11.17.22 PLCO

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Plant City Police Department is retiring two of its officers who have diligently

served the citizens of Plant City for seven years.

How can they retire after such a short career, you ask? The officers in question are four-legged canines and while their nine years of life many not seem like many

to humans, they have indeed reached retirement age.

Leto, whose handler is Officer Michael Zacarro, is being medically retired because he was diagnosed with heartworms, a disease that causes lasting damage to

the heart, lungs and arteries. Jax, whose handler is Officer Patrick Walker, is being retired because Walker was promoted to the rank of corporal, making him ineligible to be a handler.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Every city has a history and Plant City celebrated its past last weekend at the 45th Annual Pioneer Day at the historic 1914 Plant City High School, located at 605 North Collins Street.

Hosted by The East Hillsborough Historical Society, the event featured historical performances by docents from the Henry B. Plant Museum in Tampa, lithography demonstrations, a Seminole Indian exhibit, art and antique doll collections, entertainment and food. Train enthusiasts oohed and aahed at the H.B. Plant Railroad Historical Society’s model train exhibit. Attendee Corina Flynn’s two children were delighted by the elaborate displays. “This is something you don’t see every day,” she said.

East Hillsborough Historical Society executive director and even organizer Shelby Bender said it’s important to celebrate our local history,

because as Theodore Roosevelt once said, “The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future.”

“History, whether it be Plant City or that of another community, gives people a sense of value for their surroundings and the commitment and contribution that others have made,’ she said. “It also helps us see how we can make improvements and changes to benefit veryone in a fair and equitable manner.”

PLANT CITY OPTIMIST CLUB CHRISTMAS TREE LOT OPENS

There’s nothing like the smell of fresh pine in your home to bring in the holiday spirit and no better way to acquire it than by purchasing a live Christmas tree. The Plant City Optimist Club can help with that because its annual Christmas tree shop, located at the corner of Maki Road and W. Alexander St. in front of Plant City High School, opens Nov. 21.

It will be selling premium Fraser fir tees grown in North Carolina and ranging in size from three feet to 10 feet. Prices start at $39 and go up to $189 depending on the size of the tree. Tree stands will also be available for purchase. This year, the club is offering a $5 discount on any tree from the lot with the donation of three or more cans or boxes of non-perishable food.

For nearly 60 years, the Plant City Optimist Club has been helping the youth within the Plant City community, following its motto of “Friend of Youth.” Their work each year is primarily funded by Christmas tree sales at their annual Christmas tree lot. The group typically sells more than

900 trees each year with the proceeds benefitting loal youth programs.

“Large trees are in limited supply so come early,” said longtime Optimist Club member JeffArnold.

The tree lot will be open for business Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Weekend and Black Friday hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

KIWANIS CLUB OF PLANT CITY NAMES WINNER FROM FOURTH ANNUAL COOLEST DOG CONTEST

Not only is the Kiwanis Club of Plant City’s Coolest Dog Contest a way to recognize man’s best friend, but it’s also a crucial fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club itself. Through the contest this year, the Kiwanis Club raised over $3,600 from supporters and sponsors, money that goes straight back into the Plant City community through the club’s many Kiwanis programs.

This year’s Awards Ceremony was held at McCall Park on Saturday, Nov. 5.

THIS YEAR’S WINNERS:

Grand Prize Winner: BUGSY

Second place: SAGE

Third place: LOUIE Runners up: MILLIE, MORTY and PHINNEAS FRANCIS Sage’s Assistant: SHILOH

Kiwanis helps kids around the world. Some local programs for the Kiwanis Club of Plant City include:

• Stuff the Bus – chool supplies and backpacks for 1,300 kids and 26 schools

• Christmas for An Angel – Thousands to toys to kids from 18 different schools

• Terrific Kids – Monthly acknwledgement of performing elementary students

• Read Around the World – Reading to young kids and distributing books

For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Plant City or the Florida District of Kiwanis International, visit k05.site. kiwanis.org/plant-city/.

