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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019
NORTH PARK ISLE REACHES FOR MORE LAND
North Park Isle is putting residents on edge as it continues to expand its reach. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
As North Park Isle continues to expand its reach further and further into the rural community the divide between the city and local residents steadily grows.
When the housing development was resurrected in July 2018 it was slotted to become a 460-acre development district. Originally it had been 397 acres, but at a July 26, 2018 city commission meeting, commissioners agreed to dissolve North Park Isles and establish North
Park Isle. You didn’t read that wrong — by removing the “s” at the end, they were able to distinguish the new development district, which was 63 acres larger. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
DIAMONDS & DENIM
Photo courtesy of Jodi Wood Hillbilly Photography LLC
CONTINUES TO IMPRESS The community came out in force to support South Florida Baptist Hospital at the annual Diamonds & Denim Gala on Sept. 26. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
The South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation transformed the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds into a blinged-out extravaganza as the community flocked to the annual Diamonds & Denim Gala on Sept. 26. Nearly 700 people attended the event, packing the house as they crowded around auction tables and took selfies in front of the impressive ice sculpture centered in a trough of coveted cocktail shrimp. The Foundation was established in 1995 and supports the hospital in carrying out its mission of “providing high quality health care to all citizens by securing philanthropic support, prac-
ticing prudent financial management and continually accessing the hospital’s short term and long range capital needs,” according to its website. The attendees spent the first part of the evening bidding on packages donated by businesses, buying tickets for a 50/50 raffle and adorning their necks with colorful beads and keys for an “Unlock Your Dreams” fundraiser. Then, everyone migrated to their tables for a brief announcement by SFBH President Karen Kerr and a prayer before dinner. The live auction wrapped up the event and an infectious excitement filled the air as attendees entered bidding wars for unique items like a hog hunt and a oneof-a-kind Florida Strawberry Festival experience. SEE MORE ONLINE AT PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM.
Breanne Williams
The Grooms family at the 23rd annual Diamonds & Denim Gala at the festival grounds.
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
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PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019
NEWS BRIEFS
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Photo courtesy of Plant City Fire Rescue
Plane crashes at Plant City Airport A private airplane crashed Sept. 27 while attempting to land at Plant City Airport. At approximately 9:25 a.m., according to Plant City Police, Talin L. Beach, 18, of Mulberry, attempted to land a Cessna Model 172 when a wind-related event caused him to brake heavily and eventually lose control of the plane. It left the runway to the north and eventually came to rest in a canal. Plant City Fire Rescue determined Beach, who was the only occupant, was not injured badly enough for medical transport. No airport buildings or assets were damaged in the crash, which was contained within airport property, and damage to the plane itself appeared to be minor. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the crash and has secured the plane.
State handheld cell phone ban now in effect Tuesday was the first day law enforcement officers around Florida could begin to pull drivers over for improperly using cell phones on the road. If you’re not using a hands-free device to talk to someone, or if you’re caught
texting, you can now be pulled over at a designated school crossing, in a school zone or in an active work area. Warnings for such behavior will be issued until Jan. 1, 2020, at which time a distracted driver can be charged with a moving violation, fined at least $60 and hit with three points on their driver’s license.
Keel Farms hosting Harvest Days Looking for family-friendly fun in October? Keel Farms has something for that. The winery, located at 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, is hosting Fall Harvest Days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Saturday in October. The list of activities offered includes pumpkin carving and painting, a pumpkin patch, a bounce house, harvesting, hay rides and farm animals. There’s no cost for parking or admission at any of the Fall Harvest Days.
HCPS wins health award The Florida Healthy Kids Corporation announced Monday that it’s granted Hillsborough County a 2019-21 Florida Healthy School District Gold Award for “meeting the health needs of students and staff” on a high level. The two-year award is given to school districts that pass infrastructure, policy,
File photo
program and practice assessments to maintain “high-quality healthy school teams, suicide prevention and traumainformed care faculty training, school gardens and breakfast enhancement strategies, and exemplary Florida KidCare enrollment mechanisms and best practices.” Suicide prevention and trauma care were emphasized in particular for this award cycle. The Florida Healthy Kids Corporation is a non-profit, public-private partnership that expands access to health and dental insurance for children age 5 through 18. It was created by the Florida Legislature and, for this award, partners with the Florida Association of District School Superintendents.
Hungry Howie’s breast cancer research campaign restarts For the 10th year, the start of October also brought the start of Hungry Howie’s Pizza’s annual Love, Hope & Pizza campaign to fund breast cancer research and awareness. As long as you’re buying their pizza this month, whether it’s picking up a single slice in-store for $1 or buying an entire pink box, you’re helping. You can also round up your order to help. The restaurant will make a donation for each pizza sale in October to the National
Breast Cancer Foundation, which has been active since 1991. To date, Hungry Howie’s has raised almost $3 million for research and free screenings and mammograms at Moffitt Cancer Center. Hungry Howie’s has two Plant City locations: one at 208 N. Alexander St. and one at 2424 Highway 92 E.
Local PFLAG chapter in the works Residents of Plant City are looking to start a local PFLAG chapter and are seeking someone to help operate monthly meetings. PFLAG is a national support group that provides safe and confidential places for people to talk, listen and get support for LGBTQ+ people, parents, families and allies. The current closest chapters are based in Tampa and Lakeland, so residents are banding together to create one in Plant City and provide one-of-a-kind services and support for families. Anyone interested in joining and helping operate a Plant City chapter is asked to contact Dalton Vanderford at 123dalton.v@ gmail.com.
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PLANT CITY OBSERVER
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019
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More than a pink ribbon
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but there is so much more to the holiday than donning a pink ribbon.
Courtesy of Janet Thomas
Janet Thomas and sister Joanie Petty at Relay For Life Plant City.
BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Each year, the community comes to a halt in October to raise awareness for breast cancer, donning pink ribbons and buying pink merchandise. Many join the local Relay for Life chapter, kicking off fundraising for their teams and making preparations for the massive event that takes over Plant City High School in April. For years, Janet Thomas has been one of the many who joined the fight. A teacher originally at Lincoln Elementary, then Knights Elementary and finally at Bailey Elementary as one of the inaugural staff upon its opening 10 years ago, she joined her school teams during Relay’s planning sessions. It was a cause close to Thomas’s heart. She was in second grade when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and remem-
bers going through that process as a family. Until you’re touched by cancer, it’s sometimes hard to fully grasp the importance of raising awareness and championing research for the American Cancer Society. Both Thomas and her sister, Joanie Petty, made it their mission to support Relay. Petty went as far as to volunteer for years with the group. “My mom had breast cancer and just the disease itself, it’s such a horrible disease and with so many people having it, I wanted to do what I could to help and support and raise money for research, life-saving research that can impact so many lives,” Thomas said. “I think that’s why we all get involved and it’s why so many, like my sister, work yearround on this. It’s not just a night in April. They work all year raising awareness and fundraising and getting things in place for the next year’s event.”
RELAY FOR LIFE 2020
To join Relay For Life Plant City come on out to Turkey Creek First Baptist Church, 4915 W. Trapnell Rd., on Oct. 21 at 5:30 p.m. Relay For Life Plant City 2020 will be April 17, 2020 to April 18, 2020 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. at Plant City High School, 1 Raider Pl. Email bonnie.gibson@cancer.org for more information.
