1.5.23 PLCO

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

It was anything but a relaxing holiday season for Plant City’s fist responders, who were kept busy not with caroling and merriment but with a number of thefts,

assaults, domestic disturbances, fies

medical

during the last two weeks of the year.

MESSICK JOINED A NUMBER OF LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE COACHES, ALONG WITH SEVERAL FORMER PLAYERS, AT A YOUTH BASEBALL CAMP LAST MONTH.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Since its inception in 2006, founder Mark Persails has served as the principal owner of Florida Baseball Heaven (FBH), a full-service, year-round baseball training facility/organization located in Plant City and Lakeland. In an attempt to give local youth players the best possible instruction while also bringing together the central Florida baseball community, Persails once again organized a Christmas baseball camp in late December that featured several local coaches as well as former players with both collegiate and professional baseball experience.

In 2017, past players from the Plant City Parks & Recreation Department and Optimist Youth Soccer Leagues — many of whom went on to play at the high school level locally — gathered at the Otis M Andrews Soccer Complex in Plant City for an exciting reunion.

An event that was initially intended to return annually was abruptly interrupted due to COVID-19 after their fist two installments, but it will make its return this weekend.

The group will host their next gathering at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex on Saturday, Jan. 7 starting at 9 a.m.

BUSINESS

An outdoor storage fie broke out on Monday, Jan. 2 behind Omnibus Express, 1501 James L. Redman Pkwy.

The fie took place in a shipping container located outdoors behind the building and was fist noticed by an employee of El Mirasol, located in the adjacent plaza, who then contacted the property’s renters (Omnibus Express) to alert them of the fie. The owners of the property — Dennis and Linda Spivey of Spivey Farms — were later alerted of the incident when a family member saw it on Facebook, subsequently relaying the information.

Plant City fie rescue responded to the incident, arriving at 6:42 a.m. and reporting it controlled and cleared by 8:11.

According to Linda Spivey, their insurance company, Poppell Insurance, will conduct an assessment of the damage and that they will proceed accordingly.

SOCCER REUNION RETURNING TO PLANT CITY

FIRE BREAKS OUT BEHIND LOCAL

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

For 32 years, United Food Bank of Plant City (UFBPC), located at 702 East Alsobrook Street, has been serving food to individuals and families facing food insecurity. In recent years the food bank has more than tripled the number of people it serves. In 2021-2022 it served 16,880 individuals and distributed more than 2.7 million pounds of food.

As it strives to meet the ever-growing food needs of the community, it’s become clear that it’s 10,021-square-foot space situated in a one-story shopping complex is inadequate to accommodate the large quantity of food that passes through its doors on a daily basis. The organization cobbled together rented, refrigerated storage units behind the building to increase its footprint but other logistical con-

straints, including the absence of a loading dock, necessitate the construction of a larger building.

“We’re going to double our population within 20 years so we need a space that will facilitate the growing needs of our community,” said UFBPC Executive Director Mary Heysek.

An ambitious $5 million capital campaign has been announced to make the vision of a new building a reality. It’s already off o a good start with more than $1.6 million raised thanks to the generosity of local businesses and donors, including $300,000 from the Florida House of Representatives through a Local Support Grant via Representative Lawrence McClure, $200,000 through a Hillsborough County Government capital funding grant via Commissioner Stacy White and $50,000 from the Florida Strawberry Festival with support from Paul Davis and his team.

Heysek hopes to break ground on the new headquarters, which will be located on its existing land that it owns, by summer 2023 with completion in Jan. 2024. Plans for the new structure include a 16-foot ceiling height for stacking pallets, a 3,547 square-foot office space, a 1,847 square-foot sorting/kids room and larger warehouse storage, one-to-one client intake stations classroom space for group instruction (financial and halth literacy) and a demonstration kitchen for healthy, affordable, multi-cultural cooking instruction.

The new building will be more energyefficient dueo the removal of the refrigerated pods, improved HVAC, LED lighting and higher-grade insulation. “We’re confident e’ll be able to build a facility that will serve the needs of this community for years to come,” said Heysek, who is hoping government officia, foundations, local businesses, community groups and

individuals will help them reach their fundraising goal.

“This is where we have the hope with a lot of faith that the Plant City community and beyond will come forward to help us build a new facility that will better accommodate our low-income residents from nine communities in the eastern portion of Hillsborough County that we serve,” she said.

