10.8.20 PLCO by Plant City Observer

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VOLUME 6, NO. 117

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020

YO UR NEWS PAP ER . PROPOSED GAS STATION LEADS TO STRONG COMMUNITY FEEDBACK Commissioners held a public hearing regarding the rezoning of a piece of land on East Alsobrook Street. The initial community feedback led to a near hour-long conversation about the property.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

A rezoning request led to quite a stir during last week’s city commission meeting when the community expressed concerns over a proposed gas station on East Alsobrook Street. The applicant came before the commissioners asking to rezone 11.87 acres at 1909 E. Alsobrook St. from an R-1 A Single-family Dwelling District to a C-1 General Commercial District.

Commissioners learned the developer plans to build a convenience store with gas pumps and a climate controlled self-storage facility on the property. The Planning Board unanimously found the rezoning to be consistent with the Plant City Code on Aug. 26, so it was forwarded to city commissioners for approval. Commissioners were discussing the rezoning last week when the public comments began to roll in. Allin-all it took nearly an hour to wrap the topic up.

SEE PAGE 5

#BOWDENSTRONG

Plant City residents gathered downtown Tuesday evening to pray for Lindsey Bowden, who was hospitalized after a serious accident.

JUSTIN KLINE

SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Lindsey Bowden needs all the support she can get right now. Bowden, who graduated from Plant City High School in 2018, was seriously injured in a longboarding accident on Sept. 16. While she’s fighting to get back on her feet again, her communities have done what they can to let her know they’re in her corner. Lees-McRae College, where she plays soccer, held a prayer vigil for her on Sept. 20. Plant City residents did the same on Tuesday evening at the Palmer Street train depot. More than 60 people — friends, family members and more — came to pour the energy of their thoughts and prayers to Bowden and her family as they tackle one of the toughest times in their lives. “We’re here tonight to show support, say prayers, take donations and do what we can to help the family,” Traci Walding, one of the family friends who helped organize the vigil, said. Leecy Bowden, Lindsey’s mom, has given several updates on her daughter’s condition via Facebook over the past few weeks. In a Sept. 23 post, she went into detail about the acci-

dent itself. While longboarding down a hill on her college campus, Lindsey was unable to control her momentum and hit a car. The impact from the collision sent Lindsey backward and broke her skull. Her brain was bleeding and swelling, and she was immediately hospitalized. “When we found out, we left immediately in the middle of the night and we had to drive through Hurricane Sally to get up there,” Charlie Bowden, Lindsey’s father, said. “We stayed up there for two and a half weeks. It’s been unbelievable. It’s been something that no parent needs to go through. A parent’s nightmare. We were on the road and they asked if they could do a procedure while we were driving.” Two surgeries later, Lindsey’s brain pressure was stabilized and her condition improved to stable. After she woke up from a coma, she regained some movement and was able to react. A piece of her skull was removed and that, Charlie said, was crucial to Lindsey’s condition improving.

SEE PAGE 3

Justin Kline

Charlie Bowden gives an update on Lindsey Bowden’s condition during Tuesday night’s prayer vigil downtown.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020

NEWS BRIEFS

Courtesy of Plant City Parks and Recreation

Courtesy of George Domedion

Brewer Park gets outdoor fitness system

Holland added “a similar project is in the planning stages” for Samuel W. Cooper Park, 900 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd.

Paint it Forward project seeking nominees

Photo Archives awarded CARES grants

The Plant City Recreation and Parks Department announced the completion of Dr. Hal and Lynn Brewer Park’s newest feature, which will help residents get fit while enjoying the great outdoors. Brewer Park, 1491 Hunter St., now has its own HealthBeat Outdoor Fitness System, which features 14 workout stations including an elliptical machine, parallel bars, a hand cycler, a mobility ramp, balance steps, a stretching area, a cardio stepper, a squat press, plyometrics, tai chi wheels, chest/back press, assisted rows/pushups, ab crunch/leg lifts and pull up/dips. “The stations promote flexibility, relaxation, balance, meditation, cardiovascular, step aerobic and strength exercises for users ages 13 and up,” department director Jack Holland said in a press release. “They are free and available every day during daylight hours. All stations are fully ADA compliant and the areas include pouredin-place rubber safety surfacing for potential falls.”

Elks, more help out Everyday Blessings kids

Operation Paying it Forward is undertaking a new project to help make Plant City a better place, one person at a time. The group is partnering with Hometown Painters and Behr for “Paint it Forward,” for which the goal is to apply a fresh coat of paint to the single-story home of “someone elderly or disabled that may not otherwise have the means to financially afford the cost of a project such as this,” the group said in a Facebook post. If you or someone you know could use this service, email opayingitforward@ gmail.com or mail a letter to P.O. Box 5365, Plant City, FL 33563. Message Operation Paying it Forward on Facebook or contact Michelle Valdes at 813-764-6488 for more information.

The Plant City Photo Archives and History Center just got a helping hand from the Florida Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Photo Archives announced it was awarded a pair of grants from the FHC with funds received through the National Endowment for the Humanities via the Congressional CARES Act. It applied for a $5,000 grant and got the funding in June, then applied for and later got an additional $3,000 in supplemental funding. This money will help keep the Photo Archives going, as the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to many of its regular fundraising activities.

The children at Everyday Blessings had a big day out on Oct. 4 thanks to the Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 and several businesses and entities around Plant City. The Elks, who have been providing dinner to Everyday Blessings all year and will do so through at least the end of 2020, first got the kids breakfast provided by Hebron Primitive Baptist Church and then got them haircuts at City Cuts Barber Shop. After the kids who wanted fresh cuts got them, they all got to eat lunch provided by Nick’s Pizzaria and Wings and dessert from Pelican’s Snoballs at Pelican’s picnic tables. The list of businesses who have helped the Elks and Everyday Blessings since the COVID-19 pandemic also includes the Wooden Spoon Diner, Outback Steakhouse and Forbes Road Produce.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020

PLANT CITY COMES TOGETHER TO PRAY FOR LINDSEY BOWDEN The Plant City High School alumna is recovering from a Sept. 16 accident which left her with a serious brain injury. Her condition is improving, but she still has a long way to go. Justin Kline

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

“She was kind of in a coma, in a selfinduced paralysis for about a week, week and a half, then they started slowly taking her off that,” he said. “She had about 15 tubes and wires, you know, attached to her and every day, they would take one or two off. After about a week and a half, she woke up and she didn’t remember the accident at all.” In a Sept. 27 update, Leecy said Lindsey had progressed well enough that her brain monitor and vent were removed early that morning. She and Charlie were both able to visit Lindsey simultaneously and got an encouraging sign for their daughter. “I believe because we were both there together she started responding better than ever,” Leecy wrote. “She smiled at us and opened her eyes and looked at us. She nodded her head and answered questions. She responded to commands. She wiggled her toes and gave thumbs up!” On Tuesday, Charlie said Lindsey had just been transferred from Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina to the Atlanta, Georgia-based Shepherd Center for spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation on Monday. Lindsey’s rehab program started Wednesday and will last for at

