11.24.17 PCTO

PLANT CITY TIMES &

bserver

High school hoops previews.

SEE PAGE 16.

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 5, NO. 21

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2017

Country music legend dies Artist Mel Tillis, who traced success to Plant City youth, died early Sunday at Munroe Regional Medical Center.

PAUL GUZZO TAMPA BAY TIMES

Before Mel Tillis achieved stardom, writing songs recorded by hundreds of Nashville artists and embracing the stutter that became his trademark, he was a young man fresh out of the Air Force struggling to land a spot in a

Photo courtesy of In the Field Magazine

Mel Tillis died on Sunday, November 19. Tillis, who got his start in Plant City, is best-known for his country music hits.

Plant City talent show.

Eyes rolled when he took the stage to audition for Al Berry, Ercelle Smith and their radio station, WPLA. “He introduced himself with that stutter and I thought, ‘This should be good,’” Berry recalls. “Then he started SEE TILLIS PAGE 3

Breanne Williams

The Plant City Optimist Club is selling trees in a variety of sizes outside of Plant City High School.

Christmas tree sale The Plant City Optimist Club’s annual Christmas tree sale is now open. The trees are sold on the corner of Maki Road and West Alexander Street in front of Plant City High School. They are open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.

The group is also hosting a food drive. If you bring three cans or boxes of non-perishable food to the tree lot you will receive $5 off any single tree purchase. Proceeds go toward supporting local youth.

The proposed developers have dissolved their partnership, setting progress on Midtown redevelopment back months.

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

After nearing the end of contract negotiations, E2L Real Estate Solutions and Taurus Investments will not be developing Midtown. At least, not together they won’t be.

E2L and Taurus had, in March, formed a partnership to develop a proposal for the long-awaited Midtown project. The city accepted the joint proposal in July and entered into contract negotiations shortly after.

However, city officials said they were recently informed that the two companies parted ways, thus forcing the city to terminate contract negotiations.

Representatives from Taurus could not be reached for comment and representatives from E2L did not respond to a request for comment.

The dissolution of the companies’ partnership and termination of contract negotiations has now forced the city to reissue a request for proposal (RFP), the stage the city was at near the end of March when it issued its last RFP.

Courtesy of Julie Hasting

Countryside Baptist Church put together bags filled with clothes and food and gave them out to families in need.

Lending a helping hand Countryside Baptist Church teamed up with Restoring Hope Global to help families in need.

Over the summer the church raised $1,000 at its vacation Bible school, which was then donated to Restoring Hope Global.

Following Hurricane Irma, the church decided to continue to help those in need. The group delivered a variety of items including clothes and food for Thanksgiving to members of the community.

PIGGING OUT IN PLANT CITY

SEE MIDTOWN PAGE 6

’Tis the season to Shop Small Historic Plant City Main Street is partnering with local businesses for Small Business Saturday.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Breanne Williams

Bountiful BBQ at Pig Jam. SEE PAGE 11

Breanne Williams

Local businesses are uniting with Main Street to celebrate Small Business Saturday including the Corner Store, I Hate My Trainer and Aromatic Harmony.

Plant City flourishes under the premise that a strong community equates to a prospering town.

Jane Waters, the interim executive director of Historic Plant City Main Street, takes that philosophy to heart.

Though she has only been in the position a few weeks, she wants to help

boost engagement throughout the city in it’s small businesses.

Waters asked local shops to partner with Main Street to honor the nationally recognized Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25 in an event called Shop Small Plant City. She said she hopes to draw residents downtown to do some of their holiday shopping in their hometown, rather than online or at a mall.

“The reason we want to shop small is to continue to have vibrant downtown areas,” Waters said. “I don’t think any of us can deny that shopping online is easier, but when you have a beautiful downtown district SEE SHOP PAGE 6

WHAT’S HAPPENING

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2017

WEEK OF NOV. 24, 2017

“I’m hoping that people will understand you can persevere. You can rise above anything that comes at you and still be successful.”

— Tim Knighten, PCHS wrestling coach, SEE PAGE 16

Eat, drink,

Chamber launches new series in 2018

and give thanks

The Plant City Chamber of Commerce has announced it will launch a new “Lunch and Learn” series in 2018 for its members. The series will be held on the last Wednesday of each month in the member meeting room at the chamber, 106 N. Evers St. The luncheons will allow members to network and share their areas of expertise on issues like tax law, marketing strategies, networking tips and more.

Each lunch will offer a featured speaker and those interested in participating should contact the chamber at 813-754-3707 with their proposed topic. Nominations will be accepted until Dec. 5.

Breanne Williams

Reverend Dean Pfeffer and his wife, Elizabeth.

Grand marshal chosen for parade The Plant City Christmas Parade Inc. announced it had chosen its grand marshal for the “Celebrate the Season — 2017” hometown parade. This year’s marshal is Reverend Dean Pfeffer, senior pastor at Hope Lutheran Church.

Pfeffer has been serving his congregation since 1996 and is a member of the board of the United Food Bank of Plant City, the YMCA of Plant City, Plant City Daybreak Rotary, and he is a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. He has also gone on mission trips to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and India.

“Reverend Dean Pfeffer makes a positive impact wherever he goes, and we are honored to have him represent our 2017 Christmas Parade as the grand marshal,” the group said in a news release.

The annual parade will feature floats, marching bands and a visit from Santa Claus. There will be awards for the Best High School Entry, Best Marching Unit, Best Church Entry, Best Business Entry, and the Best Overall Entry. Each winner will receive a trophy and a cash prize.

The 2017 Christmas parade will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 1. The parade route begins at the intersection of Alsobrook and Collins Street and will travel north on Collins to Reynolds Street. Then, the floats will head east on Reynolds and end at the court house.

Correction

The Plant City Photo Archives and History Center celebrated Thanksgiving with a special Tuesdays at the Archives presentation. The archive opened its doors on Tuesday from 5:15 to 7 p.m.

Gil Gott, executive director for the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center, said the archives will continue to hold special events to help bring the community together. To honor Thanksgiving, the group decided to provide a continuous showing of “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” because it is a family favorite that allows people to either watch or chat with other attendees.

The Archives also provided Thanksgiving themed refreshments along with wine, cheese and hors d’oeurves.

Christmas Lane CONTEST OPEN TO PUBLIC

With the holidays approaching, Christmas Lane has partnered with the Plant City Times and Observer and Publix 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.

All Tuesdays at the Archives events are free and open to the public. The next meeting is Dec. 19 and will feature a Holiday Wine and Craft Beer tasting from 5:15 to 7 p.m. Gott said future monthly events could include concert, art, lectures, speeches and even a “So You Think You Know Plant City” trivia night.

Gott said the aim is for people to pop in and out as they please as he knows many will be headed home from work and want to avoid the traffic.

As community involvement grows, the Archives will decide how best to offer unique and all-encompassing programs to its monthly series.

The Photo Archives and History Center is located at 106 S. Evers St.

An earlier version of the “Dist.

58 candidates gather in Plant City” story incorrectly listed Plant City Area Democrats as one of the event’s hosts. It was not.

Breanne Williams

People popped in and out of the Thanksgiving-themed event, watched the film and chatted with their fellow attendees.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2017

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“He was a sweetheart. He’d still call me up just to chat and I tell you what, if my wife answered the phone he could talk to her without stuttering one time. But the second I got on the phone it came back full force. It was as much a part of him as his talent. That boy could write a song in five minutes.”

— Al Berry

Goodbye, ‘Coca-Cola Cowboy’

Photos courtesy of In the Field Magazine

Mel Tillis with his two dogs at his home in 2009.

FROM TILLIS PAGE 1

singing and my jaw dropped.”

