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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

MAIN STREET APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Plant City Main Street is on the precipice of major change. Before taking that final plunge, the group has tapped Jerilyn Rumbarger to take the helm.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Main Street, it appears, is rounding the corner.

Plant City has long had a tumultuous relationship with the organization designed to breathe new life into downtown. The list of

reasons there’s been so many hurdles and roadblocks along the way at time appears endless. However, over the past year the group has dug in its heels and began a concise and meticulous shift toward genuine change.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

VETERANS DAY CELEBRATED ALL WEEKEND LONG IN PLANT CITY

There are countless events coming up to honor local veterans. If you want to plan to go out with your family, check out our list to find a perfect fit. SEE PAGE 5

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

Local church to feed homeless, needy families

NEWS BRIEFS

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Pentecostal Church of God of Jesus Christ, Inc. wants local families in need and homeless people to know they can get a helping hand next weekend.

The church, located at 1506 E. Renfro St., is hosting a Thanksgiving feast from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 16 to make sure anyone in need of a fulfilling meal, clothes, blankets and toiletry items can be served.

For more information about the event, contact the church at 813-754-9734 or email pcogpc@verizon.net.

County offers diabetes prevention program

Courtesy of Plant City Police Department

Three new officers joined Plant City Police Department last week.

Plant City child killed in auto accident Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident in which a child was hit by a car Tuesday evening in Plant City.

Deputies responded to a report from the 3900 block of State Road 60 West and learned the child was struck by an SUV driven by a family member. HCSO spokesperson Crystal Clark said child was inside the house while their mother and grandmother were testing the vehicle’s transmission by driving forward and backward alternately.

“At some point during that process they realized that the 2-year-old was no longer inside because they saw their dog in the yard,” Clark said. “They knew if the dog got outside of the house, then the 2-year-old got outside as well. Unfortunately they looked in front of the vehicle and saw the 2-year-old on the ground.”

The family called 911 and the child was taken to Tampa General Hospital by Medi-

vac, but then was pronounced deceased.

No further information is available at this time, as the investigation is ongoing.

New hires at PCPD Plant City Police Department’s staff officially grew on Nov. 1 when three new officers were sworn in at PCPD headquarters.

Two of the officers have prior experience: Gregory Nelsen came to Plant City after eight years with Florida Highway Patrol, and Daniel Hernandez came after two years with Vero Beach Police Department. The third, Jeremy Riolo, will start his law enforcement career with PCPD. According to Sgt. Al Van Duyne, one of the hires fills a vacancy and the other two were hired as part of the four positions added by the 2019-20 budget. Van Duyne said PCPD will try to fill the other two open positions in January.

The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County is now offering a prevention program for anyone looking to reduce their odds of developing Type 2 diabetes.

This free program links up participants with trained lifestyle coaches to help them lose weight and adopt healthy eating and living habits. According to a news release provided by the department, program participants can lose five to seven percent of their weight and thus prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes. The program consists of 24 to 26 one-hour classes offered once a week for the first four months and once to twice per month for the following six months.

To enroll in the program, participants must be overweight and at risk of developing diabetes. Classes are limited to approximately 15 people.

The department said risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include being age 45 or older, having a family member with diabetes, having had gestational diabetes while pregnant, being physically active less than three times per week and having a family background of African-American, Hispanic/Latino, American-Indian, AsianAmerican or Pacific-Islander.

Plant City residents can take the class at the United Food Bank of Plant City, 702

E. Alsobrook St. Suite H, starting at 5 p.m.

Dec. 10.

Call 813-559-4188 or email programinfo@flhealth.gov if interested in enrolling.

Mom & Son Night of Fun announced The Plant City Recreation & Parks Department announced Tuesday its upcoming Mom & Son Night of Fun event.

It’s going to be a night at the movies at the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St., for moms and their boys (age 5 and up). There will be catered dinner and a show, as well as candy, popcorn, drinks and a photo booth.

The cost to sign up is $35 per couple and $10 for each additional son. Sign up at the rec center by Nov. 26. Contact Recreation Supervisor Maggie Morona at mmorona@plantcitygov.com or the Planteen Recreation Center at 813-659-4256 for more information.

Donate to UFBPC at the Observer The Plant City Observer is proud to be a drop-off location for the United Food Bank of Plant City. Please show your support and help local families in need by donating non-perishable and canned food items at 1507 S. Alexander St. Suite 103.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

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LOCAL VIETNAM VETERAN RECEIVES NEW ROOF Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project gave back to a Vietnam veteran here in Plant City this week thanks to a partnership with CB Roofing Construction.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

One local veteran had his life changed this week thanks to the efforts of the Owens Corning National Roof Deployment Project and CB Roofing Construction, Inc. Early Tuesday morning, CB Roofing Construction rolled up to Rodney Oneal’s home on Moody Avenue with one goal in mind: to gift the Vietnam veteran with a new roof.

For three years, Oneal has fought against constant leaks. His roof was decades old and in desperate need of repair, yet Oneal said he never could scrape up the money to tackle what contractors were estimating would cost approximately $10,000 to fix.

“My daughter-in-law went through and found Habitat for Humanity and found out they were offering a chance to get some help,” Oneal said. “She’s the one that handled all of this and to be honest with you, I heard we might have been chosen but I didn’t know for sure until I picked up the paper last week and opened it, and there it was. I just appreciate all these people.

They’re doing me a great service.”

Oneal said when he first began to have issues with his roof, he knew trouble was

ahead. The home was simply old. The shingles adorning the top of his roof, the original shingles for the home, were easily 40 years old. The tin itself was at least 35 years old. With Florida’s nonstop storms and temperamental weather, Oneal began to see its effects on the old roof. He began to dread a storm. Each morning he’d check the news and if the forecast was bleak, he’d brace himself for a day filled with catching dripping water and trying to combat the leaks.

Chad Bowman, president and owner of CB Roofing Construction, said it was a call they’d been waiting for. His company is partnered with the Owens Corning National Roof Deployment Project, which works with Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County to identify those in need and provide free services. Once a home is identified, Owens and its network of independent Platinum Contractors “donate roofing materials and labor to replace the roofing shingles on the homes of military veterans and their families throughout the country.”

“We are grateful for our partnership with Owens Corning and CB Roofing Construction,” Jeremy Cooke, home preservation program manager for Habitat for Human-

ity of Hillsborough County Florida, said in a news release. “It’s inspiring to see how local organizations come together to make a significant impact on the livelihood of veterans within our communities.”

After some inspection it was determined that Oneal’s roof qualified and Owens called CB Roofing Construction to see if they would provide the labor. Bowman said they’ve been on the waiting list to do this and were thrilled when the opportunity arose to give back.

CB Roofing Construction brought a massive crew to the home in order to knock the entire project out in one day. They arrived at 7 a.m. and Bowman said the goal was to wrap up in the early afternoon.

“We like to give back to our community,” Bowman said. “We feel fortunate that we have the resources to be able to make a difference in others lives, especially our veterans. They fought for our freedom, for our right to own our businesses and work hard.

Owens Corning donates all of the materials and we donate the expertise and time. By the end of the day, this veteran is going to have a new roof and that stress is going to be gone from his life.”

Sitting in a chair by a massive pile of his old tin roofing, Oneal smiled as he watched

the crews carefully climb over his roof and begin the intense process of refurbishing the entire structure. Crews below laughed and shouted advice to those above. Bowman leaned on the tin beside Oneal and carried on a friendly conversation about his life in Plant City.

They may have only crossed paths for a few hours but the camaraderie was strong with the entire group. Peering up at the clear blue skies, Oneal questioned whether the predicted forecast of possible afternoon showers would hold true. Bowman glanced over at the hard-working crews bringing his new roof to life and replied that it wouldn’t matter. For the first time in three years, Oneal wouldn’t have to worry about any leaks.

“I was tickled. Really, really thankful,” Oneal said. “I’ve been fighting for three years to get it fixed. I’m really thankful for all of these guys. If I know another veteran that needs a roof, I’m going to send them their way.”