least two months. Because the center only allows patients to have one visitor at a time due to COVID-19, Leecy is staying with her daughter while Charlie is back in Florida. Lindsey’s motor skills are coming back. She’s been able to put on her socks and shoes, brush her teeth and walk with some assistance, Charlie said, and she is able to communicate and answer some questions. “They gradually let her start doing some physical activity,” Charlie said. “She could put her socks on, her shoes on, brush her teeth — but then when you ask her something simple like, I was wearing a Gators shirt and I said, ‘Lindsey, what team do we root for?’ She says ‘We root for the Florida Gators.’ I said, ‘That is so good! What color is (the shirt)?’ She didn’t know. So her select memory is a struggle. She has a big old deal in her head with 50 staples.” Plant City residents wasted no time reaching out to the Bowdens and trying to help. The #BowdenStrong hashtag started trending locally on social media well before Tuesday’s vigil. Many people offered to donate to the Bowden family. “Bowden Strong” t-shirts were quickly made and put up for sale online with all proceeds slated to go directly to the family. The shirts, along with #BowdenStrong bracelets, were available for people to take at

the vigil when they went up to put some money in the donations box. Charlie said the response the family has gotten from the community — whether it’s friends and family, his coworkers at Badcock Home Furniture, Plant City High School, First Baptist Church of Plant City or even old friends from long ago — has been incredible. “We’ve felt all the prayers from Plant City, even from friends I haven’t talked to in 30 years,” he said. “It’s just blown us away.” Many Bible verses were shared at the Tuesday evening vigil, but one in particular stood out: Isaiah 41:10. It’s been a fixture in the #BowdenStrong merchandise and was read to close the ceremony. It’s the ultimate confidence booster, an assurance that having a little faith will go a long way in one woman’s fight to get her life back. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” The Guynn family always knew of the Bowdens, but Lindsey’s accident brought them together. They knew exactly what Lindsey was up against from their own experience. Six years ago, when Brock Guynn was 14 years old and four-wheeling with friends

in Georgia, he got into an accident that left him with a traumatic brain injury of his own. He, too, ended up at the Shepherd Center after winning a fight for his life at a hospital in Savannah, Georgia. He said Lindsey is in good hands at the Shepherd Center. “They helped me get back, kind of, athletically,” he said. “I was heavy into soccer and my focus of getting back was to play soccer again. Not being able to walk again wasn’t really an option. I fought and did everything I could to get back on my feet. The Shepherd Center is a phenomenal rehabilitation center… it’s very, very wonderful.” When Lindsey’s accident happened, mutual friends reached out to the Guynns to build a connection and they jumped at the chance to support the Bowdens. They knew they had to be there for this family, even if they barely knew each other beforehand. “We have a lot of close friends of theirs who are friends of ours and they called us right away to ask us to pray, and if we could be there for them,” Monica Guynn said. “That’s certainly what we’re called to do now — to remind people that miracles are still real and that God is still big. We need to support each other and be there in prayer for one another.”

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020

PLANT CITY

This week on Cops Corner:

Observer

Plant City Police investigated a stolen forklift, a stolen iPhone, a stolen Genie lift

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

and more.

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com

SEPTEMBER 25

ing money at Walmart. He met JAAP program criteria and was released.

NOW FORK IT OVER 2500 block of Frontage Park Place Grand theft: Officers found a forklift behind a business and learned that it was stolen from a construction site.

SEPTEMBER 26

SEPTEMBER 28 TOOL TROUBLE 2100 block of West Lowry Avenue Vehicle burglary: This complainant stated someone burglarized his vehicle during the night of Sept. 27 and stole approximately $1,500 worth of miscellaneous tools.

SHOPPING SPREE 900 block of South Collins Street Fraud: This complainant stated someone fraudulently spent $1,127.92 at Advance Auto Parts.

SEPTEMBER 30 EASY PICKINGS

Multiple locations Vehicle burglary: A complainant at the 1800 block of West Washington Street stated someone 2300 block of North Park Road entered their unlocked 2007 NisGrand theft: This complainant san vehicle and stole a Ruger 1911 stated someone stole his iPhone, SEPTEMBER 29 .45 caliber handgun and a pair valued at $1,700, while he was eatof black Samsung earbuds. The ing at the Burger King at the above KEY FOB CHAOS items were valued together at aplisted location. proximately $1,200. A complain610 block of Sandalwood Drive ant at the 1910 block of East TimVehicle burglary: This complainSEPTEMBER 27 ber Lane stated someone stole ant stated someone entered his vehicle sometime during the previ- his Smith and Wesson Sigma .40 GETTING A SECOND CHANCE caliber handgun from his unlocked ous night, ransacked it and stole vehicle overnight. A complainant its key fob. 2600 block of James L. Redman at the 1000 block of Sandalwood Parkway Drive stated Theft: A juvenile was caught stealFAST FOOD, FAST HANDS

Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com

someone entered his unlocked vehicle overnight and stole a Taurus Millennium Pro .45 caliber handgun and a custom hunting knife. Then, while checking the Sandalwood Drive area, officers found another vehicle’s door ajar at the 1410 block of Sandalwood Drive. The vehicle’s owner was alerted and she found that her wallet and work cell phone were missing.

Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

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Advertising / Richard Brame richard@plantcityobserver.com

600 block of South Collins Street Burglary: This complainant stated unknown suspect(s) entered a fenced-in area of Taylor Rental and stole a Genie bucket lift valued at $5,000.

Advertising / Karen Berry kberry@plantcityobserver.com

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020

COMMUNITY GIVES MUCH FEEDBACK ON PROPOSED GAS STATION Proposed development on a piece of land on East Alsobrook Street spurred a nearly hour-long community conversation at the most recent city commission meeting. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The site in question is at the corner of East Alsobrook Street and South Park Road. Across the street is the BP Gas & Pop’s Food Mart. Robyn Baker, Planning & Zoning senior planner, reminded commissioners this preliminary hearing would just be about rezoning. Typically it is not a site-based plan, so the details of what could come down the road are not usually presented. However, the applicant did present its vision: a gas station and storage unit. The proposed storage unit is a three-story climate controlled facility with a smaller building in front that would serve as a gas station. Between the two buildings would be the types of pumps that would service large trucks with normal pumps in the front of the gas station for smaller vehicles. One citizen wrote commissioners expressing their concern about the site becoming a truck stop. Peter Pensa, the applicant’s representative, negated that by saying there wasn’t room for trucks to park for long periods of time as the space was small toward the back of the lot. He simply said, “This is not a truck stop.” The parking on site is there for truck drivers to run in, use the facilities and buy some coffee before getting back in their trucks and heading on their way. This is a gas station and Pensa pointed out that much of the surrounding land was

zoned for commercial/industrial use or had a future land-use designation as commercial/industrial. Commissioner Mike Sparkman — who reminded commissioners this was his industry and he was involved in the gas business for years — reviewed the plan and added that he doesn’t see the concern because there are very few pumps on site. Mayor Rick Lott added that there was a large wetland on the site that will not be touched and will act as a natural buffer to the property. Bruce Sperry spoke on behalf of his client who owns property on Alsobrook Street — Mid Florida Planning Development — and said the increase in traffic was a concern. Rather than have a zoning change, he recommended the C-1 zoning not be approved and the city make it a planned development district so the commissioners will have the final say on everything that goes within the plat, rather than approving the rezoning and then potentially having the developer change things down the road. Sperry said all of the concerns raised that evening would be best handled through a planned development district, as the commissioners could then make sure every concern was addressed. Concepts are hard to track and Sperry said they deserved to have a full plan before the rezoning was approved. One of the most compelling arguments of the evening came from Pat Dexter, the executive director for Plant City Housing

