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THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

DOWNTOWN PLANT CITY GETS ITS OWN STRIKE TEAM

Over the next few weeks, three squads will tackle massive facade and landscaping improvements throughout downtown. When completed, a new Downtown Strike Team will come in SEE PAGE 8 to maintain the historic core.

BRINGS THE HEAT Once again, the Arts Council of Plant City wowed the community with its annual Chilifest. Whether you were a fan of bold flavors, heat or unique ingredients, the festival had a bowl for you.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The crisp winter air made for a perfect chili atmosphere Saturday afternoon as the community gathered to take part in what has quickly become one of the most cherished events of the year. The Arts Council of Plant City’s annual Chilifest raises funds for the organization, which in turn promotes the arts in Plant City and provides local students with scholarships. The festival was held at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum and

crowds flocked to watch live entertainment from Drawdy’s Dance School and sample the numerous flavorful chilis. Teams compete each year in three categories: novelty, mild and spicy. Three celebrity judges blind taste the chili and rank their top two picks, and attendees have the opportunity to throw their hats in the ring and vote on the chili that wins their hearts.

SEE PAGE 10

Breanne Williams

Mark Mroczkowski and Mary Heysek represented the United Food Bank of Plant City during the event.

NEWS BRIEFS

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

“The primary purpose of the Police Unity Tour is to raise awareness of Law Enforcement Officers who have died in the line of duty,” Wise said. “The secondary purpose is to raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial. As usual, the great Plant City Community came together to support our two riders and the goal was met.” The fundraising event featured a giant blue line flag display courtesy of Brewington’s Towing and Recovery that many passersby waved and honked at. Universal Tire and Auto Repair also sponsored the event. The Police Unity Tour ride starts in Courtesy of Judy Wise Virginia, approximately 250 miles The Wooden Spoon Diner hosted the Elks Lodge’s police fundraiser. from the nation’s capitol, and ends at the Memorial for Elks raise money Fallen Officers. Funds raised at the Wooden for police Spoon will help PCPD officers cover entry and travel fees. The Plant City Elks Lodge spent Saturday feeding hungry folks and raising money for the Plant City Police Department Unity Discounted Florida Tour. Strawberry Festival From 12 to 3 p.m., the Elks camped out tickets on sale at the Wooden Spoon Diner, 712 N. Collins St., and served up barbecue chicken and rib lunches from its “drive-thru” at the The Florida Strawberry Festival prides itdiner to support PCPD’s upcoming trip self on being an affordable, family-friendly to Washington, D.C. to participate in the event. But if you want to make it even annual Police Unity Tour bicycle ride. Judy more affordable, all you have to do is go to Wise said the fundraiser generated more Publix. than $5,000 for the cause.

Starting today, the festival and Publix are teaming up to offer discounted admission tickets at 300 stores through March 8. That includes both Plant City stores, located at 2515 Thonotosassa Road and 2202 James L. Redman Parkway. The full county-by-county list is viewable online at flstrawberryfestival.com/wp-content/ uploads/2016/09/Strawberry-FestivalStore-List-2020-for-website.pdf. Stores listed in pink on the website are also offering discounted strawberry shortcake tickets. The 20 percent discount brings ticket prices down to $8 for adults and $4 for kids age 6-12. Kids age 5 and under can still get in free with a paying adult.

Winter Guard International announces PC event The 43rd Winter Guard International season is set to kick off this weekend and Plant City is one of many cities across the nation set to host a competition. Durant High School will host the WGI Tampa Regional winter guard event on Feb. 22. Tickets are $15 for preliminaries, $20 for finals or $30 for both. Winter guard, an indoor color guard event, uses flags, mock rifles, dance and more in performances. The WGI’s Sport of the Arts program awards scholarships to students who participate in WGI events and has given out more than $800,000 to date. “WGI Sport of the Arts continues to be a catalyst for extracurricular activity in most high schools with over 115,000 dedicated students wanting to participate in the marching arts in local, national, and international events,” WGI Chief Executive Officer Ron Nankervis said. “From a humble beginning 43 years ago with 34 groups, WGI has grown to see more than 1,500 groups participating yearly.” The WGI World Championships will be held in April in Dayton, Ohio. Visit wgi.org for more information.

Book drive kicks off Saturday Goodwill Industries is starting a book drive this Saturday to support its BookWorks childhood literacy program. The book drive, which will end March 15, is being held in Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sumter counties. Residents are encouraged to donate children’s story books (in good condition) or to make monetary donations to help Goodwill purchase new books. More than 55,000 children received books from the program in 2019. To donate books, attach a note indicating they are “for BookWorks” and drop them off at any Goodwill-Suncoast store or donation site in the above listed counties. For donation locations, visit goodwill-suncoast.org or call 888-279-1988. To make a monetary gift to purchase new books for the program, visit goodwill-suncoast.org/ give-online/. To volunteer for BookWorks, call 888-279-1988 and ask for BookWorks or email bookworks@goodwill-suncoast. com.

Walden Lake Elementary Kindergarten Round-Up Children age 5 (as of Sept. 1, 2020) can be registered for kindergarten at Walden Lake Elementary School in next month’s Kindergarten Round-Up at the school. Parents must bring their child’s birth certificate, immunization record, proof of a recent physical (since Aug. 10, 2019), their Social Security number and two proofs of residency, which can include a current electric bill, a current lease or a current homestead tax receipt. The event starts at 6 p.m. Feb. 20 in the multipurpose room at the school, 2800 Turkey Creek Road. Parking is available on the north side of the campus. Call 813-7579433 for more information.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

NOPE OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY HOSTING ADDICTION PREVENTION SEMINAR AT PCHS

The community is invited to PCHS to learn how to tackle the growing drug epidemic among youth. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

NOPE of Hillsborough County will address both students and the community next week in a special presentation at Plant City High School. The national organization, which stands for Narcotics Overdose Prevention Education, has many branches and the Hillsborough branch will host two student presentations during the school day on Feb. 6 and a parent presentation at 6 p.m. that evening, which is open to anyone in the community who wants to learn more about how drug usage affects Plant City. “The evening event is for the entire community,” Beth Butler, NOPE of Hillsborough, Inc. chapter administrator, said. “We are a partner with the Hillsborough County School District, TPD and HCSO and between the three entities, we go to every middle and high school in the county… before we got started eight years ago, we were told this presentation is fabulous but that they only wanted us to share with high school students because it was too strong of content for the middle schoolers. However, research is saying that average age of first time use for someone struggling with the disease of addiction is actually 12 and a half years old. So because of that, the school district said ‘Oh my gosh, you need to start going into the middle schools with this.’ So that’s what the reasoning is behind that. These kids are being faced with so much right now, particularly vaping. Whether these parents have an elementary school child or an older child they can not think that they don’t need to come because their kid ‘isn’t involved in this.’ Unfortunately they are going to face drugs at some point in their life, whether it’s at the mall or a bus stop or a friend’s house. That’s why we are hoping the community sees what an epidemic this has become.” The evening presentation will last for an hour in the PCHS cafeteria and attendees will “leave armed with tips on how to recognize the onset of substance use, trending drugs in our immediate area and ways to handle the conversation in your home about substance use and abuse.” There are a variety of speakers scheduled for the event including the school resource deputy, administration from the school, NOPE personnel volunteers, Mayor Rick Lott and PCPD Chief Ed Duncan. It’s different than any information you can simply Google. The panel of experts sees what is happening right here in Plant City. Butler said every community is different and the problems that arise in one city are different than those in another. In addition to the local experts, a fam-

ily speaker will also be on site to discuss what they’ve been through. The harsh reality is most parents don’t realize their child is struggling. By the time the attendees leave the presentation that evening, they should be able to walk away with knowledge of what signs to look for and what behavior and pattern changes they can identify as indicators of a problem. “We don’t leave them hanging,” Butler said. “We give them tips and tools they can immediately turn around and use. We connect them to a variety of resources, many of which are free and accessible right here in Hillsborough County. We share with them tools that are provided by certified addiction counselor social workers. Identification is the first step, but there’s so much more after that.” Butler has been with NOPE since its inception in Hillsborough County and said when they first went to the county commissioners in 2012 to ask for an initial round of funding they were blown away by the response. They asked for approximately $5,000 and every commissioner on the dais shared stories with them about how they all had someone in their lives that had been touched by addiction. Some of the stories ended with hope. Some did not. But NOPE left the meeting with $50,000 to bring the program to life. The organization partners with law enforcement and experts and presents their program to students at local schools. Sometimes they will hold a separate seminar for the rest of the community, like they’re doing in Plant City on Feb. 6. From there, though, it’s up to those who have listened to make a change in the community. There’s a strong level of anonymity between all students and their guidance counselors so Butler said NOPE doesn’t have specific datadriven examples of how schools are responding. However, they have built deep connections with every community they come into and she said they will frequently have someone reach out from the schools to let them know that in the days following their presentation to the students, several have come forward and sought help or held interventions for their friends and loved ones. They also have countless feedback examples from parents, business owners and other adults that attend and learn from their presentation. “We are actually hoping that it’s any parent, any workplace owner, any business leader, anyone who wants to get informed on how we as a community can fight this epidemic that attends the night presentation,” Butler said. “It’s a mature conversation, and there is a Q&A after so people can really have all of their questions answered and leave capable of beginning to tackle this growing issue.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON NOPE visit nopehillsborough.org or visit the group’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter page.

