1.26.18 PCTO by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY TIMES &

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Tri-Star Basketball Competition.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

Commission votes in McDaniel as city manager Plant City’s current assistant city manager will now take over the top administrative post. SEE PAGE 12.

YOUR TOWN

Introducing your 2018 Strawberry Festival

Queen and Court

The new royals are fired up and ready to serve their community and the festival they all hold so dear. SEE PAGES 3-9 Courtesy of Elizabeth McIntosh.

City unites for Carefest Carefest, an annual event comprised of volunteers that gather together to improve their city, was held Saturday, Jan. 20. Over 200 volunteers assembled to tackle community service projects throughout Plant City. One project was held at Wilson Elementary School. City Pointe Church assisted in landscaping work and prayed over the campus. Both young children and adults gave their time to better their community.

Tartan takeover First Presbyterian Church is hosting its 20th annual Kirkin O’the Tartans at 10:45 a.m. Jan. 28 The event will celebrate the church’s Scottish heritage and feature the St. Andrews Pipes and Drums of Tampa Bay. The church, located at 404 West Reynolds St., will have a concert on the lawn and a luncheon after the service. Nursery is provided and all are invited to attend. The event is based on the national Kirkin’ service, which has been held annually since 1954. In 1941 Rev. Peter Marshall, a Scottish born pastor of New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington D.C. introduced the Kirkin O’the Tartan service to his congregation. It honors the time under English rule in the 1700s when wearing a tartan was illegal. Scottish citizens hid tartans in their pockets and, at a secret moment during worship the minister would bless those in attendance while the Scots held the tartan in their pocket. Now the service is held in churches across the world and is celebrated by the displaying of tartans and the sound of bagpipes.

Photo Courtesy of Deanna Hurley Photography

From Left to Right: First Maid Dallas Nicole Baker, Queen Ally Elizabeth Burt and Court Members: Baylee Samantha Astin, Selena Sue Berrios and Zoe Bell Rasmussen

Plant City’s new paw-fect event The inaugural Bark in the Park event will flood downtown Plant City with scores of paw-fect pups Friday evening and feature a highly-anticipated wiener dog race. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

During tonight’s January food truck rally, dozens of athletic dachshunds will gather at the starting line in hopes of becoming the very first victor of the esteemed wiener dog race. With the inaugural Bark in the Park event, Jane Waters, executive director of Historic Plant City Main Street, said she hopes to soon make the downtown area “fur-baby friendly.” The event will feature pet-themed vendors including a pet photo station and paw painting where pets will have their paws painted with dogsafe paint and placed upon a canvas by the East Hillsborough Art Guild of

Plant City. Walden Lake Animal Clinic will also be on site offering reduced rates for micro-chipping and minivaccines. “Anything that is fur-friendly tends to be very successful,” Waters said. “Of course we want to get people downtown. When we say people it’s also their babies, their furry babies.” The event had been planned prior to Waters taking the helm at Main Street, however, she plans to ensure Bark in the Park becomes an annual celebration. Originally, Main Street was planning on hosting the event all day on a Saturday in 2017. As things

came up, that date was shifted and it was paired with the monthly food truck rally in downtown. As the event flourishes, Waters said she hopes to one day be able to make it an annual stand alone event, a highly-anticipated gathering of pups of all sizes. For now, she intends to use the current time slot as a kick-off for Main Street’s new vision for the food truck rallies. Soon, each of the monthly rallies that draw hundreds each month to historic downtown Plant City will SEE BARK PAGE 13

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

WEEK OF JANUARY 26, 2018 BY THE NUMBERS

the number of girls participating in the 2018 Strawberry Festival Queen Scholarship Pageant SEE PAGES 3-9 .

$27,000

the approximate amount spent on the city manager search. SEE PAGE 12.

2006

the year the Plant City Tennis Center officially opened its doors. SEE PAGE 16.

MEETINGS

Tourist Information Center Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Jan. 31 at the Strawberry Festival Grounds, 2301 W. Oak Ave. The Florida Strawberry Festival volunteer appreciation breakfast will feature food, festival updates and the chance to win door prizes.

Night Owls Storytime 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bruton Memorial Library. The library is a hoot at night. Children ages 3 to 7 and their caregivers are invited to wear pajamas, bring a blanket and cuddly toy and enjoy stories, songs and activities during the 30-minute program.

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

“For the wiener dog race, if somebody comes with a dog that even closely resembles a wiener dog, it’s gonna happen. And I’m not talking about costumes on labradors. Because people get creative, let me tell you.” — Jane Waters, executive director of Historic Plant City Main Street. READ MORE ON PAGE 12.

Royal Wise honored with auditorium dedication 1914 Plant City High School dedicated its community center auditorium to Royal Wise on Jan. 21. Wise was the caretaker at the Eastern Hillsborough Historical Society, a member of Youman’s Praise and Worship Center and a Veteran of The U.S. Army. He served as the keeper of 1914 Plant City High for over 20 years and would often be found seated at the piano found in the auditorium he held so dear. The community gathered at the renamed concert hall to listen to Wise’s friends play some of his favorite songs. Jonathan Davis sat at his beloved piano and played melodies ranging from “Desperado” to “What a Wonderful World.” Attendees shared words of remembrance and ended the event singing one of Wise’s all-time favorites, “How Great Thou Art.”

The Community Redevelopment Agency selects new developer for Midtown.

The ninth annual dad-daughter date night is now open for registration. The event is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Trinkle Center. The date night is for girls age 3 and up and their father or father figure. Doors open at 3:15 p.m. for pictures and pre-events. The cost is $35 per couple and $10 for each additional child. Register by Feb. 2. Forms can be found at PlantCityGov.com and turned in to the Planteen Recreation Center. For more information, contact Maggie Morona at mmorona@plantcitygov. com or 813-659-4256.

The Plant City Family YMCA is hosting a Pledge, Plunge challenge Jan. 28, to raise money to serve the community. There will be a belly flop contest, a watermelon race, a parent and child relay, lap swimming and a Hungry Hungry Hippos-themed game. Swimmers can pick up their pledge cards at the Y, 1507 YMCA Place, and begin raising funds for the contest. The top four fundraisers will win prizes. Those interested can donate a flat amount or a pledge for the amount of laps that are swum, or they can sponsor an activity.

Free the Girls Bra Drive drop off locations

— BREANNE WILLIAMS

WHAT'S THE BUZZ?

Dad-daughter date night registration

Polar Bear Plunge comes to Plant City

SOCIAL STATS Likes: 23, Haha: 3 Comments: 6

“And someone gets their pockets padded… Wonder who it is?”

“Tear down the old grocery store and build a Target!!!!!!! Or Whole Foods… both would be great though.” — Vera Prunn

— Bruce C. Hildreth

The Woman’s Club of Plant City is hosting a bra drive to donate gently used or new bras to help support sex trafficking survivors in Mozambique, Uganda and El Salvador. The bras allow the women to start their own business after being rescued from human trafficking. Bras can be donated at Dairy Queen, 1902 W Reynolds St., and at On Site Accounting Inc., 104 N Evers St. Bins will remain at the locations through Feb. 5. Contact Patricia Wolff at 941-725-1135.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

2018 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL QUEEN AND COURT: QUEEN ALLY BURT

A heart of servitude Ally Elizabeth Burt’s roots run deep in Plant City, as does her love for the festival. As the 2018 Strawberry Festival Queen, she said she is looking forward to spending the next year serving the community she holds so dear. BREANNE WILLIAMS

CASUAL WEAR

STAFF WRITER

When Ally Elizabeth Burt places a new crown on the 2019 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen she wants people to look back at her reign and remember not instances where the spotlight was on herself, but rather all of the small moments she used the title to help others. Her roots in Plant City are deep. She knows the responsibility that comes with her new position. Burt said she is both humbled at being given the opportunity and excited to see what the next year has in store. Her fascination with the Strawberry Queen began over a decade ago when Burt would watch the newly crowned queen and court take the stage her father was playing on at the festival. Her father, Royce Burt, played in a bluegrass band at the Strawberry Festival for over 20 years. “I always thought it was so cool how they represented the town,” Burt said. “I always wanted to do that. No other family member has ever been a Queen or in the court and I wanted to be the first. I know my grandma would be super proud. And I wanted to represent the festival, too.” Burt’s grandmother taught Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis when he was a little boy at Cork Elementary. Her grandfather, Royce J. Burt, was the principal at Turkey Creek High School for years and the gymnasium was renamed in his honor. Her family members names are literally written in the history books of Plant City for being among the first settlers of the town. Plant City is home for Burt and she said it is an honor she doesn’t take lightly to be given the chance to help others fall in love with her beloved town and the festival that has been the source of “countless members” over the years. Burt is not only the first in her family to wear the crown, but also the first from Seffner Christian Academy. She said she hopes her experience will encourage other girls who live within the boundaries and attend the school to go out for the pageant in the following years. Faith is a major aspect of her life and something she said she hopes to be able to share with the community she so loves during her reign. Without her faith, she said she may not have had the strength and peace to be able to compete as well as she did. As the clock began to zero in on 6 p.m. and the pressure began to build, Burt found notes in her jewelry bag from her mother saying she had written a Bible verse on the bottom of Burt’s heel in anticipation of the night. That knowledge, combined with the many prayers she sent up during the pageant, allowed her to remain calm and confident throughout the rest of the event. Kicking off the nude pump, Burt pointed at the fading black letters that just barely read Proverbs 31:25. “She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future,” Burt quoted with a smile. Burt plans to channel her faith and heart for others into a career in the medical field. Her grandmother and aunt were both nurses, which spurred her to begin volunteering at South Florida Baptist Hospital over the past summer. She’s waiting to hear back from one more prospective college but said she soon will be on the path toward getting her degree and being able to continue to help society. Last summer Burt was a team member on a mission trip to Guatemala. While there, her passion for the medical field was affirmed and she said with a medical degree she can easily help people in all walks of life. She also volunteers at Impact Academy, a privately owned special needs children’s school. “It’s taught me a lot of things,” Burt said. “It’s taught me patience and that everybody really does have something unique about themselves and a special quality.” One thing she said she is most

“ xxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxx” — Ally Burt, 2018 Strawberry Festival Queen

EVENING GOWN

Photo Courtesy of Deanna Hurley Photography

Courtesy of Royce Burt

Last summer, Burt went to Guatemala on a mission trip with Plant City Church of God’s youth group. Photos by C.J. Major and Breanne Williams

looking forward to about being crowned queen is being able to begin the service aspect of her title here in Plant City. She said she is excited to begin getting hands-on with different organizations in the community, though she admits she will hopefully be able to catch up on some sleep before the festival begins. “It’s not about me at all, it’s about the festival,” Burt said. “I love that it’s a small town but it still has the big-time things. We got the brand new grandstands and we have the great artists that come, great food, fun rides, there’s something there for everyone to do.” Once chosen as part of the Queen and court, the five girls are ushered into a community of past royalty. When Burt was preparing for the pageant, Jessi Rae Varnum, the 2014 Strawberry Queen, guided her and offered her advice. Her mother, Kay Newsome Varnum, was crowned Queen in 1985 and also offered her aid to Burt. After being crowned, Burt said her predecessor, Drew Knotts, was the epitome of helpful. Knotts told the young royal to never hesitate to shoot her a text if she needed anything and gave her a “super sweet note” to encourage her on her upcoming journey. “One thing I love about Plant City is that it’s a traditional small town,” Burt said. “I just hope that at the end of it all I’ll have been able to touch a lot of lives and help even more people fall in love with our awesome festival.”

Courtesy of Royce Burt

Burt grew up watching her father perform at the Strawberry Festival.

“The whole reason why I chose to do this pageant was to serve others. I believe I have a servant’s heart and that’s what the whole pageant is about, serving the festival and showcasing why it’s one of the top 10 festivals in the country.” — Ally Elizabeth Burt, answering at the scholarship pageant how she planned to serve Plant City.

Q&A WITH ALLY What was your first thought when your name was called for the top five? I remember thinking, ‘Is this real?’ It’s something that we’ve always wanted since we were young, so it doesn’t seem real. What was your family’s reaction when they found out you made the court? My dad was crying, I have never seen my dad cry before, and he was like, ‘Ally this is way better than the Seminoles winning the national championship.’ That’s a huge deal for him to say something like that. Of all the music acts coming to the festival, who are you most excited to see? I’m most excited to see Earth Wind and Fire because with my friends and I, that’s our go-to jams in the car. If you could only use one word to describe your personality what would it be? A “people-person.” I try not to meet a stranger and that’s going to come in handy being at the festival all of those days because we’re going to meet so many people. What is one interesting thing about you that is not listed on your contestant bio? I’m an only child. I like it because it’s helped

me be super close with my parents. My mom is definitely my best friend, my biggest supporter, and my dad is also one of my closest friends, too. What are you looking forward to the most at the 2018 Florida Strawberry Festival? I’m most looking forward to spending time with each other. One thing we’ll do together is go to all of the concerts. I like to sing and have a good time and dance and I think that will be fun, doing that with them. What is your favorite Disney movie? Hands down, High School Musical. I love that one. I had a big crush on Troy Bolton. If you could only watch one movie or television show for the rest of your life what would it be? I like Pitch Perfect a lot because I like to sing and dance, and that has both of them. Who is one person you admire? Why? I admire my mom. I know that sounds cliche but I am an only child, so we have a special relationship. No matter what, she’s busy and works very hard, but she always makes time for my dad and I. She shows us unconditional love and she always goes the extra mile. She’ll pack my lunch and put a special sweet little note in there. It’s the little things.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

MARCH 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11 , 2018 ST

With eight youth agriculture shows and several other ag-related programs, the Florida Strawberry Festival is served by many individuals who are passionate about our youth and the future of our agriculture industry. Over the years, thousands of youth exhibitors have been impacted by your leadership, and they in turn are becoming successful business owners, citizens and agriculturists in our community. THANK YOU to these committee leaders and to each person who serves on these committees.

AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE Jim Jeffries, Chairman Dan Walden, Co-Chair AGRICULTURE SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE Pam Walden, Chairman Jim Jeffries, Co-Chair BEEF BREED COMMITTEE Tom Lay, Chairman Ryan Gill, Co-Chair

BUYER PROMOTION COMMITTEE Jim Scott, Chairman

LIVESTOCK JUDGING COMMITTEE Tim Cribbs, Chairman

DAIRY SHOW COMMITTEE Suzanne Churchwell, Chairman

LIVESTOCK PURCHASE-A-SIGN PROGRAM Tim Lopez, Chairman Teresa Lott-DeBoben, Co-Chair

LAMB SHOW COMMITTEE Rhonda Burnette, Chairman Karen Green, Co-Chair LIVESTOCK BANQUET COMMITTEE Stephany Brower, Chairman Kay Varnum, Co-Chair

POULTRY AND RABBIT COMMITTEE Thomas Sturgis, Chairman Tony and Sandra Easters, Co-Chairs Greg and Libby Starling, Co-Chairs

STEER SHOW COMMITTEE Jon Poppell, Chairman Kenneth Parker, Co-Chair SWINE SHOW COMMITTEE Brian Shepherd, Chairman J.D. Cauley, Co-Chair YOUTH PLANT SHOW COMMITTEE Shawn Steed, Chairman

303 North Lemon St. Plant City, FL 33563-4706 General Information: 813.752.9194 Purchase Tickets Over the Phone Through Etix: 813.754.1996

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

2018 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL QUEEN AND COURT: FIRST MAID

Dallas Nicole Baker

“Honestly I would really just try to get involved. This is an amazing opportunity. I’ve had so much fun so far. I know that the role of the Strawberry Queen is to have the humbleness and the integrity that you need to really just show people and be a role model. I really feel like if I do that to my best ability and execute it well, I feel like I could give back tremendously.”

— Dallas Nicole Baker, answering at the scholarship pageant how she planned to serve Plant City.

In your opinion, what does the title of Strawberry Queen and Court mean to both you and Plant City? What is the deeper meaning behind the crown? The reason I did it was because I had the opportunity to go in the Christmas Parade. As I was standing there I remembered being a little girl watching and looking up to those girls that were in the parade and thinking ,‘Oh my gosh that’s so crazy.’ That was just for Calendar Girl and I know that Strawberry Queen does so much more, and I really wanted to be a part of that and serve the community. It’s been a really great experience so far and it’s day two.

CASUAL WEAR

EVENING GOWN

What was your first thought when your name was called for the top five? I cried a lot. I didn’t expect it at all but I knew that I had worked so hard so just when they called my name all of that kind of went off. I looked around at all of these beautiful girls and thought, ‘Oh my gosh these are about to be my strawberry sisters’ and I was really excited about it, and I still am. What was your family’s reaction when they found out you made the court? My dad cried. I came off stage and his eyes were bloodshot red and my mom was just like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ Of all the music acts coming to the festival, who are you most excited to see? Mine is definitely Brad Paisley. My dad fangirls over Brad Paisley. We’ve been to every concert Brad Paisley has ever done in Tampa and a few years ago he actually took my phone and started filming on it and recorded himself singing and gave it back to me so I’m hoping maybe I’ll go back and be like, ‘Hey do you remember me?’ I love him and his show never gets old.

Photo Courtesy of Deanna Hurley Photography

If you could only use one word to describe your personality what would it be? I’d like to say “fun” because I like to keep everyone in a good mood and

Photos by C.J. Major and Breanne Williams

spread the happiness.

Finn was a cute cartoon character.

What is one interesting thing about you that is not listed on your contestant bio? I sing and play guitar.

If you could only watch one movie or television show for the rest of your life what would it be? I’d definitely have to say Friends. I could watch that series start to finish over and over again.