Watching their mother’s diagnosis instilled in them the knowledge to stay on top of their health. Every year, Thomas went for a mammogram. In February 2018, a doctor found a lump. For unknown reasons, the doctor waved off Thomas’s concern and said everything was fine. Her gut told her otherwise and she brought her concern up to her primary doctor, who told her to get a second opinion. Unfortunately, her gut was right. Thomas was diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer, a cancer that has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other organs in the body. “That’s scary, you know? When a professional said, ‘Hey everything is OK,’ and then it’s not,” Thomas said. “If you’re not sure, always get a second opinion.” Thomas said she luckily had the knowledge of ACS and all of its educational assets to help her immediately dive in to research on the issue. She said her husband is very supportive and understanding and spends hours of his own time researching the disease and side effects. He’s even called the ACS several times with questions. Her faith has also helped carry her through. She said she has full trust and faith in God and knows He will take care of her. While she doesn’t know His plan, she trusts His decisions for her life and leaves everything in His hands. Metastatic breast cancer is rarely talked about. Few even know it exists. When it is discussed, Thomas said, it’s looked at almost as a death sentence. Yes, she’s tired. Yes she’ll deal with this disease for the rest of her life and has to continue treatment every month for years to come. But she’s not giving up, and thanks to advances in research, she’s given the hope of tomorrow. “There’s never been a lot of focus on metastatic breast cancer,” Thomas said. “I’ll never stop having treatments or giv-
ing bloodwork or having scans. This is my future. I think people may have had that mindset that, ‘Oh, it’s stage four so they’re going to die.’ And that’s led to a lack of funding for research. But the advancements we’ve had, the knowledge that’s come from research has helped start to change that. People are living with it, we are learning so much and that is keeping people alive. The medicine I’m on right now is only around six years old. I’m literally surviving because of the research ACS helps fund.” More and more women are coming forward with their diagnosis, speaking out and creating support groups for each other via social sites like Facebook. Olivia Newton-John announced she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and helped further the conversation around research on the issue. The more research there is, the better the chance of developing more effective treatments and, potentially, one day curing cancer in its entirety. Despite her diagnosis, Thomas continues to teach her second grade class at Bailey Elementary. While she had to take off a lot for her biopsies and tests, she continued to make her class a priority, smiling at the young students and helping them absorb all the knowledge they’ll need to graduate to the third grade. They don’t understand, she said, but they’ve all been “so sweet” to her. Their parents have offered their support as well and the consistency of having a classroom full of eager eyes has helped keep her grounded. Her school staff also stepped up to the plate, offering their assistance and support when needed. When she had to take off for radiation, she’d receive words of support from her friends and family. When a tumor ate through the middle of her vertebra and the doctor had to literally pour con-
crete inside of it to keep it from collapsing, she had a support system there every step of the way. As soon as she could move around again, she was back in the classroom. Her appearance invoked many inquiries of “What on Earth are you doing here? You just had back surgery.” They may have thought she was crazy, but Thomas said being at school helps keep her mind off of the diagnosis and all it entails. It also forces her to remain physically active, which only helps her journey. “I was little when my mom was diagnosed,” Thomas said. “You walk through life thinking ‘it isn’t going to happen to me.’ I’ve seen that in a lot of people and two of my close friends also have metastatic cancer also, both stage four. It happens and it happens to so many people, including several who are very close to me. I think your mindset does change once you are diagnosed or once someone you care about is diagnosed. Suddenly it’s real, it’s real in a way it wasn’t before. You become a walking educator in a way. I try to talk about things like making sure people get their mammograms done every year and getting them done at a young age, too, because the percentage of women that have their mammograms before the age of 45 is too low, it’s way too low.” Now, Thomas said, she spends her days loving on the children in her classroom and then coming home for some much-needed rest. Treatment sucks out her energy, but she still plans on being involved in Relay again this year. “Right now I think I’m just focusing on life,” Thomas said. “You’re not promised tomorrow, so get it done today. Don’t put things off that you want to do. Love the life you’re given and don’t take things for granted.”
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COPS CORNER
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
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PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019
This week on Cops Corner: Plant City Police Department investigated driving on a suspended license, stolen purses, a counterfeit $20 bill, a missing car, fraudulent check and more.
SEPT. 20
SEPT. 21
REVOKED, WRECKED Jim Johnson Road/Park Road DWLSR/Crash: Officers responded to a vehicle crash and found a man was operating the vehicle with a suspended license. He was arrested and later transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.
UNLOCKED OPPORTUNITY 10 block of North Lake Street Vehicle burglary: This complainant told officer between 9 p.m. Sept. 20 and 7 a.m. Sept. 21, someone entered her unlocked vehicle and removed a black Michael Kors purse, which contained $60 in cash, multiple gift cards and her Florida ID.
COME SAIL AWAY 2100 block of Village Park Road Stolen boat: This victim reported to officers his Tidewater center console fiberglass boat with a 70hp outboard motor and trailer was stolen.
SEPT. 23 TRACKING THE TRAILER 600 block of Hitchcock Street Theft: This complainant reported that during an unknown time between Sept. 20 and 22, someone removed a black dump trailer with an attached Florida tag from the property. SPLINTERED ATTEMPT 1400 block of Drake Street Southeast Criminal mischief: Officers were dispatched to the scene after an active alarm went off. Upon arriving, they discovered the door and door frame were damaged, but entry had not been made into the residence. DOUBLE TROUBLE 2800 block of Brook Pines Court Vehicle burglary x2: This complainant told officers that during the night of Sept. 22, an unknown suspect entered his two unlocked vehicles and removed $15 from one car and a pink Coach purse, which contained all of his wife’s
credit cards and personal identification, from the other vehicle. He stated he wanted to document the incident in the event his wife becomes a victim of identity theft or fraud.
PLANT CITY
Observer
FINDERS KEEPERS North Wheeler Street/Interstate 4 Grand theft auto: This victim said his vehicle broke down off of Wheeler St. near I-4. He left the keys in the vehicle and, upon his return, the car was gone.
Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com
FAILED FRAUD 1500 block of East Baker Street Fraud: A suspect attempted to cash a fraudulent check in the amount of $567.56 at Felton’s. The suspect fled the store prior to police arrival.
Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com
SEPT. 26 MIDNIGHT SOAK 500 block of North Daniels Street Criminal mischief: Officers made contact with this victim, who told them that sometime between 5 p.m. Sept. 19 and 11 a.m. Sept. 21, an unknown subject cut the screen around the pool deck in an attempt to gain entry.
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PLANT CITY OBSERVER
GARDEN FEST
CONTINUES TO BLOSSOM
Every year, the Plant City Garden Club throws a bright and earthy garden fest in the heart of downtown Plant City, showcasing some of Plant City’s local gardeners and makers.
BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
The annual Plant City Garden Club Garden Fest drew waves of attendees despite the heat last weekend to the heart of downtown. The event lasted for six hours and vendors sold everything from Fairy Gardens to cacti. Some shoppers walked home with hand-carved wooden bowls, while others flexed their muscles and lugged giant pots filled with soil and young trees toward their trucks. The vendors were just as quick to
chat about growing techniques as they were to guide shoppers toward the plants that would grow best in their back yards. It was as much about education as it was shopping, and several of the attendees said they come every year to pick up a new “adventurous project” and try their hand at a new type of gardening. Whether it was locally-sourced honey sellers or passionate garden enthusiasts, each booth held its own wide breadth of knowledge. SEE MORE ONLINE AT PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019
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PLANT CITY OBSERVER
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PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019
NORTH PARK ISLE CONTINUES TO GROW
North Park Isle continues to expand its reach. Some residents worry about the future. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
At that point in time, Steve Lukes, a representative of the developer of North Park Isle, said the plan was to break ground by the end of 2018 or the start of 2019. However, the new year saw a new vision. In July 2019 city commissioners agreed to take the next step toward adding 238 acres via two different map amendments to the development. In the public hearing, neighboring home owners pleaded with commissioners to reconsider, voicing their love of the neighboring agriculture land and concerns of the “changing character” of the community as reasons to refuse the alteration. Commissioners, however, were faced with a tough decision. More people are moving to Plant City than ever before and there simply aren’t enough options available for them to go. The city needs more homes, so commissioners unanimously agreed to send the amendments to the required agencies. Both properties were annexed into the city in September and the map amendments were approved. North Park Isle came up again, this time at the city’s Planning Board meeting last Wednesday morning. A privately initiated map amendment of 86.13 acres west of North Wilder Road was brought to the table. The parcels are within and adjacent to an area anticipated to become part of North Park Isle and the applicant is also concurrently in the process of voluntarily annexing 23.64 acres into the City of Plant City. The applicant requested to transition the parcels to a Plant City Residential-6 status. The neighbors — several of whom showed up in force to the early meeting — are less than pleased. “We’re now surrounded nearly on both sides by the city,” Tracy Forest, a neighbor of the land in question, said. “There’s a real fear in our neighborhood that we’re about to lose all of the agriculture land surrounding us, that we’re about to see a wave of development. We bought out here because we want to be by agriculture. We don’t want to live nextdoor to a housing community.” Forest moved here five years ago after wanting to escape the
fast development in Valrico. She examined zoning maps and felt safe selecting Wilder Road as her “forever home.” She loved the feel of the Plant City community and enjoyed the fact that it still put an emphasis on its ag roots with events like the Florida Strawberry Festival. After all, her new land was surrounded by rural Florida and agriculture. What could go wrong? Six months ago, Forest came home to a flyer informing her North Park Isle was looking to branch out to Wilder Road. Suddenly, her ag oasis was on the chopping block and Forest dove headfirst into informing herself about the issue. She called a meeting. Approximately 15 neighbors piled into her home, voicing their concerns and strategizing on how to go forward. They went to the planning board, Forest went to a meeting in Tampa and, last week, many went to the planning board again. “Plant City has been an agriculture community and it needs to decide what it wants to be from here on out,” Forest said. “Do you still want to be an agriculture community? If you don’t then you need to really evaluate the image you project… If you do then you need to stand up for your farmers and for your agriculture land.” Forest and her neighbors are county residents. The land around them has been voluntarily annexed into the city, but they themselves are not. She voiced her concerns at the Planning meeting Wednesday. She said Wilder Road can’t handle the development as it currently is. The homeowners don’t want a massive community as its neighbors. They want their agriculture land to stay. But she said many have begun to accept they are fighting a losing battle. At this point, part of the hope is they can discuss fighting for a “significant buffer with native Florida landscaping” to help ease the pain of having a several hundred-acre housing devel-
opment right next door. Several are already discussing moving. “It just breaks your heart because some of these people have been on this land for 30, 40, 50 years,” Forest said. “They don’t want to leave, their families are here, their loved ones are here, but this is unbearable. This is our forever home, we personally aren’t leaving, but congestion is everything we’ve been fighting to get away from. It’s just very sad to hear.” Forest and her neighbors are asking the planning board to reconsider its stance and to think of what they’re doing to the character of the community. Planning Board Chair Art Wood, however,
said that’s not really the question at all. “We absolutely consider the character of the city in our decisions, but it would take absolutely something extraordinary to override the Plant City 2040 Comprehensive Plan,” Wood said. “You’ll notice from the motions we make that it’s all in conformity with the 2040 plan. That’s how city staff approaches it too. Everything we do is based off that plan. I hear what the neighbors are saying and personally, I feel for them, but our business is guided by the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.” When the Imagine 2040: Plant City Comprehensive Plan was created, it sought out a vast amount of community input as well as expert advice to project city growth. It is the guiding light the city and its entities follow to shape the future. If something is
brought before a group like the planning board, Wood said its job is to simply assess if it fits with the plan and if it is up to par with the projected future of the community. Some residents, like Forest, see the slow creep of inevitable development as a rewriting of the very foundation of the city. “Just because the demand is there doesn’t mean you have to meet it,” Forest said. “There are other counties like Suwannee County that are deciding they want to put the brakes on and make sure they’re protecting their agriculture while also having healthy development. You can have both, you just have to make the stand to maintain the characteristics that you prioritize.”
NORTH PARK ISLE
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PLANT CITY OBSERVER
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019
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PCPD PREPS FOR POLICE UNITY TOUR The 250-mile bike ride in May 2020 will raise awareness for officers who died in the line of duty and fundraise for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum.
BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Once again, Plant City Police are stepping up to the plate as they prepare to embark on a grueling 250-mile bike ride for the annual Police Unity Tour in May 2020. The Tour was formed in 1997 by a group of law enforcement officers who rode their bicycles from Florham Park, N.J. to the memorial in Washington D.C. Every year since then, thousands of officers from around the country have joined the effort, weaving along the asphalt roads for hundreds of miles to raise awareness for those who died in the line of duty and to raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum. “There’s four of us total going this year,” PCPD Officer Billy Harvester said. “Law enforcement is one of those brother-
hoods that unless you’ve been involved in law enforcement or military or fire fighting or a first responder situation like that, there’s a select handful of groups that you’re so close, you spend so much time together and you’re literally going to battle together. Whether it’s our agency specifically or HCSO or TPD that have lost their lives protecting their community doing what they do, we want to do everything we can to honor them and their families. Frankly, it could be any of us. All of us know someone who has died in the line of duty. All of us know there’s a chance one day it could be us. That’s why we participate. We honor those men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice. We show our appreciation and respect to not only them, but their families.” Over the past few decades more than $20 million has been donated to the Memorial and Museum,
which makes the Tour the single largest supporter of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Over the course of three days, thousands of officers from a variety of states and regional groups will hit the pavement. The PCPD team has two riders and two support and are hoping to raise at least $4,000 for the event. This is not the first time PCPD has sent a team north for the event and Harvester said the hope is they’ll be able to make this an annual event that raises thousands of funds for the memorial. Ideally anyone who wishes to participate would have the opportunity as long as the required funds are able to be raised. It’s a sight few ever forget and one Harvester said he’s looking forward to seeing for the first time. “It’s a very emotional thing,” Harvester said. “It’s hard to even fathom or explain. Just stop and
think about driving down the road or walking on the sidewalk and seeing thousands of officers on their bikes silently pedaling toward Washington. We’ll pass by schools and businesses and people come out with signs and waving flags to show their support. It’s motivating to these riders to see that support while they’re putting in the work. You won’t soon forget it.” The statistics on how many officers are killed in the line of duty are difficult to track. In May, the FBI released its latest statistics regarding officers who were killed and assaulted in 2018. More than 100 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty last year, which came out to be a 13 percent increase from 2017. Of those, 55 officers were feloniously killed and 51 died accidentally. It’s an event that strikes home for so many of our local officers, Harvester included. In 2010, a
close friend of his who was a deputy at HCSO passed in the line duty. The community immediately rallied around his family and Harvester said he is still close to them to this day. “That was probably the hardest thing I’ve had to do in law enforcement,” Harvester said. “To go through that with them and watch them as a family endure in such a difficult time. Whoever it is, it hurts because it’s a loss to our family. But when it’s someone you’re close to, well, that’s just another level you aren’t ready for. It’s tough. It’s not something you ever suspect, but you want to be that support mechanism for the family. That’s what this is, we’re all one family. We pride ourselves on being a united group. If one of us falls, we have their family forever, they’re a part of us, too. We’re all in it together.”
TO DONATE, VISIT FIRSTGIVING.COM/TEAM/394281. PCPD will accept donations until April and Harvester and his team will be active around the community at events, raising awareness of the issue and accepting donations for the Tour.