IF YOU GO

NOPE of Hillsborough County at Plant City High School When: 6 p.m. Feb. 6 Where: Plant City High School Auditorium, 1 Raider Place Cost: Free to attend

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

COPS CORNER

JAN. 20

This week on Cops Corner: Plant City Police investigated a stolen trailer and laundry detergent, igloos missing, domestic violence and more. JAN. 17

FOLLOWING THE TRAIL-ER 2600 block of West Risk Street Theft: This victim reported to officers that his lawn trailer was missing from his yard. SMASH AND DASH 900 block of Maryland Avenue Criminal mischief: This victim reported to PCPD that the front passenger window of her Hyundai four-door vehicle was shattered. However, upon inspection she discovered nothing was missing from the vehicle. The victim signed a waiver. SOMETHING TO GAIN 2400 block of James L. Redman Parkway Petit theft: This complaint reported that on Jan. 17 at approximately 4:30 p.m. someone stole some laundry detergent.

BIKE BANDITS 900 block of East Cherry Street Theft: Two local juveniles told officers that four unknown men stole their green BMX bicycle, which was valued at $130 and a black spray painted 29” men’s beach cruiser, which was valued at $50. The men were last seen around 1:15 p.m. on Jan. 18 riding off in an unknown direction. Both sets of parents signed a waiver. SOMEBODY’S HANGRY 1500 block of East Baker Street Vehicle burglary: This complainant reported that while she was shopping at the above listed location at 3:30 p.m., an unknown suspect entered her unlocked vehicle and removed $55 worth of groceries from the vehicle.

JAN. 19

SHOPPING SPREE AHEAD 2200 block of North Park Road Petit Theft: Officers responded to Circle K in reference to the theft of a $500 Visa gift card. CAN’T AF-FORD IT? 2000 block of West Baker Street Attempted stolen vehicle: Overnight on Jan. 19, an unknown suspect snuck onto the Universal Auto Sales lot and forced entry into a Ford F-250 Platinum truck in an attempted theft.

JAN. 21 WILD TUESDAY NIGHT 100 block of Henry Avenue Simple Battery: Officers responded to the house at the above listed location in reference to a disturbance. It was determined a man threw a pot containing hot food on the victim. The woman who was hit by the hot food and pot then hit the man in the head with a golf club in self defense. The victim signed a waiver of prosecution and the man refused medical treatment by PCFR. MISSING WALLETS 1500 block of Plantation Grove Court Vehicle burglary: During the night of Jan. 20 unknown suspects entered an unlocked 2017 black Chrysler 200 without the consent of the owner. The suspects then stole the two victim’s

CHILL OUT 1100 block of South Evers Street Burglary Structure (Waiver): JAN. 18 This complainant reported that at an unknown time on Jan. 12, HEAVY FOOT, HEAVY PRICE someone entered their unseAlexander Street/ cured garage and removed two Baptist Church Road Igloo coolers and $60 worth of SWLSR & Warrant: A man was wheat pennies. The complainstopped at the above listed location for speeding. The officer then ant requested the incident be documented and then signed a discovered the driver’s license wavier of prosecution. A waiver was suspended. The driver also Editedtheft by David Steinberg January 31, report was completed for had two HCSO warrants for FTA the incident. DWSLR. He was arrested and 8 Sowing ACROSS transported to Orient Road Jail. 42 18-wheeler

PLANT CITY

wallets, which had been left inside the unlocked vehicle.

Observer

WATER YOU DOING? 2300 block of North Park Road Battery: Officers met with the victim at the above listed location in reference to another person throwing a cup of water at her.

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

JAN. 22

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com

THE KOOL-AID MAN IS DOWN ON HIS LUCK 1400 block of East Baker Street Theft: This victim reported his business at the above listed location was broken into through a wall and things were stolen.

Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez

JAN. 23

Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

THE SMOKING GUN 2500 block of James L. Redman Parkway Shoplifting: While employees at Murphy USA were conducting an inventory check, a man grabbed some cigarettes and took them without paying. He was arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail.

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Advertising / Richard Brame richard@plantcityobserver.com Advertising / Karen Berry kberry@plantcityobserver.com

NOW YOU SEE IT, NOW YOU DON’T 100 block of West Merrick Street Vehicle Burglary: This complainant told officers he withdrew $12,000 from his bank on Jan. 23 and placed it in his vehicle. The money was later discovered to be missing.

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, 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.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

PCPD PRESENTED

WITH HANDMADE STATUE

Plant City Police Department has a massive 10 pound statue on display following a surprise presentation from thankful semi-local residents. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Plant City Police Department received two special visitors who surprised the officers on Jan. 15 with a handmade statue honoring their service. Jerry and Paula Goodrich have traveled the state presenting first responders with their meticulously hand-carved creations. This month, they decided to present PCPD with the honor. “I’m a veteran and she’s a crossing guard with the Sheriff’s Department and our son was a Sheriff’s deputy,” Jerry Goodrich said. “What started all of this was I had a breathing problem and a few years ago, Auburndale Fire Department saved my life. It’s as simple as that. We wanted to give back and we got tired of all of the bad publicity surrounding first responders, so we decided we were going to do what we could to make a difference.” They presented PCPD Chief Ed Duncan along with several of his team a massive PCPD plaque made of approximately 10 pounds of concrete. It’s painted black with a gold trim and Duncan said they’ll make sure it has a place of honor in the department. Duncan and several PCPD officers spent approximately half an hour chatting with Jerry and Paula Goodrich and listening to their story. Duncan gave them a gift from PCPD as well, and then they began to investigate where the best place to display the statue would be. “We just graciously appreciate the support they have given us,” Duncan said. “Their appreciation for what we do on a daily basis is something we do not take for granted. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of the community and

moments like this mean more to us than they’ll ever know. We are going to put this somewhere special. It was an unexpected and great gift.” Paula Goodrich said they had plans to head to Orlando and Tampa after they left PCPD for similar presentations. “When you’re in trouble, who do you call?” she asked. “You call two people: either the police department or the fire department. So we are doing this all across the state. If it’s in driving distance, we will go.” The couple makes the massive statues at home and paints them by hand. They can make the unique badges out of a variety of materials and also frequently will handcraft dog statues to present to police and sheriff’s departments who utilize K-9 units. They also take time to honor the branches of the military as well. “We make all of these at home,” Jerry Goodrich said. “It’s something that means a lot to us and we really hope we are able to let our first responders — our police and fire departments — as well as our military know that we appreciate what they do for us. They risk their lives for us every single day and unfortunately they are too often taken for granted. I wish a lot of people thought the same way we do. We really appreciate them and we want to make sure they know that. Today, this was a great experience. I’m so glad we were able to set this up and come out and present them with this.” Before they left, Jerry Goodrich chatted with one of the heads of the K-9 units at PCPD and upon learning the department had several furry officers, they began to put plans in place to create a dog statue they would later bring back for PCPD to display alongside their new badge statue.

Breanne Williams

Jerry Goodrich and Paula Goodrich presented PCPD with the handmade statue on Jan. 15.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

PLANT CITY GEARS UP FOR 17TH ANNUAL

BLACK HERITAGE FESTIVAL The annual event runs Feb. 7 to Feb. 9 throughout Plant City and will feature a variety of events including the Black Heritage Banquet Gala and the annual Jazz Festival. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The 17th annual Black Heritage Festival is right around the corner and will feature a full weekend of fun for the entire community. The festival kicks off on Feb. 7 with the Black Heritage Banquet Gala, held at the HCC Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Road. The gala will be centered around the theme “A Legacy of Strength, A Future of Hope.” “We have planned a great event to celebrate Black History Month,” event coordinator Sharon Moody said. “February 7 is our banquet/ gala where we recognize AfricanAmericans for their role in the community. This year for our heritage award, James McDaniel will receive the award. The lifetime recognition is going to Darren Culmer in honor of his lifetime of achievement. The community service award goes to the Plant City High School Key Club. They help do 5,000 community service hours a year in the community. The Cornerstone award goes to a church and this year it’s going to Kainos International Church right here in Plant City.” Rod Carter of WFLA News Channel 8 is the Master of Ceremonies and the Honorable Lesley “Les” Miller is the keynote speaker. Miller has crafted a speech around this year’s theme. Tickets for the gala are $40 per person and include a catered meal. Attendance averages around 500 people every year and the organization also gives out scholarships that evening to local students. The next morning, local churches and youth groups with children age 10 and up, along

with other students, are invited to attend the annual Youth Summit at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center museum, 605 N. Collins St. Minister Denzel Singleton is the facilitator of the event and it is free for youth to attend. Registration kicks off at 8:30 a.m. and all participants will receive breakfast and lunch. A cash prize will be given away to the youth group with the highest attendance. The summit will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Moody said it is by far one of her favorite events of the entire celebration. The youth will be able to chat with a panel of local leaders, including an officer from Plant City Police Department and local pastors, and have an honest and upfront conversation on what’s happening in the community. As soon as the Youth Summit ends, the Jazz Festival swings into action at the Robert W. Willaford Train Museum, 102 N. Palmer St. There will be a portrait of leaders gone before us and in the present by students in the community, a presentation from Pattyzu Zumba crew line dancers, a car show by Curt Goodfellaz Brooks as well as performances by Wright’s Jazzstars and MIXX Group. A variety of vendors will also be on site throughout the event. On Feb. 9, the celebration comes to a close with the Black Heritage Gospel Concert at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 604 W. Ball St., at 4 p.m. It will be an afternoon of unique and powerful worship including performances by a variety of local choirs, solo singers, praise teams, a praise dance and more.

