once again flock to the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s pageant at the Grimes Family Agricultural Center at the festival grounds. The event — to be held this Saturday — will pit contestants against one another for the coveted position of the Strawberry Queen and Court. The pageant will be held at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 23 and will feature 29 contestants. The Plant City Lions Club sponsors the event each year and it has long been a staple in the community. This is its 86th year and it acts as one of the organization’s largest fundraisers. Many in the community consider it to be one of their favorite events of the year and the stands are often filled come the night of the pageant. A panel of judges score the contestants on their personal interview, a public speaking competition, the casual wear event and the evening gown competition. The Lions Club is limiting attendance. All of the tickets have been sold. However, it added a new element to the experience this year: if you want to stream the pageant at home, you can purchase a virtual ticket via a link on the Plant City Lions Club Facebook page. This virtual ticket will offer a unique link you can use on Saturday

to watch the pageant from the comfort of your own home. If you already have a ticket and decide you want to stay home and stream, email Gail Lyons at flstrawberryqueen@gmail.com and give her your ticket number. She will then send you a link. If you choose to still attend in person, you are required to wear a mask and the organization will take temperatures at the door. The chairs on the floor have been socially distanced. The bleachers, however, will require attendees to choose to be respectful of those seated and social distance as much as they possibly can when choosing a seat. There is an estimated 500 to 600 people with tickets to watch in-person, so get there early to get your preferred seat. The Lions Club has measures in place to be as cautious as possible, including wiping off the microphone between questions during the Top 10 round. The live-stream ticket is heavily encouraged for the community to turn to so they can still experience the event. You can find the Queen and Court at a variety of events throughout the year — as long as the pandemic doesn’t lead to them being canceled — and you can see them at the Florida Strawberry Festival from March 4 to March 14.

Junior at Durant High School

DAUGHTER OF Sara Easton

Junior-Homeschooled Dual enrolled at Hillsborough Community College

DAUGHTER OF

Aaron and Lindsey Livingston

VALERIE KELLEY

Attends Hillsborough Community College

DAUGHTER OF

Gary and Odette Kelley

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

KALEI PAAT

ELIZABETH ANN WEST

Senior at Newsome High School Dual enrolled at Hillsborough Community College

Senior at Strawberry Crest High School

DAUGHTER OF

Brian and Jennifer West

DAUGHTER OF

Angel and Courtney Paat

ASHLEY ANNE LANG

Senior at Strawberry Crest High School

JESSICA JOHNSON

DAUGHTER OF

Homeschooled

DAUGHTER OF

Sophomore at University of South Florida Graduate of Seffner Christian Academy

DAUGHTER OF

Joe and Carrie Lang

NAOMI ROSE DONNELL

JORDYN LEATHERS

Senior at Durant High School Dual enrolled at Hillsborough Community College

MCKENNA JORDAN

Senior at Strawberry Crest High School

DAUGHTER OF

Rodney and Teresa Donnell

DAUGHTER OF

Chad Jordan and Tiffani Mercado

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

Senior at Durant High School Dual enrolled at Hillsborough Community College

DAUGHTER OF

Jeffery and Heather Harris

VIRGINIA ANNE WALLNÖFER

CHERISH MECHELLE GLENN

Junior at Plant City High School Dual enrolled at Hillsborough Community College

Senior at Plant City High School Dual enrolled at Hillsborough Community College

DAUGHTER OF

Jeffrey and Delicia Wallnöfer

Gregg Glenn and Charity Perkins-Jernigan

MADISON DAVIS

KELLIEANNE MARIE KIRKLAND

Senior at Strawberry Crest High School

DAUGHTER OF

Jeremy and Mandi Davis

Senior at Strawberry Crest High School

DAUGHTER OF

Cory and Angela Kirkland

Meet Your Care Team

Robert Baskin, MD

Gregg W. Gutowski, MD

Brian J. Korte, MD

Specialty: Family Medicine Education: Medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham, Alabama.

Specialty: Family Medicine Education: Medical degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. Experience: Residency at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama.

Specialty: Family Medicine Education: Medical degree from Northeastern Ohio University in Rootstown, Ohio. Experience: Residency at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Primary Care and Sports Medicine fellowship at Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Board Certified Family Medicine

Experience: Residency at the Cardiology Research V.A. Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. Certification: American Board of Family Medicine

Board Certified Family Medicine

Certification: American Board of Family Medicine

Clinic services include: • X-ray • DEXA scan • Ultra sound • Full lab facilities • Diabetic eye exam • Telemedicine capabilities WellMed does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in its health programs and activities. ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Please call 888-781-WELL (9355). ATENCIÓN: Si habla español (Spanish), hay servicios de asistencia de idiomas, sin cargo, a su disposición. Llame al 888-781-WELL (9355). 請注意：如果您說中文 (Chinese)，我們免費為您提供語言協助服務。請致電：888-781-WELL (9355)。 20_5416_WMOPT_AD_MEETTEAM PC_FL_KH_C072320

GRACE KATHERINE HARRIS

Wilbert and Gina Leathers

DAUGHTER OF

Robby and Laurie Johnson

Board Certified Family Medicine

Certification: American Board of Family Medicine

813-754-3504 WellMedFindADoctor.com | facebook.com/WellMed

WellMed at Plant City Family Practice Center 507 W. Alexander Street • Plant City, Florida 33563

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

MCKINLEY BAKER

Junior at Strawberry Crest High School Dual enrolled at Hillsborough Community College

