10.24.19 PLCO by Plant City Observer

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019

NEW ASSISTANT CITY MANGER HIRED Richard Lilyquist was hired last week as City Manager Bill McDaniel’s second assistant city manager. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

City Manager Bill McDaniel officially has his team fleshed out now, thanks to the hiring last week of Richard Lilyquist as his second assistant city manager. City commissioners unanimously agreed to hire Lilyquist to McDaniel’s team during the

commission meeting on Oct. 14. It’s been a long time coming. McDaniel was hired as the city manager in January 2018, but waited to take on assistant city managers until he could “get a good grasp of how the city is operating.” He began his observations and slowly started the journey of a “deep dive,” which he says is his plan to make sure every aspect of the city is

operating at its highest capability. A few months ago, he decided it was time to take his plans for the future of the City of Plant City and make them a reality. In July 2019, he tapped former HR Director Mercedes Perez to join his team.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

FALL HAS ARRIVED With a variety of Fall festivals and Halloween parties right around the corner, we’ve compiled a guide to help you find the perfect event for your family. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

With fall in full swing, many locals are searching for the perfect way to spend their evenings around town. Thanks to a variety of efforts from local businesses and organizations, there are dozens of can’t-miss events over the course of the next few weeks. Whether you’re in the mood for a pumpkin patch adventure or are hoping to have a night filled with screams, Plant City has something that everyone can enjoy. This list was curated from submissions to the Plant City Observer. For more fall festivities, head to Facebook and search for local events. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019

NEWS BRIEFS

Courtesy photo

The Plant City Optimist Club’s Youth Appreciation event was held Monday.

Optimist Club Youth Appreciation event The Plant City Optimist Club hosted its annual Youth Appreciation event and awards ceremony on Monday night. Eight Plant City High School students were recognized at the banquet, which was held at the Recreation & Parks Department’s administrative office. Will Alecock, Carley Cotnoir, Kyle Hamilton, Simran Kumar, Zamir’ Knighten, Hannah Manley, Danny Ramirez and Taryn Storter were honored for their achievements in athletics, academics and community service. The Optimists also donated $500 toward the PCHS Senior Awards Ceremony, which will be held in Spring 2020.

Krazy Kup celebrates six years Rough weather overnight Oct. 18 couldn’t stop Krazy Kup from celebrating its sixth birthday the following afternoon. The coffee house, located at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., invited Plant City to come celebrate from 2:33 to 10:33 p.m. that day for free family-friendly fun. Guests could get their faces painted, take home all kinds

of balloon art, laugh and be wowed by nationally-recognized magician Luis Campaneria’s show, compete in two rounds of Halloween-themed trivia led by Kameron Athey and, of course, enjoy the coffee house’s signature drinks and ice creams. “It was exciting to see so many families engaged and to listen to the rollicking laughter of all those youngsters,” owner Frank Trunzo said.

PCHS band raising money for Carnegie Hall performance Plant City High School’s band nearly made it to one of the grandest stages of them all — Carnegie Hall — in 2017. It couldn’t meet the high price tag back then, so now that the band has been accepted back onto the stage, it wants to make sure the kids won’t miss out on that opportunity again. The band is looking for the community’s help to get 55 performers to New York City from April 9-12, 2020, for the National Band and Orchestra Festival — and that won’t come cheap. Director Joshua Blair estimates the four-day trip will come with a four-figure cost for each student, which works out to an estimated total cost of nearly $112,000 for the entire group. That

Justin Kline

Magician Luis Campaneria dazzles an audience at Krazy Kup’s anniversary party.

includes miscellaneous travel and sightseeing fees ($1,650 per student), tuxedos and formal dresses (around $4,500 total) and food (roughly $75 per student per day). Blair estimates that the trip is nearly halfway to being paid for, but that there’s still a long ways to go. “Nine students are struggling to be able to afford to go and we’re trying to find as many sponsorships as we can to help these students out,” he said. “Clubs and teachers at the school have been pitching in, and the community has pitched in.” If you can name a fundraising activity, the PCHS band has probably done it by now. It just wrapped up an email and social media campaign that generated around $9,400, is finishing chocolate bar sales now and planning to sell cookie dough next month. The band has already sold tshirts and discount cards. It’s also getting some help from the chorus and orchestra, as donation booths will be present at the three groups’ joint Veterans Day Concert (7 p.m. Nov. 12) and Winter Concert (7 p.m. Dec. 10). HteaO, the Lakeland iced tea store owned by PCHS principal Susan Sullivan and her husband David Sullivan, is donating part of the proceeds from tea sales at last week’s PCHS football game. Bands like Plant City’s send audition tapes to the National Band and Orchestra Festival every year and, if approved, are

able to book performance time at Carnegie Hall if they’re able to come up with the money for it. Blair said that while the band’s setlist hasn’t been completely set in stone yet, it will close its performance with the wind symphony “Give Us This Day” by David Maslanka. The Plant City High School Music Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Anyone wishing to make a donation independently of participating in one of the band’s fundraising events or looking for more information can contact Blair at joshua.blair@sdhc.k12.fl.us.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019

Two recipients of the Medal of Honor took the time to chat with students at Wilson Elementary on Oct. 23. SSG Ronald Shurer II and Lt. James Taylor