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Authority, who spoke as a citizen during the public comment. “I have concerns,” Dexter said. “And Mr. Sperry has just done such a great job because I do not believe it should be a C-1. I mean, I know all of the acronyms because I’m in the housing profession, but I do know that from my own home I already see the traffic backed up there on East Alsobrook every day because of the buses to and from school. That’s a busy road and a busy intersection, and it’s getting heavy traffic for some reason. The people are having quite a difficult time getting even out of driveways… I not only work in this area, I live here. I drive here. For some reason there’s an accident monthly at that intersection. I’ve been in an accident there myself. We don’t know what the problem is, but there’s a problem and there is an accident there monthly.” Another speaker agreed with Sperry’s suggestion, saying that if there is to be something of this size, it needs to happen under a planned development district. The applicant responded by explaining why they were asking for a C-1 rather than a C-1A, which was to allow for the storage facility on the property. Baker reminded those listening that this was the first of many steps before they could finalize this project. When it came to concerns regarding traffic, she said traffic studies are a part of the process — though that would be through Hillsborough County as they are county

roads — but that none of that is done at this stage. “The future land use for the property is commercial now and a good part of the reason for that is because Alsobrook now is considered a collector street, Park Road is an arterial,” Baker said. “So our comprehensive plan encourages these types of — not this particular type of use — but neighborhoods serving commercial type uses at these what we call nodes, that’s the intersections of either arterials to arterials, collectors to collectors, collectors to arterials, you know that’s the same. In this particular kind of situation even if this was a residential future land use with a Residential 12 in the neighborhood, they would still be considered for that locational criteria because this is one of our bigger nodes that we want to see these commercial type uses at these intersections. So that’s why that commercial designation is there instead of a residential designation.” Lott chimed in once more, saying a storage facility really was the lightest traffic use you could potentially put on the property. Gas stations have much higher traffic coming in, but when the studies are done they will have a grasp on how many trucks and other vehicle traffic they can expect on the property. That will come later during a site plan.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020

‘PIG MEN’ AND MORE THANK CHAMBER RESUMES DOWNTOWN EVENTS FIRST RESPONDERS WITH The past few weekends have seen several events in downtown Plant City including the Car Show and the Bike Show. FREE BBQ LUNCH BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

A local barbecue group showed its support for area first responders by cooking hundreds of pounds of tasty food for them on Oct. 3. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Sometimes there’s no better way to thank someone than to fix them a plate of food. The Plant City Pig Men, a group of residents that have barbecued together since 1991, know that as well as anyone. That’s why they spent this past Saturday, Oct. 3, smoking for South Florida Baptist Hospital workers and local first responders. “We usually do just a barbecue for the neighbors and family members once a year,” Pig Men member George Padilla said. “This year we decided, with everything going on in the world, to do something for these first responders… we got a bunch of people together and we started doing what we do. We just grill.” The Pig Men made it happen with help from around the Plant City community. In fact, the idea to have a barbecue was first pitched to Padilla and Dr. John Aime by Lisa Molinari. Aime coordinated with

the hospital to get access to its Oak Avenue auxiliary lot next to Maryland Fried Chicken and the Pig Men rounded up hundreds of pounds of food to cook and give away. Padilla said there was more than 200 pounds of pork cooked that day, and six turkeys, beans, cole slaw, cookies and bottled water were also served. Others who stepped up to lend their support include Brewington’s Towing, JC’s Sandwich Shop, AEC Services Inc., Dr. Dan Middlebrooks and First Call-First Responder Church, Toufayan Bakery and Josh Royse, to name a few. “For us, personally, we’ve been seeing a lot of negativity between the COVID and between the first responders,” Molinari said. “This is a ‘thank you.’ It’s giving them support and letting them know that those of us in the community back them, we appreciate the long hours that everybody’s putting in… it was a great opportunity for us to get together and do something.”

After months of being disbanded due to the ongoing pandemic, events are beginning to trickle back into downtown Plant City. Several major events have already been revised to continue social distancing and abide by the mask mandate. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce hosted one of the first major events in downtown on Sept. 19 when it had classic and unique vehicles roll into town for the long-awaited Strawberry Classic Cruise-In. Just this past weekend, the parking lot was full of motorcycles as bikers from all over the state rode in for the much-loved Bike Fest. The event will return Dec. 5. “When March hit and shut down events, we turned our focus toward advocacy and working very closely with local, state and federal organizations to act as a bridge for our businesses,” Christine Miller, chamber president, said. “It has never been more important than now to help businesses. So that has been our focus, we are standing here fighting for their best interests.” While many businesses were sending employees home due to the pandemic, the chamber staff buckled down and got busier than ever. It partnered with the City of Plant City, Plant City Main Street and the Plant City EDC to birth the “I Support Local” campaign, it revamped the Candidate Forum into a virtual experience for all local voters and it also redid its website and focused its social media toward keeping businesses informed of all the changing rules, regulations and assistance available. Other organizations are bringing back their downtown events as well. Main Street has hosted some events, including the Harry Potter Birthday Celebration, and it is planning to host a Halloween-themed Last Friday in Downtown event on Oct. 30.

The Garden Fest drew several vendors two weeks ago to downtown, as did Jensen’s Paint for a Cure. At the chamber, safety was key to being ready to resume its visible outdoor events. Behind closed doors, however, the organization has been working nonstop since the moment the pandemic swept into town. Though many things can be handled safely, the chamber is not yet throwing the door wide open and picking up precisely where it left off seven months ago. Everything is on an event-by-event basis. Networking luncheons are back, though they have been modified to accommodate social distancing. Lunches are also boxed in advance and distributed rather than being served buffet-style to limit exposure to the food. Most of the chamber’s outdoor events, however, are on the table. Sophia Hyde, community relations manager, said they feel comfortable hosting outdoor events as they easily accommodate people while still maintaining social distancing. Of course, even outdoor events look a little different. There are signs that remind attendees to wear a mask and stay away from parties they did not arrive with. Vendors at the events have to tape down a line with markers for every six feet. They must also have hand sanitizer available for those who stop at their booths. The chamber’s next event is its Networking Luncheon, which will be held at 11:30 a.m. this morning at the Arthur Boring Civic Center at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds. This lunch is the Plant City NonProfit Showcase and is sponsored by the Florida Strawberry Festival. It will feature 20 local nonprofits and will have a boxed lunch available for those who attend. You can register at PlantCity.org and tickets are $25 for members and $30 for non-members.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020

BANNING STEPPING DOWN FROM YMCA BOARD After many decades serving on the Plant City Family YMCA’s board of directors, as well as other YMCA boards, George Banning has decided to take a step back. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

As soon as George Banning retired from the United States Air Force, he knew of one thing he wanted to do right away: get involved with the local YMCA. That was in Columbus, Ohio in 1969. Banning’s love for the Y never wavered and ever since then, even when life took him all the way down to Florida, he stayed active as a board member wherever he went. He’s been active with the Plant City Family YMCA since the 1990s and has been on the board of directors in several roles — including president — in his time in Plant City. He’s finally decided it’s time to “take a break” from the board. “I thought, after 20 years, it’s probably my time to say goodbye,” Banning said. “I didn’t say I would quit, nor did I say I wouldn’t participate… I’ve stopped getting up at 5 a.m., if you want to know the truth. Not that 7:30 is such a hard time to come, but I just felt that every once in a while, you need to take a break.” Banning excelled at fundraising and served on the Plant City board as major donor chairman and chairman of the Strong Leader banquet. He also won the Plant City Y’s Strong Leader Award