DAUGHTER OF

MORGAN NOLAN

Senior at Armwood High School Dual enrolled at Hillsborough Community College

DAUGHTER OF

Jeff and Taylor Baker

Michael Nolan and Jennifer Alderman

KATIE ELISE PHILLIPS

MAKAYLA MARIE MAKEROFF

Senior at Plant City High School

DAUGHTER OF

James and Stephanie Phillips

Senior at Durant High School Dual enrolled at Hillsborough Community College

DAUGHTER OF

BRYNNE ALYSSA MURPHY Senior at Durant High School

DAUGHTER OF

David and Jennifer Murphy

Senior at Durant High School Dual enrolled at Hillsborough Community College

BROOKLEN PAYDGE MOSLEY Senior at Durant High School

DAUGHTER OF

Brandin and Kaylee Mosley

DAUGHTER OF

Alan and Lesley Makeroff

Junior at Durant High School

DAUGHTER OF

Marc and Melissa Salveson

SAILOR BAY ULLRICH

Senior at Durant High School Dual enrolled at Hillsborough Community College

DAUGHTER OF

Max and Krista Ullrich

AVERY SURRENCY

ANNABELLE ROSE SALVESON

DAUGHTER OF

Kevin and Darla Little

Alan and Lesley Makeroff

BIANKA DANIELLE MAKEROFF

EMILY LITTLE

Senior at Strawberry Crest High School Dual enrolled at Hillsborough Community College

Senior at Durant High School Dual enrolled at Hillsborough Community College

DAUGHTER OF

Michael and Melissa Surrency

CASEY WILLIS

Senior at Durant High School Dual enrolled at Hillsborough Community College

DAUGHTER OF

Jason and Tiffany Willis

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

2021 JUNIOR ROYALTY PAGEANT

The 2019 Junior Royalty Queen and court passed their crowns to the next generation on Saturday night.

BARONESS

Top 10: Tiftyn RaeLynn Gill, Ainslee Elizabeth Creel, Maddison Seale, Ansley Gail Judah, Sailor Novella Bailey, Abigail Sue Smith, Sadie Marie Wonser, Hailey Raelynn Clark, Carrigan Beau Brake, Gabriella Nicole Perez Top 5: Tiftyn RaeLynn Gill, Gabriella Nicole Perez, Carrigan Beau Brake, Ainslee Elizabeth Creel, Abigail Sue Smith Runner-up: Gabriella Nicole Perez

DUCHESS

Top 10: Khloe Kay Carter, Giselle Elena McDowell, Chloe Lynn Smith, Shyla Ann Stanaland, Danica Faith Gill, Molly Jewel Terrell, Ella Brynn Solomon, Dylan Jane Hunt, Avery Richey, Presley Reese Hay Top 5: Danica Faith Gill, Dylan Jane Hunt, Avery Richey, Giselle Elena McDowell, Molly Jewel Terrell Runner-up: Giselle Elena McDowell

QUEEN

Top 10: Skyler RaeAnn Barber, Kaiya Scarpo, Morgan Kayliana Brake, Alivia Loryn Eben, Bridget Mae McLaughlin, Paige Madison Zarecor, Alivia Garry, Makinley Grace Jensen, Kennedie Clinton, Joy Ann Joyce Top 5: Kennedie Clinton, Skyler RaeAnn Barber, Kaiya Scarpo, Bridget Mae McLaughlin, Morgan Kayliana Brake Runner-up: Kennedie Clinton

PRINCESS

Top 10: Kendall Fallon Spencer, Kennedy Iris Duncan, Georgia Peyton Pippin, Kate Elizabeth Solomon, Alleigh Lynn Goff, Raeleigh Tilson, Brooke Sidnei Browning, McKenna Davis, Olivia Jones, Teagan Ella-Rose Brake Top 5: Georgia Peyton Pippin, Kennedy Iris Duncan, Alleigh Lynn Goff, Teagan Ella-Rose Brake, Brooke Sidnei Browning Runner-up: Georgia Peyton Pippin

Natural Gas Pipeline Test Begins On Monday morning, February 8, 2021, the Florida Gas Transmission Company will test 17.0 miles of natural gas pipeline using water. The pipeline primarily runs along the following Hillsborough County roadways: • East Fowler Avenue (SR 582) • US 301 (SR 41) • Knights Griffin Road During the test, the following closures will occur: • One westbound lane on E Fowler Avenue (SR 582) from Jefferson Road to US 301 (SR 41) • Jefferson Road north of E Fowler Avenue (SR 582) • Walker Road north of E Fowler Avenue (SR 582) • Williams Road north of E Fowler Avenue (SR 582) • Northbound US 301 (SR 41) from E Fowler Avenue (SR 582) to Stacy Road • Jackson Road south of US 301 (SR 41) • Ohio Avenue east of US 301 (SR 41) • Mango Road (CR 579) right turn lane onto northbound US 301 (SR 41) • Both directions on W Knights Griffin Road (CR 582) from Stacy Road to McIntosh Road and from McIntosh Road to Pless Road • Entire intersection of Gallagher Road with W Knights Griffin Road (CR 582) • Pless Road from W Knights Griffin Road (CR 582) to W Dormany Road • Portions of:  N Vaughn Road  Peregrine Drive  Painted Gaits Lane  Deer Herd Avenue  N Poel Road  Bailey Road  Peeples Road Emergency vehicles will be provided access at all times. The test will take place one night from midnight to 4 a.m. If the test does not pass the first night, a second night of testing will be necessary. Please pay attention to the flashing message signs placed in the area for any potential test date updates. For more information about the test, please contact Mr. Terry Coleman at 1-844-FGT-INFO (1-844-348-4636) or you can visit our web site at www.fgthydrotest.com.

FROM PAGE 1

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

2021 KIA K5 A FITTING REPLACEMENT FOR OUTGOING OPTIMA

Combine & Save. Good things happen when you combine your home and auto insurance with State Farm . Like saving an average of $894.* Plus, you’ll have a good neighbor like me to help life go right. CALL ME TODAY. ®

*Average annual household savings based on 2016 national survey of new policyholders who reported savings by switching to State Farm.

