FREE
VOLUME 6, NO. 180
•
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
PCPD ROLLS OUT NEW TECH
NEW SYSTEM BRIDGES GAP BETWEEN POLICE AND COMMUNITY
BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
The Plant City Police Department just made an addition to its automated technology. Earlier this month, the police department rolled out the new customer service platform for public safety by SPIDR Tech, a California-based public safety company. When a call for service is sent out to dispatchers, the software will
automatically text message reporting parties and 911 callers with updates on the status of the call and any additional information. Crime victims will be notified through a text message about the status of their case through an investigative process. Reporting parties can also provide feedback on their interaction with the police department.The system helps to bridge the communication between law enforcement and the public should an emergency or disturbance arise.
This also comes as the police department has made additions to its communications department. It now has the RapidSOS system where it can pinpoint where a call is coming from if the caller doesn’t know exactly where they are located. This is a mapping system that spans across the nine zones that police officers oversee in Plant City.
Queen Kenley Connell
CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
®
2022 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
Kenley Connell took home the queen’s crown after winning the title during the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen pageant, on Saturday, Jan. 22. She was one of 24 girls vying for the crown at the festival fairgrounds. The ladies had to perform a custommade commercial, a casual wear competition as well as an evening gown competition. Miss Congeniality was announced, and the contestants were narrowed down to 10 semifinalists, who had to answer the following: “The Strawberry Queen should have a servant’s heart. How would you demonstrate in serving the community or while helping others?” It ultimately came down to the Top 5 contestants. Aside from Kenley, Madison Davis became the First Maid, while Tamia Williams, Chloe Hopper, and Bailey Blanton became court members. Throughout the year, the ladies will make over 80 appearances. However, their biggest appearances could arguably be during the 11-day Florida Strawberry Festival in March, which brings in not only Floridians, but visitors from across the nation. The festival will take place from Thursday, March 3 to Sunday, March 13.
Courtesy of Deanna Hurley Photography
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
2
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
|
PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, JNAUARY 27, 2022
NEWS BRIEFS
Photo courtesy of Plant City Parks & Recreation
Optimist Club of Plant City holds 49th annual Tri-Star Basketball Skills Contest Last Saturday the Optimist Club of Plant City held their 49th annual Tri-Star Basketball Skills Contest at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center, in partnership with the Plant City Parks & Recreation Department. The competition was open to all area kids ages eight to 13, competing in single age groups with the boys and girls scored separately. The 2022 competition saw participation from 36 boys and seven girls for a total of 43 participants and tested each challenger in dribbling, passing and shooting. Dribbling against the clock through cones awarded a maximum of 100 points, chest and bounce passes at a target awarded a maximum of 42 points and a mix of free throws and outside shots awarded a maximum total of 70 points, with the highest scorers earning first, second and third place in their age group. These are the competition winners from each age group.
GIRLS 8: Emperial Smith (36) 9: Siran Sanders (71) 10: Aaria Johnson (86) 11: Ja’Niah Dexter (32) BOYS 8: Merrick Chandler (60) 9: Michael Davis (146) 10: Jaxon Williams (145) 11: Alijah McFadden (124) 12: Brayden Thompson (160) 13: Ricky Hall (157)
Plant City to hold City Manager Photo Walk later in the year The City of Plant City will host a “City Manager Photo Walk” at McIntosh Preserve on Saturday, March 19, starting at 8 a.m. The event will be led by the city’s new Environmental Land Management Supervisor Chris Foster and city manager Bill McDaniel. The two will lead all in attendance through a hike along the trails, along with other areas of the preserve, allowing people to capture photos of the wildlife, plants and landscape that bring life to the area. All are welcome to attend and attendees should plan on bringing a camera or their phone to participate and capture photos.
More information, along with a link for registration, can be found at www.plantcitygov.com/parksrec/page/city-managerphoto-walk.
Hundreds of scholarships still available for Hillsborough County seniors Seniors throughout Hillsborough County who plan to pursue higher education after graduation now have an opportunity to potentially receive thousands of dollars in scholarships, all by filling out just one application. But don’t wait, the deadline is quickly approaching. With values ranging from $500-$10,000, there are more than 90 named scholarships available and nearly 200 will be awarded to seniors this year. All Hillsborough County 12th grade students with aspirations of continuing their education at a university, community or technical college — along with 11th grade students who have earned enough credits to graduate in May, 2022 — are eligible to apply. The Hillsborough Education Foundation, a nonprofit focused solely on strengthening public education in Hillsborough County, will be accepting applications until 11:59 on Monday, Jan. 31. “We are able to support students’ dreams of pursing higher education through the generosity of our business
partners, community organizations and individual donors—many of whom want to leave the ultimate legacy of a loved one by naming a scholarship in their honor,” said Hillsborough Education Foundation CEO Kim Jowell. “We understand for many students affording the opportunity can be a financial strain on families. These scholarships can help ease that stress, positively impact students’ lives and the future of our community.” Using the HEF’s online process, students will only be required to complete one application to determine potential eligibility for multiple scholarships, although students may be required to complete additional essays as part of the qualification process, based on scholarship criteria. Scholarships are awarded based on a variety of criteria such as GPA, field of study, financial need, challenges overcome, school and community service, SAT/ACT scores or extracurricular activity participation and vary from scholarship to scholarship. Visit www.EducationFoundation.com/ SeniorScholarships for a list of available scholarships, the criteria and to apply by the deadline and recipients will be announced in the spring of 2022. For scholarship questions, contact Angie Anthony, Director of Scholarships at 813-5740-0273 or by email at aanthony@educationfoundation.com.
Queen
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
WELCOME 2022 STRAWBERRY
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
KENLEY CONNELL
An impressive performance leads Connell to be crowned
BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
Kenley Connell’s childhood dream finally became a reality as the 2021 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen McKenna Jordan crowned her, passing on the mantle. She was named the 2022 Queen for the 87th Florida Strawberry Festival. Connell took part in one of Plant City’s most beloved pageants, on Saturday evening. Madison Davis was named the first maid. Bailey Blanton, Tamia Williams, and Chloe Hopper were chosen as the court members. “It’s amazing!” Connell said. “I’m on cloud nine!” It followed the Junior Royalty pageant that was held just a week prior. In total, 24 young ladies took the spotlight and became the spectacle among the masses that filled the Florida Strawberry Festival fairgrounds. The dense crowd was not only a testament of love and support that Plant City has to offer, but also a sign that the town is returning to a sense of normalcy after two years of dealing with COVID-19. The show was presented by the Plant City Lions Club and the Florida Strawberry Festival Association. For those who were not present at the pageant, they had the option of streaming it live through the Lions Club Facebook page. “Since I was a little girl, I’ve been to the pageants,” Connell explained. “I saw the pictures on the walls around me. I remember these girls getting crowned, and I remember their faces, in that moment. To be on stage that night was amazing.” However, she was already walking down the runway in fashion years before in the Junior Royalty pageant. The daughter of Joel and Erika Connell, she is a Plant City native and grew up around agriculture. Her father is a farmer and she became well acquainted with livestock and their needs. At age 8, her father placed her in a pig drawing, in which she was the 18th number drawn. However, Jon Poppell of Poppell Insurance Inc. wanted to make sure she didn’t leave empty handed and purchased a small pig for her. While she didn’t consider the animal to be a pet, but livestock instead, she said she still formed a bond. And at a young age she was already learning the importance of maintaining the well-being of her pig. “This is a responsibility,” Connell said. “This is kind of like my job, feeding this animal twice a day and working with him. This project is going to lead me to bigger things in my life.” She is currently in her junior year at Plant City High School and is a member of the Interact Club and the National Honor Society. Connell also participates on the school tennis and track teams. She is also a member of FFA. Students are exposed to nature and the lifestyle that comes along with being a farmer. FFA also opens the door to possible agricultural jobs, as well as many other occupations. “When Mr. Jon Poppell bought me my very first pig,” Connell said, “I didn’t understand that this is going to send me to college one day.” While she is still passionate about agriculture, she is contemplating another career path. She plans to attend a Florida university, obtaining a doctorate degree in psychology, with a minor in criminology. The queen pageant had Connell and the 23 other ladies active on the runway, partaking in different segments of the show. They consisted of public speaking, casual wear and evening gown competitions and announcing Miss Congeniality.