PAWS & CLAUS NIGHT COMING TO DOVER

The Hillsborough County Fair 2022 Harvest Queen Court hosts this year’s Paws & Claus Night to benefit the Hillsboough County Pet Resource Center, a county-run animal shelter that connects animal lovers with county resources and fosters adoptions.

Guests can bring their well-behaved pets on a leash for visits with Santa and with a $10 donation, they will receive a printed photo. As ambassadors of the Hillsborough County Fair, the Harvest Queen Court participates in community events throughout their reign. The Court selected the Pet Resource Center as the recipient of this year’s donations during Paws & Claus Night.

The event will take place on Dec. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Rd, Dover, FL.

PLANT CITY WOMAN REUNITED WITH LONG-LOST FATHER THANKS TO PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR

The father and daughter reflect on the one-year anniversary of their reunion.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

For Plant City resident Shannon Crosby, one email changed her life.

The 37-year-old woman had been searching for her biological father, Patrick McCarthy, for more than 33 years.

Crosby, who was born in New Hampshire in 1985, hadn’t seen her father since she was four years old. When she was still a baby, her parents, who never married, moved to Massachusetts to start over after her father lost his job. Her mother took an office job in Boston. Her father, a master mechanic, found work too.

The happily-ever-after wasn’t meant to be for the couple. Her mother wanted to settle down and raise a family. Her father, a free spirit who wasn’t ready to give up his rock-n-roll lifestyle, wanted to do both.

It all came to a crescendo in 1989 when her father stormed out of the house after her parents got into a huge argument. “I remember my mom carrying me out of the house and her brother, who was a priest, coming to get us and then my dad was gone,” she said.

Even though she was a young child, she treasures a few episodic memories of happy times with her dad. She remembers her dad laughing and joking at a birthday party held in a large field and a man giving pony rides. She recollects a visit to her dad’s friends in New Hampshire and riding on a snowmobile, her dad sitting behind her and holding her tight as they drove through the woods.

Her mom eventually met a man, got married and relocated to St. Petersburg.

In addition to the memories, she started receiving letters, postcards and little trinkets from Florida where her dad was living at the time. He sent a picture of himself sitting atop his motorcycle, his long shaggy hair beginning to go grey. The cards and letters stopped for awhile but one day in 1994 she received another postcard from her father, who was living in San Diego. “My mom always told me my dad was a drifter,” remarked Crosby. When she and her mother moved to another house in St. Petersburg the letters stopped again.

Time passed, as it always does, but she always had questions that only her father could answer. As soon as the Internet came into existence, her mom purchased a home computer and she spent hours searching with Yahoo for any clues about her father. She

created a MySpace account hoping to make a connection with him. She searched jail records and obituaries, Craigslist and genealogy websites.

“My dad was a ghost,” she joked. What compounded an already difficultask was she didn’t know her father’s exact age because he never gave anyone a straight answer and as a child, he was in the foster care system and bounced around from place to place, making finding xtended family almost impossible.

Last year her mom found her baby book and inside, nestled alongside her baby pictures, was her family tree with her father’s name and his actual date of birth, the name of his biological father, Thomas McCarthy and biological mother, Virginia Shaghalion.

Armed with this new information, she began her search anew. A search of her grandmother’s name revealed a Massachusetts obituary that listed a few biological children. She wrote them all letters and received a reply from her great-aunt, but because they were put into the foster system at a young age, she didn’t have any information about her father. Even though she’d discovered family members she didn’t know she had, it was another dead end.

Then an email in November 2021 changed everything.

In a twist of fate befitting a Hallmark Original Movie, it turns out her father had hired a private investigator to search for her. Sitting in her car waiting for her husband to come out of Target, the email popped up with the subject ‘family.’ When she opened it, she learned that the private investigator had been hired by her father to locate her and wanted to know if she’d be interested in speaking with him.

