10.29.20 PLCO by Plant City Observer

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VOLUME 6, NO. 120

ON SEVERAL PROJECTS The City of Plant City is working on the Pennsylvania Avenue dog park, residential property sales in the CRA and more.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

With the start of the new fiscal year, many projects are jumping into action. One has been years in the making. The city’s dog park on Pennsylvania Avenue opened to the public in 2014, though most didn’t realize it was accessible as the parking lot was on one side of a canal and the park was on the other. There was just a grassy parking lot on Knight Street for visitors and those who did attend often ended up walking around in an attempt to get to the park.

SEE PAGE 5

MIKE WINDOM

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NAMED MASTER PILOT

Breanne Williams

A local pilot received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award on Oct. 10 in a ceremony at the Plant City Airport. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Once again, a local pilot was awarded a legendary aviation award during special ceremony at the Plant City Airport. Mike Windom has been fascinated with airplanes for as long as he can remember. He grew up just outside the Atlanta Airport and said he remembers spending nearly every moment of his free time sitting on his stoop and watching planes fly

in and out, or running along the fence of the airport captivated by the takeoffs of the massive aircrafts. He was obsessed and on Oct. 1963 he and his brother took a plane ride from Atlanta to Chattanooga. It was Windom’s first flight and he remembers the details like it was yesterday. It sparked a flame in him that refused to die, despite his father’s insistence that he would never sit in a cockpit.

SEE PAGE 8

NEWS BRIEFS

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

Courtesy of Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

Courtesy of Plant City Parks and Recreation Department

Teen arrested after stealing vehicles, damaging farm Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of William McDougal on Oct. 22 after it was discovered he and at least two other suspects stole property and caused thousands of dollars in damages to Astin Farms. On Oct. 21, HCSO responded to a residence on Bethlehem Road in Dover regarding a report of a stolen ATV. They found tire tracks that started in a nearby strawberry field and went south on Bethlehem Road. A UTV was reported stolen from a residence on Sydney Washer Road earlier that day and deputies learned both vehicles were used to drive into Astin Farms, 3610 Holloway Road, and run over strawberry rows. Approximately $3,000 worth of damage was done to the rows. Deputies tracked the stolen ATV to a residence on Calhoun Road in Plant City, where they found McDougal, 16. The teen confessed to stealing the vehicles and driving into Astin Farms. HCSO is still searching for other suspects in the case. McDougal faces charges of Grand Theft Third Degree ($10,000-$20,000), Burglary of an Unoccupied Structure (x5), Grand Theft Third Degree ($750-$5,000) (x2), Dealing in Stolen Property, Trespass on Property Other than Structure or Conveyance, Criminal Mischief $1,000 or More, Grand Theft Motor Vehicle (x4), Burglary

of an Occupied Dwelling, Grand Theft Third Degree ($5,000-$10,000). He was also arrested July 31 for his involvement in a burglary spree throughout parts of Seffner and Dover.

City seeking volunteers for Veterans Day cemetery work The City of Plant City’s Cemetery Operations Unit plans to place flags at the graves of every United States military veteran interred at Plant City’s four cemeteries on Nov. 7. Volunteers are needed for the work, which will begin at 9 a.m. that day. Volunteers will meet at the Cemetery Operations Office, 109 W. Spencer St., and go from there. Groups will be given instructions on flag installation and then assigned to their areas. Refreshments will be provided. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed. “This is a great way for area civic and service clubs to recognize Veterans Day,” Parks and Recreation Department director Jack Holland said in a press release. “Families are encouraged to participate as a way to show our youth the need to recognize and remember the men and women that fought for our country.” Volunteers will also be needed the morning of Nov. 14 to remove the flags. Email cemeteryinfo@plantcitygov.com for

more information and to pre-register, for which you will need to give your volunteer names, a daytime telephone number, and the date(s) you are volunteering for.

Courtesy of Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

Pioneer Day postponed

The 43rd annual Pioneer Day event will no longer be held in 2020, the East Hillsborough Historical Society announced Tuesday. HCSO cadets graduate at File photo Originally scheduled for Nov. 14, the festival grounds EHHS decided to move the event to January 23, 2021, remaining at the historic 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, The twenty-seven newest Hillsborough 605 N. Collins St. Shelby Bender, EHHS County Sheriff’s Office deputies were President and Executive Director, said it sworn in Oct. 23 at the TECO Expo Hall at was “the responsible decision” in the time the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds. Law Enforcement Class 2002 trained for of the COVID-19 pandemic. “During this unprecedented time of the 33 weeks despite facing a new obstacle: COVID-19 pandemic, we have observed the COVID-19 pandemic. and practiced the precautions and safety “These graduating cadets have reached measures recommended by the CDC and a milestone only the most commithope to see everyone on Saturday, January ted, passionate, and hardworking can 23, 2021,” Bender said in a press release. achieve,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “It fills me with great pride to welcome them to one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the country and I look forward to GFWC Woman’s Club to watching them make a positive difference host Alzheimer’s walk in our community.” The GFWC Woman’s Club of Plant City is getting ready for its Happy Feet Walk for Alzheimer’s and has invited the public to join. The walk will be held at 9 a.m. Nov. 5 at Brewer Park, 1491 Hunter St., and participants will complete several laps around its walking trail. To donate or get more information, contact Patricia Wolff at 941725-1135 or wolffone@hotmail.com.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

If you’re looking for some spooky fun in honor of Halloween, there are several events throughout the weekend that are sure to put you in the festive spirit. We’ve compiled a list of events submitted to the Observer for easy navigating for parents looking to plan a haunted weekend with their children.

FRIDAY, OCT. 30 OCTOBER TREATS CELEBRATION Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., is hosting its October Treats Celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 30. This youth program is designed to allow children to enjoy crafts, games and treats at the unique event. Families are invited to participate in a costume contest as well as to create festive projects to take home. Socially distanced stations will be available all day long. Every family is welcome and no registration is required. BOO BASH Grace Manor at Hunters Creek Senior Living, 765 W. Grant St., is hosting a wicked good time at 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 30. There will be a costume party, games, food, music and more. HALLOWEEN ON MAIN STREET Trick-or-Treaters can hop around a variety of businesses in downtown Plant City Friday evening during Halloween on Main Street, hosted by Plant City Main Street. There will be food trucks and vendors at McCall Park and several local businesses will be passing out free candy to those who pop by. Social distancing, face masks, hand sanitizer and additional safety measures are going to be in place throughout the event, so make sure you and your kiddos are prepared if you plan to participate. Trick or Treat bags will be available at the Main Street tent at the train depot in downtown and are sponsored by Green Life Environmental and First Response Heating and Cooling. The event will run

from 5 to 9 p.m. and businesses will hand out candy from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. TRUNK OR TREAT: MT. OLIVE BAPTIST CHURCH Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 604 W. Ball St., is providing a safe drive-through Trunk or Treat event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 30. Families are invited to dress up, load up in the car and drive over. Candy will be distributed to attendees and you must remain in the vehicle at all times. SIR HENRY’S HAUNTED TRAIL This is the last weekend of Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail, 2837 S. Frontage Road. The horror-themed event runs from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. There are three haunted trails for attendees to get their scares on. Tickets are required and you must purchase them in advance. CDC guidelines will be followed so attendees must wear a mask and social distance. You can purchase your tickets at sirhenryshauntedtrail.com. The event is horror themed and may not be suitable for children under the age of 12.

