10.25.18 PLCO by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 6, NO. 17

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Culver’s in the works SEE PAGE 4 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018

Revitalizing Midtown City Manager Bill McDaniel revealed the new vision for the long-anticipated Midtown district. SEE PAGE 3

Dine Small Downtown

YOUR TOWN

Breanne Williams

Honoring Father Thoeni Father Tom Thoeni was honored with a plaque for his many years of service on the Plant City Library Board in a special presentation during the recent city commission meeting. Thoeni has served at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Plant City for more than 15 years and will soon be taking a position as a rector of St. Paul’s Church in Naples.

Breanne Williams

Durant High School ROTC color guard did the presentation of the colors.

Courtesy of Instagramers of Plant City

Tickets were used at The Corner Store, Norma’s Plant City Cuban Sandwich Shop and The Strawberry Tap for unique culinary creations.

The inaugural event kicked off on Oct. 20, bringing local foodies to downtown for a night of unique cuisine and mega discounts. SEE ONLINE

Fire Rescue receives competitive grant Breanne Williams

Jason Mesa, Nathan Powell and Matt Powell from Plant City Fire Rescue at the Rotary’s annual Community Appreciation Fun Day.

The Plant City Fire Rescue received a $595,737 grant, which will help with hiring new staff to combat the strain of opening Fire Station Three in July 2019.

SEE PAGE 6

Breanne Williams

Serving those in need Members of Plant City Police Department and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office came together to collect goods for law enforcement and their families that have been affected by Hurricane Michael. Many are living with their families in their department headquarters after their homes were destroyed. The community stepped up in 24 hours to fill a trailer full of food, clothes, toys, games and other items for the trip. See full story online at plantcityobserver.com.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018

“That’s 1,000 people living within walking distance of downtown. Imagine what that impact is going to be. For downtown to thrive you need people to be pouring into it.”

WEEK OF OCTOBER 25, 2018 BY THE NUMBERS

Days until Election Day. SEE PAGE 9

Combined wins among Plant City Dolphins playoff teams. SEE PAGE 13

506

Residential units proposed for Midtown. SEE PAGE 3

$331,000

Cost of Plant City’s new online permitting system software. SEE PAGE 7

Correction Tonight’s presentation and meet and greet with potential Walden Lake Golf & Country Club buyer 2XS Development, which begins at 6:30 p.m. at Plant City Church of God, 2103 Mud Lake Road, is only open to Walden Lake residents and not the general public.

Dolphins to host poker fundraiser

— Bill McDaniel, on redesigning Midtown. READ MORE ON PAGE 3

Teacher charged with more counts of voyeurism

ark William Ackett, a 50-year-old teacher at Bloomingdale High School, was facing a single charge of video voyeurism in September when he admitted to recording a student while she was changing on campus. An investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has found that single charge missed the mark. During the original investigation, his cell phones were seized and the court authorized a search warrant for the devices. According to HCSO, a forensic analysis of the phones found 267 videos and images of girls ranging from the ages of 14 to 18 years old in various states of undress. Ackett, who lives in Plant City, has now been charged with an additional 267 counts of video voyeurism, 73 counts of production of harmful material of a minor and 13 counts of possession of child pornography. HCSO said he turned himself in and was taken into custody without incident. Ackett was a family consumer science teacher and the girls track coach at Bloomingdale. In September a student went into a designated changing room in her fashion design classroom to try on clothes and noticed there were two cellphones concealed in the room. One of the phones was recording when she saw

If you know when to hold ‘em and know when to fold ‘em, the Plant City Dolphins are looking for your help. The youth football and cheerleading program is hosting its Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament this weekend as a fundraiser with prizes awarded for first, second and third place finishers. There is a $100 buy-in with re-buys available and sponsorships can be purchased for $200 per table. The tournament will begin at 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Plant City Elks Lodge, 1501 N. Alexander St. Doors open at 6 p.m. and tickets must be purchased before game night. Call Armand Cotnoir at 813967-7417 for seating and more information.

PCHS Veterans Day concert change Due to the possibility of the PCHS football team qualifying for the FHSAA playoffs, the school moved its Veterans Day concert date to 7 p.m. on Nov. 8. For more information about the concert or other Plant City Veterans Week events, call Judy Wise at (863) 370-8389.

Courtesy photo

Mark William Ackett is a former teacher at Bloomingdale High School and Plant City High School.

it, according to HCSO. She immediately reported the incident to the administration, who reached out to HCSO. He had been working at Bloomingdale since January of 2017 but was hired by the school district in 1991 where he worked for the district’s central office. He also spent time teaching at Plant City High School. The district said Ackett resigned his position with Bloomingdale. T:10.375”

Florida Opry November show The Florida Opry returns to the stage at the 1914 PCHS Community Center from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 3. Ernie Evans and the Florida State Bluegrass Band will headline the show. Other performing acts include pianist Jonathan Davis and the Clogging Connection’s competition team. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $8 for students in advance and $17 at the door if available. Purchase tickets online at ehhsoc.org/the-florida-opry.html. Call 813-757-9226 for more information.

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The Special Rate will be applied to the enrolled savings account for a period of 12 months, starting on the date the account is enrolled in the offer. However, for any day during that 12-month period that the daily account balance is less than the $25,000 minimum, the Special Rate will not apply and the interest rate will revert to the standard interest rate applicable to your Platinum Savings account. As of 09/18/2018, the standard interest rate and APY for a Platinum Savings account in CT, FL and NY with an account balance of $0.01 to $99,999.99 is 0.03% (0.03% APY) and with an account balance of $100,000 and above is 0.05% (0.05% APY). Each tier shown reflects the current minimum daily collected balance required to obtain the applicable APY. Interest is compounded daily and paid monthly. The amount of interest earned is based on the daily collected balances in the account. Upon the expiration of the 12-month promotional period, standard interest rates apply. Minimum to open a Platinum Savings account is $25. A monthly service fee of $12 applies in any month the account falls below a $3,500 minimum daily balance. Fees may reduce earnings. Interest rates are variable and subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo may limit the amount you deposit to a Platinum Savings account to an aggregate of $1 million. Offer not available to Private Banking, Business Banking, Wholesale or Wealth customers. 2. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is effective for accounts opened between 10/15/2018 to 11/16/2018. The 11-month New Dollar CD special requires a minimum of $25,000 brought to Wells Fargo from sources outside of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., or its affiliates to earn the advertised APY. Public Funds and Wholesale accounts are not eligible for this offer. APY assumes interest remains on deposit until maturity. Interest is compounded daily. Payment of interest on CDs is based on term: For terms less than 12 months (365 days), interest may be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or at maturity (the end of the term). For terms of 12 months or more, interest may be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. A fee for early withdrawal will be imposed and could reduce earnings on this account. Special Rates are applicable to the initial term of the CD only. At maturity, the special rate CD will automatically renew for a term of 6 months, at the interest rate and APY in effect for CDs on renewal date not subject to a Special Rate, unless the Bank has notified you otherwise. APY shown offered at Wells Fargo Bank locations in CT, FL, NY and WA. Due to the new money requirement, accounts may only be opened at your local branch. Wells Fargo reserves the right to modify or discontinue the offer at any time without notice. Offer cannot be: Combined with any other consumer deposit offer, or reproduced, purchased, sold, transferred or traded. Minimum new money deposit requirement of at least $25,000 is for this offer only and cannot be transferred to another account to qualify for any other consumer deposit offer. If you wish to take advantage of another consumer deposit offer requiring a minimum new money deposit, you will be required to do so with another new money deposit as stated in the offer requirements and qualifications. 3. The Portfolio by Wells Fargo program has a $30 monthly service fee, which can be avoided when you have one of the following qualifying balances: $25,000 or more in qualifying linked bank deposit accounts (checking, savings, CDs, FDIC-insured IRAs) or $50,000 or more in any combination of qualifying linked banking, brokerage (available through Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC) and credit balances (including 10% of mortgage balances, certain mortgages not eligible). If the Portfolio by Wells Fargo relationship is terminated, the bonus interest rate on all eligible savings accounts, and discounts or fee waivers on other products and services, will discontinue and revert to the Bank’s then-current applicable rate or fee. For bonus interest rates on time accounts, this change will occur upon renewal. If the Portfolio by Wells Fargo relationship is terminated, the remaining unlinked Wells Fargo Portfolio Checking or Wells Fargo Prime Checking account will be converted to another checking product or closed. Investment and Insurance Products: Are not Insured by FDIC or any Federal Government Agency