“I was in shock but my immediate thought was it’s a scam,” said Crosby. When her husband came back to the car, she showed him the email and asked if it could could be real. He Googled the man’s name and verified that it was a real private investigations firm

She called the investigator as soon as she got home. He sent her a photo of her father and she immediately knew it was the man she’d spent the last almost three decades trying to find She agreed to talk to her father and a phone call was scheduled for the next evening.

When he answered her call, she remarked at his Boston accent that was still thick even after living in California for so many years. He

shared his story. He had struggled with alcohol abuse throughout his life but had been sober for almost six years. He had criss-crossed the country, been arrested for disorderly conduct and lived at the Salvation Army. “He told me he hadn’t reached out sooner because he was ashamed and embarrassed but he didn’t know that I wanted to talk to him,” she said.

Five years ago, while working in a shipyard, a boat fell on him, crushing his legs. As he lay alone in the dark for hours waiting for help to arrive, worryied he would die before he got the chance to find out if shes okay. After his broken body was discovered by coworkers, he endured almost two years of hospital stays, surgeries and physical therapy sessions.

He offered to pay for Crosby and her husband to fly o California for a visit. She readily agreed, eager to meet her father face-to-face. They made the trip in January, landing at San Diego Airport at 2 p.m. By the time they rented a car, checked into the hotel, freshened up and grabbed a bite to eat it was almost dark but undeterred, they set out to meet him in Rainbow, a small town outside of San Diego. It’s pitch black by this time but they see the lights from an ATV heading their way. The car comes to a stop and she rolls down the window. One look at the man riding the vehicle and she knew it was her father. He walked up to her window and reached in to give her a hug. “It was wild and crazy in the best possible way,” said Crosby.

Her dad took them to his home and they spent the time filling each other in on their lives. He told her his plan was always to find her but only after he had made something to show for himself. He was apologetic that he didn’t get his life together sooner. Crosby was sympathetic. “I think he had to go through those hard things to be at a point where he could make a change,” she said.

He showed her one of his prized possessions, a boat he built in the 1990’s but couldn’t part with that he named Miss Shannon. “I teared up when I saw that,” she said.

It’s been a year since the pair were reunited. Her dad still doesn’t use technology but they talk on the phone a few times a week. She’s making plans for another visit in January.

The private investigator also keeps in touch with Crosby. “He tells me he handles so many sad cases that don’t have a happy end ing and he wishes he could find another case like mine,” she said.

This week on Cops Corner: Plant City Police investigate missing auto parts, a burglarized trailer and a law-breaking motorist.

POINT BLANK

Paul Buchman Hwy. / I-4

Robbery: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who advised that their iPhone and drivers license were stolen at gunpoint.

IN THE LIMELIGHT

800 block of W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Drug arrest: Officers were conducting routine patrol/business checks of high-crime areas when they came into contact with one individual who was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

NOVEMBER 5

PARTS UNKNOWN

200 block of E. Baker St.

Theft of auto parts: Officers responded to an auto parts business at the listed location in reference to a theft.

TWO-WHEELED MOTION

W. Reynolds St. / N. Alexander St.

HTO/Drug Arrest: An officer conducted a traffictop on a motorcycle for failing to stop at a solid red light. One individual was subsequently arrested and charged with driving with a suspended or revoked license, driving a motorcycle without endorsement and possession of cocaine. The individual was then transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

NOVEMBER 6

NOT SO LOW PROFILE

1600 block of E. Ohio St. Warrant arrest: Officers responded to the listed location in reference to a 911 call for a disturbance. Once on scene, contact was made with one individual who was determined to have two active warrants out of Hillsborough County. The individual was subsequently transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

NOVEMBER 7

CAR TROUBLES

500 block of W. Never St. Vehicle burglary: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who stated that their vehicle was burglarized the night before.

YOU’RE OUTTA HERE

1400 block of W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Trespass/drug arrest: Officers responded to a business at the listed location to investigate the report of a person trespassing. One individual was subsequently arrested and later transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

NOVEMBER 8

TRAILER TRASHED

2400 block of W. Baker Rd. Burglary: An officer made contact with the victim at a business at the listed location who advised that an unknown individual broke into an enclosed trailer that was parked at the back of the business, stealing miscellaneous tools.