SATURDAY, OCT. 31 HARVEST FEAST City Pointe Church is hosting its annual fall event at Burchwood Park, 104 Lake Blvd. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 31 or while supplies last. The church is partnering with Frontline Community Services to give free food to those in need as well as offer prayer, free giveaways and the opportunity to win prizes through special drawings taking place after the event. The church has two 26-foot trucks full of food and groceries that will arrive that morning to be distributed to those who need it. The event is open to anyone in the community, not just those who live around Burchwood Park and it is estimated there is enough food for more than 600 families. Attendees are asked to bring a container

to transport cold/perishable grocery items upon pick up. CDC guidelines will be implemented and City Pointe volunteers will check temperatures while people wait in line. Attendees are asked to remember to socially distance while waiting. There will be worship music playing and after registering for a prize drawing guests can receive a Jesus film or booklet and can stop at the children’s table for giveaways for kids. WALDEN LAKE DRIVE-BY HALLOWEEN This event is just for Walden Lake residents. The WLCA office, 3035 Griffin Blvd., is hosting a drive-by Halloween event from 12 to 3 p.m. on Oct. 31. Families are invited to dress up, honk, beep, shout and wave. They will then be given a Halloween goodie bag. You must have a Walden Lake decal on your vehicle to participate. TRUNK OR TREAT AT THE YMCA The Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place, is hosting a Trunk or Treat from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 31. The YMCA invites local youth to stay safe and still be spooky. Trick-or-treaters are invited to dress up and drive through the YMCA parking lot to visit the various decorated trunks. They will hand out candy and other goodies. TRUNK OR TREAT: WAKANDA STYLE The Bing Rooming House Museum, 205 Allen St., will host a drive-through trick or treat celebration with a Wakanda theme from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 31. Drivers with their children will enter from Laura Street and have candy and treats handed out curbside in front of the museum. There will be no disembarking from vehicles. Keep your eyes peeled for traditional Wakanda greetings like crossed arms as well as some low-contact greetings like fist bumping. Cars will be decorated for the theme and children who dress up can have their picture taken inside their vehicle.

TREAT FEST The Crossing Church’s Plant City Campus, 2883 Hammock Drive, is hosting a Treat Fest from 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 31. The church will have fun games, great prizes and delicious candy. There is even a chance for a parent to win a special prize. There will be a costume contest and a free family photo booth to capture the memory of the event. TRUNK OR TREAT: GRACEWAY CHURCH GraceWay Church of Plant City, 3106 S. Wiggins Road., is hosting a Trunk or Treat from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 31. There will be food, fun games, door prizes, music and more.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY

Observer

This week on Cops Corner: Plant City Police investigated a stolen package, a stolen muffler,

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

a stolen ATV and more.

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com

OCTOBER 16

OCTOBER 20

HIGH SPEED

FINDER’S FEE

4300 block of Highway 574 Possession of THC oil: Officers responded to a report of a singlevehicle accident and found a man at the scene to be in possession of THC oil. He was arrested and taken to Orient Road Jail without incident.

2500 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Theft: This complainant stated she accidentally left her wallet in the restroom at a Dollar Tree on Oct. 19. Someone at the store found the wallet, but all of the money and credit cards within were stolen.

OCTOBER 18

Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez

PIPE DOWN

PACKAGE PIRATE 2005 block of Spooner Drive Theft: This complainant reported a package they ordered was stolen.

650 block of East Alexander Street Theft: This complainant stated someone cut the muffler off of a 2003 Ford van.

Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com Photo: iStock

OCTOBER 21

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

officer met with the manager of a U-Haul store, who stated a trailer that was returned to a local renter had been reported stolen with Mobile Police Department back on June 1. The manager said it was seen on the property that Monday morning and no one knew who put it there or when it was put there. The manager signed a waiver of prosecution.

FOUR-WHEELING FIEND 1900 block of North Barnes Street Grand theft: This complainant stated someone stole his black 2020 Sportsman 850 High Lifter ATV overnight. LONG WAY FROM HOME

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

The Plant City Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. The Plant City Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B.

700 block of South Collins Street Recovered stolen trailer: An

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

COMMISSION ROUNDUP:

CITY OF PLANT CITY CONTINUES DEDICATION TO MOVING PROJECTS TOWARD COMPLETION

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

In 2018, City Manager Bill McDaniel decided it was high time they finish the project. Funds were budgeted to install a pedestrian bridge across the Eastside Canal that would connect the park to the parking lot. The city had an asphalt paved lot designed to accommodate 17 parking spaces, including two handicap spaces with signs and markings, retention ponds for stormwater treatment and LED site lighting. it also obtained the permit from the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Bids came pouring in to handle the project and Tampa Bay Marine, Inc. was the lowest responsive and responsible bid with a projected cost of $289,500. Originally $237,500 was available in PK017 – Dog Park Pedestrian Bridge, so the city ended up transferring an additional $52,000 from a project in the CIT fund. “It was an unfinished project, it was half-built and it was quite obvious what the initial intention was because it has the gravel lot on one side and the park on the other,” McDaniel said. “I remember one of the first things we did was drop curbstones there to let people know it was OK to park there and that the dog park was open. It bothered me that you had an unfinished project there, and so it was something I really wanted to make a priority. It was one of those low-hanging fruits that we were

able to pick and get going. I think the end result will be worth the wait. It’s going to have appropriate drainage, a nice parking lot, we picked a nice design on the bridge that will connect the amenities — allaround, it’s just going to be a great asset to our community.” North Park Isle also came before commissioners Monday evening as a public hearing was set to review an ordinance renaming the North Park Isles Planned Development (PD) District to North Park Isle Planned Development (PD) District and for conceptual modifications to the PD. What this means is the community will finally be able to see the “big picture.” Details of the PD will be presented to commissioners who can review the plan and voice their opinions on it. The public will have a chance to talk as well. Some of the changes that have taken place on the property include the increase of the total acreage from 460.19 to 694.8 acres and the increase of total residential units from 1,350 to 3,308 — which was then decreased after the Feb. 24 commission hearing to 2,250 single-family and 250 townhomes. The public hearing will be held on Nov. 9 during the city commission meeting, which begins at 7:30 p.m. On Monday evening, commissioners also approved the sale of Residential Properties in the Community Redevelopment Area. There were 18 properties advertised and all of the land is located in the Laura Street Restoration Overlay District. The

File photo

district allows for the “development of small single-family residential lots less than 6,000 square feet, but not less than 4,000 square feet.” “Infill development is great and gives people the opportunity to become home owners,” McDaniel said. “Different approaches were considered when we started looking at these properties and trying to figure out what to do with them. One of them was to do an RFP, but that never really went anywhere. We sat here and looked at other models and decided we would put them out to the market… This will result in the opportunity for 18 new homeowners to get a home and be a part of this community, and I think it’s a great thing. There are 19 properties going out. One was sold to its adjacent property and one was too small to build on, so there were 18 that were sold.”

Photo: iStock

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

‘COOLEST DOG’ WINNERS GET THEIR TREATS

A PLANT CITY FAMILY TRADITION

LIBBY HOPKINS CONTRIBUTOR

The top three finishers in the second annual Kiwanis Club Coolest Dog Contest got together over the weekend to get their medals and celebrate. Courtesy of Earl Burkett

Justin Kline

through which the Kiwanis delivers thousands of gifts to needy children at 18 local elementary schools,” Gil Gott said. Other programs that could benefit from the fundraiser include Read Around the World, Terrific Kids, Builders Club and Key Club, and the money will also help the club provide scholarships to local students.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

In a landslide victory, SheShe won the title of Plant City’s ‘Coolest Dog’ in the Kiwanis Club’s 2020 contest. SheShe got a record-breaking 810 votes from the public, shattering last year’s inaugural contest’s high mark of 520 votes for Bonsai. Scarlett Rose won second place with 485 votes and Beau took third place with 460 votes. The top three finishers combined to raise more than $1,750 thanks to online donations, as anyone can cast a vote online for the low price of $1 per vote. In total, there were 2,667 votes cast for the 14 contestants. “The Kiwanis Club of Plant City expects to net approximately $6,000, much of it from Coolest Dog Contest sponsors, which will be used to fund their programs for Courtesy of the Kiwanis Club kids such as Stuff the Bus, through which 1,250 fully-stuffed back Scarlett Rose, SheShe and Beau pose with their packs were donated to children at hard-earned medals. 26 local schools, and the upcoming Christmas for an Angel program