Like the other girls who made it as the 10 semifinalists, she had to answer one question: “The Strawberry Queen should have a servant’s heart. How would you demonstrate in serving the community, or while helping others?” “I’m a firm believer that people always remember how you make them feel,” Connell responded. She recounted how the gift from Poppell and her opportunity to continue her education at the collegiate level has humbled her. Connell also stated that her love for the youth and agriculture motivates her to give back to Plant City. Winning the Queen’s crown has begun her year on a high note. And as the Florida Strawberry Festival draws closer, she, her first maid, and the three court members are gearing up for the attention they will receive. “I’m most looking forward to spending 11 days with the beautiful ladies standing next to me,” Connell said.
Q&A
Q. What is it about Plant City that you cherish? A. Definitely the compassion this community shows. This festival is truly a celebration of the harvest of the berry. Coming from a farmer’s daughter, I see that side. I see the side of the hard work of producing the strawberries. Q. When you saw past Queen winners, did you think that could be you someday? A. I definitely knew when I was a little girl that that’s what I wanted to do. Those were the women I looked up to when I was little. Those were the women that really made an impact in my life. Q. What are great hang-out spots in Plant City?
A. Definitely Fred’s Market because it’s a buffet, so you get to eat everything. Krazy Kup because they have really good coffee. Anywhere downtown. Our downtown is really, really pretty.
Q.What was your favorite segment from the Queen pageant? A. I loved the interview with the judges. I just felt so at home. They were so kind and they were very conversational. Something about that felt right. Q. What were you thinking when your named was called as the queen? A. When I walked out for Top 10, I heard no one else’s answer, so I had no idea whether I did good or bad. When I heard my name get called, I was like ‘Oh my God, they really just called Number 22.’ My family’s my backbone, they’re my biggest supporters, so I got to see their reaction. Q. How did the support system from loved ones motivate you? A. I’m most definitely a daddy’s girl. Me and my dad are best friends. I could see my dad out of the corner of my eye, and I saw him pacing back and forth when the Top 5 was called. When I got called for queen, I lifted my head, and I could see that he threw his cowboy hat. That support made me do my best. But definitely those moments when I could see my family and their smiles. Q. If you could incorporate anything into Plant City, what would it be? A. We have so much to do, but we don’t have little things like a bowling alley or arcade. Something small for kids.
Courtesy of Deanna Hurley Photography
|
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
3
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
|
PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
Q&A
4
MEET 2022 FIRST MAID MADISON DAVIS
First Maid
DAVIS’ DETERMINATION PUT HER IN TOP 5
BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
Q. What is it about Plant City that you cherish? A. Plant City is a small town with a huge heart. The people in this community not only are so close because it’s such a small town, but we’re also so close because of the festival. Q. When you saw past contestants make it to the Top 5, did you think that could be you? A. I also grew up my entire life watching the Strawberry Queens and seeing how they interact with people. I wanted to do that. I felt like it is my calling to love this community. I prayed so much about this pageant, and so much about what it means to me and how I would use my platform to advocate for something positive. I would love the opportunity to be a positive influence.
Q. What are great hang-out spots in Plant City? A. Downtown Plant City is the heart of Plant City, the roots where everything originated. I feel like those roots have blossomed into something beautiful. Krazy Kup is one of my personal favorites. I like a good ice coffee. Q. What was your favorite segment from the queen pageant? A. I would have to say my personal favorite was the opening number. Before the pageant, we all had these jitters. Oh my goodness, we’re about to portray ourselves to hundreds of people in the crowd and it’s so nerve-racking to be in front of people sometimes. For me, I love the opening number because you just let loose and have fun with a group of girls that you know and love.
Q. What were you thinking when your name was called out in the Top 5? A. Honestly, it was a moment of complete, utter shock. Nothing had really set in yet. I vividly remember my mimmie (grandmother), who’s my No. 1 supporter, and she shook both her fists in the air and was screaming. I love and care for her so much. Q. How did the support system from your loved ones motivate you? A. My family is everything to me. I am very much family oriented, and to have my family support through this whole process, I feel so blessed and so incredibly appreciative. Q. If you could incorporate anything into Plant City, what would it be? A. Plant City is very well-rounded with things to do…but something like a super, fancy restaurant would be so much fun.
Madison Davis was named as the 2022 Florida Strawberry Festival First Maid on Saturday, Jan. 22.
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
|
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
5
Q&A
MEET 2022 STRAWBERRY COURT BAILEY BLANTON
Court Member BAILEY’S PERFORMANCE LEAD HER INTO TOP 5
BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
Q. What is it about Plant City that you cherish? A. I’d like to say the community. It feels like a family whether you’re at the festival, at a vendor, or whether you’re in Historic Downtown Plant City. Anywhere really in Plant City, you always see a friendly face. You feel so loved by everybody in the community because you always see people you know and you know that they support you, especially the youth in our community. Q. When you saw past contestants make it to the Top 5, did you think that could be you? A. The first time I saw the queen, I was like ‘Wow, imagine being the queen.’ As a little girl, that’s what I wanted to be. In elementary school and middle school, I really didn’t have much confidence in myself. I honestly could never see myself in the position I’m in now. When I got to high school, my confidence really grew.
Q. What are great hang-out spots in Plant City? A. Honestly, anywhere in Plant City. After church on Sundays, you always go to Outback or Chilis. That’s a great place to hang out. Definitely anywhere in downtown. I always go to Krazy Kup if I have to study. Q. What was your favorite segment from the queen pageant? A. My favorite part was the commercial because that was the first segment out on my own. It was right after the opening number and it was the first time where it was just me. I remember walking out and I was a little bit nervous. Looking down at the judges and they’re all smiling at me, just that first experience alone on stage was my favorite part. Q. What were you thinking when your name was called out for the Top 5? A. When I was called out for Top 10 and Top 5, I remember the excitement going through my body.
My whole year is about to change. When I was called for Top 5, I was thinking to myself, ‘This is going to be an exciting year. I’m going to experience plenty of new things.’ I couldn’t fully comprehend what the future held for me. Q. How did the support system from your loved ones motivate you? A. Whenever I walked out for the second time, they cheered, and I saw my family and all of my friends right there supporting me. My friends are not pageant people, so I was very surprised to see them, and it made me feel so loved and supported. Q. If you could incorporate anything into Plant City, what would it be? A. If you would have asked me a couple months ago, it would have been Chick-fil-A, but we just got one. I’m so excited.
Bailey Blanton was named as a 2022 Florida Strawberry Festival Court member on Saturday, Jan. 22.
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
|
PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
MEET 2022 COURT CHLOE HOPPER
Court Member
CHLOE BRIGHTENS STAGE
Q&A
6
BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
Q. What is it about Plant City that you cherish? A. You really see how people are so open and friendly and kind in the community, even for being kind of a small community compared to other places in Florida. Q. When you saw past contestants make it to the Top 5, did you think that could be you? A. I always knew I wanted to do big things with my life and make a difference to people and make an impact. Honestly, if you asked me a couple of months ago if I saw myself up there, I would probably say no. But I’m so blessed for the opportunity.
Chloe Hopper was named as a 2022 Florida Strawberry Festival Court member on Saturday, Jan. 22.
Q. What are great hang-out spots in Plant City? A. Parksdale is amazing. They have all different flavored shakes. They have the best strawberry shakes and cute little places you can sit and talk with your family and friends. Also, downtown. I moved
down there two years ago and that’s where I found my first job. There’s so many cute sandwich shops. Q. What was your favorite segment from the queen pageant? A. I would say my favorite part of it was answering the question on stage after making Top 10, which was really nerve-racking at first. I was about to do my last turn off the stage and I was literally in tears, like I’m actually up here right now doing this. Something that I never saw myself doing. I was really proud of myself in that moment. Q. What were you thinking when your name was called out in the Top 5? A. For Top 10 and Top 5, my number was one of the first ones called so I didn’t even have time to process it or stress in a sense. It was like a relief at the same time, but it was also like ‘Whoa, did I hear that right?’ Just walking up there and hearing
my family and friends cheer me on, it was a total rush of adrenaline. Q. How did the support system from your loved ones motivate you? A. It wasn’t just my family there to watch me, there was family friends, and my close girlfriend from school. For a four-hour long event, that’s amazing that they want to take time out of their day to watch me. Q. If you could incorporate anything into Plant City, what would it be? A. Not even specifically a place added on to downtown Plant City, but just like a feeling. They were having an opportunity for people to come and paint murals. Me and my mom were like ‘Lets do a project and let’s go paint a big one on one of the walls in downtown.’ So I would love to do that with her at some point this year.
