11.17.17 PCTO by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY TIMES &

Observer

Plant City busts a move.

SEE PAGE 9.

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 5, NO. 20

YOUR TOWN Strawberry Festival concert lineup The Florida Strawberry Festival released its 2018 concert lineup Monday. Tickets will go on sale at 8 a.m. Dec. 7 and can be purchased online at www. FLStrawberryFestival.com, at the Amscot Main Ticket Office located at 2209 W. Oak Ave. in Plant City or over the phone at 813-754-1996. The new GT Grandstands seating area will accommodate 9,200 total guests but, unlike prior years, admission to headline shows will no longer be free. Beginning in January, specials, discounts and free entertainment will be announced online.

FREE

DNCE 7:30 p.m. $40 FRIDAY, MARCH 2 JERRY LEE LEWIS 3:30 p.m. $30 JUSTIN MOORE AND DYLAN SCOTT 7:30 p.m. $35 SATURDAY, MARCH 3 CAM 3:30 p.m. $20 THE BAND PERRY 7:30 p.m. $35 SUNDAY, MARCH 4 LEE GREENWOOD 3:30 p.m. $20

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2017

Gimme shelter The rusted shelter at the Courier Field’s south end will be torn down in exchange for a new gazebo. DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

City Commissioners voted unanimously Monday to fund a new project replacing the picnic structure in Courier Field’s south end. Assistant City Manager Bill McDaniel told the commission rust

had begun to overtake the 18-yearold shelter in Courier Field, home to the city’s veterans monument, and would need to be replaced. “This is a case of need creating opportunity,” McDaniel said. The existing shelter was built in 1999. Since then, the city has made a number of upgrades to the park including the creation of the veteran monument and a gazebo at the north end which has become the staging area for Plant City’s Veterans Day and Memorial Day celebrations. McDaniel said original plans for SEE GAZEBO PAGE 6

Daniel Figueroa IV

The new gazebo in Courier Field will match the aesthetics of the pavilion at the north end of the park.

THURSDAY, MARCH 1 JIMMY STURR & HIS ORCHESTRA 10:30 a.m. Free OAK RIDGE BOYS 3:30 p.m. $20

•

Walking among monuments

Let the games

BEGIN

Bob Johnson was sent on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington D.C. to be honored with his peers for Veterans Day. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

When the call came, Bob Johnson was lying in a hospital bed recovering from open heart surgery. Judy Wise, the veterans chairman for the Elks Lodge of Plant City, called in July to offer Johnson, a Vietnam veteran, the opportunity attend the national Parade of Heroes on Veterans Day, just a handful of months following the intensive surgery. “She asked if I would be better, if I would be free to go, and I told her I would clear my schedule and be there,” Johnson said. “It was such an honor to have been nominated to go. The Elks are so good to veterans and I was just so honored to have the opportunity.” Johnson was a helicopter pilot in the war and has been with the Elks for four years. Wise said his animated personality and humble nature made him an obvious pick when the lodge realized they had an opportunity to send a veteran to take part in the event. Without a second thought, the group paid all of the fees to send him on the once-in-a-lifetime trip. She said Johnson has no qualms talking about his exploits overseas but has never once bragged about his service. When Wise called him in the hospital she said she was not prepared for the level of gratitude and excitement Johnson demonstrated.

REBA MCENTIRE 7:30 p.m. $50 MONDAY, MARCH 5 JIMMY FORTUNE 3:30 p.m. $20 JOSH TURNER 7:30 p.m. $25 TUESDAY, MARCH 6 GAITHER VOCAL BAND 3:30 p.m. $25 CASTING CROWNS 7:30 p.m. $30 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7 ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK 3:30 p.m. $30 TRACE ADKINS 7:30 p.m. $25 THURSDAY, MARCH 8 THE LETTERMEN 10:30 a.m. Free DRIFTERS, PLATTERS AND CORNELL GUNTER’S COASTERS 3:30 p.m. $20 I LOVE THE 90S FEATURING VANILLA ICE, TONE LOC AND SALT-N-PEPA 7:30 p.m. $35

SEE JOHNSON PAGE 3

FRIDAY, MARCH 9 CHARLEY PRIDE 3:30 p.m. $20 EARTH WIND & FIRE 7:30 p.m. $40 SATURDAY, MARCH 10 SAWYER BROWN 3:30 p.m. $20 KENNY “BABYFACE” EDMONDS AND ANTHONY HAMILTON 7:30 p.m. $35 SUNDAY, MARCH 11 CHASE BRYANT 3:30 p.m. $20

Turkey Creek Middle School held Olympic Day on Wednesday. SEE PAGE 14

BRAD PAISLEY 7:30 p.m. $50

Courtesy photo Justin Kline

The long jump is one of many events students can compete in.

Bob Johnson salutes the Lincoln Memorial, located near the Washington Monument.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2017

NEWS BRIEFS

Hazardous Tree Removal Tree Trimming Debris Cleanup Land Clearing

and more

Courtesy photo

Optimist Club President Pat Stottlemyer, Cody Cribbs, MacKenzie Steele, Jordan Waters, Flor Ramirez, R.J. Robinson, Jesus Garcia, Plant City High School Principal Susan Sullivan PCHS College and Career Jamie Stephens.

Optimist Club annual Youth Appreciation Ceremony The Plant City Optimist Club held its annual Youth Appreciation Ceremony to recognize eight Plant City High School students for their “outstanding accomplishments.” The banquet was held on Nov. 6 at the Recreation & Parks Department administrative office conference room and more than 50 people attended. Cody Cribbs, MacKenzie Steele, Jordan Waters, Flor Ramirez, R.J. Robinson, Jesus Garcia, Caroline Brummer and Jordin Vance were chosen because of their efforts in academics, athletics and community service work. They were each given an award for their deeds.

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Salute to Veterans exhibit open The Plant City Photo Archives & History Center’s annual “Salute to Veterans” exhibit opened on Veterans Day and will remain on display until Jan. 4. The exhibit features nearly 750 photos of local veterans on display on a slide show, enlargements up to 36” x 48” and 10’ banners. Veterans from the early 1900s up to modern time are highlighted. The exhibit has run since 2005, during which it honored the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII. Betty Barker Watkins gathered over 400 photographs and stories from local veterans to start the exhibit. Copies of the photos on display are available for those interested and veterans who wish to be added to the

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collection may bring them in during regular business hours, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The archive is located at 106 S. Evers St.