To learn more about making a donation to its capital campaign visit www.ufbpc.org or call 813-764-0625.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Approximately two dozen professional and amateur chefs will test their culinary prowess to see who will be dubbed chili champion at this year’s ChiliFest, held on Sat., Jan. 28 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. This year the annual cooking competition, hosted by Arts Council of Plant City, has been combined with RailFest, an event originally scheduled for last October but was cancelled after the train museum sustained damage from Hurricane Ian’s winds and rain. RailFest is scheduled the same day from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The events will be located at The Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum at 102 North Palmer Street.

ChiliFest organizer Frank Cummings

knows all about the sweet taste of chili victory. The former ChiliFest champion is willing to divulge his secret recipe because he isn’t competing this year. “The secret to a good chili is to use quality beef, we used TNT one-third pound pre-seasoned burgers and didn’t drain the fat off,” he said. “I also made it a little sweet so it got a lot of kid votes.” He’s hoping the weather will be “chili” on the day of the event.

Last year’s ChiliFest category winners included: Mild Category winner Lawrence Valdez, Novelty Category winner Brent’s BBQ, Spicy Category winner Hillbilly Chili and People’s Choice winner Scooby’s Outdoor Adventures. Cash prizes are awarded for first and second place category winners but the real prize is bragging rights. Want to attend the event as an eater instead

of

-

RailFest, which begins at 10 a.m.,

fea-

Welbon Karate

the event, departing his knowledge about how Plant

“Hosting both events on the same day is a new twist to ChiliFest and hopefully bring excitement for both events,” said Arts Council of Plant City President Marsha Passmore. “The railroad museum is one of Plant City’s treasures and visitors are surprised when they come in and see what a collection we have.”

raffle,

Plant

To enter your prize-winning chili (applications and a $20 entry fee must be received no later than Jan. 20) and for a complete list of rules visit www.plantcityarts.com.

a chef? Purchase a cup and spoon for $5 per person to sample every competitor’s creations and then vote on which tastes best. The contestant with the most votes wins the People’s Choice award. Funds raised supports the Arts Council of Plant City’s scholarship program. “This pro

ceeds from this event benefit local students in our community,” said Cummings.

will

ture music, performances by students from Drawdy’s Dance School and Chris

Clubs, a live auction and 50/50

face painting, a bounce house and

City Police Department and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office equipment displays. Guests can also take a ride on the Willard Express in the north parking lot area. A Henry Plant look-a-like will roam

left his mark (and his name) on Plant City.

DECEMBER 21

CASH COUNTER

2000 block of N. Wheeler St.

Theft: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who reported that their wallet was left on the counter at a business and subsequently taken.

GOING OUT WITH A BANG

1000 block of W. Madison St.

Theft of a fiearm: An officer responded to a residence at the listed location in reference to the theft of a fiearm.

BUSINESS DEALINGS

2100 block of W. Baker St.

Retail theft: An officer responded to a business at the listed location in reference to a theft of merchandise.

DECEMBER 22

WIRE YOU DOING THIS?

1400 block of E. Baker St.

Burglary: An officer met with the complainant at the listed location who alerted them that 50 feet of wire was cut from a generator.

LOST AND FOUND

300 block of E. Calhoun St.

Stolen vehicle recovery: An officer met with the employee of a towing company who was attempting to report a private property impound from a business at a separate location when the vehicle was discovered to have been reported stolen.

STRIKE OUT

W. Madison St. / S. Tyler St. Warrant arrest: An officer responded as back up to the listed

intersection in reference to a traffictop. Once on scene, the officer made contact with another officer and another unidentified individual. During the investigation, an NCIC/FCIC check on the individual revealed that they were in possession of an active Hillsborough County arrest warrant. The warrant was confirmed y a Hillsborough County operator, the individual was positively identified and confirmed and susequently transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

DECEMBER 23

SHOE SHINING

3500 block of San Moise Pl. Petit theft: An officer responded to the residence at the listed location and met with the victim who reported that boots were stolen from their front porch area and was advised of the incident by his Ring doorbell camera at roughly 3 a.m. the morning of.

DIRTY BUSINESS

1100 block of N. Wheeler St. Stolen dirt bike / counterfeit bills: Officers met with the complainant at the listed location who reported that they sold a dirt bike and had been paid with counterfeit bills.

DECEMBER 29

GAS GUZZLER

2100 block of S. Wiggins Rd. Grand theft: An officer responded to a construction site at the listed location and met with the complainant who advised that 300 gallons of diesel fuel was stolen from the location.