What are you looking forward to the most at the 2018 Florida Strawberry Festival? I’m actually looking forward to watching Selena show her steer. I never got to do that. My mom was like, ‘No.’ I was never in FFA so it was never really an option, and cows kind of scare me but they’re really cute from afar, so I think it would be really fun to see her do that. What is your favorite Disney movie? I really like Tangled. I really liked her hair and her chameleon. I thought

Who is one person you admire? Why? I’ll definitely have to say my dad. He works really, really hard and sometimes things don’t necessarily work out, which is pretty much most of the time, but he’ll always help. He always encourages me to keep going even when things don’t work out and he especially helps me in school. If I fail a test he says, ‘We’ve just got to study and try harder next time.’ he’s super sweet and I love him a lot.

Congratulations! Dallas Baker 2018 Florida Strawberry Festival First Maid

From From

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

2018 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL QUEEN AND COURT: COURT MEMBER

Baylee Samantha Astin “If I was chosen as the 2018 Strawberry Queen — we have over 500,000 people coming each year — so if I could just impact one person at the Strawberry Festival that would mean the world to me. I’m so excited. It’s going to be a great year.” — Baylee Samantha Astin, answering at the scholarship pageant how she planned to serve Plant City.

In your opinion, what does the title of Strawberry Queen and Court mean to both you and Plant City? What is the deeper meaning behind the crown? I think that it’s not really about the sash and the crown. It’s only our second day and we’re already like sisters, so just the fact that we are able to go out in the community and be a light to others and lead by example, it’s just really a blessing that we’re able to impact in so many ways. I just can’t wait for the Strawberry Festival and to be able to be in the parade and be that light for the little girls.

CASUAL WEAR

EVENING GOWN

What was your first thought when your name was called for the top five? I think we all just looked at each other and our mouths were open and we were just so excited. I think also it’s because we’re all so passionate about this that we just can’t put it into words how great this is. What was your family’s reaction when they found out you made the court? I just saw my parents and they came and hugged me and they were just so proud of me because I had been working so hard and they were happy all my hard work paid off. Of all the music acts coming to the festival, who are you most excited to see? I’m really looking forward to seeing the I Love the 90s Tour with Vanilla Ice, Tone Loc and Salt and Pepa. Growing up I’ve always listened to them and I’ve always wanted to see them in concert. Now this is the perfect opportunity.

Photo Courtesy of Deanna Hurley Photography

If you could only use one word to describe your personality what would it be? If you were to ask my friends they would probably say that I was compassionate. I really care about people and I love meeting people and I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone at the Strawberry Festival, not just the entertainers, but the

Photos by C.J. Major and Breanne Williams

visitors themselves. I really can’t wait and it’s going to be a great time. What is one interesting thing about you that is not listed on your contestant bio? A lot of people don’t really realize it but I love pageants like Strawberry Queen and Calendar Girl, but I also love to go with my dad and just put my boots on and not worry about the way I look all the time and just have fun and get a little dirty sometimes. What are you looking forward to the most at the 2018 Florida Strawberry Festival? I’m really looking forward to the Polka dancing. It’s going to be fun. What is your favorite Disney movie? I love Camp Rock. I used to love the

Jonases and I remember watching it with my friends and every single time a new one would come out we would all get together and get ready to watch it. If you could only watch one movie or television show for the rest of your life what would it be? Heart of Dixie, for sure. I love small towns, it reminds me of Plant City. It’s definitely the same vibe as Plant City so I would feel at home. Who is one person you admire? Why? I really look up to my dad because he is always uplifting. Even when things aren’t easy for him he just reminds me to stay positive and that things are going to be OK.

2018 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL QUEEN AND COURT: COURT MEMBER

Selena Sue Berrios In your opinion, what does the title of Strawberry Queen and Court mean to both you and Plant City? What is the deeper meaning behind the crown? I felt like I had a responsibility as someone who has grown up in a small town and looked up to the Strawberry Queen. I wanted to give back, to show people that you can be young and still hold our traditions. We’re a very traditional place and we wanted to set an example for the young girls who look up to us.

CASUAL WEAR

EVENING GOWN

“I’m a very passionate person. In order to demonstrate that quality I feel like you have to look at the Strawberry Festival as a family. You have to be excited to be from your hometown and that is definitely me. When I go to the Strawberry Festival it’s a family. There’s no strange faces. I’m really excited for this year.” — Selena Sue Berrios, answering at the scholarship pageant how she planned to serve Plant City.

What was your first thought when your name was called for the top five? I just saw the people that were up there and thinking, ‘Wow I’m already so close to these girls,’ and it’s just surreal. Your dreams are actually coming true. This is what you’ve wanted to do. It’s a lot. What was your family’s reaction when they found out you made the court? My parents didn’t even get to the end, they cried when I was walking down the stage in a dress. I didn’t win anything yet. In our community this pageant is like a turning of age event. It’s something that without the sashes, without the crown, without anything, you can take away your experience, your speaking skills and the new friends you made. Of all the music acts coming to the festival, who are you most excited to see? I’m really excited to see Reba. I’ve watched her TV show, I know every single line dance to all of her songs. She’s definitely my redhead favorite. If you could only use one word to describe your personality what would it be? “Energetic.” I just like for everyone to be in a good mood while we’re together. What is one interesting thing about you that is not listed on your contestant bio? I have a 20-year-old brother, I’m 17

Photos by C.J. Major and Breanne Williams

and I have a 4-year-old sister. There’s an age gap, obviously. She’s kind of the reason why I’m staying home for college and the reason why I want to set a good example for kids like her is because of her. What are you looking forward to the most at the 2018 Florida Strawberry Festival? You would think mine would be showing my steer but absolutely not. I’m so ready to see the pig races. You have to guess which one’s the fastest and I can never guess the right one. I always get the one that’s slow and fat and he just like crawls to the end. What is your favorite Disney movie? I like Frozen. It’s one of the newer ones but I watch it with my little sister all the time. It’s one of the first

ones that — the princesses always get saved by the men and have the princes — this one shows sister power. I thought it was refreshing to see. If you could only watch one movie or television show for the rest of your life what would it be? Grey’s Anatomy. I’d never get bored. Y’all are picking movies you’d have to rewatch, I’m picking seasons. I’ll be good for years. Who is one person you admire? Why? I’d say my mom. In my eyes she’s “Superwoman.” She’s a very independent person and has definitely made me a more independent person. If I could just be anything like her I would be set as a person, as a human being.

Photo Courtesy of Deanna Hurley Photography

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

2018 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL QUEEN AND COURT: COURT MEMBER

Zoe Bell Rasmussen “To serve others I would be a role model in the community and represent Plant City in the festival so positively and just very happily. I know growing up my grandma was my role model and I looked up to her for her kind words and teaching me right from wrong. I would just serve the community by being that great, positive role model and giving back.” — Zoe Bell Rasmussen, answering at the scholarship pageant how she planned to serve Plant City.

In your opinion, what does the title of Strawberry Queen and Court mean to both you and Plant City? What is the deeper meaning behind the crown? I think it’s about new friendships, being close with these girls. We’re already like sisters, like they mentioned. Being role models for these girls. For my onstage question I said that my grandma was my role model. During middle school I had a speech impediment and she was always the one that was positive, so I want to be like that to the little girls in our community.

CASUAL WEAR

EVENING GOWN

What was your first thought when your name was called for the top five? Hard work pays off and we all worked very hard for it. What was your family’s reaction when they found out you made the court? My dad, his eyes were red. I didn’t see him cry but he probably was. They were just happy all of my hard work had paid off, too. I was walking around in heels at midnight after I was done with my homework… they were happy for me. Of all the music acts coming to the festival, who are you most excited to see? I, like Dallas, love Brad Paisley. I’ve been to all of his concerts. But also Trace Adkins and Chase Bryant. My mom loves Trace Adkins and when “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” comes on, we sing it and it’s fun. If you could only use one word to describe your personality what would it be? I’d say “social,” like Ally, but also I’m happy with who I am and set goals for myself… I’m just happy to be around and happy to be here.

Photo Courtesy of Deanna Hurley Photography

What is one interesting thing about you that is not listed on your contestant bio? I tutor a lot in school. I go before school and I want to major in biochemistry because I’m pretty good at

Photos by C.J. Major and Breanne Williams

chemistry. I have a lot of science kids that are struggling so I enjoy helping them. What are you looking forward to the most at the 2018 Florida Strawberry Festival? I was going to say the pig races, but Selena did so I’ll say the eating contests. I can’t imagine doing it so it’s kind of funny to watch the other people eat a million strawberry shortcakes and hot dogs. What is your favorite Disney movie? I like any of the musicals like High School Musical or Camp Rock. I like singing out to the songs. I think the Hannah Montana movie is mine though. I was actually Hannah Montana for character day at school.

If you could only watch one movie or television show for the rest of your life what would it be? I would say the Blind Side. I know all the words and every single quote. Who is one person you admire? Why? I would say both of my parents, too, but also my brother. He struggles a lot in school, he has dyslexia, we’re taking chemistry together. I look up to him a lot even though he annoys me a lot.