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

PLANT CITY

This week on Cops Corner:

COPS CORNER

4

Observer

Plant City Police investigated stolen bicycles, a driver sleeping in a ditch, road rage, missing guns, stolen crossbows, a paintball hitman

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

and more.

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com

OCT. 25 ARMED AND FABULOUS 600 block of Carolina Avenue Theft: This complainant told officers that on an unknown date at an unknown time, someone took a gold ring with a green emerald setting surrounded by diamonds, a S&W .38 revolver and two other unknown make and model handguns from a residence.

COIN COLLECTOR 1500 block of North Bracewell Drive Vehicle burglary: This victim reported that between 11:30 p.m. on Oct. 24 and 8 a.m. on Oct. 25, someone entered their unlocked vehicle and removed approximately $20 in coins from the center console of the victim’s vehicle.

suspect removed two brown unknown make and model men’s cruiser-style bikes from the complainant’s front yard. The complainant requested the incident be documented in a report and signed a waiver of prosecution.

MEAL OF CHAMPIONS 1400 block of Collins Street Petit theft: An unknown man stole a beer and candy bar for a total of $2.13.

HERE’S JOHNNY 1100 block of East Warren Street Criminal mischief: Unknown suspects kicked in the front door of a residence, setting off the alarm inside the home.

OCT. 27

from an unlocked vehicle in the Walmart parking lot.

OCT. 28 UNUSUAL NAP North Palmer Street/ Calhoun Street DUI: Officers were driving by when they observed a vehicle resting in a ditch. Upon investigation, they arrested the driver for DUI.

OCT. 29 ROAD RAGE 200 block of Waller Street Battery waiver: Officers met with a victim who told them that while riding her bicycle, she was pushed off the bike and fell to the ground. She wanted the incident documented and signed a waiver of prosecution.

DOUBLE CROSSED 1000 block of Sandalwood Drive Felony theft: This complainTHAT DOESN’T CHECK OUT ant reported that between 11 OCT. 30 1600 block of Maki Road p.m. Oct. 26 and 11 a.m. Oct. 27, Fraud: This complainant told someone entered his garage and GREEN MEANS... NO officers he had applied for a loan removed a camouflaged center Alexander Street/Baker Street through an Internet site, E-Loan, point crossbow with a collapsible DUI Arrest: A vehicle was oband was sent fraudulent checks stock and a camouflaged Barnett served stationary at the above inin the amount of $1,500. He White Tail Hunter Pro 2 crossbow. tersection. The driver sat through by crossbows’ David Steinberg November 8, 2019 deposited them and it causedEdited his The combined value two green lights without moving account to be overdrawn. was $1,000. forward. The driver was arrested 50 Spray paint 13 Pink, as for DUI and 44 was Cooking ACROSS transported to NAILED IT OCT. 26 1 Military meal container a steak Orient Road Jail. meas. block of James 18 L. Redman 512600 Asian Guys who 47 Where pizza 5 Mustang Parkway BICYCLE RACES ARE shrines drive taxis was invented accelerator? burglary: COMING YOUR WAY 55Vehicle Stir-fry tidbit 22 Student, in 48 Winter cap 9 Worried nail guns and a 1800 block of East Ohio Street 59Two Channel Strasbourg attachment words laser level, valued at 24 Lamb’s Petit theft14 (Waiver): During the changers 49 Terrible time?

Madonna’s swiped night of Oct. 25, an ___ unknown 61$600, Kindwere of wave rhyming 52 Former “La

Universal Crossword

OCT. 31

Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez

PAINTBALL HITMAN 1300 block of South Collins Street Agg. Battery: This victim was out jogging at the above listed location when he was suddenly shot with a paintball gun.

Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

SAY IT LOUD, SAY IT PROUD 1500 block of East Alsobrook Street Warrant arrest, resist officer: Officers responded to a suspicious person call at the above listed location. They were found with two grams of meth and 0.5 grams of heroin, and also had a warrant. They were arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail and officers said they continued cursing and yelling at the officers the entire time.

Advertising / Richard Brame richard@plantcityobserver.com Advertising / Karen Berry kberry@plantcityobserver.com

CONTACT US

The Plant City Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. The Plant City Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103.

If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

DO YOU EVEN VAPE, BRO? 1900 block of James L. Redman Parkway Theft: Officers came out after a report that $191 worth of clothing and shoes were stolen from Baywatch Vapors.

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We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements.

To contact us, send your information via: Email: Sarah Holt, SHolt@ PlantCityObserver.com.

Mail: The Plant City Observer, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33563

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

VETERANS DAY CELEBRATED

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ALL WEEKEND LONG IN PLANT CITY There are countless events coming up to honor local veterans. If you want to plan to go out with your family, check out our list to find a perfect fit.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The community is gathering all weekend long to offer veterans and their families multiple opportunities to celebrate and honor those who have served.

Some traditions have been around for years, drawing massive crowds for the beloved events, while others are new to the scene and hoping to become a staple in the community.

Thanks to a variety of submissions we’ve compiled a list of a few of the can’t miss events so you and your family can find the perfect fit for your Veterans Day celebrations.

SATURDAY, NOV. 9 HOPEWELL’S HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED PROGRAM

10 a.m. One of the largest events each year is Hopewell Funeral Home’s Honoring Those Who Served program. This is the 34th year the event has been held in town. This year, the event is held at Veterans Monument Park, Courier Field at 703 N. Wheeler St. Local schools have their students enter a contest featuring a paper written to the theme of “What

Veterans Day Means to Me.” Two winners are chosen from each school and the students read their essay at the program. Later, their work is displayed at the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center.

There are speeches from city and community leaders as well during the event. Founded in 1971 by Army veterans Glenn and Doris McDonald — Glen served overseas in WWII, Doris stateside — Hopewell has long made it a point to give back to the community, especially those who have served. The duo dedicated the Garden of Honor in Hopewell Memorial Gardens years ago to kickstart their yearly event and it has continued to grow ever since.

SALUTE TO LABOR & VETERANS

12 to 4 p.m. The Plant City Area Democrats is hosting a Salute to Labor & Veterans at Marie B. Ellis Park, 601 E. Laura St., that includes food, fun outdoor games, music, guest speakers, a fundraising dunk tank and community fellowship. All are invited to come on out and attend this festive and fun event.

SUNDAY, NOV. 10 PLANT CITY HONORS OUR VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

1 p.m. Last year, a group of community members from the Elks Lodge partnered with the City of Plant City, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce and Plant City Main Street to throw an inaugural picnic event for local veterans. The party has only continued to grow. This year, veterans were given two free tickets for the event, which features a lunch from Mission BBQ, live music, a presentation of the colors and giveaways.

The event is held at the TECO Expo Hall at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds. Free tickets were given out to veterans and other tickets were sold for $10 each. The event requires advance tickets only, there are no tickets available at the door. This year will also feature a variety of special guests including Captain Danny Burgess, executive director of Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, Congressman Ross Spano, who will sing the National Anthem, and Mark

Stephens, a veteran from the US Special Forces, Delta Force, Black Hawk Down.

MONDAY, NOV. 11 COFFEE WITH VETERANS — SALUTING THOSE WHO SERVED

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Bing Rooming House Museum, 205 S. Allen St., is opening its doors to all veterans in honor of Veterans Day. The organization is hosting a free community coffee social for all who have served. Please bring a photo that can be added to the museum’s wall honoring local veterans.

FREE HAIRCUTS

Sports Clips Plant City, 2404 James L. Redman Parkway, is offering free haircuts to active military members and veterans all day long. All paying customers will have $1 of their total donated to Help a Hero as well. It’s a tradition the group has done for years and is just one of many ways the store gives back to the community.

Sport Clips Plant City’s hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Visit the store for more information.

VETERANS DAY SPECIAL

11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road, is hosting a special for all local veterans and active serving military. Swing on by the winery anytime during operating hours and receive a free meal and drink, just bring a valid military I.D.