The Johnson family and their restaurants have been part of the Plant City community for more than 60 years. All of us at one point or another have enjoyed some delicious barbeque from Johnson’s Barbeque, some fried chicken from Buddy Freddy’s or a mouth-watering fried green tomato from Fred’s Market. What some might not know is the Johnson family got into the restaurant business by way of gas station food. “My dad was a truck driver and he was driving all over the country, but when my older brother, Buddy was born, he decided to leave the trucking business and get into gas station business,” Fred Johnson said. “That was the Super Test Gas Station and from there he started selling sandwiches, like tuna or ham and cheese sandwiches. They were pre-made from another company, but they started to sell.” When Elton Johnson saw the success he had with pre-made sandwiches, he decided to install a grill at the gas station and started selling hamburgers. “He added a fryer and started to offer French fries and burgers,” Fred said. “From there it turned into a gas station and drivein. That went well and they added a dining room, then a kitchen and then a banquet room. It just grew from a simple gas station to a 250-seat restaurant.” Elton decided it was time for another change, so he got out of the restaurant business and started building gas stations for Super Test. “He did that for two years and wanted to get into the restaurant business,” Fred said. “They built a little 100-seat restaurant on Haines Street in Plant City, which is now MLK, and he started adding on to

that one. They added a banquet room so they can host the local civic clubs. They added another 200-seat banquet room and started doing catering. It eventually turned into a 350-seat restaurant.” Fred and Buddy didn’t want to be in the restaurant business because they grew up in it, so they both went to college to pursue other careers. Years later, both brothers decided they didn’t like working 9-to-5 jobs. They ran into an old family friend and he suggested to the brothers they should start a restaurant business that offered Southern food. Buddy Freddy’s was born. Since the family was in the restaurant business for so many years, Buddy Freddy’s was a readymade business for the two brothers. “We opened the first Buddy Freddy’s in 1980 and then we opened Grandpa Johnson’s Barbeque in 1985,” Fred said. “We opened another Buddy Freddy’s on the interstate in 1988. The Brandon Buddy Freddy’s opened in 1995.” Fred and Buddy split up and Fred sold his share of Buddy Freddy’s to Buddy, who eventually sold the Brandon and Plant City locations to a company that closed the Brandon location but kept the Plant City location open until earlier this year. The restaurant business is in the Johnson family bloodline and keeping their restaurants a part of the Plant City community is a family tradition. The Johnson family currently owns the Fred’s Market and Johnson’s Barbeque in Plant City and the Fred’s Market in Riverview.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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D E T VO ? T E Y

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

“We are working hard to make Hillsborough County the best place in America to vote!”

Craig Latimer Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections

DROP OFF YOUR VOTE BY MAIL BALLOT OR VOTE EARLY AT ANY OF THESE 26 LOCATIONS

Vote today & wear your sticker with pride. You don’t have to wait until Election Day to vote! Early Voting gives you the flexibility to vote when and where it’s most convenient for you. Vote in person or drop off your Vote By Mail ballot at any of the locations below, from October 19 – November 1, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Amalie Arena

New Tampa Regional Library

SouthShore Regional Library

401 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33602

10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa, FL 33647

15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573

Apollo Beach Recreation Center

North Tampa Branch Library

Temple Terrace Public Library

664 Golf and Sea Blvd., Apollo Beach, FL 33572

8916 N. Blvd., Tampa, FL 33604

202 Bullard Pkwy., Temple Terrace, FL 33617

Austin Davis Public Library

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Town ‘N Country Regional Public Library

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7606 Paula Dr., Tampa, FL 33615

Bloomingdale Regional Public Library

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4575 Gunn Hwy., Tampa, FL 33624

14013 N. 22nd St., Tampa, FL 33613

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302 W. McLendon St., Plant City, FL 33563

4702 W. McCoy St, Tampa, FL 33616

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Tampa, FL 33610

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

LOCAL PILOT HONORED FOR AERIAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Mike Windom received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in a ceremony on Oct. 10.

STAFF WRITER

So Windom bided his time. His parents went on vacation to Panama City and Windom headed straight to the airport. He spent nearly every waking moment learning to fly, desperate to get his license before his parents returned. “As much as my father hated it, I knew that when he came back if I could show him that I had put a lot of time and money into it that he would tell me I better just keep going then,” Windom said. “So I was really racing against the clock to get as much done as possible before they returned. At the time it cost $9 per hour to rent the airplane and $4 per hour for the instructor. Those rates are a little higher now than when I started.” Windom joined the Air Force and after his service was completed, he worked

for his father and uncle in their homebuilding business while still continuing to get his higher pilot ratings via the GI Bill. In October 1969 he received his commercial license and in December of that year he became a flight instructor. He became a full-time flight instructor in March 1970. It was there that fate intervened. One of his students was the general manager of the Southeastern Elevator Company. After a few trips with Windom, he hired him to work for the company as a corporate pilot and to work in sales when not flying. He trained in a Beech E55 Baron and ended up flying the company’s 1966 C55 Baron, N771E. Eventually the plane was sold and Windom flew a variety of other aircraft for the company. From there spanned a long career in the elevator business. In 1983 Windom met Deb, who won his heart the second she said she was learn-

ing to skydive and fly. The two have been inseparable ever since and frequently take turns flying on trips together in their current airplane, a 1982 PA38 Piper Tomahawk they lovingly call “Pixie.” The duo joined the Sunshine Flying Club, where Windom taught ground school parttime and participated in Wings seminars in Tampa and St. Petersburg. He and Deb bought their first plane, a 1967 Cherokee 140, N9732W, which they called “Baby.” Windom ended up working at KPCM with Plant City Airport Services teaching ground school, flight training and as a Chief Flight Instructor. They fell in love with the community at the Plant City Airport and helped establish the Plant City Munchers — a social club of pilots who

would get together on a weekend and fly to another city for lunch and fellowship — as well as the EAA Chapter 1178 at KPCM. When Windom neared his 50th birthday in 1995, he wanted to earn his ATP-MEL rating and began training again. He and Deb then sold Baby and got a new plane, a 1975 PA28R-2— Arrow, N33418, which they named “Trixie.” They thought Trixie would be their forever plane and began a massive restoration. However, in 2011 Deb fell ill and their priority changed. They sold Trixie but never stepped away from their passion for flying. They remained active at the Plant City Airport. Windom received his CFI certificate, volunteered at Sun-n-Fun, attended AirVenture in Oshkosh and flew with

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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friends from KPCM. In 2013 he began training for his Commercial SES rating and, after 10 total SES hours, became a Commercial SES-rated pilot and an SES-rated CFI. Despite his countless certificates and ratings, his passion for aviation and safety education was far from drained. He began volunteering as a FAASTeam Representative for the Tampa FSDo in June 2018 and has presented safety seminars at KPCM ever since. Sometimes more than 35 pilots and guests will fly in for the weekend seminars. “There’s a great community here,” Windom said. “It used to be very strong and the airport was just a nice place to spend a Saturday afternoon. The airport is coming back to that now, I think, and that’s part of why I wanted to get involved with FAAST. I wanted to help promote the airport because there is really something special here. We will have six or seven planes fly in sometimes for a seminar that I hold on different safety topics.” Windom’s face is one most pilots recognize. He’s attended AirVenture every year since 1993 and has been at Sun-n-Fun every year since 1986. He’s always a major part of the annual Planes, Trains and Automobiles event, which used to be called the Plant City Airfest. The EAA Chapter 1178 spends countless hours with its Young Eagles program where they take local youth on free flights. Windom said it’s a passion for all EAA members and that they want to spark a passion for flying in younger generations so that there will always be pilots seeking freedom in the skies. Over the course of his career he’s flown more than 40 different makes and mod-