CONGRATULATIONS

2018 Florida Strawberry CONGRATULATIONS Festival Court Member

2018 Florida Strawberry Festival Court Member

BAYLEE ASTIN

BAYLEE ASTIN FROM

FROM

Phone: 813.752.4510 | Email: admin@wtsinc.us 1901 Industrial Park Drive Plant City, FL 33566

264385

Phone: 813.752.4510 | Email: admin@wtsinc.us 1901 Industrial Park Drive Plant City, FL 33566

www.wtsinc.us

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

2018 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL QUEEN SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT

lly Burt was crowned the 2018 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Saturday night. She competed against 27 other girls for the crown. During the coronation ceremony it was announced that Dallas Nicole Baker was First Maid and the rest of the court was comprised of Selena Sue Berrios, Zoe Bell Rasmussen and Baylee Astin. Chelsea Bowden Barnett, the 2012 Strawberry Festival Queen, and Denis Phillips, ABC Action News, were the masters of ceremonies for the event. Courtney Sexton, Miss Florida 2016, Nikki Minassian, Miss Florida 1993, Michael Nutter, Vice President at Impact Advisors, James Brooks, Regional Service Vice President for Philips Healthcare and Courtney Herndon, Miss Golden Isles 2009, were the judges for the contest. The contestants were scored on a personal interview, public speaking, casual wear and evening gown competition. Finalists were also judged on their response to an impromptu question, their overall look and stage presentation.

Photos by C.J. Major and Breanne Williams

Top: Queen Ally Elizabeth Burt hugs court members Zoe Bell

Rasmussen and Selena Sue Berrios 2018 Strawberry Festival Queen Ally Elizabeth Burt

Above: The top five react to Ally Elizabeth Burt being crowned the 2018 Strawberry Festival Queen.

Donna Keel, Selena Sue Berrios and First Maid Dallas Nicole Baker

Zoe Bell Rasmussen, Baylee Samantha Astin and Di Lott

QUEEN Ally Elizabeth Burt FIRST MAID Dallas Nicole Baker COURT MEMBERS Baylee Samantha Astin, Selena Sue Berrios, Zoe Bell Rasmussen MISS CONGENIALITY Ally Elizabeth Burt TOP TEN

Taylor Rae Tew Baylee Samantha Astin Selena Sue Berrios Ally Elizabeth Burt Taylor Carlough Abigale Reece DeVane Dallas Nicole Baker Chloe Makenna Tew Brenda Leanne Dixon Zoe Bell Rasmussen — BREANNE WILLIAMS

2017 Strawberry Queen Drew Knotts with her parents, Jeanne Redman Knotts and Andy Knotts

Courtney Coton, Marlee Arn, Drew Knotts, Caroline Brummer and Ariel Navarrete.

Curt Weaver sings the national anthem.

Doug Buffaloe, a Plant City local who is currently directing choreography and starring in the hit musical “The Drowsy Chaperone” at Plant City Entertainment.

Past festival queens are honored on stage during the pageant.

ADDITIONAL CONTESTANTS

Sabrina Nicole Hangen

Chloe Makenna Tew

Ashley Merrin

Brenda Leanne Dixon

Caitlyn Wright

Paige Elizabeth Wallnofer

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

Lizett Arriaga

Rachel Osanna Carter

Kyla Varnum

Kennedy Grace Cullins

Abigale Reece DeVane

Allison Emmelee Lane

Haley Chancey

Cheyenne Lopez

Taylor Carlough

Luzmaria Contreras

Skylar Mitchell

Jessica Tillis

Zharia Griffin

Bentley Rae Roberts

Tiffany Amber Wilson

Jacklyne Zavala

Taylor Rae Tew

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

Congratulations

Baylee Astin

2018 Florida Strawberry Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Court

264552

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

If you could see any small business come to historic downtown Plant City, what would you want to set up shop?

“More restaurants. A movie theater would be nice. I own Norma’s and I’m trying to think of what I would want as a business owner. I think more bars, restaurants and a movie theater.”

“I wouldn’t mind a bookstore. One that sells new books.”

“Can I say increased density in public transit? That would be great.”

— Osiel Maldonado, 19

— Dayna Lazarus, 28

“I would like to see so much. I would love love to see a space for a performing and visual arts venue. I wanna see a space used for the arts.”

“I have all kinds of thoughts on that. I feel like downtown would do well with some artsbased business. It would be outstanding to bring people downtown and give them a reason to come.”

— Mara Latorre, 28

— Leo Mesquita, 27

— Clay Hollenkamp, 38 HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME & MEMORIAL GARDENS HAS PARTNERED TO SPONSOR AROUND TOWN.

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LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Southwest Florida Water

BANK

Management District has received Environmental Resource permit application number 755829 from Hutton Plant City

MT LLC, address 736 Cherry St, Chattanooga, TN 37402.

Application received: 11/13/2018. Proposed activity: Commercial

Hillsboro BANK

Development. Project name: Retail Shops-Plant City. Project size: 1.656 acres. Location: Section(s) 05 Township 29 South,

Range 22 East, in Hillsborough County. Outstanding Florida Water: NO. Aquatic preserve: NO.

Personal Banking

The application is available for public inspection Monday through Friday at 7601 U.S. Highway 301 North, Tampa, Florida 33637 or

Business Banking

through the “Application & Permit Search Tools” function on the

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District’s website at www.watermatters.org/permits/. Interested

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persons may inspect a copy of the application and submit written comments concerning the application. Comments must include the permit application number and be received within 14 days

509 W. Alexander Street Plant City, FL 33563 (Main Office) (813) 707- 6506

1016 Bloomingdale Ave. Valrico, FL 33596 (Brandon Office) (813) 657-8989

If you wish to be notified of intended agency action or an

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the application, you must send a written request referencing

LOBBY: 9:00 - 4:00 Mon. - Thurs. 9:00 - 6:00 Fri.

from the date of this notice.

opportunity to request an administrative hearing regarding

the permit application number to the Southwest Florida Water

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Management District, Regulation Bureau, 7601 U.S. Highway 301 North, Tampa, Florida 33637 or submit your request through the District’s website at www.watermatters.org.

The District does not discriminate based on disability. Anyone

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only (800) 231-6103.

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Regulation Bureau at (813) 985-7481 or (800) 836-0797, TDD

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

hillsborobank.com PLANT CITY TIMES &

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

The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Fridays. It is inserted into the Tampa Bay Times for subscribers. The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

SEND US YOUR NEWS

We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, send your information via: Email: Sarah Holt, SHolt@ PlantCityObserver.com. Mail: The Plant City Times & Observer, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33563

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

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

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

Movin’ on up: New manager comes from within STAFF WRITER

Quite literally, Bill McDaniel started at the bottom. Now he’s here, Plant City’s newest city manager, the top of the city’s administrative pyramid, the CEO to the commission’s executive board. In Plant City’s commission-manager form of government, the commission is responsible for hiring three positions: city attorney, city clerk and city manager. The city manager is then responsible for the rest of the city’s approximately 400 employees, carrying out the city’s daily operations and executing the will of the commission, which is usually determined based on information and recommendations provided by the city manager. McDaniel started his career in Plant City as a rookie cop with the Plant City Police Department in 1985, rising to become the department's chief for 16 years, until 2012 when he was selected by then-City Manager Greg Horwedel to be assistant city manager. McDaniel’s hiring as city manager marks a full rise from entry-level employment with the city to holding its top staff position. The City Commission Monday voted unanimously to hire McDaniel. “I’m still kind of stunned. This is obviously a very big day for me personally as well as professionally,” McDaniel said. “Your vote is a tremendous vote of confidence. For me, I feel that it has helped me to start out on the right foot as your city manager. I’m very excited to work in this new capacity for a community I call home.” Commissioners took nearly two hours to come to their decision. Each commissioner, in turn, weighed the pros and cons of the six finalists who spent most of the last week interviewing with city staff and citizens. Initially, Vice-Mayor Bill Dodson was the only commissioner who did not list McDaniel as his top choice,

signaling a possible 4-to-1 vote. Dodson, however, quickly changed his vote to give McDaniel unanimous support, citing the importance of teamwork and consensus building. “I am a team player and as a team player I certainly have paid attention to the fact that there’s four among us that have said their principal choice within their top three is represented by our current assistant city manager,” Dodson said. “From my point, under that basis, I would certainly be a part of that team. I would certainly be a part of consensus building.” Plant City’s search for a new city manager began in May following the sudden departure of Mike Herr to become Winter Haven’s city manager. Kim Leinbach, Temple Terrace’s retired city manager who was at the time serving as its mayor, then became Plant City’s interim city manager. In July, the commission voted to have executive recruitment firm Strategic Government Resources perform a nationwide search for city manager. The search netted 55 candidates, with SGR representative and former Lakeland City Manager Doug Thomas bringing 35 to the attention of the commission, who selected seven semifinalists last November. After one of the candidates dropped out, commissioners decided to take the six remaining candidates to the finals, which included bringing them in for a near-weeklong interview process on the taxpayer’s dime. The search, which led back to Plant City’s internal candidate, carried a price tag of about $27,000, according to Finance Director Diane Reichard. A MATTER OF EXPERIENCE