Plant City Police Department receives grant The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant has awarded PCPD with 25 Automated External Defibrillator (AED) batteries, which will be used to replace existing batteries of AED’s in the Uniformed Patrol Division. AED units allow for a quick and easy response to cardiac issues. On duty patrol officers use them to increase the radius of coverage for the Plant City area.

Free Christmas Orchestral Extravaganza The Florida Philharmonia Orchastra, which is comprised of members from across Polk and Hillsborough County, is putting on a free holiday concert on Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. The event will have a guest appearance from the Florida Southern College “Mocappellas” singers and will include favorites like “Sleigh Ride,” “Carol of the Drum,” Christmas Eve/Sarajevo,” “White Christmas” and more. This is the second year performing for the group and it is the area’s only all-volunteer orchestra, comprised of 45 musicians. Concerts are held at College Heights United Methodist Church, 942 South Blvd., Lakeland.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2017

“At age 17 I walked where angels feared to tread. When I walked on that campus there were 2,000 acres. There were 14,000 white students. There were 14 black students and I was the only one in journalism. Frightening.” — Jeraldine Williams

Breanne Williams

Jeraldine Williams was honored for her impressive feats in journalism and called on her fellow reporters to make an effort to mentor and guide a student.

A legacy of greatness A Walden Lake resident has been a pioneer for social change her entire life and has broken through every obstacle put in her way. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

When Plant City resident Jeraldine Williams walked through the halls of the School of Journalism at the University of Florida in 1963, she wasn’t just bringing a new mind to the table. She single-handedly revolutionized the program. Williams was the only African American student to have ever passed through those doors, forever integrating the college. At 17 years old she began crafting a legacy, planting seeds in a garden that will blossom for decades to come. Williams was honored Nov. 9 at the Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists’ annual Griot Drum Awards & Scholarship Banquet for her revolutionary life. “At age 17 I walked where angels feared to tread,” Williams said at the banquet. “When I walked on that campus there were 2,000 acres. There were 14,000 white students. There were 14 black students and I was the only one in journalism. Frightening.” A driving force pushing Williams

Courtesy photo

Williams with Mandela at his private home in Qunu, South Africa. Christmas, 1995.

to graduation day was her father. She said the fact he was working so hard to keep her in school and the immense pride he had in his daughter being accepted kept her from ever giving up, despite the trials she underwent to pursue her degree. While on campus she was asked if she grew up in the ghetto, and one girl stared at her for a long period of time before finally asking where her extra bone was that allowed black people to run so fast. Her fellow students decided the best way to handle the integration was to put Williams through social isolation. For four years, every white student on campus acted as if she did

not exist. They did not speak to her. They did not acknowledge her. Williams said she always walked through campus on guard, that she knew all it would take was one person to react violently for things to quickly lose control. She carried that sense of vulnerability around with her for the entirety of her education. For four years, she was alone. But when graduation day arrived, she walked across that stage knowing she could handle anything thrown at her, that she could survive and prosper regardless of the obstacles in her path. While at UF, she joined the Alligator and began a rivalry with a fellow

journalist to compete for the Hearst Awards. Once again, she came out on top. During her senior year at UF, Williams became the first African American to win on the national level of the William Randolph Hearst Writing Competition. She received a silver medallion and a check from U.S. Vice President Hubert Humphrey and William Randolph Hearst Jr. for placing second nationwide. In 2014, the Hearst Foundation featured her during its 50-year anniversary. Her whirlwind career began at the St. Petersburg Times, where she worked as a general assignment reporter. Then she pursued a masters of business administration at Atlanta University, since renamed Clark Atlanta University, so she could have the traditional “black college experience.” By 1972 she was the first black and first female manager in the Hillsborough Savings and Loan industry. Then she pursued a law degree at Florida State University. Though she never studied for the LSAT, she passed with flying colors and was accepted. “I was living a life of leadership, of role modeling, of dispelling untruths, of establishing horizons,” Williams said. “I felt a sense of duty to walk through those doors that were beginning to open for me, to pave the way for others to follow.” Soon after, she became the owner and publisher of the Tallahassee Capitol Outlook weekly newspaper and opened her own law practice. She ended up in the hospital because she was overworked. When the doctor told her she had to slow down she smiled and nodded, then found an inner reserve of energy and continued right where she left off. She would not be left behind. A political revolution was beginning an ocean away and Williams packed her bags to watch history unfold in South Africa with the election of Nelson Mandela. She became a writer for Ebony South Africa and joined an organization that helped educate people on how to vote, as it was the first time in the country’s history people of all races were allowed to vote. On election day, some lines stretched for more than a mile. Some

people waited more than 12 hours to cast a vote. And Williams was there, witnessing the revolutionary experience firsthand. During her five-year stint in the country, Williams had the opportunity to spend the holidays with Mandela and his family. She received the call while in a local hospital. When she accepted the invitation, she made it her mission to give him an unforgettable experience. After much planning, she partnered with Coca-Cola to provide the local children with entertainment and refreshments, decorated Mandela’s house without him knowing and even cooked a traditional American dinner for him and his family to enjoy. She said he had everything he could want, so she aimed, above all else, to simply make him happy. When he awoke before dawn to do his ritual morning exercises, he walked through a path of trees lit with twinkling lights. She was nervous and went to double check everything was in place. Suddenly, he appeared and for the first time in her life, she was struck speechless. He looked at her and said, “You have made this my merriest Christmas.” A plethora of unique and aweinspiring experiences have filled Williams’ years, ranging from meeting world leaders to going on exclusive nocturnal safaris. She is in the process now of capturing each moment in an autobiography, which she hopes to publish soon. Through it all, the one memory that stands above all others was winning the Hearst award all those years ago at UF. That moment set her on a path of success, one she hopes will inspire others to reach for greatness. Williams is once again making history. On Friday, she was the first African American undergraduate alumni to walk across the stage at the UF Grand Guard Reunion, an event which commemorates the 50th anniversary of a graduating class. “Leaving Tampa was my graduation, entering UF was my commencement into an integrated society,” Williams said. “I felt rewarded for having chosen, as a child, to take the path that I took. I felt a sense of success in that I have made a meaningful contribution.”

CHRISTMAS LANE CONTEST OPEN TO PUBLIC

With the holidays approaching, Christmas Lane has partnered with the Plant City Times and Observer and Public Supermarkets Inc. to help two families in need during the holiday season. To nominate a deserving family, send entries of no more than 500 words to Managing Editor Sarah Holt at SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com. Entries must be submitted by Monday, Dec. 4.

File photo

Bob Johnson saluting the flag at the Elks Lodge.