RECIPIENTS COME TO PC BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Students at Wilson Elementary were treated to two special guests Wednesday morning. The Medal of Honor Convention kicked off in Tampa on Tuesday and two of its recipients made the trek to Plant City to chat with the young students. Lt. James Taylor and SSG Ronald Shurer II spent some time getting to know the curious pupils and shared their stories during a presentation in the cafeteria. They then spent approximately 20 minutes answering their questions and offering a sneak peek into the lives of true American heroes. “You’re at the age right now where you’re not sure what you want to do in the future,” Taylor said. “There’s nothing you can’t do in life. Set a goal and with desire, determination and dedication you can make it happen. Remember, there’s no letter ‘i’ in the word ‘team’… we’re all together.” Taylor, 81, served in the Vietnam War. He was in charge of an armored cavalry unit, Troop B. When his company came under attack on Nov. 8, 1967, he ran into harm’s way to save several wounded men from a burning vehicle. After moving them to safety, he returned to continue the fight and was wounded. Despite the injury, he ran from tank to tank dodging enemy fire and was able to successfully save several more lives. He was awarded the medal by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Shurer, 40, served as a medic in Afghanistan. On April 6, 2008, his team was attacked in Shok Valley in the Nuristan Province of Afghanistan. He ran through enemy fire up a mountain to reach the wounded soldiers on his team. He helped one, then fought for an hour before he was able to assist four more soldiers. While caring for one soldier, a bullet hit his helmet. He told the students he paused, a ringing in his ears, as he struggled to understand what happened. Looking down at the soldier below him he asked him if he had been hurt. Realizing he was OK, he continued on, aiding more soldiers as the fight went on for hours. It wasn’t until he was safely back at a base and getting ready to shower that he noticed trauma to his arm. Picking up his uniform, he found a bullet hole through the sleeve and realized in the commotion he had been shot in the arm. He was awarded the Silver

Star for his bravery. However, in 2016, that recognition was put under review and they decided his service met the qualifications for the Medal of Honor. He was awarded the medal in 2018 by President Donald Trump. The elementary students listened to their short introductions and then began to ask their questions, which were written out on thick slips of paper. “How did you keep helping people even when you got hurt?” asked one. “Do you still talk to any of the soldiers you saved?” asked another. When one young boy asked if they would still serve their country if they had a choice after knowing what would happen, Taylor immediately stood to attention, offering a soft smile to the curious group. “I’m 81 years old,” Taylor said. “If my country needed me today, they’d have to give me a bigger uniform, but I’d do it. Whatever I can do to protect and preserve the country for you guys, I’d do it.” Many of the students asked them to share their memories of the days when they fought through near-impossible circumstances to keep their friends and loved ones safe. While Taylor joked that it was so long ago the details were starting to get fuzzy, he quickly was able to slip into specifics of that long mission on the ground. Duty — and impeccable training — kept them going, he said. Fear was there, of course, but he said it was controlled. They knew they had to get the job done, so they did. Quitting never crossed his mind and he encouraged every student there to throw the word out of their vocabulary. “Never quit,” he demanded. He told them when times were rough, to look to their right and to their left and see those walking alongside them. As a team you can do anything, he said. Always keep your team in your periphery. Both reflected on their families’ patriotism, their shared sense of duty. Shurer was in graduate school when 9/11 took place. He said he remembers sitting there, watching as people enlisted and went overseas, and he knew at that moment he had to join them. Though he could have gone into the Army as an officer thanks to his education, he decided to enlist instead so he could become a medic. It baffled everyone around him, but in his gut he said he knew it was what he had to do.

Neither of the veterans seemed interested in calling themselves heroes, but both said it was crucial everyone take the time to find a way to give back, to serve their country however they can. “You can choose the military, you can choose the Peace Corps, you can volunteer in your neighborhood or spend time working for a homeless shelter. Just make sure you find some way to give back,” Shurer said. “I just want to reiterate that whatever you choose to do in life, that you need to make sure you’re giving back. None of us are here alone, we are all in this together.” Wilson was the only school in Plant City selected to have the special guests drop in for a presentation. Principal Kayla Forcucci said it was something she believes will stick with the students for years to come. “We are just so incredibly humbled by the honor to have these gentlemen with us and to just be able to have them share the life lessons, working as a team, giving your all and doing the right thing at the right time, that have made all the difference in

their lives,” Forcucci said. “It’s just been an amazing experience and was such an honor to have them as our guests.” After their presentation, the duo was presented with two handmade paintings from the school. As they filed out to return to their classroom, many of the students stopped to shake their hands or share stories of their own family members who have served. Taylor and Shurer intently listened to every student that took the time to stop. “It’s wonderful,” Taylor said. “This is our future. These kids are our future. What they do, or what they fail to do, will be determined on whether they live in a free society from henceforth. I love coming to Florida. I went to the University of Tampa some 40 years ago. It’s just a great honor to come here and talk to these kids.” Photos by Breanne Williams

Below: Staff at Wilson Elementary posed with SSG Ronald Shurer II, Lt. James Taylor and Principal Kayla Forcucci.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER IS PROUD TO BE A DROP-OFF LOCATION FOR THE UNITED FOOD BANK! PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND HELP LOCAL FAMILIES IN NEED BY DONATING NON-PERISHABLE & CANNED FOOD ITEMS AT 1507 S. ALEXANDER ST. SUITE 103.

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019

PLANT CITY

This week on Cops Corner:

Observer

Plant City Police investigated a stolen car, double charges for roof work, credit card fraud, stealing and setting off two fire extinguishers

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

and more.

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com

OCT. 11 GHOST DRIVER 1100 block of South Gibbs Street Stolen vehicle: This complainant told officers an unknown suspect took her 2015 red Nissan Sentra from her driveway during the night of Oct. 10. The vehicle was later recovered after it was found abandoned by Lakeland Police Department. ASKING FOR IT 700 block of Russell Drive Burglary vehicle: Between the night of Oct. 10 and the early morning hours of Oct. 11, an unknown suspect entered the complainant’s unlocked vehicle and removed a Glock 27 handgun from the glove box. CUSTOM PAINT JOB 100 block of North Pearl Street Criminal mischief: During the evening of Oct. 10, an unknown suspect damaged the paint on both sides of the complainant’s vehicle.

incident be documented and officers completed a theft report. HUNTING SEASON IS HERE 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway Theft: Walmart had a delayed theft in which an X-Bow XR 250 crossbow valued at $97 was stolen.

OCT. 12 DOUBLE TROUBLE 700 block of Brown Street Stolen vehicle: This complainant said that during the night of Oct. 11, an unknown suspect entered his unlocked 1998 Ford F-150 and located a spare key to his second vehicle, a silver 2018 Ford Mustang. Using the swiped key, they stole the Mustang.

night of Oct. 11, an unknown suspect entered the complainant’s unlocked vehicle and swiped a pair of white gold earrings, valued at $300, from the center console.