Most commissioners cited McDaniel, along with Shawn Sherrouse, Lakeland’s assistant city manager, as the top two candidates. Another with local experience, Jonathan Evans, who spent nearly four years as city manager in Haines City, was also in the running. Though impressed with his presentation, commissioners

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qualify them to receive partial credit if they applied. Ultimately, it seemed to be intimate knowledge and lifelong commitment to Plant City that won McDaniel the job. With a number of major projects — the midtown redevelopment and pavement management plan, for instance — in the works, commissioners said it is important the city doesn’t lose steam. “Bill McDaniel is a proven leader. We know exactly what we are getting with Bill. Bill can move a few doors down the hallway and we never miss a beat,” Mayor Rick Lott said. “We have 33 years invested in Bill McDaniel, but Bill McDaniel has invested his life into Plant City. I’ve always leaned toward promoting from within when I have a qualified candidate. I don’t think anyone in this room, whether you like every decision he’s made over his career or not, we can’t deny he’s qualified.” PUBLIC OPINION

The commission chamber in City Hall was filled with residents during the meeting, most of whom spoke to support McDaniel. Only Betty Patton offered a different opinion. “The last thing we do at night is go home and we want to feel safe in our

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said Evans seemed too “green” and lacked the experience they hoped to find, despite Evans having city manager experience while McDaniel and Sherrouse do not. “He’s definitely a rising star. He had the most energy of anyone that was involved. His approach to community transparency and community engagement, transparency in government, he offered that. It wasn’t something I had to pull out of him. That’s very important to me,“ Commissioner Nate Kilton said. “He’s committed to education and lifelong learning. He’s limited, though, in his experience.” McDaniel, Sherrouse and Evans are all members of the International City/ County Management Association (ICMA), but Evans is the only ICMA CredentialedManagerofthethree.The ICMA is a leading association of city and county government employees. ICMA Credentialed Managers must have at least seven years of executive experience. According to the ICMA site, “generally speaking, department head, assistant to, and administrative assistant experience does not meet the criteria for full credit” for ICMA credentials. Sherrouse and McDaniel have yet to hit the seven-year mark, though their past experience could

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Vice-Mayor Bill Dodson speaks with newly hired City Manger Bill McDaniel and Commissioner Nate Kilton following Monday's regular commission meeting.

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house,” Patton said. “I don’t know Billy the way they do and they don’t know him the way I do. But I can tell you this city will never be the same if he is made city manager. It will never be good again.” McDaniel’s tenure as police chief was marked with some controversy. Beginning in 1999, the Plant City Police Department was under federal investigation for officers lying, stealing from crime scenes, searching homes illegally and misleading judges. Several officers were prosecuted and some cut deals, accusing McDaniel and Commissioner Mike Sparkman, who was mayor at the time, of being in on the corruption. Sparkman and McDaniel denied involvement and were never charged. While at PCPD, McDaniel said he was responsible for taking “a department stuck in the ‘70s” and bringing it to the “cutting edge.” He pledged to be a catalyst for change in Plant City and not an agent of the status quo. McDaniel said he recognizes a number of deficiencies throughout the city’s structure, like an over-complicated phone system and convoluted permitting process, which he will work to fix once in charge. “I think you look at anybody where they are in their career right now, look at lessons learned and do they have the ability to move forward in a positive direction. I think he’s used them to make him a better person,” Danny McIntyre, a Plant City resident, said. “I think when you go through that kind of chaos it makes you stronger. He didn’t leave that process bitter, from what I can tell. He used it to make himself better.” MOVING FORWARD

The city will now negotiate McDaniel’s contract with an expected annual salary of $150,000, about $17,000 more than he makes now. If approved, that would be the same starting salary as Herr. Commissioners are expected to vote on the contract during the Feb. 12 commission meeting. Leinbach is expected to work through the end of February as McDaniel transitions into his new role. “We have a big year ahead of us and we’re hiring you because we expect you to bring it home,” Lott told McDaniel.

Back to her roots, Jayme Harris, Plant City native, PCHS graduate c/o 1990 and USAF veteran has officially opened her new boutique in Downtown Plant City. A PEACE of Plant City offers an array of boutique style retail items to include locally made strawberry-themed shirts, hats, jewelry, organic soaps, lip balm and lotions. Veteran-made pens and man cave stuff. Repurposed, refurbished and original state antique furniture and household decor. This UNIQUE BOUTIQUE is located at 120 North Collins Street, Suite 101 in the heart of downtown Plant City.

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Following an eight-month search that cost Plant City around $27,000, the City Commission tapped current Assistant City Manager Bill McDaniel to be the new city manager in a unanimous vote.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

‘Modified lockdown’ leads to arrest at PCHS

Daniel Figueroa IV

Students used social media apps like Snapchat to communicate and share information during the investigation.

gets locked and no one can come or go. We didn’t go to that resort.” Sullivan said students were held in class from 9:30 to around 10:20 a.m., after law enforcement officers caught the suspected student and found no

FEELING DRAINED 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Retail theft: Complainant stated a VP-78 600-cranking amp car battery was stolen from a retail store. The battery was valued at $49.88.

JAN. 15

MAD HATTER 3450 block of Silver Meadow Way. Vehicle burglary: Complainant stated an unknown suspect entered their unlocked Chevrolet Silverado truck overnight and stole two “New York” skull caps and a flashlight.

CLEANED OUT 1490 block of Hunter Street. Vehicle burglary: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) entered their vehicle and stole a brown Michael Kors brand purse containing a Florida driver’s license, a debit card, $40 cash and a black diaper bag valued at $30.

JUST CHECKING Multiple locations. Vehicle burglary: Complainants reported unknown suspect(s) entered and rummaged through their vehicles, located at the 3440 block of Silver Meadow Way, 3700 block of Magnolia Green Street and the 3110 block of Magnolia Garden Drive.

JAN. 14

JAN. 16

GUN CONTROL 2600 block of Clubhouse Road. Vehicle burglary: Complainant stated an unknown suspect entered his unlocked vehicle between 1:30 and 1:46 a.m. and stole two shotguns, a Browning over/under and an Ithaca Model 37 pump-action. CAUGHT IN THE ACT 4730 block of Bloom Drive. Vehicle burglary: Complainant stated he saw an unknown male subject steal his wallet from the passenger side of his vehicle around 10 p.m. Jan. 13. Complainant yelled at the suspect, who then ran away. A waiver of prosecution was signed. TAKE ANOTHER LITTLE PIZZA MY HEART 600 block of North Dort Street. Petit theft: Complainant stated pizzas had been stolen from a delivery driver. The pies were valued at $53.

Bark FROM PAGE 1

feature its own unique theme. Because January is partnered with Bark in the Park, the vendors are all pet-focused. In March, Waters said the plan is to have a steampunk and art-themed rally with vendors matching the unique topic. Bark in the Park is just one of the many events that make Main Street an exciting organization for people to get involved with in an attempt to aid in revitalizing downtown. “I’m hoping that our Main Street is exciting and that people want to engage and become a part of what we’re doing,” Waters said. “Our events are only one component of that. We’re here to get people shopping in the downtown area, to make sure that retail stores are successful as much as possible and I think I would love to see our Main Street just be an exciting organization to be a part of.” The pet takeover comes with far more than stylized vendors and mouth-watering food. Waters is introducing Plant City’s very first wiener dog race, a feat she said will inarguably be a highlight for the community if the number of calls

SOMEBODY’S WATCHING ME 3500 block of West Baker Street. Grand theft: Complainant stated an unknown subject entered a laundromat between Jan. 10 and 16 and stole several security cameras. The subject also attempted to steal a television. THE PRICE OF FAME 1320 block of Larrick Lane. Information report: Complainant stated he made a verbal agreement for the rights to his Instagram video with a man who identified himself as “David.” Complainant wired “David” $100 through Western Union and sent the video under the impression he would receive $600 in return, but that money was never paid and “David” did not refund the initial $100 payment. COIN COLLECTOR 1800 block of Sagebrush Road. Vehicle burglary: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) entered her two unlocked vehicles and stole $40 in coins from one of them.

she’s received since announcing the addition are any indication. “For me, as an event planner, I’ve been to many pet festivals over my career and I love the energy of a pet festival,” Waters said. “Wiener dog races are hilarious, though, and people just show up. It always works the same way, too. They say ‘Oh my dog isn’t going to race but we’ll come watch.’ Then they get there and they’re like ‘Oh my dog is racing.’” Registration for the race ends at 6 p.m. and the race will be held at 7 p.m. near the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum. She said if there is an abundance of entries, they will hold multiple races so every dachshund will have a chance to run for the glory. “For the wiener dog race, if somebody comes with a dog that even closely resembles a wiener dog, it’s gonna happen,” Waters said. “And I’m not talking about costumes on labradors. Because people get creative, let me tell you.” As the event expands, the goal is to continue to add other breed specific activities. The racing, however, will forever be the wiener dog’s coveted tour de force. After all, Waters said downtown Plant City doesn’t exactly have an area sufficient for racing Great Danes.