NOVEMBER 9

AT YOUR DOORSTEP

3600 block of Trapnell Ridge Dr. Warrant arrest: An officer responded to the residence at the listed location attempting to make contact with an individual who had an active warrant out of Hillsborough County. The individual answered the front door and was detained without incident. The warrant was confirmed and the individual was then transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

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While still considered property of Plant City, Leto and Jax will spend the rest of their lives with their individual handlers as lovable family pets.

Well, maybe not Jax, a Belgian Malinois, joked Walker. While his first police dog, a German Shepherd, lived in his house, Jax has an outdoor kennel on his property. “He’s psychotic and lives for police work,” he said. “People tell me the only person he loves is me and they can see heart emojis rolling off his head when he looks at me.”

Walker has already worked a couple shifts without Jax. When he walks out his front door Jax is eagerly waiting at the ken nel gate for Walker to let him out so he can hop into the police car. “When I got in the car without him he started jumping up and down and barking like crazy,” he said. His wife called him later that day to tell him it took half an hour for him to calm down.

For Jax, retirement will definitely require an adjustment period but Walker isn’t sure it will be any easier for him. “I’m lonely because he was my best friend and now he’s not there anymore,” he said. “I’d sing and talk to him and on slow nights I’d throw a ball with him.”

While the care of the animals will be the officers’ responsibility, earlier this year Governor DeSantis signed Senate Bill 226, establishing the Care for Retired Police Dogs program which helps K-9 caregivers with reimbursement of up to $1,500 of the annual veterinary costs associated with caring for their dog. “These dogs are sure to have physical ailments after a long career of jumping in and out of police vehicles and the money helps them get the welldeserved care they need,” said canine unit supervising lieutenant Matt Lawson.

PCPD has four canine units in its depart ment, but with the retirement of the two dogs it will be cut in half. However, this week the City Commission approved the purchase of two new police canines and equipment at a total cost of $25,000: $10,000 each for the dogs and $5,000 for equipment. The Department is working with Southern Coast Canine in New Smyr na Beach to purchase the police pooches, which are typically either German Shep herds or Belgian Malinois breeds. After

delivery the dogs and their new handlers will go through an extensive 480-hour training program through Florida Depart ment of Law Enforcement where they will learn the skills of not only obedience but bomb and narcotics detection, fugitive apprehension and tracking of missing per sons. Once the training is complete, they become certified law enforcement canines. The dogs aren’t the only ones that have to pass muster. Tryouts are held for new han dlers, that include a one-mile run in full

duty gear, a 200-yard 60-pound weighted carry, a written test on canine policy and an oral review board.

The Department is working with local elementary schools so students can help in the naming of the new police dogs. Handlers will select a name for their dog from the student-submitted sugges tions. Hopefully they’ll get a few fearsome options such as Enforcer or Bomber along with less intimidating names like Bacon or Bookem.

MICHELLE

JAKE AUSTIN STEPS DOWN AS PCEDC PRESIDENT

In 2015, Jake Austin stepped into the role of president and chief operating officer of the newly-formed Plant City Economic Development Council (PCEDC), tasked with partnering with public sector and private corporate investors to fuel eco nomic growth by attracting, expanding and retaining quality employers.

After seven years at the helm of the PCEDC, Austin will be stepping down in January to become Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Plant City-based Florida Insur ance Center, an independent agency.

“In my professional experience you either have builders or maintainers,” said Austin. “The PCEDC is in a very stable position at the moment and it’s time for me to build something else.”

Austin recollects his early days as a builder at the Council, working in a tiny office in the Lee Building. “I had a check ing account but no desk,” he joked about the non-profit start-up. Approximately 30 investors, including the City of Plant City, ponied up approximately $300,000 for its initial budget. One of those initial investors was Florida Insurance Center. With Austin at the helm, it now has 80 investors whose accomplishments include supporting more than 70 economic devel opment projects, creating approximately 4,000 jobs and providing $750 million in capital investment.