Johnson FROM PAGE 1

“If I had it my way I’d find every veteran in this town and do something for them,” Wise said. “The Elks love their veterans and Bob is just one of the best people in our lodge. I thought of him immediately because he doesn’t have any family, really, and we just wanted to do something special for him.” Johnson spent the weekend of Veterans Day surrounded by his fellow veterans and being treated with a level of honor he said is rarely demonstrated toward those who served in Vietnam. “Vietnam vets have always suffered from the fact that there were so many anti-war protestors and draft dodgers and people leaving the country and fleeing to Canada,” Johnson said. “None of us were welcomed home. We were spit on and called ‘baby killers.’ There comes a point in time when you have to look straight in the eye of

a veteran and say thanks, or say ‘I disagree with the war but I’m proud of your service and your loyalty.’” For most of his life, Johnson saw neither, though he always went out of his way to give the respect and honor to others. When he found out Honor Flights were coming to St. Petersburg he and a fellow veteran drove there to salute and give a “proper welcome home” to the World War II veterans returning from Washington D.C. Dodging a barricade, Johnson and his friend blocked the path of the incoming veterans, clicked their heels and went to attention. Tears filled his eyes as he recalled the look of gratitude and shock that crossed the face of the veterans as they made sure to shake each of their hands. He said regardless of thoughts on the war, when a person enlists they sign a blank check up to and including their life to the United States government. In his opinion, that sacrifice should always be honored. While walking down the steps of the Lincoln Monument, wearing a gold medallion thanking him for his

service, Johnson was shocked to find streams of tourists going out of their way to shake his hand, to cheer for him and the veterans with him. It was a reception he said he never thought he would see. “People would stop and come up to us and shake hands and thank you for your service,” Johnson said. “We got that everywhere we went. It was very gratifying. There was a ceremony in front of the Lincoln Memorial with five or six high school bands there in full uniform. I stood right in front of the reflecting pool and held a banner. I’ll never forget it.” His favorite memory was the camaraderie that blossomed between the nearly 50 veterans chosen for the event. He said the bonds established in the military stay with you forever and the values that come with being an Elk made it a cinch to befriend everyone in the program. “I will be eternally grateful for the honor of being selected and sent, it was just something I’ll never forget and I’ll always be thankful for,” Johnson said.

THE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE: n A $100 Publix gift card n Four VIP tickets to Christmas Lane n A professional photo with Santa Claus n Four Christmas Lane concession stand tickets

Winners will be announced Friday, Dec. 8.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2017

We asked: What can cities do to improve recycling in America? “We’re involved in recycling, we do it at home. It’s very important that we do that because it preserves our natural resources. I think if you could put more emphasis on it, that would be a big help.”

“It would be good to put some kind of extra bin to put your plastics and your containers in. People do leave stuff all around so that would be nice.” —Floyd Hughes, 74

“Have more recycle cans. You see people throwing plastic bottles and stuff in garbage cans. If they had more bins people might have more of an incentive to throw them in the recycle instead of the trash.”

— Bob Hollingsworth, 68

“Maybe have more availability around the city, but not such ugly ones. Where they’re not such an eyesore.”

“They should put bins out in town. They could start a group that meets up and talks about it more so people would know.”

— Sandra Gilbert, 76

— Trey Johnson, 18

“I think the best way would be to help homeowners. I think they need to advertise on places other than the internet because people who use the internet know about it. The old fashioned way, door to door.”

— Raymond Sharp, 62

— Susan Wentz, 60+

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER Locally owned by Ed Verner, Karen Berry, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes The Plant City Times & Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC, a jointventure of the Tampa Bay Times and Plant City Observer LLC.

CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Fridays. It is inserted into the Tampa Bay Times for subscribers. The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103.

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Call Al Berry, Danny Crampton or Chandler Workman at (813) 704-6850.

Observer Publisher / Karen Berry, KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt, SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline, JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Daniel Figueroa IV, DFigueroa@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams, BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com Editorial Designer / C.J. Major, cmajor@yourobserver.com Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” — Friedrich Hayek, “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2017

The Florida Strawberry Festival is grateful to be served by nearly 2,500 volunteers annually! Throughout the next several issues, we would like to highlight each of our hard-working volunteer groups. THANK YOU for making the Florida Strawberry Festival a memorable tradition for almost 83 years! GROUPS

Information Services Chairs - Pam Warnock and Leslie Poppell 400 volunteers

TRAMS

Chairs - Barbara Franques and Mark and Lori Yarbrough 80 volunteers

ROVING AMBASSADORS

Chairs - Jim Scott and Jodi Smith 230 volunteers

MEDIA & SPONSOR CENTER

I came from Memphis and discovered a community like Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never known before and I love it! I enjoy volunteering at the Florida Strawberry Festival!

- Tommy Warnock

Chair - Lauren McNair 30 volunteers

March 1-11, 2018

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303 North Lemon St. Plant City, FL 33563-4706 (813) 752-9194

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2017

Dist. 58 candidates gather in Plant City Each of the four candidates to fill the vacant district 58 seat in the state house met for a Q&A forum at the Bruton Memorial Library. DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

AHMAD SAADALDIN

JOSE VAZQUEZ

LAWRENCE MCCLURE

What is your position on support on a “living wage” for Florida? What are your ideas about how this might be accomplished? Zemina said forcing employers to pay higher wages will lead to more automation and loss of jobs. He believes the free market should dictate wages and highlighted his time working as an oil technician making $7.50 per hour, saying “I worked my way out of it. That’s what everyone has the power to do.”

What is your position on support on a “living wage” for Florida? What are your ideas about how this might be accomplished? Supports the ‘Fight for 15’ to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour. Said Americans work too hard to not be able to pay their bills and that is unjust for the “richest nation in the history of mankind.”

What is your position on support on a “living wage” for Florida? What are your ideas about how this might be accomplished? Believes in incrementally increasing the minimum wage because tax-rate increases outpace increased wages and “more money in everyone’s pocket is better for the county.”

What is your position on support on a “living wage” for Florida? What are your ideas about how this might be accomplished? Said increased labor expenditures could put undue pressure on business owners like the farmers of district 58. McClure believes preparing people to “come out of school and get in a position where they can make a good living should be priority” and will empower the workforce to be able to obtain higher-paying jobs.

LIBERTARIAN

NO PARTY AFFLIATION

What is your position on House Bill 9 (Federal Immigration Enforcement) and also your views on immigration as it affects Hillsborough County and the cities of the district? Said heavy deportation and antiimmigrant legislation could collapse the agriculture industry. Zemina said he believes criminals should be deported, but people who are in the country working to obtain a better life for themselves and their families should not be punished. If elected, how would you approach policies regarding solar power? Said utility companies are monopolies controlling the lion’s share of the energy industry. In a state like Florida, citizens should be able to harness that power, he said.