OCT. 13 REPPIN’ THE BUD 900 block of North Nancy Terrace Drive Vehicle burglary: At approximately 3 a.m. Oct. 12, an unknown suspect entered this complainant’s unlocked vehicle and removed an Adidas bookbag. It contained the man’s work iPhone and a large blue Budweiser jacket. MAN VS. FIRE EXTINGUISHER 300 block of South Frontage Road Felony arrest: A man was located and arrested with felony charges for two counts theft of fire extinguishers, two counts of rendering fire extinguishers inoperative and criminal mischief.

ANGER MANAGEMENT 2200 block of Village Park Road Criminal mischief: For some reason, an unknown suspect broke the driver side window out of this complainant’s 2018 Ford Mustang OCT. 15 during the night of Oct. 11. The MORALLY DEPRAVED vehicle, however, was not entered PONDERING THE PAWN 700 block of and no items were reported 700 block of Wilkins Avenue East Alsobrook Street missing. No other areas of the car Theft: This victim told officers an Editedwere by David Steinberg October 25, Theft: An unknown suspect redamaged. 18k2019 gold chain had been stolen moved two vehicle batteries from and later pawned. Upon retrieving 53BLINGED Withdraws 12 ___ of the chain,43theWay ACROSS toopted serveto sign a United Food Bank box truck UP victim from nursing Capricorna waiver of prosecution kebabs for the 1 Boys during the night of Oct 10. The 1100 block of batteries were valued piece at $277. North 13 Cory Booker offense. 45 “In what 54Nancy “I’m Terrace well ___” 5 Single The complainant requested the 55Vehicle burglary: During was the its Morning of information way?”

Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com

LOOTING FOR LEFTOVERS 1500 block of East Ohio Street Theft: This victim reported that an unknown person stole a Tupperware bowl from the top of her cabinets. RUTHLESS ROOFING 1800 block of Bond Street Fraud: After paying $12,000 to replace a roof, this victim discovered via his insurance company that an additional $20,000 had been approved by the insurance for the same work.

OCT. 16 TOOL TIME 700 block of East Reynolds Street Fraud: The complaint reported to officers that her Lowes company credit card was fraudulently used to purchase supplies at a Lowes in Lakeland and had been attempted to be used at a Lowes in Mt. Dora.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019

FALL FESTIVITIES IN PLANT CITY

If you’re hoping celebrate fall with your friends right here in Plant City, here are some of the big events coming to town. THURSDAY, OCT. 24

GRACE MANOR TRUNK OR TREAT

PUMPKIN PATCH

First United Methodist Church of Plant City, 303 N. Evers St., invites the public out to its pumpkin patch, which is open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. every day. You can come and take home your very own pumpkin or come out for some great photo opportunities.

RETRO MOVIE NIGHT: THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS Few films kick off the spooky season for families like the beloved “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” This movie will be shown for free at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., starting at 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 25 TRICK-OR-TREAT

A massive collaboration of Main Street Plant City and downtown businesses has led to a one-of-a-kind Trick-orTreat event in the heart of historic downtown. The monthly Food Truck Rally in McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St., kicks off from 5 to 9 p.m. During that event, many local businesses are staying open late with buckets filled with treats they plan to pass out to anyone in a costume who walks by. The trick-or-treat party runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The following merchants will have special treats for you to enjoy: Brick City Bricks, Tub Treats, The Kandy Shoppe, The Corner Store, The Device Clinic, I Hate my Trainer, Tacos Piki, Carlson Gracie, The Mercantile, Blue Thumb, Krazy Kup, Mr. Sebas, Linda’s Crab Shack, Tennessee Jane, Roots Tap Room, Aim Lighting, Rocking Horse, Dark Horse Music, Valerie’s Attic and Generation Fun. The businesses will have large buckets of candy and many are giving out other goodies as well.

SATURDAY, OCT. 26

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Futch Entertainment presents the eighth annual Fox Squirrel Corn Maze, 3002 Charlie Taylor Road, featuring a corn maze, pumpkins for sale, hay rides, games and simply enjoying the great outdoors. They have an abundance of food including BBQ, chicken tenders, homemade french fries, fall cakes and pies, roasted corn and more. Their vendors feature pumpkin painting, a butterfly experience, crafts, a balloon artist, handmade children’s clothing, face painting and more. Please check out futchentertainment.com/the-foxsquirrel-corn-maze/ for additional vendors. Most vendors are cash only. Tickets are $11 + tax 18 and older, $10 + tax ages three to 17, two and under are free. Admission booth accepts Cash, Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Card-carrying heroes get $2 off admission. This is the last weekend for the 2019 Fox Squirrel Corn Maze.

HARVEST FEST 2019

YMCA TRUNK OR TREAT

Grace Manor, 765 W. Grant St., is hosting its Trunk or Treat event for children of all ages. Come on out from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to enjoy loads of candy as well as a vareity of contests and prizes.

SIR HENRY’S HAUNTED TRAIL

This is the final weekend for Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail, which opens at 7:30 p.m. along with Ominous Descent Haunted Attraction. The duo is teaming up again to bring Central Florida the top ranked haunted attraction experience in the state, I-4’s Premier Fear Park. The trail, 2837 S. Frontage Road, will host five different haunt experiences for 11 select nights running through Oct. 27. A complete list of times, dates and ticketing information can be found at sirhenryshauntedtrail. com or ominousdescent.com.

City Pointe Church is hosting its annual Harvest Fest at Burchwood Park, 104 Lake Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join them for inflatables, trunk or treat, a scavenger hunt, food, prizes and giveaways.

KEEL FARMS FALL HARVEST DAYS

This is the last weekend for Keel Farms Fall Harvest Days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. Fall Harvest Days are completely free and feature a hay maze, vendors, bouncy house, kids farm experience, animal exhibits and feeding. All are included in free admission. Hayrides, u-picks and a pumpkin patch are available for a small fee.

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Join the Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place, for its Trunk or Treat from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be lots of goodies, games, crafts, music and prizes.

TRUNK OR TREAT

Springhead United Methodist Church, 2301 Sparkman Road, is hosting Truck or Treat from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The free event will have loads of goodies for youth as well as hot dogs, beverages and chips.