Jimmy Fisher, Agent 6920 E Fowler Ave On Fowler Ave near I-75 Tampa, FL 33617 Bus: 813-989-2037 jimmy.fisher.caos@statefarm.com

1606205

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas, Dallas, TX State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm Florida Insurance Company, Winter Haven, FL State Farm Lloyds, Richardson, TX

K5 (EX) Tires: 236/45R18 Wheelbase: 112.2 inches Length: 193.1 inches Width: 73.2 inches Height: 56.9 inches Weight: 3,228 pounds Fuel capacity: 15.8 gallons Base price: $27,990 Price as tested: $32,355 Web site: www.kiausa.com Courtesy of Nitish S. Rele

NITISH S. RELE

Remember the Kia Optima? Well, it has been retired for 2021 and substituted by another suitable midsize sedan: the K5. The new name, the fresh look, is as bold appearing or even more so than its predecessor. Length and wheelbase are up by two and 1.8 inches, respectively. Width rises another inch, though the height is down by 0.8 inches. The sporty EX gets a 1.6-liter turbo gas inline-4 cylinder engine developing 180 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 195 pounds-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. It is coupled to a seamless eight-speed auto. An independent MacPherson front and a multilink rear suspension handles the bumps of irregular surfaces with little sacrifice. The column-mounted motor driven power steering is perfectly weighted and provides decent feedback. Sitting on the steel-unibody based car is a wide and thin front silver-metallic radiator grille that extends into its LED headlights and the hood. The cabin offers such helpful amenities as a 10-way power driver and six-way manual passenger leatherette seats, 60/40 rear seat, manual tilt/telescopic steering column, panoramic sun roof, dual auto a/c with rear vents, push-button start, 4.2-inch LCD instrument display, power windows, door locks and outside mirrors, and an infotainment system with an eight-inch touch

screen. Satin chrome accents on the center console garnish, dash pad bezel and air vents convey elegance. Trunk volume is admirable at 16 cubic feet. Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, driver knee airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes, stability and traction control systems, forward and blind-spot collision avoidance assists, as well as lane-keep and lane-follow assists, rearview camera, front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, three-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system. EPA estimates on our EX trim, which is rated at 27 city/37 highway, came in around 30 mpg in city for out test and peaked 39 on highway. The easy-on-thepocket K5, like the outgoing Optima, is not your typical sedan. A lively, fun-to-drive attitude, coupled with a muscular stance and gas-sipping abilities, make this Kia a best buy in our eyes. Indeed, it is a tough act to beat if you consider the Korean automaker’s basic 10-year/100,000-mile limited power train and 5-year/60,000mile basic warranties. Nitish S. Rele operates motoringtampabay.com and Khaas Baat, and was an automotive editor/columnist for the Tampa Tribune. Email him at motoringtampabay@gmail.com.

JANUARY 21, 2021

SPORTS

Quick Hits PC ATHLETE WINS FLAG FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONSHIP

Sign-ups for the Spring 2021 Plant City Little League baseball and softball season are ongoing through Jan. 29. In-person sign-ups will be held at the PCLL board room, 1704 N. Park Road, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. this Saturday as well as Jan. 23. You can also register online at plantcitylittleleague.org/ registration through Jan. 29. Tryouts will be held at 10 a.m. Jan. 30 and make-up tryouts will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 1. No refunds will be given after Jan. 30 because jerseys will be ordered at that time. Spring fees for baseball are $85 for 4-yearold tee-ball, $90 for 5/6-year-old coach-pitch, $110 for machine pitch, $145 for minors/majors and $145 for juniors. Spring fees for softball are $90 for 5/6-year-old coach-pitch and $110 for machine pitch, minors, majors and juniors. For more informaiton, visit active. leagueone.com/OLR/Pages/Welcome. aspx?ClubId=13946.

YOUTH FISHING DERBY THIS WEEKEND The first edition of the 24th semi-annual Youth Fishing Derby is coming back to the pond behind the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex, 1500 S. Park Road (off of Gordon Food Service Drive), on Saturday morning. Anglers age 5-15 can fish for free that morning in a catch-and-release competition running from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Bring your own pole, bait and buckets to fish. The pond is full of bass, catfish, mudfish, speckled perch, blue gill and more. Awards will be given out at 10:45 a.m. You can register on-site the morning of the event from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. if you wish, but pre-registration is also available through Jan. 21. Fill out and return the form by fax, scan/email, postal mail to either Kristen Self or Deborah Haldane, Parks & Recreation administration office, 1904 South Park Road, Plant City FL 33563-8113. You may also hand-deliver registrations from from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the PCPRD office. Email recinfo@plantcitygov.com or call 813-659-4255 for more information.

TRI-STAR BASKETBALL COMPETITION NEXT WEEKEND The 48th annual Plant City Optimist Club TriStar Basketball Competition is coming up on Jan. 30, so area hoopers age 8-13 should work on their passing, dribbling and shooting now. The free competition is open to all youths, but those who play in the city’s youth rec league are encouraged to come in uniform. The team with the most competitors in uniform will win a free pizza party. The competition is typically held at Tomlin Middle School but has moved to the new Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center, 1601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., for 2021. The competition will start at 9 a.m. Email recinfo@plantcitygov.com or call 813659-4255 for more information.

BOYS BASKETBALL JAN. 12 Plant City 54, Freedom 53 JAN. 13 Plant City 73, Spoto 61 Tampa Bay Tech 50, Strawberry Crest 48 JAN. 14 Strawberry Crest 74, Leto 64 JAN. 16 Strawberry Crest 77, Jefferson 48 JAN. 19 Plant City 69, Lakeland 51

Gemma Stanley joined the Youngstown, Ohiobased Sentinels for the 2021 FFWCT World Championship in Panama City Beach.