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For the second time in eight days, a student was arrested on the Plant City High School campus. Administrators at PCHS held the bell Wednesday morning after a message threatening gun violence was found on a boys bathroom wall. A student was later arrested for writing the message, but no gun was found. According to witnesses at the school and posts shared to social media, “Im (sic) shooting the school up during second chance. I have my gun with me in class,” was found written on the bathroom wall. PCHS Principal Susan Sullivan said Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies were immediately notified and students were held in their classrooms while deputies arrived to investigate. According to HCSO spokesperson Larry McKinnon, the school was “on modified lockdown for a short period.” Sullivan said the school never reached a full lockdown, where “the teachers lock their doors, the kids are hiding in a crouched position. We were never at that point. Everything

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threat. Classes resumed under a modified bell schedule. Wednesday’s incident comes barely eight days after a 14-year-old PCHS student was arrested shortly after school when a loaded .40 caliber handgun and drug paraphernalia were found in his backpack. Sullivan said Wednesday’s incident was isolated and unrelated. It also comes one day after two students were killed and 18 injured during a shooting at Marshall High School in Benton, Kentucky. Sullivan said threatening messages are taken more seriously in today’s climate. “Probably 10 or 15 years ago we might not have taken this seriously, but in today’s day and time we take it very seriously,” she said. “There was a shooting yesterday in Kentucky. We would rather err on the side of caution and concern and safety.” Law enforcement officers used security cameras to identify the student, who was then found and arrested on campus. Sullivan said the student will no longer attend Plant City High School. “‘I’m very thankful that there was no issue,” Sullivan said, “that everybody was safe and that it was resolved very quickly thanks to school security and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and our school resource officers.”

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only available in advance at Hardee’s Fashions & at the door Advance tickets available at Hardee’s Fashions 1501 N. Wheeler St., Plant City FL 33563

or at the door while available 101 N. Thomas St. Plant City, FL 3563

online

to purchase tickets online and for additional info: www.pceshows.com Ticket prices do not include $1 service fee per ticket for online orders

Original Broadway production of the Drowsy Chaperone produced by Kevin McCollum, Roy Miller, Bob Boyett, Stephanie McClelland, Barbara Freitag and Jill Furman. The Drowsy Chaperone is presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th St. New York, NY 10019

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

FRIDAY, JAN. 26

A SHORT DRIVE

PLANT CITY FOOD TRUCK RALLY 5 to 9 p.m. The monthly food truck rally is held in downtown Plant City. Food trucks, a DJ truck and more will be on the streets. BARK IN THE PARK 4 to 9 p.m. The inaugural Bark in the Park event will be held in downtown Plant City. The furry, family-friendly event will feature pet photos, paw painting, vendors, music and food trucks. A wiener dog race will be at 7 p.m. PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Plant City Family YMCA is hosting its monthly Parents’ Night Out. Children ages 4 to 12 years old can eat and play games while their parents enjoy a night on the town. Spots are limited so please register at the Welcome Center. Tickets are $10 for Everywhere YMCA Members, $15 for Plant City Only YMCA Members and $25 for nonmembers.

SATURDAY, JAN. 27

U-PICK STRAWBERRIES AT KEEL & CURLEY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Keel & Curley, 5210 Thonotosassa Rd, is launching a U-Pick Strawberries on Saturday. The strawberries can be picked for $2 a pound. There will also be herbs, turnips and free-range eggs available.

SUNDAY, JAN. 28

BIKE RODEO 1 to 4 p.m. The Plant City Family YMCA is hosting a free bike rodeo clinic that is open to the community for children ages 5 to 12 years

SATURDAY, JAN. 27

BEST BET SATURDAY, JAN. 27

MILO IN THE PARK 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Mobile Interactive Literacy Opportunity bus will be at Courier Field, 703 N. Wheeler St. Guests can take part in a day filled with fun activities including reading circles, arts and crafts and literacy games. A technology station is available and there will be free books for attendees while supplies last. There will also be a meet-and-greet with Skippyjon Jones. Bonnie and Tanner the therapy dogs will be there to read with children. Recommended for ages 3 to 8.

old. Riders can test their skills on obstacle courses and register for a raffle to win a new bike. Attendees should bring their own bike and helmet.

she will take questions from teens about the book and writing process. Copies of the book are available at the library’s service desk for checkout while supplies last.

MONDAY, JAN. 28

FRIDAY, FEB. 2

FAMILY MOVIE TIME 3:30 to 5 p.m. The Bruton Memorial Library is hosting a Family Movie Time. Bring a blanket and pillows. For more information, please call the Bruton Memorial Library at 813757-9215.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 30

AUTHOR CHAT: JODY LYNN NYE 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The Bruton Memorial Library is hosting a live interactive video chat with Young Adult author Jody Lynn Nye about her new novel, Moon Beam, and

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE 8 to 10 p.m. Plant City Entertainment presents “The Drowsy Chaperone,” a hit Broadway musical that is the winner of five Tony Awards. The show will run Feb. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11. Fridays and Saturdays are at 8 p.m. and Sundays are at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $14 for senior citizens, $14 for students and $12 for P.C.E. members. Tickets can be purchased at Hardee’s Fashions, online at PCEshows.com and at the door while supplies last.

SEMINOLE HARD ROCK GASPARILLA PIRATE FEST 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The annual Gasparilla Pirate Fest is held in downtown Tampa and will feature the 101st Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of Pirates presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. Stages are along the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, MacDill Park, The Sail Pavilion at the Tampa Convention Center and Ferg’s Tampa. The invasion begins at 11:30 a.m. and the Parade of Pirates is at 2 p.m.

TUESDAY, JAN. 30

SEINFELD TRIVIA 7 to 10 p.m. at Brew Bus Brewing, 4101 N. Florida Ave. There will be Seinfeld-themed prizes for the winners and extra points for anyone who dresses up. The event is free but seating is limited.

JANUARY

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Renee Mur It is with great sadness that the family of Renee Mur announce her passing on Jan. 14th, 2018, at the age of 27 years. Renee grew up in the Pittsburgh, PA and Tampa areas and lived a life of generous support and kindness to others. Renee will be remembered forever by her parents Kim and Charlie, step-parents Rhonda and James, brother Alan (Cindy), and step siblings Jason (Kim), Jennifer (David), and Jordan, as well as five step-nieces and nephews. Details for a memorial service will be announced in the near future. Renee was an animal lover and a devoted dog owner. Memorial donations in memory of Renee can be made to PetSmart charities. www.petsmartcharities. org. www.davidhenneyfuneralhome. com.

Frank Stevens Frank Stevens, 68, of Dover, passed away Jan. 17, 2018. The family will be having private services. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

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Rev. Anibal ‘Andy’ Perez Santiago Rev. Anibal "Andy" Perez Santiago, 85, of Dover, born on May 31, 1932 in Utuado, Puerto Rico, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 18. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

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JANUARY 26, 2018

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

Tri-Star hoops contest back at Tomlin This year’s contest had 72 participants. JUSTIN KLINE

Durant, PCHS athletes honored The Hillsborough County School Board recognized Durant and Plant City athletes on Jan. 18 for their achievements on and off the playing field. Superintendent Jeff Eakins and Director of Athletics Lanness Robinson honored Durant’s boys swim team for having the sport’s highest GPA in the county, with a 3.77, and Taylor Dedmen of Plant City’s girls golf team was named the county’s Most Valuable Female Golfer.

Pena, Salgado place at Elks soccer regionals Oliver Pena and Arely Salgado placed well in the Elks Soccer Shoot’s southeast regional round held Saturday, Jan. 20 in Valdosta, Georgia. Pena and Salgado both finished in second place overall in the U12 division.

Crest wrestling wins Jerry Brisco Challenge Strawberry Crest’s wrestling team went to Sickles High School and won the Jerry Brisco Challenge on Jan. 20. Senior Chas Waller, wrestling at 160 pounds, went 5-0 in the tournament and was named its Most Outstanding Wrestler.

SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

On Jan. 20, Plant City youths showed the crowd at Tomlin Middle School that they’ve got serious basketball skills. The 45th Plant City Optimist Club Tri-Star Basketball Competition had 68 participants, a substantial increase from last year’s total of 50. They passed, dribbled and shot to rack up as many points as possible and secure a first, second or third-place trophy at the end of the event. The Wildcats team, of the city’s youth recreation league, was this year’s pizza party winner due to high player turnout in uniform. Photos by Justin Kline

SEE TRI-STAR WINNERS PAGE 17

The event was open to boys and girls age 8 through 13.

The dribbling drill had participants weave through cones as quickly as they could without losing their handle.