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PLANT CITY OBSERVER
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PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019
MAIN STREET DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT PLAN
KEEPS PLANT CITY ON THE MOVE
FELIX HAYNES
Everywhere you look, the City of Plant City and its economic development partners are on the move. Main Street Plant City is providing the legs for the city’s latest project, our downtown development plan. “Timing is everything,” said Mayor Rick Lott at Main Street’s last regular monthly “Topics on Tap” meeting, attended by 70 or 75 tightly packed Plant Citians at The Corner Store. Main Street and the city are moving on the strength of a recently competed plan whose drafting was spearheaded by the consulting firm Community Design Solutions. Vice Mayor Nate Kilton, not known for overstatement, said the plan is the result “of the best dollars I’ve ever seen spent on a consulting firm.” Lott said that many Plant Citians working together had created a “vibe” about
the plan. The city plans to ride that vibe, to keep meeting. As soon as the written plan is received, the commission will hold a workshop with Main Street’s leadership and community stakeholders. The product of that workshop will be an action plan to develop the downtown. The consultants think it may take as long as 10 years to complete that plan, but Lott wants to lay down a challenge to Plant City. “I think it can be done in three,” he said. Main Street Chair Nick Thurston summarized the report, now viewable on YouTube as Plant City Final Presentation. The plan is based on a projection of growth in existing and new businesses that can be created by focusing on the population living in Plant City and up to a 15-minute drive from Plant City. It leads with a section on traffic calming and beautification with
mature trees on main streets like Baker and Reynolds. The idea is to slow down vehicular traffic on our main streets so people will stop and visit the many existing and new businesses downtown. The traffic calming and beautification are entirely compatible with the possibility of making Baker and Reynolds two-way streets, which is under the control of the Florida Department of Transportation. The city, chamber, EDC, and Main Street all have logos and brands. The plan recommends that the downtown project also have a logo and brand. Another section, making McCall Park a strong destination lure for families and groups using downtown, will probably have to be done in multiple phases. The beautification section will springboard from already-existing city grants,
including facades and culinary grants. The consultants commended the city “for doing a great job” in this area. A parking section led with the statement “If you don’t have a parking problem, you have a downtown problem,” and the plan suggests a downtown parking problem would be a good problem to have and address at the right time. Mayor Lott closed his remarks with a promotional announcement, hinting that the city plans to make a major announcement about its Midtown development at a commission meeting in the near future. That announcement should continue to move the city and Main Street forward as we implement this downtown development plan for the 2020 decade.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019
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FOOTSTEPS OF FAITH:
THE CHANGING OF SEASONS Seasonal depression is a very real thing, but there is a way to get out of the darkness.
DR. DANIEL MIDDLEBROOKS
As the fall season begins to make an appearance, and usually it is just a very brief one here in Florida, do you look forward to the change? To answer that question, you need to take a moment and consider this question: “Do I embrace change, or do I brace against it?” In my mind, which can be as scary a place as my wife’s purse, I love change. It is not the change for the sake of change but the anticipated, desired, planned-for change that helps move me from regular routines to new and improved opportunities. As a military family, we traveled all over the world and saw the various changing of the seasons — especially fall. From the exploding colors of trees in the Tennessee valley to the snow-covered mountains in the Swiss Alps, the horizons witnessed through our car’s windshield would ultimately paint the everlasting pictures of living and loving life on the canvas of our hearts. What happens, however, when change is not as spectacular as the changing of the colors in our neck of the woods? We usually go from green to brown. Ta-da! Yep, it is underwhelming. What about the cold snaps? Friends of mine are in areas where it is now 40 degrees as the high, but here we bring out our parkas for three to four days when it gets below 70 degrees (remember, when Momma is cold, everyone is cold). Just as the changing of the seasons around us can leave much to be desired, the
changing of the seasons within us can also leave us wanting. Have you experienced those types of seasonal setbacks? They may come with the loss of a loved one and start a season of sorrow. It may suddenly appear with a report from the doctor, and a season of surgery and treatment begins. It may begin with a drum roll of an anticipated retirement and end with a thunder roll of storms within the self, full of questions and a loss of purpose. So, what do you do when these seasons of bright change are experienced in the dark moments of our life? You keep moving forward. This may seem like a trite answer but, in reality, it is a decision that stimulates a source of tenacity within our spirit. How can I be so optimistically sure? Because I’ve experienced every one of them. The first was on Easter morning in 2009. While stationed in Iraq, I received a call at 3:45 AM that my brother, Mike Middlebrooks, died due to a massive heart attack and complications. In 2011, the military doctor brought the x-rays into the room and said, “Yep, you do not have a hip anymore. We can re-surface a little but ultimately, you will need a total hip replacement. I’m surprised you are not using a cane already.” In 2013, the Lord led me to turn down my next promotion, retire from a 26-year life of serving as a military chaplain and move back home to a loving family. Yet there was a question, “OK, Lord, what now? I don’t like this civilian stuff.” These were multiple times when my tree of life seemed to lose all
its leaves and was a barren stalk of sticks in the gray backdrop of the sky. That is why Isaiah 43:18-19 became a battle cry for this weary warrior during these seasons of change. Through the prophet Isaiah, God proclaims, “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” The promise of a wilderness way and the barren tree that is still connected to a source of living water (Him) is that the leaves will return, and the fullness of the fruit will be experienced (also see Psalms 1). My brother died on the most powerful day within my walk of faith: Easter. I had the opportunity to preach four resurrection sermons that day before leaving on a plane to head back to the States. Let me ask you: do you think the message was gray or was it filled with the glorious promise that I will see my Lord and my brother again? The hip replacement changed my life for the best as I no longer had pain and could move even faster than before. I may not be able to run anymore, but I always thought that was overrated anyway. I’ll just walk now at the speed of light (and coffee). The last was an incredible transformation from being a military chaplain for our country to becoming the chaplain that impacts thousands of first responders within our community. A season of sorrow turned into a season of celebration. A season of surgery turned
OMG IT’S WEDNESDAY!
into a season of speed. A season of questions of purpose turned into a season of incredible answers and power. What season are you in right now? Regardless of the darkening of the days due to the fall of the season, we do not have to experience forever the long dark nights of the soul if we are willing to let the light of the Lord show us that through seasons, we become “seasoned” to serve as His saints of celebration. I love the words of Dr. Martin Luther King. “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, just keep moving forward.” King did, I will, and I invite you to also keep moving forward, even if it is a season of crawling. Eventually, spring returns and so will the spring in your step.
Dr. Daniel Middlebrooks is the Senior Chaplain of First Call Church and the CEO/President of Chaplaincy Care, Inc.
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CUTEST CRITTER: HALLOWEEN CALLOUT Is your pet a fan of the spookiest day of the year? If you’ve got a photo of your pup dressed as a ghoul, a cat wearing a witch’s hat or even a cow donned in its favorite farmer’s outfit, send it to bwilliams@plantcityobserver.com. In honor of All Hallow’s Eve, make sure you add your pet to this year’s festivities and don’t forget to send pictures of their cutest costumes to the Plant City Observer.
ONLINE Follow us on social media: @PCObserver on Instagram, @PlantObserver on Twitter Plant City Observer on Facebook.
KARAH: The Observer’s favorite re-pupper Karah shows off her love of all things fall in her favorite pumpkin costume.
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JOB FAIR OCTOBER 16, 2019
Wednesday, October 16, 2019 from 9:30 a.m. to noon HCC is pleased to invite the public to the 2019 Job Fair. This is a free event for any job seekers to attend. Bring a copy of your resumé and dress in business attire.
Trinkle Center 1206 N. Park Road Plant City, FL 33563 For more information, email Sabrina Kurtz from the Plant City Career Resource Center at skurtz2@hccfl.edu or visit hccfl.edu/jobfairs.