“We hit every age with this celebration, the old and the young,” Moody said. “There’s something for everyone and we just hope everyone comes out and takes part in it. We would just like to say thank you for everybody’s support for the past 17 years. This is a great event for the City of Plant City, all of Plant City and I’m thankful we’ve been able to connect with the city for all of these years.” Sponsors for this year’s events include Rooms to Go Foundation, the City of Plant City, Stingray Chevrolet, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Amscot, Felton’s Meat and Produce Market, the Florida Strawberry Festival, Star Distribution Systems, Poppell Insurance, Sol Davis Printing and South Florida Baptist Hospital. Partners include the Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival, Winn Dixie, LEAD, Kiwanis International, Unity in the Community, Inc., Lazydays Employee Foundation, Hillsborough County and the Des’Aime Social Club, Inc.

File photos

Above: The Jazz Festival is held on Feb. 8 starting at 12 p.m. Below: The Black Heritage Banquet Gala is always one of the largest events. Bottom: Local students receive a scholarship every year at the Banquet.

For more information, call Moody at 813-453-7134 or visit celebration2.homestead.com online.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

GET READY TO SWING PLANT CITY MAIN STREET’S ANNUAL TOPGOLF TOURNAMENT IS ON ITS WAY AND TICKETS ARE SELLING OUT FAST. If Main Street proved anything last year, when it wrapped up its first fundraising event at Topgolf, it was that there’s no other party like one thrown by the evergrowing organization. Balls were hit — though only a fraction of those successfully soared toward the targets — snacks were consumed and laughter filled the massive bay area. By the end of the night, one question was on everyone’s lips: “When are you going to do it again?” The 2020 Topgolf Tournament is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. April 16 at Topgolf, 10690 Palm River Road. Though still months away, tickets are already in high demand. “This is one of our two big social fundraising events,” Jerilyn Rumbarger, executive director of Main Street, said. “We rent out the entire second floor of Topgolf, which has 33 climate-controlled bays and will hold six players per bay. Sponsorships come in the form of a half bay, full bay or any top sponsorships will have the option of getting up to two or three bays for their teams. All of the money raised from these events goes toward downtown revitalization efforts, which really is the main focus of everything we do.” And Main Street isn’t just hoping avid golfers will tune in. The group also offers spectator tickets for those who want to come

out and enjoy a night of networking and fun with their friends and peers. Spectator tickets will cost $75 and sponsorships will go from $150 for one individual player to $5,000 for three bays and 18 players, a gold Plant City Main Street Membership, logo placement and banner displays at the event and branding in the organization’s distributed material. Everyone who attends also has access to a complimentary dinner buffet in a private VIP room as well as beer, wine and liquor packages. There will also be a variety of raffles, including both 50/50 and standard ticketing raffles, throughout the event. This year, Rumbarger said, they shifted the time to later in the evening so those who work a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job can still take part in the festivities. “I’m not a golfer by any means, but Topgolf makes it so much fun,” Rumbarger said. “It’s a great place to come and hang out and network, even if you’re not wanting to get competitive and try the tournament. Topgolf is kind of like the modern bowling experience. People come and unwind and have a lot of fun.” The momentum from last year has already created a lot of traction for the upcoming event and Rumbarger said they’re expecting to sell out early. She credits much of the excitement for the event to the energy and work people see Main Street pouring back into

downtown. The organization’s events are hitting maximum attendance left and right as folks continue to seek to be a part of the revitalization to the downtown core.

Tickets can be picked up from any board director member or online at plantcitymainstreet.com. For any questions email Rumbarger at director@plantcitymainstreet.com. Follow the @PCMainStreet Facebook page or sign up to get the Main Street newsletter. and more information. The link is also on Facebook. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

FESTIVAL FASHION The 43rd annual Florida Strawberry Fashion show highlighted some of the latest fashion trends coming to Plant City on Jan. 23.

STAFF WRITER

Local boutiques and businesses use local residents to highlight some of the biggest fashion trends of the upcoming year at the annual Florida Strawberry Festival fashion show. Whether you’re looking for something for a night on the town, casual festival garb or even a wedding dress, Plant City’s stores or resident-owned businesses have the perfect outfit. The 2020 Junior Royalty Court and the 2020 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court modeled their formal gowns during the event as well and spent time prior to the show getting to know the members of their community. This year’s theme is “Our Perfect Vision” and several models strutted down the runway wearing the latest trending eye wear in honor of the upcoming 11-day festivities. Of course, no festival fashion show would be complete without berry-themed

apparel. This year some models wore strawberry jewelry, strawberry printed shoes, strawberry patched ripped jeans, strawberry scarfs and there were more strawberry designs on t-shirts and blouses than anyone could wear even if you attended all 11 days of the festival. Prior to the show, attendees enjoyed a lunch catered by Simply Southern Catering of chicken salad and a croissant, southern pasta salad, a spring mix salad with strawberries, glazed strawberry atop mini cheesecake by Alessi and helped themselves to freshly brewed coffee and tea. Whether you’re looking for baby apparel or more grown-up themed attire, check out these participating locations: Bealls Department Store, Barely Jade, Denise Young Boutique, Jessi Rae Bridal, Sweet Southern Sass Boutique, Tennessee Jane, RAOK Boutique, Fringe Boutique and the South Florida Baptist Hospital Gift Shop. The 2020 Florida Strawberry Festival will run Feb. 27 to March 8 and tickets are on sale now at flstrawberryfestival.com. 287682-1

BREANNE WILLIAMS

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

DOWNTOWN BEGINS LONG-AWAITED RENOVATION FROM PAGE 1

McCall Park along with other areas of downtown Plant City will soon be in tip-top condition thanks to the creation of a “Downtown Strike Team.”

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

can spend two weeks downtown tackling the entire list. “Once we have that all done, then the Strike Team concept can begin and they would have a chance to then maintain it,” McDaniel said. “The plan is pretty comprehensive. I’m changing out old technology, like switching the lights to LED in McCall park… trimming the trees back to replace the lighting that is hidden up in the trees. We will replace the old and worn-out signs that you see down there. There’s painting that needs to be done and landscaping that needs to be done. It’s just a long list.” One of the other improvements McDaniel mentioned during Monday night’s commission meeting was to extend the music ran by the city throughout the west end of McCall Park. He said he knows the list is a lot of work, but he feels the changes can be

made now before tackling some of the other downtown improvements highlighted in the Downtown Vision Plan. McDaniel said they’ll use this week to plan and organize and will make a detailed map of all the task locations. Then they will hit the ground running. No new personnel will need to be hired to bring this team to life. Currently, the Recreation and Parks Department rotates its crew throughout all of their areas of coverage around the city. When a team comes through downtown, they shift to another area shortly afterward and another team comes in behind them. McDaniel said this will simply take downtown out of the rota-

tion and reallocate some of those crews to solely cover this one designated area. “The target date to have this done is February 26,” McDaniel said during the commission meeting on Jan. 27. “We want to have this all completed prior to the Strawberry Festival so that by the time the Grand Parade rolls through downtown everything will be in shining condition and looking its best… This is important because downtown is the heart of our city.” File photos

Bottom left: The audio system will expand throughout the park. Bottom right: The Strike Team will have a squad designated just to downtown improvements.