The audience was impressed, too, Berry said, including one man with ties to Nashville who turned Tillis’ thoughts toward the country music capital. It wasn’t long afterward that the Tampa native packed up and headed there for a career that would span more than 60 albums, more than 30 top 10 country singles and appearances in a number of feature comedy films.

Mr. Tillis died early Sunday at Munroe Regional Medical Center in Ocala after a battle with intestinal problems, a spokesman said. He was 85.

Lonnie Melvin Tillis was born to Lonnie Lee and Burma Tillis at Tampa General Hospital on Aug. 8, 1932.

After a few months living in Tampa’s Lowry Park area, they moved to Plant City where Mr. Tillis attended Wilson Elementary School. For the most part, though, he was raised in Pahokee, the hardscrabble sugar cane and farming community on the shores of Lake Okeechobee where he developed his musical talents.

A childhood bout with malaria left him with the stutter, recalled his cousin Carroll Williamson of Dover.

“It was bad when he was a kid,” Williamson said. “He could hardly say his name, but he overcame it.”

He had some help from the late Plant City folk artist Bill Miller, who also owned Miller Candy Company and interviewed Tillis for a job there.

Miller didn’t hire him but he did share his own story of overcoming a stutter and gave Mr. Tillis a piece of paper to read 10 times each night before going to bed.

“It changed my life,” the singer would say in an interview later.

On the paper was written a variation of the Serenity Prayer: “Lord grant me the courage to change the things I can change, the serenity to accept those I cannot change, and the wisdom to know the difference. And God, grant me the courage to not give up on what I think is right, even though I think it is hopeless.”

In the time before he moved from Plant City to Nashville, Mr. Tillis worked a number of odd jobs, as a truck driver, a strawberry picker, a firefighter, on the railroad and as a milkman — all of which inspired his breakthrough song, I’m Tired, a hit in the early 1960s for honky-tonk recording artist Webb Pierce.

Members of the extended Tillis family still live in the Plant City area.

His daughter, country music star Pam Tillis, was born in a hospital that once operated in downtown Plant City and has returned to appear at the city’s signature Strawberry Festival.

Though he soon became a national treasure, residents of Plant City always regarded him as one of their

Tillis with Masonic America, one of the many paintings he created in his lifetime.

own. When Berry recounts Tillis’ impact on the town he dives into tales of him working tirelessly painting local businesses at night and picking strawberries. His infectious sense of humor weaving through every story.

“He was a sweetheart,” Berry said.

“He’d still call me up just to chat and I tell you what, if my wife answered the phone he could talk to her without stuttering one time. But the second I got on the phone it came back full force. It was as much a part of him as his talent. That boy could write a song in five minutes.”

Mel Tillis wrote hits for Kenny Rogers, Ricky Skaggs and many others.

In all, the Country Music Hall of Fame member penned more than 1,000 songs and in 2012 received a National Medal of Arts for bringing “his unique blend of warmth and humor to the great tradition of country music.”

His own hit country singles included Good Woman Blues, Coca-Cola Cowboy and Southern Rain. Among the hits he wrote for others were Detroit City for Bobby Bare; Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town for Rogers and the First Edition; and Thoughts of a Fool for George Strait.

Mr. Tillis also dabbled in acting, appearing in such feature films as Mel Tillis with the walking stick given to Clint Eastwood’s Every Which Way him by Ercelle Smith.

But Loose, and the Burt Reynolds movies Cannonball Run I and II and Smokey and the Bandit II. Berry said that no matter how famous he became, he always stayed true to himself.

“He wouldn’t dress in jeans (while performing), he never would,” Berry said. “He was a class act from Plant City. He was an experience and I enjoyed every minute of it.”

He said that his partner, Smith, once gave Tillis a walking cane. Years later, the trio was walking around his property in Ocala and Tillis was still using that very cane.

“He was full of talent, but he never forgot us,” Berry said, “And we never forgot him.”

Mr. Tillis became a major success on his own in the late 1960s and toured for decades, often using the stutter as a source of humor — though it disappeared when he sang.

“One of the reasons I worked it into my show is that it’s my trademark,” he once told the Associated Press.

He said that when he was in the Air Force as a flight leader, he marched airmen right into a wall.

“I couldn’t get out the word ‘halt,’” he said.

Williamson, his cousin, said Mr. Tillis worked to help others who stuttered.

“He would go to schools and give talks about his speech impediment and how he overcame it and that it was possible and not to be embarrassed,” she said.

He will be remembered by those who knew him in Florida as someone who never forgot his roots, checking in with them from time to time.

One of the jobs he worked as a teenager was with Carroll and Jerry Redish, who owned an electrical contracting company in Clewiston. He learned they were in the audience at one of his concerts, recalled their grandson, Tampa public relations executive Bill Carlson, and invited them backstage.

“I think that says a lot about who he was,” Carlson said.

Added Berry, the former radio man, “He was one of us.”

“He’d been hunting once and I asked how he did. He said the only thing we killed was two-fifths of whiskey. He was a funny guy.”

Mr. Tillis also joked about that fateful Plant City talent show. He placed second, collected the $50 prize — and used it to pay for a speeding ticket he had received driving there.

He was late.

Breanne Williams contributed to this report.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2017

We asked: Do you plan on going shopping on Black Friday?

“Yes I am. Most likely my wife and I always go to Walmart. We go on Thursday night around midnight after all the doorbusters are over. We put the kids to bed with the grandparents and hit whatever is left over.”

“No, I’m not going shopping. I have no money and it’s dangerous.”

— Lilly Brainard, 15

“No. I would never fight those crowds. I just saw in the news a woman got mangled trying to get into a store, they stepped all over her.”

“No, I’m not. It’s kind of dangerous. We’re just going to stay in and eat Thanksgiving leftovers.”

“Yes. I haven’t strategically mapped out my routes yet but when I do I will have a very clear destination.”

— Abby Brainard, 17

— Ricky Lindsey, 38

— Lucy Mulligan, 68

“No. With online shopping there’s not a lot of deals that I find necessary for me to go fight some crowds.

I’ve done it before and if you want electronics it’s worth it.”

— Teala Longoria, 33

— Ricky Hollder, 29 HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME & MEMORIAL GARDENS HAS PARTNERED TO SPONSOR AROUND TOWN.

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Give the Gift of Love Give the gift of love this holiday season by donating a tree light in memory or in honor of someone special. All donations are tax deductible and will benefit the many community services provided by South Florida Baptist Hospital. For more information, sponsorships or to purchase a light ($25–$100), call (813) 757-8478.

Join Us for Our Tree Lighting Ceremony

Thursday, November 30 | 5:30–7:30pm | McCall Park, Downtown Plant City Photos with Santa – Train Depot Music presented by the First Baptist Church of Plant City Youth and Children’s Choirs Lighting of the Lights of Love tree presented by the City of Plant City

Terry and Peggy Crum Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc.

Top Star Sponsors:

Wendy Brown City of Plant City First Baptist Church Plant City Bill and Diane Morrow Radiology and Imaging Specialists Verner Foundation, Inc.

Patron Sponsors:

Supporting Sponsors continued:

Brenda J. Futch Sylvia Knox Jack and Carolyn McMullen Dean and Nancy Nourie Paul’s Hand Lettering Bruce and Margaret Rodwell Ronnie Synder Jr. and Family Albert and Norma Whitaker

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PLANT CITY TIMES &

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.

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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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FROM PAGE 1

This time, though, the RFP period was set for 30 days, shorter than the original RFP period.

“The cleanest way to avoid any pitfall would be to reissue an RFP for a 30-day period,” Interim City Manager Kim Leinbach said. “It’s not something brand new, it’s a reissue.”

Leinbach said reissuing the RFP might be a “hiccup,” but it was something completely out of the city’s control, but there is a silver lining.

According to the city’s procurement manager Buddy Story, more companies have expressed interest in submitting proposals for Midtown.