OPEN ENROLLMENT 2022-2023 COMING SOON
LIMITED SEATS STILL AVAILABLE FOR THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR Cupos limitados estan disponibles para este año escolar
College Preparatory • Comprehensive Curriculum • Galileo MS Program
Edventure Before/After School Program • FREE Microsoft Office 365 & Student E-mail
ADVANTAGE ACADEMY OF HILLSBOROUGH GRADES K – 8 AdvantageAcademyHillsborough.com 304 W Prosser Drive, Plant City, FL 33563 | 813-567-0801
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
|
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
Q&A
PlantCityObserver.com
MEET 2022 COURT TAMIA WILLIAMS
Court Member WILLIAMS FASHION DOMINATED RUNWAY
BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
Q. What is it about Plant City that you cherish? A. I just love being in the atmosphere of Plant City. You feel welcome. I really love being here. Q. When you saw past contestants make it to the Top 5, did you think that could be you? A. I never thought that I would be in this position. I never thought that could personally be me. But going to high school really helped me with that. Once the preparation started and the encouragement, it really inspired me that I could be in this position. Q. What are great hang-out spots in Plant City? A. One of my personal favorites is the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center. It has been remodeled and since then, a lot of the kids from downtown Plant City, they come to that area to play
recreational sports and they have Zumba classes there. I actually had the honor of practicing volleyball there for my volleyball team. It’s really a nice gym. My second favorite is Starbucks, mainly because I work there.
Q. How did the support system from your loved ones motivate you? A. My family is very supportive. I remember my very best friend and she is one of my biggest supporters.
Q. What was your favorite segment from the queen pageant? A. I loved the opening number just because I’m a dancer and I love performing in front of people. As soon as the opening number was called, I was like ‘Yes, I’m down, I’m ready.’
Q. If you could incorporate anything into Plant City, what would it be? A. A skating rink. I think it would change Plant City a lot. If we could have our own skating rink versus having to go to another city, I think it would really bring the youth together.
Q. What were you thinking when your name was called out in the Top 5? A. I’m a strong believer of if it’s meant to happen, then it will happen. When they called Top 5, my number was one of the last ones called. Normally I am a confident person, but at that moment, I had no confidence at all.
Tamia Williams was named as a 2022 Florida Strawberry Festival Court member on Saturday, Jan. 22.
7
8
COPS CORNER
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
|
PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27 , 2022
PLANT CITY
This week on Cops Corner: Plant City
Observer
Police investigate a trailer without a tag, an errant driver and damage done at a construction site.
Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com
istock
Sports Writer / Taylor Jenkins tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com
JAN. 14
JAN. 15
TAGGED OUT
A PACKAGE DEAL
S. Collins St. / W. Grant St. Warrant arrest: An officer made contact with the suspect during a traffic stop in reference to towing a trailer without a tag. A computer check revealed an active warrant and the suspect was taken into custody and transported to Orient Road Jail after the warrant was confirmed.
600 block of E. Alexander St. Theft: Officers made contact with the complainant who advised them that a package delivered by Amazon on Jan. 14 was stolen from his front door.
NIGHT TRAIN 100 block of N. Palmer St. Aggravated assault, discharge firearm in public: Officers responded to the train depot in reference to a report of a gunshot. After their arrival, the suspect was placed under arrest for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm in public and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.
Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com
LOCK UP
STAY IN YOUR LANE Strawberry Patch Cir. / W. Baker St. Drug investigation: Officers conducted a traffic stop when the suspect failed to maintain a single lane. The suspect was then placed under arrest for driving with a suspended/revoked license with knowledge and possession of methamphetamine and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.
700 block of W. Renfro St. Vehicle burglary: Officers met with the victim who reported that his unlocked vehicle had been entered and a firearm and wallet were stolen. THE BIG BOOM 600 block of Charlie Taylor Rd. Grand theft/criminal mischief: Officers met with the site manager at the listed location who advised them that an unknown suspect had moved/attempted to steal a boom lift valued at $90,000 and that it got stuck in the sand over the weekend. Damage was done to the lift in the process. WINDOW PAINS 2700 block of Thonotosassa Rd. Criminal mischief: Officers met with the hotel manager at the listed location who advised them that an unknown suspect had
fired two bullets through the fourth floor window sometime during the night.
Staff Writer / Brian Fernandes bfernandes@plantcityobserver.com
JAN. 19
Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com
Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez
UNHAPPY TRAILS 2000 block of S. Frontage Rd. Theft: Officers met with the victim who advised them that her homemade 4x8 trailer that was attached to her vehicle had been stolen from the hotel parking lot at the listed location. CLOSED CASE 2000 block of N. Wheeler St. Trespass: Officers conducted a check of a closed business at the listed location and made contact with the victim who was subsequently arrested for trespass after warning and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.
TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850
Advertising / Richard Brame richard@plantcityobserver.com Advertising / Karen Berry kberry@plantcityobserver.com
CONTACT US
The Plant City Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. The Plant City Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B. 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 Observer, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B, Plant City, FL 33563
FOLLOW US Facebook: Plant City Observer Instagram: @plcobserver Twitter: @PlantObserver
O Plant City Observer
is locally owned by Ed Verner, Karen Berry, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes
This week’s Sudoku answers
The Plant City Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC.
This week’s Crossword answers This week’s answers Jumbles:
110 E. Reynolds, Suite 100B Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850
PLAZA EMPTY MINGLE ZODIAC Answer: The little green man from outer space felt alone and -- ALIENATED
Publishers of the
Plant City Observer
PlantCityObserver.com ©Copyright Plant City Media LLC 2018 All Rights Reserved
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
|
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
NEW PCPD TECH, BETTER EFFICIENCY POLICE TECH PROVIDES MORE SERVICE FOR THE COMMUNITY
BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
Dispatchers use the closest WiFi router to determine where the call is located. Dispatchers use colorcoded maps to divide the city into those nine zones. Also, the police department is set to receive a new computer aided dispatch and records management system to replace what is currently being used. The older system has not been updated in decades. “Due to its age, customer service and text support has declined,” said James Bradford, chief of police at the Plant City Police Department. Not only is there a decline in customer service, but also technical support from the current provider. It also has no mapping capabilities for dispatch or in a car’s mobile terminal. The new Motorola Solutions will have new features, such as mapping capabilities like what is already found in the communications department.
It will also be equipped with data analytics and re c o rd m a n a ge m e n t which will provide better service from both the police department and fire department. “Motorola Solutions has a proven track record of responsiveness and reliability,” Bradford said. It is an integrated call control solution with a single map view of events. Call takers can quickly share centralized data. This system is already being used in 2,000 police departments, sheriff ’s offices, communications centers, fire departments, and correctional facilities nationwide. The cost for the system will exceed $1.3 million dollars over a five-year span.
9
10
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
|
PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
CLOSING CENTENNIAL CEREMONY
WOMAN’S CLUB EVENT CELEBRATION FOR 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Paul Shaver, director of library services at Bruton Memorial holds up a painting with Jossie Azorin at the Bruton Memorial Library on Sunday, Jan. 23. Azorin of the Woman’s Club of Plant City donated her painting to the library for the club’s 100th year anniversary.
BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
The Woman’s Club of Plant City held a final ceremony to close a week-long celebration for its 100th year anniversary on Sunday, Jan. 23. The community came out to help the local Woman’s Club recognize its centennial milestone, held at Bruton Memorial Library. The Plant City branch belongs to the larger General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), which serves nationwide. Among those in attendance were Woman’s Club district members and GFWC Florida President Dianne Foerster. The club also took the time to recognize several of its past presidents who were seated in the audience. “We have great people, and I’m very proud of you,” said Patricia Wolff, president of the Woman’s Club of Plant City. She went on to recognize Cookie Smith, a club member who has given her services to Bruton Memorial Library for almost 60 years. “For 58 years, she dedicated her life to volunteer here in the library,” Wolff explained. “We don’t have words to thank you. It’s amazing.” In fact, Smith has a room in the library that is dedicated to her – the Marion Cook (Cookie) Smith Reading and Conference Room. Vice Mayor Michael Sparkman gave the proclamation and spoke about the club’s crowning achievements throughout its first 100 years. U.S. House Representative Scott Franklin, of the 15th Congressional District of Florida, sent a letter congratulating the local Woman’s Club. He stated that, “One hundred years ago, the club’s original 93 charted members felt strongly about the idea of service to the community and for that reason, laid the foundation for the club in the auditorium of Plant City High School. Today the club continues to bring new ideas and fresh enthusiasm to a tradition of community service that has spanned a generation.” The local Woman’s Club’s origins were further expanded upon as a history lesson was presented by Gil Gott, former executive director of the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center. Since it was established on Jan. 29, 1922, the Woman’s Club of Plant City has made contributions for the betterment of its town. This includes helping to keep Plant City aesthetically pleasing, organizing the Plant City Garden Club, and providing students with scholarships. Donations to veterans and hospitals are several ways in which it has also given back to the community. And it has helped lay the foundation for a Plant City library. On June 21, 1929, the club opened the first library with only 317 books, but still needed adequate space. In 1933, the club moved the library to the Miller House, which is now known as Bruton Memorial Library.
Many club members played a pivotal role in getting their first library operating, including Annie Schneider, Mary Noel Moody and G.B. Wells. “Annie was the driver of the whole concept of a library…of civic activities,” Gott said. Her home served as a meeting place for women at the corner of Wheeler Street and Reynolds Street. Gott went on to state that Moody was a diligent worker and an advocate for suffrage and equality. “We are so proud that…our greatest accomplishment is building libraries all over this country,” Foerster said. The Plant City club still continues to support Bruton Memorial Library. It’s tradition that when a member passes away the Woman’s Club gives the library a donation, so that a book can be purchased in honor of them. Club member Jossie Azorin is an artist who celebrates 58 years in the club. At the ceremony, not only was she recognized, but she donated one of her paintings to the library. On Sunday, Jan. 16, the Woman’s Club had a ribbon cutting for a little free library -a house-shaped bookshelf placed outdoors. Its purpose is to encourage more reading. Kids can place a book on the shelf and take out a new one in exchange. “The Woman’s Club of Plant City has a history of continual service to this city in every area,” Foerster said.
Courtesy of Patricia Wolff Patricia Wolff, president of the Woman’s Club of Plant City, and Jack Holland former director of the Plant City Parks and Recreation Department, present the little free library to the public.
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
|
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
Black Heritage Weekend PC Black Heritage Celebration Inc. host events for Black History Month
BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
The 19th Annual Black Heritage Educational and Cultural Festival returns to Plant City, during Feb. 11, 12. and 13. The Plant City Black Heritage Celebration, Inc. is sponsoring the three-day festival with the theme entitled ‘Health and Wellness for All.’ On Friday, Feb. 11, a gala event will take place at the Hillsborough Community College – Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Rd, in Plant City. Starting at 6:30 p.m., the function will present Former Hillsborough County Commissioner Lesley Miller, who will serve as the master of ceremony. The keynote speaker will be Derrick McBride, author of the book, One Search for All. Tickets are $45 per person, which are tax deductible and non-refundable, and will not be available at the door. Checks can be made to: Plant City Black Heritage 1902 Bond St. Plant City, FL 33563 Saturday, Feb. 12 will be an eventful day beginning with a youth summit from 9 a.m. to noon. It will take place at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center, 302 S. Maryland Ave., in Plant City. The summit will be free of charge for all, and youth participants will receive free breakfast and lunch.
Church and youth school groups with youth ages 10 and up are invited, with the opportunity to win cash prizes. A Black Heritage gospel concert will close the festival on Sunday, Feb. 13 at 4 p.m. The lively musical entertainment will take place at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 604 W. Ball St., in Plant City. For more information, please contact Sharon Moody at (813) 453-7134 or SharonMoody91@yahoo.com; Marion Cole at (813) 759-8581 or MarionCole@aol.com; or Cynthia Bailey at (813) 477-7433 or CX97@aol.com.
Photos courtesy of Plant City Black Heritage Celebration Inc.
Top: Lesley Miller Former Hillsborough County Commissioner Lesley Miller will be the master of ceremony for the Black Heritage Gala event in Plant City, on Friday, Feb. 11. Bottom: Derrick McBride Author Derrick McBride will be the keynote speaker for the Black Heritage Gala event in Plant City, on Friday, Feb. 11.
OPEN ENROLLMENT 2022-2023 COMING SOON
LIMITED SEATS STILL AVAILABLE FOR THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR College Preparatory • Comprehensive Curriculum • Galileo MS Program
Edventure Before/After School Program • FREE Microsoft Office 365 & Student E-mail
INDEPENDENCE ACADEMY GRADES K – 8 IACADEMIES.COM 312902 East US Highway 92, Dover, FL 33527 | 813-473-8600
11
12
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
|
PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
WINE TASTING TO HELP FUND SCHOOL The Achieve Plant City school is holding its annual fundraiser to maintain classes BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
Achieve Plant City will once again host its annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction Fundraiser on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022. The event will be from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and held at the Hillsborough Community College – Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Rd., in Plant City. The proceeds collected will help Achieve Plant City provide necessary equipment and learning materials to push its mission of education forward. The school helps to teach fundamental skills such as learning to speak English and how to read. It’s a service for disadvantaged families that takes on adults and their children as students. Angelica Ibarra is the founder of Achieve and has seen success stories as her students have obtained an education and have gone on to prosper. “We prepare young children to succeed in school through our early childhood and after-school enrichment programs,” Ibarra said. “We offer adult literacy education and parenting workshops so that the parents are better prepared to support their children’s education and development. We believe that by helping children and families develop a strong educational foundation, the places they can go will be limitless.” Last year was an eventful time for Achieve as it had moved into its new location at the Wesley Centre and it celebrated its 10-year anniversary. Wine enthusiasts are welcomed to offer their support to help the school continue its momentum forward. Individual tickets are $75. The $300 achieve supporter donation will offer one high-top table at the event for up to four guests.
Achieve Plant City will host its annual fundraising event on Friday, Feb. 18. Proceeds will go toward supplying the school with necessary materials.
The $600 book-lover donation will come with one table and accepts up to eight guests. The $1,000 author donation will offer not only a table for up to eight guests, but also a chance for a business to have its logo posted on event materials. The $2,500 poet donation will come with a table for up to eight guests, allows businesses to advertise themselves with logos
on event materials, plus recognition from the presenters and two bottles of wine. And the $5,000 scholar donation will offer two tables with up to 16 guests and businesses can have their logos advertised on event materials. In addition to being recognized by the presenters, the donor will have the opportunity to speak before the audience and will be granted two bottles of wine for each table.
Reservations are to be made by Friday, Feb. 11. To R.S.V.P. or for further information, visit AchievePlantCity.org, call (813) 7524010. Angelica Ibarra can also be emailed at Angelica@AchievePlantCity.org.
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
|
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
SAGE DENTAL OF PLANT CITY
GRAND
PENING
Sage is your one-stop shop for dental care!
Cosmetic Dentistry
Periodontics
Emergency Care
Implants
FREE
EXAM & X-RAYS
Crowns & Bridges
Root Canals
+ OFF + 100
$
every $400 of general treatment*
Cleanings
FREE ProClean
Sonic Toothbrush*
Schedule your appointment today. (813) 733-5217 | mysagedental.com/plant-city *Offer valid for new patient appointments completed within 30 days of this advertisement ONLY. Toothbrush offer valid 1 per patient. Offer may be redeemed upon completion of new patient exam, X-rays, and hygiene appointment. Offer is non-transferable. Total offer value $382. Free exam, X-rays, and $100 off every $400 of General Treatment may not be combined with Dental HMO, PPO, government reimbursements, or other discounts, treatment offers, or programs, except existing VIP or SageCare+ member discount. Must mention offer to redeem. Offer valid on total outstanding treatment performed by a general dentist. Not valid for orthodontics or specialty treatment. Dr. Cindy Roark DN16590/Sage Dental Group of Florida,PLLC and DN013293/Sage Dental Group Of Georgia, PLLC, 951 Broken Sound Parkway, Suite 250, Boca Raton, Florida 33487.