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com

Sports Writer / Taylor Jenkins tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com

StaffWriter / Michelle Caceres michelle@plantcityobserver.com

Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez

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

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

Emergency Storm Water, A/C Leaks, Broken Pipes, Toilet Overflow

24-Hour WATER REMOVAL  Carpet Repairs  Carpet Restoration & Dyeing  Minimum Service job $70.00

CARPETS STEAM CLEANED 3 ROOMS $90 Includes Hallway cleaned Free

110 E. Reynolds, Suite 100B Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850 This week on Cops Corner: Plant City Police investigate counterfeit cash, missing shoes and stolen fuel. COPS CORNER TILE & GROUT STEAM CLEANED 50 cents per Sq.Ft.

Plant City Observer is locally owned by Ed Verner, Karen Berry, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes

The Plant City Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC.

Publishers of the

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Plant City native Wesley Joyner has been appointed to senior vice president, commercial relationship manager at The Bank of Tampa, one of the largest community banks in the Tampa Bay area with offices in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Sarasota counties. He’ll work at its Plant City office located at 509 West Alexander Street.

Prior to joining The Bank of Tampa, Joyner served as

market for more than 20 years and we’re thrilled to add him to our growing team,” said Matt Buzza, senior vice president, market director at The Bank of Tampa’s Plant City office.

Joyner is a sixth generation Plant City resident on both sides of his family. His father was CEO of Farm Credit and his grandfather was a farmer. In his spare time, Joyner raises cattle.

While a skilled banker is a valuable ally in helping farmers manage the cyclical nature of the industry and plan for the future, when they have a personal connection to the industry they have insight into those challenges. “Anytime

er and friend.” He’s also a neighbor. Hubble built a home on property he bought from Joyner’s grandmother.

Joyner is also an active member of the community and sits on several executive boards, including the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce (he’s the 2023 chairman of the board), the Florida FFA Foundation and the Hillsborough Cattlemen Foundation and Association. In these positions, he works to help small businesses flourish while advocating on the local and state level for the city’s agricultural businesses, similar goals he has for his banking clients.

He is eager to continue to serving clients at The Bank of

DOCTOR’S NOTE:

Whether there’s a surge of allergy-inducing pollen around, or fighting off cold symptoms has taken over your life, we all know how uncomfortable struggling to breathe is. But three new inoffice, non-invasive procedures, all effective in combating symptoms of nasal complications, may help clear your nose and bring easy breathing back.

Nasal and sinus problems are far more common than one might think with over 30 million people experiencing chronic nasal congestion, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Specifically, nasal obstruction affects 20 million Americans each year, according to Tampa General Hospital and chronic rhinitis, often characterized by a continuously runny nose and congestion, affects 10–30% of the population, according to WorldAllergy.org. Luckily, procedures like VivAer®, RhinAer®, and ClariFix®, all offered by Flor-

ida E.N.T. & Allergy can provide relief for those struggling with these symptoms.

Know the Difference

Nasal obstruction restricts airflow into and out of the nose causing difficulty breathing, habitual snoring, interrupted sleep, and fatigue. Nasal obstruction can be caused by the common cold or allergies, but for many, it is a chronic symptom of an anatomical deformity such as a deviated septum or choanal atresia which can impact your quality of life and require medical attention.

VivAer® is a procedure designed to provide lasting relief from nasal obstruction, without surgery or incisions, by opening the nasal airway. After the procedure, 97% of patients experienced significant improvement in nasal breathing, and most importantly, it has bettered their quality of life - with 94% of patients improving their ability to breathe

during exercise or exertion and 89% of patients experiencing a better night’s sleep!

Chronic rhinitis, on the other hand, is a set of symptoms sometimes related to allergies that can persist for months, if not years, and consists of a runny or itchy nose, sneezing, congestion, or postnasal drip. Many try managing symptoms with over-thecounter medications and sprays, which tend to provide only temporary relief. For those with chronic rhinitis caused by abnormal signals in the nose, the RhinAer® procedure addresses the root of the problem by disrupting the abnormal signals and providing lasting relief without surgery or incisions. RhinAer® is clinically proven to improve symptoms in 96% of patients, generating a significant improvement in their quality of life!

Florida E.N.T. & Allergy also offers an alternative procedure for chronic rhinitis, a cryothera-

py device called ClariFix®. During the treatment, the ClariFix® device delivers cold temperatures to the out-of-balance nerves in the back of the nose, stopping the source of symptoms for longlasting relief.

All three of these treatments are minimally invasive, which means they are available in-office with local anesthesia and involve minimal post-treatment care.