els of aircraft, including MEL, SEL, SES, Turboprop, Glider, LSA and a B52. He has the ATP-MEL, Commercial-SEL, SES, CFI-Airplane, SE, ME, Instrument and Advanced Ground Instructor certificates and ratings. It’s hard to imagine a candidate more worthy of the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, which was presented to him on Oct. 10 by Tampa FAAST Manager Inspector Andrew Crossman. During the ceremony, Windom recounted his memories as a pilot and shared his passion for safety training. “I just enjoy this,” Windom said. “Whether I’m acting as a flight instructor or leading a safety seminar, I really just enjoy teaching others about aviation. I put a lot of time into those seminars and I think that’s part of why so many people seem to like them. I have a diverse list of topics and I put a lot of hours into getting those lectures prepared. I enjoy it and if I can keep one person from doing something stupid, all of that time will have been worth it.” Windom has been a champion of applying for the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, which is the “most prestigious award the FAA issues to pilots certified under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61.” He has helped several other local pilots receive the honor, and during the ceremony many joked they were all waiting for the day he threw his own hat into the ring. The award is named after the Wright Brothers, the first American pilots, and it is given to pilots who have exhibited professionalism, skill and aviation expertise for a minimum of 50 years while “piloting aircraft as Master Pilots.” There’s a large list of requirements to receive the honor, but Windom more than exceeded the prerequisites. In fact, he received 12 different reference letters from those who vowed he was the perfect fit for the award. “For as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted to fly,” Windom said. “And to receive this award, well, it means a lot. I hope others are inspired to follow their passions and learn to fly. It’s truly something that will change your life.”

CUTEST CRITTER

Do you want Plant City to see how cute your favorite pets are? Send your pictures to Staff Writer Breanne Williams at bwilliams@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

SOMEONE’S ALPACA: Kathy Flemister doesn’t own this alpaca, but she couldn’t pass up a photo of this chilling creature enjoying a nice October day in its field on Cowart Road.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

IT’S TIME TO HEAD TO THE POLLS Make sure you’re informed and ready to cast your vote this election. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

If you’ve driven by Bruton Memorial Library this past week, you’ve more than likely noticed a line wrapping around the building as local citizens exercise their right to vote. This election year has already proven it’s unlike any other. A week out from Election Day, there have already been more than 65.5 million votes cast. In comparison, in 2016 there were 58.3 million cast around the same time. So if you plan to vote and haven’t yet, it’s crucial you make a voting plan and do your best to stick to it. If you live in Hillsborough County, head to votehillsborough.org to check your voter registration information and find out where you vote on Election Day. There is also a list of all of the Early Voting locations — all 26 of which will be open until Nov. 1 in Hillsborough. On Election Day, you must vote at your assigned location. The website will also have a list of what to bring to the voting site to use as identification for yourself, which includes items like a Florida Drivers License or a U.S. Passport. You can also access your sample ballot by logging in so you have plenty of time to research all of the candidates and issues. CANDIDATES Let’s face it, by now you more than likely know who you want to vote for in the larger elections. However, there are plenty of local races where you may not yet be confident in your choice. The Greater Plant

City Chamber of Commerce has compiled a Candidate Forum that takes all of the work out of your research. Candidates for U.S. Representative, State Representative, Tax Collector, judges and even Soil and Water Conservation have sat down with the chamber for brief, yet extremely educational interviews. You can access all of these interviews at plantcity.org/candidate-forum. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce is non-partisan and does not endorse any of the candidates — the video series acts as a means for voters to get the chance to virtual sit down with the candidates and hear from their own mouths what they stand for and why they are running. AMENDMENTS There are six constitutional amendments on this year’s ballot. Each need 60 percent approval to be passed. Here’s a breakdown on what a “yes” or “no” would mean for each. Take the time to do further research if you can before you head to the polling booth. The chamber has also created a review of each amendment including reasons people support and are against each one. They can be found on The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page. Amendment 1: Citizenship Requirement to Vote in Florida Elections Basically, this slightly alters the wording in the Florida constitution to say “only a citizen” can vote from the current wording “every citizen” can vote. However, it’s

already a law in Florida that only a citizen of the U.S. can vote.

two years from Jan. 1 of the year of the sale to get the tax benefit.

Amendment 2: Raising Florida’s Minimum Wage This initiative aims to gradually raise the minimum wage in Florida to $15 per hour by 2026. Currently the minimum wage is $8.56 per hour.

Amendment 6: Ad Valorem Tax Discount for Spouses of Certain Deceased Veterans Who Had Permanent, Combat-Related Disabilities Some Florida veterans get a discount on property taxes if they were permanently disabled by combat, honorably discharged and over the age of 65 years old. This amendment allows the spouse to continue to receive that tax exemption after the veteran’s death as long as the spouse holds the title to the land and permanently lives there. In a few cases it could also allow them to transfer the exemption to another property.

Amendment 3: All Voters Vote in Primary Elections for State Legislature, Governor and Cabinet Florida has closed primaries. This amendment would alter that by allowing all registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, to vote in the primary for governor, state Legislature and the Cabinet races. This is known as a “jungle primary” and could potentially lead to two Democrats or two Republicans facing each other in the general election. Amendment 4: Voter Approval of Constitutional Amendments This amendment aims to make it much more difficult to change the Florida constitution. Currently, a single referendum is required to have the approval of 60 percent of voters to pass. This amendment would require that the referendum pass not once, but twice before any changes are made. Amendment 5: Limitation on Homestead Assessments This amendment would allow Floridians who move from one homesteaded property to another property to have three years instead of two to claim the tax benefit. Currently the homeowner will have

PLANT CITY REFERENDUM Plant City Economic Development Property Tax Exemptions for New Businesses and Expansions of Existing Businesses Plant City residents have the chance to choose to renew the tax exemption currently in place for new businesses or expansions of existing businesses. If passed, the business will get the exemption if they meet a set list of requirements including creating new, full-time jobs in the municipality, meeting certain average wages/ benefits and more. The exemptions are overseen by city commissioners.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

‘OUR VOTES MATTER:’

LOCAL CHURCH ORGANIZES MARCH TO LIBRARY FOR EARLY VOTING Greater St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church hosted a “Parade to the Polls” on Sunday afternoon to encourage voter turnout.

Photos by Justin Kline

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Sweltering Florida heat couldn’t stop a group of passionate voters from making a long walk to the ballot box. Voters gathered at Greater St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, 108 S. Warnell St., for the church’s Parade to the Polls event, where everyone in attendance — almost 185 people, by Pastor Maurice Wilson’s count — walked (or drove) from the church to Bruton Memorial Library to either stand in line to vote early or drop off their completed mail-in ballots at the site’s secure drop box. “I was deliciously delighted by our event and how successful it was, but we could not have done it without the support of our community,” Wilson said. The event started at the church with a gathering where those who participated could get shirts and bags branded with the Parade to the Polls logo, socialize and listen to a few speakers address the crowd before heading out. The event was non-partisan and no one’s campaign was endorsed by anyone but individuals who participated, but it did draw the attention of politicians either in office or aspiring to get there. Hillsborough County commissioner Sandra Murman and campaign staff for Sheriff Chad Chronister attended, as did State Rep.-District 58 candidate C.L. Townsend. Plant City commissioner Mary Thomas Mathis, who is a member of Wilson’s church, also attended.

“We’re gonna have ‘good trouble’ today,” Mathis told the group shortly before the walk began. “Like Michelle Obama said, you need to vote like your lives depend on it.” As the group walked along the streets of downtown Plant City, Wilson led the group in a chant to make sure everyone could hear their voices. Their rallying cry? “Our votes matter!” The group walked past supporters of both President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden, and their enthusiasm to get out there and vote was met with support from both sides. “I was ecstatic to see the turnout and the positive reaction from the community… to see people waving, giving way to us and interacting with us as we went to exercise our right was wonderful,” Wilson said. “There was nothing negative that happened to anyone and I was ecstatic.” After voters cast their ballots, they could go back to the church to get lunch and enjoy the rest of their Sunday.