Plant City Tennis Center teaches

‘SPORT OF A LIFETIME’

RESULTS: SCHS 54, Belleview 21 SCHS 55, Plant City 13 SCHS 51, Sarasota Military Academy 18 SCHS 71, Sickles 6 SCHS 57, Tenoroc 15

Register for youth soccer The Plant City Recreation and Parks Department/Optimist Club’s youth soccer league is accepting registrations for its 2018 season. The league, open to boys and girls age 4 through 18 (as of June 1, 2018), hosts games on Saturdays and Tuesdays at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex, 2402 E. Cherry St. Teams are organized by age and gender into 11 groups and, with the exception of the 4, 5 and 15-18 groups, they practice once per week at most. Families have until Feb. 7 to sign their children up for the season, which runs from March 20 through May 24. Call-outs for team assignments will happen from Feb. 20 through 22. The cost to sign up is $35 per child, which includes insurance. The PCRPD office accepts cash, checks, money orders and credit cards. Register in person at the office, 1904 S. Park Rd., from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, or by mail. For more information, visit PlantCityGov.com. To download the registration form, visit PlantCityGov.com/ DocumentCenter/View/19746.

YMCA spring sports sign-ups The Plant City Family YMCA’s spring sports registration period began Jan. 22. This year’s slate will include developmental basketball for kids age 5-17, competitive basketball for kids age 9-17, adult basketball for people 18 and older and girls basketball for kids age 9-14. There will be outdoor soccer clinics offered once weekly for the entire soccer season, youth flag football for kids age 5-14 and youth volleyball for kids age 7-17. Registration may be done online or in-person at the front desk welcome center. For more information, call 813757-6677.

Prep scores roundup BASKETBALL

JANUARY 23

Tampa Bay Tech 83, Durant 24 (girls) Tampa Bay Tech 83, Durant 75 (2OT) (boys) Plant City 40, Riverview 33 (girls) Plant City 77, Riverview 65 (boys) Bloomingdale 48, SCHS 27 (girls) SCHS 72, Bloomingdale 67 (boys) SOCCER

JANUARY 23

Plant City 7, East Bay 0 (girls) Plant City 7, Spoto 0 (boys)

Justin Kline

ALOT Tennis frequently plays matches at the Plant City Tennis Center. The center also hosts USTA play.

C. Shane Johnson wants to expose as many residents to tennis as possible. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Ever since C. Shane Johnson “caught the tennis bug” as a teenager in Polk County, he’s devoted much of his time to the game he loves. These days, his goal is to help other people find that same spark. Johnson, Plant City’s official tennis pro, has been with the Plant City Tennis Center for all of the nearly 12 years it’s existed behind Ellis-Methvin Park. He believes that, while the city’s tennis scene has come a long way since 2006, there’s always room for it to keep growing.

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

“The more people you expose to it, the better it is,” Johnson said. The tennis center was conceptualized in 2003, one year after the city and Hillsborough County purchased the 46-acre parcel that is now EllisMethvin Park, and construction began in 2004. Johnson came aboard in November 2005, leaving his post as tennis pro for the city of Winter Haven to work closer to his home. The initial eight courts were completed in 2006 and the center officially opened its doors on April 1 that year. Since then, two more clay courts have been added to accommodate USTA play, which has a strong pres-

ence at the center. Between USTA and A League of Our Own Tennis (ALOT), the center is home to nine competitive teams. The center also has 42 members and offers walk-up play for a fee depending on the time of day. As a teacher, Johnson’s view on the sport is that it’s something that should appeal to a broad audience because people can continue playing for decades if they wish. “You’re not playing baseball or football at 40 years old. It’s not happening,” Johnson said. “But you can play good, competitive tennis at that SEE TENNIS PAGE 17

JUSTIN KLINE

Take advantage of midnight sports The YMCA’s latest offering is good for Plant City youths.

f the Plant City Family YMCA is able to permanently keep its midnight sports going, that’s a win for the community. Our sports scene only gets better when we breathe new life into it. As simple as it may seem, getting something healthy for kids to do on a Friday night can go a long way, especially toward the Y’s stated goal of having a way to keep kids out of trouble. Not everyone who participates

in basketball, futsal and whatever else may be offered is going to fall into that at-risk category. But this is exactly the kind of thing that can help some kids make better choices. I don’t enjoy reading weekly police reports and seeing that juveniles were out breaking into cars or shooting at windows with BB guns when they instead could have been playing sports in a safe environment. Sports have long been a way to help kids stay on the right path.

We often trust coaches to not only lead players on the field for the sake of the game itself but also to help develop them off the field so they’ll learn what it means to grow up and become good citizens. The best coaches are there for their kids through thick and thin, no matter the time of day. This isn’t necessarily giving the kids that kind of coaching — it’s a SEE KLINE PAGE 17

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Tri-Star Winners

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

Time for New Glasses?

FROM PAGE 16

8 YEAR OLDS (GIRLS) 1. Bailey Keys (71) 2. Harper Mueller (41) 3. Brooklyn Van Hoover (39)

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

8 YEAR OLDS (BOYS) 1. Dazarian Jenkins (118) 2. Adiel Martinez (98) 3. Braydon Thompson (96)

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WINNERS

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9 YEAR OLDS (GIRLS) 1. Kelsey Harkins (76) 2. Elizabeth Bess (52) 3. Marley Mueller (41)

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

LEGAL NOTICE

9 YEAR OLDS (BOYS) 1. Kyle Lewis (162) 2. Brendan Smith (141) 3. Chase Herren (140)

PUBLIC AUCTION STORAGE SALE

In accordance with the provisions of the Florida Self Storage Act (sections 83.801 - 83.809), there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy an owner and/or manager’s lien of the goods hereinafter described and stored at the Life Storage location listed below. And, due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties known to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the below stated location(s) to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on Wednesday, 9:00 am, February 14, 2018, at 1005 South Alexander Street, Plant City, FL 33563, 813-759-9526.

Above: Trophies were awarded for first, second and third-place winners.

10 YEAR OLDS (GIRLS) 1. Emily Blair (116) 2. Mikaiah Walker (100) 3. Kiara Vincente (59)

Right: The shooting drill is all about getting buckets.

10 YEAR OLDS (BOYS) 1. Brayden Keys (143) 2. Lane Baxter (117) 3. Dailyn Wood (116)

Below: The Optimist Club hosts the event every year and works with the kids during the contest.

11 YEAR OLDS (GIRLS) 1. Rose Bess (121) 2. Madison Brewer (79) 3. Darquasia Robinson (46)

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11 YEAR OLDS (BOYS) 1. George Harty (114) 2. Ben Martin (109) 3. Gehrig Graham (109) 12 YEAR OLDS (GIRLS) 1. Gracie Edgemon (84) 2. Carlee Weaver (42) 3. Angie Torres (30)

Bonita Machado Angel De Leon Brandin Colon Terry Haya

12 YEAR OLDS (BOYS) 1. Ray Cowen (145) 2. Taylor Teeden (136) 3. Anthony Palestrini (130)

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13 YEAR OLDS (BOYS) 1. Andrew Smith (168) 2. Trenten Herring (140)

LIFE STORAGE #099,

1005 SOUTH ALEXANDER STREET PLANT CITY, FL 33563 PHONE: (813) 759-9526 FAX: (813) 759-9481

Ramirez goal puts Plant City over Bloomingdale

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “The world loved her ... she was an inspiration to women and ... of course, she was a fighter.” | – Ed Asner on Mary Tyler Moore

wo of the top teams in the Tampa Bay area clashed at 1 Raider Place Monday night, and the home team earned a tough win. Plant City and Bloomingdale, making up a game originally scheduled for Nov. 17, found themselves in a physical, defensive battle broken up only by Raiders midfielder Paulino Ramirez’s goal in the 43rd minute. Ramirez’s fifth goal of the season came when he maneuvered the ball past Bulls keeper Will Steck and put it in from close range. Districts will be held at Strawberry Crest and begin at 5 p.m. Jan. 30.

Puzzle Two Solution: “You can’t become a professional mourner ... Replay the good times. Be grateful for the years you had.” – Betty White

This week’s Sudoku answers

Justin Kline

— JUSTIN KLINE

Tennis FROM PAGE 16

age and your body’s not in shambles at that point. I teach for it to be a sport of a lifetime.” Growing up, Johnson always wanted to try the sport but never had access to it. Lake Alfred didn’t have any courts he could play on. When he got to Auburndale High School, Johnson and his cousin would walk to the courts down the street from the campus and play. He joined the tennis team at 16, played under Bill Heath while at Webber International University and worked in Winter Haven as the city’s assistant pro before his promotion. An advantage of having a fullyequipped tennis center is the access

David Ruiz battles for a ball.

to clay courts, Johnson said. Though hard-court play has traditionally been most popular in America, he encourages people to try their hand at playing on the clay courts for both skill and health reasons. “The health benefit as far as your joints, your body — clay court is much better,” Johnson said. “Especially as you mature. It helps with your step. With the younger people, it teaches you how to develop different strategies.” Clay courts are a staple of competitive play and Hillsborough County facilities have many of them. Plant City’s open courts on Dort Street and the tennis area at Walden Lake, the only available facilities in town before the tennis center open, have hard courts. “We’re not at a disadvantage playing on a hard court and then having

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? FROM KLINE PAGE 16

recurring series of events, not actual sports leagues — but it’s in the same ballpark. Somebody cares about kids’ welfare enough to give them somewhere to go, play sports and be safe. I know there are also events for older teens and adults, and maybe they help in similar ways. But the most important thing here, in my opinion and the Y’s, is being there for the kids. I went to the basketball event

264407

to go play against players on a clay court,” Johnson said. He also praises the social aspect of tennis. Johnson said he enjoys teaching a sport that is so popular throughout the world it can allow people to connect when they otherwise wouldn’t. “No matter if you go off to college, wherever you go, there are people that play tennis,” he said. “It’s a very social sport and you can always meet people all over the world, you take your rackets and you can go find a competitive match at your level at any stage and age of your life.” The center offers classes yearround for singles and doubles players, individuals and families of all skill levels. Players can be as young as 4 years old to take lessons. Anyone interested in learning more can call the center at 813-707-7485.