Symptoms associated with nasal obstructions and chronic rhinitis can be challenging and negatively affect your life in several ways. Struggling with breathing, congestion, runny nose, and sleep begin to feel like never-ending hurdles with no end in sight, especially if patients are masking the symptoms with medications. Thankfully, relief is one step closer at Florida E.N.T. & Allergy.

For more information about Florida E.N.T. & Allergy or to schedule an appointment to address your ear, nose, throat

and/or allergy questions, visit www.floridaentandallergy.com or call (813) 879-8045.

About Florida E.N.T. & Allergy

The physicians of Florida E.N.T. & Allergy have served the Tampa Bay community for over 45 years. Their 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, their caring and experienced providers specialize in ear, nose and throat care for the entire family using comprehensive, cutting edge technologies.

“THE PERFECT TIME TO BREATHE EASY”

CUTEST CRITTER

KITKAT: Christa Hammer sent us these photos of her cat KitKat, once a stray that found her forever home and now follows her mom around the yard in search of head scratches.

PLANT CITY POLICE OFFICER RESIGNS FOLLOWING ARREST

BY HCSO

OFF-DUTY OFFICER ALLEGEDLY CRASHED SQUAD CAR WHILE DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED.

CACERES STAFF WRITER

City

was placed on administrative leave after being involved in an offduty crash while he was allegedly intoxicated. The single vehicle crash occurred at approximately 5 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 24 at Riverview Drive and Van Fleet Road in Riverview. Nelson, while on his way to an extra duty job and the sole occupant in his assigned Plant City Police Department vehicle, veered off the road into a ditch. He was uninjured in the crash.

When the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist, deputies determined that he appeared intoxicated and arrested him under suspicion of driving under the influence. He was booked on the misdemeanor charge of DUI with Property Damage Over 0.15, an offense punishable by up to twelve (12) months in jail if con-

victed. Penalties for a first offense DUI with property damage can include 12 months probation to complete DUI school plus any recommended follow-up treatment, a $500-$1,000 fine, 10-day impoundment or immobilization of the vehicle used in the DUI, 50 hours of community service or a six - 12 month driver’s license suspension.

Nelsen, who’s been with PCPD since 2019 and was one of the officers recognized at the department’s November awards ceremony, resigned his position on Dec. 27, just days after being placed on administrative leave.

"There is no excuse for anyone, let alone a police officer, to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while intoxicated,” said PCPD Chief of Police James Bradford, who is thankful nobody was hurt as a result of the incident. "Due to his actions, he must face the consequences of the decision he made.”

Officer Gregory Nelsen, a Plant

police officer

MICHELLE

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

As the soccer season for all other local Plant City high school teams has taken a pause as students remain out of school for their holiday break, the Plant City Raiders returned to action on Tuesday with a recently scheduled game against the Pasco High School Pirates, improving to 10-3 on the season as they cruised to victory with a 5-0 win. It was the Raiders’ first contest since a tough 6-0 loss at the hands of Newsome on Dec. 22, a chance to bounce back strong before facing a very tough slate to finish the regular season later this month.

“Our previous game against Newsome wasn’t pretty, we just took it on the chin,” head coach Ben Henderson said. “So one thing we talked about coming into tonight was that we have to be in the right mindset. Going into Newsome we just weren’t really prepared and so what we’ve really talked about since is just coming in, being prepared, coming in with the right mindset and being ready to play. That’s really where our captains — Manuel Nava, Angel Guerra and Noah DeFrancesco, who’s not here tonight — come into play. We’ve had internal discussions about what it’s going tot take to get everyone in line because we still have everything to play for. So the goal for tonight was to come into tonight with the right process because we have Lake Gibson on Thursday and that’s going to be a big game for our playoff hopes, so I have to give them credit… We had a good practice yesterday and I think that tonight we came in with a much better mindset and I don’t have much to complain about.”

Plant City controlled possession from the opening whistle, wasting no time taking advantage of their speed on the wings to open the scoring. In the fourth minute, a through ball up the left side was pushed forward by a lightning fast senior forward in Nava, past his defender, into the box and fired past the keeper to give the Raiders an early 1-0 lead. Nava was quickly looking to get himself on the scoresheet again just moments later as he carried possession into the 18-yard box, this time with a defender in tow. Despite creating enough space to get a cross into the box, fellow senior forward Guerra was unable to reach the pass and direct it on net as Pasco narrowly avoided conceding a quick second goal.

In response, Pasco threatened as they controlled possession on the edge of the penalty area, eventually sending a ball into the box that nearly put the Pirates in a golden spot to knot the contest at 1-1 but a picture perfect slide tackle from sophomore Kameron Kropp thwarted the opportunity and Plant City was able to eventually get the ball out of their defensive third and away from danger.