NOV. 1

BAD DAY AT SCHOOL 220 block of West Alexander Street. Vehicle burglary: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) shattered the driver’s window of his truck around 2:30 p.m., while he was at school, and stole $20 in cash and an iPhone 5 valued at $300.

ball in a park. The theft happened between 6 and 8 p.m. that day. The wallet contained his ID card and Social Security card. Complainant signed a waiver of prosecution.

NOV. 2

FIENDS GOT TO FEAST 1310 BLOCK OF SOUTH GIBBS STREET Vehicle burglary: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) stole assorted meats and fruits, valued together at $554, from an unlocked box truck parked at his residence. It was unknown exactly when the theft happened.

What is your position on House Bill 9 (Federal Immigration Enforcement) and also your views on immigration as it affects Hillsborough County and the cities of the district? Supports sanctuary cities and said immigration reform is an important issue in areas like Plant City where the success of farms rely heavily on a viable immigrant workforce. If elected, how would you approach policies regarding solar power? Uses solar panels in his own home, he said. Vazquez said people should have access to solar panels and have a right to harness solar power. He encouraged the use of solar panels and said it would allow independence from large corporations, support a growing industry and save citizens money.

Gazebo FROM PAGE 1

the park left an area open for another event shelter.The poor condition of the existing shelter, he said, allows the city an opportunity to remove and replace it with one that matches the upgraded gazebo at the north end, in the location the city envisioned a shelter. The new gazebo will be located just east of the monument and will connect to the existing sidewalk. The old shelter and picnic area will be torn down but the adjacent restrooms will remain. McDaniel and Recreation and Parks Director Jack Holland worked closely with the Plant City Armed Forces Memorials Foundation to determine what to do with the shelter, foundation board member Jennifer Closshey

IMPROMPTU HOME SHOW 410 block of Scarlett Maple Court. Residential burglary: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) forced entry into a vacant home and caused $300 in damage to a window.

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FOLLOW THE SCENT 900 block of South Waller Street. Robbery: Complainant stated four male and female subjects robbed her of a Fossil watch, $40 in cash and cologne. Officers were able to locate the suspects, who returned the property to the complainant. A waiver of prosecution was signed.

If elected, how would you approach policies regarding solar power? Said utility companies are doing a disservice to the citizens and controlling legislation that gets in the way of people owning their own solar panels. Saadaldin said he would support legislation incentivizing private companies to “come in and help usher a new era of energy using solar.”

COPS CORNER

MASTER OF DISGUISE James L. Redman Parkway/East Langford Drive. Multiple charges: Officers stopped a vehicle being driven with one functioning headlight and found the driver did not have a valid license. The driver gave a false name to the officers and was arrested. When her true identity was determined, she was found to have several warrants and was in possession of meth and paraphernalia.

What is your position on House Bill 9 (Federal Immigration Enforcement) and also your views on immigration as it affects Hillsborough County and the cities of the district? Said most immigrants come to the U.S. to escape war, poverty and other hardships, not to commit crimes. Saadaldin said he believes immigrants, especially children who did not have a choice, should be protected. He also said anti-immigration legislation is wrong and immoral.

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WALLET WOES 1700 block of North Park Road. Theft: Complainant stated an unknown suspect stole his wallet from his gym bag while he played basket-

What is your position on House Bill 9 (Federal Immigration Enforcement) and also your views on immigration as it affects Hillsborough County and the cities of the district? Does not support sanctuary cities and believes the H2B program for guest workers provides legal access to a workforce in agriculture-reliant communities like Plant City. McClure said he supports legal immigration. If elected, how would you approach policies regarding solar power? Said solar power could be a gamechanger for the state, but the return on investment for the utility companies needs to be considered in the regulation of citizen-owned solar panels and the energy commodity they create.

said. She said much consideration was given to the design and location, ultimately choosing the selected location and matching aesthetics. The city allocated $120,000 for the project, though it is expected to cost about $101,000. The money was moved from completed or nearly completed Recreation and Parks projects that came in under budget. The new gazebo will be slightly larger than the one at the park’s north end, renderings show. “We think that it’s a very viable project and one that is needed to keep the high quality we have for our community,” Interim City Manager Kim Leinbach said. Rep Services, Inc. has been tapped to demolish the existing structure and install the new one, piggybacking off a contract the company has with Clay County. Holland said the new gazebo should be completed by early April.

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Justin Kline contributed to this report.

BRYAN ZEMINA

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Voters in district 58 will have plenty of options to choose from when it comes time to vote in this December’s special elections. Four candidates have made it to the Dec. 19 general elections. Conservative Lawrence McClure beat out Yvonne Fry in the GOP primary to secure his role and is joined in the race by Libertarian Bryan Zemina, Progressive Democrat Jose Vazquez and non-party-affiliated Ahmad Saadaldin. All four candidates met in the Bruton Memorial Library Nov. 9 for a candidate forum hosted by the Improvement League of Plant City and the Plant City Area Democrats. Each candidate was allowed a two-minute opening statement and two minutes to respond to multiple rounds of questions covering topics of immigration, education, campaign finance and more. Audience members were also allowed to ask questions of the candidates. The winner of the race will fill the House seat left vacant by Republican Dan Raulerson, who stepped down from the legislature in August citing health issues. Moderators and panelists asked about eight planned questions before turning to follow-ups and inviting audience members to ask their own questions.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

EDC gives update for end-of-year The EDC has restructured its budget process and added nearly $60k in private investments DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

Much like there must always be a Stark in Winterfell, so too, it seems, there must always be a Moody in the 13th Judicial Circuit Court. James “Jamey” Moody III announced Nov. 8 that he’d be the next member of Plant City’s first family of justice to vie for a spot on the bench in Hillsborough County’s circuit court. The Moody family has a close association with the 13th Judicial Circuit. Moody’s grandfather, James Moody Sr., was its presiding judge in the mid1960s; his father, James Moody, Jr., served as a judge on the 13th between 1994 and 2000, before being appointed to the U.S. District Court by thenPresident Bill Clinton in 2000; and his sister, Ashley Moody, stepped down from the 13th Judicial Court’s bench in April to run for Attorney General. “It’s always been an interest of mine to serve. If you do a good job and you do the job of a judge the way you’re supposed to, you’re an asset,” Moody said. “If you look, I’ve got 14 years of circuit experience. One-hundredpercent of my career is circuit experience.” Moody has been a prosecutor for nearly 14 years and currently practices for the Tampa-based firm Jayson, Farthing, Skafidas & Wright. He also works with Bay Area Legal Services as a volunteer attorney taking on cases pro bono. In addition to his legal experience, Moody has a number of civic credits under his belt. He was recently reappointed to Plant City’s