FREE BEER AT ROOTS

3 to 10 p.m. Roots Tap Room & Wine Bar, 101 S. Evers St., is throwing a special event like no other to “pay homage to the military, both past and present, who have defended our freedom with honor.”

Throughout the event any veteran or active military personnel that walks through the door will be given a free beer or a glass of wine on draft.

“These brave men and women deserve the world, but we’ll start with beer.”

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

MAIN STREET GETS NEW HEART AND SOUL Jerilyn Rumbarger is taking the reigns as the new executive director of the Plant City Main Street.

FROM PAGE 1 BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Its volunteers filtered into the community, rallying support and starting the long process of bringing about a renaissance to downtown Plant City. The work was long and priorities had to be outlined from the start. But change, inevitably, did come.

The organization met its fundraising goals to receive financial support from the city. It raised money left and right and was able to — again, in a partnership with the City of Plant City — fund a much-needed downtown vision plan. Committees for a variety of hot-button issues concerning downtown were formed and the respective volunteers poured their time and energy into working though a variety of ordinances and red tape to bring about meaningful change.

Plant City Main Street President Jamey Moody announced Tuesday it was time for the organization to take the next step.

It was time Main Street finally hired an executive director, to put someone in the role of being the face and soul of the organization.

Moody said the group had many applicants, both local and out of town, but one candidate in particular stood above the rest.

Jerilyn Rumbarger was voted in Monday evening and will begin her full-time position with the group next week.

“Since the executive director is the only employee of Main Street they have to wear a lot of hats,” Moody said. “Jerilyn checks many of those boxes. She has extensive social media skills, creating con-

tent and newsletters and really marketing a brand. She had been doing that for Fryed Egg with the city and did such a great job for them. We liked the fact that she brought some of those skills to the executive director position.”

Moody went on to add that Rumbarger has proven she excels not only at building relationships, but at working toward a common goal with both Main Street and the City of Plant City.

A native of Brooksville, Rumbarger said she had always been drawn toward small towns and the unique characteristics that can only be found in tight knit communities. She watched as the Brooksville Main Street blossomed into a mega force for the city, and said when she moved to Courtesy photo Plant City she immediately was interested to find out how this Jerilyn Rumbarger will officially begin her duties as the executive director of Plant City Main Street next week. branch of the organization was making waves here. town Plant City to be a live, work, Dec. 9 for an in-depth analysis of spend her days opening the lines For the past year, Rumbarger play environment. I think it’s the vision plan for the future of of communication between the has been active behind the scenes. such a special downtown. People downtown. Though the plan is set organization and the city, the Whether she was working with live in downtown, they work in over a five to 10-year period, city countless other organizations in Fryed Egg to grow and develop the downtown, they should be able leaders have already expressed town and the residents and busiCity of Plant City’s social media to play in downtown.” their desire to wrap it up in three ness owners who call Plant City presence, or working with BranOnce Rumbarger steps fully to five years if at all possible. home. don Snyder to bring the Roots Tap into the role next week, the plan Because of their fervor, Main “I think it will mean a lot to the Room & Wine Bar to life, she’s is for the community to quickly Street will be seeing a whirlwind community to see a face that they been a quiet force instrumental realize a new wind is fully behind of action over the next few years. can tie in directly to Main Street,” in evolving the culture of the city. Main Street’s sails. One of Main Rumbarger said that while she’s Rumbarger said. “I won’t just be “While it’s true that I’m not Street’s largest fundraisers, Grand excited to be able to help facili- sitting behind a desk all day, I’m from Plant City, I really love Plant Cru on Collins, is on Nov. 14. The tate the many changes ahead, going to be in the public, supportCity,” Rumbarger said. “Brandon event will feature an evening of she’s equally looking forward to ing our downtown. I’m really just and I could have opened Roots international fine wine with open being able to make Main Street a excited to see what the next few anywhere, but we chose Plant tastings and heavy hors d’oeuvres household name for residents and years will hold. I’ve seen what just City. There were so many reasons, at a variety of historic residences, business owners alike. If her plan the volunteers on this board have but at the end of the day Plant City including the Sparkman House succeeds everyone will know not been able to accomplish over the has the best community I’ve ever Luxury Bed and Breakfast, the just what Main Street is doing, past year and I’m confident that seen as far as having the passion, Halloran/Haines home and the but who the people are that its with someone dedicated fullhaving the drive, having just the Moody home. General admission impacting. time to the effort we’re going to value and pride in where they’re is $125.

Citing the benefit of psycho- be able to do even more.” from and making where they are Just weeks later, Main Street logical and emotional marketat a better place. I want down- will sit down with the city on ing, Rumbarger said she plans to

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LIFE LESSONS FROM

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

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CHARLIE BROWN

Plant City High School’s Theatre Troupe 1449 is kicking off a two-week production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” starting at 7 p.m. tomorrow.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Beloved characters from Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts comic strip are coming to life this weekend at Plant City High School.

The award-winning troupe is kicking off its two-week run of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” on Friday and is promising a fun time for attendees of all ages.

“People should come see the show because in addition to it being filled with iconic characters and fun songs, we are lucky enough to have a cast of students that really bring these characters to life,” drama teacher Audrey

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Charlie Brown. Like so many of Schmidt’s students, Stanaland never intended to wind up in theater. Slowly he watched as many of his friends found their home away from home in Schmidt’s troupe, and soon he decided to dip his toes in himself. Calling the production “innocent, lively and colorful,” Stanaland said it has been fun breaking down the fears and moral pressures everyone deals with to an elementary school level.

Costar Hannah Holm, a sophomore who plays the sassy Lucy, is one of the few in the troupe that has known from a young age that performing arts were in her blood.

The camaraderie the cast has is evident on stage, Holm said, and

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Schmidt said. “I rarely typecast students, but each of our leads really embodies the characters they’re playing. They are perfect for the role.”

The family-friendly show is cheaper than a night at the movies and will have your entire family reminiscing on their youth and cheering Charlie Brown on as he struggles to discover how he can really become a “good person.”

All of the beloved favorites are there — like Charlie Brown, Lucy, Schroeder, Snoopy and Linus — and the plot, though simple, never fails to pull on the heart strings.

Tyler Stanaland, a sophomore, is donning the iconic yellow shirt as he steps into the lead as

she echoed her cast mates in the belief that so many of them s h a re major character traits with their comic strip counterparts.

While the acting and singing are by all means a major draw to the show, some of the most impressive aspects of the production are the intricate light and sound cues the tech team has to meticulously finagle throughout the show.

Kaitlyn Gomez, a junior who is stage manager for the show, said the crew has come together to make a simple script into a production no one will forget.

“Last year was a crazy year,” Gomez said. “We achieved feats we didn’t think were possible. It does add a lot of pressure for us this year to carry on that tradition and continue to evolve and grow as a troupe. We have a reputation now and we fully intend to do our best and surpass the feats we’ve already accomplished.”

Raegan Taylor, a senior who is a member of the dance corps and president of the troupe, echoed that determination to continue to excel. It’s a new year, she said, with many

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new students to the troupe. The faces on stage and behind the scenes may not be the ones that took the troupe to glory in regional, state and even nationwide competitions last year, but she said they’ve embodied the spirit of perfection from those before them and are ready to carry on the legacy.

“As simple as people may think this show is, it’s one of the most intricate we’ve ever put on,” Taylor said. “No one will get bored watching it. It’s a fun story and there’s something for everyone.”

IF YOU GO You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown When: 7 p.m. Nov. 8, 9, 15 and 16 Where: Plant City High School Auditorium, 1 Raider Place Tickets: Adults $10, Students/Kids $8, Children five years old and under are free. Cash or check at the door.

Extra: Bring donations to get your picture on Snoopy’s dog house after the show.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

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DANCING WITH THE LOCALS DAZZLES AT TRINKLE

The annual Dancing with the Locals event raised more than $100,000 for Rotary last week.

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BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The annual Dancing with the Locals event was held last Friday night and raised more than $100,000 for the Plant City Rotary Club.