13
14
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
|
PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
CLUB MEMBERS RECEIVE PRIZES FROM BUCS Boys and Girls Clubs of Plant City Received Generous Donation from Bucs Players
BRIAN FERNANDES
Members of the Boys and Girls Club at Marshall Middle Magnet School attended a
STAFF WRITER
It’s one thing for members of the local Boys and Girls Club to be recognized on the field by fellow football teammates, however, it’s another when they receive recognition from professional football players in the National Football League (NFL). The West Plant City Boys and Girls Club ,as well as those at Tomlin Middle School and Marshall Middle Magnet School, received surprise gifts from Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ players Leonard Fournette and Tristan Wirfs. The Boys and Girls Club of Tampa Bay selected the three Plant City clubs to join them in receiving early Christmas gifts. Fournette distributed Walmart gift cards among the kids, each worth $125.
CONGRATS Mariana Gutierrez ON YOUR TOP 10 FINISH! Fryed Egg
WHERE EVERY JOB IS MADE TO ORDER
• BRANDING & CREATIVE • EVENT MANAGEMENT • MARKETING
• DIGITAL MEDIA • STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT • CONSULTING & COACHING
Let us tell your story! info@FryedEggProductions.com | 813-478-0494 103 Evers Street, Plant City, FL 33563
www.FryedEgg.com
Bucs game. Photo courtesy of Maverick Lawrence.
“I was very grateful when I heard of it and I was very surprised that somebody would do that for us,” said Allan Hess, a student at Marshall Middle. He and other members from his club were ready to put the gift cards to good use. They made a trip to a Walmart in Tampa where they went on a shopping spree. In total, 80 kids roamed from aisle to aisle and one department to the next. Some knew exactly what they wanted before they stepped through the doors, while others were selective in choosing what they felt was worthy of making it into their carts. Club member Leah Perez wasn’t hesitant to buy within her budget. “I had to scavenger hunt, but I was in a group with a lot of my friends,” the sixth-
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
grader said. “I got two Nerf guns [and] a camera with some lens.” However, in a selfless act of kindness, students also thought about what to purchase for their loved ones. Perez added to her cart a toy for her baby sister. Marley Olmedo picked out jewelry for her sister and mother. “It was a good experience,” she said. “I had a lot of fun. I knew what I was going to buy because it was typically based off of Christmas presents.” The eighth-grader was also one of the selected few to benefit from a gift from Wirfs. The football star granted students free passes to attend one of two Bucs games, where their images were posted on the jumbotron. For Olmedo, the fun only heightened. She caught a ball that a player tossed into the crowd during warm-ups. It was good practice as she plans to try out for the girls’ football team in her Boys and Girls Club. Hess was excited when Marshall Middle Principal Dennis Mayo chose him to be a spectator on the bleachers. “I took the opportunity and I ended up going to a Bucs game,” he said. “I thought that was pretty cool.” Maverick Lawrence is a program director for the local club at Marshall Middle. He too, was impressed by the donation that his group of kids received.
“It’s something thats given me a lot of faith in the community,” Lawrence said. “They don’t have to know you to be able to give, they just want to give with their heart.” That’s a lesson he said he wants his kids to take away from the experience – that generosity is a core value that can go a long way. It was exemplified when the students were considerate in buying gifts not only for themselves, but for others. And it’s a value that Lawrence and other program leaders try to instill in the kids through their community outreach. Periodically, they write letters to veterans and nursing homes. Also, on Mondays they volunteer to clean their school. “I always tell my kids that if you do good, good will come to you,” Lawrence said. Perez noted that when she gets older, she wants to donate to the organization that provided her opportunities – the Boys and Girls Club. She has a cousin with a heart condition, and because of the medical treatment given, Perez would like to fund hospitals. Lawrence noted that he wants the Boys and Girls Club to produce kind-hearted kids who can spark a smile on others, the way two Bucs players did for them.
Member FDIC
Happy New Year from The Bank of Tampa.
Wishing you a prosperous 2022! At The Bank of Tampa, the relationships we have with our clients and communities go far beyond transactional banking—we stand by them every step of the way, during the good times and the uncertain ones. Each person, business, and situation is unique. You deserve personalized service. You deserve a relationship. And we are in the relationship business. 509 W ALEXANDER ST. | PLANT CITY, FL | 33563
813.707.6506 thebankoftampa.com
|
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
15
16
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
|
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
PlantCityObserver.com
OVERHAULED FORD F-150 IS TRULY THE PICKUP LEADER!
CUTEST CRITTER
Do you want Plant City to see how cute your favorite pets are? Send your pictures to Staff Writer Brian Fernandes at bfernandes@plantcityobserver.com to be featured. Photo courtesy of Nitish S. Rele
NITISH S. RELE
DAENERYS: Dani is a 14 month old goldendoodle, currently in training to be a mobility service dog for her owner.
Did you know that the Ford F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in the United States for over 30 years and the bestselling pickup for 43 years? Now that is an accomplishment speaking volumes of this remarkable truck that can seat from three to six people. Ford engineers have stepped up the game for this 14th-gen pickup with a major facelift, though structurally it maintains its status quo. The rear-wheel or four-wheel-drive pickup comes in several power train choices. Our test drive was the 5.0-liter V-8 pumping out 400 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 410 pounds-feet of torque @ 4250 rpm while mated to a fluent 10-speed gear box. A double wishbone front and leaf spring rear suspension soaks obstacles with dexterity, sure-footedness and poise. A rack-and-pinion, electric power steering system affords outstanding feedback. Tow capacity for the F-150 Lariat 4X4 was an incredible 13,000 pounds, Cab styles are in regular, SuperCab (extended) and SuperCrew (crew cab) and range from 5½-foot to 8-foot beds. The fully boxed, high steel strength frame shows off a chromed two-bar grille hosting the familiar Ford emblem with new active grille shutters and power dome hood. Also updated are the LED headlights, cab and tailgate looks. As soon as you step into the cabin, the mammoth centered 12-inch touch screen for operating phone, nav and infotainment features will draw your interest. Also the driver will notice the similar sized digital instrument cluster with the
F-150 (LARIAT) Tires: 275/60R20 Wheelbase: 145.4 inches Length: 231.7 inches Height: 77.2 inches Width: 79.9 inches Weight: 4,661 pounds Fuel capacity: 36 gallons City: 16 mpg Highway: 22 mpg Base price: $51,330 Price as tested: $69,405 Web site: www.ford.com
driver information center in between the speedometer and tachometer. Other treats include 10-way power heated front seats, overhead console, woodgrain-style trim, 60/40 rear bench, dual auto a/c, power adjustable pedals and a leather tilt/telescopic steering wheel. Well-placed storage bins and cubbies are scattered throughout. There also are numerous options to fit the needs of any buyer like the $995 Pro Power Onboard, a 2-kilowatt output electric generator for operating appliances while on the road or stationary. Apart from dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes, AdvanceTrac with electronic stability control, rearview camera, antiskid system and tire pressure monitoring system, other standard safety features are auto high beams, blind spot monitor with cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, auto emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and a rearview camera with dynamic hitch assist. The revamped F-150 boasts plentiful room for cargo and passengers, admirable tow capacity while backed by a forceful engine. No wonder, the aluminum-alloy body pickup has led in sales for more than four decades in the U.S. and for many more to come, we are certain.
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.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
SPORTS
DISTRICT TOURNAMENTS KICK OFF Postseason play begins for Plant City area soccer teams this week.
TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER
As the 2021-2022 high school soccer season comes to a close, district tournaments will kick off for Plant City area soccer teams and continue throughout the rest of the week and next week as well. Below is a preview of the action ahead for Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest. DURANT
Durant’s boys team put together one of their most successful seasons in years, finishing the regular season with an 8-4-1 record and reaching their highest singleseason win total since going 16-8-2 in 2010-2011. After losing two of their first three contests, falling to Plant and Newsome, the Cougars rattled off an eight game unbeaten streak that included seven wins and a 0-0 draw against Sumner. Despite the strong mid-season run, Durant ended the year on a two-game skid, with a narrow 2-1 loss to 8-3-2 Wharton and a 4-0 loss to 10-1-1 Freedom. In their first meeting early in the year, Durant fell to Newsome 3-0. The boys will start their district tournament against 11-6-1 Newsome on Monday, Jan. 31, advancing straight to the 7A District 7 semifinal after earning a bye through the quarterfinal round as the district’s No. 3 seed.