Courtesy photo

in 2014. Banning was involved with the Dean’s Ride fundraiser from the start, as he was a neighbor and a good friend of namesake Dean Z. Snyder. He was also instrumental in bringing pickleball to the Plant City Y and he said one of his proudest moments as a board member was working with the finance committee. Banning is quick to give credit to his peers for the work they did together to help make the Plant City Y better while he was on the board. In addition to Snyder, whom Banning said would often sit with him to brainstorm ways to help the Y, he also credits Betty Chambers with being a major help and a major influence. He said he has also always loved how the Plant City community has come together to support the Y over the years. “A lot of the things that have been done here at the Y have been done by volunteers,” Banning said. “That’s what makes it so exciting.” Outside of the Y, Banning is the owner/ chairman of Wen-Lake Corp, which owns two Wendy’s restaurants in central Florida. He has managed as many as 13 Wendy’s restaurants at once while living in Florida. He has also been involved with the Rotary Club and the United Food Bank of Plant City, has helped bring the train viewing station and Veterans’ Monument Park to town and won Citizen of the Year in 2019.

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PlantCityObserver.com

BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO OLD BUILDING

The church, formerly Springhead Baptist, is celebrating its “replanting” on Sunday and will debut its new-look interior for the public. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Springhead Baptist Church served its slice of the greater Plant City area for more than 114 years. The church would normally hold its annual homecoming event every October and the building should be full of life and celebration this Sunday as planned. But there’s one big difference: rather than focusing on the 114th anniversary of Springhead Baptist, this will be a celebration of the first year of GraceWay Church Springhead Baptist was officially retired at the end of 2019. On Jan. 1, Pastor DeWayne Howard and his staff officially began operating it as GraceWay, which was the first major step in the church’s “replanting” process. “When I came here, I came with the understanding that I wasn’t coming here to die — I was coming here to bring new life,” Howard said. “In order to do that, we were gonna take whatever steps were needed to make that happen.” Howard calls this a replant because GraceWay is using Springhead’s existing building and facilities, but it has otherwise opted to start completely fresh. This is a new church with new leadership, new staff, new goals and a largely new congregation. Renovations started in January and GraceWay opted to start indoors. The foyer has been refreshed and livened up, new flooring has been installed and a fresh coat of paint has been applied. The children’s and youth areas have come a long way, which will enhance the children’s and student ministries the church has brought along. But the biggest thing people will notice is the new-look sanctuary, which has been almost completely redone from floor to ceiling. GraceWay upgraded the main stage, got all new seating, changed the floor’s carpeting, added stained glass

motifs to the windows for a traditional vibe, installed new streaming, sound and lighting systems and added a cherry on top in the form of an eye-catching, backlit cross as the centerpiece of the stage’s backdrop. The wood-paneled ceiling was left untouched, but the lighting and sound rigs that used to criss-cross along it have been cleaned up. GraceWay will use the existing projectors until they go out, at which point the church will get LED panels. Outdoor renovations to landscaping, the roadside sign, the building exterior and more, Howard said, should “hopefully” be done within the next year. The COVID-19 pandemic may have made things complicated for the church, but it didn’t stop progress. Howard and the staff transitioned to outdoor services and continued to grow the congregation, which eclipsed 115 people by March. GraceWay is aiming to get more young people and families in the building, but all are welcome. Now that restrictions have eased and the church is celebrating its new beginning, Howard said Plant City will see GraceWay members actively lending a helping hand around town more often. The church has worked with the United Food Bank of Plant City, Pregnancy Care Center and more already, but that’s just the beginning. GraceWay invites anyone interested to stop by the church, 3106 S. Wiggins Road, at 11 a.m. Sunday to celebrate, worship and maybe even find their new safe haven. “For us, it really doesn’t matter how you are, where you’ve been or what you’ve done,” Howard said. “We all have a past. But we all have a future. We’re focused on the ‘grace way,’ which is the future. We’re pointing people to God’s grace and leading them to become fully devoted followers of Christ. That’s really who we are.” For more information, visit graceway365. com.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020

SATURDAYS IN THE GARDEN

The Plant City Commons Community Garden is reclaiming weekends with a full calendar of events from now until the end of the year. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Plant Fest drew a continuous stream of visitors to the Plant City Commons Community Garden last weekend. Those who wished to spruce up their yards with some unique plants and heirloom seeds to their home gardens, swung by to pick out their foliage. Members of the PCCCG stood by as volunteers to offer advice, talk about the garden and chat about the intricate calendar for the rest of the year at the hidden gem in Plant City. “It’s been a real benefit to us, while not too many people have taken advantage of our space so we have a low volume of traffic here, it’s very easy to come and wander and walk and sit and there’s ample space for physical distancing,” Community Gardens President Karen Elizabeth said. “That has been a real bonus. Particularly for our members who have been comfortable being at the garden and taking care of their plants. And even in the greenhouse it’s really easy to move around and converse and stay in touch while still being safe.” Because of the sheer size of the outdoor space the PCCCG hasn’t skipped a beat throughout the pandemic. Now that things are starting to reopen the garden is filling its calendar with physical distanced events. Last weekend was the Plant Fest and the raised earth box workshop. Every second Saturday at 9 a.m. is the volunteer day at the gardens. The second and fourth Saturday the Seed Library opens to the public at 9 a.m. You can choose to donate or take heirloom seeds home with you to “help keep diversity in our local food system.” The second Saturday of each month also has Yoga for a Cause with Rebecca at 8:30 a.m. where attendees can bring their own yoga mat and do some yoga outside with a guide. Donations will help rebuild the garden pond area at the garden. If you want to add another yoga day to your schedule

come back on the fourth Saturday of every month at 8:30 a.m. with your own mat for Yoga Loves Gardens Fresh Air Flow. Plant City Yoga hosts this morning yoga session to help attendees learn and expand their yoga practice. This event has a $10 suggested donation. The theme for the PCCCG truly is that Saturdays are for gardening. On Saturday, Oct. 17 at 8:30 a.m. the community can participate in a Refrigerator Pickle Workshop. The suggested donation is $20 and a RSVP is required. RSVP to Karen at 813435-8111 or at 12circle8@gmail.com. During this workshop you will have a discussion, instruction and then will be provided the container and ingredients to create your take home Bread and Butter pickles. By November the hope is that fall will finally be in the air in Florida. PCCCG will host a Fire Cider Workshop at 9 a.m. on Nov. 7 that will teach attendees how to make and store their cider. Fire Cider “is said to restore and invigorate one's system and additionally many claim it has benefits that include boosting energy, warding off colds.” There is a $20 suggested donation and RSVP is required. “We kind of wanted to get into things that people can do at home and have a little hands on with preparing some nutritious things that people can easily do either as adults or even with their kids,” Elizabeth said. “We want to reintroduce people to gardening and the benefits of this town having a community garden. And for those avid gardeners we want to offer a place for them to be surrounded by their fellow gardeners where they can bounce ideas off one another and get involved in this space.” There are several other events scheduled through the end of the year. To stay up-todate on what PCCG is hosting follow the group on Facebook or visit plantcitycommunitygarden.com.