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Haydon Patrick has led Durant’s cross country team this season. See Page 14
Quick Hits
SPORTS
GAME OF THE WEEK: LENNARD AT DURANT
AREA PARKS HOSTING EVENTS This weekend, Global Sports Alliance Florida will host its Backyard Brawl VI tournament on multiple fields at the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex, Mike Sansone Park, Ellis-Methvin Park, Snowden Park and the MLK fields. Games start at 6 and 7:30 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Florida USSSA Baseball will host its Suncoast Fall State Warm-Up tournament at Plant City Stadium, the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex, Mike Sansone Park, Ellis-Methvin Park and the MLK fields next weekend. Games start between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Oct. 12 and 13.
DON BISHOP INVITE RESULTS Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest each sent their boys and girls teams to Brandon High School on Sept. 28 for the annual Don Bishop Invitational. Each of the boys teams finished in the top 10 overall. Plant City placed fourth with 164 team points, Durant placed seventh with 202 points and Crest placed ninth with 294 points. Plant City’s Danny Ramirez was the fastest area finisher, completing the course in 17:19.90 to lock up 15th place in the run. Durant’s Haydon Patrick was right behind him with a 16th-place time of 17:19.20. The first Charger to finish the race was Colin Rockway, who did so in 17:52.20 to take 23rd place. Durant’s Jacob Malinchak finished in 17:35.00 to take 19th place and Plant City’s Gage Rasmussen finished in 17:46 and placed 22nd. Strawberry Crest was the only team to place in overall points in the girls race, finishing in sixth place with 151 points. The Chargers were led by Paige Reagan’s eighth-place time of 20:54.30. Elizabeth West was the next-fastest Charger, finishing in 23:17.60 for 30th place, and teammate Kristina Chavez was close behind her with a 32nd-place time of 23:21.30. Plant City’s Cecilia Castillo finished in 21:15.30 to take 12th place and teammate Hannah Manley finished in 23:15.70 for 29th place. The fastest Cougar was Jayda Reece, who finished in 23rd place in 22:56.60, and teammate Kinsley Trlak finished in 23:31.80 to place 38th overall.
The Cougars hope to start their first winning streak of 2019 on Friday night. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR
It’s been a little while since the Durant Cougars were in the middle of a winning streak. Coincidentally, it’s been exactly one year and two days since Durant beat Lennard, 31-21, to turn a two-game win streak into a three-gamer. The Cougars are now about to get a chance to start another streak against the same opponent. Durant picked up a muchneeded win at Kathleen last week, ending up with a 30-22 final after holding a 16-0 lead at halftime and trading score after score with the Red Devils in the fourth quarter. The Cougars ran for 290 yards and the defense, led by Josh Cannon’s 12 tackles (nine solo, three assisted), forced three fumbles and blocked a field goal attempt. Just like that, a two-game cold snap ended and Durant built up some momentum. Much like last year’s meeting between the teams, the Cougars can expect Lennard’s offense to go as running back Tino Hunt goes. Hunt, one of the most productive backs in the Tampa Bay area, has 763 yards and seven touchdowns through five games. Last week,
OTHER AREA FOOTBALL ACTION
facing the Riverview (Sarasota) Rams, Hunt picked up 246 yards and three touchdowns on the ground as the Longhorns ran for 342 total yards but lost, 41-29, at home. Complementing Hunt is junior Quay Smith, who finished the game with 93 yards and one score. Smith doesn’t have nearly as many total rushing yards and touches (369 yards on 44 carries) as Hunt (763 yards on 91 carries), but both average 8.4 yards gained per touch and have found the end zone seven times. Sophomore quarterback Gavin Henley is throwing for roughly 71 yards per game and has three interceptions against two touchdown passes on the season. Lennard’s offensive line is nothing to scoff at, but if outside linebacker Bradley Guasto’s strong season keeps going, opportunities for the rest of the Cougars’ front seven to get more pressure on Henley or better find the gaps Hunt and Smith have eyes on will open up. File photo Lennard goes into the game with a 3-2 record but the tri- Collin Cole picks up a few yards against Riverview. ple option, Durant’s bread and butter, hasn’t been particularly only one pass, but ran the ball but, when this Cougars offense kind to this year’s Longhorns 42 times for 362 yards and four gets rolling, it doesn’t really team. Lennard’s current two- touchdowns. No Durant run- need one player to have a mongame losing streak started with ning backs have lit up the stat ster game in order for the team its Sept. 13 loss at Newsome in sheets quite like Newsome’s to control the tempo of a game which the Wolves attempted Jason Albritton has this season as it sees fit.
PLANT CITY VS. ARMWOOD, 7:30 P.M. Last week, Plant City nearly spoiled Bloomingdale’s homecoming night but fell in overtime, 37-34. That game was a pure shootout in which the Raiders’ big-play ability on all sides of the ball came through, but a blocked field goal attempt on the final drive of overtime was what set the Bulls apart on that evening. Despite the loss, the fact that the offense is on its best stretch of the season is a good sign heading into Friday’s home game against Armwood. The Hawks (4-1) are riding a three-
game winning streak in which they’ve outscored opponents, 117-24, and most recently handed Wiregrass Ranch a 48-3 defeat in Seffner. Armwood’s offense didn’t do anything too crazy, save for ex-Raider Eric Wilson scoring three rushing touchdowns, but Aamaris Brown scored on two pick sixes and recovered a fumble on defense. STRAWBERRY CREST AT WHARTON, 7:30 P.M. Last week, Crest visited Lakeland and suffered a 59-0 loss at the hands of the Dreadnaughts. Lakeland scored 39 points in the first quarter and put up all
of its scoring in just 24 plays through four quarters. The Chargers don’t have as stiff a test this week at Wharton, but the 4-2 Wildcats are coming off of a 22-15 win at King in which they staved off a potential fourth-quarter rally by the Lions. Though they haven’t logged any offensive stats with MaxPreps.com this season, Wharton’s attack has been either hot or cold with no middle ground: the Wildcats average 32.5 points per game in their wins and averaged 3.5 points per game in losses at Lennard and Palm Harbor University.
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019
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WHAT’S NEXT FOR
CHEVELLE HALLBACK? The Plant City boxer, fresh off of a Sept. 21 win, has big plans for the remainder of 2019 as well as 2020. SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Chevelle Hallback’s famous “Fists of Steel” haven’t been rust-proof, and much of her Sept. 21 comeback fight with Szilvia Szabados was spent shaking it off. “Not just a little bit of ring rust,” Hallback said. “Five years’ worth of ring rust. Within those five years, besides preparing for this fight, didn’t really have any type of sparring or anything. Just hitting the weights here and there. Coming in and hitting the mitts here and there. I really wasn’t training like I was preparing for a fight and that really took a toll on me.” But it wasn’t enough to keep her from getting back to her winning ways, though, as Szilvia Szabados found out at the St. Petersburg/ Clearwater Marriott. Hallback’s comeback to the sport ended with a unanimous decision in her favor after six rounds with the Hungarian pro, who was then ranked No. 9 in the world (per BoxRec). “I’m not making excuses for my performance,” Hallback said. She came in with a game plan and that was to smother me… either way, I conquered the storm.” Szabados, she said, spent much of the fight hanging on to Hallback and snuck in a few illegal blows. It took Hallback some time to get her rhythm back, but she said she got as comfortable in there as she was when she was more regularly in the ring.