NOT-SO-SCARY COSTUME PARTY

Chris Welbon Karate Clubs is inviting the public to join them in a Not-SoScary Costume Party. The event is held at the Club, 204 N. Mobley St., and is open for anyone to attend. This will be a fun-filled night of food, fellowship and fun. Parents, drop your kids

off and feel confident they are having a blast while you enjoy some quiet time. You do not need to be enrolled in karate classes to participate, so please invite your friends and family to join the party. They are filling up quickly but still have some spots left. Tickets are $25 for one child, $45 for two children and $15 for every additional child. Register by going to the event’s Facebook page and clicking on the link.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30 HALLOWEEN BARKTACULAR WITH BONNIE THE THERAPY DOG Help Bonnie the Therapy Dog celebrate Halloween at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., by reading her a barktacular story. The event is at 4 p.m. and all children are invited to wear costumes and bring their spookiest story. 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.

FALL FESTIVAL

First Baptist Church of Plant City, 3309 James L. Redman Pkwy., is hosting its fall festival from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There will be a trunk-ortreat, hayride, live music and more. Avoid the lines by pre-registering at fbcpc.com/fallfestival2019.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24 2019

MAKING PLANT CITY’S DOWNTOWN LIKE LAKELAND

ED VERNER

I’ve been asked a few times, “What can Plant City do to move our downtown towards being more like Lakeland’s?” Since I grew up in Lakeland and was witness to its decline, stagnation and eventual revival, and since I have been in our business offices in downtown Plant City since 1986, I felt I should spend some serious time reflecting on that very question. I think I have a list of action items that might be pivotal keys to achieving the goal.

First, we need our downtown to more than double in size and rise from one to two stories to well over three, with more than a few over five. With our downtown being roughly 33 blocks and mostly one to twostory buildings (Midtown affects approximately another 13 blocks), compared to Lakeland’s approximately 100 blocks with many buildings over four stories that have residential components, the importance of making this change cannot be overstated. Second, Plant City needs to be a city five times larger in population than our county seat municipality (Lakeland/Bartow vs Plant City/Tampa). This change could,

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when giant swaths of money are in political or corporate negotiations, help our downtown get more crumbs falling from those tables and raise our place in county-wide prioritization. If Plant City can achieve this, things like Historic Downtown park expansions or large urban infill projects can be bargained for from a five-to-one political voter strength position. Third, we should get an industrychanging, industry-leading Fortune 100 company like Publix to have been founded here 70-plus years ago with an almost Walt Disney-esque founder who will raise his children here and instill in them a lifelong passion of philanthropy and industrious support for nearly every endeavor. All of Plant City would benefit from this: such a change for Plant City would likely save our golf club community’s struggles and should greatly improve our political clout when dealing with our small county seat. Fourth, we need Amtrak to stop in our town and/or future commuter rails to do likewise, and not pass us by on their way to stops in downtowns on either side of us. Fifth, Plant City should have at least one high-end hotel overlooking our downtown freshwater lake, with gourmet chef dining, a dress code that actually functions and corporate suites on the upper floors (item no. 3 should be a big help here). Sixth, Plant City should take great effort not to relocate our police force headquar-

ters from its downtown central presence and move it four and a half miles and one train delay away. Lastly, we need an undergraduate college enrollment population approaching 12,000 with over 2,500 of those young students residing only 17 blocks away from downtown. It helps if 11 of those blocks could meander along a beautiful freshwater lake filled with lovely swans. And surely it would be a boost also to have another 7,000 university students just a mile and a half away all searching for an evening out at least once a week. Now, in all seriousness, many things can and will be done in the coming years to bring continued positive change in our lovely and authentic Historic Downtown district. Previously unused second-floor spaces have seen conversion into residences, with hopefully more to come. Urban infill is afoot with Midtown and the already accomplished removal of blight by that effort was hugely needed and greatly appreciated. Our police force is excellent, though I still hope one day perhaps to see a substation in our downtown. And despite rumors to the contrary, our downtown is approximately 85% occupied with most vacancies caused not by lack of demand, but usually other anomalies. And I hope to see our city’s newspaper back in downtown someday.

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019

NEW

ASSISTANT CITY MANGER HIRED Richard Lilyquist joins Mercedes Perez on City Manager Bill McDaniel’s staff. FROM PAGE 1

Perez rounded out McDaniel’s process. While he focused on the big picture and getting things done, she could come in with her “outstanding ability to work with people” and her proven durability under stress to make sure everything goes according to plan. McDaniel praised her ability to work with others in a clear and concise manner and said with her on board, their deep dive would begin to unfurl. Lilyquist’s qualifications are on a polar opposite spectrum from Perez’s. His background ranges from being the Director of Transportation Operations for the Florida Department of Transportation in Bartow, to being a County Engineer in Osceola County, the Director of Public Works for the City of Lakeland and the Director of Environmental Services for Spartanburg County, South Carolina. Where Perez has mastered the art of relationships, Lilyquist is beyond proficient at understanding the ins and outs of ensuring a city can literally function. Together, they’re a formidable team and McDaniel said it was well worth the wait to get two such qualified applicants on board. “I wanted to restructure our city operations, to divide how they’re managed,” McDaniel said. “(Lilyquist) has the skills

in these fields, he has the experience needed to make very logical decisions when it comes to dealing with our building and engineering and utilities and things of that nature. Our team is diversified and more than qualified to handle really embarking on this ‘deep dive’ that I’ve had planned.” During the Oct. 14 commission meeting, McDaniel presented an updated table of organization for the city now that his assistant city manager positions have been filled. According to McDaniel, the city now starts at the top with the citizens of Plant City. From there it trickles down to Mayor Rick Lott, Vice Mayor Nate Kilton and Commissioners Bill Dodson, Mary Mathis and Mike Sparkman. Under them serve City Attorney Ken Buchman, City Manager Bill McDaniel and City Clerk Kerri Miller. The divisions split up under McDaniel’s branch. He will still solely look after the Finance Department, ran by Diane Reichard, Fire Rescue, led by Chief David Burnett, and Plant City Police, led by Chief Ed Duncan. Perez will oversee Code Enforcement, managed by Tray Towles, Community Services, managed by Mike Karr, Human Resources and Risk Management, led by George Williams, Information Technology, managed by Kent Andrel, the Library, led by Tonda Morris, and the Recreation