This week’s Crossword answers

JUSTIN KLINE

held two weeks ago and can confirm they’re all about having fun up there. The basketball night had 25 kids participate and all of them were visibly having a good time playing full and half-court ball. Unfortunately, last week's planned futsal event was canceled at the last minute due to low turnout. I was pretty bummed to hear that, as I was looking forward to checking it out. I'm hoping the community would give it a shot in the future if it's brought back. This program would be a solid

addition to the Plant City community. I’m not here to tell the Y how to spend its time and money, but I’d love to see midnight sports stick around for the long haul.

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

2018

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

FOCUS ON FITNESS

Rose Bess

JENNIFER E. CLOSSHEY, PH.D.

With 121 points scored, Rose Bess won first place in the 11-year-old girls division of the Optimist Club’s 45th annual Tri-Star Basketball Skills Contest on Jan. 20. Bess scored the most points out of all girls who competed in the Saturday skills competition. Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.

Making Sense of Dieting If you’ve started a diet and have thought of stopping, here’s how to stick with it.

to the human body. Find sources of omega-3 for every meal. TIPS FOR STAYING THE COURSE

ore diets are started in January than any other month. More diets are abandoned before February than any other time during the year. We start off with the best of intentions — to lose some weight — but along the way, we fall off the wagon. What can we do about it? PICK WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

Every year seems to have its “diet of the year.” These fad diets come and go as a few get some benefits, but most people fall off the wagon. Figure out what will work best for you. Start with a food log that includes times eaten, portions and activity levels. In order to lose weight, activity must go up while calories go down. Evaluate your food log to make small changes. FEEL FULL AND NOURISHED

How do you feel after winning the competition? I feel awesome. This is actually my first team I’ve ever played in. I haven’t been practicing, but I’ve been playing around with boys since I was little. So I had much more practice than I thought.

Ideally, increase nutrients derived from the foods eaten. Make vegetables the heart of the meal and snacks. Cover two-thirds of the plate with veggies, then go lightly on starches and meats. Want to really help yourself? Eliminate the potatoes and rice. Go for carrots and other root veggies instead. Include healthy fats in every meal. Fats make us feel full and satisfied. Good fats, like the ones found in walnuts, almonds, wild-caught salmon and avocados, are essential

Pre-plan meals and snacks. When hungry, we tend to grab what is convenient and familiar. Preplanning makes it easy to grab what is good for us instead of reverting to old habits. Stay hydrated. Thirst can be misinterpreted as hunger. Try water first before eating. More water might be needed than you think. Divide your weight in half and drink that many ounces of water each day. For example, a 150-pound person would need 75 ounces of water, or almost 10 glasses containing eight ounces. Use a smaller plate. We tend to eat what we put on our plate. Simply decrease the plate size to achieve psychological satisfaction. The best time to weigh each day is upon awakening, before consuming any food or water. This reading will give the most consistent results for trending. Gradual weight loss tends to work better than a radical, quick weight loss. Set realistic goals and stay the course. Note that on some days, the weight may go back up unexpectedly. This might be a clue to avoid or minimize a specific food.

When did you start playing with your team? Friday, actually. No, Thursday. You just started? Yeah. What made you want to do it? It’s my friend, Angie. She’s in my team, too. She wanted me to join because some of the people quit, so I joined. I was glad I joined. What do you like about basketball? Just playing around, going with my friends. Having fun. Do you play any other sports? No. Who’s your favorite basketball player? Steph Curry. Where do you go to school? Lake Gibson Middle School. What do you want to be when you grow up? An astronomer. Were you nervous when you came out here? I was terrified. I was shaking all over the place.

Jennifer Closshey is a doctor of integrative health and a Plant City YMCA yoga instructor. JenniferClosshey@ gmail.com.

What advice would you give to somebody doing the competition for the first time next year? Just do it. If you could play any sport you’ve never tried before, what would it be? Softball. What superpower would you like? Speed. What’s your favorite music to listen to? Christian music, so, the Newsboys. What’s the first thing you would do if you got a billion dollars one day? I wouldn’t buy anything. I would just give some to the poor.

CFC037149 If you could meet any famous person and hang out with them for a day, who would it be and what would you do? Emma Watson. I would just want to sit down and talk with her and eat lunch with her.

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What’s your favorite Emma Watson movie? Harry Potter. The first one.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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I LOVE PLANT CITY

FORECAST

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, JAN. 26

High: 74 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 10%

Friday, Jan. 12

7:18a 6:04p

Saturday, Jan. 13

7:17a

6:05p

Sunday, Jan. 14

7:17a

6:05p

Monday, Jan. 15

7:17a

6:06p

Tuesday, Jan. 16

7:16a

6:07p

Wednesday, Jan. 17

7:16a

6:08p

Thursday, Jan. 18

7:15a

6:09p

SATURDAY, JAN. 27 High: 77 Low: 62 Chance of rain: 10%

Sunrise Sunset

MOON PHASES

SUNDAY, JAN. 28 High: 79 Low: 60 Chance of rain: 90%

Feb. 16 New

Feb. 11 Last

Feb. 20 First

Jan. 31 Full

MONDAY, JAN. 29 High: 68 Low: 46 Chance of rain: 20%

STRAWBERRIES Shipping point: Orlando $12.00 to $14.90

Lynn Brewer became Plant City ducks’ best friend while feeding them at Brewer Park, which was partly named for her. Karen Brewer, who took the photo, wins this week’s I Love Plant City photo contest.

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RAINFALL Wednesday, Jan. 17

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Thursday, Jan. 18

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Friday, Jan. 19

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Saturday, Jan. 20

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Sunday, Jan. 21

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Monday, Jan. 22

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Tuesday, Jan. 23

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YEAR TO DATE:

JAN. TO DATE:

2018 1.54 in.

2018

2017 0.82 in.

1.54 in.

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BETTER THAN AVERAGE by Timothy B. Parker

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29 Try for plants again 31 Little cyst 32 Making less subtle or refined 35 Smashing point? 36 Deep troubles 38 Is an imperfect human 39 Yield, as a right 40 Like seriously devoted fans 41 “They whupped us” 44 Word for cross-referencers 45 Oft-used article 46 Word with dining or code 47 Snow-to-puddle phase 48 2 p.m. greeting

54 One who practices professionally, briefly 55 One responding to a “cattle call” 58 Tall farm structure 59 Like a less-powerful Samson 61 Single-mast boats 63 Step-downs from stereos? 66 Cinched or iced 69 Gets set? 71 Capital of the Italian region of Liguria 73 “How-it-works” drawing 75 Is a bungler 77 Perry’s Street

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617 N. Maryland Ave., Plant City

79 Wall candle holder 80 Critical body vessel 81 Mount in Italy 83 Commanding words with coin or salad 84 “I ___ to recall ...” 87 Interests of all 92 Group of six 94 Unknown author, briefly 95 “... purse out of a sow’s ___” 96 Co. at 30 Rockefeller Plaza 99 Principle dish of a meal 101 Type of duck 102 Ash Wednesday’s season

1 Advances evidence for 2 Stuff found in mines 3 “School” for the very young 4 Miles-gallon link 5 “Oh, does that feel good” 6 Timid by nature 7 A “Seinfeld” character 8 Selling like crazy 9 One making deep impressions 10 Like plants that can be male or female 11 Prodded, as into action 12 Prefix with skeleton or morph 13 Lovey-dovey sound 14 “Might seem that way ...” 15 Successfully endures 16 Not owing or ahead 17 Score divided by two 19 Fat “wild” creatures 24 Big name in deliveries 25 Avg., in sizes 30 Internet address start 33 Returning sound 34 Strict requirements 37 Ending for her? 40 You ___ here 42 Jet set’s jet no more 43 Your, biblically

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

Why go to an emergency center that’s connected to a hospital? What if you need the rest of the hospital?

specialists in the region are only a few feet away. If you need a pint of blood, no problem, we’re connected to a blood bank. Not to mention that our rehabilitation, orthopedic, oncology and maternity departments are only a wheelchair ride away. The best place to go during your emergency is a facility designed to handle any emergency. And that’s right here at BayCare’s South Florida Baptist Hospital.

When it comes to your health, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Which is why during an emergency such as a stroke or heart attack, every second counts. We don’t want to risk our patients’ lives by transferring them to a different hospital for emergency surgery. Here, if you need to be rushed to surgery, it’s down the hall, not down the road. We also have access to cutting-edge equipment and some of the best doctors, nurses and

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