Countless Kids Benefit from Your Support Children’s Classic

South Florida Baptist Hospital’s Community Health Department provides health services to thousands of your friends, neighbors and coworkers. This invaluable community resource would not be possible without the support of the Children’s Classic and these important donors.

Thank you for your invaluable support of the 2020 Children’s Classic Golf Tournament Signature Sponsor

Beaches Painting & Contracting, Inc.

Silver Sponsors

BayCare Health System Fred’s Market Restaurant McEnany Roofing Mills & Associates, Inc. Dean and Nancy Nourie

Bronze Sponsors

Americare Ambulance CED/Gary and Tina Pike Energy Vision LLC EPIC Affect Foundation Jarrett Scott Ford Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company MDVIP – Dr. Steve Smith Northeast Firestopping Solutions

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Publix Super Markets RICOH Stahl & Associates Insurance

Foursome Sponsors

Advantage Restoration Alarm & Communication Systems, Inc. All Florida Mechanical Services, Inc. Bartow Regional Medical Center Dixie Maintenance Hillsborough Community College Plant City In Memory of Floyd Hall JanTech Services, Inc. Plant City Rotary Club (Noon) Radiology & Imaging Specialists Rauland-Borg of Florida St. Joseph’s Hospital South

Suncoast Community Health Centers Sunny Florida Dairy The Bank of Tampa Tola Produce

Hole Sign Sponsors

All Phase Electric and Maintenance Engineering Professionals, Inc. Hillsborough Bank J.J. Taylor Distributing Florida, Inc Dub and Pec McGinnes Pediatric Care – Dr. John Aime Pepin Distributing Company Plant City Black Heritage

Plant City Observer Plant City Photo Archives & History Center Plant City YMCA Poppell Insurance Railroad & Industrial FCU Don Walden Walden Lake Car Wash and Service Center

Door Prizes/Donations

BayCare Health System – Marketing Beaches Painting & Contracting, Inc. Golf Etc.

Fausto Gomez Hillsborough Title, Inc. J.J. Taylor Distributing Florida, Inc. Jarrett Scott Ford – Golf Ball Sponsor Jimmy Johns Gourmet Sandwiches Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club Nine One One Catering Pepin Distributing Company Publix Super Markets Tom Romano South Florida Baptist Hospital Tola Produce Toufayan Bakeries Beth Webb – ASM Waypoint

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

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ASPIRE PLANT CITY CREATES AWARD FOR LOCAL

‘WOMEN OF DISTINCTION’ The group will present Marsha Passmore with its highest honor in a Nov. 4 event at Wishing Well Barn.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

There’s no shortage of awards and events in Plant City for people who go above and beyond to make a positive impact in the community. But the women of Aspire Plant City recently realized there was room for one more. “There are a few events in town that honor great people in our community, but no events that specifically honor women and the work that they’re doing,” Sophia Hyde, Aspire’s vice president and its incoming president, said. “We felt like there was a gap and we wanted to step in and fill that.” Aspire’s members wanted an annual event that would highlight the group’s mission of “empowering women personally and professionally.” That goal led to much brainstorming and, eventually, the annual Woman of Distinction Award was created. This award is to be presented every year to a woman who is “successful in career, mentorship, leadership and community,” and who is “always striving for excellence, caring for and supporting our communities.” To settle on this year’s candidate, Aspire asked the Plant City community for nominations and formed a committee to review each nominee and pick a winner. “We opened it up to the community for nominations and received several dozen,” Hyde said. “We were so excited about the response.” The first-ever winner of the Woman of Distinction Award is Marsha Passmore, who is well-known around Plant City for her inability to sit still and her willingness to serve the community in just about any way possible. Passmore, a Plant City native, has been active in numerous civic organizations,

boards and even Plant City government for decades. She was elected to the city commission in 1992 and was re-elected in 1995. As a commissioner, she became chair of the Community Redevelopment Agency and worked closely with the Downtown Business and Merchants Association. She joined the Business and Professional Women’s Club in the 1970s and has since been involved with Unity in the Community, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, the United Food Bank of Plant City, Plant City Main Street, the Arts Council of Plant City, the Historic Resources Board, the East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Association, Plant City Entertainment, the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center, the Plant City Christmas Parade and much more. She and her sister, Dodie White, also curate the annual Queen’s Exhibit at the Florida Strawberry Festival and have volunteered at the festival for more than 40 years. Passmore was named Plant City’s Citizen of the Year in 2011 and was one of the Plant City Observer’s “Wonder Women” in 2016. “I am very honored that the Aspire organization has selected me as their first Woman of Distinction,” Passmore said. “To be singled out in such a manner is certainly a humbling experience and I am very grateful for the recognition.” The award ceremony will take place during Aspire’s monthly Power Hour lunch meeting, which will be held at Wishing Well Barn, 4302 Pippin Road, at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 4. Aspire will also vote on its 2021 slate of board members at the meeting. For more information about the group and future events, visit aspireplantcity. org or email aspireplantcity@gmail.com.

File photo

OCTOBER 29, 2020

SPORTS

Quick Hits Courtesy of Plant City Colts

GAME OF THE WEEK: PLANT CITY AT DURANT

The Battle for the Redman Cup comes to the home of the Cougars this Friday night.

COLTS GIVE AWAY FOOD BOXES The Plant City Colts may not be playing football this season, but they’re still making their presence felt in the community. On Oct. 17 and 24, members of the Colts organization donated dozens of boxes full of food to local families in need. The Colts now plan to host monthly food giveaways. “Even though we have taken a season off due to the circumstances, we are still going to be out in the community doing fundraisers, giving back to the community and just trying to stay connected with everyone in the community,” cheer coordinator Shaniqua Abdullah said.

CITY YOUTH BASKETBALL REGISTRATION UNDERWAY Registration for the Plant City Parks and Recreation Department/Optimist Youth Basketball Program’s upcoming 52nd season is now open and all area hoopers age 8-16 are eligible to play. The season begins in early January and runs through the end of February. There are six age groups for the league and a player’s age will be determined as of March 1, 2020 (brith certificates are required). All age groups will play most games on weeknights and the co-ed 8-9 age group may also play Saturday mornings. Coaches and referees are also needed for all age groups. The cost to register is $35 per player and that includes uniform fees and supplemental accident insurance. Families have until 4:30 pm. Nov. 18 to register their children. To sign up, you can visit the PCPRD office, 1904 S. Park Road, or get a registration form by emailing recinfo@plantcitygov.com and mailing everything back to the PCPRD office. You can also call 813-659-4255 for more information.

File photos

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The moment Durant and Plant City football fans have been waiting for, the 2020 Battle for the Redman Cup, is almost here. Friday’s big rivalry matchup at Durant comes after both teams picked up big wins over district foes (in nonpandemic times, anyway) last week. Though this game doesn’t come with the usual set of playoff implications now that COVID-19 created a situation where everyone’s got a play-in game two weeks from now, it should still be a fun night with the area’s biggest physical embodiment of bragging rights on the line. This year’s Redman Cup hosts had two things to celebrate last week: their homecoming and their 51-0 win over Strawberry Crest. The Cougars improved to 3-3 in 2020, snapping a two-game losing streak and a twogame scoring drought with a balanced attack. Marcus Miguele threw a careerhigh four touchdown passes with no interceptions and could have had six, but those two potential touchdown throws were respectively thwarted by Nate Brennan’s momentum stopping him a few inches short of a score and a penalty wiping out an Austin Bovee catch. Jeremiah Gines caught the first two touchdown passes and also had a long safety punt return to set up what would eventually be Jeremiah Puerto’s

touchdown catch — the game’s last scoring play. Last year’s Redman Cup champs overcame a tough first quarter to run away with last week’s game at Kathleen, spoiling the Red Devils’ homecoming celebration with a 35-13 win. Five Raiders on both sides of the ball found the end zone in that game: quarterback Nick Felice and Jae Sawyer scored rushing touchdowns, Rhet Conyers scored on a fumble recovery and both Mario Williams and Reagan Ealy caught touchdown passes from backup Carson Mohler in the second half. The duo of Felice and Mohler was efficient, completing 10 of 15 total pass attempts for 214 yards (an average of 21.4 yards per completion) and two touchdowns against one interception. Kathleen did hold the Raiders to just 87 total rushing yards, but the Raiders also only got to call just 18 of those plays and averaged 4.8 yards per carry. If Plant City wins, it will be the Raiders’ first Redman Cup three-peat since their stretch of wins from 2009-11. They won last year’s game handily, 35-14, but Durant’s new-look offense is averaging more points per game (20.3) than in 2019 (18.3). As always, if you can’t make it out to the game then you have the online option. The Battle for the Redman Cup and all other Friday night football action will be live streamed on NFHSNetwork.com.