This year, the Council has announced 10 companies bringing an estimated 685 jobs that will soon call Plant City home, including Lowe’s, BodyArmor and USP Home. Some of his favorite success sto ries of the last seven years include City Furniture’s new showroom, warehouse and office space that is bringing an esti mated 500 jobs to Plant City, the con

struction of the new South Florida Baptist Hospital and the soon-to-be constructed Wheeler Street Station, a mixed-use proj ect bringing approximately 50 apartments along with first-floor commercial space to downtown Plant City.

Austin said the PCEDC applies a targeted approach with regard to development that benefits local residents in two ways. “We encourage job growth by targeting compa nies and industries that pay at or above our local average wage and offer full benefits packages,” he said. “These companies also pay taxes that equate to a better quality of life for citizens of Plant City.”

What is Austin going to miss most? “Our public and private supporters have been instrumental in the success of this venture and it’s difficult walking away from them but it’s time for me to climb a new moun tain,” he said.

City manager Bill McDaniel is apprecia tive of Austin’s hard work and wishes him well in his future endeavors. “He’s pro vided outstanding leadership in his role at the PCEDC and it’s been a pleasure to work with him,” he said.

PCEDC’s board chairperson Karen Kerr concurs. “We appreciate Jakes’ leadership through the years,” she said. “He leaves a strong organization that is well-posi tioned for the future.”

The PCEDC board of directors is inter viewing qualified candidates for Austin’s position and an announcement of his replacement is expected soon.

In the new role at Florida Insurance Center, Austin will be responsible for cre ating efficiencies and streamlining the processes of the growing business.

“I’m really excited to join their team and roll up my sleeves and get to work,” he said.

For more information about the PCEDC visit www.plantcityedc.com.

WALDEN LAKE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL WORKS ITS WAY THROUGH PLANNING DEPARTMENT

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Fujio Cho, considered to be the found ing father of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, U.S.A., once said ‘plans are things that change.’

For the owners of Walden Lake, LLC who seek to redevelop the 425-acre defunct Walden Lake Golf Course and Country Club, that statement couldn’t be more true. Its plans have been modified extensively, more than ten times with 50 different ren ditions over the last three-plus years. The first Planning Department application was submitted in 2020 after feedback from a 2019 Town Hall Meeting with residents of Walden Lake. Since then, numerous site plan revisions have been made, from reducing the number of residential lots due to EPC comments to elimating all 40’ wide lots from the development.

The company purchased the property from Today’s Bank of Arkansas in 2019 after foreclosure action was taken against the previous owner, Visions Golf, who failed in its attempt to redevelop the property.

“We want what’s best for the commu nity and we’ve spent a lot of time listening to feedback from Walden Lake residents along with comments during Plant City Planning Board public hearings,” said Mary Ellen Collins of Martin Communications.

Its most recent plans include a reduc tion of 27 percent in the total number of

residences, from 766 to 560, eliminating the Village Center concept including its 20,000 square foot neighborhood retail component and all 260 multi-family units, removing all single-family lots less than 80-feet wide from the site plan and elimi nating nine specific approval requests for residential development.

The updated plans show that less than 30 percent of the entire acreage will be developed, leaving 220 acres of open green space that will be preserved for conserva tion, recreation and aesthetic purposes. Collins is confident that current residents of Walden Lake will enjoy the proposed 15 acres of usable active open space including a pedestrian trail system through the com munity as well as dog parks, exercise areas and pocket parks. A new traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of Griffin Blvd. and Turkey Creek Rd.

“Our goal is to partner with the newlyelected WLCA board to identify sustain able amenities that both current and future residents will appreciate,” said Collins.

The new plan was submitted to City staff on September 12 and is being evaluated regarding its compatibility with existing land uses and Walden Lake’s Community Unit zoning designation.