Approximately 450 people piled into the Trinkle Center to enjoy a night of refreshments and dancing. Each year the dancing competition features routines from prom-

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

DOG DAYS ARE AHEAD Keel & Curley Winery will be overrun with lovable pups this Sunday for its Winery to the Rescue event.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Keel Farms is spreading some love to man’s best friend on Sunday with its Winery to the Rescue event.

The pet-friendly rescue awareness day will be held at the winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road, and will open its doors to a variety of local pups. Alicia Keel, chief financial officer for Keel & Curley, said this year the winery is partnering with several local pet 501(c)3 organizations to ensure that no dog is left behind in the community.

“It’s important to us because we like to have community-driven events that are family-friendly,” Keel said. “And obviously it’s for a good cause. We definitely will have several great groups with us.”

The Florida Giant Dog Rescue is for any dog weighing more than 100 pounds that comes through the rescue, so that’s a lot of Great Danes, Mastiffs of all kinds and even St. Bernard mixes. Keel said anyone that fits the need is accepted in the rescue.

The Florida English Bulldog Rescue is a volunteer group that “rehabs and re-homes neglected, abused and unwanted English Bulldogs throughout the state of Florida.”

TLC PetSnip, Inc. will also be represented during the event and it is an organization that provides “high quality, affordable and accessible veterinary care for all pet owners in a caring and compassionate way.”

Many of the lovable pups will mingle with the public Sunday afternoon. Keel Farms will have lots of games solely dedicated to their furry friends, including a dog swimming pool, tube obstacles and more. A variety of dog-themed vendors will also be on site with merchandise specifically designed for pets. Whether you want to pick up natural treats or one-of-a-kind apparel, there will be a vendor to fit your interests.

While many of the dogs are up for adoption, none can be snagged and taken home that day as the rescues have more extensive processes in place. However, if you’re

interested in finding your forever friend, it’s a great way to have a meet-and-greet with some of the viable candidates.

Of course, Keel Farms has long made it a point to make the majority of its events family-friendly. To further that effort there will be many kids’ activities like face painters and balloon artists, and the winery’s massive playground will be open all day.

The restaurant will be up and running all day long and Keel said the public is more than welcome to join the festivities and even bring their own pups as long as they’re wellbehaved. Keel’s own newest family member, a black lab named Max, will tag along with his mom to represent the company and greet some of the attendees.

On the massive patio, a large silent auction will be set up all day long for those who wish to take home the unique items of their own. A few items will also be auctioned off later in the day during the live auction, including a fiddle signed by Charlie Daniels. Other live bids will go toward a trip in an airplane with Keel’s husband for lunch and a yacht charter. More information is available at keelfarms.com/events/winery-to-the-rescue-pet-friendly-rescueawareness-day/.

“It should be a lot of fun,” Keel said.

“Last year we just had a lot of dogs running around and people hanging out and enjoying the food and music. We’ve got so much going on you can easily spend all day with us here. So come on out and help some really great causes.”

IF YOU GO WINERY TO THE RESCUE: PETFRIENDLY RESCUE AWARENESS DAY When: Nov. 10 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road What:Join Keel and local pet services and product vendors for a day of music, food, silent and live auctions and raffles.

All proceeds will benefit Florida Giant Dog Rescue, Florida English Bulldog Rescue and TLC PetSnip, Inc. Cost: Free to attend

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

CITY WELCOMES VETS HOME WITH YELLOW RIBBONS AND STRAWBERRY GROUNDS EVENT

FELIX HAYNES

Don't be surprised if you see a lot of yellow ribbons around Plant City festooned on trees, light posts and the doors of businesses during the week before Veterans Day. Yellow ribbons are a traditional way of welcoming veterans home and supporting them, and welcoming and honoring veterans is exactly why the Elks Lodge, Historic Plant City Main Street, the City of Plant City and the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce are co-sponsoring Plant City's salute to veterans, active military, and POW/MIAs this year.

But there is one more group these organizations want to help on this Veterans Day. Sadly, 22 veterans commit suicide every day and they are trying to reduce this number by focusing on it.

The U.S. Veterans Administration mental health website lists several warning signs for suicide, including hopelessness, sleeplessness, mood swings, anger, increasing alcohol or drug use and withdrawing from family and friends.

Of course, the great stress of combat and posttraumatic stress disorder may serve to bring on some of these symptoms. But whether a vet-

eran experienced combat or not, our nation has learned from its sad treatment of Vietnam veterans to separate feelings about the national policy of fighting a war from the gratitude it owes its sons and daughters who put themselves in harm's way.

The city's salute to veterans will end on Sunday, Nov. 10, at TECO Expo Hall on the Strawberry Festival Grounds. Doors will open at noon to give veterans a chance to meet other veterans and the event will begin at 1 p.m. with the presentation of the colors and of the flags of all five branches of our military. Congressman Ross Spano will sing the National Anthem. Captain Danny Burgess, executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, will be on hand to thank veterans for the freedom we enjoy.

Music will be provided by a professional Brass Band and disc jockey, and Mission BBQ will serve lunch. There will be drawings for gifts and the first 150 veterans to arrive will receive a goody bag.

Veterans with proof of service, such as a DD214 or a VA card, will receive two free tickets for admission and lunch. All others are asked to contribute $10 each.

Persons wishing to sponsor one or more veterans for the event can certainly do so. Checks to sponsor veterans or to pay for admission for anyone should be made out to Historic Plant City Main Street. Main Street is a 501(c)3 organization, so contributions are tax deductible.

Veterans Day is a national holiday, so everyone is urged to fly the stars and stripes in front of their home or business during the week of the city's observance.

Plant City Elks Lodge member Judy Wise is this year's Veterans Chair for the city and the area.

Those who wish to participate in this event or to ask questions may contact Judy at judywise45@ gmail.com.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

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FOOTSTEPS OF FAITH: YOUR YELLOW RIBBON Plant City’s sense of patriotism will be on full display soon as the community prepares for Veterans Day.

I sit in front of the piano and try to plunk out the melody of my new song. I am 14 and learning how to play while my twin sister, Debbie, has played for years (and is really good). She could take the music and with both hands masterfully complete it with arpeggios, runs and building chords. Me, I just sit and focus with one finger on the first seven notes: C, C, E, G, G, C, B. I asked for the song because I heard it on the radio. It was a catchy tune and I thought it would be easy to play, or at least attempt.

You may not know the notes, but you probably remember the singers. It was a song made popular in 1973 by Tony Orlando and Dawn. The song, “Tie a Yellow Ribbon,” was nominated at the Grammys for Best Song and Best Group Song.

It’s been 36 years and still the message of that song is still as powerful today as it has ever been.

This little ribbon has become more than a popular song — it has become a powerful visual proclamation of the love and respect

we have for those in our Armed Forces. The symbol of a yellow ribbon became widely known in civilian life in the 1970s as a reminder that an absent loved one, either in the military or in jail, would be welcomed home on their return. Throughout the years to follow, our nation would undergo numerous wars and conflicts like the ongoing war on terrorism to protect thousands of families in these United States and across our world. When you drive around Plant City this week, you will see yellow ribbons around more than just the oak trees. They will be on light poles, mailboxes and street signs. You will see these tapestries of truth and honor in neighborhoods, homes and uptown businesses.

You will see them because of people like Mrs. Judy Wise and civic organizations like the Elks that took the lead to host a Veterans’ BBQ at 12 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10 to honor our veterans. The landscape of Plant City will have the ribbons because of the great National Honor Society students of Plant City High School that are learning and growing in their “call of service” and gratitude for the legacy of freedom pro-

vided for them. It is because of businesses like Hopewell Funeral Home, which sponsors a Veterans Day Celebration at 10 a.m. on Nov. 9 at Veterans Memorial Park. It is their 34th year to “tie a yellow ribbon” for the community.