In the 16th minute Plant City was able to press possession in their offensive third, forcing Pasco to play on their heels

and simply clear the play out for a Raiders throw in. On the ensuing throw in, the ball was subsequently headed toward the top of the 18-yard box, settled by freshman midfielder Ismael Gonzalez and tucked perfectly into the corner of the net past the outstretched hands of Pasco’s diving keeper to give Plant City a 2-0 lead. And in the 27th minute, with the Raiders once again challenging the Pirates’ defense, the ball was lofted into the left side of the Pasco penalty area, corralled near the goalline by Nava as he navigated around the charging keeper, back toward the goal and finished the opportunity through a sliding defender to give Plant City a 3-0 lead heading into halftime.

In the second half Plant City utilized a number of deep runs up the left side in a constant effort to create chances through Nava’s speed. In the 42nd minute Guerra played Nava through and the shot from the top of the box narrowly missed wide, but the duo linked up again shortly after as Guerra led the run for Nava who converted the scoring chance to give Plant City a 4-0 lead on his third goal of the night. The goal put Nava at 19 goals on the year as he continues to prove himself as one of the top goalscorers in the state, sitting with the second-most goals across Florida’s entire 7A class, trailing just Plant High School’s Adan McGlynn and his 20 goals over the Panthers’ 10 games this season. Additionally, the assist from Gonzalez was his eighth of the year, leaving him tied for first in the state of Florida, across all classes for assists as a freshman.

“Pasco was playing a high line,” Henderson said. “Their defensive line was up and Nava is probably one of the fastest players in the county so it’s the same look we had when we played East Bay when their defensive line plays up, you get the ball to Angel, you get the ball to Jose Hernandez, they can just play the ball over the top and people aren’t catching Manny. Honestly this was a good matchup for a guy like Manny who can just burn you over the top, then he gets a hat trick.”

And in the 60th minute, Gonzalez added his second goal of the evening to seal a 5-0 victory for the Raiders.

With district tournaments on the horizon, Plant City looked to add this game against Pasco in the hopes of coming away with a decisive victory and boosting their MaxPreps regional ranking, something that will inevitably play a crucial role in the Raiders’ odds of securing a state playoff berth as they navigate a strong district that also features 11-1-0 Newsome and 7-1-1 Strawberry Crest. But what will likely play an even more important role in their playoff odds is their play throughout the final five games of the season as the Raiders’ tough final stretch includes contests against 8-2 Lake Gibson on Thursday and rival Strawberry Crest on Jan. 13.

But regardless of where Plant City finishes the year, their 2022-2023 season has been a massive turnaround already

when you compare their 10-3 record heading into January to their 6-12-1 finish to 2021-2022.

“I think a big difference this year is that our confidence factor this year is much higher than we had last year,” Henderson said. “I don’t know if after game one when we lost to Robinson that we thought we would be sitting here at 10-3, especially when you consider last year we were 6-121, I mean it’s much better to be on this side. Particularly since the Bloomingdale game, we got on a bit of a role and I think guys are confident and guys are proud to be here and I think that’s one of the biggest changes from last year. Guys want to be here, guys are motivated and that’s what comes with winning.”

Guerra elaborated on the differences that he’s seen as a player between the two seasons.

“We have players that will commit,” Guerra said. “We have players that come to practice and actually want to practice. Last year we had some players that really didn’t care, they were just there to be on the team. We play as a team now. Last year we had individuals that just wanted to get their own goals, get their stats, but this year we have a team, we play as a team, we communicate well, and we still need to communicate a little bit better, but we’re doing good.”

Taylor Jenkins is the Sports Writer at the Plant City Observer. Email: tjenkins@ plantcityobserver.com.

Raiders moved to 10-3 this week with a 5-0 win over the Pasco Pirates.

LOCAL COACHES COME TOGETHER FOR YOUTH BASEBALL CAMP

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

“I’ve been doing this for so long and it’s been a point to build the community up and there’s no better way than to bring two of the best high school coaches in the state together and show everybody that baseball is one big family,” Persails said. “The competitive nature that you have to have to be any good at it is a must, but almost just as important as that is the people that you’re with, the people you play against, just the family atmosphere that baseball really brings. Baseball is a small world as you get to play higher and higher and for all of these kids that get to come out here and meet these coaches and players, hopefully it helps to change some of their lives, that it helps them both on the field as well as off the field, maybe help some of them become doctors and lawyers just through their work ethic.”