Courtesy photos

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Just after making a break on a route at her opponents’ goal line, Gemma Stanley expected to be open for a throw from her quarterback, Spencer Jankowski, who rolled to her side of the field to avoid pressure. Then she got knocked down. But Gemma Stanley wasn’t about to give up on the play — not with a trip to a national championship game on the line. She got to her feet as quickly as she could, stayed on the course and got just open enough for Jankowski to feel comfortable lobbing the ball her way. Despite tight coverage, she caught it in the end zone and ended the game by mercy rule, sending her Sentinels on to the grand finale. That was on Jan. 10, almost exactly four years after the last time Gemma Stanley got to a national championship game and almost exactly five years since her flag football hobby became something more. She and her older brothers, Michael and Anthony, have always been close and did just about everything together growing up. So when the boys started playing flag football, she wanted to get in on it as well. “They asked if I wanted to play too and I was like, “Yeah, let’s go,” Gemma Stanley said. “I found it genuinely fun, so I continued.” They played in Plant City’s youth rec league and often participated in the Optimist Club’s annual Punt, Pass and Kick contests. They also got pretty good at the sport. So when the United States Flag and Touch Football League’s annual National Championships tournament series came to Plant City for the first time in 2016, their father Michael got in touch with teams making the trek to Plant City that were in need of a few more players. Coach Steve Jankowski’s Sentinels recruited players from Pennsylvania and Georgia as they traveled down from Youngstown, Ohio and completed the roster with Gemma and Anthony Stanley. Even though the siblings lived thou-

sands of miles away from Youngstown, they enjoyed being on the team so much that they always rejoined the Sentinels whenever they’d come down for tournament play. “I was a quiet kid, so I don’t think people realized I liked my team, but I got along with all the kids there,” Gemma Stanley said. “They’re good and they’re friendly. Our coach is really honest about everything and wanted us to also have fun. He’d congratulate us even when we lost.” Gemma Stanley developed into a defensive specialist as time went on. She could play some wide receiver as needed, but locking down the quarterback was her bread and butter. In 2017, the Sentinels made a run all the way to the USFTL’s championship game in the Youth 13-14 division. But Miami-based Ryan Football had the upper hand that day, winning 32-7. That was when Gemma Stanley started to realize she couldn’t settle for anything less than a championship win before she aged up into adult divisions. Though they tried hard for years, the Sentinels couldn’t recapture the glory of 2017. Then 2020 happened. The Sentinels signed up for the 2021 FFWCT World Championships tournament in Panama City Beach, held Jan. 9 and 10, and Gemma Stanley knew she didn’t want to go out without a title. She wasn’t going to let a seven-hour drive get in the way of her goal. “We were really hoping everything was worth it,” she said. “I was definitely giving it my all because we came so far and I didn’t want to spend all that money in vain knowing it was my last chance.” Most teams in the tournament were no match for the Sentinels, who boasted a high-powered offense and a twowoman quarterback wrecking crew on defense. “We were the only team with any girls in our age division,” Steve Jankowski said. “We had two girls and their rushing ability made the difference for us. They locked down quarterbacks so they couldn’t execute plays as efficiently as they wanted to.”

The Sentinels played three games on Jan. 9 and dominated their first two opponents. They opened up the tourney with a 34-0 win over Tallahassee Unconquered Jr. and a 42-6 win over i10-TLH. The Tampa Dragons, whom the Sentinels eventually met in the championship game, were a much tougher out. Tampa found a way to cool down the Sentinels’ red-hot offense and keep the Ohio team on its toes. “The first time we played Tampa, we got down to the end zone and they stopped us three times after we scored our first touchdown,” Steve Jankowski said. “That was more mistakes on our behalf than on theirs.” The Sentinels did pick up an 8-0 win in that game, setting up the next day’s rematch with Unconquered in the semifinal round. Getting that win, Steve Jankowski said, was when he felt like the team had a real chance at winning that elusive national championship. Following Gemma Stanley’s gameending touchdown catch, the Sentinels drew a rematch with the Dragons with a title on the line. That one didn’t come any easier — in fact, Tampa held a 7-6 lead at halftime and put the Sentinels in the unfamiliar position of playing from behind. But the Sentinels were able to put another touchdown on the board in the second half, complete the two-point conversion and wrest control of the game flow out of the Dragons’ claws. “They learned from their mistakes… once we got up 14-7, we forced them into a turnover and were able to control the rest of the clock,” Steve Jankowski said. There was one more surprise for Gemma Stanley: she and her teammates thought there was one more game to play after that one, so she said the win was “kind of a shock.” Now that she finally accomplished that goal, Stanley hopes to take flag football even further if she can. You can catch her on the field with Plant City High School’s team this season and, if all goes well in the future, perhaps even in college playing on a scholarship.

PREP SCOREBOARD George Jenkins 78, Strawberry Crest 61

GIRLS BASKETBALL JAN. 12 Wharton 41, Durant 32 Alonso 50, Plant City 35 Sickles 54, Strawberry Crest 25 JAN. 14 Armwood 81, Plant City 7 Strawberry Crest 51, Sumner 28 JAN. 15 Durant 53, Strawberry Crest 38

JAN. 19 Lennard 44, Durant 42 George Jenkins 53, Plant City 25

JAN. 12 Durant 2, East Bay 2

JAN. 7 Bloomingdale 1, Plant City 0

JAN. 13 Plant City 1, George Jenkins 1

JAN. 8 Durant 2, Strawberry Crest 0

JAN. 6 Newsome 1, Durant 0 Plant City 8, Brandon 0 Strawberry Crest 2, King 2

JAN. 19 Durant 4, Spoto 1 Plant City 2, Lennard 1 Strawberry Crest 2, Wharton 1

JAN. 12 Durant 8, East Bay 0

JAN. 7 Bloomingdale 4, Plant City 2

GIRLS SOCCER

BOYS SOCCER

JAN. 8 Strawberry Crest 2, Durant 1

JAN. 6 Newsome 3, Durant 0 Plant City 8, Brandon 0 Strawberry Crest 3, King 0

JAN. 19 Durant 8, Spoto 0 Plant City 5, Lennard 2 Strawberry Crest 3, Wharton 2

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

DURANT HOSTS STRAWBERRY CREST, NEWSOME FOR SENIOR NIGHT WRESTLING MEET

PLANT CITY DOLPHINS MAKE TCYFCC CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES Three Plant City Dolphins teams are going to the TCYFCC Superbowl this Saturday in Riverview.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Durant High School’s wrestling team sent off its seniors in style on Jan. 15 when it hosted a three-way county meet featuring Strawberry Crest and Newsome. The Cougars, Chargers and Wolves battled in one of the first area meets of 2021.