“Near the end, like the last round, I finally found myself getting back to the old me,” Hallback said. “I was throwing a little more shots, picking my shots a little better, moving a little better. Throughout the whole night, I was avoiding shots. I didn’t get hit clean.” Now the Plant City native herself has climbed up the rankings in a big way: Hallback is currently the topranked super welterweight in the United States and No. 6 in the world in that weight class. “We knew it would put us back in the rankings because she was ranked No. 9 in the world… we didn’t think No. 1 in the U.S.A. and No. 6 in the world, though,” Hallback said. Before the Szabados fight, Hallback talked about using a win as a launching point for the rest of her career. Fighting Olympian Clarissa Shields was and still is her main goal. She also talked in August about wanting “three or four” fights and a title in 2020. That’s still the plan. But there is one difference this time: Hallback is more open to talking about the end. “Next year, in February, we’re going for a title,” she said. “I’m thinking maybe three, no more than four fights, hopefully, next year. I’m thinking about retirement. The goal is Claressa Shields before I retire. We have a strategy, we have a goal and I’m working toward that goal… if it pans out that way, great. If it doesn’t pan out that way, after three or four fights next year I’m gonna call it quits. But I’m going for the belts. I’m going for
title holders. I’m going for it. That’s the goal.” There is one more fight on the horizon for 2019. Hallback is booked to fight on Nov. 2 at the Yuengling Center, though her opponent had not been finalized at press time. Who that is won’t matter to her — Hallback’s training method has always been more “ready for anybody” than tailored for one specific fighter, just in case — so she’s excited to get the next phase of her plan rolling next month. “We’re on go,” she said. “We’re on go go.” Hallback is once again selling tickets for the fight. General admission costs $30 per person and VIP ringside seating is available for $80. Contact her at 813-270-4375, at chevellehallback@gmail.com or link up with her via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to buy tickets.
Justin Kline
Chevelle Hallback got back to her winning ways on Sept. 21.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019
Haydon Patrick
Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at JKline@ plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.
Durant junior Haydon Patrick has been blazing the trails for the Cougars in 2019. Just more than a week removed from being the first to finish in the Sept. 19 quad meet at Strawberry Crest, Patrick led all Cougars in the Don Bishop Invitational at Brandon High School with a time of 17:29.20 that locked up 16th place for him.
What goals did you set for yourself for this year?
How are things going for you this year?
What’s been your favorite thing about competing with this team for going on three seasons?
It’s going really good. Compared to last season and the season before, I’m making a lot of improvements and so is the team. What’s the difference between this year and past years for you? Putting in more mileage over the summer. Even if we don’t have practices, it’s important to still keep up with it and make sure you’re getting miles on your legs so you’re able to do the races and do them faster.
To get into college, like a good college, it’s mostly like 15 minutes for a 5K. This year, I was hoping to get into the 16s and work my way down. Then next year’s goal is to get into the 15s. I’m 30 seconds off from 16.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
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Just hanging out with the people. Every year, after the season, we have a party at one kid’s house and that’s always fun because everybody’s there. We go out and play football, play basketball, just hang out by the pool. We’re all really close. We’re all family, pretty much.
Did you change your workout routine? Yes I did. This summer, I got a personal trainer to come help me. It’s definitely a big change. Summers before, when I didn’t have any training, I would just go out and run a little bit. But (this summer) I had plans I was going on and set times for what I wanted to do. It really put everything into a schedule and balanced everything out.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019
YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR We asked: Which Star Wars movie is your favorite?
“The Force Awakens. That was so good. I love the originals but there was so much hype to this one and it lived up to that.”
“Empire Strikes Back. I think it’s categorically the correct answer.”— Bailey Dawson, 22
“Revenge of the Sith, but that’s not counting nostalgia. With nostalgia, Empire Strikes Back.” — Scott McDonough, 24
— Bentley Roberts, 20
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“The Last Jedi. It was Return of the Jedi until that one came out.” — Kameron Athey, 27
“Episode 6 was really good.” — Nick Mobley, 17
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019
Medicare Advantage plans now available in Tampa
OBITUARIES
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Aurelia Trejo Aurelia Trejo, 55, of Plant City, passed away on Sept. 25, 2019. Services were held Tuesday, Oct.1, 2019 at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care..
Cheryl, 65
community picnics
Gene Thomas ‘Tommie’ Lane Gene Thomas “Tommie” Lane, 76, of Plant City, passed away on Sept. 28, 2019. The family will receive friends Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.
HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM
Ronald Samuel Haynes Ronald Samuel Haynes, 62, of Plant City, passed away Sept. 22, 2019 in the Philippines. Services were held Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019, Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught. care.haught.care.
HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM
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Joan Yvonne Chiovitti Joan Yvonne Chiovitti, 84, of Plant City, passed away on Sept. 26, 2019. A native of Jaffery, New Hampshire, she was the daughter of the late Edmond and ~ Survivors include Viola Cote. children, Don J. Chiovitti, Eddie (Judy) Chiovitti, Cathy (Jason) Williams, grandchildren, Evan Chiovitti, Laura-Ashley Chiovitti, Benjamin Forman, Brianna Forman, Trevor Williams, Cameron Williams, Caitlin Williams. Joan was preceded in death by her husband Peter Chiovitti. Joan was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church. Services were held Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019 at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.
HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM
Patricia ‘Patty’ Ann Olson All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation. The Cigna name, logos, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. Cigna complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. Cigna cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no dicrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo. English: ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711). Spanish: ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711). Chinese: 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費 獲得語言援助服務。請致電1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711). You must reside in the plan service area. Cigna is contracted with Medicare for PDP plans, HMO and PPO plans in select states, and with select State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in Cigna depends on contract renewal. Free guide without the obligation to enroll. © 2019 Cigna 931548 H5410_20_78170_M
Patricia “Patty” Ann Olson, 64, of Plant City, passed away on Sept. 30, 2019. The family will receive friends Monday, Oct. 7, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.
HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM
Frank William Futch Frank William Futch, 72, of Lakeland, passed away on Sept. 26, 2019. A native of Lakeland, he was the son of the late Frank and Lois Futch. Survivors include his wife Laverne Futch, children, Olivia Carter, Sean (Wendy) David, Scott (Christina) Futch, sister, Eloise Hayden. Frank was preceded in death by his brother Edward Futch. Frank was a member of the Board of Directors of Faith Temple Assembly of God. Funeral services will be held on Oct. 6, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Temple Assembly of God. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught. care.
HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM
Andrea Knorr Andrea Knorr, 47, of North Port, passed away on Sept. 26, 2019. The family will receive friends Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.
HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM
each other is what
community
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019
is all about.
Jimmy Smith, 71, born and raised in Plant City, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 24, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
Lonnie Eugene Delores Mae Mrs. Mary Bellamy Hinson Townsend Tillman Mrs. we’re dedicated to helping families create a Mary Bellamy will be funeralized WE’R E PR OU D TO SERVE our community Delores Mae Townsend Tillman, Lonnie Hinson, 76, unique and meaningful memorial thatFriday, truly Oct. 4, 2019, 12 p.m. at Mt. with personal, compassionate care since 1896.Eugene celebrates the life represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, Olive M. B. Church Honors Funeral 87, of Lithia, entered into eterpassed away on Sept. 28,it2019. Chapel, Inc., 1110 E. Laura Street, nal rest on Sept. 25, 2019. born inPlan PlantTransferability City on > 100% Service GuaranteeHe >was National Expressions of condolence at May 29, 1943. Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® Plant City. > Bereavement “The People’s Choice Because We HopewellFuneral.com. Fond memories and expresCare.” Winslow & Marilyn Honors, sions of sympathy may be Owners shared at www.WellsMemorial. Proudly supportingcom the Plant City Strawberry for the Hinson family.Festival. ®
R
OBITUARIES
Jimmy Smith
HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM
James Lynton Graves James Lynton Graves, 84, of Plant City, went to be with the Lord on Sept. 25, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
William Thane Garretson
WELLSMEMORIAL.COM
Trevor Bryant
Wells MeMorial & event Center
William Thane Garretson, 58, of Plant City, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 25, 2019. Expressions of condolence at M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd HopewellFuneral.com.