In addition to over a decade of professional baseball from Persails, FBH’s staff and outside coaches that came out to help at the camp brought a wealth of knowledge from their own experiences at both the collegiate and professional level.

Coaches, staff members and former players in attendance included Terry McGriff, a six-year MLB veteran and World Series Champion with the Cincinnati Reds, Scott Dwyer, a volunteer baseball coach at the

University of West Florida and former minor league hitting coach in the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers organizations, Keven Long, a Plant City alumnus and former pitcher at both the collegiate and independent league level, Plant City High School head coach Mike Fryrear, Strawberry Crest head coach Eric Beattie, Polk State head coach Al Corbeil and former Plant City High School and Florida State pitcher Parker Messick — a second round draft pick by the Cleveland Guardians in 2022 — among others.

“The guys that we have at Baseball Heaven, that’s my biggest thing,” Persails said. “It’s not just being able to win games but it’s the people you put around the kids and the village that it takes to raise today’s society with all the crazy stuff. We’re going to win and we’re going to lose and kids are going to go on to play ball in college, that’s the easiest part, but the best part about this all is developing a family where everyone is looking out for each other, that’s what we pride ourselves on more than anything and I don’t know, it’s just fun. It’s kind of come together. One year we had a Christmas camp where we had Chris Sale and Kevin Kiermeier there, now we have two of the top high school coaches in the area to come together and put aside their rivalries for the betterment of the youth, regardless of what

high school they go to, and come out here on a day like today and have fun and do what it’s all about.”

Baseball Heaven’s Christmas camp has taken place sporadically throughout Persails’ 15 years leading the organization, but now in its second consecutive year it’s an event that he plans on making an annual occurrence. In addition to their indoor facility where Baseball Heaven offers private, semi-private, small group instruction and seasonal clinics, they also feature competitive travel ball teams and team instruction for players ranging from eight to 18 years old.

“It all started when a buddy of mine called me over to do some lessons and the next thing you know someone brought me a little nine year old team and it was so much fun to coach,” Persails said. “Then I’m bouncing around from little league to little league doing lessons and the next thing you know we have a program and I really attribute it to putting the best people I can around me, that’s how it grew. I tried to always be a good teammate, I played 15 years myself with the Tigers and the Astros and I always prided myself on the family aspect of it. And I was fortunate too, I won five rings playing pro ball, I played on All Star teams, I played in Mexico, I played in Venezuela, so I got to

see so many cultures and that’s what Baseball Heaven’s founded on. It just kept growing and growing, we got an indoor facility, we’ve got teams from eight to 18, we’ve got some guys that are committed to Division 1 teams, we’ve got some guys that are playing in the big leagues and we’ve got 12 year olds that get to go to Cooperstown. The little guys are always doing something exciting. The 10 year olds go to Pigeon Forge, the 11 year olds all go to Charleston, West Virginia, the 12 year olds all go to Cooperstown and we just try to keep memories. It’s just a blast. Then we bring guys like Parker that were drafted and played here and if you put him in front of these guys, maybe one or two of them look at him and just by talking to them it helps them reach their maximum potential.”

For more information on Florida Baseball Heaven, visit www.floridabaseballheaven. com or follow Florida Baseball Heaven on Facebook.

Taylor Jenkins is the Sports Writer at the Plant City Observer. Email: tjenkins@ plantcityobserver.com.

The camp was organized by Mark Persails, long-time owner of the local youth baseball organization Florida Baseball Heaven.

“To get through it.” - Linda Cipolla

“To be a better person and draw closer to God.” - Barbara Skaggs Ward

“I want to build a house in Plant City.”Brian Reed

“To try to be nicer to people.” - Pamela Mills

“Stay cancer free.” - Stephanie Tulloh Heath

“I want bigger lots next to my house to build another house for another renter.” - Phoung Patterson

“My prayers for this year, as it is every day, is that my children and my grandchildren will give there lives over to Jesus Christ.” - Wendy Marlow

Agnes Bailey

Agnes Bailey, 94, of Plant City, Fla., born on Aug. 23, 1938, in Fayetteville, Tex., entered into eternal rest on Dec. 27, 2022. She loved her family dearly, and enjoyed reading her Bible, jigsaw puzzles, and flwer gardening. She was a devout Christian, and attended First Baptist Church Plant City, and Eastside Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by husband Paul Bailey; and son-in-law, Floyd Hall. She is survived by daughter, Mary Ann Hall; grandchildren, Amanda Hall (Jason), Sara Wagner (Brandon), and Justin Hall (Christina); and great-grandchildren, Jaxon Schoonover, Madalyn Wagner, Adriana Hall, and Gaines Hall. Interment at Shiloh East Cemetery, Plant City.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Kristian Isaiah Bueno