At the state level, FHSAA Duals State Championships begin tomorrow and individual district tournaments begin Feb. 16. Durant and Crest wrestlers will compete in the Class 3A-Region 2-District 6 championship meet on Feb. 20 at East Bay High School.

File photo

The Plant City Dolphins Mighty Mites are looking to repeat as league champs this weekend.

The Plant City Dolphins Mighty Mites, PeeWees and Junior Varsity Dolphins all made the TCYFCC Superbowl championship game cut with wins on Saturday. The Mighty Mites and Pee Wees booked their championship game spots in dominating fashion with the Mites’ 39-6 win over the Pinecrest Pilots and the PeeWees’ 41-6 win over the Brandon Broncos. In the JV game, the East Bay Bucs proved to be a tough opponent for the Dolphins but Plant City held on to win by a score of 6-0. All three teams finished the 2020 regular season unbeaten, posting 8-0-0 records en route to the Jan. 9 first round of playoff action. To get to last week’s semifinal round in Lakeland, all three teams beat their quarterfinal opponents with blowout scores. The Mighty Mites beat the North Lakeland Legends 33-0, the PeeWees beat North Lakeland 54-6 and the JV Dolphins beat the Dover Patriots 27-0. The Midgets and Varsity Dolphins also advanced to the second round following the Midgets’ 42-0 shutout over Dover and the Varsity team’s 7-0 win over North Lakeland. But the Midgets’ impressive season came to an abrupt end this past Saturday at the hands of the Legends, who won by a score of 20-0, and the Varsity Dolphins were eliminated after losing to East Bay by a score of 25-6.

The Mighty Mites and PeeWees will both face East Bay and the JV Dolphins will face Pinecrest this weekend. Those East Bay teams each finished atop the American Conference standings with a combined record of 15-1-0 (the Mighty Mites took a 19-12 loss to the Brandon Broncos on Nov. 28). The Pilots and Bucs ended the regular season at the top of the American Conference standings with 6-1-0 records (Pinecrest took a 32-20 loss to North Lakeland on Nov. 14), but Pinecrest’s 20-8 win over East Bay on Nov. 7 gave the Pilots the head-to-head tiebreaker. Kickoff times will be at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., respectively. The Superbowl games will be hosted at Sumner High School, 10650 County Road 672, Riverview. Parking is $2 per vehicle and admission is $6 per person for fans age 15 and up, $4 for fans age 3 to 14 and free for kids age 2 and under as well as players wearing their TCYFCC team’s jerseys from the 2020 season.

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

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

289704-1

We asked Facebook:

The City of Plant City has several projects ongoing in 2021, from parking lot overhauls to park additions and improvements. What’s the next thing you’d like to see the city work on? “I would like to see the city keep Griffin Road cleaned up, it is an eyesore” — Barbara Skaggs Ward “I think we need a better way to help the homeless population that is increasing. We need some kind of program that gets them off the street and gets them back to being productive in society. I’m tired of seeing them wandering neighborhoods and unfortunately there isn’t too much I alone can do to help them.” — Jennifer Venezia “Plant more trees! Clean up trash and debris on the sides of roads.” — Stacy Rebh Pace “The city would be so beautiful with more art accessible to everyone (i.e. murals, installations, canvases, etc.) and more trees in the downtown area” — Ashley Saunders

“A traffic light coming off the west bound lane at I-4 exit 19 (north side of I-4). Could be the most dangerous intersection currently in Plant City with all the traffic coming off the interstate on to Thonotosassa Road. Someone is going to get seriously injured or killed there.” — Paul Rodney “Public transportation” — Chris Murphy Elliott “Speed limit signs on 92 between Park Road and County Line Road Speed limit is 55 and most people do 45.” — Shane Willey “More paving. Especially Gordon Street! Lazy utility installs have a trench every 25 feet” — Brian Smith “Campaign to encourage more new businesses to move in. And some restaurants that stay open later. There’s way too many empty buildings and storefronts.” — Jessica Kleinbaum

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

OBITUARIES

Marion Arnetta Hays Gatliff

Marion Arnetta Hays Gatliff, Born in Lakeland on December 20, 1926, died in Plant City on January 14, 2021. Marion, 94, was preceded in death by her parents Frank Edwin Hays and Grace Muriel Wickett Hays, husband of 48 years Dr. Ben F. Gatliff and son Gary Edwin Gatliff. Marion is survived by daughters Eda (George) Snyder and Laural (Billy Keith) Williams; grandchildren Ben E Gatliff, Ashley (Jimmy) Buckner, Georgea Snyder, Dr. Chris Williams, Dr. Sarah (Dr. Alex) Avram and Kacy (Andy) Richardson; great-grandchildren Elena Buckner, Landon Buckner, Savannah Williams, Adrian Avram, Alexandra Avram, Trotter Richardson and Cooper Richardson. Marion is a 1948 graduate of Florida State University. She continued her education at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta, earning a degree as a Medical Technologist in 1949. Marion and her husband Ben became members of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in 1954 and remained very active until their deaths. Marion served on the Vestry and has been a member of the Altar Guild for 50+ years.