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In a surprising turn of events Monday evening, City Manager Bill McDaniel announced a new team comprised of current city staffers that will be dedicated solely to improving the facade of downtown. Labeling the new task force as a “Downtown Strike Team,” McDaniel said the group will be able to fill in the gaps that lie between the current historic downtown core and the revitalized vision the city and its partners hope to bring to life in the next three to five years. “I started out actually with the concept of a Downtown Strike Team, which basically would have four or five people dedicated solely to downtown,” McDaniel said. “They would be responsible for everything from keeping things clean to landscaping to reporting any problems they found to the appropriate city departments for immediate action. That was the initial concept, but then when I went down there on a walking tour, I was pointing out to the two assistant city managers all the things that I wanted to address, I realized I was actually setting them up for failure.” The sheer number of issues McDaniel saw that needed to be addressed before the Strike Team could begin maintaining the downtown core continued to grow the longer he spent combing through the area. Before he knew it, he had a massive list of changes to make and he said he knew he needed to get those addressed before he could implement the new force. He decided to create three different squads of city employees from different areas of expertise and have them begin an overhaul of downtown. These squads would feature landscaping, a tree crew, a Recreation and Parks Department crew and a few other professionals. Together they

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

MARY-CATHERINE STEPHENS

NAMED STRAWBERRY YOUTH PARADE GRAND MARSHAL The 17-year-old Plant City High School student is heavily involved in the community and has proven her leadership abilities in and out of the classroom. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Mary-Catherine Stephens is presented certificate congratulating her on being chosen Grand Marshal of 2020 Strawberry Youth Parade to be held on Saturday, February 29th.

Mary-Catherine Stephens has a resume that highlights her dedication to the community and tireless work ethic. The Strawberry Youth Parade group saw her as a perfect fit for this year’s Grand Marshal, and now Stephens can add that to her resume. The 17-year-old Plant City High School student has a 5.2 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society. She’ll get some help furthering her education from the parade group, which also awarded her a $500 scholarship. But she’s not just being honored for her intellect. While in middle school, Stephens began pursuing leadership positions in a variety of organizations. She was a Sentinel at Tomlin FFA and attended many officer retreats, state and national FFA conventions. She then went on to be the Chaplain of the J.G. Smith FFA, the Historian of the Girl’s Interact Club, Vice President of the Interact Club and Vice President of the NTHS at Plant City High School.

She received several letters of recommendation for the position and her teacher said she could not think of “anyone more deserving” of the honor. “As her teacher, I have seen firsthand her allegiance to bettering her community and her devotion to being a positive role model for others,” Sarah Mallah, AVID, AP Government and Student Government advisor, said. “As a student, Mary-Catherine has demonstrated a love for her school and the level of dedication to leadership necessary to succeed in college and beyond. She is the type of student who is always ready to take the initiative to help others. She is not the type to refuse any kind of a challenge, whether academic or personal.” Stephens has received many awards and honors over the years, including being an Opening and Closing Ceremonies District winner and scoring second place at the OCC State competition. She is the recipient of the Discovery Degree, an Optimist Speech finalist and received the recogni-

Mary-Catherine Stephens will be the Grand Marshal of the Strawberry Youth Parade and will walk away with a $500 scholarship.

tion of Outstanding Community Service for the Interact Club. She is also a 2019 PCHS Calendar Girl for the month of June. While in school, she keeps her schedule filled to the max. Stephens has been on the PCHS varsity tennis team from 20182020, the Peer Jury from 2018-2020, the Yearbook Staff from 2018-2019, an Interact Club member from 2016-2020, played on the JV flag football team from 2017-2018, JV cheerleading from 2016-2017, on the PCHS varsity swim team from 2016-2017 and on the Homecoming Court in 2016. She has also spent her time volunteering throughout the community. Stephens participated with Lights of Love, Little League Opening Day, volunteered with Walden Lake Howl-O-Ween, Dancing with the Locals, Relay for Life, Raider Invasion, PCHS Trunk or Treat and has served on many mission trips and mission camps. Stephens also has been a Strawberry Youth Parade Board member from 2017 to present.

Steven Shouse, who has known Stephens for the past 14 years, also praised her character. “She is an energetic, passionate, kind, polite and respectful person,” Shouse said. “From an early age, she has been goaldriven and a devout student. She has been able to balance her school work and extracurricular activities at school and out of school like a seasoned professional beyond her years. Mary-Catherine’s confidence, charisma and charm will carry her far in her future endeavors.” You can see Stephens in her role as Grand Marshal of the Strawberry Youth Parade on Feb. 29 and as a participant of the Strawberry Festival Parade on March 2.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2020

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

BRINGS THE HEAT

Massive crowds swarmed to the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum on Jan. 25 as the community picked up their bowls and spoons and ate their way through the flavorful Chilifest. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

While every year features remarkable dishes, 2020’s teams brought their A-game and really gave their competitors a run for their money. Massive crock-pots were proudly on display at each table and several of the competitors had their tasters attempt to guess their secret ingredients. One team used half a gallon of Krazy Kup coffee in its chili while another threw a curveball by adding cinnamon to its tangy concoction. By the time they had sampled every single entry guests were ready to stretch out and slip into a food coma, but the hardest part was yet to come. Many families and friends slowly ate their way through the numerous booths and then huddled under the depot awning to discuss their favorites. The small red ticket they were handed when they purchased their bowl was then awarded to their favorite recipe. Sponsors of the event were Poppell Insurance, Inc., Jarrett Scott Ford, South Florida Baptist Hospital, Krazy Kup, Walden Lake Car Wash, Dodie White, Bill and Gwen Thomas, Joe

and Melanie Knox, Maggie Carlisle, Billy and Marsha Passmore, AP Tew Services LLC, Trinkle, Redman, Coton and Davis P.A., Pat and Darcy Stottlemyer, the United Food Bank of Plant City — Mary Heysek and the Plant City Photo Archives. The in-kind sponsors were Drawdy’s Dance School, the Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City Parks & Recreation Department, Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum and Plant City High School — Students Community Service.

Winners MILD First Place: Holloway Heat Second Place: Brick City Bricks NOVELTY First Place: YaYa Sisters X6

Second Place: Krazy Kup SPICY First Place: Focus Magazine Second Place: Holloway Heat People’s Choice: Brick City Bricks

Photos by Breanne Williams

Left: The YaYa Sisters X6 won first place with their novelty chili and tickled the taste buds of the sampling attendees by adding cinnamon to their delicious recipe. Above left: Holloway Heat swept the competition with their mild and spicy chillies, taking home a first and second place prize, respectively. Above right: Marsha Passmore, Gwen Thomas and Dodie White presented Greg Williams and Jordan Williams from Brick City Bricks with both the People’s Choice and second place in Mild trophies.

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THURSDAY,JANUARY 30, 2020

DOCTOR’S NOTE: “CAN YOU REPEAT THAT AGAIN?”

Sometimes it begins by asking a simple question: “I’m sorry, can you repeat that again?” You might find that a loud restaurant makes simple conversations unclear, or maybe you are repeatedly reminded to use your “indoor voice” in a small area or intimate setting. Age, exposure to loud noises over time and genetics are all factors that can contribute to hearing loss. The inevitability of hearing loss is something many people experience. One in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 report experiencing some level of hearing concern. That statistic jumps to 50 percent for people over age 75. Luckily, all hope is not lost. Hearing aids were once thought to be invasive, distracting, and oftentimes inadequate solutions to hearing problems. Recent advancements in technology have allowed them to become more comfortable and more effective. The improve-

ments don’t end there. Bluetooth pairing technology allows users to directly stream audio to their hearing aids from TVs, laptops, tablets and mobile devices. This makes tasks like answering phone calls and listening to music clear and effortless. Many companies have also developed their own mobile apps that coordinate with their hearing devices to help track users’ health – opening new doors for personal medical interactivity. Apps like Thrive and Livio AI track users’ social and physical health, generating a custom wellness score that can be monitored over time. Certain apps even have emergency detection services that alert contacts if they find that a user has fallen. Many providers have plans to include a include heartrate monitoring in future products to detect even more potential medical emergencies. Despite these improvements, it is estimated that only 20 percent of those who

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could benefit from a hearing aid actually get one due to the stigma associated with having one, or their perception of cost. The doctors of audiology at Florida E.N.T. & Allergy are experts in finding solutions for hearing loss and applying those solutions to your daily life. They provide unparalleled support and care throughout your hearing journey. As hearing aid technology advances, people with hearing loss can experience all the wonderful sounds in their environment in a more natural, comfortable manner. Don’t delay – find out if hearing aids could help improve your daily life in more ways than one! The physicians of Florida E.N.T. & Allergy have served the Tampa Bay community for over 40 years. Our board certified physicians and doctors of audiology have completed extensive education and clinical training as well as specialized training in their area(s) of expertise. From

pediatric allergies to fitting hearing aids, our caring and experienced providers specialize in ear, nose and throat care for the entire family using comprehensive, cutting edge technologies.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call 813-879-8045 or visit Florida E.N.T. & Allergy online at www.FloridaENTandAllergy.com.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

TV SERIES FILMED IN PLANT CITY Film crews have been in town all week shooting Black Veil, a six-part horror anthology that could stream online as early as September. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