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018

Midtown’s new vision

File photo

Midtown district may soon officially be underway thanks to a new vision.

MIDTOWN

The city has announced Midtown may finally have a new shot at life following a new vision for the district.

The new concept for Midtown focuses on amping up the residential offerings of the 15-acre district adjacent to the historic downtown.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

he Midtown redevelopment project has been a migraine-inducing undertaking for the city for years as partnerships dissolved and city leaders repeatedly found themselves back at square one. Adjacent to Historic Downtown, the 15-acre concrete wasteland now has a chance at a second life thanks to the new dream for the district. City Manager Bill McDaniel said after prior negotiations broke down he stepped in and changed the direction for the long-anticipated project. “The vision is for there to be 506 residential units,” McDaniel said. “That’s 1,000 people living within walking distance of downtown. Imagine what that impact is going to be. For downtown to thrive you need people to be pouring into it.” Residential, according to McDaniel, is the key to a successful undertaking. Several of the proposed buildings will be strictly residential while many others will have ground floor commercial use and residential above. There are also a few live and work spaces as well as some planned strictly commercial areas, though those are miniscule in comparison to the amount of mixed commercial and residential spaces. He presented his vision to more than 50 members of the community during a Plant City Main Street Topics on Tap event Tuesday evening. Several of those in attendance own small businesses downtown and questioned the reality of seeing this developed.

McDaniel is confident the project will soon be underway as he explained one key difference between the current vision and all prior attempts. “The plan now is that one developer won’t have to come in and agree to do the entire district,” McDaniel said. “Someone can say, ‘Hey, I want to do this block,’ or ‘I’m interested in doing this section, but not that one,” and that’s OK. We’re flexible and that will help get this thing going.” Midtown has the potential of revitalizing the entire area. The demand for more residential in Plant City is continuing to rise and the push for more unique commercial outlets will further strengthen the city’s desire to have a flourishing walking downtown. For more than 10 years Plant City has attempted to redevelop the land, but early issues like the dwindling economy and environmental concerns placed daunting hurdles in the city’s path. Those obstacles eventually were cleared, but the light that appeared at the end of the tunnel was quickly extinguished as partnerships began to unravel. Now it seems the flickering flame may be here to stay. McDaniel said he is currently having “multiple conversations with developers” who are interested in the project. The residential developers inquiring are both for apartments and condos, according to McDaniel. The city will soon be seeking bids. McDaniel said that under the right circumstances and agreements, the city would consider giving the developers the land or helping them in whatever they needed to get Midtown thriving. There are also 11 planned parking lots for the district, all of which lie behind the buildings to help keep the pristine storefronts facing the roads. Parking has always been an issue downtown and the addition of up to

Courtesy photo

Commercial

Live/work

Plaza/predestrian access/outdoor space

Ground floor commercial/office

Green space/ amenity Urban plaza/ Gateway

Parking (surface/structured)

Multifamily

1,000 more residents will only be possible if the city plans to tackle that influx of cars. South Collins Street is also going to transition into a boulevard, which essentially will widen the street, install larger sidewalks, add trees and new light fixtures to the border. This should also help with any increase in traffic to the area.

Proposed street

It may be years in the making, but if successful the new vision for Midtown will inevitably reshape the identity of Plant City. “This is perfect, this is a home run,” McDaniel said. “It’s flexible, but it gives us a guiding light. We’re going to be seeking bids and this gives us a starting point to work off of.”

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018

PLANT CITY

Plant City eagerly awaits Culver’s

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

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

The Plant City EDC announced Culver’s is considering opening a branch off of Park Road. Residents are in support.

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com

BREANNE WILLIAMS

Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver. com

STAFF WRITER

rozen custard and butter burger fanatics are rejoicing after the Plant City EDC announced Culver’s was eyeing Plant City as its new home. Brandi Alanis has been traveling to Tampa and Zephyrhills to enjoy the unique menu found at Culver’s. She first tasted the butter burger approximately eight years ago while visiting a friend in Wisconsin. “Their frozen custard is to die for, their cheese curds are delightful and they have mouthwatering butter burgers,” Alanis said. “I know there are some Culver’s now popping up in Florida, but this one will literally be only five minutes from me, rather than having to travel out of town or county to make it to the closest Culver’s.” On Oct. 18 the EDC said it had been working closely with Culver Franchising System, Inc. to explore Plant City as the new location for the burger chain. The company purchased the vacant site at 2102 N. Park Road, near I-4 and across from the Holiday Inn Express. “The Plant City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is supporting the Culver’s project because we feel additional new

Editorial Designer / Betsy Alvarez BAlvarez@yourobserver.com Melissa Leduc MLeduc@yourobserver.com Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver. com

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

Images courtesy Plant City EDC The new Culver’s is proposed to be built on North Park Road by I-4 near the Holiday Inn Express.

dining and shopping options drive-thru. The conceptual site are critical to maintaining and plan has 86 parking spots at the enhancing the quality of life for site. our residents,” Jake Austin, presiThe location is part of the dent of the Plant City EDC, said Strawberry Park Community in a news release. “The proposed Unit District. There was an existlocation for the Plant City Cul- ing structure at the lot that expever’s is of particular interest due rienced a fire and it was recently to surrounding major employers.” demolished. The Holiday Inn Express, The EDC said they anticipate Linder Industrial Machinery, partnering the restaurant with Stingray Chevrolet and the new local high schools and the Career This week’s Wish Farms Headquarters are all Celebrity Academy,Cipher which answers connects stuOne nearby and offer thePuzzle potential ofSolution: dents to local career opportunihundreds of employees be reg- so ties. “I’mtoBritish, obviously I repress any ular lunch-time customers. Austin said Culver’s has been powerful emotions of any kind in relation The site plan for the restaurant eyeing Plant City for years to anything.” – John Oliverdue to is being reviewed by city officials the projected growth in the region and the estimated grand opening as well as the appeal of easy InterPuzzle Two Solution: could be as early as the end of the state-4 the “Well, evolution’s just a access. theory, Following and, summer of 2019. The proposed announcement, local residents I’mwill thinking ‘Well, thank development be for ato myself, began voicing their support of the goodness gravity’s a law.” 5,500 square foot proposed location. –Marc restaurant and The cleanliness of Maron the restaurants, as well as the unique menu, This week’s Sudoku answers have always been a draw for Linda Crossan. When she found out one was considering coming to town she immediately began reaching out to share the news with her family and friends. She said she goes to Zephyrhills This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers and Brandon to enjoy the mushPuzzle One Solution: room and swiss butter burger and “I’m British, so obviously I repress any the legendary cheese curds. powerful emotions of any kind in relation “I haven’t had anything there that I can get somewhere else,” to anything.” – John Oliver Crossan said. “It’s a non-fast food, fast food place.” Puzzle Two Solution: Some may pause at the slightly “Well, evolution’s just a theory, and, elevated cost of the items on the I’m thinking to myself, ‘Well, thank Culver’s menu. On review sites goodness gravity’s a law.” like Trip Advisor and Yelp there