She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for more than 50 years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Peter’s Memorial Fund, 302 North Carey Street, Plant City, FL 33563, or the Gatliff Nursing Scholarship at Hillsborough Community College, Plant City Campus, 1206 North Park Road, Plant City, FL 33563. There will be a memorial service at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on January 30, 2021 at 11:00 am. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

PlantCityObserver.com

Jen Gary-Baker, 49, of Lithia, born in Spartanburg, South Carolina on March 19, 1971, entered into eternal rest on January 12, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Teddi Alves, 81, of Valrico, formerly of Huntington Beach, California, born in Albany, New York on July 27, 1939, entered into eternal rest on January 11, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Brett Wayne DeShong Brett Wayne DeShong, 23, of Dover, born in Brandon on October 20, 1997, entered into eternal rest on January 11, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Nestor F. Perez Rev. Dr., Nestor F. Perez, 77, of Riverview, formerly of Jersey City, New Jersey, born on August 28,1943, entered into eternal rest on January 12, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Juana Mata Juana Mata, 91, of Plant City, born on December 27, 1929 in Villa Aldama, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, entered into eternal rest on January 13, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Sherry Lynn Hanna Sherry Lynn Hanna, 54, of Mulberry, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on November 20, 1966, entered into eternal rest on January 13, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Marie Elaine St. Amant, 101, of Dade City, born in Eunice, Louisiana on November 13, 1919, entered into eternal rest on January 13, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Teddi Alves

Marie Elaine St. Amant

Jen Gary-Baker

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Jeanette Stocksdale Barker

AthLee Shealy Muehlnickel

AthLee Shealy Muehlnickel, 86, of Valrico, born in Columbia, SC, on July 23, 1934, was welcomed Jeanette Stocksdale Barker, 94, of Lakeland, born in Alabama on August home by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Jan. 11, 2021. 5, 1926, entered into eternal rest on Expressions of condolence January 8, 2021. She was preceded in at HopewellFuneral.com. death by husbands Charles Stocksdale and Robert Barker. She was a retired inspector for the USDA and enjoyed traveling, especially HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM her trips to New England and Ireland. Suzanne Jane She is survived by children, Jean Klementowski Carole Douglas (Steve) of Lakeland, Pamela S. Molinaro (Ron) of Lakeland, Suzanne Jane Klementowski, 72, Charles T. Stocksdale (Millie) of Kisof Sarasota, formerly of Buffalo, simmee and Timothy B. Stocksdale New York, born in Erie, Pennsylvaof Bradenton; brothers, L.T. Dixon of nia on November 4, 1948, entered Plant City and Donald Dixon (Martha) into eternal rest on January 17, of Plant City; and many grandchil2021. dren, great-grandchildren, family and Expressions of condolence friends. A funeral service will be held at HopewellFuneral.com. Saturday, January 23 at 3:00 P.M. at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 South County Road 39, Plant City, where the HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 P.M. Graveside committal to Margarito Ibarra follow at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Rodriguez Plant City. Expressions of condolence at Margarito Ibarra Rodriguez, 41, of HopewellFuneral.com. Dover, born on September 3, 1979 in Guanajuato, Mexico, entered into eternal rest on January 13, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Taking care of each other is what

community

PlantCityObserver.com

Angelina Cortes, 68, of Plant City, passed away on January 12, 2021. A Funeral Mass was held January 14, 2021 at St. Clement Catholic Church in Plant City. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Socorro Torres Mendoza

Socorro Torres Mendoza, 88, of Plant City, passed away on January 12, 2021. A Funeral Mass was held January 20, 2021 at Haught Funeral Home 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021 community

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

is all about.

Jimmie was born October 10, is all about.

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

They were both from Whittier, North 1930 in Bushnell. He was a United Carolina. He was born in Nashville, States Navy veteran. Georgia and she was born in Dowe’re dedicated to helping families create a E ’helping RE P ROfamilies U D TO Screate E RV Eaour community we’re dedicatedWto W E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E our community Fond memories and expresthan, Alabama. A memorial unique and meaningful memorialservice that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, sions of sympathy may be shared for both was held on January 18, HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability at www.wellsmemorial.com for 2021 at Wells Funeral Bereavementthe Travel Assistance > The Memorial Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion>Helpline® family. Home. Marilyn Sue Adams Brown Joan J. Barry R may be offered R Condolences the Plant City Strawberry Festival. at www.wellsmemorial.com. Joan J. Barry, 87, of Plant City, Marilyn Sue Adams, 67, of Proudly Plantsupporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. Proudly supporting passed away on January 15, 2021. City, passed away on January 18, Services will be held privately. 2021. A Graveside Service will be Online condolences may be left held Monday, January 25, 2021 WELLSMEMORIAL.COM WELLSMEMORIAL.COM for the family at haught.care. at 11:00 AM at Mt. Olive Church Cemetery, 5415 Mt. Olive Road, George Desota Wells MeMorial & event Wells MeMorial & event Center Jacob J. Center Jackson Polk City, FL 33868. PlanT CiTy PlanT CiTy Cannon Jr. 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com Online condolences may be left Jacob J. Jackson, 86, of Plant City, HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM for the family at haught.care. George Desota Cannon Jr., 89, of passed away on December 22, 2020 Quincy, passed away on Wednes- from natural causes. Claire Harold Jacob was born October 5, 1934 to day, January 13, 2021. George Houghtling Bishop Allen and Rose Lee Jackson in was born January 29, 1931 in HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM Hartford, CT. Jacob was an established Plant City. Visitation is 6 pm to 8 Claire Harold Houghtling, 79, of vocalist in his earlier years. He was Plant City, passed away on Janu- Vaness R. Alderman pm Friday, January 22, 2021 at signed with Columbia Records and had Wells Memorial Funeral Home. ary 10, 2021. He was a United Vaness R. Alderman, 74, of songs on the Billboard charts. He reA funeral service will be held at States Navy veteran. Services Tampa, entered into rest on dedicated to helping families create W E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E our community corded under the name “Jerry Jackson.” 11 am onwe’re Saturday, January 23, a will be held privately. January 12, 2021. She was born unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. celebrates the lifePrimitive it represents. Baptist As your Dignity Memorial professionals, In Jacob’s later years, he was the sole 2021 at Mt. Enon Online condolences may be in Plant City on January 15, 1946. we’re dedicated to helping families create a W E ’RE P R O U D TO S E RV E our community >memorial 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability proprietor of “The Blessing Store” and Church. left for the familywith atpersonal, haught.care. funeral service was>held on unique and meaningful that truly compassionate careAsince 1896. Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, “Bibleway Ministries, Inc.” of Plant City, Fond memories and expresMonday, January 18th at Wells > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability R sions of sympathy may be shared FL, blessing many lives with a plethora of Memorial Home. Assistance >Funeral The Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. products and donated food. at www.wellsmemorial.com. Fond memories and expresR Jacob leaves behind his spouse sions of sympathy may be shared Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. Barbara R. Jackson of Hartford, CT; his at www.wellsmemorial.com. HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM two daughters Synthia Williamson and WELLSMEMORIAL.COM Patressia Williams and is also survived Barbara L. Smith by his sister Rev. Martha J. Lewis of So. Fayne Armory WELLSMEMORIAL.COMWells MeMorial & event Center Windsor, CT, four grandchildren and a Barbara L. Smith, 76, of Lakeland, PlanT CiTy Outlaw and Lue 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com host of nieces and nephews. Besides his passed away on January 15, 2021. Wells MeMorial & event Center Jimmie Eugene PlanT CiTy parents, he was also predeceased by 13 A Funeral Service will take place Jean Outlaw Brown WellsMemorial.com siblings. Friday, January 22, 2021 at 1:00813-752-1111 A private memorial was held on JanuPM at Haught Funeral Home, 708 Jimmie Eugene Brown, 90, Fayne Armory Outlaw, 84, passed W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL of Plant City, passed away on away on Wednesday, December 30, ary 16, 2021. 33563. Wednesday, January 13, 2021. 2020. His wife Lue Jean Outlaw, 82, Online condolences may be left passed away on November 30, 2020. for the family at haught.care. ®