If all goes according to script, Black Veil will scare a lot of people when it starts streaming. But the minds behind the horror series want other filmmakers to know that, when it comes to working in Florida, there’s nothing to be scared of. The Power Station Studio’s commitment to making it work in Florida, as opposed to more popular locations in California, Georgia and North Carolina, is as real as it gets. The studio itself is based in Ybor City. Producers Doug Fox and Kristian Krempel, as well as writer Danny McBride, grew up in Florida and know the state has some hidden gems for filming. They want to make a Florida-based, locally-funded production that will blow people away and draw filmmakers back to the state. “We live here in Tampa, so we’re trying to bring film production back here to where we live,” Fox said. “We’re having fun.” The allure of filming in Plant City, for example, was too good to pass on. Hillsborough County film commissioner Tyler Martinolich strongly recommended working here, Fox said, and that’s why they’ve been here since Monday. Power Station has been filming in and around the

Plant City area all week, indoors and outdoors, and will continue through tomorrow. “We’re just out of the gates,” Fox said. “We’re just getting started in Plant City. This is our launching pad, so it’s kind of fun. The town’s been really friendly and welcoming, too, so it’s kind of nice to be here and getting to know everybody.” If you’ve ever dreamed of being an extra in a TV show or movie, this is your lucky day: if you’re downtown at 6 p.m., you can walk over to their open set at the train depot and get on camera as the crew films an outdoor scene with a live performance by Michael Trella and his band, which came to Plant City from Los Angeles for filming. Fox joked that it’ll be more of a “Milli Vanilli” thing where the band is “lip syncing” and its music will be added to the shot later, but if you can act like you’re vibing to the band’s folksy sound during an event styled like an art fair, you’ll probably be just fine. “If anyone in town wants to come, walk around set, have fun, we have it open for extras to be there,” Fox said. “We thought it would be fun for the town. We start setting up at 4, rolling cameras at 6 and we should be done by 9 or 10 at the very latest.” If downtown businesses are open, Fox said, filming won’t get

in the way of their ability to do business and set extras are welcome to go shop, eat and drink at them as they wish. Black Veil is a series of scary stories that aren’t directly connected to each other, but share similar themes and Easter eggs for devoted, eagle-eyed viewers. Each episode will have a runtime of 15 to 18 minutes so the series can have “binge-watch” potential without becoming a massive time sink like many popular shows on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and other major streaming services. “Six episodes tied together with a ‘black veil’ theme,” Krempel said. “Six different directors. The stories are not continuous, they’re independent, but they’ll have a thread that ties it in. Down the road, we’ll come up with something for those at home that follow it on the web and are able to make that connection. Maybe we’ll have some bonus footage or something. We’re not gonna make it overt for you to find it — it’s kind of like the Starbucks cup in Game of Thrones — but there will be a black veil theme… and if you can connect all six, we’ll unlock some bonus footage down the road to keep people engaged.” It’s an anthology inspired by the classic Tales from the Crypt

series, created by Blair Witch first. We’re gonna show them Project director Dan Myrick and what we’ve made and blow them Final Destination series creator away, then we’ll decide where Jeffrey Reddick. McBride, who is it goes. But our concern is, and best-known for writing the first this is one of the reasons Kristhree Underworld movies, wrote tian liked (Myrick) so much, is the series and is also directing he really wants to make it for the an episode. It features Golden fans and not for the studios to Globe winner and Oscar nomicontrol. So we want to venture nee Sally Kirkland, who will be in out and figure out how we can Plant City tomorrow for the last best get his content to fans in a day of filming. way that they enjoy.” Krempel said the goal is to have the show streaming online by Sept. 1. They’re marketing to all of the major streaming services as well as horror websites. “We’re talking to a number of the bigger horror websites about making it available,” Krempel said. “Not exclusive to anybody. We want eyeballs and we’ve got parallel marketing efforts going on with influencers and personalities. So I think collectively, together, they’re all gonna support each other.” Fox said the show’s creators want to make a fan-friendly product without having to worry about any major studios altering the final product with their own input, which could totally change what Black Veil is and Photos by Justin Kline what it’s all about. “When you have Dan, Jeffrey The apartments above the Plant City and Danny, everybody wants it,” Photo Archives and History Center were used for filming on Tuesday. Fox said. “We’re gonna make it

JANUARY 30, 2020

SPORTS Quick Hits DISTRICT SOCCER TOURNEY TIME Dylan Richards was red-hot from beyond the arc last week. See Page 15

PCHS, SCHS CHEERLEADING WIN AT REGIONALS

The Plant City area will be well-represented at this year’s FHSAA state cheerleading championships. Both Plant City High School and Strawberry Crest High School made the cut for this weekend’s state tournament in Gainesville by winning their respective divisions at PCHS in Saturday’s Region 3 championship meet. Plant City competed in and won the Small division and Crest won the Small Co-Ed division. Plant City and Crest will both compete Friday in the Class 2A championships. The meet will be held all day at the Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center on the University of Florida campus, located at 250 Gale Lemerand Drive. Tickets cost $12 and parking is free. Visit fhsaa. org/sports/competitive-cheerleading for more information.

All three area girls teams started 6A-11 and 7A-8 tournament play this week.

AREA PARKS HOSTING TOURNAMENTS This weekend, GSA Baseball will host its Top Gun Challenge tournament at Mike Sansone Park, Ellis-Methvin Park and the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex. Games will start between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Next weekend, U.S. Road Running will host the Ellis-Methvin Park Two-Person 10K Relay from 7 a.m. to noon Feb. 8 at the park’s walking trail. Visit runsignup.com/ Race/FL/PlantCity/FebBFFEM to sign up and get more information. GSA Baseball’s Spring Season Warm-Up Tournament was moved to next weekend and will take place at the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex, Mike Sansone Park and Ellis-Methvin Park on Feb. 8 and 9. Games start between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. both days.

Registration has begun for the 44th annual Plant City Recreation and Parks Department/Optimist Club Youth Soccer Program. The league is open to all area youths age 4-18 as of June 1, 2020 (birth certificate required). Registration costs $35 per player and includes the costs for jerseys and supplemental accident insurance. Sign up by 4:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at the PCRPD office, 1904 S. Park Road, or by mail. For more information and to get a registration form, visit plantcitygov.com/parksrec/page/ youth-soccer-league-ages-4-18, email recinfo@plantcitygov.com or call 813-6594255.

TRI-STAR BASKETBALL COMP SATURDAY Area hoopers age 8-13 are invited to the Tomlin Middle School gymnasium on Saturday to put their skills to the test. The 47th annual Plant City Optimist Club Tri-Star Basketball Competition tips off at 9 a.m. and will showcase competitors’ shooting, passing and dribbling abilities. You do not have to be in the city’s rec basketball program to participate, but the city team with the most players in attendance and in uniform will get a free pizza party. The event is free and you can get a registration form by emailing recinfo@plantcitygov.com or calling 813-659-4255.

COLTS TO HOST FREE FOOTBALL CAMP The Plant City Colts are starting a new tradition with their first annual football camp for boys age 4-15. The camp, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, will be held at the MLK complex at 1903 E. Dr. MLK Blvd. and will cover all the football skills and drills athletes need to know to get better with help from the Colts coaching staff. Food will be available at the camp.

Riverview’s Emma Richards and Durant’s Yaritza Vasquez fight for possession.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The 7A-District 8 playoffs started with Durant keeping its success streak alive and well at home. Monday’s quarterfinal, a rematch of the Cougars’ 3-0 home win over Riverview on Dec. 10, 2019, was more of the same for the home team. Durant had little trouble executing its game plan in another 3-0 win over the Sharks, which put the Cougars into Tuesday’s semifinal against Lakewood Ranch. Monday’s win meant Durant extended its win streak to seven games, in which it outscored opponents 51-8 on the season and has stayed out of the loss column for nine games, having won or tied every match since Dec. 5, 2019, against Strawberry Crest. But the Cougars went on to face a Lakewood Ranch team that’s also been on fire this season. After starting the season

with a loss, the Mustangs (12-3-2) found a groove and used a 9-1-2 run starting Dec. 3, 2019, to earn a 2 seed in the 7A-8 tourney and lock up a first-round bye. Tuesday night’s semifinal ended with the Mustangs on the winning side of a 3-0 score, eliminating Durant. Lakewood Ranch will face Newsome at 7 p.m. in tonight’s championship finale. For Plant City and Strawberry Crest, the Class 6A-District 11 tourney began Wednesday night as Crest played Tampa Bay Tech and PCHS faced Bloomingdale. Results were not available at press time, but the championship game will be played 6:30 p.m. Feb. 3 at Tampa Bay Tech.

Justin Kline

Ainsley Hamilton uses her head in the passing game.

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

SEE PAGE 15

PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE ‘BLACK MAMBA’

Kobe Bryant’s untimely death Sunday hurt many hearts in and out of the sports world, but he left behind a great example to learn from.