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GRACEWAY CHURCH

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020

WEEKLY COVID-19 UPDATE Here’s a quick snapshot of the current spread of COVID-19 throughout Florida and Tampa Bay. BREANNE WILLIAMS

HOSPITALIZATIONS

STAFF WRITER

COVID-19 is still infecting thousands across the state. The Florida Department of Health reported on Tuesday that there were 2,251 new COVID-19 cases and 59 additional coronavirus-related deaths. This latest data brings the state’s total number of infected since March up to 720,125 people. Florida has now had 14,945 people die from COVID-19. If you zoom in, the Florida Department of Health reported there were 418 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday in Tampa Bay and four coronavirus-related deaths in the area. Breaking that up by county shows Pinellas County has two deaths, Hernando and Citrus have one each and there were no deaths in Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco or Polk counties. It’s also important to note that deaths are not always reported immediately. Sometimes the cause of death will be reported up to two weeks later, which does lead to delayed representations of where the community is currently at. BY COUNTY

3106 S. WIGGINS ROAD PLANT CITY, FL 33566 GRACEWAY365.COM

Hillsborough County has had a large percentage of the infections since March. If you add Tuesday’s data, there have now been 43,166 cases and 674 deaths in Hillsborough. Pinellas is the second-largest with 22,603 cases and 772 deaths. Polk follows closely behind with 20,587 cases and 534 deaths. Then there is a large decline. Manatee County’s latest numbers show there have been 11,848 cases and 298 deaths. Pasco has had 9,538 cases and 211 deaths. Hernando has had 3,259 cases and 139 deaths. Citrus has had the smallest impact of all with 2,863 cases and 112 deaths.

The number most local leaders and medical experts have been studiously watching has been the rate of hospitalizations in the region. As of Tuesday afternoon, approximately 25 percent of the hospital beds in the state were available. ICUs across the state have 24 percent of their beds open. The number is a little lower in Tampa Bay with only approximately 21 percent of hospital beds open and 16 percent of ICU beds available. On Tuesday, Florida added 237 hospitalizations due to COVID-19. Of these, 59 were reported admissions in Tampa Bay. As of Tuesday afternoon, there were currently 2,146 people in the hospital due to coronavirus. Here in Tampa Bay, 463 patients are admitted with a primary diagnosis of COVID-19, according to the Agency for Health Care Administration. The state has now had 45,519 people hospitalized for COVID-19 since March. POSITIVITY RATE There is still debate over the best way to measure the positivity rate of the state. The Florida Department of Health does not use positive retests in its calculation of positivity rates, so without accounting for all of those tests it has recorded a weekly average positivity rate of 4.43 percent. That method, many argue, is not an accurate snapshot. Johns Hopkins University has been supplying the public with its analysis as well. The University includes retests and announced Tuesday morning the state’s positivity rate was 10.97 percent. According to the World Health Organization, a region has to have a positive rate of 5 percent or lower for a span of a minimum of two weeks before it should consider reopening.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020

By Mail – Early – Election Day

Plan Your Vote! Your choices are easy & convenient. VOTE BY MAIL Due by 7 p.m. November 3

To vote by mail, request a Vote By Mail ballot. Track your Vote By Mail ballot online at VoteHillsborough.org/VoteByMail.

VOTE EARLY October 19 – November 1, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Enjoy the flexibility of voting when and where it’s best for you. Vote at any of 26 Early Voting sites between October 19th and November 1st. Find a location to vote early at VoteHillsborough.org/EarlyVoting.

VOTE ON ELECTION DAY November 3, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Remember, on Election Day you must vote in the polling place assigned to you. Look up your Election Day polling place at VoteHillsborough.org.

Questions About Voting? Find the answers you can trust at: VoteHillsborough.org Or call (813) 744-5900 Thank you to Center for Tech and Civic Life for generous grant funding for voter education.

OCTOBER 8, 2020

SPORTS

GAME OF THE WEEK:

PLANT CITY AT TAMPA BAY TECH

The Raiders, fresh out of a battle with Bloomingdale, will look to get back on track this Friday at Tampa Bay Tech.

OTHER GAMES TO WATCH DURANT at Bloomingdale, 7:30 p.m. Last week, the Durant Cougars (2-1) handed Sumner (3-1) its first loss in program history, 34-6. The Cougars looked strong on both sides of the ball and only allowed the Stingrays’ defense to put a touchdown on the board with a fumble recovery. Durant has now scored 61 points and allowed just 19 in its last two games. This week, they’ll travel to Bloomingdale to take on a 3-0 Bulls team that just out-dueled Plant City on the road. Though the end result — a win — was the same as the previous two weeks, that game was different for this year’s Bulls in that it was the first time they weren’t shut out in the first half. With Bloomingdale on the schedule this week and another road game at Lakeland next week, Durant has officially entered the hardest stretch of its schedule. STRAWBERRY CREST

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Plant City Raiders have been chasing victory since winning their 2020 season opener, and they’ve certainly gotten close in their last two games. Last week’s home game against Bloomingdale, a 37-20 loss, saw the Raiders hang in there against the undefeated Bulls. Plant City only trailed by nine points heading into halftime and by 10 heading into the fourth, but Bloomingdale’s defense was able to shut the PCHS offense out in the fourth quarter and its offense added an insurance touchdown that put the win out of the Raiders’ reach. It looks like the previous week’s bye was helpful for the PCHS offense. This is especially true of quarterback Nick Felice, who bounced back from a threeinterception game against Manatee with an efficient stat line: 13 completions on 20 attempts (a jump in single-game completion rate from 45 percent to 65 percent) for 174 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Mario Williams caught both of Felice’s touchdown passes, caught a team-high six balls for 81 yards and chipped in defensively, too, by picking off Bulls quarterback Tre Simmons. Transfer Armani Rhone had his biggest game yet with three catches for 58 yards, good for a team-high 19.3 yards per catch. Junior running back Reggie Bush, whose parents must have been able to see into the future when they picked his name, is still on fire. Bush has run for 100-plus yards in all three of Plant City’s games this season and just posted a season-high 135 yards and a touchdown on

Quick Hits HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY BOOSTING ATHLETIC EVENT ATTENDANCE Hillsborough County Public Schools announced Tuesday the guidelines for sporting event attendance have been eased somewhat, though social distancing and masks/face coverings are still requirements for fans.

BYE

11 carries. Bush and fellow junior Romello Jones (who had four carries for 41 yards and one lost fumble against Bloomingdale) have given the Raiders a strong onetwo punch in the offensive backfield. This week has the Raiders traveling to Tampa to play Tampa Bay Tech, which just snapped its own two-game losing streak with a 47-6 win at East Bay last week. The Titans (2-2) made quick work of the Indians (1-2), scoring 41 of their 47 points in the first half and holding the home team scoreless until the fourth quarter. Tech quarterback David Wright carved the East Bay defense up for 243 passing yards (68.2 percent completion rate) and three touchdowns, plus two of the team’s three rushing touchdowns. Other than the Titans’ season opener at Steinbrenner, where freshman running back Rod Gainey gained 130 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries and sophomore backup quarterback Charles Coney completed seven passes for 106 yards, the TBT offense has depended on Wright to get things done in 2020. The senior has thrown for 792 yards and an average of 20.3 yards per completion, eight touchdowns and just two interceptions. Keep-

“After considerable input from our health partners at TGH and USF Health, we will begin opening our athletic competitions to a larger number of spectators,” HCPS stated in a tweet. “However, we will maintain a strong emphasis on social distancing, face coverings, disinfection and hygiene.”