Taking care of each other is what

M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1 10/27/15 10:42 AM

M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

Taking care of each other is what

community

is all about.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Darrah John Headley

Darrah John Headley, 58, of Plant City, passed away on January 13, 2021. Services will be held privately. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Teresita ‘Tess’ Ocampo

Teresita “Tess” Ocampo, 93, of HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM Dover, passed away on January 13, 2021. A Funeral Mass will be Sandra Bateman held Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 1:00 PM at the Mary Help of Sandra Bateman, 74, of Plant Christians Center, 6400 E. Chel- City, passed away on January sea St., Tampa, FL 33610. 15, 2021. Services will be held privately.

10/27/15 10:42 AM

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

FAMILY. COMMUNITY. COMPASSION. VALUE. FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971 HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

OBITUARIES

Angelina Cortes

Taking care of each other is what

10/27/15 10:42 AM

OBITUARIES

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

Deanna Loy Pieper

Deanna Loy Pieper, 71, of Plant City, born in Flandreau, South Dakota on April 1, 1949, entered into eternal rest on January 14, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Kristen Smith Kristen Smith, 47, of Thonotosassa, born in Lakeland on August 16, 1973, entered into eternal rest on January 11, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Andrea Dawn Gee Fioretto Andrea Dawn Gee Fioretto, 49, of Bradenton, born in Lakeland on February 23, 1971, entered into eternal rest on January 14, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Doris Pollard Smith Doris Pollard Smith, 90, of Plant City, born on January 2, 1931, entered into eternal rest on January 15, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21 PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS

7:30 to 9 a.m. Join the Plant City Toastmasters for breakfast, laughs, and fun; there’s no better way to start your Thursday mornings. Bring a chair and a mask. The Toastmasters also offer Zoom meetings for those who can’t make it in person. Visit the Facebook page, facebook.com/ PlantCityToastmasters/, for meeting locations and information.

BATON TWIRLING CLASSES

Plant City Recreation presents Baton Twirling Classes at the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St. Classes are held every Thursday. Beginner classes are from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Intermediate classes are from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Your first class will be free. If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Barbara Patrick at 813-626-4554.

Don E. Walden Jr., 92, of Plant City, died January 18, 2021. A public graveside service will be held at a later date. Online condolences can be left at haught.care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

BEST BET SATURDAY, JAN. 23 KOMEDY NIGHT

7 to 8:30 p.m. Nationally renowned comedian Joey Ilo will visit the loft at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., for an evening of side-splitting comedy hosted by Farzin Moradi with special guest Jay Legend. Tickets are $10 per person and available either in-store or on Eventbrite. Seating is limited.

Dance Center. From 6 to 6:30 p.m., there will be ballroom music for ballroom dancers. The regular dance goes from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.The cost to dance is now $7 per person and attendance is limited to 50 people with reservations. Call DJ Ken Miller at 863409-7714 to reserve your spot and visit djkenmiller.com to look at sample playlists and get more information.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26 GRIEFSHARE AT HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH

7 to 8:30 p.m. Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., will host its first Bluegrass Night of 2021 with the Justin Mason Band. Tickets are $15 per person and available either in-store or on Eventbrite. Seating is limited.

10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Following the death of a loved one you may have found that there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. To help the many members of the Plant City, Lakeland and Brandon communities dealing with those feelings of emptiness, loneliness and hurt, Hope Lutheran Church, 2001 North Park Road, will again offer GriefShare, a special seminar and support group for those grieving the loss of loved ones, every Tuesday in 13-week morning and evening sessions. During this time of COVID-19, all participants are required to wear a face mask during class and to socially distance. To register for either class or for more information contact Hope Lutheran at 813-752-4622.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27

PLANT CITY SOCIAL DANCE

FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 BLUEGRASS NIGHT WITH JUSTIN MASON BAND

Don E. Walden Jr.