NOW HIRING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Deadline: October 30, 2019 Location: Plant City, Florida Type: Full-time position Salary: To be determined based on experience The Plant City Main Street Executive Director coordinates activities within the downtown that utilizes historic preservation as an integral foundation for commercial development. The Executive Director is the principal

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& Parks Department, led by Jack Holland. Lilyquist will oversee Building, led by Jesse Carr, Engineering, led by Michael Schenk, Planning & Zoning, managed by Julie Hamm, Solid Waste, led by Jill Sessions, Streets, Stormwater and Traffic, and Utilities led by Lynn Spivey. It’s the start of a new age for the City of Plant City, and if McDaniel’s deep dive is successful, there are undoubtedly many changes ahead for the city from its core structure all the way up to its methods of service.

“I’ve been holding back,” McDaniel said. “I’ve got this long list of things that I want to get accomplished and when you’re trying to do it all, you’ve only got so many minutes in a day. I now have force multipliers and I want to get in there and make sure we are doing everything to the best of our ability. I’m very excited, this is going to allow me to start doing more. If I’m going to do a deep dive of the organization, I’m going to be working very closely with these two to move forward with that.”

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019

During a meeting Tuesday night, advocates of downtown Plant City gathered to discuss how to make downtown flourish during the upcoming Small Business Saturday.

DOWNTOWN LEADERS PLAN FOR HUGE SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Leaders from a variety of downtown Plant City businesses and organizations gathered Tuesday evening at Brick City Bricks to discuss the upcoming Small Business Saturday. For years, groups have struggled to determine how best to highlight the many hidden gems lingering in nooks and crannies throughout downtown. Main Street took up the gauntlet last year for Small Business Saturday, partnering with American Express to have a day of promotions and giveaways in historic downtown. Many business owners, however, said they really didn’t see much of an impact from the event. So this year, Main Street turned to downtown’s secret weapon: Greg Williams. Williams, owner of Brick City Bricks, has redefined the grassroots movement downtown. When he comes up with an idea — whether that be for downtown to celebrate May the Fourth Be With You or to throw a block party in honor of Harry Potter’s birthday — he walks around to each business downtown and pitches the event. Usually, everyone hops on

board and the results have been beyond impressive. Tub Treats sold out of its Death Star soaps. The Kandy Shoppe’s doors revolved all day as people flocked to buy a plethora of chocolate frogs. When one business benefits, all of them do, Williams said, so why not band together to help make downtown a destination? “Main Street is about downtown revitalization,” Yvonne Fry, a Main Street board member, said. “The history of this has been that Plant City had a downtown merchants’ association that frankly was challenging at times. They did great things, but there was a season for that. So when the time came, Main Street was brought back and Main Street is more than just the merchants… Greg at times has stepped up of his own volition and has been the quarterback of downtown.” Williams agreed to do the footwork and help Main Street come up with a plan to make this year’s Small Business Saturday, which will be held Nov. 30, a success for everyone with a storefront downtown. He’s already begun to reach out and many of the businesses in the historic downtown corridor have pitched their support for the event. So far, Williams said,

no one has turned him down and with Main Street’s aid they plan to make this downtown’s biggest year yet. To entice people to shop local and take the time to really visit their downtown businesses, the plan is for there to be a map of downtown marked with every participating location. Each business will have a jar, a box and a pad of paper for people to write their information on. Inside the jar will be a variety of items. For Brick City Bricks it will be LEGOs, For Krazy Kup, it’s coffee beans. Each person that comes in can jot down their information and their guess of how many items are in the jar on the paper, then put the slip in the box. At the end of the day, the businesses will determine who their

winners are and then the closest guess is sent to a grand prize pot. There’s where simple math comes into play. If you go to all of the participating businesses, you will have a higher chance of winning the grand prize. The more you guess correctly — or if you are the closest guesser — the more your odds go up. Each participating business will submit an item or gift card for the grand prize, which Williams expects to total around $1,000 worth of merch. One lucky winner will take home the pot and, in turn, businesses will see flocks of people all day long. It’s a win-win. While the details are still being hashed out, it already appears as if the event is well on its way to being a game-changer for downtown.

If the collaborative efforts succeed, merchants will kick off a push for shopping downtown for the holiday season on the day of its event. Between the restaurants and shops, they hope families will come and spend the day downtown rather than head to a mall for their frantic holiday shopping. They’re already coming up with ways to pull customers in, whether that be with discounts, giveaways, advent calendars or even an “Elf on the Shelf” scavenger hunt. With a smile, Williams and several of the attendees jokingly sang along to the LEGO Movie theme song: “Everything is awesome when you’re part of a team.”

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019

Help SportClips

HELP HEROES The Plant City location is participating in the chain’s nationwide Help a Hero event from now through Veterans Day.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

287727-1

Sport Clips Plant City wants to help military veterans live out their collegiate dreams. To do that, the store needs your help. The Plant City location is one of approximately 1,800 in the United States participating in the Help a Hero event, which raises money to provide scholarships for service members and veterans every October. The chain collectively raised $1.35 million in 2018 and hopes to hit $1.5 million this year. Sport Clips Plant City has participated in each of the last three years and owners Mike and Lyndi Long hope it can at least get to $800, the minimum goal for all 1,800 stores, before Nov. 11. “We really look forward to it every year,” Lyndi Long said. “This is our third year doing Help a Hero since it’s been open. We think it’s a great way to raise money for vets so they can pursue their academic goals after they’re out of the service.” The event officially started Oct. 14 and each day through Nov. 10 has the same format: after your haircut, you can choose to donate to Help a Hero at the cash register with cash or card. Anyone who donates will get a small token of the store’s appreciation and their name added to the window displaying all of the current donors. On Nov. 11, Sport Clips stores will offer free cuts to active

military members and veterans. For paying customers, $1 from each cut will be donated to Help a Hero. To sweeten the deal, Sport Clips Plant City is also running a raffle for two free Tampa Bay Lightning tickets that will end on Nov. 11. You don’t need to purchase anything to enter the raffle, but you can earn bonus entries if you donate to Help a Hero. You can enter the raffle inperson at the store, located in the plaza at 2404 James L. Redman Parkway, or through the Sport Clips Haircut Check In mobile phone app.