PlanT CiTy
Trevor Bryant passed away Septem813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com 1
HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM
Captain Wayne Shuff Captain Wayne Shuff, 72, of Plant City, born in Natchitoches, Louisiana on Sept. 7, 1947, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 28, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
Maria Josefa Carmona-Rosado Maria Josefa Carmona-Rosado, 87, of Plant City, born in Comerio, Puerto Rico on Jan. 9, 1932, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 28, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
ber 14, 2019. He is survived by his parents, Lynnrenee Fry and Andy Bryant; step-parents Bob Fry and Vicky Bryant; grandparents Linda Larson, Jackie and Norman Bryant; uncles and aunts Kirk and Dawn Larson, Gail and David Griffey and Danny Bryant; cousins Stephanie Smith, Daniel Bryant, Caleb Bryant, Kristen Bryant, Michelle Massey, Katherine Griffey and Vicky Lynn Cockram. A Celebration of Life Service was held September 22, 2019 at Mountain Park UMC. Pastor Tyler Jackson ministered.
Mr. John Cox, born Nov. 13, 1936, went to be with the Lord Sept. 27, 2019. He will be funeralized Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, 1 p.m. at St. Mark M. B. Church, 106 S. Morgan Street, Plant City. Honors Funeral Chapel, Inc. 1110 E Laura Street, Plant City. 10/27/15 10:42 AM “The People’s Choice Because We Care.” Winslow & Marilyn Honors, Owners
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116 North Collins Street Plant City, FL 33563 ph: (813) 567-5735 allabloomtampa.com
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YOUR CALENDAR
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019
BEST BET SATURDAY, OCT. 5 FOX SQUIRREL CORN MAZE
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Futch Entertainment presents the eighth annual Fox Squirrel Corn Maze, 3002 Charlie Taylor Road, featuring a corn maze, pumpkins for sale, hay rides, games and the great outdoors. They have an abundance of food including BBQ, chicken tenders, homemade french fries, fall cakes and pies, roasted corn and more. Their vendors feature pumpkin painting, a butterfly experience, crafts, a balloon artist, handmade children’s clothing, face painting, mechanical bull, horse and pony rides (first three weekends only) and more. Check out futchentertainment.com/the-fox-squirrel-corn-maze/ for a list of additional vendors. Most vendors are cash only. Tickets are $11 + tax for 18 and older, $10 + tax for 3 to 17. Kids 2 and under are free. Admission booth accepts cash, Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Card-carrying heroes get $2 off admission. The Fox Squirrel Corn Maze is open Oct. 5-27 on Saturday and Sundays only.
THURSDAY, OCT. 3 PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS 7:30 to 9 a.m. Plant City Toastmasters is held every Thursday. Guests are always welcome to come join the free meeting at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St.
SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB
10:30 a.m. Come on out to the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St., each Thursday to find out more about a new Shuffleboard Club. Topics being discussed are days of the week, times, skill levels and anything else you may want to know. The club is hosted by Anita Balch and she can be contacted at 808-722-5821 for more information.
CRAFT NIGHT OUT
5:30 p.m. Adults are invited to come on out to Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., for a Craft Night Out. At this month’s event they will be making string art. All supplies provided. Registration necessary. Please bring your own hammer. Register online. Funded by the Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library. For adults 18+ only.
FAMILY GAME NIGHT
5:30 to 8 p.m. Families are invited out to Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., for an evening of free board and card games with your favorite coffee or tea and sweet treats. Little ones are welcome if they can join the game quietly next to parents. Bring your favorite game or borrow one of theirs.
FRIDAY, OCT. 4 DUPLICATE BRIDGE
1 p.m. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 Carey St., is now hosting a weekly Duplicate Bridge game, the most widely used variation of contract bridge in club and tournament play. Contact Walt Arnold at 813-752-1602 for more information.
SIR HENRY’S HAUNTED TRAIL
7:30 p.m. Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail, along with Ominous Descent Haunted Attraction, team up again to bring Central Florida the top-ranked haunted attraction experience in the state, I-4’s Premier Fear Park. The trail, 2837 S. Frontage Road, will host five different haunt experiences for 11 select nights from Oct. 4-27. A complete list of times, dates and ticketing information can be found at sirhenryshauntedtrail.com or ominousdescent.com.
SATURDAY, OCT. 5 KEEL FARMS FALL HARVEST DAYS
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road, is kicking off a month of family fun. Fall Harvest Days will be held every Saturday in October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission and parking are free. The event will feature a hay maze, vendors, bounce house, kids farm experience, animal exhibits and feeding. All are included in free admission. Hay rides, u-picks and a pumpkin patch are available for a small fee. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. October 5, 12, 19 and 26.
MONDAY, OCT. 7 PLANT CITY DAYBREAK ROTARY CLUB
Library, 302 McLendon St., every Monday to listen to children read to him on the couch. Tanner is an Australian Shepherd Reading Therapy Dog certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. For children of all ages.
PLANT CITY AREA DEMOCRATIC CLUB
5:30 p.m. The Plant City Area Democratic Club will meet at the Plant City Community Resource Center, 307 N. Michigan Ave. They will have a social discussion at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting begins at 6 p.m. Their guest speaker will be Scott Shoup. He will speak about the Citizens United decision by the U.S. Supreme Court. He will cover its background, its consequences and efforts to overturn the decision. All Democrats and interested progressives are welcome.
TUESDAY, OCT. 8 STORY TIME (TODDLER TIME)
10:30 a.m. Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., is hosting its weekly Story Time (Toddler Time) event. Stories and interactive activities make up this engaging 45-minute program that highlights early literacy skills and encourages reading readiness and social interaction. For children ages 2 to 3 years and their caregivers.
7 to 8 a.m. The Plant City Daybreak Rotary Club holds a meeting every Monday morning. Now the group will be meeting in the Community Meeting Room of the Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place. Guests are welcome to come and join them.
PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB
PUMPKIN CRAFTERNOON
7 p.m. MAKE Plant City is hosting its monthly meeting at the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center, 106 S. Evers St. MAKE Plant City aims to inspire and connect for a more creative and dynamic community. Art, woodwork, music, food, beer, robots — this is a place to connect with local creative makers of all types. This month features keynote
4 p.m. Elementary students and their families are invited to a STEM-based make-and-take pumpkin craft at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St.
READ WITH TANNER THE THERAPY DOG
5:30 p.m. Tanner the Therapy Dog comes to Bruton Memorial
12 to 1 p.m. The Plant City Lions Club holds a meeting every Tuesday at Buddy Freddy’s, 1101 Goldfinch Drive. For more information on membership, call 813-9243829.
MAKE PLANT CITY
speaker Ed Verner of Lyrics, Logic and Lullabies.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 9 PLANT CITY COMMUNITY LADIES BIBLE STUDY
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This Plant City Community Ladies Bible Study runs the first Wednesday of every month from September until May at the Planteen Recreation Center, 201 N. Dort St. There will be salad, desserts and a covered dish lunch at the study and attendees are invited to bring an item to share. All ladies in the community are welcome. Donations are $1.
KIWANIS CLUB OF PLANT CITY
12 to 1 p.m. The Kiwanis Club of Plant City meets Wednesdays at Buddy Freddy’s Restaurant, 1101 Goldfinch Drive (off Thonotosassa Road). For club information call 813-417-7559.
READ WITH BONNIE THE THERAPY DOG
4 to 5 p.m. Bonnie the Therapy Dog comes to Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., every week for children to have the opportunity to share a book and some soft pats on the head. Join Bonnie on the couch in the children’s section and read to her some of your favorite stories.