Durant’s girls team put together arguably the best campaign among Plant City area teams this season, finishing the year with a 14-3-2 record and their lone losses coming at the hands of 13-3 Plant, 10-4-3 Newsome and 15-3-4 Sickles. Durant was led by four double-digit goalscorers, all coming from different classes. Senior Jenna Jorgensen’s set the pace with 16 goals. Junior Katlyn Levasseur finished just behind Jorgensen with 14 goals, followed by sophomore Rachel Horn’s 13 goals and freshman MyKala Ulrich’s 12 goals. Durant’s girls finished as the second seed in the 7A District 7 standings, earning a bye of their own through the quarterfinal round. They will kick against No. 3 seed Newsome on Friday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m.
contests. Plant City will begin their district tournament against 8-5 Riverview on Thursday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. The Raiders lost to Riverview 4-0 in their previous contest. Plant City’s girls put together an 8-4-1 record this year, a slight improvement over their 7-5-1 record the year before, but that wasn’t enough to secure a bye through to the semifinals in a tough district that also includes 11-1-3 Lakewood Ranch, 14-3-2 Durant and 10-4-3 Newsome. Led by an experienced upperclass trio of goal-scorers in Jasmin Molina, Kiana Kropp and Arisbeth Gutierrez, the Raiders will play 8-5 Riverview on Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. In their previous meeting earlier this season, Plant City bested Riverview with a 3-2 victory.
PLANT CITY
STRAWBERRY CREST
On the heels of an extremely strong 2020-2021 season in which Plant City’s boys put together a 15-3-1 record with a district championship win over Bloomingdale and a trip to the regional semifinals, they started their season 1-1 with a loss to Shorecrest Prep and a 3-2 win over Strawberry Crest before finding just two wins and 10 losses over their next 12 contests. Despite the midseason struggles for a team that saw 13 seniors graduate the year before, the young Raiders team bounced back at the end of the year with three wins and a draw in their last four regular season
Strawberry Crest’s boys found themselves battling in a district where seeds were separated by narrow margins, earning the third seed at 7-5-1 as Wharton finished with the second seed at 8-3-2 and Hillsborough just behind them in the fourth seed at 5-6-1. Strawberry Crest was led in scoring by junior Eliel Arroyo, followed by sophomore Edwin Alejandro and senior Moez Bouazizi. In a six-team 6A District 10 where just two teams earned a bye, the Chargers faced a 2-9 Armwood Hawks team on Wednesday.
After two consecutive district championships, their first district titles in school history, Strawberry Crest’s girls began their search for another this week. Led by star junior forward Ezra Carpenter, named one of Plant City’s Top 5 Athletes by the Plant City Observer in 2021, the Chargers compiled a 7-3-3 record and earned the third seed in 6A District 10. Carpenter scored a staggering 24 goals in 11 contests throughout the 2021-2022 regular seasonstraw, followed by sophomores Raegan Monroe with six goals and Gabrielle Broding with four goals. The Chargers played 4-6-1 Hillsborough on Wednesday night. While both of Strawberry Crest’s games were played prior to publishing, the contests came after the Plant City Observer had gone to press on Wednesday evening. Continued district tournament coverage will be provided.
Taylor Jenkins is the Sports Writer at the Plant City Observer. Email: tjenkins@ plantcityobserver.com.
LOCAL PREPS SCOREBOARD Boys Soccer - Jan. 18-19
Girls Soccer - Jan. 18-21
FREEDOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 DURANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
SICKLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 DURANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
ALONSO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 PLANT CITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
ALONSO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 PLANT CITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
RIVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 STRAWBERRY CREST . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
RIVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 STRAWBERRY CREST . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Boys Basketball - Jan. 25 DURANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SANTA FE CATHOLIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . STRAWBERRY CREST . . . . . . . . . . . . . SEFFNER CHRISTIAN . . . . . . . . . . .
75 81 52 69
Girls Basketball - Jan. 25 STRAWBERRY CREST . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 GAITHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
18
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
|
PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
DURANT BASEBALL SEARCHES FOR SUCCESS AFTER FINAL FOUR RUN LAST SEASON
The Cougars have high hopes for 2022 despite the loss of several key starters.
TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER
It’s hard to find an area that has found more success in the high school baseball world than Plant City in recent years. In 2018, Strawberry Crest earned a spot in the FHSAA Final Four, reaching the state semifinals. The following season, Strawberry Crest made their way back to the Final Four where they ultimately faced crosstown rival Plant City in the state finals, falling 3-1 to the Raiders. The state tournament was cancelled in 2020, but Durant made a Final Four run of their own in 2021, reaching the semifinals themselves and ultimately finishing the year with a 22-6 record. Hopes remain high for Durant as the 2022 season inches closer, but the Cougars will have a new look and will have to find success despite the loss of 14 seniors that graduated in 2021, none bigger than starting pitcher Sean Hermann, a 14th round selection by the New York Yankees last spring.
And while Dylan LaPointe led the Cougars in runs batted in as a sophomore last year, four of their next five leaders were graduating seniors. As for innings pitched? Hermann led the unit handily, followed by two more seniors in Zander Fisk and Ronnie Galleti. But that’s the nature of high school ball. Seniors leave each spring and the onus is passed on to younger players as they get their opportunity to step up. “Summer ball was a little different, looking at the young ones coming in,” head coach Butch Valdes said. “Fall was good. We lost 14 seniors so it’s trying to figure out how we’re going to move things around but we actually have a lot of players who got some playing time last year. So we’re going to have a good group coming back, it’s nice.” While it ultimately counts for very little once the spring rolls around, Durant lost just one game during their fall season, a promising look ahead for the young group. In addition to a large class of sophomores that will look to make an impact around the remaining upperclassmen, Durant was also
able to bolster the roster with a couple of additional seniors that have transferred in. “We had a few kids that transferred over but then we have some young kids that are stepping up,” Valdes said. “You’ve got Blaine Rowland who’s a sophomore, he’s committed to Florida. Carlos Morales is another one, he’s a sophomore and he’s going to be a heck of a hitter. He was in my lineup his freshman year. We’re going to be OK, we’re going to be competitive.” Durant will kick off 2022 with a round robin preseason classic with Plant City and Bloomingdale from Feb. 14 to Feb. 16 before opening the regular season at home against Freedom on Feb. 18. “If they do what they did during the fall, we’ll be OK,” Valdes said about how good this team can be. “If the pitching comes through, that’s the key because we don’t have a Sean Hermann. Blaine Rowland is very good, very good, but he’s also a sophomore so he doesn’t have that experience yet. I think we’re going to be OK and that we’re going to make a good run for it.”
Taylor Jenkins is the Sports Writer at the Plant City Observer. Email: tjenkins@ plantcityobserver.com.
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
|
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
19
YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN
289704-1
We asked Plant City: What’s your favorite part about living in or visiting Plant City? “My dad lived on Baker St. and met my mom at Bells Lunch where she was a waitress. They married and my dad built our house himself on Evers St. where I grew up and went to Burney, Tomlin and graduated from Plant City. I’ve been here all my life and raised my three kids, of which two still live here. Where would I go?” - Lynett Brownlee Griffin “My husband’s family lives here. And the people I’ve met are amazing and kind.” - Stefanie Gulley Binnion
“The people, so friendly!” - Vicky Van Haus Ward “The flea market on Wednesdays and the Strawberry Fest.” - Robert Morris “Everyone knows each other.” - Frank Cummings
“I live the country life. But right around the corner is the city.” - Tina Casto Baccamazzi “Parkesdale Farm Market and one of my favorite towns to visit when I was living in Orlando.” - Mason Morris
“Our location. Not too busy, not too sleepy.” - Chris Weber
“Strawberries, family and beautiful community.” - Diane Scarborough Renberg
“Visiting friends and seeing how much it’s changed.” - Ryan Clark
“My relatives and Fred’s.” - Michael Charles
20
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
Janie Eason Janie Eason, 86, of Plant City, Fla., born in Ft. Meade on Sept. 2, 1935, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 18, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
|
PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
Richard Wayne Bourdeau Richard Wayne Bourdeau, 73, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Jan. 19, 2022. Richard was a United States Army Vietnam Veteran. Services will be held privately. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.
HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM
Junior ‘Doad’ Lee Hughes Junior “Doad” Lee Hughes, 87, of Lithia, Fla., born in Turtle Town, Tenn. on February 6, 1934, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 18, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM
Marsha ‘Cherry’ Haber
Marsha “Cherry” Haber, 56, of Mulberry, Fla., passed away on Jan. 19, 2022. Funeral services were held Jan. 25, 2022 at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.
Gladys Audrey Hewitt Lefler
Gladys Audrey Hewitt Lefler, 100, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Jan. 22, 2022 She was born in Mayo, Florida, grew up in Kathleen, and lived all of her adult life in Plant City. She was predeceased by her parents, Ben and Maggie (Kirby) Hewitt, husband, James Lefler; sons Lester and Maurice, grandson, Allan Lefler, 5 siblings, Broward Hewitt (Helen), HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM Ed Hewitt, Florice Jackson (Ed), Edith Hewitt, and Bertha Bembry Joyce Keene (Lewis). She is survived by daughLayton ters Carol Brooks (Tom) and Faye HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM Cook; son, James Randy (Cathy), Joyce Keene Layton, 91, daughter-in-law, Betty Lefler, of Plant City, Florida, born in sister-in-law, Mable Hewitt, 9 Starke, Florida on June 10, grandchildren, 12 great grandchil1930, entered into eternal dren, 2 great-great grandchildren rest on January 23, 2022. and over 40 nieces and nephews. Expressions of condolence Gladys was a faithful Christian, at HopewellFuneral.com. being a member of the Church of Christ all of her adult life. She retired from Sears, then volunteered with the Auxiliary (Pink HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM Ladies) at South Florida Baptist ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY Hospital for about 20 years. She FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES taught Sunday school and Ladies
Bible Class at the Springhead Church of Christ for many years, prepared food for others, and hosted countless events at the family home. She was a member of the Plant City Church of Christ in her later years. She cared for her husband during his ill health. Then she cared for her own mother in her final years. She was a farmer’s wife who knew the value of hard work and taught it to her children. Our matriarch led by example and leaves a legacy of love and faithfulness to Jesus Christ. Funeral Services will be at Haught Funeral Home on Saturday, Jan. 29. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. and services at 11:00. Flowers or donations to Mt. Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home (www.MDCAAcademy.org) or Attn: Teal Team, Lifepath Hospice, 11150 No. 53 rd St., Temple Terrace, FL 33617 will be welcomed and appreciated. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care
HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM
Catherine Jones
Catherine Jones, 84, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Jan. 21, 2022. She was the daughter of the late Henry and Hazel Juanita Davis. Survived by her daughters, Donna (Kirk) Naylor, Tamara (Ray) Smith, sister, Diane Calhoun, grandchildren, Ryan (Jennifer) Townsend, Breanna (Nicki) Johns, Stephanie (Scott) Leach, April (James) Peterson, Shane (Jessica) Smith, Jessica (Carlos) Lassalle, Jeremy Naylor, fifteen grandchildren, two great- great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Catherine was preceded in death by her husband J.W. Jones, sisters, Fern Calhoun, Violet Roney, Rose Georges. Catherine was a member of East Thonotosassa Baptist Church; she was the founder and owner of Weddings by Catherine. She loved spending time with her family and friends. If so, desired donations can be made to East Thonotosassa Baptist Church, 12735 Knights Griffin Road Thonotosassa, Florida 33592. The family will receive friends Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at East Thonotosassa Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 2:30 p.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.
HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
Frederick Martin Pozeznik, age 66, of Plant City, Florida, passed away after a three-year battle with frontal lobe dementia surrounded by the love of his family on Sunday evening, December 19th, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Nikki Pozeznik, his children, Kate, Alli, Chris, his stepson, Adam, his grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Wren, Selena, and Sophia, his mother Mardelle, his siblings Diane and Roger, and family pets George, Cali Cat, and Jack. He was preceded in death by his father, Martin Pozeznik, and beloved pets Zoey and Casper. Fred was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and grew up on Nazarene Farm, a 400-acre dairy farm where he was responsible for chores like milking cows and bailing hay. He graduated from Comstock High school in 1973 where he enjoyed playing football and pole-vaulting on the track team. Fred loved working with people and people loved working with him. His warm personality, laid- back nature, and entrepreneurial spirit brought him success throughout his career. Fred sold
out and proud of how well-cared-for the residents were at Coventry. Fred and his wife Nikki enjoyed rescuing cats and dogs and he became known as the resident pet whisperer. In their last demonstration of loyalty to Fred, the family pets, George and Cali Cat, were at his bedside during his final hours. One of Fred’s passions in life was Notre Dame football and he held his patronage strong to the football legacy long after he left the Midwest. When his son Chris moved to Florida and Notre Dame football was playing, chances were that you’d find the two of them in Fred’s man cave watching the game together. Fred held a myriad of hobbies and interests over the course of his life. He played racquetball, loved to fly drones (and once won the Plant City water tower award for his aerial photo), enjoyed listening to Classic Rock, relaxing poolside with his family, dancing to live music, watching all Sci-fi movies he could get his hands on, riding his Harley, and after his retirement, helping out his friends and neighbors as a public notary. Fred had retirement dreams of traveling around the US in an RV, owning a powered parachute, spending time with his family, and many more beach days. We are saddened that we don’t get to have Fred with us on our adventures anymore but are so proud of everything he accom-
21
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
plished and experienced in his short 66 years. We will keep him in our hearts always. May Fred’s legacy inspire us all to be adventurous, brave enough to start new chapters in our life, and carefree enough to get out on the dance floor. “The family is honoring Fred with a donation to Crossed Paws Pet Rescue in Winter Haven, FL.” A Celebration of Life will be held privately.
OBITUARIES
Frederick Martin Pozeznik
custom trucks at Cabriolet and Freightliner, worked at an ad agency, and most recently owned and operated Coventry Assisted Living. Fred had 3 children with Deb Wezensky. They raised the family in Indiana and Fred enjoyed launching rockets, flying dual-line kites, photographing his kids’ sporting events, cheering for the Chicago Bulls and Notre Dame, making world-class Carbon waffles, camping, and taking trips to Lake Michigan with his family. Fred spent time traveling for his truck sales roles during this time and made some of his best friends while on the road. Fred was always an adventurous soul. After high school, he took a solo motorcycle trip from Michigan to California, camping along the way. Around this time, he also picked up a decadeslong hobby: skydiving. Fred kept a skydiving jump log and managed to accrue 395 jumps before he was 27 years old. Fred loved being a member of the Free Flyt Skydive Team, a group that regularly delighted attendees with stunts at hot air balloon festivals, air shows, and sporting events. Fred completed his final skydive alongside his good friend and brother, Roger, on Thanksgiving 2019. In 2003, Fred married Nikki Campbell. Relocating to Florida was a great fit and Fred created his own Florida uniform: Hawaiian shirts, khaki cargo shorts, and Birkenstocks. He loved the sunny state of Florida and taking Nikki for weekend trips to St. Pete and Clearwater Beaches, where they’d enjoy his favorite classic rock cover band, Stormbringer, and dance to live music at Shepard’s. Fred and Nikki were owners and administrators Coventry Assisted Living in Plant City for 17 years. The residents adored Fred. When musicians came to perform, Fred would make sure to dance with each female resident. He was always around to help
|
Annette Bellamy Candis Annette Bellamy Candis, born Sept. 2, 1960, passed away Jan. 18, 2022. Wake: Jan. 28, 2022 from 5-7 p.m. at Winslow Honors Funeral Chapel, 809 E. Alsobrook St. Plant City, FL 33563. Funeral: Jan. 29, 2022, 12 p.m. at Allen Chapel AME Church, 1109 E. Laura St. Plant City, FL 33563. Burial will be Jan 31, 2022 in Bushnell.
116 North Collins Street Plant City, FL 33563 ph: (813) 567-5735 allabloomtampa.com
YOUR CALENDAR
22
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
|
PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
BEST BET THURSDAY, JAN. 29 CHILIFEST 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. Head down to the Robert W. Willard Railroad Museum for ChiliFest. Contestants will be competing for awards in mild, spicy, novelty and/or a people’s choice category that will be voted on by those in attendance. A team of of local celebrity judges will select first and second place winners in the various categories and those winners will receive a trophy, a cash prize and bragging rights for the next year. All money raised from the event will help support the annual sponsorships that the Arts Council awards to graduating seniors that will be furthering their education in the visual, performing or culinary arts. For more information, call Frank Cummings at 813-364-8071 or Marsha Passmore at 813-245-2244.