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Sport Clips Plant City’s hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Visit the store for more information.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL NAMES NEW ‘RED COATS’ Two new directors and two new associate directors were elected by the festival’s board of directors.

Chris Sparkman

Calvin “Pee Wee” Callins Sr. Dr. Michael Salvato

JUSTIN KLINE

ida Strawberry Festival Chairman Dub McGinnes said. “It was difficult to select just four.” All four men have plenty of experience with the festival. Salvato, an associate director of the last 16 years who has been involved in many of its committees, is well-known as the festival’s “on-call physician.” Sparkman, an associate director of the last 12 years, has been a volunteer since 1993 and has been heavily involved on the musical side with the headline entertainment and stadium operations committees. “I’m extremely proud to be part of such a great organization,” Sparkman said. “I hope to continue the tradition of providing family-focused entertainment for many years to come.” Shepherd has volunteered with the festival for more than 25 years and is active in its agricultural scene, having served on the youth plant show and sale committee, steer committee, swine committee and agriculture committee.

SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The lineup of “red coats” of the Florida Strawberry Festival got a new look this month, and the changes now have officially been announced. The festival board welcomed Dr. Michael Salvato and Chris Sparkman aboard as directors, and Calvin “Pee Wee” Callins Sr. and Brian Shepherd were named associate directors. These fresh faces will replace outgoing directors Mike Sparkman, Ken Lucas and Ron Gainey, who are transitioning to directors emeriti and will still be considered active members. The board selects new directors from its currently active group of associate directors, and it pulls from a group of nominated candidates to select new associate directors. The board is comprised of 16 directors and 14 associate directors. “We are incredibly honored to have had so many outstanding nominees,” Flor-

Brian Shepherd

Callins has done everything from stadium operations and vehicle parking to working on the Battle of the Bands committee and even performing, having headlined the Gospel Night series since 2014. “I hope to contribute to the family feeling the festival offers its guests,” Callins said. “The festival is a place for everyone to come experience Plant City.” The moves are the first directorial appointments by the festival’s new executive board, which was installed in mid-April. That includes new chairman McGinnes, director Andy Knotts, associate directors Brian West and Lori Yarbrough, vice chair Phil Waldron, secretary Danny Coton and treasurer Pam Warnock. “The impact that the Florida Strawberry Festival and its leaders have made on me and my family is immeasurable,” Shepherd said. “I am overwhelmed by the confidence of the board of directors and look forward to serving our community in this capacity.”

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019

PlantCityObserver.com

OCTOBER 24, 2019

R.J. Gardner’s powerlifting career has gotten off to a great start. See Page 15

GAME OF THE WEEK:

SPORTS

DURANT AT PLANT CITY

Who will hoist the Redman Cup trophy at the end of Friday night’s game?

OTHER AREA

FOOTBALL ACTION STRAWBERRY CREST AT BLOOMINGDALE, 7:30 P.M.

Last week, the Chargers’ three-game scoreless streak grew by one when Durant came to Dover and picked up a 48-0 win. This week, Crest will travel to Bloomingdale to take on a tough Bulls team coming off of a 36-0 shutout loss to Lakeland. It was the Bulls’ first loss since playing Armwood on Sept. 7 and, coincidentally, that was also a shutout loss at home. But when the Bulls are winning, they’re outscoring opponents at the rate of 32-14 per game. The Chargers will no doubt have their hands full at the home of the 7A-District 7 runners-up.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

No matter what happens with the FHSAA playoff race and the new RPI rankings system, Durant and Plant City will be extra motivated for Friday night’s big game at 1 Raider Place. Nothing gets these schools going quite like the annual Battle for the Redman Cup and, though this hasn’t been the best year for either team (both sport a 4-5 overall record and are 2-2 in district play), fans who make the trek to PCHS that night can expect both sides to give it all they’ve got. Because both teams have a bye next week, this is also going to be their final game of the regular season. Plant City has a 7-5 advantage in the record book since the trophy was introduced 12 years ago and won the Redman Cup in a 35-6 blowout last season. Recent history does favor the Cougars, who have won two of the last three rivalry games, but this Durant roster has very little in common with that upperclassman-heavy Cougars group that won backto-back games by 10 or more points in 2016 and 2017. Some Plant City Raiders who were crucial to last year’s big win are still with the team, such as Zamir’ Knighten (109 rushing yards) and Mario Williams (four catches, 59 yards, two touchdowns), but most of that game’s top performers have since graduated. From a numbers standpoint, you could argue the Raiders are most likely to keep the Redman Cup on campus for another year. Plant City’s offense is still dangerous when it gets clicking and it’s produced 98 points in two games since the Oct. 4 shutout loss to Armwood. Adding in defensive touchdowns, Plant City has outscored opponents 112-13 (one shutout) in the last two weeks. Strawberry Crest and Kathleen don’t have defenses anywhere near as stout as Armwood’s, but giving such an offense two games like this to get its groove back can

never hurt. The Raiders have also outscored the Cougars by a large margin, 281 to 173, and have only been shut out once while Durant’s been held scoreless in three games. Looking at that alone and counting Durant out of the game would be unwise, though, because the Cougars have been an almost completely different team on the road in 2019. Durant has a 4-1 record and has outscored opponents, 161-60, in other stadiums. That’s almost all of their total points scored for the season plus less than half of the total points the team’s allowed. Plant City, conversely, has a 1-3 record and has been outscored, 131-91, by opponents on its own turf. Fifty-seven percent of the 229 points Plant City has allowed this season were scored there. Durant’s defense has gained a reputation for its tenacity, even in the team’s losses, and that likely won’t change Friday night with a trophy to play for. If Durant’s offense gets going the way it has in nearly every other away game it’s played in this season, the Cougars could hang in there with Plant City. They’ll look to dominate the game clock on the ground and likely won’t be shy about attempting fourth-down conversions: the fact they’d have to punt to either Williams or Reagan Ealy is even more reason for Durant to be as aggressive about going for it as ever. But if the Raiders can find a way to keep a productive pass rush that’s been led by Bradley Guasto, Josh Cannon and the rest of Durant’s front seven from getting to quarterback Makenzie Kennedy, they could build upon the last two weeks and build a comfortable lead early on. Plant City’s passing attack, between Kennedy and Williams, has connected on 76 percent of its 17 pass attempts for 378 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. Plant City also went very heavy with the run last week, logging 29 carries against 10 passes, scored five times and picked up 245 yards (8.4 yards per carry) with Knighten’s 84 yards and two scores leading the way. No matter which team you root for, this could be one of the most fun games to watch of the entire season.