WHAT’S NEW The limit for football attendance is now 1,500 spectators and participants no longer have to submit a guest list of four people. For vol-

ing an eye on Wright will be the PCHS defense’s top priority Friday night, and they’d do especially well to try and get some pressure on him — both of Wright’s fumbles this season were recovered by the defense. Senior Jamari Gassett (15 catches, 448 yards, four touchdowns) has been Wright’s go-to guy this season. Gainey ran for 35 yards against the Bulls, which was the most a Tech running back (or quarterback) has gained against an opponent since his big night against Steinbrenner. Tech’s 64 total rushing yards were the most the team has gained on an opponent since Steinbrenner by a large margin — the Titans finished with eight rushing yards in their 34-14 loss to Gaither and with 37 in their 25-22 loss to Bloomingdale. Unless Tech has some new tricks up its sleeve ready to go this week, Plant City likely won’t have much to worry about on the ground. If the Raiders’ defense can keep Tech’s aerial attack in check, there’s a very real chance Plant City can finally get that win it’s been chasing. Friday’s kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and if you can’t go to the game, you can watch online at NFHSNetwork.com.

leyball games, the attendance limit is now 400 spectators. Groups attending games together “should be no larger than 10 and maintain six feet of separation between other groups,” HCPS said.

WHAT’S NOT Online ticketing, paperless entry and cashless concessions/parking are to be continued by schools. Spectators are still discouraged from moving around the stadium at will.

Last week, the Strawberry Crest Chargers hosted the Lakeland Dreadnaughts and lost, 44-0, to the 2-0 Polk County powerhouse. Lakeland scored 35 of its 44 points in the first half and became the first Chargers (0-4) opponent to hold the team scoreless in a game this season. The Chargers now enter their bye week and will prepare for their Oct. 16 game at Plant City. IN OTHER NEWS FHSAA regional tournament matchups, which were determined by blind draw, were released Wednesday. Here’s what’s in store for our area teams in November: PLAY-IN GAMES (NOV. 13) Leto at Durant Bloomingdale at Plant City George Jenkins at Strawberry Crest QUARTERFINALS (NOV. 20) Tampa Bay Tech/Bartow winner @ Leto/Durant winner Bloomingdale/Plant City winner @ East Bay/Pinellas Park winner George Jenkins/Strawberry Crest winner @ Armwood/Sickles winner

PlantCityObserver.com

HORROR ENTHUSIASTS, TEST YOUR SPOOKY KNOWLEDGE

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

If you consider yourself a horror film aficionado, you’ll want to swing by Krazy Kup tomorrow evening. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Halloween is a beloved holiday for people of all ages and Krazy Kup has created the perfect event to let you and your family enjoy some spooky fun. The coffee house is hosting its monthly trivia night tomorrow evening, and this time it’s themed entirely around horror movies. If you know all about how pumpkins scream in the dead of night and can name the first victim that fell to Michael Myers’ cold blade, then this trivia night is for you. “It’s going to have a really wide range of movies,” event host Kameron Athey said. “Of course some kid-friendly stuff, but also some slasher movies and old horror movies so it’s really a wide array of different types of ones we are doing. There’s not really a specific type. Last year when we did it it was more kid-friendly, but this time it was a wide array so that the entire family can enjoy. That’s kind of the goal. The kids can have questions they’ll know the answers to and the adults will be challenged with remembering some trivia from some of their favorite films.”

Each month, Krazy Kup hosts a trivia night and this is the second one they’ve held since events shut down across town due to COVID-19. Their first trivia night was Pixar-themed and families stayed all evening to test their knowledge. The event starts at 7 p.m. and it’s a firstcome, first-serve basis. It’s recommended you arrive by 6:30 to get your drinks and snacks and then head up to the loft. You can play solo or as a team. Teams are designated by table so once the tables are full, the game is at capacity. There are three rounds and typically the night lasts for the full hour and a half, which should wrap up at 8:30 p.m. There are eliminations after each round as well as some spooky prizes for the winners. Frank Trunzo, owner of Krazy Kup, said they will also have free drawings throughout the evening for mini monsters. “It’s Halloween, so we are celebrating the holidays,” Trunzo said. “We are bringing happy holidays back to our lives and we want to feel normal again. We have had a monstrous pandemic. We want to be able to start doing things we enjoy again while still feeling safe.” The trivia night is just the first of many holiday-themed events. Throughout the

holidays, there are always themed pastries and sweet treats for those who want to add some extra pizzazz to their experience. A Halloween movie marathon is planned for the end of the month with films ranging from cult classics to modern favorites. There will be a variety of costume contests as well for both children and adults. A new lineup of drinks will also be unveiled soon, hopefully right in time for Halloween. Krazy Kup demands perfection for its products so the staff has been working on perfecting recipes and finding the perfect names for the items for months. To stay up to date on all of the coffeehouse’s events, follow Krazy Kup on Facebook and Instagram.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020

PlantCityObserver.com

IN THE HEART OF PLANT CITY WITH lant City AT HEART

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

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REAL ESTATE

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020 REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Local September 2020 sales and trend information courtesy of The Crawford Group. Permit information was obtained from the City of Plant City. Last month, 74 properties sold at an average price of $256,614, or $133.33 per square foot. Mitchell Crawford, of the Crawford Group, said the average selling price per unit has increased 9.8 percent overall but that only single-digit percentage growth has happened in the last two months. He added there is “only about one month’s worth of inventory supply” available to sell. “The end of the year typically brings added demand from our Northerly neighbors seeking to purchase in the warmer climates.,” Crawford said. “Now even more are looking to move out of the cities, a push to the suburbs, working remotely. This will place more demand on the limited inventory supply. Property inventory is priority number one at the moment.” SEPTEMBER 2020 SALES SNAPSHOT The following properties were a sample listed as sold on the Greater Tampa Realtors Association MLS in September 2020. The home at 1509 Bonnie Loop sold Sept. 3 for $140,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,184 square feet of living area. The home at 1465

Walden Oaks Place sold Sept. 28 for $175,000. Built in 1988, it has two

bedrooms, two baths and 1,340 square feet of living area. The home at 781 Ashentree Drive sold Sept. 23 for $183,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two and a half baths and 1,805 square feet of living area. The home at 1312 Lindsey Road sold Sept. 29 for $192,500. Built in 1946, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,320 square feet of living area. The home at 2219 Pres-

ervation Drive sold Sept. 8 for $204,900. Built in 1992, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,576 square feet of living area. The home at 3407 Berry Blossom Lane sold Sept. 21 for $220,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two and a half baths and 1,764 square feet of living area. The home at 3424 Trapnell Ridge sold Sept. 1 for $224,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,719 square feet of living area. The home at 2631

Walden Woods Drive sold Sept. 30 for $240,000. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,809 square feet of living area.