OTHER GAMES TO WATCH STRAWBERRY CREST VS. BLOOMINGDALE, 7:30 P.M. Last week, Strawberry Crest was on the unfortunate end of a 51-0 score at Durant. It was the third consecutive game in which the Chargers have been shut out. This week, Crest has to host a red-hot Bloomingdale team that’s still undefeated after giving Lakeland the business, 39-14, in the Dreadnaughts’ house. The Bulls were shut out in the second quarter but otherwise scored at least 12 points in each frame and kept the Dreadnaughts off of the scoreboard completely in the second half. The Bulls have shown thus far that any of their three units can step up to score and help the team win on any given night, but Bloomingdale is far from a mistake-free team. Just ask Durant, which saw the Bulls lose more than a whole football field’s worth of yardage to penalties in their Oct. 9 matchup. An approach similar to the flag-baiting game plan that frustrated Plant City a few weeks ago may be the Chargers’ best bet.

PUNT, PASS & KICK CONTEST RETURNS

Photo courtesy of PCPRD

The Plant City Parks and Recreation Department/ Optimist Tri-Star Punt, Pass & Kick Skills Contest was held the morning of Oct. 24 and 48 youths age 6-15 tested their football skills at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex. Eighteen kids took home trophies for finishing in their age groups’ respective top three spots.

6-7 GIRLS

1. Kaitlyn (no last name given): 37 feet, six inches 2. Bethany Johnson: 34 feet, six inches 3. Charlotte Simmons: 17 feet, four inches

6-7 BOYS

1. Maddox Eisenbach: 115 feet, eight inches 2. Glenn Lyle: 101 feet 3. Kaiden Shouse: 93 feet, nine inches

8-9 GIRLS

1. Stella Lintz: 90 feet, two inches

2. Abela Cisneros: 87 feet, 10 inches 3. Madison Lee: 48 feet

8-9 BOYS

1. Kyler Dilley: 150 feet, nine inches 2. George Dinkel: 123 feet 3. Evan Eisenbach: 110 feet, five inches

10-11 BOYS

1. Siler Gideons: 174 feet, nine inches 2. Joseph Lesnicwicz: 125 feet, three inches 3. Brayden Thompson: 114 feet, six inches

12-13 GIRLS

1. Gianna Stanley: 66 feet, two inches

12-13 BOYS

1. Antonio Rivers: 137 feet, four inches 2. Johnathan Johnson: 103 feet, 10 inches

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

FOCUS ON FITNESS THERE’S MORE TO LIFTING WEIGHTS THAN MEETS THE EYE If you’re not incorporating weight training into your workouts, you should consider working it in them now. You may thank yourself later. Lifting weights isn’t just about bulking up and building muscle mass. Its other benefits include improved posture, better sleep, gaining bone density, maintaining weight loss, boosting metabolism, lowering inflammation and staving off chronic disease, to name a few things on the laundry list of positives. Ask the average person to design an effective fitness plan and a lot of them will immediately go to cardio: walking, running, swimming and using the gym’s machines. And while these methods can be effective in burning calories, they may not do enough to build lean muscle capable of improving athletic performance and boosting the metabolism. That’s why the most effective fitness plans need to include lifting weights and a commitment to strength training. It doesn’t mean you have to pump 50-pound dumbbells or spend your whole trip to the gym at the weight machines, but it does mean there has to be some investment of your time and energy toward training with weights. Let’s take a look at the main reason to add weight training to your exercise regimen: it can add years to your life. That’s because muscle mass plays an important

part in determining how we age, and that increased muscle capacity can help us reduce our overall risk of death. In fact, as we age, the focus on losing fat or maintaining weight becomes progressively less important as we progress toward prioritizing keeping the muscle mass and strength we have. We do so much to improve our overall health but we don’t always think about how our exercise regimen affects our long term. For young and middle-aged people, the fitness goal is usually to look and feel better both today and in the near future (perhaps even decades down the road). But the 75-year-old version of you, the one enjoying retirement and spending time with the grandchildren, may be really pleased that the younger edition of you made a commitment to strength training and lifting weights.

Mike Gartz is a personal trainer who owns I Hate My Trainer at 117 E. Reynolds St.

Photo: iStock

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

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A recent Travelocity survey found that many Americans are taking a different approach to holiday travel in 2020 — shorter vacations, shorter distances from home to the destination and mostly by car. We wanted to hear from you: If you’re traveling in the next couple months for the holidays, how are you doing so? “I’m traveling about 5 minutes down the road to Lynn Galindo’s house lol” — Stephen T. Galindo “We are driving from Plant City to Pittsburgh for Christmas, 16 hours of driving.” — Tiffany Jones “My work and vacation travel has been extremely limited since the pandemic. We had plans for a family trip to Maui in December and have decided not to go. I’ve not left the state of Florida yet since COVID-19 but have made several short weekend trips mostly to Orlando, and will stay put at home for the holidays.” — Lori DeMello “I’m a ‘home for the holidays’ kind of gal. With such a big family I stay here for all of our festivities. So that would be by car or golf cart lol” — Jules Burt

Photo: iStock

In the national survey, one in four respondents have a personal vacation planned and 45 percent of families with children under age 18 are taking a vacation this year. Eighty percent of travelers surveyed who took a trip since the start of the pandemic reported a good travel experience and two-thirds of people with holiday travel plans had already booked November and/or December vacations by early October. The survey results referenced above can be viewed online at https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ travelocity-2020-holiday-travel-outlook-most-familiesarent-going-home-this-holiday-but-they-arent-stayinghome-either-301148116.html

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Margie Lee Boyette Johnson, 90, of Plant City, born on February 6, 1930, entered into eternal rest on October 20, 2020. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Woodrow ‘Woody’ Wilson Nail, Jr. Woodrow “Woody” Wilson Nail, Jr., 80, of Plant City, born on January 16, 1940 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, entered into eternal rest on October 22, 2020. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

LaMoyne Eloise Sutton

Sherry L. Dailous Sherry L. Dailous, 72, of Mulberry, passed away on October 26, 2020. Services will be held privately. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.

LaMoyne Eloise Sutton of Seffner, formerly of Greenville, Illinois, passed away on October 23, 2020. HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Emelia Maldonado Jonathan Paul ‘Jody’ Emelia Maldonado, 91, of Lakeland, passed away on October Thomson

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

to be better people, such as Nichole “Nixy” Van Riper, James “Bubba” Grimes, Lindsy Gonzalez and Nathan Artis. He was a United States Navy veteran. He learned from an early age to use a hammer and make houses beautiful through construction and plumbing throughout most of his life. He was never seen without his boots and hat. He loved Tampa Bay Buccaneers football and greatly cherished his family. A Celebration of Life was held October 25, 2020 at Samantha’s Social Hall and Banquet Room, 4753 State Road 574 W., Plant City FL 33566.

OBITUARIES

Margie Lee Boyette Johnson

Taking care of each other is what

25, 2020. The family will receive friends Friday, October 30, 2020 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. Funeral services will follow at 4:00 PM. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.