Plant City planning and zoning coor dinator Robyn Baker said the changes are

THE LATEST ROUND OF DESIGN PLANS, DERIVED FROM RESIDENT FEEDBACK, FEATURE MORE OPEN GREEN SPACE USED FOR CONSERVATION, RECREATION AND AESTHETIC PURPOSES.

being reviewed and they’ll be seeking public comments soon. “We’re beginning to look for dates for the request to begin the public hearing process,” she said. One challenge is that because the project draws so much public interest, the hearings have to be held at the Trinkle Center, a space capable of accommodating a large number of people. “We’re at their mercy as far as dates are concerned and I’m assuming because of the holidays there aren’t many to choose from,” said Baker. “More than likely available dates will be after the first of the year.”

Collins is hopeful that given that City staff found the prior plan compatible, the recali brated plans will be received favorably so they can begin the neighborhood improvements.

To learn more about its plans visit the developer’s website at www.MovingWalden LakeForward.com.

PLANT CITY AREA ATHLETES COMMIT ON NATIONAL SIGNING DAY

DURANT, PLANT CITY OPEN PRESEASON PLAY AT PEEWEE CALLINS CLASSIC

Durant and Plant City got basketball season rolling early as they faced Sickles and Plant in the area’s annual preseason event.

Durant and Plant City basketball returned to action this week at the Peewee Callins Preseason Classic, facing off against Sick les and Plant.

On Monday they played back-to-back contests, with the Cougars beating Sickles before Plant City fell just short against Plant.

While both the early and regular signing days for football and basketball will come later in the school year, future Division 1 and Division 2 athletes from all other sports were able to sign their National Letter of Intent on National Signing Day last Wednesday. In the Plant City area, Plant City, Durant and Strawberry Crest all held Signing Day ceremonies where some of their student-athletes officiallyommitted to the colleges where they will continue their academic and athletic careers at the next level.

PLANT CITY

Adan Longoria, baseball: University of South Florida

Tanner Rollyson, baseball: Florida Southern College

Deven Gonzalez, baseball: Florida State College of Jacksonville

DURANT

Emma Harnage, soccer: University of Mt. Olive

Dylan LaPointe, baseball: Florida Atlantic University

Jeremy Ortiz, baseball: Barry University

Preston Rogers, baseball: Florida Gulf Coast University

STRAWBERRY CREST

Ariana Rego, softball: Lynn University

Hannah Booth, softball: Webber International University

Kylee Dodson, softball: Lynn University

Ezra Carpenter, soccer: Lees-McRae College

Durant enters the preseason classic off of a 12-14 record in 2021, a year in which the roster was filled with sophomore and junior talent, most notably leading scorers Austin White and Xavier Peavy. Their most impact ful senior from last season was Douglas Blackwood, Durant’s third-highest scorer at 13.2 points per game last season and one of only two seniors on the roster.

As for Plant City, they finished the 2021 season with a 20-8 record en route to a dis trict final and regional quarterfinal appear ance. And despite a relatively young roster of their own last season, Plant City will enter 2022 without their most impactful player from last year in D.J. Haynes. As a senior in 2021, Haynes led the Raiders with 17.1 points per game while also leading the squad in rebounds per game, assists per game and steals per game. But despite the loss of Haynes, Plant City will see four of their next five scoring leaders return in Damian Jones, Elijah Dawson, Mike Bell and Taylor Teeden.

Tipping off the exhibition game, Durant immediately fell behind Sickles 4-0 but kept pace with Sickles as they entered the sec ond quarter trailing 19-15. Durant opened the second quarter with a bucket to cut the lead to 19-17 and one free throw from senior Cam Cotal brought them within one. A single free throw from junior Isaac Correa knotted the contest at 15-15 but Sickles answered with a three-pointer of their own to take the lead. Correa hauled in an offensive rebound on their next possession and got the put back layup to draw within one again and a free throw from senior Abiola Adyemo once again left the game tied at 22-22. Durant was able to get a defensive stop and responded with a corner three from White, giving the

Cougars their first lead of the night, a lead they would build to 33-27 heading into half time. The third quarter was contested as Durant clung to a 46-39 lead but the Cou gars would ultimately pull away in the fourth quarter as they downed the Gryphons by way of a 64-50 final to open preseason play with a win.