The city had only received two proposals in July, one from Taurus/ E2L and one from Green Mills Group.

Green Mills’ proposal to develop housing in the area was determined to be less in line with the city’s vision for the area. The Taurus/E2L proposal, however, was determined to meet the city’s vision of turning midtown into a live-work-play, mixed-use facility city leaders hope will help shed Plant City’s status as a bedroom community for nearby cities.

Mayor Rick Lott said a number of developers had expressed interest in the original RFP but did not submit because of time constraints. Accord-

Shop FROM PAGE 1

you want to support the shops that are there.

Though the campaign is new to Main Street, several local shops have been participating for years. This is the first time, however, the city has united to make a one-stop experience for shoppers. One of the larger events is being hosted by the Corner Store, which is putting on a Holiday Maker Market.

Cynthia Diaz, owner of the Corner Store, said she has always participated in the holiday and pushes community engagement every day by selling local products in her store and hosting local groups. When Waters came to her with the idea of making a united event, Diaz told her she “wouldn’t miss it.”

“Shopping local makes your whole community better,” Diaz said.

“Instead of spending money at a major corporation you’re helping send a kid to summer camp, you’re helping people around you. That’s why when I opened the store 10 years ago I opened it here in Plant City, where I lived. I probably could have done a lot more

“The city knows what it wants. This is a redoubling of efforts and making sure we stay on track with our goals. I’d love to see a contract completed with a successful respondent in 90 days, then proceed with the plan and implementation.”

— Kim Leinbach, Interim City Manager

ing to Story, some of those could be coming back. Story said Taurus and E2L are expected to submit separate proposals, with at least two more indicating more proposals could come.

“We do have more interest,” Story said. “We’ve had a good range of responses.”

The Midtown project has been both a source of hope and frustration in Plant City. It began more than 10 years ago with great promise, but a national financial crisis came shortly after and the project was stalled. As the economy began a slow-crawl return, more issues, including environmental concerns, continued to stall progress.

After spending more than $4 million priming the area for development over the last decade, city officials felt preventative hurdles had been cleared

leading to the selection of a development team. Leinbach, who was hired in part because of his experience with redevelopment projects as city manager of Temple Terrace, said speed bumps like this sometimes come with the redevelopment territory. The city, he said, remains steadfast.

“The city knows what it wants. This is a redoubling of efforts and making sure we stay on track with our goals,” he said. “I’d love to see a contract completed with a successful respondent in 90 days, then proceed with the plan and implementation.”

The 30-day RFP period will expire around mid December. The city’s Community Redevelopment Agency, comprised of city commissioners, will then choose a new developer for the project.

business somewhere else but I wanted to make my own community better.”

The market will feature approximately 10 local vendors selling everything from jewelry to leather goods.

Diaz partnered with Make Plant City for the event and said they will also have lots of holiday related food items at the store.

There are more than 2 million small businesses in Florida alone, which account for approximately 99% of all businesses, according to the Office of Advocacy’s Small Business Profile.

These local businesses employ over 40% of Floridians, which is why the holiday was created seven years ago to push for the return of supporting communities rather than relying solely on large corporations.

Though individual businesses in Plant City have recognized the holiday for years, Waters said she is hopeful Main Street will soon be able to make it into a large, city-wide event.

“I wish I had been in position earlier for this particular event because I think it is so important to economic vitality that when we have an opportunity to celebrate our community’s small businesses that we do it really well,” Waters said. “I’m currently the interim executive director but next year this program needs to be a truly

celebrated Saturday in our town. We need to promote small businesses in the historic district.”

Waters said Plant City is unique in its varied shops and markets. She said the many antique stores, boutiques and organizations ensure shoppers can find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on their list. The Corner Store is joined by other businesses like I Hate My Trainer and Aromatic Harmony for Shop Small. Aromatic Harmony is giving free gifts to the first 10 people who come through its door Saturday.

If all goes to plan, next year will see all of downtown united for Shop Small. Waters said she has been involved in similar projects before and it never fails to unify merchants and create a stronger sense of community. Any businesses that wish to partner for next year should contact Main Street as soon as possible.

“These events have been going on for ages in Lake Wales and Winter Haven and we know St. Pete and our Hillsborough friends are doing the same,” Waters said. “It’s time Plant City shows off all it has to offer. We have a beautiful, quaint district here and I want to make sure they have every opportunity to show the community all they have to offer.”

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into overnight at a hotel. Two of the vehicles were entered but did not have anything stolen from within. The third vehicle’s window was smashed upon entry and the complainant’s wallet was stolen.

SHADY SALESPERSON 500 block of West Renfro Street.

Auto theft: Complainant stated a woman named “Reccie” took her car and was driving her around before kicking her out of the vehicle, which she later sold. The vehicle was located at the 1200 block of West Washington Street. Complainant declined to press charges and signed a waiver of prosecution.

DOORBUSTER DEALS 1400 block of Southeast Drane Street.

Residential burglary: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) entered her home through the damaged front door and stole two 42-inch television sets.

KEYS TO THE CRIB 2000 block of Poplar Court.

Residential burglary: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) entered a vacant home and stole its keys.

CATERPILLAR CAPER Lake Boulevard/West Highway 574.

Grand theft: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) stole a Caterpillar compact track loader from an empty lot between 5 p.m. Nov. 9 and 12 p.m.

Nov. 10. The loader was valued at $55,000.

FOUR-WHEELING FIENDS 4710 block of Sydney Road.

Burglary: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) broke through a fence to enter a business’s property over the weekend and stole three off-road vehicles, valued together at $22,000. The damage done to the fence was estimated at $2,000.

NICE TRY 600 block of South Frontage Road.

Multiple charges: Complainant stated he caught an adult and a juvenile attempting to force entry into a locked model home during a business check.

Both subjects were arrested for loitering and prowling, resisting arrest, burglary and theft. The adult was also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal mischief and resisting arrest with violence.

LOST AND FOUND 1400 block of South Collins Street.

Residential burglary: Complainant reported unknown suspect(s) had taken his electric bicycle from his home without permission. The bike was found at the 1420 block of South Collins Street and returned to the complainant, who signed a waiver of prosecution.

NOV. 10

THREE-PEAT 2940 block of Lakehouse Cove Isle.

Vehicle burglary: Three complainants reported their vehicles were broken

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2017

7

HCSO nabs fugitive in Walden Lake

NOV. 11

NOV. 6

NOV. 7

COPS CORNER

NOV. 5

|

Breanne Williams

The incident happened at a Hammock Drive home in Walden Lake.

SKETCHY IS AS SKETCHY DOES 2010 block of North Park Road.

Auto theft: Officers responded to a report of a suspicious subject walking around a gas station’s parking lot. By the time they arrived on the scene, the subject had stolen a silver Honda Accord.

Curtis Brown was apprehended following a Nov. 14 manhunt through Walden Lake neighborhoods.

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

NOV. 12

It’s straight to Tartarus for one Plant City man who couldn’t seem to escape Zeus’ grasp.

With a bite to the leg while hiding along side a Hammock Drive home, Curtis Wayne Brown, 41, of Mays Street, was captured by Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office K9 Officer Zeus Nov. 14, HCSO said.

According to HCSO, the office received a tip Nov. 14 that someone with a warrant was in a residence in Walden Lake. When deputies arrived on the scene, HCSO said, the tipster told them the fugitive had fled into the Woods near Turkey Creek and Crosby Roads.

The K9 unit and helicopters were deployed to search for Brown as the Plant City Police Department assisted in creating a perimeter around the area. Then, HCSO received another tip that the suspect was spotted near Pine Club Drive and the search moved.

“It was a little bit of track and a little bit of getting calls in,” HCSO spokes-

HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT 2210 block of North Park Road.

Recovered stolen vehicle: Officers responded to a report of a vehicle abandoned by a gas station’s pumps.