Jonathan Paul “Jody” Thomson, 53, of Plant City, passed away on October 17, 2020. Antonio Carreras, 86, of Valrico, He was the son of Robert Thomborn on May 10, 1934 in San Juan, Judith Ellen Shayder son and Sandra Thomson Zellner, Puerto Rico, entered into eternal of Lakeland. He was preceded in rest on October 22, 2020. Judith Ellen Shayder, 73, of Plant death by his father; stepsister Mary City, passed away on Tuesday, Expressions of condolence Delaney and half-brother Robert at HopewellFuneral.com. Octoberwe’re 20,dedicated 2020. Judith was to helping families createborn a W E ’ RE P RO U D TO S E RV EJ. our community HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. Thomson. on Juneunique 26, and 1947. celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, He is survived by his wife; memories and expressions William ‘Bill’ Conant > 100% SamanService GuaranteeFond > National Plan Transferability Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement tha Anne Thomson; brother Scott of sympathy may be left at www. Dryden, Sr. Thomson; stepsisters Jude Story WellsMemorial.com for the ShayR HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM and Sue Teifke of Mexico, New York; der family. William “Bill” Conant Dryden, Sr., Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. Alicia Aceves stepsons Gregory Salisbury and 74, of Plant City, born on August HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM Zachary Klein; stepdaughter Tem27, 1946 in Wicomico, Maryland, Alicia Aceves, 70, of Mulberry, pest Norris; son Jonathan Thomson entered into eternal rest on Octo- passed away on October 20, and Kortnie of Mt. Gilead, Ohio; and ber 22, 2020. 2020. Funeral services were WELLSMEMORIAL.COM two grandchildren. Expressions of condolence at held October 26, 2020 at Wells MeMorial & event Center Throughout his life, he touched HopewellFuneral.com. Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. PlanT CiTy so many lives and encouraged them Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com 33563. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM haught.care.

Antonio Carreras

community

is all about.

M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

Karen Marie Crosby Karen Marie Crosby, 56, of Plant HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM City, born on January 29, 1964 in Dallas, Texas, entered into eternal ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED rest on October 21, 2020.

AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

FAMILY. COMMUNITY. COMPASSION. VALUE. FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971 HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

10/27/15 10:42 AM

Taking care 18 PLANT of CITY OBSERVER each other is what

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

Jerry E. Yancey community Jerry E. Yancey, 77, of

is all about.

Taking care of each other is what

community

is all about.

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10/27/15 10:42 AM

YOUR CALENDAR

OBITUARIES

HAPPINESS: She was a glass half full kind of person. FRIENDLINESS: She did not meet a stranger. BEST BET Plant City, passed away on BEAUTY: Not only on the outside but more so on the inside. Those are Wednesday, October 21, FRIDAY, OCT. 30 the ways in which to describe the life 2020. Jerry was born on we’re dedicated to helping families create a S E RV E our community unique and 1943. meaningful memorial that truly passionate care since 1896. July of Marilyn Lopez. 24, HALLOWEEN ON MAIN STREET celebrates the life it represents. morial professionals, Her Celebration of Life will be Fond memories and ex5 to 9 p.m. Halloween comes to downtown Plant City on Friday, Oct. 30. Mark your calendars and ervice Guarantee > National Plan Transferability ement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® may held Saturday, November 7 from pressions of sympathy check out the food trucks, vendors, trick-or-treating and downtown’s signature small businessbe left at www.WellsMemo- 3:30-6 p.m. at Peterson Park Paviles. Food trucks include: The Melt Machine Gourmet Grilled Cheese Food Truck, Just Smokin BBQ, R lion, 3700 Clevelend Heights Blvd., rial.com for the Yancey Dave’s Jukebox Diner, Kebablicious, Engine 53 Pizza and Hoke Poke Food Truck. Children are oudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. Lakeland, FL 33803. Drive straight family. invited to stop by the Main Street tent to pick up a trick-or-treat goodie bag sponsored by Green past ballfields and veer left to the Life Environmental Inc. and First Response Heating & Cooling LLC. Participating downtown busiback. Her family is requesting that, nesses will also hand out candy from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in lieu of flowers, donations be made WELLSMEMORIAL.COM to one of her favorite organizations: Best Friends Animal Society online THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29 HALLOWEEN MOVIE UNPAINTED SOULS Wells MeMorial & event Center Melbourne Glass Sr. PlanT CiTy at bestfriends.org in memory of MARATHON 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Krazy Kup, 101 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com Marilyn Lopez. E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Unpainted Melbourne Glass Sr., 87, of Plant PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS 4 to 9 p.m. at Krazy Kup, 101 E. Souls is an “all-natural band” City, passed away on Sunday, J. Arden Mays Blvd. Halloween 7:30 to 9 a.m. Join the Plant we’re dedicated to helping families create a S E RV E our community unique and meaningful memorial that truly assionate care since 1896. playing rock, country jazz, folk October 25, 2020. Melbourne was movies are taking over all of City Toastmasters for breakfast, celebrates the life it represents. morial professionals, and blues. Since it’s Hallowborn> National on August 11, 1933. the screens at Krazy Kup. See laughs, and fun; there’s no betrvice Guarantee Plan Transferability ment Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® een, costumes are encouraged Fond memories and expresthe classic Universal Pictures ter way to start your Thursday and there will be a contest with sions of sympathy may be left at monster movies downstairs or mornings. Bring a chair and a R spook-tacular prizes for the first for the enjoy some of the more modern mask. The Toastmasters also udly supportingwww.WellsMemorial.com the Plant City Strawberry Festival. Glass family. “classics” in the loft. There will be and second-place finishers in a offer Zoom meetings for those costume contests and prizes. The costume contest. who can’t make it in person. Visit event is free to attend. the Facebook page, facebook. com/PlantCityToastmasters/, for FOX SQUIRREL CORN MAZE WELLSMEMORIAL.COM meeting locations and informaSATURDAY, OCT. 31 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and tion. Sunday. Futch Entertainment Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy presents the ninth annual Fox 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com Melba Irene Barker Squirrel Corn Maze at 3002 BATON TWIRLING CLASSES TRUNK OR TREAT FAMILY Cox Charlie Taylor Road North, featurPlant City Recreation presents FALL FESTIVAL ing a corn maze, pumpkins for Melba Irene Barker Cox was born in Baton Twirling Classes at the 1 to 4 p.m. at Slabach & Co., sale, hayrides, games and simply Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Arcadia on August 3, 1926. 110 E. Keysville Road. The little enjoying the great outdoors! Dort St. Classes are held every She was the first born of Inez ones can enjoy some daytime There will be food, fall cakes, Georgia Brown and Earl Barker. They Thursday. Beginner classes are trunk-or-treating at Slabach & roasted corn, boiled peanuts, soon moved to Crystal Springs near from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and InterCo. Farmers Market. It’s free for kettle corn, shaved ice, honey the extended Brown family, who was mediate classes are from 4:30 to families to attend and also coin5:30 p.m. Your first class will be sharecropping strawberries and cides with the ongoing Family Fall and more yummy delights. Vendors will feature pumpkin paintFestival. Come dressed up and Marilyn M. (Brandt) following the Seventh Day Adventist free. If you have any questions ing, a butterfly experience, arts or would like more information, Faith. ready to have some fun. Lopez and crafts, handmade children’s contact Barbara Patrick at 813Melba attended Plant City Marilyn M. (Brandt) Lopez passed schools but actually graduated from 626-4554. WAKANDA-STYLE TRUNK OR clothing, face painting, horse and pony rides and more. Most venaway suddenly on Tuesday, Octo- Charleston High School as her parTREAT dors are cash only and there is ents were working in the Naval Ship BORN LONESOME LIVE AND ber 20 at the age of 69. She was 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Bing House no ATM on site. Fox Squirrel Corn Yard as part of the war effort. born in Jacksonville, Florida on Museum, 205 S. Allen St. The LIVE-STREAMED Maze is open Oct. 10 through December 29, 1950 but has been a Melba’s first job was at the Wool- 7 to 9 p.m. Local bluegrass outfit theme is based on Marvel’s Black Nov. 1 on Saturdays and Sundays lifelong resident of Plant City since worths in downtown Plant City. She Born Lonesome will play at Krazy Panther comics and movie, and only. Guests are asked to exit the married Jack Cox and later began 1987. it highlights some of the nonKup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., venue by 6 p.m. See FoxSquira career with GTE in Plant City and Marilyn graduated from Armcontact greetings often associin a concert that will be globally relCornMaze.com for COVID-19 strong State College with a BA in Lakeland that lasted 40-plus years. live-streamed with limited seatated with it such as the famous restrictions, rules and pricing. Speech and Language Pathology. In retirement, she was the owner of ing available for $20 per person. Wakanda Salute (arms crossed), B&S Florist in downtown Plant City. There are only 20 seats available She went on to teach and touch fist bumping and elbows. DrivShe was a longstanding member for the show, so get on Eventbrite ers with children can enter from many children’s lives for 25 years. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 of Eastside Baptist Church and is She leaves behind a loving Laura Street and have candy and to buy your tickets as soon as survived by two daughters, Cheryl husband of 51 years, Don Lopez; other treats handed out curbside possible if you wish to attend. If FREE ASSISTANCE FOR daughter Lauren Lopez-Brigante; Ann Tibbits and Patti Susanne in front of the museum. No one you can’t make it, visit facebook. MILITARY VETERANS two grandkids, C.J. and Nicko Brig- Sunday. She is preceded in death com/FloridaBluegrassstream/ to will leave their vehicles. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Federal, state ante; brother, Frank Brandt; sister, by her parents; two younger sisters, catch the live broadcast. and local opportunities are conRachel Ramsey; other nieces and Jewel Fudge and Earlene Dapolito; stantly changing. If you’ve served GRACEWAY CHURCH TRUNK nephews; not to also forget her pre- and her husband, Jackie Doyce Cox. FRIDAY, OCT. 30 any time in the military, retired OR TREAT cious fur babies, Roxy and Sadie. She is survived by one sister, Betty nor non retention, and would like 6 to 8 p.m. at GraceWay Church, Marilyn was blessed to be able Gene Beck. to review your benefits, please 3106 S. Wiggins Road. Join the RALPH FEOLA RETIREMENT Melba was incredibly active and to retire in 2004 and travel the take advantage of free assistance GraceWay Church family for a SEND-OFF world with Don. They loved going vibrant into her 90s. She was a at the Bing House Museum, night of decorated trunks, candy, 12 to 5 p.m. at Feola Insurance profound inspiration and cherished Agency (Allstate Insurance), on cruises. carnival foods, music, door prizes 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. In retirement, she was passion- role model to her six grandchildren: 1003 S. Collins St. After 35 years Walk-ins welcomed or call 813and more. It’s a safe way for you ate about nature and volunteerism, Amber Henderson, Ashley Tibbits, 704-5800 to set a specific time. of business in the Plant City area, and your family to enjoy the fall donating many years to Meals on LT Otto Sunday, Etienne Sunday, festivities and be protected at the Masks are required and temperainsurance agent Ralph L. Feola is Armis Sunday and Zia Sunday. She retiring and his insurance office Wheels and managing multiple same time. Come in costume and tures will be taken at the door. nature online sites. She could tell also has left four and 3/4 great have some free family fun. is closing on Oct. 30. Customers, you the calls of birds and name any grandchildren and devoted nieces friends and business acquainand nephews cloaked in her love. Florida flower. tances are invited to stop by the The family is in praise for her life But her real passion was followoffice that day for a send-off/ and goodness while on earth. She ing her grandkids’ lives, whether community appreciation event. went to our Lord Jesus on October it be attending school functions 23rd, 2020: the wedding anniveror yelling at the baseball games, Marilyn loved those boys with all of sary of her beloved parents. her heart!