Immediately following Durant’s contest, Plant City took the court against Plant. After Plant took a 2-0 lead on their opening possession, eight early points from senior Ray Cowen built the Raiders a 12-5 lead, but Plant would continue to battle. A threepointer from Plant narrowed the gap to 12-8 but a three-point response from Bell and a free throw from Teeden had Plant City right back out in front 16-8. But an ensuing three from Plant, followed by a pair of free throws, quickly narrowed the gap to 16-13 at the end of the first quarter. Plant would immediately pull even at 16-16 with yet another threepointer to start the second and Plant City would respond with a bucket of their own. A barrage of three-point shots from Malachi Morris and tough inside buckets from Jones pushed the Raiders’ lead to 31-18 and Daw son capped Plant City’s 17-6 second quarter run by going coast-to-coast for a huge dunk as the Raiders held a 33-22 halftime lead.

Despite the strong first half from Plant City, Plant immediately rattled off a 12-0 run to start the third quarter, taking their first lead since the game’s early minutes at 34-33.

And despite both teams battling point-forpoint throughout the second half, Plant was able to ward off the Plant City comeback attempt and take the 57-54 victory.

All four teams returned on Wednesday night as Plant City faced Sickles and Durant took on Plant, however these games were played after the Plant City Observer had gone to press.

Plant City and Durant both open their regular season with non-district matchups on Nov. 29 as the Raiders head to Newsome and Durant hosts Sumner.

Photos courtesy of Strawberry Crest, Durant and Rhett Rollyson.

Plant City

Durant

Strawberry Crest

AROUND TOWN

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR

We asked Plant City: What are your thoughts on the Florida Strawberry Festival’s concert lineup for 2023?

“I’m not impressed at all. There needs to be a turnover in whoever selects the music. It was so much better ten years ago when half of the seats were free.”Christine Wynne

“Looking forward to seeing Halestorm and Lynyrd Skynyrd.” - Chris Cooper

“Sad that there are so many new artists and they keep with the same ones that have been there for a long time. I think it’s time to let someone new and young er be in charge of the entertainment line up. Don’t get me wrong, I love the oldies, but I wanna see some new talent! Come on guys, step up your game!” - Cindy Sparks Wyatt

“I’m in for some Skynyrd and Willie.”Eric Richardson

“Train is an awesome concert.” - Jason Horvath

“Looking good so far, waiting to see who fils in the blank slots.” - Tom Riethmaier

“Not too impressed with this year’s line up. I know it was harder this year to find enertainment, but there has to be somebody willing to come that would be different than the same people we’ve had so many times in the past like 10 years. Most of the line up gears toward senior citizens?” - Hailey Barta

“Not impressed. Seems dated to me and I’m old!” - Starr Taylor Shirley

“Not great. I’ll go see Train.” - Lynn Blanton

“You’re missing Kenzie Wheeler!” - Lisa Haynes

“We are going to see Josh.” - Bonnie Rupe

“I can’t wait to see For King and Country, they will be there on my birthday.”Destany Haley

“I’ll go for Halestorm but that’s it this year.” - Dawn Street

“No thanks. It’s all country and older acts and I’m not a fan of any of them. I would like to see more contemporary artists and groups and also some rock and roll.” - Pamela Mills

Neoma ‘Noni’ Lanier

Houghton

Neoma “Noni” Lanier Houghton, 92, of Franklin, went home to be with Jesus on Friday, Nov. 11, 2022. Born in Plant City, Fla., she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Corinne Gill Lanier. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Houghton; daughter, Kathy Houghton; and two sisters, Janice Strauss and Velma Jean Glaros. Mrs. Houghton was a member of First Baptist Church in Franklin.