–Marc Maron

This Sudoku answers Thisweek’s week’s Sudoku answers

are several posts that refer to meals as “high-priced fast food.” Individual burgers range from approximately $3 to $7 and it is normally a $3 or $4 addition to make it a value basket with a side and drink. The legendary frozen custards are approximately $2 to $4 and shakes, mixers, sundaes and malts range from approximately $2.60 to $5.30 depending on the number of scoops. Crossan said without hesitation the quality of the food is worth the cost. “I think once they’ve tasted it, everybody else is going to have some real competition,” Crossan said. “It may take running some specials and that kind of stuff when they first open to get people to try it for the first time because of the price, but once they try it they’ll be done with it. They’ll love it.”

“Their frozen custard is to die for, their cheese curds are delightful and they have mouth-watering butter burgers.” — Brandi Alanis, Plant City resident

The Plant City Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. The Plant City Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

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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, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33563

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is locally owned by Ed Verner, Karen Berry, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes The Plant City Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC.

1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103 Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850 Observer Media Group Inc.

Thisweek’s week’sCrossword Crossword answers This

Advertising / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “I’m British, so obviously I repress any powerful emotions of any kind in relation – John Oliver to anything.” Puzzle Two Solution: “Well, evolution’s just a theory, and, I’m thinking to myself, ‘Well, thank goodness gravity’s a law.” –Marc Maron

This week’s Sudoku answers

1970 Main St. • Sarasota, FL 34236 941•366•3468 Publishers of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota Observer, Siesta Key Observer, Palm Coast Observer, Plant City Observer, Ormond Beach Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Windermere Observer, Winter Park Observer Business Observer, Jacksonville Financial News & Daily Record.

This week’s Crossword answers

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018

Dear Hillsborough County Voter, I want to be a judge in part because of the worst day in my 26 year legal career. I showed up to select a jury, the judge refused to let our expert witness testify and threatened my client with jail if she lost. My client had never been in the criminal justice system before. She is just an ordinary person like you and me. Instead of getting her day in court, she entered a plea to avoid jail. The system failed her and as an experienced attorney and a strong advocate for my client, I still could not protect her. I vowed on that day to someday become a judge so that whoever came before me would get their day in court and not be penalized. I hope I have earned your support. Please vote on or before November 6th for E. Michael Isaak for County Court Judge, Group 8. Respectfully,

Michael Isaak

FAIRNESS AND INTEGRITY IN THE COURTROOM FAMILY

Lives in Tampa with wife Betsy, daughter Sophia and son Jackson. Attends Idlewild Baptist Church.

PROFESSIONAL

26-year legal career Successful private practice for 21 years Former Assistant State Attorney Admitted to the United States Supreme Court (2003)

AWARDS & COMMUNITY

State Attorney’s Long Term Service Award, 18th Circuit Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Award of Excellence (1993, 1994, 1995) St Joseph’s Hospital Foundation Board of Directors

The Most Experienced and Qualified Candidate in Hillsborough County Court

Mark Proctor Soil & Water Conservation

Charleene Closshey & Mayor Rick and Di Lott

Dee Dee & Carl Grooms Fancy Farms

Roy Davis

Courtney Paat and Kayla Drawdy

ENDORSEMENTS ELECTED OFFICIALS AND ORGANIZATIONS Rick Lott- Mayor of Plant City

Pam Bondi- Florida Attorney General Jake Raburn- State Rep.-FL House of Representatives, Dist. 57 Stacy Hahn- Hillsborough County School Board, Dist. 2 Lynn Gray- Hillsborough County School Board, Dist. 7 Bob Henriquez- Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Mark Proctor- Hillsborough County Soil & Water Conservation, Group 5. La Gaceta Newspaper Florida Sentinel Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association

PLANT CITY COMMUNITY LEADERS David Brewington Salynn Ciccarello Aaron Davis Ed & Karen Dees Kayla Drawdy David & Marcie Drawdy

Jack Gibbs Carl & Dee Dee Grooms Joe Keel William “Billy” Keel Larry Jimenez

Carol Moody, Esq. Marc Poling B.M. “Mac” & Cookie Smith David Sullivan Art Wood

...and many more Plant City Leaders!

VOTE BY NOVEMBER 6TH

OVER 300+ ADDITIONAL LEGAL, COMMUNITY AND ELECTED OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENTS Political advertisement paid for by E. Michael Isaak for County Court Judge, Group 8

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018

PC Fire Rescue awarded major grant A highly competitive FEMA grant from the Department of Homeland Security was awarded to PC Fire Rescue. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Breanne Williams

Members of Plant City Fire Rescue at the groundbreaking ceremony for Fire Station Three, which is set to be open for business July 2019.

do that. We’ll be able to take the budgeted six, plus the grant three and we’ll have our full team.” The first week of March the new firefighters have to be working. Initially, the firefighters will be within the existing staffing to get them trained. Burnett said some of the new hires may find themselves at Fire Station Three while others may remain in one of the other two units. The new station is estimated to open in July 2019 and when fully staffed it will have three personnel working each 24-hour shifts, with a total of three shifts, to staff one fire engine. A fire engine includes a captain, driver and a firefighter/paramedic. The city already planned to hire six new firefighters to prepare for the opening of Fire Station Three. Of those, three will be funded

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Plant City Fire Rescue received a $595,737 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant.

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exhaust system approximately a year ago, which Burnett said they have “really been trying to use to improve the services.” “We try to do what we can and pursue these types of aid,” Burnett said. “We’re just really happy.”