President John F. Kennedy stated, “A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.” In 2 Samuel 22:24, David calls out to the Lord because His “presence” was a ribbon of reminder for him in his darkest moments. What I love about my community is that it is not the strips of ribbon that create the atmosphere of Americana, but the people of Plant City that are the walking ribbons of a rich heritage of duty, honor and country. It is this weekend that we lean forward to recognize and remember our veterans that have stood for life and liberty, even at the cost of their own lives. We honor those that continue to stand as warriors of light and say to the darkness, “No further!” As long as we have the lyrics of liberty in our hearts and tune of truth and freedom in our lives, we will not stop with only one day to recognize our

veterans. We will do it all year long. Now that would be a better way to end the “Tie a Yellow Ribbon” song because we would be more than just a “hundred yellow ribbons around the old oak tree.” We would be the whole forest.

Dr. Daniel Middlebrooks is the Senior Chaplain of First Call Church and the CEO/President of Chaplaincy Care, Inc.

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SPORTS

DOLPHIN DOMINANCE Four Plant City Dolphins teams are undefeated and on their way to the TCYFCC Superbowl semifinals.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

They say it’s lonely at the top, but that’s not the case for the Plant City Dolphins.

Four teams — Mighty Mites, Pee Wees, Midgets and Junior Varsity — finished the 2019 Tri-County Youth Football and Cheerleading Conference regular season with perfect 10-0 records, then went on to win their playoff quarterfinal games

MIGHTY MITES Coach Bryan Childs

“I’m gonna be honest. This is probably the most balanced team that I’ve had. I don’t really see a weakness. I have kids that don’t put themselves before the rest of the team.

Everybody works together and that’s really what makes us what we are.

We didn’t have a game in Week 1, but when I saw all the kids in practice — and I’m a very hard person to please, a very hard coach — I saw those first two weeks went by and no one wanted to quit. When they showed me that, that showed me that I have a special group of kids. They’ve done nothing

last week. It was an especially notable year for the Midgets, who have now won 40 consecutive league play games (dating back to Oct. 22, 2016) and are in the hunt for their fourth Superbowl title in as many years. All four teams need one more win on Saturday at the Brandon Cowboys’ field to get to the Superbowl championship games, which will all be played Nov. 16 in Plant City.

The Dolphins organization as a whole finished with a 47-3 record in TCYFCC’s

but push my expectations. It went from ‘Man, we’re gonna have a good season’ to ‘I think we’re gonna be able to go all the way.’

There are some kids I mentor, I get them on the weekends, and I love seeing them have fun. It is sports, but they’re also learning other things. They’re learning school. They’re learning teamwork. They’re learning other things. To see them have a great time is what really means a lot to me.”

Last week: d. Southwest Junior Saints, 40-0 This week: vs. Brandon Cowboys

NOVEMBER 7, 2019

Quick Hits AREA PARKS HOSTING EVENTS

regular season and four divisional championships. The Varsity team, which was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, still had a season to be proud of with a 7-3 record coming just one year after it finished with an 0-10 record.

Coaches from each team spoke with the Plant City Observer about their teams in advance of Saturday’s semifinal games.

PEE WEES

Coach Armand Cotnoir “We’re very physical. Physical and our offensive line is strong. We hit, we tackle a lot and do a lot of tackling practice. We work on that every night.

I knew we were really good from the beginning. But having 16 teams, and there’s so many new teams, that every week you didn’t know. Even this week: we play the Eagles, we haven’t played them and they’ve only lost one game. We don’t know how this week’s gonna go. Our coaching staff helps the kids stay focused.

We have a routine and we stay with it no matter if we win

50-0 the week before or whatever the score is. We practice just as hard in every practice.

On offense, they block well and they’re very disciplined.

They understand their blocking assignments and our running backs are very good at being physical, running inside the tackles. They’re pretty good at hitting whatever hole we tell them to and they go wherever we tell them to go.”

Last week: d. Turkey Creek Trojans, 37-6 This week: vs. Lakeland Eagles

This weekend, Global Sports Alliance Florida Baseball will host Fall State Championships tournament action at Mike Sansone Park, the Randy L. Larson Softball FourPlex, Plant City Stadium, Ellis-Methvin Park, Snowden Park and the MLK Rec Complex on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Games start at 6 and 7:15 pm. Friday and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The Fork Ran Away with the Spoon 5K also comes to town on Saturday. The race, sponsored by the United Food Bank of Plant City in conjunction with the Empty Bowls Project, starts and ends downtown at the Palmer Street train depot. There is a $35 race fee plus a $3 sign-up fee.

Runners have until 11:59 p.m. tonight to register. Visit ufbpc.org/fork-ran-away-wthe-spoon-5k to sign up.

Next weekend, GSA Florida Baseball comes back with its Gulf Coast League championships. That tourney will use fields at Mike Sansone Park, the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex, Plant City Stadium, Ellis-Methvin Park, Snowden Park and the MLK Rec Complex from Nov. 15-17.

Games start at 6 and 7:15 pm. Nov. 15 and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Nov. 16 and 17.

U.S. Road Running will host its Fall Best Friends 10K Relay Race, 5K and 10K Lap Race at Ellis-Methvin Park’s walking trail on Nov. 16. The races start at 7 a.m. and awards will be given out afterward for top finishers and costumes.

Visit runsignup.com/Race/FL/PlantCity/EllisMethvin to register. The cost is $50 for a relay team, $29 to run the 10K and $24 to run the 5K. Runners have until 11:59 p.m. Nov. 14 to sign up online and can do so at the park on race day, though the cost for each race increases for on-site registration.

RAIDERS BARELY MISS PLAYOFFS

MIDGETS

Coach Robbie Jordan “It’s pretty intense. John Broome and Marcus Springfield, who coach our JV now, they started it. They won the Superbowl in 2016 and ran the tables again in 2017. I took over as offensive coordinator last year with Broome in 2018 and we ran the table again.

Here we are again.

We’ve got an older team.

These kids are dialed in. I think we have a reputation around the area for our 10U program.

I’ve always had more of a power running kind of team, but we’ve been able to throw the ball a lot more this year.

Our offensive line, the pass blocking this year is outstanding. These kids have done a really good job this year.

We’re getting the kids to buy into the passing game. Plus, I’ve got about seven or eight kids who can run the ball and we’ve gotten to a point where we pretty much have exclusive

starters on offense and on defense, which is pretty rare for little league. Our defense is really fast, athletic and experienced. All 11 starters are 10 years old. We’ve only given up two touchdowns the entire season.

We played a front-loaded schedule. We played our biggest competition early in the season and I think that after game four or five, there was nobody left in the regular season that was really gonna be able to hang with us. Once you get to the second round of the playoffs and the Superbowl, you’ve always got to watch out. I’ve been knocked out in the first round before so I know you can’t really take anybody lightly. I knew at the beginning of the season we’d have a special team, but it’s hard to predict 13-0.”

Last week: d. Seffner Seahawks, 32-0 This week: vs. New Tampa Wildcats

JUNIOR VARSITY Coach John Broome

“This team works really good together. They’ve been together the last three or four years, so they’ve grown together.

And they always compete.

This is a good group of boys.

They’re tackling real well right now. They’re blocking real well. They have the eye of the tiger. They seem like they’re very motivated and they seem like they really want it this year. This team didn’t win it last year, so they’re itching to get back at it. It’s a standard. Anytime you’re with the Dolphins, you know it’s a standard. Especially when I’m on the staff. It’s a high energy that I bring to the team, everybody buys in, everybody competes at high level, every-

body gives 110 percent. That’s a good thing.

Sometimes you have the stars and then you have, like, a big drop-off. It’s the stars, then it trickles down. There’s no huge drop because everybody’s trying, everybody’s competing. That’s how you build a good team.”

Last week: d. North Lakeland Legends, 40-0 This week: vs. Seffner Seahawks

Plant City High School’s football team and fans needed a lot to go right for the Raiders to get back in the FHSAA playoffs this year, but found out Sunday that the playoff return will have to wait.

The Raiders entered the final week of the regular season with a bye and were positioned right on the bubble with the new RPI ranking system. They needed to jump the Melbourne Bulldogs in the standings to make the cut as an 8 seed and things looked hopeful for PCHS when the Bulldogs lost to Eau Gallie, 33-6, and fellow bubble team St. Cloud took a 30-6 loss to Victory Christian Academy. But on Sunday, when the FHSAA finalized rankings and filled out the postseason brackets, Plant City’s final RPI of 0.564 came just 0.005 points short of a tie for the 8 seed.