They determined the vehicle had been stolen from Manatee County. A suspect was located and arrested.

PLAYING WITH POWER 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway.

Shoplifting: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) stole two Xbox controllers valued together at $180.

NOV. 13

PILLS AND PURSES 800 block of West Monroe Street.

Vehicle burglary: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) broke into their vehicle over the weekend and stole a Coach purse and several prescription medications.

person Cristal Nunez said.

Brown had been wanted for violation of parole related to federal charges, HCSO said. According to the HCSO arrest database, Brown’s original charges stemmed from the manufacture, distribution and possession of a controlled substance. The records also show a violation of parole for amphetamine possession.

After leading HCSO deputies and Zeus to Pine Club Drive, Brown, who records show goes by the street names Humpy and Humper, was spotted on Hammock Drive. Zeus was again redeployed to the area where the K9 alerted deputies to a presence near the garage of a Hammock Drive home.

Zeus then approached the side of the house where he quite literally took a bite out of crime, latching on to Brown's leg.

Brown was treated and booked that night at Tampa General Hospital and transferred to the Orient Road Jail.

According to the U.S. Marshal Service, Brown could now be facing state and federal charges.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

GOOD APPEAL

|

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2017

SHIOBHAN OLIVERO

Is your ex going to file for sole custody?

If your time sharing rights are at risk, you can save them.

MEETING THE CHILD’S NEEDS

D

ivorce can be an agreeable affair where both parents agree on what is best for their children and both get through the proceedings without harming the parent-child relationship. But let’s be serious: most divorces are not agreeable affairs.

Perhaps one of the biggest areas of disagreement is whether the parents should share custody of the child through time sharing or if one parent should have sole custody. This question can make divorce unpleasant, stressful and heartbreaking, especially for the child.

Parents want what is best for their children, but what one parent believes is best for the child may not necessarily be what the divorce court will agree with. In Florida, the courts want the child to share equal time with both parents when

possible. The court will always have a purpose to act in the child’s best interest. However, if the court determines the child is not safe with one parent, time sharing will come to an immediate end.

If one parent is determined to gain sole custody of the child, they have to show, among other things, that time sharing with the other parent is not healthy or safe for the child.

Here is what you can do if your ex is trying to take time sharing away from you and gain sole custody of your child.

As we said before, the court’s purpose is to act in the child’s best interest. You will need to show the court that you are capable of meeting your child’s developmental and emotional needs. Establish for the court that you know your child’s day-to-day routine, their interest in sports or science or music, who their friends are and any extracurricular activities they are involved in.

Basically, show the court that you are a part of your child’s life and not a mere bystander. Provide the court with a feasible parenting plan that you and your ex could follow that will cause very little disruption to your child’s life. You must show the court that your child’s life will be balanced and stable with time sharing.

PROVIDING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT

A court could easily grant your ex sole custody if they can show that the child is not safe with you, or that spending time with you could be

City Manager search nets seven semifinalists City Commissioners chose the seven, including current Assistant City Manager Bill McDaniel, following a presentation of 35 candidates from consultant Strategic Government Resources.

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

258326

The city commission Tuesday chose the seven semifinalists who will advance in its search for a new city manager.

Plant City hired executive recruitment firm Strategic Government Resources (SGR) in July to search for Interim City Manager Kim Leinbach’s successor. Leinbach was hired to head Plant City’s administrative arm following the unexpected departure of former City Manager Mike Herr, who accepted a position as city manager

of Winter Haven in May. Leinbach is currently working with Plant City on a month-to-month basis until a new manager is hired.

The SGR search is being led by former Lakeland City Manager Doug Thomas. Thomas told the commission the job listing received 55 candidates from 21 states and Canada, with most coming from Florida and Michigan. Thomas presented the commission with the 35 applicants he said “most closely match the desired skills experience and attributes for the City Manager Position Profile identified

by Plant City.”

Commissioners made short work of choosing the seven semifinalists following the presentation.

“What’s incredible, three of these candidates, four of us recommended,” Mayor Rick Lott said, “I think we’re all very excited about the pool of candidates we have.”

The semifinalists chosen by the commission are Doug Adkins, city manager of Middletown, Ohio; Jamie Croteau, the management services director of Boca Raton; Jeff Brown, city manager in Panama City; Jonathan Evans, City Manager of Riviera Beach; Bob Middaugh, Loudoun

detrimental to your child’s health.

You must be able to prove to the court that your child will be safe with you.

If applicable, you must provide evidence that any previous substance abuse, criminal history or domestic violence issues have been or are being addressed. Unless you can do that, your ex might be granted sole custody. You must show the court that you are physically and mentally healthy and that the home environment you will be providing for your child is safe.

COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR EX

You must be able to communicate with your ex regularly. You must show that you are capable of fostering a positive relationship with your ex and you are willing to work together for the sake of your child’s well-being.

Even if your divorce is ugly, it is necessary to show the court that you are willing to stick to a time sharing plan and deal with any reasonable issues that may come up outside of

County, Virginia’s assistant county administrator; and Plant City’s current assistant city manager and former police chief Bill McDaniel.

Thomas said the next step will be for the semifinalists to submit responses to a questionnaire about general city manager duties as well as Plant City-specific items, a cover letter and resume and a video interview.

Commissioners will be presented with the findings during a December commission meeting. From there, commissioners will choose finalists who will have in-person interviews in Plant City in January.

While the selection of semifinalists was quick, the meeting was not without its disagreement. Commissioner Mike Sparkman was displeased with the tenures of some of the applicants, despite Thomas reassuring him some short terms could be due to a change in the political climate where they served.

“I kind of disagree with the consul-

the courtroom. The courts don’t want to be involved in your case constantly if you and your ex cannot agree on minor things. You must show that you can put any disagreements aside when it comes to the welfare of your child.

BE FIT

When it comes to time sharing, “fitness” refers to moral and ethical fitness. If your ex is determined to gain sole custody they will search for the smallest thing to point to as a reason you are not fit to have time sharing. Don’t fall into any traps and give your ex evidence against your moral and ethical fitness. Simply do what is best for your child.

Shiobhan Olivero was born and raised in Plant City. Her law office can be reached at (813) 534-0393 or by email at SOlivero@oliverolaw.com.

tant’s analysis of why people get fired because of political changes. That’s never happened here in Plant City,” Sparkman said. “It’d appear to be that a lot of these people are professional job seekers. Anybody that’s been in a job a year or two and seeks another job, to me, is a job seeker trying to step up in the world. I would be very disappointed, as I was our last city manager (who) after two years started seeking another job and employment place.”

Thomas, however, reassured Sparkman that SGR has targeted applicants it expects to stick around.

“I think our guarantee is if an individual leaves within two years, we redo your search without any professional fees,” Thomas said. “I’m not anxious to have you go through this process prematurely or quickly as well, so our goal will be to try to find somebody that wants to stay here.”

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

|

9

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2017

BIG DOG’S BIG PLANS

Daniel Figueroa IV

Dominick Sinopoli stands behind the bar at Big Dog’s Patio.

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

For Dominick Sinopoli, putting on events outside of his bar next to Plant City’s downtown McCall Park is not about getting people to buy drinks, but bringing people to the downtown area.

Sinopoli has been an owner of Big Dog’s Patio for about nine months now. The Tampa resident and north New Jersey native said he fully committed to the Plant City community, joining the Chamber of Commerce and downtown’s Main Street organization, and wants to help as the city grows.

When he bought the business, Sinopoli said, he had a vision of utilizing the area of Northeast Drane Street outside of his bar for family-focused events and hosting local music acts on the outdoor stage. He had hoped to start by bringing a mac and cheese festival to Plant City this month. The event, which would benefit the Tampa Bay Animal Health Foundation, was, however, snared in city hall.