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using the SAFER grant and the additional three positions can be added in the 2019-2020 budget to so there will be nine firefighters, which is full staffing level, for the new fiscal year. The Fire Department received a different FEMA grant for an

Park Rd.

east side of town, as well as the steadily increasing population and the data available to highlight the future of the city, made it clear Plant City was the perfect candidate for new staff. Burnett expressed his joy and surprise at being selected, saying they knew it was a long shot because of the extremely competitive nature of the grant. The first thing he did upon receiving the good news was send it to City Manager Bill McDaniel. “They’ve applied in the past, but we never got it as far as I know,” McDaniel said. “We applied thinking we probably wouldn’t get it, but we were glad to. We budgeted six (firefighters) in Fire Station Three and we were going to have to move some around from Fire Station One and Two and now we won’t have to

Maryland Ave.

lant City Fire Rescue was awarded a highly competitive grant, which will help the city hire new firefighters to help with the opening of Fire Station Three. FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant (SAFER) totals $595,737 and is awarded through the Department of Homeland Security. The funding helps employ three new firefighters for three years. The first two years the grant covers 75% of their salaries and the last year it will cover 35% of their salaries. The city is required to contribute a matching cost in the amount of $228,364. “When I saw that notification come in that we had received the grant I was just ecstatic,” Fire Chief David Burnett said. “It saves the city quite a bit of money. There was a lot of time we put into it to get through the grant process with DHS. It is very competitive, very competitive.” Because Plant City is opening a new station, improving the level of services throughout the entire city and already committed to hiring new staff, Burnett said they were able to have a fighting chance at being selected as the recipient. The overall growth throughout the city also helped easily highlight the need for a thriving Fire Department in Plant City. The commercial growth on the

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018

City preps for online permitting This time next year the city will have a brand new online permitting site.

100

BREANNE WILLIAMS

OFF

STAFF WRITER

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MaintStar was chosen as the best vendor on Aug. 27 due to its immense available features that will help streamline processes for the staff and help residents better interact with the city. The city is paying approximately $331,000 over the course of five years to purchase the Software as a Service - Land Management Solution from MaintStar. Implementation and configuration in the first year are the largest chunk of the cost, totaling $198,500. The annual hosting and support will then range from $30,000 to $36,000. The city is also going to be looking for a project manager to oversee the completion of the project. It will not pay more than $60,000 to hire them and will fund the cost through the project. Applying for, paying for and tracking permits of all types, whether they be a complicated

468318-1 468318-1

nline permitting has been a dream for Plant City for years. Monday evening city commissioners began making that dream a reality. The new system will allow online permit tracking and application, electronic plans submissions and reviews, status updates and obtaining permits and paying from any device. It will also allow inspectors to use mobile devices to access information, review plans and add comments in the field electronically. “There’s a massive amount of work ahead to get this thing up and running,” City Manager Bill McDaniel said. “You’re looking at a year-long process to bring this thing online.” Implementation of the project will begin in January and the estimate is the new portal will be live by Nov. 2019. On June 6 a proposal for online permitting was issued and by July 19 nine proposals were sent to the city. A selection committee combed through the proposals and on Aug. 8 the committee selected MaintStar, CitizenServe, ViewPoint, and Calvin, Giordano & Associates Inc. to present demonstrations of the application they each would provide.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018

HCC celebrates 50 years HCC is hosting an event in honor of the school’s 50th anniversary.

IF YOU GO

HCC OF PLANT CITY 50TH ANNIVERSARY When: Nov. 15 starting at 5 p.m. Where: Trinkle Center, 206 N Park Rd. Cost: Free

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

illsborough Community College has been a staple in Plant City for decades. Next month the college celebrates 50 years of changing lives throughout the county and all of the campuses are hosting special events to honor the anniversary. Plant City’s campus is throwing its party on Nov. 15 starting at 5 p.m. in the Trinkle Center. The entire community is invited to join in the celebration, which will pay homage to the town that helped it flourish. “We will be showcasing the history of Plant City and its connection to the college,” Molly Coufal, senior staff assistant, said. “Our theme is ‘Thanks to You’ since it’s close to Thanksgiving and we’re thanking the community for all their support for the college. It’s because of Plant City that we actually got the college here.” When guests enter the Trinkle Center they will see displays set up by decade showing the school’s unique history. The Plant City Photo Archives & History Center contributed by digging up unique photos from yesteryear. There will be an appetizer reception at 5 p.m. and at 6 p.m. it will tran-

Breanne Williams

The Trinkle Center at HCC is frequently used for community events like the annual Dancing with the Locals.

sition into a formal presentation with videos and proclamations from Mayor Rick Lott and leaders at the college. The party will then have a moment of reflection as old photos are shown. Guests will end the evening with cupcakes and hopefully a fun history lesson. HCC first burst onto the local scene at Plant City High School, now Tomlin Middle School, where night classes were held. It relocated in 1971 to what had once been a Publix Supermarket on Collins Street and in 1972 there were 10 portables placed on the now permanent location.

V O T E

T H I S

One of the things that sets HCC Plant City apart from the other campuses is its flourishing landscape. The gazebos, plants and wildlife found throughout the campus make it a “tranquil environment” for the students, according to Coufal. The support from the community, however, has always been the foundation that gives the college its nurturing character. Coufal said there are many professors that have been with the school for decades and even some that came through the school as students and now are working to encourage the love of education.

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“The people, the students and the faculty, the staff and the amazing community members, they’re just all absolutely phenomenal people,” Coufal said. “It’s like a big family out here. Even our staff events, we always involve the students. We like things to really be connected here.” She said HCC Plant City has unique and deep-rooted partnerships with the community that allows the college to offer a more welcoming environment for its students. Whenever there is a need, she said Plant City has always stepped up and poured out support for the campus.

Colleges across the country are creating food pantries to attempt to tackle the food insecurity faced by students. At this campus, there is a task force that partners with Mary Heysek and the United Food Bank of Plant City. Rather than have students attempt to root through a dwindling food pantry, anyone hungry can alert the school and they’ll be given an emergency food box. They are also handed a voucher so they can drive approximately two miles down the road to the food bank and receive help there as well. It’s been a godsend and Coufal said the partnership has allowed them to make sure all of their students don’t have to worry about going to bed hungry. “Everywhere I’ve gone in Plant City, it’s just been an outpouring of support from everybody,” Coufal said. “I hope that when people come to the event they see how much we value the partnership with the community, how much we still rely on and love the unique partnership this community has allowed us to create over the years.”

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018

EARLY VOTING

UNDERWAY

The midterm elections have officially begun. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

san support. At least in Plant City, the atmosphere was cordial and friendly among the groups at the polling station. Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Eakins had been touring the county back in September to ensure as many voters as possible would better understand the Referendum on One-Half Cent Sales Surtax. The proposed referendum would have Hillsborough County increase the sales surtax up from one eighth of a penny to one half of a penny. This would generate $1.3 billion over 10 years, which would assist current efforts to address the multitude of problems in local schools like deferred maintenance requests, aging buildings and safety issues. It’s one of the few things on the ballot that both sides of the aisle are beginning to agree on, though that support is not necessarily universal. Greg Jewell, an organizer for the Democratic Party, said early voting in Plant City has had a phe-

nomenal turnout and the majority of those walking in are very excited to be able to cast their vote. “Early voting is so important because you never know what life is going to throw at you,” Jewell said. “On Election Day your kids could get sick, you could get called back to work, anything could happen. Don’t put it off, take advantage of the ability to cast your vote early.” That sentiment seemed to be echoed by those pouring into the library. Vanessa Borges said she is taking the time to make sure she fully understands every single aspect on the ballot before she heads to the polls. She expects to have logged her vote well before early voting officially ends. “I prefer early voting to avoid the crowds on Election Day,” Borges said. “Election Day is the last day, it’s not the only day.” Several of those leaving the library on Tuesday morning said they were confident in which candidates they supported, but had to do “quite a lot of research” to

understand the complex amendments. Lindsey Blankenbaker, who came out to support the halfpenny referendum, said there had been a lot of miseducation on the real effect of some of the amendments. Citing the confusing language written into the amendments, she said her hope was people who had questions would take the time to do research or stop and ask questions before they went and filled out the bubbles. Jewell said approximately three quarters of everyone who is showing up to vote is bringing their sample ballots with them to help with the “confusing and messy” lingo. “We will be out here every day until early voting is over,” Jewell said. “Then on Election Day, I’ll be knocking on doors.” Early voting will continue until Nov. 4, two days before Election Day, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 20 locations throughout Hillsborough County.