“We fell short of one of our goals, but a lot was accomplished this season,” the team’s official Twitter account wrote that morning. “I’m proud of this group of young men!”

COLTS TEAMS ELIMINATED IN MIDFLORIDA PLAYOFFS The Plant City Colts were riding high following a pair of district championship wins, which set up the Mitey Mites and Pee Wees with semifinal matches against the Greenwood Panthers. Unfortunately for the Colts, Greenwood knocked both teams out of the Super Bowl championship bracket on Nov. 2.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

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CHARGERS COME BACK TO BEAT EAGLES, 21-14

Strawberry Crest trailed 2-0 at halftime and successfully rallied to beat Brandon in the Nov. 1 season closer.

Photos by Justin Kline

Crest running back Bryant Lazare gets past a Brandon defender for a gain.

The Eagles and Chargers played a thrilling second half of football.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The two halves of Strawberry Crest’s showdown with Brandon on Nov. 1 couldn’t have been more different. Luckily for the Chargers, that translated to a 21-14 win in Dover that ended their season on a high note.

Crest’s first win at home in 2019 started with two quarters both teams quickly wanted to forget about. The only scoring play came in the first quarter when, shortly after Crest’s defense made a huge fourthdown stop in its own red zone, the Chargers got the ball back and ended a short drive with a safety coming from an intentional grounding call. To Crest’s credit, the defense forced a quick turnover on downs, Caleb Goodson finished the next offensive series with a punt that pinned the Eagles back on their own five-yard line and Hunter Wilkinson immediately got himself an interception to give Crest the ball back with good field position. Unfortunately for the Chargers, they lost a fumble shortly afterward.

That quarter had five penalties called, which looked like a breeze compared to the 15 flags thrown in the second quarter. Personal fouls on both teams killed momentum on three of their combined five possessions and ensured the score would stay at 2-0 in Brandon’s favor going into halftime.

The third quarter started with Brandon returning the opening kickoff to Crest territory, which led to Antonio Jones catching a 37-yard touchdown pass to give Brandon an 8-0 lead with just under eight minutes left in the third quarter.

But the Chargers got fired up shortly after the catch. First, they shut down the two-point conversion attempt to keep the game within one possession. After returning the ball to their own 44, the Chargers chipped away at the Brandon defense until a Jesse Waldrop catch put them within 11 yards of a score. Goodson got the job done with an excellent throw to Hunter Wilkinson after rolling out to his left to escape pressure and making an off-balance heave to his wideout. Crest got tricky with the two-point conversion by lining everyone

up to center D.J. Brannon’s left, which got the Brandon defense to focus on defending a run to that side while Goodson flipped a quick pass to Brannon to tie it up. On Brandon’s next drive, the Chargers made up for allowing a 28-yard run to their goal line by forcing a fumble on the next play, which Crest senior Jake Craig recovered at the Chargers’ five-yard line.

That momentum flipped back to Brandon’s favor with 11 seconds left in the quarter, when a completed pass was fumbled by the receiver and ended up in the arms of Brandon defensive back Jaden Exume, who slipped past all of the Chargers for a touchdown. The Eagles once again tried going for two and couldn’t get past the sea of red jerseys, but held a 14-8 lead all the same.

The third quarter ended with Goodson and Waldrop linking up for a 37-yard completion that put Crest at Brandon’s threeyard line. It took the Chargers several plays to make it happen, but they finally got their first lead of the game with 11:06 left to play when Goodson pulled off a quarterback sneak and Armando Garcia’s PAT kick split the uprights.

After forcing a turnover on downs at their own 46-yard line on the next Brandon drive, Crest running back Bryant Lazare served as the workhorse for that series with five runs called for him in the first six snaps. A personal foul against the Eagles put the Chargers at Brandon’s goal line and Goodson once again snuck into the end zone with 4:39 to go. Garcia’s second PAT of the night was also good and the Chargers suddenly had a 21-14 lead. All they had to do was get one more stop.

Brandon started at Crest’s 49-yard line and Jones quickly got his team to the Chargers’ 13-yard line with a huge catch and run.

It was the last big play the Eagles would pull off, as Crest’s defense held steady for four more snaps and forced a turnover on downs with 1:20 left to play and no timeouts left for Brandon to call. Goodson took several knees to put the game away and end this season with a win.

Above: Caleb Goodson escapes pressure to throw a pass.

Below: Bryant Lazare and Max Paplin celebrate immediately after the win.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

TOP GUN WRESTLING ACADEMY CLEANS UP AT CORK ELEMENTARY

FOCUS ON FITNESS:

The local club volunteered several hours of its time on Nov. 2 to beautify Cork’s garden.

WALK YOUR WAY TO WELLNESS

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Plant City-based Top Gun Wrestling Academy doesn’t usually offer landscaping services, but the group made an exception on Nov. 2 when Cork Elementary School needed helping hands.

A crew of Top Gun wrestlers, coaches and parents drove out the the school that morning to give the school’s garden some much-needed attention. With the volunteers’ help, Cork’s reading garden looked as good as new before noon.

Refreshing the garden was on the mind of guidance counselor Tim Godshall for a long time. It had fallen on tough times in recent months due to extremely rainy weather and, because the school system doesn’t offer schools grants for this sort of work, this was a project that needed outside help.

Godshall knew exactly who to call. Coach Will Terry and the Top Gun coaches put together a crew of volunteers from within their ranks. A pair of Dover businesses, Staggs Nursery and Blue Gator Lawn Service, helped with the supplies they’d need to work. The school also got to work with donations it had gotten from student

ambassadors within its Leader in Me program.

“We’re big believers in service in our wrestling club, so when my buddy Tim put the call out and said he needed some help, it was a no-brainer,” Terry said. “We want these kids to know we’re here to serve the community. I went to Cork as a kindergartener, so to give back to a school where someone helped make me the man that I am… it was a no-brainer.”

The volunteers got there around 8 a.m. and left no stone unturned. They trimmed up the plants, pulled weeds, installed new mulch, pressure washed the walkways, fixed up the giant checkerboard and more.

“Everybody here is somehow related, knows somebody or went to church with somebody, so it’s all a community thing to help out,” Godshall said. “This is gonna be for the students every day to read in, to hang out in and to enjoy, and we just want it to look nice. We don’t have those funds, so we can’t just go pay a landscaping company a lot of money. We have to look to the community and it’s great that we have these resources to help us out.”

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WALKER PLAZA 617 N. Maryland Ave., Plant City (813) 752-1548

Sam Allen Rd.

39

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Reyn

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4 County Line Rd.

Felton’s Market

Park Rd.

Angela Fulgieri is a Program Director for the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA. Write her at observerfitness@ gmail.com.

Justin Kline

Top Gun Wrestling Academy lent its time and efforts to clean up Cork Elementary’s garden.

Maryland Ave.

or duration of your walk. You can even add weights. Walking with hand weights or a weighted vest will increase the intensity of your walks and, therefore, your calorie burn.

Be sure to warm up, cool down and stretch, as with any workout. A proper warm-up should prepare your body for the work you are about to do, so begin by walking slowly at first and speed up as your muscles warm. At the end of your workout, gradually slow your pace and allow your heart rate to come down before you stretch. Stretch the muscles you worked — calves, quadriceps and hamstrings — and hold each static stretch for 20-30 seconds.

There’s an upcoming 1-mile walk/run you can try out with a walking buddy.

The Tampa YMCA’s 5th Annual Goody Goody Turkey Gobble is a great way to give back on Thanksgiving.

All proceeds raised from the Goody Goody™ Turkey Gobble 5K, 8K and 1-Mile Run/Walk will support LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA to help cancer survivors heal.

The family-friendly event starts at 7am on Thursday, Nov. 28 in front of the Amalie Arena. As title sponsor, Goody Goody is graciously providing free breakfast to all participants. Join me and register today at runsignup.com.