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Some of the best senior softball teams in the world competed in the ninth annual ISSA/WBSC World Tournament of Champions, which came back to the Randy L. Larson Four-Plex in Plant City and other sports parks in the Tampa area last week. The tournament has hosted games in Plant City for just about all of its existence and this year brought in 150 men’s and

women’s teams from around the world for six days of intense slow-pitch competition. GSA Baseball’s spring league play also kicked off this weekend at Mike Sansone and Ellis-Methvin parks. Because the Spring Season Warm-Up tournament scheduled for Jan. 18 and 19 was cancelled, this past weekend’s league play kicked off 2020 play in Plant City. The organization plans to start February’s action this weekend with the Top Gun Challenge at both parks and the Larson Four-Plex.

‘MENTAL HEALTH’ DAYS: ARE THEY WORTH IT?

Taking a day off of work or school for “mental health reasons” is a popular trend these days.

Is it OK to take a “mental health” day? We have a rule in my house: unless you have a fever, you go to school. My kids never ask me to stay home from school unless they are sick, so I was surprised when my 16-year-old daughter recently asked me if she could take a “mental health day” off. She was even more surprised when I said “yes.” I knew she had been working hard with a heavy course load. AP classes can be stressful! I also know it is sometimes better to step away for a day and relax so you can be more productive in the days following. This is true for kids, teens and adults. Many of us will not request a day off from work unless we are actually taking a vacation, but taking a day to ourselves is not only OK, it is a critical part of selfcare. Sometimes, just taking a single day off to do something for ourselves can help prevent stress and burnout. How you choose to spend the day will really depend on what you need most. If your body just feels exhausted from being on the go all the time or from physical labor, it will tell you to rest. If that means sleeping in, watching TV and doing nothing all day, it is OK as long as this is not something you do every day. Other times, you may feel the need to get out of your normal work routine and just go have some fun. I have a friend who likes to spend her days off at Disney by herself. Some other things you might

find relaxing include taking a nature hike, visiting a museum, taking a yoga class or maybe curling up with a good book. Tackling some items on your own personal to-do list might also be on your agenda for your rest day. It always makes me feel better to get things accomplished at home that I am otherwise not able to do during the work week. You can schedule mental health or rest days in advance, but they do not have to be planned out. Some people feel less stressed when they request a day off ahead of time, but if you wake up feeling so overwhelmed and stressed that it can affect your ability to function at work, it is better to call in and just focus on yourself. How often should you take a mental health day? One or two days every three or four months might be enough, especially if you remember to also work some relaxation like exercise or listening to music into your daily routine. If you need more time to de-stress, do not hesitate to make your mental health a priority. Angela Fulgieri is a Program Director for the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA. Write her at observerfitness@ gmail.com.

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Athletes young and old took to the diamonds at local parks this past weekend.

FOCUS ON FITNESS:

Park Rd.

SOFTBALL, BASEBALL TOURNEYS HIT FULL SWING IN PLANT CITY

Maryland Ave.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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Lakeland

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

JUSTIN KLINE

REMEMBERING KOBE BRYANT Kobe Bryant’s life was cut tragically short over the weekend, but his impact in basketball and off the court after it will last. FROM PAGE 13

I’m of the age where I can’t remember being a sports fan without Kobe Bryant’s presence looming large over the landscape. If you’re like me, you grew up watching him dominate on the basketball court for the Lakers. You shouted his first name as you threw up contested jumpers in pickup games or crumpled trash and threw up turnaround fadeaway jumpers into the garbage. You bought his shoes and played as him in the video games and shared his basketball memes when memes became a thing later in his career. You’ve gotten into some heated Jordan, Kobe or LeBron “greatest of all time” debates over the years. You just saw all the tributes paid by NFL players in the Pro Bowl and NBA players over the last few days, and you knew it wasn’t something they just did for the clout. You were probably hurting on Sunday to some degree, even if you “hated” him on the court for beating your favorite team over and over again (trust me, I’m a big Allen Iverson fan). I was working out at the Power Shop on Sunday afternoon and forgot to bring my headphones. It was empty enough in the back that I could hear someone ask to change the channel on one of the TVs above the cardio area because something something Kobe Bryant in the news. It didn’t sound too good, so I pulled out my phone. It didn’t register for me right away. It was there, right in front of my face, but it wasn’t real. No way. I texted a few friends and quickly heard from several I hadn’t gotten to yet. Then, people I rarely talk basketball with hit me up. The story had to have legs. When I found out that not only was it true, but his daughter Gianna was confirmed as another of the nine people who died in the helicopter crash, it hit me. They’re really all gone now. This is absolutely crazy. So much has been written and spoken about Kobe’s accomplishments since Sunday. Even if you’re not a huge NBA or sports fan, there’s a good chance I’d just tell you things you already know and have heard a thousand times in the last five days. Instead, I’ll write about my favorite thing about Kobe: his role as a parent, especially

concerning Gianna. Say what you will about Kobe’s selfishness as a player, but that same guy could not have been more generous with his time with the next generations. That was especially true with his daughter and her basketball teams. You don’t have to look very far to find clips of the two working out together, or to find social media posts where Kobe praised her and her teammates and talked about wanting the best for them all regardless of whether any would go pro in the future. A Jimmy Kimmel clip from 2018 made its rounds on Sunday. I must have watched it at least 10 times when I found it. In it, Kimmel asks Kobe a question about Gianna and he immediately lit up. He talked about her attitude — which she 100 percent inherited from him — and how it would come out around his fans. “(Gianna will) be standing next to me, and it’ll be like, ‘And you gotta have a boy. You and V gotta have a boy, have somebody carry on the tradition, the legacy.’ She’s like, ‘I got this. No boy for that, I got this.’” He was so proud of Gianna and it totally comes through in the clip. He fully supported her and believed she truly would carry on his legacy, even if she wouldn’t do it in the NBA with the men. Maybe it’s because he had nothing to prove to anybody after the career he had, but there was not an ounce of “living vicariously through my kid” in him the way there is in too many parents who start things with good intentions but spiral out of control. Kobe taught kids how to do plenty on the court, and I hope he teaches adults how to support their kids in a healthy way off of it. Sunday was an extremely dark day in the sports world, but his legacies in basketball and after it will shine brighter than five championship rings in the LA sun.

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

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Dylan Richards Plant City came very close to dropping 100 points on Lennard last Thursday, and Dylan Richards’ hot hand was a big reason why. The senior guard drained nine of his 13 three-point attempts, two of his four two-point shots and two of his three free throw attempts to finish the game with a team-high 33 points in Plant City’s 91-77 road win. Richards leads the Raiders with 15.4 points per game and also has a 4.0 GPA. Tell me about that Lennard game. Was anything different leading up to it than normal? You were on fire from three. After I make the first shot, the basket just gets bigger and I just keep shooting it. It was looking pretty big that night. Have you ever done anything like that from three? Not nine threes hot, but I have gotten hot. I know that was your season high, but was that a career-high game for you?

Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at JKline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.

The basketball environment. Playing here, the home crowd is big. Any college plans? I do have interest and I do hold offers from a few schools. But hopefully, as the season goes on, I’ll get more offers. I’d like to pursue a master’s degree in business at the next level. I’m gonna hold off and sign as late as possible so I can get as many offers and options as I can when the time comes. So in a college hoops program, what are you looking for? I’m looking for a school that likes to play fast, likes to get after it and just is a competitive school. Do you play any other sports? Just basketball. I started focusing only on basketball in eighth grade. What made you want to stick with basketball and nothing else?

I have scored more than that in AAU before, but for high school that is my highest-scoring game.

Kobe Bryant.

You transferred here from Newsome for this year. What’s it been like at a new school and in a new program?

Him getting up every day at 3 a.m. to work out.

I like it. I like it a lot more. I came here, I have more freedom to play in the new coaching system and it’s benefitted me a lot in terms of my basketball career. What’s been your biggest improvement on the court? I’ve seen a big improvement in my defense here at Plant City, and also my offensive game has elevated a lot with the freedom I get to play here and the shots I’m able to take under coach Teeden. It’s really freed me up. What’s your favorite thing about playing here?

What’s your favorite Kobe memory?

Which players do you try to model your own game after? Kobe and James Harden. Harden, the way he gets open no matter what a defense throws at him, he’s getting buckets regardless. I really look up to him as well.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

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“A 1971 Plymouth Valiant.”

“A 2003 Mercury Sable.”

— Julie Knowles

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“My first car was a 1969 Cutlass convertible. It had a 350 with dual exhaust and bucket “A 1986 Pontiac Firebird Transseats, shifter on the floor, facAm. It was red with T-tops and “It must have been a 1995 Ford tory AC that still worked in 1985 a 16-year-old should not have Escort. There was a leak in the and you could sleep eight in the had that car.” gas tank but I paid $500 for it.” trunk comfortably.” — Candace O’Neal Watson

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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Dorothy Drawdy Burdett Rice, 89, of Plant City, born on April 27, 1930, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 22, 2020. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Marie ‘Little Mama’ Bradley Marie “Little Mama” Bradley, 85, of Plant City, born on May 13, 1934 in Blountsville, Alabama entered into eternal rest on Jan. 23, 2020. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Clifton Wood

Clifton Wood, 67, of Valrico, born on Oct. 13, 1952 in Bartow, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 24, 2020. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Funeral services were held Jan. 27, 2020 at Shiloh Baptist Church, 905 West Terrace Drive, Plant City, FL 33563. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.