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he parking lot at Bruton Memorial Library has remained filled to capacity as early voting officially kicked off this week. Unlike on Election Day, registered voters can vote anywhere in their assigned county during early voting. Because of this, the designated open locations are seeing an influx of visitors as people patiently wait in line to cast their vote. “I have to say that (Monday) I did vote and the library was packed with voters,” Mayor Rick Lott said. “In good Plant City spirit, the turnout was huge and you’d expect it to be in Plant City so it was always encouraging.” Turnout did, in fact, exceed the first day of early voting in the 2014 midterm election. In 2014, 8,927 voters cast their vote on the

first day and in 2018 that number grew to 9,251 voters. This year the county had 73,896 vote by mails as well. Both Republicans and Democrats camped outside the polling station, chatting with voters before they went in, proudly displaying campaign signs of their favored candidates. Art Wood has been interacting with people from the very first day of early voting. Some greet him by name, shaking his hand and voluntarily discussing the ballot, while others strike up an immediate camaraderie as they toss him thumbs up and point to the Rick Scott, Ashley Moody and Ron DeSantis yard signs. “People have been friendly all day,” Wood said. “They’re even asking for yard signs. I’m optimistic, but we’re treating this election like we could lose it. Everybody is working hard.” Gesturing to the Democrat bystanders mere feet from him he smiled as he said that this election there were a few things on the ballot, specifically the amendments, that were receiving wide biparti-

Breanne Williams

Early voting will continue until Nov. 4 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 20 locations throughout the county.

AROUND TOWN

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018

What’s the one thing you’d want to get in your trick-or-treat bag?

“Chocolate. I like Ghirardelli, that’s good stuff.”

“Reese’s cups.” — Ashley McMath, 25

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“Krazy Kup’s butter crumb coffee cake. It’s awesome.”

“A Twix. A giant, king-sized Twix.”

“White chocolate Hershey’s bars, Cookies ‘N Creme.”

— Allen Berrebbi, 54

— Katie Crooks, 24

— Phil Davis, 28

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018

Krazy Kup turns five K

were also on site to draw in festive crowds. Gary Robinson the Puppeteer put on a show in the afternoon and that evening the party came to a close with some rock-n-roll in the music loft. The shaved ice truck was churning out snow cones all day long and inside the establishment had specially priced drinks in honor of its birthday. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; BREANNE WILLIAMS

The Plant City High School Band performed in a parade through downtown in honor of Krazy Kupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthday.

The Plant City High School Band performed in a parade through downtown.

Photos courtesy Vicky Saunders

Face painting was a big hit with the local children. Gary Robinson the Puppeteer put on a show in the afternoon.

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razy Kup held nonstop celebrations on Saturday in honor of its fifth anniversary. The beloved coffee shop kicked off the party with an hour long performance by nearly 100 members of the Plant City High School Band in its courtyard. Then magician Luis Campaneria, a national champion, performed jaw-dropping illusions in the loft. Balloon artists, face painters, a stilt walker and a bouncy house

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018

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OCT. 15

MOVIE NIGHT 1900 block of Poplar Court. Petit theft: The complainant came home and realized that two DVD movies were removed from their mailbox. They called the cops to alert them of the robbery.

EX EFFECTS 1300 block of North Franklin Street. Criminal mischief: This complainant’s ex-girlfriend caused him a bit of stress after he said she broke a window at his residence.

OCT. 14

FAMILY FEUD North Turkey Creek/Ethan Way Battery: PCPD came out to the location and a man was involved in a physical altercation with the in-laws.

OCT. 15

FISHY FORD 600 block of Coronet Street. Recovered stolen vehicle: PCPD responded to an abandoned house in reference to a suspicious vehicle. The black Ford Fu-

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CARDIO AND CAR BURGLARY 1700 block of North Park Road. Vehicle burglary: The victim was walking the path at Mike E. Sansone Community Park when someone broke into her vehicle and removed her wallet.

OCT. 16

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sion was found to be stolen from Polk County. The car was towed because of negative contact made with the registered owner.

NICE TRY 1400 block of North Franklin Street. Fraud: The owner of a Plant City home found out a stranger was attempting to rent out his house. He acquired a phone number for the fake owner and made contact with the fraud. The fake owner gave him an out of state address to send a check to so he could “secure the rental.” The real owner gave the information to PCPD.

OCT. 18

FAILED TOUCH-AND-GO 4000 block of Airport Road. Plane crash: A plane crashed near the Plant City Municipal Airport into a heavily wooded area. The pilot was the only occupant and he received minor cuts. The plane went down shortly after takeoff while doing touch-and-go landings. SUPERMARKET SWIPER 2200 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Burglary vehicle: While this complainant was loading groceries into the back seat of her vehicle an unknown suspect removed her purse from the front seat of the vehicle.

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SPORTS

Demije Hollins played well last Friday night. See Page 14

Sidelines

CREST VBALL MAKES REGIONALS For the first time in school history, the 8A-District 9 title belongs to Strawberry Crest. The Chargers picked up a 3-1 win over East Bay in the Oct. 18 championship game at Lennard High School to capture the trophy. Results from Wednesday’s home regionals matchup against Palm Harbor University were not available at press time.

YOUTH HOOPS LEAGUE SIGN-UPS Registration for the Plant City Recreation and Parks Department/Optimist Youth Basketball Program is underway. The $35 registration fee covers uniforms and insurance, and registrations can be dropped off at the PCRPD office, 1904 S. Park Road, or mailed. Register by 4:30 p.m. Nov. 14 and call 813659-4255 or email recinfo@ plantcitygov.com for more information.

FALL YOUTH FISHING DERBY

Young anglers should get ready for the next Youth Fishing Derby on Nov. 17. The derby is open to kids between age 5 and 15. The event is free and preregistration is available at plantcitygov.com or at the PCRPD office through Nov. 15. On-site registration runs from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m.

GAME OF THE WEEK

Justin Kline

Plant City’s defense kept Bloomingdale’s offense under control all night during last week’s game.