Happy walking!

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Walking is sometimes overlooked as a form of exercise, but can be an excellent choice for many people looking to improve or maintain their health.

Walking is a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness, increase muscle endurance, strengthen bones, improve balance and help prevent chronic disease.

Because it is low-impact, it is a better choice than running for those with knee or back problems, older adults and people who are overweight or obese. It can be done any time of day, does not require any specialized equipment or training and, perhaps the best part, it’s free.

To reap the benefits of walking, it is important that you make it a part of your daily routine for at least 30 minutes per day. Schedule the time on your calendar and, if your schedule allows, try to walk at the same time each day. It might help to ask a friend to walk with you or if you walk the dog. If you find it difficult to walk 30 minutes at once, start with shorter, more frequent walks each day and build up to it.

Make sure to invest in a pair of comfortable walking shoes.

Walking for weight loss? Walking fast burns more calories, but this does not mean that you have to walk at a pace that leaves you breathless. Walk at a pace where you are still able to talk. Track how far you walk each day. As your fitness level improves, you will find you can walk further in a shorter amount of time.

As you get fitter, add variety and intensity to your walks. You can do this by changing up your routes so you don’t get bored looking at the same sights each day, and you can add intensity by walking up hills or by increasing the speed, distance

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Lakeland

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FLORIDA FALL CLASSIC

LACROSSE TOURNEY

AT ELLIS-METHVIN PARK

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

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Plant City-area lacrosse fans were in for a treat over the weekend as Ellis-Methvin Park hosted 125 games during the 2019 Florida Fall Classic tournament from Nov. 2-3.

The tourney brought in 47 teams in seven divisions from around Tampa Bay and central Florida. Laxers as young as age 10 up to high school seniors competed in Plant City for the entirety of both days, as games started as early as 9 a.m. and final starts came around 5 p.m.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR We asked: How early should you start decorating for Christmas?

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> 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability > Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Elmer ‘Dick’ Tracy

Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival.

Taking care of each other is what

Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL shared at www.WellsMemorial.

33563. Funeral services will fol- com for the Sims family. low at 11:00 a.m.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM haught.care.

community Thomas D.

is Benthal all about.

Sr.

Wells MeMorial & event Center

PlanT CiTy HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM Thomas D. Benthal Sr., 72, of 813-752-1111 PlantWellsMemorial.com City, passed away on Friday Nov. 1, 2019. Thomas was Samuel we’re dedicated to helping families create a WE’R E P RO UD TO S E RV E our community born Dec. 2, 1946and in Dyersburg, Mary Anne Evans-Bauman, 51, M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1 unique meaningful memorial that 10/27/15 truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896.

Achilles Perez Tennessee.celebrates the life it represents. went to be with our Lord on As your Dignity Memorial professionals, a veteran. Fond Sept. 24, 2019.

Samuel Achilles Perez passed > 100% Service GuaranteeHe >was National Plan Transferability memories expressions of Helpline® A memorial service with be away on Nov. 3, 2019. > The Compassion > Bereavement Travel Assistance and held Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019 The family will receive friends sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the at the Haught Funeral Home Friday, Nov. 8, 2019 from 1:00 Chapel in Plant City, with Pastor p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Springhead- Benthal family.

Proudly supporting Tommy Warnock officiating.

Baptist Church, 3106 South Wig- the Plant City Strawberry Festival.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 gins Road, Plant City, FL 33566. a.m., followed by the service at Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. All friends and family 2:00 p.m. are welcome.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM haught.care.

Mary Anne Evans-Bauman J.P. Eatman J.P. Eatman, 90, passed away at her residence in Tampa on Oct. 25.

Formerly from Plant City, she is survived by her step-daughter Jeannette Kaled, grand daughters Nadia Wilson and Nicole Gravilov, and her cousins, Charles Briggs, of Valrico, and Tom Briggs, Denver.

A self-described “Professional Volunteer”, J.P. was well known and loved for her many years working for the American Cancer Society, The Plant City Arts Council, and the Plant City Women’s Club.

There will be a memorial Mass in Plant City at St. Clements Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. on Nov. 11.

Ms. Eatman asked that in lieu of flowers, donations could be made to TrinityCafé.org, a program of Feeding Tampa Bay.

Elder Lloyd Beaty Cunningham

Elder Lloyd Beaty Cunningham, 92, of Lutz, born in Plant City on October 4, 1927, entered into eternal rest on November 4, 2019.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Christine R. Jacoby Christine R. Jacoby, 72, of Plant City, born on Feb. 27, 1947, entered into eternal rest on Oct. 29, 2019.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com..

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

David ‘Cowboy’ Caudill Sr. David “Cowboy” Caudill Sr., 63, of Lithia, born in Lakeland on Dec. 17, 1955, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 1, 2019.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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OBITUARIES

1933, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 1, 2019.

Elmer “Dick” Tracy, 91, of Plant Expressions of condolence at City, born in Columbus, Ohio on Dec. 30, 1927, entered into eternal HopewellFuneral.com.. rest on Oct. 29, 2019.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

17

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019 R

10

®

Taking care of R each other is what

community

is all about.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Junea Ann Stidham

813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com

Junea Ann Stidham, 78, of Plant City, passed away on Nov. 3, 2019.

The family will receive friends Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Barbara Diane Bryant

dedicated to helping families create a our community Wells MeMorial & we’re event Center unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896.

PlanT CiTy ® celebrates the life represents.

As your Dignity Memorial professionals, HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM Barbara Diane Bryant, 66,itof Dover, WE’R E P RO UD TO S E RV E

passed away on Wednesday Oct. 30, > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability 2019. Barbara wasCompassion born MarchHelpline® 3, 1953 > The Nettie >LBereavement Sims Travel Assistance in Plant City.

Fond memories and expressions Nettie L Sims, 93, of Wesley Chapel, passed away on Wednesday of sympathy may be shared at www.

Proudly supportingWellsMemorial.com the Plant City Strawberry Festival. for the Bryant Oct. 30, 2019. Nettie was born family.

April 30, 1926.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be

M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

R

Florist

10/27/15

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM

Regina Patterson

Wells MeMorial & event Center

Regina Patterson, 86, of Valrico, born in Georgia on Aug. 12,

PlanT CiTy

813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com

116 North Collins Street Plant City, FL 33563 ph: (813) 567-5735 allabloomtampa.com

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

Historic Downtown 287464-1

YOUR COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY. FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971 HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

BEST BET SUNDAY, NOV. 10 WINERY TO THE RESCUE: PET-FRIENDLY RESCUE AWARENESS DAY

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road, is hosting a Winery to the Rescue event. Join them and local pet services and product vendors for a day of music, food, silent and live auctions and raffles. All proceeds will benefit Florida Giant Dog Rescue, Florida English Bulldog Rescue and TLC PetSnip, Inc. There will also be games for dogs including a swimming pool, tube and other events.

Dog-related vendors, face painters and balloon artists will also be available.

THURSDAY, NOV. 7 PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS OPEN HOUSE 7:30 to 9 a.m. Plant City Toastmasters is held every Thursday.

Guests are always welcome to come join the free meeting at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St. This month’s event is the Toastmasters Open House. There will be a light breakfast and coffee. The event is free and open to the public. For more information email pctm4051@gmail.com.

MAHJONG CLASS

2 to 4 p.m. Every Thursday join Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., for its Mahjong class. Whether you’re a firsttime player or a seasoned expert there’s plenty of Mahjong fun at the library.

BEGINNING RUMBA CHOREOGRAPHED BALLROOM DANCE LESSONS

2:30 to 4 p.m. Beginning Rumba Choreographed Ballroom Dance Lessons are being offered at Strawberry Square Dance Center, 4401 Promenade Blvd., from Nov. 7 to Jan. 9. Classes are $7 per person. For more information visit strawberrysquaredancing. com or call Cindy at 864-7236965.