“I own seven bars. The one I walk out , Center 813. of always feeling 754.1578 good, it’s this one,” ry to is H Phone ives & 3-5412; o Arch da 3356Sinopoli said. “It’s a family event. This rg lori City, F otoarchives.o h is a family looking forward antcityp Plant Citytown.

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granting Big Dog’s a permit for the the event wouldn’t cost the city any event during the Nov. 13 commission money as sponsors would “need to meeting. The event was going to be obtain a Business Tax certificate from held on Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Finance Department and provide the weekend following South Flori- Extra-Duty Officers for the event da Baptist Hospital’s Lights of Love and street closures as determined by Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. the Plant City Police Department.” It Though initially supported by would also have the same restrictions commissioners Nate Kilton and Bill as other McCall Park events, like no Dodson, Dodson later withdrew his alcohol in the streets. second of Kilton’s motion to approve Sinopoli said he was disappointed the permit. Among their concerns, by the city’s decision, but not discommissioners said that weekend couraged. The event’s delay he said, is one where families traditionally was due in part to not understanding plan to walk through McCall Park to the extent of the permit process and take in the city’s decorations. Plant how events work in Plant City.

City’s quarterly motorcycle festival is “This is their city. It’s only my bar. scheduled for Dec. 2, the night before I’m blessed to be here. It’s a privithe proposed “Plant City Mac and lege to be here,” Sinopoli said. “I’m Cheese Christmas Fest.” That, too, encouraged to understand the way the commissioners said, has become a city operates to ensure proper safety tradition. and the proper way to market to the “My biggest concern is that, Thurs- city.” day night, that’s when we turn the A new permit application is expectlights on in our city,” Mayor Rick Lott ed to be on the city commission’s Dec. said. “That’s the Lights of Love, it’s a 11 agenda. If approved, the event will big ceremony. The next night it’s our be held Jan. 13.

Christmas parade. That whole weekend is when families flock to downtown Plant City. And it’s kind of like that’s their Saturday and Sunday to Plant be able to walk McCall Park, walk the 106 South Evers Str City Photo Archiv es & Histo eet, Plant parks and so forth and to really enjoy Cit ry info@pla y, Florida 33563-54 Center ntcityphot 12 the lights. The crowds are always that oarchives ; Phone 813.754. .org 1578, weekend. If we have this event on the T u e s d ays at third it kinds of bumps the park for the Ar that day.” chives Commissioner Mary Mathis also indicated concern that pets might damage the city’s holiday decorations, as well as clean up and security. Dec ember 19 , 2017 However, the event’s organizers said they’d be handling cleanup and, A Holida y Wine an though the event is pet-friendly, Plant City Photo Archives & History Center 5:05 p.m. to 6: d Craft B 106 South Evers Street, Plant City, Florida 33563-5412; Phone 35 p.m.

Enjoy sam 813.754.1578, they didn’t expect an abundance of eer Tastin info@plantcityphotoarchives.org pling holi day winArchives ChrisPlant g tm es City Photo History Center as an goodies, an pets. According to city documents, d tasty& cr aft beers w Phone 813.754.1578, deliciouFlorida Licensed South Evers Street, Plantd City, ith sides of s hors d’oe33563-5412; Tuesdays at106the Archives urves cheese info@plantcityphotoarchives.org

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Approaching his first year as an owner of Big Dog’s Patio, Dominick Sinopoli would like to bring more family-friendly events and local music to downtown.

10

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2017

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Photos by Breanne Williams

The line for the fresh roasted corn was consistently one of the longest at the event.

The 15th annual Suncoast Credit Union Pig Jam brought some of the South’s best barbecue to Plant City.

T

he Plant City Pig Jam celebrated its 15th anniversary Friday and Saturday with live entertainment and dozens of groups competing to make the best barbecue in the South.

The event, sponsored by Suncoast Credit Union, featured an amateur and a professional division with prizes among the top ten teams for ribs, pork, beef brisket and chicken. There were also prizes for best dessert and best sauce.

Hot Wachula’s was the Reserve Grand Champion, taking home a check for $2,000. Shig Ninja was the Grand Champion, with two perfect scores, and took home a check for $3,000.

The Professional BBQ Competitors competition was sponsored

by Poppell Insurance Inc. & Auto Owners Insurance and awarded first place to Shig Ninja BBQ and second place to Hot Wachula’s.

Gordon Food Services was the Amateur BBQ competition sponsor and awarded first Place to Sons of Hamarchy and second Place to Smokin’ Ain’t Easy.

Shig Ninja blew judges away with not one but two perfect scores. They received a check for $3,000 and were named grand champion.

— BREANNE WILLIAMS

Gil Horn, a chef with Georgia Big Bozys Smoke House, was one of the few competitors to offer paella and other nontraditional recipes.

ONLINE The Wombat Down team sold out of its pulled pork sliders during the event.

Co-chair Jodi Smith and committee member Michael Cameron donned pig beads from the very first event.

See more photos from the event at PlantCityObserver.com

12

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2017

Photos by Daniel Figueroa IV

HCSO Master Sgt. Carl Hassell speaks to dinner guests before the awards ceremony.

Olin S. Wright Lodge Recognition Night F or more than 40 years, Plant City’s Masons have gathered in November to honor local public servants and standout members of the Olin S. Wright Masonic Lodge.

On Nov. 16, Plant City Police Department Detective John W. McDowell was named Police Officer of the Year and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Griffin Morris was named School Resource Officer of the Year. Glynis L. Belin of Dowdell Middle School was named Teacher of the Year.

Moises Rosado was named Mason of the Year and Robert Franklin Ray was honored for 40 years of membership.

Louis Mittong (center) escorts Nikole Johnson (left) and Glynis Belin after Johnson presented Belin with the Teacher of the Year award.

Top: Moises Rosado is served dinner by Charlie Chancey.

Above: PCPD Capt. Jerry Stwan (left) presents Det. John McDowell (right) with the Police Officer of the Year award.

— DANIEL FIGUEROA IV

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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13

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2017

Fighting local hunger

Photos by Daniel Figueroa IV

Marsha Passmore, community service coordinator for Hopewell, introduces veteran and judge Michael Scionti.

Photos by Breanne Williams

Little Miss Plant City and her court decorated a large bowl to be auctioned off.

Veterans Day Honoring Those Who Served

H

The Durant JROTC serves as color guard.

— DANIEL FIGUEROA IV

Michael Scionti and Dan Middlebrooks prepare to unveil the newly dedicated bricks.

Bowls made by students at 23 local schools were available for ticket holders to take home.

Caroline Brummer and Ariel Navarrete autioned off large bowls at the program.

— BREANNE WILLIAMS

PLANT CITY TIMES &

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Advertise: To obtain information, call Chandler Workman at 813-704-6850 or email at cworkman@plant cityobserver.com.

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opewell Funeral home and Memorial Gardens held its 32nd annual Veterans Day service Nov. 11.

The Plant City community packed into Courier Field, home of the city’s seven-year old veteran’s monument for the event, held in partnership with the City of Plant City.

Winners of a student essay contest from Hillsborough County School District Area 6 schools read their winning pieces about what Veterans Day means to them and the Springhead Elementary Choir provided a soundtrack of patriotic songs.

The event also featured the annual dedication of bricks laid in the shadow of the park’s monument to honor the men and women of Plant City who served in the armed forces.

T

he seventh annual Empty Bowls Project drew hundreds to the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum Nov. 11 as Plant City united to raise awareness on local hunger.

Attendees bought tickets and picked their favorite soup made by multiple groups throughout the community. The ticket also came with water, an apple, bread and a bowl crafted by local students to take home as a reminder of all of the “Empty Bowls” every day.

Twenty-three local schools signed up to participate in the project. The bowls were on display during the event and ticket holders picked out their favorite to bring home with them.