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foot Central Florida Commerce Center on County Line Road. “I like to be a broken record sometimes about our mission,” Austin said. “We’re interested in companies that pay high wage jobs and invest heavily in their operations. When citizens earn more, their quality of life improves.” Scott Walls, general manager of Akca, said the EDC is helping to coordinate with the city to expand Akca’s facility and bring on about 30 new jobs in the next few years. Akca, a pavement marking contractor, has been in Plant City since the mid 80s and already employs 85 people in Plant City. Bob Flowers, president of C.W. Roberts, said the EDC was an essential proponent in opening up the asphalt manufacturer’s new Plant City plant earlier this year. “I was taken, when we first met, at the energy in the organization,” Flowers said. “The involvement in the local community was excellent.” Austin also told the commission the EDC is focused on working with the Plant City Business Advisory board, to help graduating high school students who might not be going to college, connect with and get prepared for some of the employment needs coming to the city. Despite supporting its success, the commission indicated it did not want to see the EDC lose any steam in the coming year. “We’re looking for a big year in 2018,” Mayor Rick Lott said. “No pressure, but there’s a lot of pressure.”

Moody III announces bid for the bench Plant City attorney Jamey Moody is looking to make the jump to judge in 2018.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2017

P R O P E R T Y M A N AG E M E N T C O M M E R C I A L R E N TA L S R E S I D E N T I A L R E N TA L S

planning board, a member of Plant City’s Noon Rotary Club, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, Historic Plant City Main Street and more. Moody said he is always fully engaged, serving on the boards of the organizations he joins. Despite growing up in a family with a storied judicial history in Plant City and Florida as a whole, Moody said getting to the bench wasn’t always the goal. The legacy was an influence, he said, but not a mandate. Before completing law school, he worked in the finance sector. It wasn’t until then, he said that he decided to pursue law. It was only after beginning a legal career, he said, that the idea of being a judge became the goal. “It’s something that, as I got out of law school and started practicing, I began to understand that it was something I want to pursue,” Moody said. “As a lawyer, you’re always learning, especially when it comes to litigation. Technically the minimum requirement is five years (of practice to become a judge). I didn’t feel I was ready. I wouldn’t be doing anyone any favors. At this point in my career, I feel I’m ready.” Moody is also a member of the Federalist Society, an influential organization compromised mostly of conservative-leaning lawyers. Moody said any personal political beliefs would not influence him on the bench. “You have to have the ethics and discipline to ignore that (personal beliefs) and follow where the law leads you,” Moody said. “When that doesn’t happen, the system breaks down.” Moody is running to replace retiring Judge Robert Foster. His opponents so far include Cissy Boza Sevelin, Starr Brookins and Robin Fuson. 253209

The Plant City Economic Corporation has closed the books on its second year having accomplished much of what it set out to, according to EDC President Jake Austin. Austin highlighted many of the EDC’s recent accomplishments, including adding $57,000 in private investments and reducing reliance on city money, in an Oct. 23 presentation to the City Commission. The EDC was formed in late 2015 to help Plant City grow its expanding business community. The organization is a public-private venture, but is aiming to rely less on city funding, Vice-President Alyssa Cerrito said. “What we’re trying to do is ween off of city money. What we’ve done moving forward is earmark where the city money goes and what we spend it on,” Cerrito said. “The commission hasn’t asked for that. We’re just trying to make sure we’re good citizens and the money we spend is actually beneficial for the city.” Cerrito said the EDC reorganized its budget structure to better show where city money goes. Last year, Plant City invested $150,000 in the EDC, according to city budget documents. For the coming year, that investment has been reduced to $125,000. Most of that money, Cerrito said, goes to marketing, while day-to-day expenses and salaries come from private funding. According to the EDC’s presentation, its funding is now 70% private and 30% public. Previously, the EDC’s funding had been more of a 60-40 split, Cerrito said. According to Austin, successfully weaning off city money has come from efforts to upgrade existing membership and add new members. “We set a goal of gaining 16 new or upgraded investors this year,” Austin said. “We brought on 17 new investors that represent over $57,000 in new private revenue.” Businesses like Central Florida Development (CFD), have praised the EDC for its role in bringing more jobs to Plant City. Along County Line Road, CFD recently built two 100,000 square-foot buildings and has started construction on the 1 million square-

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PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2017

PlantCityObserver.com

WE’RE PUTTING SCIENCE TO WORK TO PRESERVE NATURE.

Every day, Mosaic puts science to work right here in our community. Our team of engineers and other specialists work with regulatory agencies to identify areas of environmental sensitivity that should be preserved and protected. Through its land conservation and reclamation efforts, Mosaic has helped provide over 46,000 acres of natural lands that offer functioning habitats for plant and animal life. Shelley, a senior permitting engineer for Mosaic, works to ensure these preservation areas support a sustainable post-mining landscape that includes wildlife corridors and habitat diversity.

To learn more about Mosaic’s preservation techniques, visit Science.MosaicCo.com.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2017

Everybody cut

Photos by Breanne Williams

Left: Christine and Les Miller were the winners of the competition.

FOOTLOOSE

Far Left: Les and Christine Miller performed a country dance as an homage to when they met.

lant City locals showed off their tango, hip hop and country dance moves Friday at the John R. Trinkle Center. The annual event sported the talents of nine couples who danced for the judge’s choice award and to be the audience’s favorite. The competition raised over $50,000 for the Noon Rotary Club. The competing couples were Shanna and Nick Kennedy, Caroline Brummer and Kyle Hamilton, Kyle and Brittany Keys, Jeanette and Billy Teeden, Christy Lyle and Scott Anderson, Christine and Les Miller, Amy Glover and Dave Davenport with Teala Longoria, Alison and Dustin Grooms and Nancy Egbert and Sho Rich. The winners of the event were Christine and Les Miller, who wowed the judges and audience alike with a sentimental country dance, which Les Miller said was an homage to how they first met. — BREANNE WILLIAMS

Sharon Moody, Marsha Passmore, Mark Mroczkowski and Mary Heysek.

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Christy Lyle and Scott Anderson

Jeanette and Billy Teeden

Amy Glover, Dave Davenport and Teala Longoria performed a sensual tango on the floor.