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FORECAST

Send your photo submissions to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@PlantCityObserver.com or hashtag #iloveplantcity on Instagram for @igersplantcity to feature.

THURSDAY, OCT. 29 High: 89 Low: 70 Chance of rain: 20%

FRIDAY, OCT. 30 High: 80 Low: 62 Chance of rain: 10%

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Oct. 29

7:38a

6:45p

Friday, Oct. 30

7:39a

6:45p

Saturday, Oct. 31

7:39a

6:44p

Sunday, Nov. 1

6:40a

5:43p

Monday, Nov. 2

6:41a

5:42p

Tuesday, Nov. 3

6:41a

5:42p

Wednesday, Nov. 4

6:42a

5:41p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, OCT. 31 High: 84 Low: 68 Chance of rain: 10%

SUNDAY, NOV. 1 High: 86 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 20% There’s Halloween decorating, and then there’s Halloween decorating out in the country. Kathy Flemister saw this creative display on Cowart Road and snapped a photo.

ONLINE

TOMATOES

Shipping point: Central Florida $18.95-$20.95

ACROSS 1 Govt.-backed investment 6 Travelocity recommendations 10 Comprehends 14 Commandment verb involving parents 15 Ni-o’s “nothing” 16 Difficult exam 17 Kagan of the Supreme Court 18 Fruit grown in bogs 20 *Billy Crystal comedy featuring a cattle drive 22 __, amas, amat ... 23 Gnaw (at) 24 Grocery walkway

28 Offshore oil drillers 30 *Exact look-alike 34 Stiff-upper-lip type 36 Under, in French 37 Graffiti signature 38 *Daily filming schedule on the set 42 Musical gift 45 Roman robe 46 Hustle genre 50 *One in la-la land 54 Croat or Serb 55 Mexican mister 56 Correct 58 “__ had it!” 59 Somewhat liberal, or where you might find the

first words in the answers to starred clues 64 Soap opera genre 67 1960s jacket style 68 Cooking spot 69 Large-scale 70 Warning signs 71 Like fake fruit 72 See socially 73 From Lillehammer, say DOWN 1 “My Best Friend’s Girl” rock band 2 Like poker games for high rollers 3 Small takeout order 4 Tiger mascot with a red

(C) 2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC. scarf 5 Clear data from 6 Provoke 7 Dealer’s foil, briefly 8 Southern neighbor of Sask. 9 Reasonable 10 Enters 11 “To say they __ I dare not be so bold”: Shakespeare 12 North Carolina __ Heels 13 Cunning 19 Slow-cooked, as short ribs 21 Young chap 25 Bilko’s rank: Abbr. 26 Grazing area 27 Joule fraction 29 [not my error] 31 Family name in Mideast politics 32 Homer’s “I’m an idiot!” 33 Feel remorse over 35 Provided food for 39 Tone-__: “Wild Thing” rapper 40 NYC airport near Citi Field 41 “__ the season ... “ 42 Scout leader? 43 Monkey relative 44 Sought a political seat 47 Move like a mamba 48 Carlsbad __ National Park 49 Do to death 51 Revolutionary territory 52 Wear away, as a coin surface 53 Nervous twitch 57 Noble gas 60 Dancer Astaire 61 Spanish appetizer 62 Leave out 63 Verne captain 64 Work on a lawn 65 “Training Day” actress Mendes 66 “Superman” villain Luthor

Nov. 15 New

Nov. 19 First

Oct. 31 Full

Nov. 10 Last

RAINFALL Monday, Oct. 19

1.24

Tuesday, Oct. 20 0.27 Wednesday, Oct. 21

0.07

Thursday, Oct. 22 0.00 Friday, Oct. 23

0.00

Saturday, Oct. 24 0.00 Sunday, Oct. 25

0.00

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2020 51.02 in.

2020 11.82 in.

2019 39.18 in.

2019 5.80 in.

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

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Tuesday, November 10 12pm, 3pm, 6pm Hampton Inn 2702 Thonotosassa Road Meeting Room Plant City, FL 33563

Tuesday, November 3 | 10am, 6pm

Friday, November 13 | 12pm, 3pm BayCare HealthHub™ 2470 Bloomingdale Ave. Community Room Valrico, FL 33596

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