The event featured a live auction of multiple large hand-crafted and painted bowls, as well as live performances. There was a multischool choir performance directed

by Strawberry Crest High School Choir Director Jennifer Rivera, along with performances by NRG, Mel & Dallas, and Ace Jackson & the Jump Kings.

Empty Bowls is a yearly event hosted by the United Food Bank and the proceeds go to the organization, which fights hunger here in Plant City.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2017

FRIDAY, NOV. 24

A SHORT DRIVE

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. Children’s performers, face painting and more will be available. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children age 4 to 12 and children 3 years old and under are free.

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

SATURDAY, NOV. 25

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Historic Plant City Main Street is hosting Shop Small Plant City, a day for recognizing small businesses. Many local businesses in Plant City will be offering special deals, providing unique events or altering their hours in honor of the event. Some of the special events include the Corner Store’s Holiday Maker Market from 3 to 7 p.m. and Aromatic Harmony’s free gift to the first 10 people through the door.

FRIDAY, NOV. 24

BEST BET THURSDAY, NOV. 30

LIGHTS OF LOVE 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony is at McCall Park in downtown Plant City. Pictures with Santa are at 5:30 p.m., the lighting ceremony is at 6:30 p.m., the tree lighting is at 7 p.m. The event is free.

To donate a light for the tree contact the South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation at 813-757-8478. Proceeds go toward the hospital.

MONDAY, NOV. 27

PLANT CITY AREA DEMOCRATIC CLUB NOVEMBER MEETING 6 p.m. The Plant City Area Democratic Club will hold its November

meeting at the Bruton Memorial Library. All interested in Democratic political action are encouraged to attend.

THURSDAY, NOV. 30

EAST HILLSBOROUGH ART GUILD SHOW AND SALE 5 to 9 p.m. The local artists of the East Hillsborough Art Guild are presenting their work at the annual Christmas Show at Plant City Entertainment, 101 N. Thomas St. Most of the work displayed will be for sale.

There will be a wine and cheese reception. Tickets are available for a chance to win an original painting done by one of the artists. There is also a silent auction for artwork accompanied by a gift basket related to the piece. For more information call Loretta Burns at 864-838-9880.

FRIDAY, DEC. 1

CHRISTMAS PARADE 7 p.m. The Celebrate the Season Christmas parade line-up starts at Collins and Alsobrook Street.

The floats will head north on Collins to Reynolds Street, East on Reynolds Street and end at the Plant City Court House. This year’s grand marshal is Reverend Dean Pfeffer, the senior pastor at Hope Lutheran Church. There will be awards for Best High School Entry, Best Marching Unit, Best Church Entry, Best Business Entry and Best Overall Entry.

ONLINE For more events and on going events visit

PlantCityObserver.com

FOURTH FRIDAY 4 to 10 p.m. There is pay-aswill admission for the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, free admission to the Henry B. Plant Museum, a free showing of Miracle on 34th Street at Curtis Hixon Park and more.

For other events and information go to VisitTampaBay.com.

SUNDAY, NOV. 26

SANTA CARES 9 to 11 a.m. Santa Cares is a sensory-friendly opportunity for children with all spectrums of special needs to take part in the traditional Santa meetand-greet experience. The event is at the Brandon Mall, 459 Brandon Town Center.

Please RSVP in advance on EventBrite.com.

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PlantCityObserver.com

> 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability e Guarantee > National Plan Transferability > Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® Panos-Klug Ruby L. Harrell, 97, of Dover, passed Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline®

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Cynthia “Cindy” Vickery Ausburn, 69, of Plant City, born on June 27, 1948 in Savannah, Georgia, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 13.

Expressions of condolence at www.

HopewellFuneral.com.

community

is all about.

HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

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> 100% Service813-752-1111 Guarantee >WellsMemorial.com National Plan Transferability George Chavez > The Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Assistance

Warren Thompson Warren Thompson, 95, of Valrico, passed peacefully into eternity with his Lord on Tuesday, Nov. 14.

Expressions of condolence at www.

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BY FUNERAL HOMES AND FAMILIES. 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

Nell Andrews Nell Andrews, of Plant City, born in Tampa, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 16.

Expressions of condolence at www.

HopewellFuneral.com.

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Ray Mull

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DECK THE PAWS: Benny is ready to greet the big man this holiday season.

Donned in his fluffiest hat, Benny is ready to receive his gift — fingers crossed for a giant tennis ball.

10/27/15 10:42 AM

Florist

Ray Mull, 62, of Dover, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 14.

Expressions of condolence at www.

HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

www.HopewellFuneraI.com

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

10/27/15 10:42 AM

vice at 11 a.m. with military honors.

Charles Harvey Morris, 55, of Plant City, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 15.

Expressions of condolence at www.

HopewellFuneral.com.

FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

www.HopewellFuneraI.com HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

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George Chavez, 94, passed away

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Charles Harvey Morris November 19, 2017.

10-11 a.m., serProudly supportingVisitation the Plant Nov. City 25th, Strawberry Festival.

HOPEWELL

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2017

community

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FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

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away Nov. 16.

Elizabeth Carrel Panos-Klug, 69, of Do you want Plant City to see how cute your favorite pets Visitation was Nov. 20th, followed Inverness, passed away peacefully on by a funeral service at Wells MemoAug. 18. are? Send your pictures to Staff Writer Breanne Williams rial.

Elizabeth “Penny” was born in at bwilliams@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

White Plains in 1948 and moved to Plant City shortly afterward.

Her parents, Leotha and Philip Panos, who predeceased Penny, taught her to enjoy life and the good things WELLSMEMORIAL.COM that included fast cars, animals, sailing, and the outdoors. we’re dedicated to helping families create a W E ’ RE PROU D TO S ERV E our community She graduated from Plant City Wells MeMorial event andCenter meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. & unique High School.

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Memorial, Nov. 22.

She is survived by family, friends, as well as furry friends that will miss her dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held Dec. 2 at Heinz Funeral Home in WELLSMEMORIAL.COM Inverness at 11 a.m.

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Jack B. Shaw, age 91, passed away on Nov. supporting the12.

Plant City Strawberry Festival.

He will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

239042

HOPEWELL

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FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

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NOVEMBER 24, 2017

SPORTS Do you have a good sports scoop for us?

Email Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

PCD Midgets make Superbowl After two rounds of playoff action, one Plant City Dolphins team made the TCYFCC Superbowl cut.

The Midgets team advanced Nov. 18 with a 27-0 shutout win over the Seffner Seahawks. Their upcoming opponents, the Brandon Cowboys, advanced with an 18-12 win over the Pinecrest Pilots.

Plant City’s Mighty Mites were knocked out in a 33-27 loss to Seffner, and the Varsity Dolphins ended the season with a 28-11 loss to Pinecrest.

The Turkey Creek Trojans Junior Varsity and Dover Patriots Varsity teams, along with the Plant City JV and Pee Wee teams, were eliminated in the first round.

The Superbowl will be held all day Dec. 2. The Dolphins and Cowboys will kick off at noon.

BASKETBALL to tip off next week

Local fighters place at tourney Four Plant City-area karate students won big at the Pan American Internationals World Karate Championships Nov. 17 and 18 at Miami Beach.

Abijah Johnson (green belt): First place — form, second place — sparring Shawn Driscoll (green belt): First place — sparring, second place — form Keyshawn MacArthur (green belt): First place — form, second place — sparring Mike Thomas (brown belt, second degree): First place — form, second place — point sparring and continuous sparring All four train with Master Rudy Rogers at his Open Air Dojo-University of the Streets.

Photos by Justin Kline

Prep sports to return from break Plant City-area high school sports teams are getting ready to get back on the playing fields now that Thanksgiving break is coming to a close. The following games will be played next week:

Kayla Lissy will help Durant in its backcourt in the 2017-18 season.

Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest’s regular basketball seasons begin Nov. 28 and 29.

JUSTIN KLINE

DURANT SOCCER Nov. 28: Brandon @ Durant, 6 p.m. (boys)/8 p.m. (girls) Nov. 30: Durant @ Newsome, 6 p.m. (boys)/8 p.m. (girls) Basketball Nov. 28: Durant @ Riverview, 6:15 p.m. (boys)/7:45 p.m. (girls) Dec. 1: Hillsborough @ Durant, 6:15 p.m. (boys)/7:45 p.m. (girls)

H

WRESTLING Nov. 30: Bloomingdale @ Durant, 7 p.m.

Dec. 1-2: 10-way @ Lennard, 3:30 p.m. (Friday)/10 a.m. (Saturday)

is hoping to make an impact on the court

SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

igh school hoops are almost here.

Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest’s boys and girls basket-

ball teams are going to be active after the Thanksgiving holiday break, and each team in its own way. What can area fans expect from each program?

PLANT CITY SOCCER Nov. 28: Plant City @ Lennard, 6 p.m. (boys)/8 p.m. (girls) Nov. 30: Strawberry Crest @ Plant City, 6 p.m. (boys)/8 p.m. (girls) BASKETBALL Nov. 28: Plant City @ Gaither, 6:15 p.m. (boys)/7:45 p.m. (girls) Dec. 1: Chamberlain @ Plant City, 6:15 p.m. (boys)/7:45 p.m. (girls) Dec. 2: Plant City vs. Lakewood Ranch @ RP Funding Center, 2 p.m. (boys only) WRESTLING Dec. 2: Cornelius Wiggins Invitational tournament @ PCHS, 9:30 a.m.

STRAWBERRY CREST SOCCER Nov. 28: Steinbrenner @ Strawberry Crest, 6 p.m. (boys)/8 p.m. (girls) Nov. 30: Strawberry Crest @ Plant City, 6 p.m. (boys)/8 p.m. (girls) Basketball Nov. 29: Spoto @ Strawberry Crest, 7 p.m. (girls only) Dec. 1: Strawberry Crest @ King, 7:45 p.m. (girls only) WRESTLING Dec. 1: Strawberry Crest @ Weeki Wachee Duals, 12 p.m.

Dec. 2: Strawberry Crest @ Weeki Wachee Duals, 8 a.m.

SEE BASKETBALL PAGE 17

Justyn King and the Plant City Raiders are looking for a district title.

PCHS wrestling to host Cornelius Wiggins Invitational The memorial tournament will begin at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 2.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Cornelius Wiggins was known as much in life for his perseverance as his wrestling prowess. Next weekend, Plant City High School’s wrestling team will honor its late alumnus the best way it knows how.

The school is set to host the Cornelius Wiggins Invitational, a tournament with 10 teams confirmed to compete and a possibility of two more joining in before the Dec. 2 event.

Raiders head coach Tim Knighten said he hopes the all-day event, which begins at 9:30 a.m., will help people embrace the values that made the

two-time high school state champion successful on and off the mat.

“I’m hoping that people will understand you can persevere,” Knighten said. “You can rise above anything that comes at you and still be successful.”

Wiggins won state championships in 2001 and 2002 and finished as a runner-up in 2000 before going on to wrestle at Cumberland College (now the University of the Cumberlands).

In his freshman year, Wiggins suffered serious head and leg injuries in a car crash that also killed a teammate, but he stayed strong in the face of adversity. He went back to class well before doctors’ recommendations, then got back on the mat the following season.

Wiggins’ life was cut short July 29 SEE WRESTLING PAGE 17

Justin Kline

Plant City High School will host its first invitational tournament in four seasons.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

The reigning 8A-District 9 champions are entering what they call a “rebuilding” year.

Nobody took heavier losses than the Cougars, who graduated six seniors and lost guard-forward Ashanti McDaniel to East Bay High School following a family move. Last Thursday, the team found out prospective center Sarah Herman wouldn’t be able to join them due to an injury.

Head coach Constance Mitchell and her staff have spent the offseason piecing together the puzzle and will count on returning point guard Ashlyn Myers to lead the charge.

Sophomore guard Kayla Lissy, who saw much action as a freshman, and freshman Kirsten Grindel — whom the coaches are excited to “unleash” — will join Myers in the backcourt in key roles.

DURANT BOYS

Nate Francis, in his third year with the program, has a group he said he can finally call all his own.

The team Francis considers his “deepest” in three years is looking to improve upon a 5-15 (1-12 district) 2016-17 campaign. Durant graduated five seniors, including scoring leader Tyler White, but the coach said interest in the program has taken off — 87 students tried out for the team this year, compared to an average of 60 to 70.

Francis said the main difference this year will be the team’s execution — each Cougar knows his role and how to fulfill it on the floor. But if any one Cougar has to stand out on a deep roster, Francis said, it may be junior point guard Jeff White. White, who was called up from junior varsity last season, will be tasked with leading the offense and being “the engine that makes the team run.”

PLANT CITY BOYS

Last season, Billy Teeden’s second as head coach, saw the Plant City Raiders get back to both the district championship game and the FHSAA playoffs. The 2016-17 8A-9 runnerup is now looking to call itself a district champ.

Though the team lost leading scorer and swiper Tarik McKelphin to graduation, junior Justyn King should step up to fill the star forward’s roles.

King, who averaged a double-double in points (16.1) and rebounds (10.9) per game last season, is expected to lead an athletic offense with returning senior point guard Matt Simpson.

Last year’s squad posted improvements over the 2015-16 season by 5.5 points and 2.8 steals per game and, with six players returning for 201718, has its sights set on another tough Tampa Bay Tech team for the 8A-9 crown.

STRAWBERRY CREST GIRLS

Last season saw Crest’s three-year district championship run come to an end. La’tosha Lewis is hoping to start a new win streak as soon as possible.

The Chargers are young — only two

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DURANT GIRLS

After a 3-17 (1-11 district) 2016-17 season, Danny McIntyre’s Raiders have nowhere to go but up.

Plant City will look to senior captains Mackenzie Steele and Jordin Vance to right the ship in 2017-18.

Steele, a recent Florida Southern College signee, was the team’s leading scorer last season and Vance was Plant City’s top rebounder.

The Raiders competed in Tampa Bay Tech’s preseason shootout Nov. 15 and 16 and lost to Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate and Steinbrenner, but did show improvement against Steinbrenner in a 65-41 loss. After going into halftime facing a 34-8 deficit, Plant City outscored the Warriors, 33-31, in the second half and held Steinbrenner to 50% shooting from the free throw line on six attempts.

seniors are listed on the MaxPreps. com roster — but talented. Megan Watson, who led the team in scoring as a freshman, is back in the backcourt with senior sniper Luz Cruz, who led the Chargers with 65 made three-pointers in 2016-17. The coach is also counting on freshman Mya Lamar and sophomore Zora Strawder, who was injured last year, to play key roles in the frontcourt.

Perhaps the biggest challenge will be replacing Briana and Ayanna Trigg, the twin forwards whose offensive and defensive intensity set the tone for the Chargers throughout their senior season. But even if that doesn’t happen right away, La’tosha Lewis’s goal is to coach her young roster up to reach that same level of intensity and build another district powerhouse for the next few seasons.

County Line Rd.

FROM PAGE 16

PLANT CITY GIRLS

17

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2017

Park Rd.

Basketball

|

Maryland Ave.

PlantCityObserver.com

STRAWBERRY CREST BOYS

The 2016-17 season was a big step forward for head coach Andre Lewis and the Chargers, going up from four wins to 13 and a record above .500.

Like their counterparts on the girl’s team, the Crest boys are also going to have to work without some leaders.