The home at 1208 Pamela Sue Circle sold Sept. 4 for $260,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,322 square feet of living area. The home at 2008 Via

Napoli St. sold Sept. 18 for $304,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,234 square feet of living area. The home at 3522 Kilmer Drive sold Sept. 2 for $329,900. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,169 square feet of living area. The home at 2921 Club-

house Drive sold Sept. 10 for $359,000. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,561 square feet of living area. The home at 3629 Smith Ryals Road sold Sept. 9 for $380,000. Built in 1987, it has four bedrooms, two and a half baths and 2,153 square feet of living area.

The home at 2013 Via Napoli Street sold Sept. 1 for $389,000. Built in 2012, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,040 square feet of living area. The home at 823 N.

Wilder Road sold Sept. 18 for $600,000. Built in 2007, it has six bedrooms, five baths and 4,522 square feet of living area.

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued in Plant City for the month of September 2020, in order of dollar amounts. Address

Permit

Amount

2615 E. U.S. Highway 92

Commercial/industrial building

$12,000,000

941 Walden Pond Drive

Amusement/social/recreation

$592,900

301 N. Alexander St.

Commercial alteration

$400,000

918 Walden Pond Drive

Single family detached

$310,023

915 Walden Pond Drive

Single family detached

$269,555

923 Walden Pond Drive

Single family detached

$269,555

1901 Industrial Park Drive

Offices

$263,500

2615 E. U.S. Highway 92

Plumbing

$248,163

712 W. Dr. MLK Blvd.

Commercial addition

$240,000

2503 N. Franklin St.

Single family detached

$180,000

1906 Johnson Pointe Drive

Single family detached

$156,300

1904 Johnson Pointe Drive

Single family detached

$156,300

3003 Blakert Court

Single family detached

$156,300

3010 Blakert Court

Single family detached

$156,300

111 Maki Road

Single family detached

$150,000

107 Maki Road

Single family detached

$150,000

591 W. Saunders St.

Single family detached

$140,000

595 W. Saunders St.

Single family detached

$140,000

2615 E. U.S. Highway 92

Plumbing

$139,837

1205 Wood Court

Plumbing

$130,000

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Betty English

Jayne Barton Platt was born on September 9, 1927 in Plant City and left this earth on September 30, 2020. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Betty English, 88, of Plant City, born on November 17, 1931, entered into eternal rest on October 5, 2020. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Amos ‘Wayne’ Dewain Bingham, Jr.

Connie Dorothea Dennison

Amos “Wayne” Dewain Bingham, Jr., 56, of Dover, born on February 27, 1964, entered into eternal rest on October 3, 2020. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Connie Dorothea Dennison, 69, of Plant City, passed away on October 1, 2020. The family will receive friends Saturday, October 10, 2020 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.

Jose Juventino Luna Guerrero

Paul N. Bryant Taking care of is what of Dover, Paul N. Bryant, 86, James “Jimmy” Tarver, 37, ofeach other

community

passed away on Wednesday, Dover, passed away on OctoSeptember 23, 2020. Paul ber 2, 2020. Services will be was born April 18, 1934 in held privately. Dover. Visitation will be 10 am Online condolences may with a we’re funeral service at 11 be left for the family at www. dedicated to helping families create a W E ’ RE P RO U D TO S E RV E our community and meaningful memorial that with personal, compassionate care since 1896.on unique am Saturday, October 10,truly haught.care. celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, 2020 at First Baptist Dover. > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability > The Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Assistance Please visit www.WellsMemorial.com for details and to R offer condolences. Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival.

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Taking care of each other is what

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Betty R. Lalonde community

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM

is Betty all about. R. Lalonde, 83, of Valrico,

Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy

813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com

passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. Betty was we’re dedicated to helping families create a W E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E our community born 17, 1937. unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. February the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, Fondcelebrates memories and expres> 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability sions of>sympathy be The Compassionmay Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Assistance shared at www.WellsMemorial. Rthe Lalonde family. com for M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival.

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Willie S. Todd Willie S. Todd, 70, of Plant City, born on June 22, 1950, entered into eternal rest on October 4, 2020. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

James ‘Jimmy’ Tarver

Jose Juventino Luna Guerrero, 67, of Plant City, passed away on October 3, 2020. The family will receive friends Friday, October 9, 2020 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd. Plant City, FL 33563. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020

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Jayne Barton Platt

Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020

BEST BET SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 FOX SQUIRREL CORN MAZE

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Futch Entertainment presents the ninth annual Fox Squirrel Corn Maze at 3002 Charlie Taylor Road North, featuring a corn maze, pumpkins for sale, hayrides, games and simply enjoying the great outdoors! There will be food, fall cakes, roasted corn, boiled peanuts, kettle corn, shaved ice, honey and more yummy delights. Vendors will feature pumpkin painting, a butterfly experience, arts and crafts, handmade children’s clothing, face painting, horse and pony rides and more. Most vendors are cash only and there is no ATM on site. Fox Squirrel Corn Maze is open Oct. 10 through Nov. 1 on Saturdays and Sundays only. Guests are asked to exit the venue by 6 p.m. See FoxSquirrelCornMaze.com for COVID-19 restrictions, rules and pricing. File photo

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8 PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS

7:30 to 9 a.m. Join the Plant City Toastmasters for breakfast, laughs, and fun; there’s no better way to start your Thursday mornings. Bring a chair and a mask. The Toastmasters also offer Zoom meetings for those who can’t make it in person. Visit the Facebook page, facebook.com/ PlantCityToastmasters/, for meeting locations and information.

BATON TWIRLING CLASSES

Plant City Recreation presents Baton Twirling Classes at the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St. Classes are held every Thursday. Beginner classes are from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Intermediate classes are from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Your first class will be free. If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Barbara Patrick at 813-626-4554.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 HORROR MOVIES TRIVIA NIGHT

7 p.m. What better way to celebrate October than with a Horror Movie-themed Trivia Night at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd.? Play a free, family-friendly game of trivia with a chance to win prizes.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 THE WRITERS’ LOFT

9 a.m. The Writers’ Loft is back at Krazy

Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. The Writers’ Loft is a place for writers, poets, artists, musicians, professors, politicians and, yes, even “numbskulls” meet to learn, share ideas, be creative, get guidance and fellowship together. There is a $5 charge for admission, which includes a free drink.

VOLUNTEER DAY AT PCC COMMUNITY GARDEN

9 a.m. Spend a couple of hours in the Plant City Commons Community Garden, 2001 E. Cherry St. There are always projects that need special talent and attention. You do not have to be a gardener. You can help by building, painting, cutting, drilling and more. Volunteer days are the second Saturday of every month. Call (813) 435-8111 for more information.

SEED LIBRARY OPEN AT PCC COMMUNITY GARDEN

SUNDAY, OCT. 11 GRACEWAY CHURCH GRAND OPENING

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. GraceWay Church, 3106 S. Wiggins Road, is a new church in Plant City that is kicking off with a grand opening to the community. GraceWay Kids is provided for Birth-5th grade. Social distancing and masks are encouraged. All precautions have been taken to make sure this event is safe for all members and guests. Visit graceway365.com for more information.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS

9 a.m. Choose or donate heirloom seeds at the Seed Library in the Plant City Commons Community Garden, 2001 E. Cherry St. This helps keep diversity in the local food system. The library is open on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. Call (813) 435-8111 for more information.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Federal, state and local opportunities are constantly changing. If you’ve served any time in the military, retired nor non retention, and would like to review your benefits, please take advantage of free assistance at the Bing House Museum, 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walk-ins welcomed or call 813-704-5800 to set a specific time. Masks are required and temperatures will be taken at the door.