Kristian Isaiah Bueno, 26, of Dover, Fla., born in Plant City, on Dec. 20, 1995, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 17, 2022.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Luis Jose Diaz Fernandez

Luis Jose Diaz Fernandez, 85, of Valrico, born on Aug. 25, 1937 in Sabana Iglesias, Dominican Republic, entered into eternal rest Dec. 17, 2022.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

David James Pope

David James Pope, 51, of Plant City, Fla., born on June 30, 1971, entered into eternal rest on Dec.17, 2022.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Pastor David A. Delgado

Pastor David A. Delgado, 51, of Dover, Fla., born on May 1, 1971, in Brooklyn, N.Y., entered into eternal

rest on Dec. 25, 2022.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Aileen Marie Herndon

Aileen Marie Herndon, 79, Born on May 1, 1943, in Phoenix, Ariz., entered into eternal rest on Dec. 20, 2022.

Expressions of condolences at HopewellFuneral.com.

James Ronald Paul

James Ronald Paul, 80, of Plant City, born on May 5, 1942, in Lakeland, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 23, 2022.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

George Henson

George Henson, 86, of Plant City, born on July 14, 1936, in Springfield Mass., entered into eternal rest on Dec. 28, 2022.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Eleanor Wood Simmons (Nana)

Eleanor Wood Simmons (Nana), 85, of Plant City, Fla., born in Brandon, on Dec. 30, 1937, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 29, 2022.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Lynda Gayle Robinson Lanier

Lynda Gayle Robinson Lanier, 66, of Plant City, Fla., born on Feb. 7, 1956, entered into eternal rest on January 1, 2023.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Lucia Quijada

Lucia Quijada, 75, of Lakeland, Fla., born on July 31, 1947 in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon Mexico, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 26, 2022.

Expressions of condolences at HopewellFuneral.com.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Anna ‘Mary’ Johnson Allen

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Ronald ‘Ronnie’ William Mason

Ronald “Ronnie” William Mason, Sr., 92, of Plant City, Fla., Ronnie was born on Aug. 14, 1930 to Orbie and Bernice Mason in Tampa, passed away peacefully on Dec. 22, 2022.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Anna “Mary” Johnson Allen, 86, of Plant City, born on May 16, 1936, in Stewartstown, Pa., entered into eternal rest on Dec. 30, 2022.

Dorothy Nell Porter Rudd

Dorothy Nell Porter Rudd, 78 of Dover, born on Nov. 29, 1944, in Durant, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 31, 2022.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

OBITUARIES

Cathy Darlene

Stewart

Cathy Darlene Stewart, 69, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Dec. 21, 2022. A Memorial Service will be held Jan. 7, 2022 at 10 a.m. at GraceWay Church 3106 S Wiggins Rd Plant City FL 33566.

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

Betty Claire Hancock

Betty Claire Hancock, 78, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Jan. 1, 2023.

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

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Lisa Wilkins

Lisa Wilkins, 59, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Dec. 31, 2022. Services will be held privately by the family.

YOUR CALENDAR

BEST BET

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7

BLUEGRASS JAM!

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. This is an open invitation for local Bluegrass musicians and fans to come to the Krazy Kup loft and jam, clap hands, stomp feet and enjoy! Krazy Kup holds their Bluegrass JAM on the fist Saturday of every month.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6

BEGINNING RUMBA CHOREOGRAPHED BALLROOM DANCE LESSONS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14

OPEN MIC NIGHT

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Bobby Lloyd

Bobby Lloyd, 61, of Plant City passed away Dec. 26, 2022. Funeral services were held Jan. 4, 2023 at Haught Funeral Home, Plant City.

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

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

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Linda Benitez Brannon

Linda Benitez Brannon, 66, of Plant City, FL passed away on Dec. 31, 2022. Services will be held privately.

Wayne McBroom

Wayne McBroom, 72, of Winter Haven, Fla., passed away on Dec. 31, 2022. Funeral Services will be held privately.