Jordan White, who led the team in points (16.1) and steals (2.5) per game, averaged 3.7 assists and one block per game, graduated. Junior Jadyn Strawder, second on the team with 11 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game, transferred to Plant City.

But the team is looking to improve further in the 2017-18 season and is bringing back a core group consisting of senior forward Brandon Hill and juniors Jalen Brown and Romire Burke. Hill and Burke played key roles in the 2016-17 campaign — Hill averaged 9.7 points and a team-high 7.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game, while Brown led the Chargers with five assists per game and his 2.4 steals per game were one-tenth of a point out of the lead. Burke played in 22 games and averaged 4.5 points and 1.3 steals per game.

Notice of Service of Process by Publication State of North Carolina, Henderson County In the General District Court

IN RE: Jeffrey Ectai Dominguez Lopez A Minor Juvenile Armando Dominguez Pereira, take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the aboveentitled Action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Petition to Terminate Parental Rights.

You are required to make defense to such pleading no later than January 1, 2018 and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought.

This the 22nd day of November 2017

FROM PAGE 16

Courtesy photo

Cornelius Wiggins was coached by Tim Knighten at Plant City High School in the early 2000s.

when he jumped into Lake Gibson to retrieve lost sunglasses and drowned.

A scholarship fund bearing his name quickly picked up steam on GoFundMe.com and eventually raised $7,500.

Knighten, entering the second season of his second stint as Plant City’s coach, said creating an event for Wiggins like the Raider Invitational of years past felt like a great way to keep celebrating his life. The nine schools confirmed to participate next week are Spoto, Leto, George Jenkins, Kathleen, Armwood, Blake, Frostproof, Wharton and Lakeland.

Knighten also said he hopes the tournament will set the right tone for Plant City’s season to come. His roster, which was nearly finalized by press time, is young but hungry. Led

by Ty Young and Cole Harrell, one of the team’s main goals for the 2017-18

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

IF YOU GO

Tamara M. Lee

CORNELIUS WIGGINS INVITATIONAL Where: Plant City High School gymnasium, 1 Raider Place.

When: Matches begin at 9:30 a.m.

What: All-day wrestling tournament. Full concessions available.

Cost: $4 per person at the door

season is to get back into the FHSAA regional and state competitions.

The coach is trying to help the wrestling program “rise again to the status it once was,” and that means developing an identity as a tough, “in-your-face” group that wrestles with intensity and won’t quit.

Just like Wiggins.

“Win, lose or draw, I don’t think teams are going to want to wrestle us again,” Knighten said.

Sheffron, Bradley, & Associates 475 South Church Street, Ste. 500 Hendersonville, NC 28792 258024

Wrestling

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “I believe that human beings are born first and given passports later. I’m really thankful for my journey.”

– Alfonso Cuaron Puzzle Two Solution: “We must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

– John F. Kennedy

This week’s Sudoku answers

JUSTIN KLINE

Big stages get players closer to pro dreams The Plant City Raiders will play Lakewood Ranch at the RP Funding Center on Dec. 2.

C

hampionships aside, few things in high school sports are cooler than getting to play games in the big dogs’ yards.

Sure, you’re probably not going to get the same kind of rocking home atmosphere as you would at, say, Plant City or Durant during a Redman Cup game, but, speaking of the Raiders, I know the boys basketball team is totally stoked for its Dec. 2 game at the home of the Lakeland Magic.

Plant City is going to the RP Funding Center, which will always be the

Lakeland Center to me, that afternoon to play 8A-District 11 powerhouse Lakewood Ranch in a “Court of Dreams” game. The Mustangs, who made the state’s 8A Final Four last season, should present a tough test for a Raiders team that’s improved every year under head coach Billy Teeden’s watch.

Win or lose, the experience of playing in a professional team’s arena should be one the Raiders will enjoy.

For some players with dreams of making it to the NBA or other professional leagues, it might be foreshadowing. Maybe, in a few years, we’ll see some Plant City natives make the cut for the Lakeland Magic roster as they begin their journeys as pro athletes. I’m sure they’d appreciate having the same people coming to watch them that Saturday also make the quick trek over to Lakeland to watch them ball in the G-League, should they end up playing in it.

And for us fans (and reporters), seeing something so unique always makes a game more fun. I’ve been to plenty of college football bowl games at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, but my favorite experience there was in 2015 when I was in the

neighborhood and decided to catch the 4A state championship football game between Booker T. Washington and Raines. Though the stadium wasn’t nearly as full as it was for a Florida State-Notre Dame Champs Sports Bowl, the people who made the trip totally bought into the hype and made the atmosphere electric.

It helped that the game, a 43-23 Booker T. win, was way better than a 20-point margin of victory suggests.

The crowd reaction when the cameras found Mark Richt, then recently hired to head up the Miami Hurricanes, might have been the loudest pop I’ve ever heard while attending a high school game. It just had everything you could want from a sporting event and I know those kids are going to enjoy those memories for a long time.

If you’re a Raider fan and have some free time that afternoon, I think you should go to the game. It’s going to be a special moment for everyone involved and Plant City is going to need your support against maybe its toughest regular-season opponent.

©2017 NEA, Inc.

This week’s Crossword answers

Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Times & Observer.

Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

2017

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

|

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2017

Christian Ganley

East Hillsborough Art Guild

Annual Christmas Show And Sale November 30th 5-9pm

Open to the Public and Free Admission

Though Christian Ganley only recently joined the Plant City Dolphins, his coaches say he quickly made an impact with the Junior Varsity team. They said Ganley, a fullback, does all the little things right on and off the field and has become a team leader. He also led the team in prayer each week.

Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.

PCE Building,

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How long have you been playing football?

This is my sixth year playing. This is my first year playing for the Plant City Dolphins.

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Where were you before?

I was at the Pinellas Park T-Birds up in Clearwater.

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So you guys moved here.

Yes, sir. We just moved here.

What’s different about playing for the Dolphins?

There’s unlimited weight. At the other league, people were faster.

But over here, people hit a little bit harder.

What made you get into football six years ago?

Honestly, I can’t remember. But I like it. I like the hits, the plays, it’s just really fun.

What positions do you play?

Right now I’m playing fullback and a little bit of lineman.

What’s your favorite?

Probably fullback … I get the ball.

What did you learn from the Dolphins’ playoff loss to the Cowboys? What are you going to keep in mind for next time?

Our line, we’re doing really good.

We’re stepping up a lot. Our receivers, we’re doing really good. We just need a little bit more work and we can make it.

I see you have a leadership role on the team. How do you rally your teammates to get everybody focused on the game?

Always encouraging. You never bring them down. Every time you bring them up you make sure you’re speaking to everybody — not just one person.

Do you play any other sports?

Not that I’m good at.

What’s the best advice a coach has given you?

Just keep your head up and keep encouraging everybody.

What are your favorite college and pro football teams?

The Miami Hurricanes and the Miami Dolphins.

Who’s your favorite player?

Ray Lewis. He’s a big hitter. I love him.

What advice would you give to someone coming out to play for the first time?

You’ve got to train. It’s about footwork, determination and hard work.

What’s been your favorite moment with the Dolphins so far?

Just the experience. A whole bunch of kids that come together from almost nothing to being all the way up there.

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18

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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 24, 2017

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MONDAY, NOV. 27 High: 73 Low: 56 Chance of rain: 10%

STRAWBERRIES Shipping point: Orlando $22.90 to $24.90 Linda Hunter said, “I was taking a bike ride and stopped to enjoy the view of the strawberry fields on a beautiful day.” She snapped this photo last Friday. Hunter wins this week’s I Love Plant City photo contest.

ONLINE

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Follow us on social media: @PCTObserver on Instgram, @PlantObserver on

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Twitter and Plant City Times & Observer on Facebook.

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11-23-17

20

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

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