TAMPA BAY TECH AT PC Plant City could clinch the district championship on Friday night. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ou can’t always see the stars in the sky under the Friday night lights, but they seem to be aligning for Plant City these days. Everyone who follows Hillsborough County football knew going into the 2018 season that the Raiders’ district, 7A-9, is a meat grinder unlike any other in the Tampa Bay area and winning it would not come easy. Tampa Bay Tech got a lot of hype as the reigning champion. Bloomingdale, which has made big strides since Max Warner took over in

2016, was widely expected to be the top challenger for the crown. Plant City, also trending upward since making its latest head coaching change, was seen as the dark horse contender in the race. Plant City’s ability to solve Bloomingdale’s defense — which had put up five shutouts in seven games before last week — and play some tough D of its own have given the Raiders the clearest path to winning the 7A-9 title of any of the three teams left in the running. Tech and Bloomingdale have to rely on a lot of moving parts to win it, but Plant City just has to win one more game. Plant City made few mistakes last week and, even if the offense wasn’t able to explode as it has for much of the season, its most important job was keeping the

OTHER AREA ACTION DURANT at Bloomingdale, 1700 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, 7:30 p.m. The Cougars didn’t go down without a fight in last week’s 51-14 loss to Tampa Bay Tech, but the Titans were still able to impose their will upon the game. Tech will definitely want Durant to win this week, though, as a Cougars win combined with a Titans win would give TBT a 7A-9 three-peat. If the Titans and Bulls win this week, there will be a three-way tiebreaker for the championship. Bloomingdale’s defense is stout, but the Cougars might

be able to put some points on the board. STRAWBERRY CREST at Lennard, 2002 E. Shell Point Road, Ruskin, 7:30 p.m. Crest’s final home game of the season didn’t go quite as planned, as East Bay came through and handed the Chargers a 42-0 loss. Now Crest will travel to Lennard to take on a Longhorns team coming off of its bye week. Stopping Tino Hunt and Lennard’s massive offensive line will be top priority for the visiting Chargers, but the Longhorns haven’t really been stellar against district foes this season.

SEE FOOTBALL, PAGE 14

Plant City Dolphins storm into playoffs Four Plant City Dolphins teams ended the regular season on a high note.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

he Plant City Dolphins are looking to make a statement in the 2018 Tri-County Youth Football and Cheerleading Conference playoffs: Superbowl or bust. The Mighty Mites, Pee Wees, Midgets and Junior Varsity Dolphins ended the season with perfect 6-0-0 records in American Conference play and a combined total of 36 wins and four losses. The Midgets were the only team of the four to post a perfect 10-0-

0 record and beat the fearsome East Bay Bucs. All four Dolphins teams are working hard throughout the bye week to be ready for the first round, which begins Nov. 3. Playoff seeding and games were not determined by press time, though the TCYFCC should have the information available on its league site, tcyfcc.com. MIGHTY MITES Record: 8-2-0

Armand Cotnoir returned to the Dolphins in a head coaching role to work with the Mighty Mites.

Teaching the game is the most important part of his job leading the youngest players in the Dolphins organization. Cotnoir and his staff have done a pretty solid job of that thus far, as the Mighty Mites have won seven shutouts and averaged 24.8 points scored per game. “Just seeing some of the little guys who didn’t want to play that cried at first starting to make tackles and get in games, a couple of them have even scored touchdowns,” Cotnoir said. “Now SEE DOLPHINS, PAGE 15

Justin Kline

The Mighty Mites have one of the highestscoring offenses in the Dolphins organization.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Justin Kline

Zamir’ Knighten and the Plant City Raiders are hoping to snatch the district title from Tampa Bay Tech.

Football FROM PAGE 13

game under control and it did just that. Braxton Plunk completed nearly 70% of his pass attempts and the receiving group of Mario Williams, Chris Wilson, De’Qwan Myers and Maurice Morris continued to be reliable targets. The offensive line and Zamir’ Knighten worked well together to help Knighten gain 129 rushing yards and score twice. The Raiders defense forced 15 tackles for loss and racked up six sacks, three of which came from D.J. Gordon. Demije Hollins, who had nine total tackles and tied for the team lead with 3.5 for loss, seemed to be involved in every play. Tyreke Harrison, Ashton Mincey, Antron Robinson and Kody Governor each finished with five or more tackles. Tampa Bay Tech is the one team that’s been able to beat Armwood, which is the one team that’s been able to beat Plant City. Like in

the Armwood game, Plant City will have to try and contain a former teammate. Treshaun Ward, who started at running back for PCHS in his sophomore season and gained over 1,000 rushing yards, has been the focal point of the Titans’ offense in 2018. He leads all Titans in touches, total offensive yards and touchdowns scored and is coming off of a 106-yard, two-touchdown performance against Durant in last week’s 51-14 win. The Titans love to run the ball and have several other backs who have gone over the 300-yard, five-touchdown mark for the season. Teams know what Tech’s going to do on offense — it’s stopping the offense that is the problem. Ric Flair famously said, “To be the man, you’ve got to beat the man.” Though Tech complicated things for itself when Bloomingdale pulled off the 33-24 upset win on Oct. 12, the Titans are still the defending champs and still a dangerous team. “Still the man,” Flair might say, but Plant City looks hungry to take that title.

Demije Hollins Plant City linebacker Demije Hollins stepped up big time against Bloomingdale last week, finishing with nine total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Hollins seemed to get involved on just about every play and, if he wasn’t the one finishing the job, his efforts made it easier for teammates like D.J. Gordon and Ashton Mincey to make plays. Hollins is a senior who hopes to attend Florida State University after graduating in the spring and major in sports management. What are you looking to do against Tampa Bay Tech now that you’ve watched film? Same thing I did last week, trying to get in the backfield on every play, every snap. My homeboy over there at running back (Treshaun Ward), we grew up together so there’s a competition. We get competitive.

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

the same household, always playing around. We know when we go out on the field, we ain’t friends. We’re gonna leave everything on the line. What makes you proud to be a Raider? To keep making everybody fight. On defense, me, D.J. and Juice (Tyreke Harrison), we’re all leaders. We try to keep everybody motivated. Like against Armwood, we all gave up. I wasn’t doing my job as a leader to make sure everybody kept going. It was my fault. Now we’re not having that no more. After that one “L,” we’re not trying to have no more.

This happened with Armwood, too, when guys like Eric Wilson and Myles Forte came back here playing for another team. What’s it like when people you grew up playing with switch teams and then play against you? Same thing. In little league, we played against each other, but we grew up around each other like in

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Ag Labor, LLC is looking for 599 people to harvest, pick, plant, prune, gather, count, package, all general farm labor related to strawberries and blueberries, and plant cantaloupe and vegetables, in Hillsborough County, FL. Job starts 12/01/18 - 4/25/19 (temporary position), pay rate $11.29/hr or $1.50-4.00 piece rates depending on crop harvested. Work under extreme weather conditions, 24-pound lifting requirement, 3-months verifiable experience, may be subject to drug test post hire at employer’s expense, first 7 days are considered introductory period, and production standards may apply. Housing & transportation provided, including U.S. workers who cannot reasonably return to their permanent residence at the end of each working day. For more info call Mon - Fri 10am 12pm or 1pm - 3pm to (813) 699-9932. Employer will provide tools, supplies and equipment needed for job at no cost to workers. Transportation and subsistence expenses to the worksite will be reimbursed upon completion of 50% of the work contract or earlier, if appropriate. Guarantee 3/4 of the contract duration. Apply at your local career center: 9350 Bay Plaza Blvd, Ste. 121, Tampa, 288471 FL 33619, Ref: FL10801660.

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Blackwood Quartet in Concert Plant City Community Church of the Nazarene 2402 Mud Lake Road - Plant City, FL Thanksgiving dinner to follow

For more info contact

Pastor Don Corzine (813) 716.4899

288694

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018

SEE THE EXHIBITION!

“We don’t have that fast, elite player but we’ve got 11 kids that, when they’re on the field, they play together as a team for one ultimate goal and that’s to win,” Morrow said. “The chemistry’s strong. They’re like family.”