Nancy Egbert and Sho Rich

Caroline Brummer and Kyle Hamilton

Alison and Dustin Grooms

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2017

FRIDAY, NOV. 17

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: GIVE THANKS 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. There is only one Parents’ Night Out in November for the Plant City YMCA. Kids will do activities centered around giving back, including a community service project. There will also be a scavenger hunt, games, pizza and a dessert snack. Register in advance. For ages 5 years old to 12 years old. Attendance is $10 per child for “everywhere” members, $20 per child for Plant City members and $40 per child for non-members.

SATURDAY, NOV. 18

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN 3 to 8 p.m. The monthly Strawberry Classic Cruise-In in downtown Plant City will feature Ford Mustangs and Thunderbirds. There will also be a swap meet. Registration begins at 3 p.m. and there will be a 50/50 raffle, free bounce houses and kids entertainment. Area shops and restaurants will be open. DJ Tiny will be spinning hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s.

MONDAY, NOV. 19

IMPROVEMENT LEAGUE OF PLANT CITY 7:15 p.m. The monthly Improvement League of Plant City is at the Bing House Museum, 205 S. Allen St. Come out to find out what the group is doing to foster equitable opportunities for residents, regardless of age, sex, race or religion throughout the City of Plant City.

FRIDAY, NOV. 24

FOOD TRUCK RALLY 5 to 9 p.m. The monthly Plant City

children’s performers, face painting and more. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children age 4 to 12 and free for children 3 and under.

Bring own supplies and references to learn about color theory, design and different techniques. Call 813986-3632.

ONGOING

PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS CLUB #4051 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Thursdays at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 S. Evers St., Plant City. New members welcome.

BINGO AT THE AMERICAN LEGION 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Every Saturday. Papers sold and kitchen opens at 5 p.m. Bingo is 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Plant City American Legion is located at 2207 W. Baker St.

BEST BET FRIDAY, NOV. 17

PIG JAM 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The 15th annual Suncoast Credit Union Plant City Pig Jam is at the Randy Larson Four-Plex/Plant City Stadium, 1401 Gordon Food Service Drive. Come out for food, live entertainment, kid’s activities, merchandise and a BBQ competition. There will also be rock climbing and moon walks. The Kansas City Barbeque Society competition will have amateur and professional brackets. Fireworks are Friday at 9 p.m. Parking is $5 and admission is free.

Main Street Food Truck Rally is offering a Family Movie Night. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or a family blanket to downtown historic Plant City to watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The following food trucks will be on site in November: Papa Ron’s Cajun, Dave’s Jukebox Diner, Softee the King, Chick’s Coob, Loli’s Mexican Cravings and more. CHRISTMAS LANE 6 to 10 p.m. Christmas Lane returns to the Charlie Grimes Family Agriculture Center. The month long winter wonderland will feature Santa and Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, Frosty, three elves and a Living Nativity. There will also be a Christmas Castle with 10-foot toy soldiers and 14-foot reindeer. There will be

GRIEF SHARE CLASS 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Hope Lutheran Church is hosting a grief share class series. The course will be a seminar and a support group for those grieving the loss of someone close. Each session includes a video and group discussion. Both the morning and the evening session will be identical. To register for either or for more information contact Rev. Dean Pfeffer at 813-752-4622. DIABETES PREVENTION CLASS 16 WEEK SERIES 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the United Food Bank of Plant City, 702 E Alsobrook St # H. UFB is hosting a diabetes prevention class, which will be taught by registered dietitians and health educators. The series is free to the public. Registration is required. Contact 813-3078015 Ext. 7111. PAINTING WITH BETTY FAIRBANKS AT THE CLASSROOM GALLERY Takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. Fridays at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. The cost is $20 per class.

ACOUSTIC HAPPY HOUR 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. 813-7648818. CHRISTIAN MUSIC 6:33 to 8:33 p.m. Thursdays, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. 813-752-1220. THE CLASSROOM GALLERY 1 to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. Art is on display by members of the East Hillsborough Art Guild. DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB 1 p.m. Fridays at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 Carey St. For more information, call Walt Arnold at 813-752-1602.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Debra Lynn Duncan

Charles J. ‘C.J.’ Powell

Yvonne Varnum

Debra Lynn Duncan, 66, of Seffner, entered into eternal rest on November 5. Expressions of condolence at www. HopewellFuneral.com.

Charles J. “C.J.” Powell, 88, of Plant City, entered into eternal rest on November 11.

Yvonne Varnum, 73, of Lithia, went home to Heaven on November 8. Expressions of condolence at www. HopewellFuneral.com.

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Marion L. ‘Cootsy’ Cooper

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2017

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

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Joy Warren Resendes

Wiley ‘ Gator’ Mitchell

Joy Warren Resendes, 56, of Plant City, born in Tampa on July 27, 1961, entered into eternal rest on November 8. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Wiley "Gator" Mitchell, 70, of Lakeland, born on June 23, 1947 in Plant City, entered into eternal rest on November 8. Expressions of condolence at www. HopewellFuneral.com.

Taking care of Taking care of each other is what each other is what

Marion L. “Cootsy” Cooper, 89, of Dover, born on August 16, 1928 in Dowling Park, entered into eternal rest on November 5. Expressions of condolence at www. HopewellFuneral.com.

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PROU D TO S ERV E our community we’re dedicated to helping families create a we’re dedicated to helping families create a our community W E ’ RE with personal, compassionate care sincethat 1896. unique and meaningful memorial truly unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. ® celebrates the life it represents. Dignity the Memorial professionals, celebrates life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial® professionals, As your W E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RVE

Robert E. ‘Murph’ Thomas G. Palega > 100% Guarantee > National Plan Transferability > 100% Service Guarantee > National PlanService Transferability Randall Lee Moore, Jr. Murphy Jr. Bereavement Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® Travel Assistance >>The CompassionTravel Helpline® > Bereavement Thomas G. Palega, 64, of Plant City, passed away on November 8. SurIn loving memory of Randall Lee Robert E. “Murph” Murphy Jr., vivors include his wife and children. Moore, Jr. of Plant City, FL passed away on There are noCity services scheduled. It’s been three years. Proudly Love, Mama. November There areProudly no services supporting the Plant Strawberry Festival. supporting the Plant12.City Strawberry Festival. scheduled.

Margaret Massimei

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM WELLSMEMORIAL.COM Margaret Massimei, 79, of Sugar Mountain, North Carolina, formerly of Brandon, entered into eternal rest on Wells MeMorial & event Center Wells MeMorial & event Center October 30.