She enjoyed sewing, knitting, quilting, crocheting, and was an excellent seamstress. She was a friend to everyone. She loved visiting with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren and their families. She is survived by her daughter, Kari Crawford and husband, Bob of Franklin; sister, Betty Jo Lang of Plant City, FL; fie grandchildren, Erin Jenkins, Steven Jenkins, Kendall Butler, Tanner Allen, and Graham Allen; and seven

great grandchildren. A graveside service will be held on Nov. 21, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery in Plant City, Fla.

Memorials can be made to Hospice House Foundation of WNC, PO Box 815, Franklin, NC 28744.

Online condolences can be left at www.maconfuneralhome.com. Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

James ‘Jim’ Shupp

James “Jim” Shupp, 76, of Bartow, Fla., born in Angola, Ind. on Sept. 30, 1946, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 8, 2022.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Dr. Donald C. Royal

Dr. Donald C. Royal, 73, of Winter Haven, Fla., born in Fowlerton, Ind. on Oct. 3, 1949 entered into eternal rest on November 8, 2022.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Jean Elizabeth Turner

Jean Elizabeth Turner, 89, of Plant City, Fla., born in Bowling Green, on Aug. 22, 1933 entered into eternal rest on Nov. 9, 2022.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

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Bruce R. Walters

Bruce R. Walters, 64, of Lithia, Florida, born in Lumberton, North Carolina on Jan. 14, 1958, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 8, 2022.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Baldomero ‘Poncho’

Vega

Baldomero “Poncho”

Vega, 87, of Plant City, Fla., born in Mathis, Tex. on July 28, 1935, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 6, 2022.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Maria Eva Martinez

Maria Eva Martinez, 79, of Plant City, Fla., born in Tlaxcala, Mexico on Dec. 11, 1942, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 8, 2022.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

Guadalupe ‘Lupin’ Vidal

Guadalupe “Lupin” Vidal, 87, of Plant City, Fla., born in Limon, Tamaulipas, Mexico on March 19, 1935, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 7, 2022.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

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Mandy Elizabeth Daniels Britt

Mandy Elizabeth Daniels Britt, 99, of Lithia, Fla., born in Albany, Ga. on Feb. 2, 1923, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 12, 2022.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Kenneth Edward Baxter, Sr.

Kenneth Edward Baxter, Sr., 76, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Nov.12, 2022.

Kenneth was a veteran of the US Army. The family will be having a military committal service for Kenneth at a later date at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26

BEGINNING TANGO LESSONS

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the 4401 Promenade Blvd. Strawberry Square Dancing will be hosting beginning tango lessons at the Strawberry Square Dance Center this month, an event that’s fun for all with no experience required. The class will cost $7 per person and more information can be found at www.strawberrysquaredancing.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

BLUEGRASS JAM!

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. This is an open invitation for local Bluegrass musicians and fans to come to the Krazy Kup loft and jam, clap hands, stomp feet and enjoy! Krazy Kup holds their Bluegrass JAM on the fist Saturday of every month.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10

OPEN MIC NIGHT

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Open Mic Night is back at Krazy Kup. Join them for a fun night where you get to be the star of the show. Come out, strut your stuff and shw everyone what you’ve got.

5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at 1401 Gordon Food Service Dr. Don’t miss out on this Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) sanctioned competition offering you the change to enjoy mouth-watering BBQ, live entertainment, a kids’ zone, complete with a rock climbing wall and moonwalks. The event will take place on both Friday and Saturday where admission is free for all to attend and parking will cost $10 per vehicle.

FORECAST

THURSDAY,

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Nov 17 6:51a 5:34p

Friday, Nov 18 6:52a 5:34p

Saturday, Nov 19 6:53a 5:33p

Sunday, Nov 20 6:54a 5:33p

Monday, Nov 21 6:54a 5:33p

Tuesday, Nov 22 6:55a 5:33p

Wednesday, Nov 25 6:56a 5:32p