PLANT CITY AND THE AGRICULTURE, FOOD PROCESSING AND SUPERMARKET REVOLUTION 1939-1975

MIDGETS Record: 10-0-0

FROM PAGE 13

they’re really coming along.” They’ll spend the next few weeks learning the fundamentals of the game and hope to keep up the good work throughout November. PEE WEES Record: 9-1-0

Chad Morrow’s Pee Wees don’t exactly make their game plan a secret: these Dolphins are going to run the single-wing offense and they’re going to run it well. When the offense is clicking, it can put up some serious points. It scored 142 points on the Brandon Cowboys, Brandon Broncos and New Tampa Wildcats in the three-week span from Sept. 15 to 29 and most recently pulled off a 20-13 win against the Lakeland Gators.

The Plant City Photo Archives and History Center displays the dramatic changes in the farm-to-table chain that happened around Plant City 1939-1975 and changed the American way of life.

EXHIBITS Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Florida Strawberry Growers Association Plant City State Farmers Market Horsey Corporation | Southland Frozen Foods Florida Strawberry Festival | Hillsborough FFA | Wish Farms Florida Citrus Hall of Fame | Publix Super Markets

JUNIOR VARSITY Record: 9-1-0

Springfield is gunning for his fourth Superbowl championship in five tries, this time with his new JV team. The JV Dolphins have taken to his spread offense like, well, dolphins to water. They average 28.8 points scored per game and scored at least 32 points in three of their last four games. “We’re gonna bring everything to the table, the kitchen sink, everything,” Springfield said. “These guys out here right now, they’re working hard, they’re focused and have high expectations. They’re looking forward to the task ahead of them.”

Exhibition Open every day 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, October 15, through Sunday, November 4, 2018

Plant City Photo Archives & History Center 106 South Evers Street, Plant City, Florida 33563, 813.754.1578

gil@plantcityphotoarchives.org

Thinking about selling

LEGAL NOTICE

your home?

PUBLIC AUCTION STORAGE SALE In accordance with the provisions of the Florida Self Storage Act (sections 83.801 83.809), there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy an owner and/or manager’s lien of the goods hereinafter described and stored at the Life Storage location listed below.

3.5 Total Listing Commission %

And, due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties known to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the below stated location(s) to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on Wednesday, 9:00 AM, November 7, 2018, at 1005 South Alexander Street, Plant City, FL 33563, 813-759-9526. CUSTOMER NAME

INVENTORY

Belinda Austin Arturo Colon Gina Barrows Vanessa Kagel Eduardo Paredes Mohammad Foqahaa Markus Drone Williamson, Christina Williamson, Christina Winton Whitehurst Eldon Ware Fabian Bellamy Shelbie Roberts Kenneth Jameson Viveychka Otero Cody Williams Richard Simmons Diosdado Malagon Matthew Dehnert Arlie Milarch Arlie Milarch Joen Castaneda Carlos Rangel Angel Ortiz Marcine Kelley William McFarland Jennifer -Payne Wachovia Nate Vickers Arlie Milarch

This is truly a seller’s market with low inventory and I know that by working together we can get your home sold. I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to be your listing agent. Some key highlights of my services include: • 3.5% TOTAL LISTING COMMISSION (2.5% for the buyer’s agent, 1% for my services as the seller’s agent). • One year home warranty provided for buyers’ piece of mind. • Professional photography for MLS and advertising. • Open Houses - one per week, one per month...you decide. • Honest, open and ongoing communication. • Feedback from buyers (from their agents who have shown your property). I work as your partner and together we make sure the process of selling your home is how you want it to be.

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LIFE STORAGE #099 285013

JANEEL SHULMISTER, Realtor® | Future Home Realty 813-361-8240 | janeel.shulmister@futurehomerealty.com

288500

Dolphins

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

287891

Justin Kline

Pee Wee players work on a sled drill.

When Marcus Springfield moved up to lead the Dolphins’ JV team, defensive coordinator John Broome stayed to take the reins as the Midgets’ head coach. Broome is best-known as the architect of the “Purple Rain” 5-3 defensive scheme, which has allowed just 28 points this year. In fact, the Midgets posted shutouts in seven of their 10 regular-season games. “Any time I’m on a staff, it’s always defense,” Broome said. “You know the deal. Defense wins championships. This is my third year on the Midgets level and we just broke the Tri-County wins record, which was 26 consecutive wins, so I’m proud of that. But we’re not finished.”

OBITUARIES

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018

Marsh Arthur Nesmith

Marsh Arthur Nesmith, 85, passed away peacefully Oct. 16, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with cancer. Art was born at home March 1, 1933 in Springhead, Florida to Marsh and Pearl Nesmith. He was the fourth of five children and the only boy. He grew up in a modest two-bedroom farmhouse where hard work and education were important. It is a testament to Marsh and Pearl that although they were not well off, all of their children graduated from college.

Art is survived by the love of his life, Carolyn Campbell Nesmith, five children, Rick (Connie Gruenwald), Patsy (Breck) Weingart, Susie (Larry) Smith, Marsha (Mac) Hall, and John (Kelly), 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his younger sister, Virginia (Gandy) Vaughn, his favorite sister-in-law, Mary Jo Campbell and many nieces and nephews. Growing up on a farm helped develop his strong work ethic and also led to his interest in raising cattle which gave him so much pleasure later in life. Art was a high school football star and received a football scholarship to the University of Florida. It was during college that Art married the beautiful Carolyn Campbell and they started a family. He graduated from the University of Florida elected into both Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies then completed medical school at Duke University where he was summa cum laude. This led him back to Gainesville, where he completed a General Surgery residency. In 1967, soon after beginning his General Surgery practice, he was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. The family

spent two years in Augusta, Georgia where he served at Fort Gordon. He was honorably discharged as a Major and then returned to his General Surgery practice in Sanford Florida. Two years later it was back to Gainesville for a cardiothoracic fellowship. After completion of his fellowship, he joined Tom Bartley and Rudy Gertner and developed a very successful practice at the newly constructed North Florida Regional Hospital. Art practiced Cardiac and Vascular surgery at North Florida and Alachua General Hospital and served on the Board of Trustees at North Florida Regional Hospital for many years. He was much beloved by his patients and staff. It was a great source of pride that all three of his daughters went into the medical field. After retirement, Art loved traveling with Carolyn and their family. He particularly liked going to the coast of Maine with family and friends. He continued to enjoy raising cattle on his farm in Alachua. Cattle round-ups with his sons and grandsons were always entertaining and often hilarious misadventures. Hunting trips with his sons, sons-in-law and grandsons,

Florist

116 North Collins Street Plant City, FL 33563 ph: (813) 567-5735 allabloomtampa.com

playing golf and arguing over Alexander S.A. who got strokes and who Fontanez won with his dear friends Jim Quincey, Frank Lentz, Luis Cintado and others were other sources of enjoyment for Art. His annoying little dance after making a putt to win a two dollar bet will always stick in our minds. And of course... cheering on the Gators! Art’s passing leaves a large hole in our hearts and he will be missed by all, but mostly by his loving family who has benwe’re dedicated to helping families cre W E ’ RE P RO UD TO S E RV E our community efitted from his love, wisdom, unique and meaningful memorial that with personal, compassionate care since 1896. advice and support for all these Alexander S.A. Fontanez celebrates the life “Alit represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, many years. exander the Great,” 8, of Plant > 100% were Service Guarantee National Plan Funeral Services held City, >passed away Oct.Transferability 14, 2018. Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement Monday, Oct. 22, 2018 at 11:00 Services were held on Oct 20, a.m. in the Chapel in the Mead2018. ows in Memorial Park Central, Expressions of condolence at 4100 NW 39th Ave,Proudly with Dr. supportingwww.wellsmemorial.com. the Plant City Strawberry Festival. Orvin Jenkins officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, or WELLSMEMORIAL.COM the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284. Wells MeMorial & event Center Please visit his memorial PlanT CiTy page at www.williamsthomasfu813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com neralhome.com. For further inDale A. Davis formation call Williams-Thomas Westarea at (352)376-7556. Dale A. Davis, 61, of Plant City, M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1 born on July 14, 1957, entered into eternal rest on Oct. 15, 2018. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Taking care of each other is what

community

is all about.