REDMAN CUP RIVALRY SERIES 2007: Plant City 14, Durant 13 2008: Durant 25, Plant City 6 2009: Plant City 27, Durant 24 2010: Plant City 27, Durant 21 2011: Plant City 43, Durant 12 2012: Durant 22, Plant City 7 2013: Plant City 14, Durant 13 2014: Durant 9, Plant City 7 2015: Plant City 21, Durant 16 2016: Durant 16, Plant City 6 2017: Durant 55, Plant City 41 2018: Plant City 35, Durant 6

BIG TURNAROUNDS FOR COLTS MITEY MITES, PEE WEES The two Plant City Colts football teams start postseason play on Saturday at Mike Sansone Park. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Last season was not so great for the Plant City Colts’ Mitey Mite and Pee Wee teams: they combined for seven wins and 13 losses, and the Mites only won one of those games. This year, those players came back with a mission to turn things around. They almost couldn’t have been more successful — these two Colts teams are now a combined 17-1 heading into this weekend’s district championship series at Mike Sansone Park. Coach George Ford’s Mitey Mites made the biggest leap forward in 2019, going from one win in 2018 to

one loss this time around. Beyond last year’s players coming back and coaches Mike Knight, Marlon Walton and Keyonta and Jaquan Glover forming the rest of the coaching staff, Ford said the thing that made the biggest impact for the team was the dedication everyone involved with the program was willing to put in this year. “It was dedication,” Ford said. “Parents buying into what we teach, the community being behind us to help us get it started again. The biggest difference on the field is that we’ve got a lot of coaches this year, volunteers from the community… we’re able to focus more on each individual kid and show them more.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019

BIG TURNAROUNDS FOR COLTS MITEY MITES, PEE WEES FROM PAGE 13

Of course, the on-field product’s pretty good, too. The Mites run the wing-T offense as well as anybody in the MidFlorida Youth Football & Cheerleading Conference, averaging 17 points per game. Their defense, which has a strong pass rush, put up four shutout wins and held two other opponents to seven points or fewer. Only once, in the Colts’ 21-6 loss to the Sarasota Hurricanes on Sept. 28, did they give up more than 13 points. Twoway player Dalshon Chatman, Ford said, has been “the difference-maker” on both sides of the ball. Chatman is the focal point of the offense as its lead back and also sets the edge well at defensive end. “Toting the rock, setting the edge — whatever you ask him to do, he does it without asking one single question,” Ford said. The Mites players learned more about how hard work and preparation pays off after taking the loss at Sarasota, which they followed up with a 12-7 home win over a tough Zephyrhills Bulldawgs team. “When we saw Z-Pal, they gave us a stomping last year,” Ford said. “I know the Mitey Mites coach personally. He’s a perfectionist. When we beat them, I knew we had a good team. And it was a close game we played to the end… Z-Pal gave us notice that anybody’s gonna have a hard time with this team, the way they play together.” The Colts will meet the Childs Park Rattlers again in Saturday’s playoff, and that’s already a good look for Plant City: the last time these two teams met, the Colts went to Childs Park and picked up an 18-0 win over the Rattlers. Under head coach T.J. Miller’s watch this season, the Colts Pee Wees have been perfect. Miller’s group had five players from 2018 come back, which he said has been huge for the team’s successes on the field, and this time Miller and coaches Richard

Simmons, Kevin Sullivan and Fabian Walker decided to start offseason conditioning workouts earlier than usual. With such a small roster — this Colts squad tends to have 15 players on game days and many of them aren’t able to make it to every practice — the players have to play on both sides of the ball in every game, which means they have to be in great shape. “It’s been a tough year for us,” Miller said. “We don’t get all of them here in practice. But on game time, they come out and give it their all. I’m proud of that even though practice goes like this sometimes. But on Saturday, I know what to expect.” These guys know how to do more with less. Miller’s squad mixes things up on offense more than the Mites do and likes to run spread formations as much as they do a wing offense. The Pee Wees have kept games close more often than not, with five of their wins coming by one touchdown or less, but they’ve always been able to find ways to win games. “They’ve got mental toughness,” Miller said. “They come to play on every play. That’s the main thing. They don’t take no plays off… we had a couple tough games… but they never quit on us. I’m thankful for that.” Miller said the team as a whole has come together well on Saturdays and Damarquez Holloman, Ta’vare Miller, SirJonathan Davis and Addison Ford have been particularly important for the Colts this year. The Pee Wees’ Saturday playoff game will come against a very familiar opponent: the Bulldawgs. Plant City hosted Zephyrhills on Oct. 5, the last game of the MidFlorida regular season, and grinded out an 8-6 win to finish with a perfect record and a first-round bye. “We know it’s gonna be a tough game,” Miller said. “They just played their first playoff game Sunday, so they’re in playoff mode. We’re gonna run our offense and play 11 people to the ball on defense.” The Mitey Mites start playing at 10 a.m. and the Pee Wees will start around 1:30 p.m., depending on how late the 11:30 a.m. Varsity game goes for.

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

FOCUS ON FITNESS: RUN FOR YOUR LIFE

The benefits of running go far beyond what it can do for your physical health.