Inez Norris Danley Inez Norris Danley, 91, of Plant City, born Oct. 30, 1928 in Opp, Alabama, went home to be with her Lord on Jan. 23, 2020. She moved to Florida in 1944, and had been a longtime member of Mount Zion Assembly of God. She retired from Kraft Foods after 25 years of service. She loved her family, church, southern gospel music and fishing. She is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, James Comer Danley and two siblings. She is survived by 5 siblings; her children, Barbara Wansley, Cheryl Danley, James A. Danley (Renee), and Charlotte Holland (Mike); 5 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 1 at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 South County Road 39, Plant City. The family will receive friends at 11:00 a.m. with services following at 12:00 Noon Expressions of condolence can be made at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W Dr MLK Jr Blvd, Plant City, FL 33563. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.

Plant City. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m., February 1, 2020 at St. Clement Catholic Church 1104 N Alexander St, Plant City. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Helen Irene Crombie Bruce Guyton Glass Helen Irene Crombie, 93 of Plant City passed away Jan. 25, 2020. Born in Ontario, Canada, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Grace Mocker. She is survived by her loving friends and family who will be having a private service. Online condolences may be left at haught.care.

Bruce Guyton Glass, 86, of Plant City, passed away Jan. 26, 2020. A proud Korean War vet (serving in the Army). Join us as we celebrate his life on Thursday, January 30 at 11 a.m. at Haught Funeral Home. Online condolences can be left at haught.care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Aurelio Garcia-Guadarrama Aurelio Garcia-Guadarrama, 67, of Lakeland, passed away on Jan. 20, 2020. The family will receive friends Friday, Jan. 31, 2020 from 10:00

Michael Keith Hildreth

James Arthur Tanner James Arthur Tanner, age 75, of Lakeland, FL passed away on January 28, 2020. James was an Army veteran. Funeral Service will take place Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 1:00 PM at Florida National Cemetery 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Juan Martinez Juan Martinez, 78, of Plant City, passed away on Jan. 26, 2020. The family will receive friends Jan. 31, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W Dr MLK Jr Blvd,

Michael Keith Hildreth, 68, of Plant City, passed away on Jan. 22, 2020.

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

YOUR COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY. FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971 HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

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OBITUARIES

Dorothy Drawdy Burdett Rice

community OBITUARIES

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

Linda Jane Lindsey

we’re dedicated to helping families create a our community Linda Lindsey, 73, passedmemorial that truly BEST and meaningful mpassionate care since 1896.Janeunique away peacefully onthe Jan. 2020 celebrates life20, it represents. emorial professionals,

O S E RV E ®

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

YOUR CALENDAR

is all about.

in Lakeland.

Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability Born in Vinita, ement Travel Assistance > The Oklahoma CompassiononHelpline®

Nov. 30, 1946 she was one of 16 children of Richard and Wilma Dunbar. roudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival.at Condolences may be offered www.WellsMemorial.com.

R Taking care of each other is what

BET

SATURDAY, FEB. 1 12TH ANNUAL CELEBRITY CHEF

6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Join the United Food Bank of Plant City in the 12th annual Celebrity Chef event at the John R. Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Road. The United Food Bank’s Celebrity Chef dinner will feature Amy Freeze, teacher by day and a National Pie Champion, world traveler, foodie, blogger of “Gourmet Everyday”, WELLSMEMORIAL.COM and sharing travel adventures by night. Amy’s sous chefs for the evening will be local strawberry farmers, Carl and Dee Sally Anne Cushman Wells MeMorial & event Center Dee Grooms. All proceeds benefit the we’re dedicated to helping families create a O S E RV E our community PlanT CiTy United Food Bank of Plant City. IndiSally Anne Cushman, 83, of Plant unique and meaningful memorial that truly mpassionate care since 1896. 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com vidual tickets are $100. Visit www.ufbpc. City, passed away on Dec. celebrates theMonday life it represents. emorial professionals, org/celebrity-chef for details. 9, 2019. Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability 5_C.indd 1 10/27/15 10:42 AM Sally was born July 17, 1936 in ement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® Bloomington, Illinois. Fond memories and exprespreparation to seed selection to care and sions of sympathy may be shared feeding of your new seedlings. There is a roudly supportingatthewww.WellsMemorial.com Plant City Strawberry Festival. for $15 suggested donation. RSVP is required. the Cushman family. Contact Karen at 813-435-8111 or at 12circle8@gmail.com.

community

is all about.

Taking care of each other is what

community

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM

isEwell all about. Franklin Sapp

SATURDAY, FEB. 1 COMMUNITY PICNIC AND CONVERSATION

11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come on out to Greater New Hope, 2104 Mud Lake Road, for a PlanT CiTy Community Picnic and Conversation. So Ewell Franklin Sapp, 85, of Live 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com many things are happening in the commuOak, passed away on Saturday we’reEwell dedicated helping families create a O S E RV E our community nity that it becomes important to provide Jan. 25, 2020. wasto born unique and meaningful memorial that truly mpassionate care since 1896. 5_C.indd 1 10/27/15 10:42 AM through multiple avenues. information March 6, 1934 in Georgia. emorial professionals, They will talk, raise concerns if necessary He was acelebrates veteran.the life it represents. Service Guarantee > memories National Plan Transferability and encourage participation in the city’s Fond and expresement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® growth. Information is power. Topics will sions of sympathy may be shared include “What’s New in Local Economic at www.WellsMemorial.com for Development?,” “How Do We Implement the Sapp family. Diversity Inclusion Strategy During our roudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. City’s Growth?,” “Midtown Redevelopment Update” and more. Wells MeMorial & event Center

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM

THURSDAY, JAN. 30 Wells MeMorial & event Center

5_C.indd 1

PlanT CiTy YBOR HISTORY WITH LONNIE HERMAN 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com

5:30 p.m. Enjoy learning about Ybor’s history, the stories, hopes and dreams of the people at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. This program will educate about the struggles and triumphs that Ybor City has faced throughout its diverse history.

FRIDAY, JAN. 31 DUPLICATE BRIDGE

1 p.m. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 Carey St., is now hosting a weekly Duplicate Bridge game, the most widely used variation of contract bridge in club and tournament play. Contact Walt Arnold at 813-752-1602 for more information.

SPRING SEEDLING WORKSHOP

6 p.m. Join Merlin Graber at the Plant City Commons Community Garden, 2001 E. Cherry St., as he leads the group step-bystep from planting medium choice and

THE CONSPIRACY LIVE AT KEEL & CURLEY

6 p.m. Keel & Curley Winery at Keel Farms, 5210 Thonotosassa Road, presents The Conspiracy Live. Come out for a night of great music and good food.

SUNDAY, FEB. 2 CITY POINTE 10/27/15 10:42 AM CHURCH ANNIVERSARY EVENT

10:30 a.m. City Pointe Church, 503 N Palmer St., is celebrating its four-year anniversary on Feb. 2. Come on out to the church for a special service and presentation. There is a special Morning Guest in CPC Kid’s Ministry and a Pot Luck Lunch at 11:45 a.m. in the Student Center.

MONDAY, FEB. 3 PLANT CITY DAYBREAK ROTARY CLUB

7 to 8 a.m. The Plant City Daybreak Rotary Club holds a meeting every Monday morning. Now the group will be meeting in the Community Meeting Room of the Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place. Guests are welcome.

PLANT CITY AREA DEMOCRATIC CLUB

6 p.m. The Plant City Area Democratic Club will meet at the Plant City Community Resource Center, 307 N. Michigan Ave, Plant City, FL 33566 (entering from Baker Street parking) on Monday, Feb. 3.

TUESDAY, FEB. 4 SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB

9 a.m. Come on out to the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St., each Tuesday to play Shuffleboard. You’ll be an expert in no time. The club is hosted by Anita Balch and she can be contacted at 808-722-5821 for more information.

THE WRITER’S LOFT

6 to 8 p.m. Join Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., for the monthly meeting of The Writer’s Loft. All writers are welcome. Join the group for a meet and greet, to share work, for writing guidance, creative time, fellowship and more. This month’s theme is “Modern Love: A Night of Essays.” Attendees are encouraged to bring a memoir story of no more than 1,500 words about love, or not love, or almost love or whatever love. Be ready to read and workshop. Email thewritersloftpc@gmail. com for more information.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 5 POWER HOUR: “MOVE YOUR PROJECTS AHEAD”

TOD

4 p.m. Bonnie the Therapy Dog will be at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Bonnie loves to snuggle up with anyone who wants to share a book and rub her back. You can find her on the couch in the children’s area. Reading with Bonnie can help children improve reading, communication skills, and build confidence. Bonnie is a Shih Tzu Reading Therapy Dog certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. For children of all ages.