THURSDAY, OCT. 10 PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS 7:30 to 9 a.m. Plant City Toastmasters is held every Thursday. Guests are always welcome to come join the free meeting at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St.
SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB
10:30 a.m. Come on out to the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St., each Thursday to find out more about a new Shuffleboard Club. Topics being discussed are days of the week, times, skill levels and anything else you may want to know. The club is hosted by Anita Balch and she can be contacted at 808-722-5821 for more information.
MAHJONG CLASS
2 to 4 p.m. Every Thursday join Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., for its Mahjong Class. Whether you’re a firsttime player or a seasoned expert there’s plenty of Mahjong fun at the library.
BIRTH EXPERIENCE CLASS
6 to 8 p.m. South Florida Baptist Hospital, ICU Conference Room 2-South, is hosting a Birth Experience Class. This class covers various aspects of labor and delivery, such as labor signs, breathing techniques, pain control options and hospital policies. This class is held the second Thursday of every month. Participants may bring one guest to classes and are asked to bring a notepad for notes. Snacks will be provided. Registration is free but required. Call 855-2694777.
IMPROV NIGHT
7 to 8 p.m. Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., will host its free monthly Improv Night featuring Gopher Joke Improv. Join some of the area’s finest improv artists as they use audience suggestions to create scenes and play improv games. Every night is a world premiere.
MENTAL AWARENESS FOR MENTAL HEALTH DAY
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 604 W. Ball St., presents a Mental Awareness for Mental Health Day event. Behavioral health resources in the Tampa Bay Area will provide service locations, contact numbers to seek health, crisis information and referrals.
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Universal Crossword Edited by David Steinberg October 3, 2019 PLANT CITY OBSERVER
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I LOVE PLANT CITY
10/3
FORECAST THURSDAY, OCT. 3 High: 91 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 10%
FRIDAY, OCT. 4 High: 93 Low: 71 Chance of rain: 20%
short 32 Animated alley denizen of ’60s TV 35 Abbey resident 36 Some actors ... like the four in this puzzle,when their names are written in uppercase letters 39 Up to the task 41 One side in the Brexit vote 42 Poseidon’s domain 43 PC corner key 45 Mall directory listings 49 “De-Lovely” star 53 Comic actress Martha 54 Drowsy dwarf 55 “Minecraft” fan, e.g.
56 Bracketology? 59 “The Man in the Iron Mask” star 61 Each 62 One may be diet 63 Family gathering room 64 Gadget used on a lemon 65 Skier’s surface 66 Had sushi, say DOWN 1 “Just a little longer” 2 Hard Italian cheese 3 Unjust verdict, slangily 4 Parts of Google search results 5 Fa-la link 6 Colleague of Ruth and Sonia
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019
High: 91 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 20%
SUNDAY, OCT. 6 High: 91 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 20%
AVOCADOS
Shipping point: Central Florida $12-$14
7 Coffee mate? 8 One of the Seven Sisters colleges 9 Some sci-fi characters 10 Tennis great Ivan 11 U-Haul rental 12 Ending for “Taiwan” or “Vietnam” 13 Part of PST: Abbr. 18 Actress Bening of “20th Century Women” 22 Drummer’s asset 24 California wine valley 25 The Bard’s river 26 Nice way to turn someone down? 27 Deer family animal 29 Seoul’s peninsula: Abbr. 33 Compass creation 34 Mature, as cheese 35 Hanukkah centerpiece 36 Many a central European 37 Zap with a stun gun 38 Sch. near Harvard 39 Set, as a price 40 Spelling contest 43 Interweave 44 Kebab holder 46 Best Western alternative 47 Shoelace hole 48 Tranquil 50 Archipelago unit 51 Bridge declaration 52 Stocking fabric 55 Chew (on) 56 Whirling toon 57 King Kong or Donkey Kong 58 Greek letters near the end of the English dictionary 60 Brouhaha
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SUNRISE/SUNSET
Sunrise Sunset
Thursday, Oct. 3
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Friday, Oct. 4
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Saturday, Oct. 5
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Monday, Oct. 7
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MOON PHASES
SATURDAY, OCT. 5
Capitalists by David Poole
ACROSS 1 Capture 4 Like many eBay items 8 Heart’s quartet 14 Columbus sch. 15 Caramel candy brand 16 MLB div. with Jays and Rays 17 “The Santa Clause” star 19 Envied or lusted, say 20 Tall tales 21 Opposite of guzzled 23 Pulitzer-winning author Jennifer 24 “The Producers” star 28 Capital of Kansas 30 Calendar lengths: Abbr. 31 How loud the TV is, for
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Oct. 13 Full
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Oct. 23 Last
RAINFALL Monday, Sept. 23
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Tuesday, Sept. 24 0.00 Wednesday, Sept. 25
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Thursday, Sept. 26 0.00 Friday, Sept. 27
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Saturday, Sept. 28 0.00 Sunday, Sept. 29
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YEAR TO DATE:
MONTH TO DATE:
2019 35.84 in.
2019 0.02 in.
2018 22.81 in.
2018 0.00 in.
WEATHER
38 Sch. near 13 Part of PST: 43 PC corner key ACROSS Harvard Abbr. 45 Mall directory 1 Capture 39 Set, as a 18 Actress listings 4 Like many price Bening of 49 “De-Lovely” eBay items 40 Spelling “20th Century star 8 Heart’s contest Women” 53 Comic actressEditor Justin Sendquartet your photo submissions to Associate Kline at jkline@PlantCityObserver.com 43 Interweave 22 Drummer’s Martha 14 Columbus or hashtag Instagram for @igersplantcity asset to feature. 44 Kebab holder 54onDrowsy sch. #iloveplantcity 46 Best Western 24 California dwarf 15 Caramel wine valley 55 “Minecraft” candy brand alternative 25 The Bard’s fan, e.g. 47 Shoelace 16 MLB div. river 56 Bracketology? hole with Jays 26 Nice way to 59 “The Man 48 Tranquil and Rays turn someone in the Iron 50 Archipelago 17 “The Santa down? Mask” star unit Clause” star 27 Deer family 61 Each 51 Bridge 19 Envied or animal 62 One may be declaration lusted, say 29 Seoul’s diet 52 Stocking 20 Tall tales peninsula: 63 Family gathfabric 21 Opposite of Abbr. ering room 55 Chew (on) guzzled 33 Compass 64 Gadget used 56 Whirling toon 23 Pulitzercreation on a lemon 57 King Kong winning au34 Mature, as 65 Skier’s surface or Donkey thor Jennifer cheese 66 Had sushi, Kong 24 “The 35 Hanukkah say 58 Greek Producers” centerpiece DOWN letters near star 36 Many a 1 “Just a little the end of 28 Capital of central longer” the English Kansas European 2 Hard Italian dictionary 30 Calendar 37 Zap with a cheese 60 Brouhaha lengths: Abbr. stun gun 3 Unjust verdict, 31 How loud slangily the TV is, for 4 Parts of short PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER Google 32 Animated Brenda Miller snapped this photo of aresults beautiful morning in Plant City last week. search alley denizen 5 Fa-la link of ’60s TV us on social media: @PCObserver on Instgram, 6 Colleague 35 Abbey ON L I N E Follow @PlantObserver of Ruth andon Twitter and Plant City Observer resident on Facebook. Sonia 36 Some actors 7 Coffee mate? ... like the 8 One of the four in this Seven Sisters puzzle, when colleges their names 9 Some sci-fi are written in characters uppercase 10 Tennis great letters Ivan 39 Up to the task 11 U-Haul rental 41 One side in 12 Ending for the Brexit vote “Taiwan” or 42 Poseidon’s 10/2 © 2019 Andrews McMeel Universal “Vietnam” domain www.upuzzles.com
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019
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