FRIDAY, JAN. 28
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 2
LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN
FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS
5 to 9 p.m. at McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St. The Last Friday in Downtown Food Truck Rally is held with a new theme each month. There will be live music, market vendors and food trucks. The event is family and pet friendly. All are recommended to bring chairs and blankets.
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 are welcomed, or call 813-7065800 to set a specific time.
SICKHOT LIVE
7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. SickHot is a loud and electric band that’s tearing up stages all across central Florida and you’ll have the chance to see them live at Krazy Kup later this month. Formed in 2017 by Nik Wilson, Cory Bernardi and Chris Erickson, adding Brandon Chacon in 2019, their style boasts a blend of Aerosmith’s swagger with the power and energy of Led Zeppelin. The band has found notoriety on the Tampa Bay concert circuit, being featured at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa Sessions, USF’s Bullstock and more.
SATURDAY, FEB. 5 BEGINNING WALTZ LESSONS
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 4401 Promenade Blvd. Head down to the Strawberry Square Dance Center this January for beginning waltz lessons. The event provides a fun way to get out and exercise, in addition to making some new friends. Beginning waltz lessons will take place every Saturday throughout January, February and March. The first lesson is free and all following lessons will cost $7 per person per lesson. For more information or to register, text or call Cindy at 864-723-6965.
SUNSET SOUNDS
6 to 8 p.m. at 5202 Thonotosassa Rd. Sunset Sounds is a summer music series featuring acoustic music from local artists. Head over to Keel & Curley Winery every Wednesday evening to enjoy music, food, drinks and sunshine on their patio.
SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS WITH ESTRANGED FAMILIES
FOOD FOR ALL: AN EVENING ON EVERS
6 to 9 p.m. at Downtown Evers St. between MLK and J. Arden Mays Blvd. The United Food Bank of Plant City is excited to announced their brand new event, Food For All “An Evening On Evers” Gala. The new event replaces the Celebrity Chef Fundraiser that has taken place annually over the past 12 years. At the gala you will have to opportunity to enjoy music, catering from Norma’s, a raffle and a live auction, all while benefitting the United Food Bank of Plant City. Tickets can be purchased for $100 per person and sponsorship opportunities are available. Tickets can be purchased at www. ufbpc.org/food-forall-gala and for more information, contact LScott@ufbpc.org.
6:30 to 8 p.m. at GracePoint Church, 1107 Charlie Griffin Rd. Join other parents who are estranged from their adult children. PEAK (Parents of Estranged Adult Kids) group provides a safe place to listen, share and support others going through the hurt of adult family abandonment. Meetings will include group discussions, self-care and positively-influenced activities to help cope with the situation. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month. For more information, visit www.peaksupportgroup.com.
ASPIRE POWER HOUR
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. Head down to the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center for the Aspire Power Hour, hosted by Aspire Plant City. The event will feature special guest Ingrid Harb, a global advocate, the founder
of the Women Ambassadors Forum and NOTA Inclusion, a host of the Raise Your Vibration podcast and more. Harb has created over ten International and National conferences that have reached women from over 150 different countires. In her mission to empower women, Harb has partnered with over 50 Fortune 500 companies and has worked with companies to implement employee resource groups to help benefit women employees and their career, as well as create policy changes. Attendance will cost $20 for members and $30 for non-members. For more information or to register for the event, visit www. aspireplantcity.wildapricot.org.
SATURDAY, FEB. 12 PLANT CITY BLACK HERITAGE JAZZ FESTIVAL
12 to 6 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. Coinciding with Black Histoy Month, the Plant City Black Heritage Jazz Festival provides an opportunity for those within Plant City and the surrounding communities to honor the rich cultural history of African Americans both nationally and, as important, locally. Attendance is free for all and will feature food and live music.
SUNDAY, FEB. 13 PLANT CITY BLACK HERITAGE GOSPEL CONCERT
4 p.m. at 604 W. Ball St. In addition to Saturday’s festivities, Mt. Olive Baptist Church will host a Black Heritage Gospel Concert starting at 4 p.m.
JOIANY!
TOD
FIND YOUR CREW.
FIND YOUR Y. FIND YOUR Y AT PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA
PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA 1507 YMCA Pl., Plant City | 813 757 6677 | tampaymca.org
5
NEW MEMBER SPECIAL OFFER:
$
JOIN FEE
Offer valid thru 1/31/22
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
FORECAST
Send your photo submissions to staff writer Taylor Jenkins at tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com or hashtag #iloveplantcity on Instagram for @igersplantcity to feature.
THURSDAY, JAN 27 High: 70 Low: 57 Chance of rain: 24%
FRIDAY, JAN 28 High: 71 Low: 40 Chance of rain: 34%
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
SUNRISE/SUNSET Sunrise Sunset Thursday, Jan 27
7:17a
6:04p
Friday, Jan 28
7:17a
6:05p
Saturday, Jan 29
7:16a
6:06p
Sunday, Jan 30
7:16a
6:07p
Monday, Jan 31
7:15a
6:08p
Tuesday, Feb 1
7:15a
6:09p
Wednesday, Feb 2
7:14a
6:09p
MOON PHASES
SATURDAY, JAN 29 High: 48 Low: 28 Chance of rain: 2%
SUNDAY, JAN 30 High: 54 Low: 34 Chance of rain: 1%
MONDAY, JAN 31 Barbara Tetro snapped this picture of a hawk taking in the morning air in Plant City.
ONLINE
Follow us on social media: @PCObserver on Instagram, @PlantObserver on Twitter and Plant City Observer on Facebook.
High: 65 Low: 43 Chance of rain: 4%
(C) 2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
Across 1 Appreciate 6 Goat of the Alps 10 Fine cotton 14 Turing and Cumming 15 Resentful 16 Screen image 17 Security perimeter feature 20 Extraction by rescue copter, e.g. 21 Contented sighs 22 Helpful 23 Like the lawn at dawn 24 Camping gear retailer with an #OptOutside campaign 25 “Seasons in the Sun”
songwriter 26 Formally begins, as a meeting 31 Clutch 33 Lightkeeper’s view 34 Afore 35 Successfully lured 38 High-intensity light source 41 “Much __ About Nothing”: “The Simpsons” episode 42 Have a good cry 44 Pocket bread 45 Navy Cross recipient, for one 50 “Buy It Now” site 51 Best-liked, online
52 Nearly here 56 “That’s enough!” 58 Peruse, with “over” 59 __-deep: very involved 60 Self-taught creators, in modern lingo, and a hint to each set of circles 63 Mystery writer Gardner 64 “The Hobbit” soldiers 65 Starts a pot 66 __ Inn 67 Pool strikers 68 So-so effort, in sports Down 1 Used Juul pods 2 “__ Supreme”: classic Coltrane album
3 Old NBC legal drama 4 Street performer’s vehicle 5 PC key 6 Holy Land nation 7 [“You need new glasses, ump!”] 8 Low nos. for aces 9 Crossed (out) 10 Filch 11 Lukewarm “You hungry?” reply 12 Comfy shoes 13 German tennis player Huber 18 British peer 19 NYC division 25 Piglet’s dad 27 “Just __ water” 28 Sun __ 29 Humorist Bombeck 30 One ab crunch, say 31 Native Arizonans 32 In a luxurious manner 35 Sheep’s dad 36 Words of surprise 37 Easter lead-in? 39 EMT skill 40 Pride Rock monarch 43 Using coercion 46 Hieroglyphics birds 47 Filmmaker Jacques 48 Beset 49 At any time 53 App with pics 54 Order to a Western posse 55 “Siddhartha” author 56 Like dorms for men and women 57 Radiance 58 Lake Titicaca is partly in it 61 MRI interpreter 62 Browser window feature
23
Feb. 1 New
Feb. 8 First
Feb. 16 Full
Feb. 23 Last
RAINFALL LAST WEEK:
MONTH TO DATE:
1.47 in.
1.87 in.
YEAR TO DATE:
JAN. AVERAGE:
1.87 in.
3.00 in.
STRAWBERRIES Shipping point: Central Florida $14.00-$38.90
Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
WEATHER
I LOVE PLANT CITY
|
24
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
|
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
PlantCityObserver.com