THURSDAY, FEB. 6 MAHJONG CLASS

2 to 4 p.m. Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., hosts a Mahjong Class on Thursdays. Whether you’re a first-time player or a seasoned expert, join them every week to play American Mahjong!

CHAMBER GALA

6 to 9 p.m. Celebrate the roaring 20s at the annual Plant City Chamber Gala! On Feb. 6 they will be celebrating all that 2020 will have in store: a new Board of Directors, new Chair of the Board Courtney Paat State Farm Insurance Agent, and the winners of the 2020 Best of Plant City Awards. RSVP Required: http://www.plantcity. org/events/details/chamber-gala-9987. Tickets are $100 per person | $1,000 per table of eight. The event is held at the HCC Trinkle Center.

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join Aspire Plant City with the “Move Your Projects Ahead” Power Hour with Marcey Walsh. The event is at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St., and tickets are found at aspireplantcity.wildapricot. org. Until 18 months ago, Marcey Walsh was travelling nationally as a neuro-trainer helping diabetes and financial professionals understand how their clients’ brains respond to stress. Marcey will share the memory and scheduling hacks she developed to get back to business. They’ll practice techniques to make effective decisions and MOVE PROJECTS AHEAD even in constantly changing situations. Since she is also a certified Dale Carnegie

WHEN SCHOOL’S OUT

UP N G I S AY!

trainer.

PAWS FOR READING WITH BONNIE THE THERAPY DOG!

FUN IS IN!

Bring your kids to the Plant City YMCA on most school holidays* for an exciting, enriching experience while you’re at work or out and about! PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA 1507 YMCA Pl., Plant City | 813 757 6677 | tampaymca.org

*See website for available dates.

Universal Crossword Edited by David Steinberg January 30, 2020 PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

1/30

FORECAST THURSDAY, JAN. 30 High: 74 Low: 58 Chance of rain: 20%

FRIDAY, JAN. 31 High: 77 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 40%

Italy) 34 Marathon’s 26.2 35 Campfire treat 36 Served dinner to, say 37 Like attention-getting text 38 Mold growth 39 “Ali ___: Hard Knock Wife” 40 Swiss peak 41 Doozy 42 Strong suit 43 Keeper of order on Capitol Hill (8 to 11, England) 46 Tugboat sound 47 Type 48 Band’s final concert series, and what this puzzle’s

theme answers constitute? 56 Trendy berry 59 Get even? 60 Took the bus 61 Waiters appreciate them 62 River in two African countries’ names 63 Brand of preppy shirts 64 Subject with trig questions 65 Provide funding for 66 Hog homes DOWN 1 Slightly open 2 Havana’s land 3 Speak highly of 4 Like many a work in progress

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

High: 68 Low: 50 Chance of rain: 60%

SUNDAY, FEB. 2 High: 67 Low: 44 Chance of rain: 10%

STRAWBERRY Shipping point: Central Florida $14.90

5 Holmes’ sidekick 6 “Funny running into you here!” 7 Film spool 8 Answer that was also in yesterday’s puzzle, fittingly 9 Genesis garden 10 Canon that takes shots 11 “Born in the ___” 12 Many a Christmas tree 13 Transmit by phone line 21 Has to pay back 22 Part of TLC 25 Notify 26 Actors’ representatives 27 Bluish-purple 28 Elite NFL player 29 Congressional cable channel 30 Poker player’s folding phrase 31 It comes from the heart 32 Mining target 33 Perimeter 34 Wall Street degs. 38 Adriatic or Aegean 39 Visit to corporate headquarters, perhaps 41 Pre-release app status 42 It begins in September 44 “I don’t have any of those cards” 45 Up to this point,informally 49 ___ against the clock 50 Musk of Tesla 51 Renewable power source 52 Waffle brand 53 Flow like slime 54 ThickJapanese noodle 55 Merlots and others 56 Balance displayer, briefly 57 Spy grp. 58 Well-suited

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Jan. 30

7:16a

6:07p

Friday, Jan. 31

7:16a

6:07p

Saturday, Feb. 1

7:15a

6:08p

Sunday, Feb. 2

7:15a

6:09p

Monday, Feb. 3

7:14a

6:10p

Tuesday, Feb. 4

7:14a

6:11p

Wednesday, Feb. 5

7:13a

6:11p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, FEB. 1

Bye Tickets by Evan Kalish

ACROSS 1 First Amendment-defending org. 5 Less preferable 10 Off-the-___ remark 14 San ___, Puerto Rico 15 On track to win 16 Home to Afghanistan 17 What Utah and Idaho do 18 Feature of most crosswords 19 Groucho or Harpo 20 Symptom of ghosting (letters 2 to 6, Spain) 23 Duet’s number 24 Solo such as “Casta diva” 27 Sweet citrus (6 to 9,

Feb. 23 New

Feb. 28 First

Feb. 8 Full

Feb. 19 Last

RAINFALL Monday, Jan. 20

0.00

Tuesday, Jan. 21 0.00 Wednesday, Jan. 22

0.00

Thursday, Jan. 23 0.00 Friday, Jan. 24

0.00

Saturday, Jan. 25 0.00 Sunday, Jan. 26

0.00

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2020 00.65 in.

2020 0.65 in.

2019 01.69 in.

2019 1.69 in.

WEATHER

46 Tugboat 12 Many a 41 Pre-release ACROSS sound Christmas app status 1 First 47 Type tree 42 It begins in Amendment48 Band’s 13 Transmit by September defending final concert phone line 44 “I don’t have org. and Editor21 HasKline to at jkline@PlantCityObserver.com any of those 5 Less Send your photo submissionsseries, to Associate Justin what this pay back cards” preferable or hashtag #iloveplantcity onpuzzle’s Instagram for @igersplantcity feature. 45 Up to this 22 Part oftoTLC 10 Off-the-___ theme 25 Notify point, remark answers 26 Actors’ repinformally 14 San ___, constitute? resentatives 49 ___ against Puerto Rico 56 Trendy berry 27 Bluish-purple the clock 15 On track 59 Get even? 28 Elite NFL 50 Musk of to win 60 Took the bus player Tesla 16 Home to 61 Waiters 29 Congressional 51 Renewable Afghanistan appreciate cable channel power 17 What Utah them 30 Poker source and Idaho do 62 River in player’s 52 Waffle brand 18 Feature of two African folding 53 Flow like most countries’ phrase slime crosswords names 31 It comes from 54 Thick 19 Groucho 63 Brand of the heart Japanese or Harpo preppy shirts 32 Mining target noodle 20 Symptom 64 Subject with 33 Perimeter 55 Merlots and of ghosting trig questions 34 Wall Street others (letters 2 to 65 Provide degs. 56 Balance 6, Spain) funding for 38 Adriatic or displayer, 23 Duet’s 66 Hog homes Aegean briefly number DOWN 39 Visit to 57 Spy grp. 24 Solo such as 1 Slightly open corporate 58 Well-suited “Casta diva” 2 Havana’s land headquarters, 27 Sweet citrus 3 Speak perhaps (6 to 9, Italy) highly of 34 Marathon’s 4 Like many 26.2 PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER a work in 35 Campfire Linda Thomas recently snapped this photo of a sunset at her farm in the Springhead area. progress treat 5 Holmes’ 36 Served us on social media: @PCObserver on Instgram, sidekick dinner to, E say Follow O N L I N @PlantObserver on Twitter and Plant City Observer 6 “Funny 37 Like on Facebook. running into attentionyou here!” getting text 7 Film spool 38 Mold growth 8 Answer that 39 “Ali ___: was also in Hard Knock yesterday’s Wife” puzzle, 40 Swiss peak fittingly 41 Doozy 9 Genesis 42 Strong suit 43 Keeper of garden order on 10 Canon that Capitol Hill takes shots 1/29 © 2020 Andrews McMeel Universal (8 to 11, 11 “Born in www.upuzzles.com England) the ___”

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

PlantCityObserver.com

If you need a heart procedure, making an appointment with BayCare is standard procedure. From the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and heart rhythm disorders to emergency heart attack care, South Florida Baptist Hospital is your BayCare hospital in Plant City. We use advanced technology like state-ofthe-art imaging and noninvasive diagnostic tests. And we always provide the high level of personal care that BayCare is renowned for. If your primary care doctor suggests you see a cardiologist, we can refer you: (844) 344-1952 or KnowYourHeart.org.

In Tampa Bay, BayCare hospitals are selected most often for people needing cardiac care.

Based on an aggregated number of adults who needed to be admitted to hospitals due to cardiovascular problems as reported by the state of Florida that lived in the four-county area of Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk from April 1, 2018, through March 31, 2019.

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