OPEN MIC NIGHT

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15

7 to 8:30 p.m. Open Mic Night is back at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. You get to be the show in this “krazy” fun night. To sign up, visit https://forms.gle/ tYPLqRiyYBmNTtCP9.

PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS

7:30 to 9 a.m. Join the Plant City Toastmasters for breakfast, laughs, and fun; there’s no better way to start your Thursday mornings. Bring a chair and a mask.

The Toastmasters also offer Zoom meetings for those who can’t make it in person. Visit the Facebook page, facebook.com/ PlantCityToastmasters/, for meeting locations and information.

BATON TWIRLING CLASSES

FRIDAY, OCT. 16 RETRO MOVIE NIGHT

7 to 8:30 p.m. Visit Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., for Retro Movie Night. This month’s feature is the animated Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993) and there will be a special showing of an episode from the 1966 Batman TV series before the movie begins.

SATURDAY, OCT. 17 STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

3 to 8 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is back this Saturday, rain or shine. Cars and trucks manufactured in or before 1995 can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music by DJ John Paul Gasca.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given that on Friday, October 23, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Pursuant to Florida Statutes 83.801-83.809, Ballard Mini-Storage and Affordable Storage formally Personal Mini Storage, 4935 Dr. Martin L. King Blvd., Plant City, FL 33566 will conduct a sale for cash to the highest bidder or otherwise dispose of the contents of rental units. Management reserves the right to refuse any bid. The rental units are leased to and believed to contain household, personal, business and miscellaneous items:

$85

ed free

Emergency TILE & GROUT Emergency

Water 24-HR. 24-HR. Water Extractions Extractions 50c per sq.ft. Storm, Storm, Broken Pipes, Broken Pipes, etc. etc. Steam Cleaned

Unit B-53 Lynda Irene Craig

Unit C-76 Jesus Garza

Unit C-78 John Brian Sharp, III

Unit C-83 Humberto Soto Soto

Unit C-93 Kenneth Lamar Gainey, Jr.

Unit C-120 Donald Eugene Kappes

Unit C-122 Cynthia Anderson

Unit C-134 John E. Stanley

Unit C-135 Robert Martinez

Unit & C-137 Jose A. Garza TILE GROUT

Steam Cleaned

Steam Cleaned Unit T-170 Famco Handyman Service

3 Rooms $85

Unit T-234 Carlos L. Solano 50c per sq.ft.

includes Hallway cleaned free

Unit T-247 Bethany Anne Blattner

Unit C-141 Larry Bruce Hughes, Jr. Unit T-209 Johnny Ray Costine Unit T-241 Arturo Montoya-Lara Unit T-279 Dale Allen White

Water Extraction 24-Hr Service | Carpet Dyeing & Repairs www.AllSaintscc.com 813-986-1266 813-986-1266 813-986-1266 www.AllSaintscc.com 813-986-1266 www.AllSaintscc.com Call for details (813) 752-3977 or (813) 707-1044

| Carpet Dyeing & Repairs

ntscc.com

CARPETS

287396-1

Unit B-25 Kimberly Dawn Lewis

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. 8 High: 91 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 10%

FRIDAY, OCT. 9 High: 90 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 20%

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Oct. 8

7:25a

7:06p

Friday, Oct. 9

7:26a

7:05p

Saturday, Oct. 10

7:26a

7:04p

Sunday, Oct. 11

7:27a

7:03p

Monday, Oct. 12

7:27a

7:01p

Tuesday, Oct. 13

7:28a

7:01p

Wednesday, Oct. 14

7:29a

6:59p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, OCT. 10 High: 90 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 60%

SUNDAY, OCT. 11 High: 90 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 50%

OKRA Steve Paul spotted this hummingbird moth in the Cork area and snapped a photo.

ONLINE

Shipping point: Central Florida $12.35-$12.85

ACROSS 1 Weed whackers 5 Annoy 9 Macbeth, by birth 13 Saintly glows 15 Impressionist 16 Lola’s nightclub, in song 17 Like an old joke 18 Wind that’s worth a warning 19 Idi of Uganda 20 Deer hunter’s dinner, perhaps 23 Holy Ohio city? 26 Bridal bio word 27 Sault __ Marie 28 “I think,” to a texter

29 Childlike race in “The Time Machine” 32 Learn thoroughly 34 Cutting in half, in math class 37 Seine summers 38 Lincoln or Ford 39 Love, in Spain 42 Nearby 47 Fidel who overthrew Batista 49 Aussie birds that don’t fly 50 San Francisco’s __ Valley 51 Diplomatic VIP 52 NBA tiebreakers

54 Sports team swaps 56 Attributed speaker of the circled words 60 Medical suffix 61 Sentry’s “Stop!” 62 Swiss peak in an Eastwood film title 66 Eye part 67 Oil cartel letters 68 Iced tea wedge 69 Icelandic poetic work 70 PC repair person 71 Avec’s opposite DOWN 1 Suffers from 2 One of an inning’s three

3 Pitcher’s stat 4 Soothing cream 5 Carol kings 6 Hoppy brews, for short 7 Serious criminal 8 Portmanteau for a false ally 9 “Beat it, feline!” 10 Is remembered 11 Addictive narcotic 12 Oil cartel ship 14 Started the grass-growing process 21 __ me tangere: “Don’t touch me” 22 Place to park it 23 Ocean motion 24 Skip over 25 Age-old romantic adage 30 A single time 31 “__ it my best” 33 Graceful pond swimmer 35 “That __ fair!” 36 Fedora feature 40 Great Plains tribe 41 Deli breads 43 Pants, briefly 44 Someone who’s good, and obviously knows it 45 Skips, as class 46 Tel Aviv’s land 47 Sweet-talk 48 Got a smile out of 53 Suffix with land or sea 55 Spring zodiac sign 57 “Insecure” Emmy nominee __ Rae 58 Knighted actor Guinness 59 Draw with acid 63 ABC show for early risers, briefly 64 Long, long time 65 ICU workers

Oct. 16 New

Oct. 21 First

Oct. 31 Full

Oct. 12 Last

RAINFALL Monday, Sept. 28

0.40

Tuesday, Sept. 29 1.35 Wednesday, Sept. 30

0.00

Thursday, Oct. 1 0.00 Friday, Oct. 2

0.00

Saturday, Oct. 3 0.14 Sunday, Oct. 4

0.57

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2020 49.43 in.

2020 10.23 in.

2019 34.69 in.

2019 1.30 in.

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020

when treating a heart attack or stroke, time is of the essence. even during these times.

Don’t hesitate when it comes to getting emergency treatment. Even during a pandemic, you still need to be treated immediately if you have an emergency. Debating whether or not to risk going to an emergency room during a heart attack, stroke or other health emergency—waiting even a few extra minutes—could be harmful. That’s why in

20-1213541-0920

all BayCare hospital emergency rooms, patients who have symptoms of COVID-19 are screened and treated in a separate area. This helps keep emergency room patients and our team members safe. So if it’s an emergency, don’t wait. For more information: BayCareEmergencyCare.org