Guadalupe Alvarez PlanT CiTy

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PlanT‘Von’ CiTy Lavon Watson

Lavon "Von" Watson, 73, of Plant City, born on April 19, 1944 in Jasper, 10/27/15eternal 10:42 AM rest on Novementered into ber 3. Expressions of condolence at www. HopewellFuneral.com.

Guadalupe Alvarez Martinez, 63, of M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1 in Plant City, born on May 6, 1954 Tamaulipas, Mexico, entered into eternal rest on November 10. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

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GREETING THE NEIGH-BORS: Veronica Prostko’s pony Libby and two of pups, Lilly and Buddy go riding through their North Plant City neighborhood to enjoy the cooler weather. Along the way the group said hello to passing neighbors and had a “relaxing” time.

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NOVEMBER 17, 2017

SPORTS Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Email Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

Highsmith breaks PCHS record Cassie Highsmith was recently the second Plant City Raider ever to make the FHSAA girls cross country state championship meet. Last weekend, she left Tallahassee at the top of the school’s history book. Highsmith finished the Nov. 11 4A state championship race with a time of 19:07, setting the new school record. Her effort netted her a 16thplace finish in the field of 182 runners. SWIMMING FINALISTS AT STATES Durant and Strawberry Crest had several swimmers place in the FHSAA 4A state finals on Nov. 11. GIRLS 50 FREE Katie Vasiloff (Durant) — 11th place, consolation final (24.10) Photos by Justin Kline

GIRLS 100 BACK Celi Guzman (Crest) — second place (54.90) Morgan Shinault (Durant) — fourth place (56.43) GIRLS 100 FLY Katie Vasiloff — fifth place (55.26) Celi Guzman — sixth place (55.37) GIRLS 200 IM Morgan Shinault — ninth place, consolation final (2:06.86)

Matt Simpson goes up for a dunk during the boys basketball team’s scrimmage.

Winter Sports Night

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BOYS 100 BREAST Zane Richardson (Crest) — eighth place (59.49) Rob Haywood (Crest) — ninth place, consolation final (59.32) BOYS 100 FREE Zane Richardson — seventh place (46.69) BOYS 200 MEDLEY RELAY Strawberry Crest — 13th place, consolation final (1:41.65)

Fall Youth Fishing Derby winners Five young anglers from Plant City took home trophies after the 2017 Fall Youth Fishing Derby, which was hosted Nov. 4 by the Plant City Recreation and Parks Department. First overall bass: Georgie Rivera (1.2 pounds) Biggest fish (5-10 age group): Mayson Kennedy (2.8-pound bass) Biggest fish (11-15 age group): Seth Wynn (two-pound bass) Most fish (5-10): Brody Cook Most fish (11-15): Blake Chancey Honorable mention (5-10): Alyssa Chancey, seven brim

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? JUSTIN KLINE

Winter Sports Night sends right message Plant City High School’s Nov. 11 event got student-athletes on path for engagement.

f you want to build a good relationship between hight schoolers and a community at large, taking a page from Plant City High School’s book is a good place to start. I went to the school Nov. 11 for its Winter Sports Night, a free informational event for the public that gave Plant Citians direct face time with the athletes. They even went into the bleachers at one point to introduce themselves to attendees, a gesture you don’t see every day — even if it was built into the program. Girls basketball head coach Danny McIntyre, who organized the event, told me the goal was to help the school’s student-athletes get more SEE KLINE PAGE 13

Plant City High School’s winter teams showed the community what they’re all about on Nov. 11.

Top: Plant City High School wrestlers work a quick match to show the audience what they do. Above: The girls basketball team held a shootaround for the audience.

Cheerleaders perform parts of their routines for the audience.

Plant City High School’s parents, students and fans got a chance to get some face time with athletes on Nov. 11. The school hosted its Winter Sports Night in the gymnasium that evening as way to strengthen the connection between its athletes and the community. Members of both basketball teams, the wrestling team, the competitive cheerleading team and the girls soccer team introduced themselves to the audience, performed demonstrations and, in the soccer team’s case, play a quick game with students from the bleachers. “It was great just seeing parents and everyone come together to support one another,” basketball coach Calvin Callins said. The event was sponsored by the Improvement League of Plant City, Raider Champions and Safe and Sound Hillsborough County. It also featured speeches from athletic director Tim Leeseberg and Plant City Family YMCA executive director Zach Hilferding, and Mayor Rick Lott also came out to support the teams. It was put together by girls basketball head coach Danny McIntyre, who also works with Safe and Sound, as a way to get the athletes more connected with the Plant City community. “It’s creating accountability to the community,” McIntyre said. “I don’t know how you win without it. That’s a recipe for success.” McIntyre said the intended effect of Winter Sports Night is twofold: to help Raider athletes better communicate and connect with people, and to give younger children people they can look up to as role models. To further SEE WINTER PAGE 13

Durant, Plant City grads make NCAA soccer tourney Rebekah Anderson and Kylee Burroughs are getting their first taste of the playoffs with USF. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The University of South Florida’s women’s soccer team is on a roll these days. Fresh off of a 3-0 win over Florida Gulf Coast University in the first round of the NCAA College Cup, the Bulls (13-3-1) are getting ready to face Florida in the second round tonight at 6 p.m. It’s the second time in program history the Bulls have made it this far. That’s great news for sophomore Rebekah Anderson and redshirt

freshman Kylee Burroughs. Both came to USF from Plant City-area high schools — Anderson played for Durant and Burroughs for Plant City — and are thrilled to be on the biggest stage of women’s college soccer. “We’ve worked hard this season and we’re ready to win,” Burroughs said. Anderson, a defender, has played in ten games this season. Burroughs, a midfielder and forward, has played in 18 games, scored a goal against Auburn and picked up two assists against Tulsa. Anderson and Burroughs said the 2017 season has been a great learning experience, especially as the Bulls are having one of the most successful seasons in program history. “It’s definitely improved my mindset as a player,” Anderson said. Before beating FGCU, the players Courtesy of Travis Pendergrass / USF Athletics

SEE SOCCER PAGE 13

Kylee Burroughs fights for the ball against FGCU.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Winter

Soccer

FROM PAGE 12

drive the point home, any children in eighth grade and below got a free event t-shirt with “Make the Right Decision” printed on the back in bold letters. The phrase, McIntyre said, is meant to get future Raiders thinking about making good choices in life and reaping the benefits later. “At the end of the day, if you’re not a good citizen with good grades, you don’t get to be in our program … we want the kids to tell the younger generation, ‘You’ve got to make the right choices now,’ because one bad choice, one bad decision means you’re not allowed to participate in these types of events,” McIntyre said. McIntyre said the school plans to repeat the event for the upcoming spring sports season and for the 201819 fall sports season. Boys basketball head coach Billy Teeden said the event gave his players an opportunity to hang out and have some fun with their fellow Raider athletes they normally don’t get, which they were grateful for. “We all are family,” Callins said. “We’re supporting one another and hoping that all of us, as a Raider family, do well in our sports, academics and achieving great success.”