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

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

10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 4401 Promenade Blvd. Head down to the Strawberry Square Dance Center for Beginning Rumba Choreographed Ballroom Dance Lessons, starting on Fridays in January. No experience is required and each lesson will cost $7 per person, per lesson. For more information or to register, text Cindy at 864-723-6965

PLANT CITY DANCE PARTY

7 to 10 p.m. at 4401 Promenade Blvd. Strawberry Square’s Dance Center will be hosting a Plant City Dance Party, featuring fun for all and no experience or partner necessary. Attendees are welcome to bring friends or make some new ones! Social dancing, easy folk and line dancing will be taught and admission will cost $8 per person, with a discount of $5 per person for groups of six or more people. While the event begins at 7 p.m., complimentary hot dogs and sides will be available at 6:15. For more information, call 860941-8788 or email idancewithal@gmail.com.

MONDAY, JANUARY 9

PLANT CITY GARDEN CLUB MEETING

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Open Mic Night is back at Krazy Kup. Join them for a fun night where you get to be the star of the show. Come out, strut your stuff and shw everyone what you’ve got.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19

COACH BAG BINGO

6 to 9 p.m. at 1263 Kingsway Rd. Coach Bag Bingo will benefit Bies 4 Christ, a non-profit that povides donated bicycles to the needy, veterans, underprivileged children and seniors while also ministering to the their spiritual needs. Tickets to the event will cost $50 each and include 10 rounds of bingo, food, drinks, raffl prizes, a 50/50 raffle and0 chances to win a brand new Coach bag. For more information or to register for the event, visit www.bikes4christ.com. needs

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 303 N. Evers St. The Plant City Garden Club will host their monthly meeting at the First United Methodist Church’s Fellowship Hall. There will be a coffee meet and greet at 9:30, followed by a general meeting at 10. January’s meeting will include guest speaker Kenny Coogan, author and owner of the Carnivorous Plant Nursery. For more information, contact Christy Linke by email at clinke3173@aol.com.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10

BEGINNING MODERN WESTERN SQUARE DANCE LESSONS

6:30 to 8 p.m. at 4401 Promenade Blvd. Head down to the Strawberry Square Dance Center for Beginning Modern Western Square Dance Lessons, starting on Tuesdays in January. No experience is required and the fist lesson is free, with each additional lesson costing $7. For more information or to register, call Cherylene at 770-825-6513 or the Strawberry Square Dance Center at 813-752-0491.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11

FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Federal, state and local opportunities are constantly changing. If you’ve served any time in the military, retired or non-retention, and would like to review your benefis please take advantage of free assistance at the Bing House Museum, 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walk-ins welcomed or call 813-7045800 to set a specific tim.

3 to 6:30 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is back on Saturday, Jan. 21, rain or shine. Cars and trucks of all makes, models and years can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music by DJ John Paul Gasca.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26

CHAMBER GALA 2023

6 to 9 p.m. at 1206 N. Park Rd. The Trinkle Center at HCC’s Plant City campus will play host to the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Gala. The event will welcome a new Board of Directors and Chair of the Board, Wesley Joyner, and celebrate the winners of the 2023 Best of Plant City Awards. RSVP is required and admission costs $125 per person, with the reception and cocktail hour beginning a 6 p.m., followed by dinner, the main program and awards ceremony at 7 p.m. In accordance with the 80’s theme, 80’s outfis are highly-encouraged, or semi-formal attire if not. Award voting will open Jan. 5 and run through Jan. 13. Sponsorship opportunities are also available at price points of $600, $900 and $1,200. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, reach out by phone at 813-754-3707 or by email at Matthew@PlantCity.org.

FORECAST

THURSDAY, JAN 5

High: 75 Low: 51

Chance of rain: 58%

FRIDAY, JAN 6

High: 70 Low: 45

Chance of rain: 6%

SATURDAY, JAN 7

High: 74 Low: 352

Chance of rain: 4%

SUNDAY, JAN 8

High: 80

Low: 57

Chance of rain: 8%

MONDAY, JAN 9

High: 79 Low: 57

Chance of rain: 9%

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Jan 5 7:20a 5:46p

Friday, Jan 6 7:20a 5:47p

Saturday, Jan 7 7:20a 5:48p

Sunday, Jan 8 7:20a 5:49p

Monday, Jan 9 7:21a 5:50p

Tuesday, Jan 10 7:21a 5:50p

Wednesday, Jan 11 7:21a 5:50p

YEAR

Kathy Flemister caught this photo of a friendly sandhill

Redevelopment efforts for Walden Lake have been ongoing for several years. Now is the time to write a new chapter for the community that builds upon its legacy of family, friendship and a place to call home.

Plans for the community’s future have been completely redesigned thanks to thoughtful feedback from residents, community and civic leaders, removing all retail space, apartments and special approvals. Only 80-foot-wide single-family homes, villas and townhomes remain.