In 2010, back when I was logging a lot more miles, my father asked me to run his first 5K with him. Though he ran cross country in high school, I can’t remember ever seeing him run anywhere while I was growing up. Since then, he had retired from his job, lost weight spending every morning in the gym and had a new interest: running. That year, we ran the Gasparilla 5K together. We ran the 15K the following year and we have run that race together ever since. I don’t know what it was about that first race that made him want to continue. Maybe it was the buzz at the start line, being surrounded by thousands of people of different shapes and sizes who came together for that same purpose. It could have been the residents that lined the streets with signs to cheer on the runners, the view of the bay or the challenge of beating his time — that made the race the first of many. I still enjoy running, mainly to clear my head, but it is so much more for him. Last year, he ran 48 races. This year, he will run his first half-marathon at 71 years old. He has even taken home a few first place medals, all with the support of his run club and his family. Running has so many health benefits, like weight loss and stress relief. It also strengthens muscles, bones and improves cardiovascular health. More than that, it brings people together. Most runners will tell you they run because they enjoy it and the health benefits are a bonus. When you find something you enjoy, you want to tell others about it and encourage them to join you. Training with other runners makes it feel like a team sport. Group runs are a great way to bond with other runners, whether your group includes your spouse, children, friends or neighbors. It also encourages you to give more effort since there is always someone who is faster or more experienced. I ran my fastest 5K trying to keep up with my son. He was waiting for me at the finish line. Running clubs welcome new runners and it is nearly impossible not to learn from each other. Running with a group keeps you motivated, holds you accountable and is more fun. It is easier to get out

of bed for that early morning run when you know someone is counting on you. Ten years after that first race with my father, our family still enjoys running together. My three kids, my niece and nephews, my brother, my mother, my father and I have run for leukemia, for cupcakes, for women, for cancer, beer and chocolate. We have run on Mother’s Day, on Thanksgiving, in the heat, in the rain, on the beach and over bridges. We’ve run fast and slow, but most importantly, we run for fun and we do it together. If you and your loved ones are looking for an upcoming run to participate in, the Tampa YMCA’s 5th Annual Goody Goody Turkey Gobble is held every Thanksgiving. It’s a great way to give back while burning calories and spending quality time with others.

All proceeds raised from the Goody Goody Turkey Gobble 5K, 8K and 1-Mile Run/Walk will support LIVESTRONG at the YMCA to help cancer survivors heal. The family-friendly event starts at 7 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 28, in front of Amalie Arena. As title sponsor, Goody Goody restaurant is graciously providing free breakfast to all participants. Join me and register today at runsignup.com. Happy trotting!

Angela Fulgieri is a Program Director for the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA. Write her at observerfitness@gmail.com.

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AREA PARKS HOSTING EVENTS This weekend, the Recreation and Parks Department will team up with the Optimist Club to host the 26th annual Tri-Star Punt, Pass and Kick competition from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex. The free event is for kids age 6-15 and you can register on-site before the competition begins. Winners will be announced at 11 a.m. and awards will be given out for the top three finishers in each age group. Meanwhile, GSA Florida will hold its Halloween Havoc Super Regional baseball tournament at Mike Sansone Park, the

R.J. Gardner Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex, Plant City Stadium, Ellis-Methvin Park, Snowden Park and the MLK Rec Complex. Games start between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Next weekend, Florida USSSA Baseball’s War on I-4 tournament will use fields at Mike Sansone Park, the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex, Plant City Stadium, Ellis-Methvin Park and the MLK Rec Complex with start times between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Nov. 2 and 3. Also coming to town is Northwest Tampa Lacrosse’s 2019 Florida Fall Classic Tournament, which will use the fields at Ellis-Methvin Park. Games start between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Nov. 2 and 3.

SIGN UP FOR YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE The PCRPD/Optimist Youth Basketball Program turns 51 this year and registration for the upcoming season has begun. The league is open to all area youths age 8-16 (as of March 1, 2019) and runs from early January through late February. Games are typically played on Saturdays at the Plant City Family YMCA gym and in the gyms at Marshall and Tomlin middle schools. The youngest players will have most games on Saturdays and older players will mostly play on weeknights. Registration costs $35 per player and covers all expenses. The league is also looking for coaches and referees. Sign up by 4:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at the PCRPD office, 1904 S. Park Road. Registration forms can be acquired by emailing recinfo@plantcitygov.com. Call 813-659-4255 for more information.

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

Weightlifting was new to R.J. Gardner when he took it up for Special Olympics several months ago, but the track and field star took to it quickly. Competing in the bench press and deadlift, Gardner placed first overall at both the county and area games and will try and threepeat at the Special Olympics Florida State Games from Nov. 15-17. When Gardner’s not pumping iron, he’s helping out the Plant City Dolphins Varsity football team as a member of its coaching staff.

How did you stay calm out there? I took deep breaths and pretended no one was there. What’s the best advice your coach gave you for lifting? Before every lift, take a deep breath. What do you for training besides your competition lifts? I do push-ups and work out with dumbbells. I can do 25 push-ups.

What made you want to try powerlifting? My coach, Charlie Timmons, inspired me.

Are you trying any new sports soon? Basketball is soon, I’m bowling this weekend and I want to try flag football.

Have you ever lifted before? This was my first time.

For anybody else who wants to try powerlifting, what advice would you give them for getting started? Eat healthy and practice, practice, practice.

What was it like when you first started? Did you feel good about it? Yeah, I felt good. Which lifts do you do? Bench press and deadlifting. What are you maxing out at? My bench press is 80 pounds and my deadlift is 140. What was it like competing this season? It was fun and exciting. Stressful sometimes. What was the most stressful thing about it? My coach was pushing me harder. When did you get more confident with lifting? After my first competition. I got first place at counties.

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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Though Tropical Storm Nestor forced the cancellation of many Saturday morning activities around the area, the Plant City Optimist Club / Plant City Recreation & Parks Department Golf Classic was not among them. The 25th annual tournament was held at Diamond Hill on Oct. 19 and 80 golfers participated in the scramble despite windy weather. The Optimists also donated $5,000 to the Friends of Recreation & Parks Corporation to assist with department-run youth programs and purchase needed supplies.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019