said the highlight of 2017 was helping the Bulls bring home their first conference championship. That came in Nov. 5’s American Athletic Conference title game against No. 8 University of Central Florida and this “War on I-4” rivalry game was as thrilling as they come. Neither team could break an 0-0 tie in regulation or overtime, but the Bulls stayed strong and picked up the title — and NCAA bid — by outscoring the Knights, 5-3, in penalty kicks. “I just think it’s a really great accomplishment for our team … it’s just a matter of us showing we can do much more than we already did,” Burroughs said. The Nov. 11 matchup with FGCU was important for the Bulls beyond just being the first round of the College Cup tournament. In the Bulls’ last NCAA appearance, 2015, the Eagles knocked USF out with a 1-0 win. Anderson remembered it well, as she watched the game while at Durant. “I was watching that game before I came here and I just think everyone wants to win and prove everyone wrong,” she said. Anderson, Burroughs and the Bulls will look to continue proving doubters wrong against the No. 16 Gators

FROM KLINE PAGE 12

engaged within the community and become good citizens. There are plenty of examples of school sports teams getting involved within their communities through fundraisers and other events, so it’s the “good citizens” part that sticks out to me most. High school is supposed to prepare us for adulthood, among other things, and learning about your community and how it works is an important part of that. These students are approaching the age where they’re able to vote, join the military, live as legal adults and so much more. Not everyone is lucky enough to have the proper guidance for navigating this new territory, and the last thing you want is to see young people get apathetic when they have

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tonight in Gainesville. Florida (15-6), which finished third in the Southeastern Conference and made the SEC tournament semifinal, is coming off of a 3-1 win over South Alabama in the first round of NCAA action. Making things interesting for the game is the return of Florida leading scorer Deanne Rose, who missed the first round to play with the Canadian national team in friendlies. But the Bulls are ready for whatever happens. “I think we can get pretty far into the tournament,” Burroughs said. “We’ve really prepared for it. It’s just a matter of us being focused.”

JUSTIN KLINE in more ways than just game attendance. Maybe they’ll link up with the teams for community projects and work together to make Plant City better. It all has to start somewhere. For the Raiders, it was last Saturday night. I look forward to seeing PCHS repeat the event for its spring and fall sports teams. The Plant City community can thrive when local high schoolers want to make a positive impact here.

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

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Rebekah Anderson advances the ball against Tulsa.

the potential to make a difference. Anything you can do to help them be positive forces where they live will go a long way. I know this wasn’t a job fair or engagement workshop or anything like that. It was a night for studentathletes and coaches to introduce themselves to people and show Plant City what they do through demonstrations. But I think anyone who considers themselves active participants in the community knows that big things don’t happen overnight and they all tend to start with something small — a thought, a reaction or a chance encounter. This is one of those stepping stones. And it works both ways. Maybe now, having met the athletes, some folks around town will be more inclined to support those programs

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving

Thankful and grateful

Today

Photos by Justin Kline

Several students ran with the Olympic torch before the lighting of the cauldron.

Turkey Creek Middle holds Olympic Day

and every day.

hen Turkey Creek Middle School holds its annual Olympic Day, those Gobblers go all-out. Though it’s usually held in May, the school hosted the day-long event Wednesday. Students at all grade levels got to compete in track and field events, archery, basketball and much more after the opening ceremonies were completed and the Olympic cauldron was lit by Area 6 superintendent Sharon Morris. — JUSTIN KLINE

1977

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2017

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PlantCityObserver.com

FORECAST

I LOVE PLANT CITY Do you have a photo that speaks to the heart of Plant City? Send it to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2017

SUNRISE / SUNSET

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Tuesday, Nov. 21

6:55a

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Wednesday, Nov. 22

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Thursday, Nov. 23

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RAINFALL

OKRA Shipping point: Orlando $16.35 to $16.85 While taking a morning stroll on Nov. 9, Dee Berchtold was captivated by the reflection on Walden Lake and snapped a photo. She called it a “reflection framed to perfection.” Berchtold wins this week’s I Love Plant City photo contest.

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GOT PESTS?

FRESHEST MEAT & LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN!

Attorneys on call 24/7

Thursday, Nov. 9

CELEBRITY CIPHER

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“VHO, KYHNH XNH GJNHIKSNO J XGDJNH, KYH DXTHNJIFO. XBKDXM. KYHNH XNH DXMV PSSG – DXNF NVGHBB

GJNHIKSNO.”

“N MGF GE KXNF C’BO MONJPOU NSGLF MCEO CP FXO VNAF AOBOP IONJA -- KNA FNLHXF FG DO SI JGSOJF NMFDNP.” – AXOMMOI ULBNMM Puzzle Two Clue: U equals D

SAMMIS LAW FIRM

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Puzzle One Clue: F equals K

ONLINE

Wednesday, Nov. 8

SUDOKU

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

11-16-17

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2017

Why go to an emergency center that’s connected to a hospital? What if you need the rest of the hospital?

specialists in the region are only a few feet away. If you need a pint of blood, no problem, we’re connected to a blood bank. Not to mention that our rehabilitation, orthopedic, oncology and maternity departments are only a wheelchair ride away. The best place to go during your emergency is a facility designed to handle any emergency. And that’s right here at BayCare’s South Florida Baptist Hospital.

When it comes to your health, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Which is why during an emergency such as a stroke or heart attack, every second counts. We don’t want to risk our patients’ lives by transferring them to a different hospital for emergency surgery. Here, if you need to be rushed to surgery, it’s down the hall, not down the road. We also have access to cutting-edge equipment and some of the best doctors, nurses and

OUR NETWORK:

BayCare Behavioral Health • BayCare HomeCare • BayCare Laboratories • BayCare Medical Group BayCare Outpatient Imaging • BayCare Surgery Centers • BayCare Urgent Care OUR HOSPITALS:

Bartow Regional Medical Center • Mease Countryside Hospital • Mease Dunedin Hospital • Morton Plant Hospital • Morton Plant North Bay Hospital St. Anthony’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Hospital-North St. Joseph’s Hospital-South • South Florida Baptist Hospital • Winter Haven Hospital • Winter Haven Women’s Hospital BAYCARE.ORG 17-216654-1017 252819