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

YOUR CALENDAR

6 to 9:30 p.m. at Strawberry Square Dance Center, 4401 Promenade Blvd. Plant City Social Dance will have dances every Saturday night in the month of January at the Strawberry Square

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 benefits, 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. Masks are required and temperatures will be taken at the door.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28 PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS

BATON TWIRLING CLASSES

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29

Gasparilla-inspired event where vendors will also hand out beads, coins and more pirate treasure. Wearing pirate attire is highly encouraged.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30 PLANT CITY SOCIAL DANCE

6 to 9:30 p.m. at Strawberry Square Dance Center, 4401 Promenade Blvd. Plant City Social Dance will have dances every Saturday night in the month of January at the Strawberry Square Dance Center. From 6 to 6:30 p.m., there will be ballroom music for ballroom dancers. The regular dance goes from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.The cost to dance is now $7 per person and attendance is limited to 50 people with reservations. Call DJ Ken Miller at 863409-7714 to reserve your spot and visit djkenmiller.com to look at sample playlists and get more information.

SICK HOT AND DEPRIME LIVE AT KRAZY KUP

7 to 8:30 p.m. Sick Hot is coming back to the loft at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., to play its brand of 70s-inspired rock with special guest Deprime. Tickets are $10 per person and available on Eventbrite. Seating is limited.

LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN 5 to 9 p.m. Head to downtown Plant City on the last Friday evening of every month (except November and December) for live music, a food truck rally and a market. There is a new theme each month and the event is family and pet-friendly. This month, pirates will invade downtown in a

NEW MEMBER SPECIAL OFFER:

REFRESH REFOCUS

PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA 1507 YMCA Pl., Plant City | 813 757 6677 | tampaymca.org

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Send your photo submissions to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@PlantCityObserver.com or hashtag #iloveplantcity on Instagram for @igersplantcity to feature.

FORECAST THURSDAY, JAN. 21 High: 76 Low: 53 Chance of rain: 5%

FRIDAY, JAN. 22 High: 76 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 10%

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Jan. 21

7:19a

6:00p

Friday, Jan. 22

7:19a

6:01p

Saturday, Jan. 23

7:19a

6:02p

Sunday, Jan. 24

7:18a

6:02p

Monday, Jan. 25

7:18a

6:03p

Tuesday, Jan. 26

7:18a

6:04p

Wednesday, Jan. 27

7:17a

6:05p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JAN. 23 High: 75 Low: 58 Chance of rain: 20%

SUNDAY, JAN. 24 High: 81 Low: 62 Chance of rain: 10%

MONDAY, JAN. 25 Katrina Turco took this stunning photo of the Plant City countryside.

ONLINE

High: 85 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 10%

Across 1 Foreboding 8 Optimistic 12 Pump product 15 “Give me an example” 16 “The real story is ... “ 18 Collision simulation aids 20 Scapula neighbor, for short 21 Big name in nail polish 22 “Yeah, sure” 23 Partnership letters 25 Cleaning conveniences 30 “Scary Movie” reaction 33 Extraordinary little one, in folklore 37 Poke tuna

38 Chocolate dog 40 Nabisco cookie 41 Neither’s partner 42 Part of a relay 43 Junk collector 45 Overly 46 “So-so” 47 Mark for good 48 Spanish bear 49 Hong Kong lang. 50 Place with drawing rooms 53 Womb occupant 55 Apparition 57 Kobe cash 58 About 61 Duracell size 63 Salty waters

66 Begin all over again ... and what 18-, 33-, 43- and 50-Across all do (almost), as indicated by the circled letters 72 Ready for sleep 73 Lady Gaga’s debut album 74 Squid’s defense 75 Therefore 76 Left formally Down 1 How music can be stored 2 Farm female 3 “Don’t worry about me” 4 Settle snugly

5 Awed reaction 6 Golden rule preposition 7 Trickles (through) 8 Tell (on) 9 Med. condition with repetitive behavior 10 Man’s name that sounds like a slow-cooked dish 11 “Delicious!” 12 Smooth-talking 13 Out of the wind 14 Part of CBS: Abbr. 17 Barn-raising sect 19 Drinks a bit at a time 24 Pasadena institute 26 Texter’s “Then again ... “ 27 Bust maker 28 “Summer Nights” musical 29 Political bragging point, when it’s thriving 30 Actress Hayek 31 Joyful shout 32 First first lady 34 Online promo 35 Senseless 36 Khal __, Daenerys’ husband in HBO’s “Game of Thrones” 39 Strips for breakfast 44 Opportunity 51 Hybrid picnic utensil 52 Fertile soil 54 “Take care of yourself” 56 Mariner’s supports 58 Sparkling Italian wine 59 Knock for a loop 60 Wall map marker 62 Feel sore 64 Apex 65 Spot for a mower 67 Begin a hole, with “up” 68 Four-term prez 69 Oil field sight 70 Musician Yoko 71 __ center

Feb. 11 New

Feb. 16 First

Jan. 28 Full

Feb. 7 Last

RAINFALL LAST WEEK:

MONTH TO DATE:

0.20 in.

0.46 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

JAN. AVERAGE:

00.46 in.

2.72 in.

STRAWBERRIES Shipping point: Central Florida $18-$24.90

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

when treating a heart attack or stroke, time is of the essence. even during these times.

Don’t hesitate when it comes to getting emergency treatment. Even during a pandemic, you still need to be treated immediately if you have an emergency. Debating whether or not to risk going to an emergency room during a heart attack, stroke or other health emergency—waiting even a few extra minutes—could be harmful. That’s why in

20-1213541-0920

all BayCare hospital emergency rooms, patients who have symptoms of COVID-19 are screened and treated in a separate area. This helps keep emergency room patients and our team members safe. So if it’s an emergency, don’t wait. For more information: BayCareEmergencyCare.org