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

www.HopewellFuneraI.com

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

Historic Downtown 284888

SAVE THE DATE HOPEWELL

EVENT DETAILS

FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

Saturday, November 10 at 10 am Veterans’ Memorial Monument Park Courier Field at N. Wheeler Street Plant City

FOR MORE INFO

Edwena Haney | Marsha Passmore Hopewell Event Coordinators info@hopewellfuneral.com

813.737.3128

www.HopewellFuneraI.com 287867

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

239042

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Brian David Bass Brian David Bass, 41, of Plant City, born on Feb. 9, 1977 in Tampa, entered into eternal rest on Oct. 16, 2018. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com..

HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

www.HopewellFuneraI.com

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

Eugene ‘Gene’ Rickman Eugene “Gene” Rickman, 77, of Plant City, born on June 21, 1941 in Eden, North Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Oct. 19, 2018. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELL

FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

239042

www.HopewellFuneraI.com

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

Katherine ‘Nana’ Caliguire Katherine “Nana” Caliguire, 61, of Lithia, born in White Plains, New York on July 19, 1957, entered into eternal rest on Oct. 16, 2018. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Vernon Porter

239042

Rick Thomas Duran Rick Thomas Duran, 69, of Valrico, born on Nov. 11, 1948 in Tampa, entered into eternal rest on Oct. 19, 2018. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELL HOPEWELL

Vernon Porter, 80, of Plant City, born on March 16, 1938 in Buckhorn Springs, entered into eternal rest on Oct. 19, 2018. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

www.HopewellFuneraI.com

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

239042

www.HopewellFuneraI.com

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

239042

HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

www.HopewellFuneraI.com

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

239042

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Michael Paul Gimness, MD Kelli Woody, MD Katherine Newman, ARNP Jennifer Zeljkovic, ARNP

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Elisa Masten Carr, 86, peacefully passed away on Oct. 10, 2018 surrounded in love by her family. Born on March 25, 1932 in Union, SC to Irwin Masten and Mary Elizabeth McNeel. She graduated from Union High School in 1950 and attended Winthrop College in Rock Hill, SC. In 1953, Elisa married William G. Carr. They lived in many places, including California, Houston, New Orleans Savanah and Lakeland before settling in Plant City in 1980. She will be remembered by her large still life paintings of flowers and vegetables. She traveled around the world (Rome, Paris, London, Russia, China and Japan) as well as by RV throughout the U.S. and Canada. Elisa enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles and sewing, but most cherished her time spent with her husband, family and friends. Elisa was the former member and president

of Plant City Women’s Club and a local Plant City philanthropist: YMCA, Plant City Food Bank and South Florida Baptist Hospital. Elisa is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, William G. Carr; her daughter, Cathy Carr; her son, Paul Carr (Nancy); her grandchildren, Nathan Carr and Megan Carr; and her sister, Paula Graham. Elisa was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church of Plant City where a memorial service will be held on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 N. Carey Street, Plant City, FL 33563 or Gulfside Hospice Pasco Palliative Care, 2061 Collier Parkway, Land O’Lakes, FL 34639, www. ghppc.org/make-a-gift.html.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018

OBITUARIES

Elisa Masten Carr

YOUR CALENDAR

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018

THURSDAY, OCT. 25

BAILEY ELEMENTARY PTA FALL FESTIVAL 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Bailey Elementary School, 4630 Gallagher Road, Dover. Bailey PTA’s Fall Festival will have games, prizes and fun for the whole family. RETRO MOVIE NIGHT: LABYRINTH 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join Krazy Kup every fourth Thursday for its free Retro Movie Night. This month sit back and enjoy cultfavorite “Labyrinth.” 100 THINGS TO DO IN TAMPA BAY BEFORE YOU DIE 7 p.m. at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Author Kristen Hare is coming to discuss the second edition

of “100 Things To Do In Tampa Bay Before You Die.”

Promenade Blvd. Entrance is $6.

BEST BET

SATURDAY, OCT. 27

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 31

SATURDAY, OCT. 27

AKC LICENSED ALL-BREED DOG SHOWS 8 a.m. at the Florida Strawberry Festival. The Brandon Florida Kennel Club is hosting its 14th and 15th annual AKC Licensed All-Breed Dog Shows on Oct. 27 and 28. TRUNK-OR-TREAT 4 to 6 p.m. Springhead United Methodist Church, 2301 Sparkman Rd., will be hosting its annual Trunk-or-Treat. PLANT CITY SOCIAL DANCE 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Plant City Social Dance is hosting a dance at the Strawberry Square, 4401

BOOK-O-WEEN 10 a.m. Bruton Memorial Library is giving away 82 free books to children for Book-OWeen. Come to the library any time on Wednesday to pick a free book for Book-O-Ween.

CHILI FEST 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, 102 N. Palmer St. The Arts Council of Plant City is hosting its annual Plant City Chili Fest Cookoff. Come on out to taste the city’s best chili recipes and vote on your favorite. A panel of judges will select winners from each category.

ANNUAL HARVEST FEST 6 to 8 p.m. City Pointe Church is hosting its second annual Harvest Fest at Burchwood Park. This free event will provide food, fun, games, live music, a cake walk, trunk or treat, candy, giveaways and a balloon art presentation. Rain out date is Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Breanne Williams

E U L A WE V YOUR A! C M Y y l i m a F City t n a l P e h t t a 285215

1507 YMCA Place, Plant City | 813 757 6677 | tampaymca.org

OMG IT’S WEDNESDAY!

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT® FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

BOO!

PLANT CITY FARM AND FLEA MARKET Highway 39 North at Sam Allen Road—1 mi. N. of I-4 Exit 21

WEDNESDAY FLEA MARKET OVER 40 ACRES . . . MORE THAN 500 VENDORS

Trunk-or-Treat

Get the kids ready for an afternoon of Halloween! Join us for the Trunk-or-Treat, dressed up in your Halloween best!

OP EN

PM 7A M T O 1

• Games and Crafts

• Trunk-or-Treating

• Music

• Prizes

WHEN:

Saturday, October 27 | 4:00 - 6:00 pm

LOCATION:

PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA 1507 YMCA Place Plant City, FL 33566 (813) 757-6677

708 W. SAM ALLEN RD. 1 MILE NORTH OF I-4 EXIT 21

LIKE KMART WITHOUT A ROOF!

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH 287334

284917