CRAFT NIGHT OUT

5:30 p.m. Adults are invited to participate in a Craft Night Out at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. This month they’ll make wine bottle turkeys. All supplies are provided. Online registration is necessary. Head to plantcitygov.com/library.

KEEL FARMS LET’S TALK KETO

6 to 8:30 p.m. Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road, is hosting a Let’s Talk Keto night.

Ancestral Nutrition with Danny Vega will be a night of eating the Ketogenic Diet, which is a low-carb, high-fat diet that offers many health benefits. The menu will be chorizo/kidney meatballs, soup, brisket and carrot cake nut balls. Tickets are $55 per person

and you can register at keelfarms. com.

HAVE A HEALTHY PREGNANCY CLASS

6 to 8 p.m. South Florida Baptist Hospital is hosting a Have a Healthy Pregnancy class in the ICU Conference Room 2-South.

The course will cover recommendations for a healthy pregnancy and will be held the first Thursday of every month. Participants may bring one guest to class. Please bring a notepad for notes. Snacks will be provided. Registration is free, but required. Call 855-2694777.

ANTI-VAPING SESSION

6:30 p.m. A local Girl Scout and Durant High School student is hosting an Anti-Vaping Session at Durant High School, 4748 Cougar Path, Plant City, as part of her Gold Award project. The session will discuss vaping for parents in the community in order to “increase awareness on the severity of this health issue.”

FRIDAY, NOV. 8 DUPLICATE BRIDGE

1 p.m. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 Carey St., is now hosting a weekly Duplicate Bridge game, the most widely used variation of contract bridge in club and tournament play. Contact Walt Arnold at 813-752-1602 for more information.

PLANT CITY SOCIAL DANCE

6 to 9:30 p.m. Plant City Social Dance will have dances at Strawberry Square Dance Center.

This dance will be social dancing including slow dances, waltzes, line dances, cha-cha and rumbas, two-step and country slow, swing, free style and some Latin dances.

Ballroom dancers can dance to most of this music also. Singles and younger generation people are welcome. Come dance to the music by DJ Ken Miller. Visit strawberrysquaredancing.com for more information. Tickets are $6.

MONDAY, NOV. 11 SALUTE TO LABOR UNIONS AND VETERANS

12-4 p.m. Salute to Labor Unions and Veterans, will be hosted at Marie B. Ellis Park, 601 E. Laura St., Plant City. There will be food, fun games, a fundraising dunk tank and community fellowship.

Throughout the event, shuffleboard will be offered. Bring your competitive spirit and enjoy a day with fellow community members.

Hosted by Plant City Area Democratic Club.

PLANT CITY DAYBREAK ROTARY CLUB

SATURDAY, NOV. 9

7 to 8 a.m. The Plant City Daybreak Rotary Club holds a meeting every Monday morning. Now the group will be meeting in the Community Meeting Room of the Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place. Guests are welcome.

HOLIDAY MARKET IN LITHIA

TUESDAY, NOV. 12

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shop for Christmas gifts, home decor and more at the Grace Community Holiday Market, 5708 Lithia Pinecrest Road. Admission is free for shoppers. The market will feature handmade jewelry, handcrafted wood pieces, home decor, ontrend clothing and dozens of other products. Guests can build their own teddy bears, enjoy lunch and cool off with shaved ice. The market is sponsored by the Women of Grace. For more information about the event visit graceholidaymarket.com.

SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB

9 a.m. Come on out to the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St., each Tuesday to play Shuffleboard. You’ll be an expert in no time. The club is hosted by Anita Balch and she can be contacted at 808-722-5821 for more information.

STORY TIME (TODDLER TIME) 10:30 a.m. Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., is hosting its weekly Story Time (Toddler Time) event. Stories and interactive activities make up this engaging 45-minute program

WHEN SCHOOL’S OUT

UP N G I S AY!

TOD

that highlights early literacy skills and encourages reading readiness and social interaction. For children ages 2 to 3 years and their caregivers.

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB

12 to 1 p.m. The Plant City Lions Club holds a meeting every Tuesday at Buddy Freddy’s, 1101 Goldfinch Drive. For more information on membership call 813-924-3829.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 13 PLANT CITY COMMUNITY LADIES BIBLE STUDY

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This Plant City Community Ladies Bible Study runs the first Wednesday of every month from September until May at the Planteen Recreation Center, 201 N. Dort St. There will be salad, desserts and a covered dish lunch at the study and attendees are invited to bring an item to share. All ladies in the community are welcome. Donations are $1.

KIWANIS CLUB OF PLANT CITY

12 to 1 p.m. The Kiwanis Club of Plant City meets Wednesdays at Buddy Freddy’s Restaurant, 1101 Goldfinch Drive (off Thonotosassa Road). For club information call 813-417-7559.

PAWS FOR READING WITH BONNIE THE THERAPY DOG

4 p.m. Children are invited to come on out to Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., to read with Bonnie the Therapy Dog. Bonnie loves to snuggle up with anyone who wants to share a book and rub her back. You can find her on the couch in the children’s area. Reading with Bonnie can help children improve reading, communication skills, and build confidence. Bonnie is a Shih Tzu Reading Therapy Dog certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. For children of all ages.

come join the free meeting at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St.

MAHJONG CLASS

2 to 4 p.m. Every Thursday join Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., for its Mahjong Class. Whether you’re a firsttime player or a seasoned expert there’s plenty of Mahjong fun at the library so swing on by.

BEGINNING RUMBA CHOREOGRAPHED BALLROOM DANCE LESSONS

2:30 to 4 p.m. Beginning Rumba Choreographed Ballroom Dance Lessons are being offered at Strawberry Square Dance Center, 4401 Promenade Blvd., from Nov. 7 to Jan. 9. Classes are $7 per person. For more information visit strawberrysquaredancing. com or call Cindy at 864-7236965.

MAKE PLANT CITY AUTUMN PAINTING

5:15 p.m. Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., is partnering with MAKE Plant City for a special fall event. The class will include a guided painting, using precut and shaped plywood, following a fall theme. The instructor for the evening is Jessica Frier.

All materials will be provided.

Adults only. Online registration required. Head to plantcitygov. com/library for more information.

UNDERSTANDING WOUND CARE CLASS

6 to 8 p.m. As part of South Florida Baptist Hospital’s Ladies Night Out series this class will feature a physician that will share information about wound care and treatment options that are available, including hyperbaric treatments. The class is in the administrative conference room.

Registration is free, but required.

Call 1-800-BayCare.

THURSDAY, NOV. 14 PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS 7:30 to 9 a.m. Plant City Toastmasters is held every Thursday.

Guests are always welcome to

FUN IS IN!

Bring your kids to the Plant City YMCA on most school holidays* for an exciting, enriching experience while you’re at work or out and about!

PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA 1507 YMCA Pl., Plant City | 813 757 6677 | tampaymca.org

*See website for available dates.

Universal Crossword Edited by David Steinberg November 7, 2019 PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

FORECAST THURSDAY, NOV. 7 High: 88 Low: 69 Chance of rain: 10%

FRIDAY, NOV. 8 High: 82 Low: 62 Chance of rain: 40%

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

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SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Nov. 7

6:44a

5:40p

Friday, Nov. 8

6:44a

5:39p

Saturday, Nov. 9

6:45a

5:38p

Sunday, Nov. 10

6:46a

5:38p

Monday, Nov. 11

6:47a

5:37p

Tuesday, Nov. 12

6:47a

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Wednesday, Nov. 13

6:48a

5:36p

WEATHER

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40 Dilbert’s is 7 Retirement askew plan letters 41 “Bad” 8 Revved cholesterol, 9 Passover for short rs repast 42 Cod or yea 10 Bay Area Hatteras s 32 s e n rap legendIn Busi 44 Put in, Mac ___ as a link 11 Remove 47 Lotion roughly, ingredient 48 Nada as a page 11/6 © 2019 Andrews McMeel Universal 49 Close at 12 In the www.upuzzles.com hand thick of

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, NOV. 9 High: 77 Low: 58 Chance of rain: 10%

SUNDAY, NOV. 10 High: 81 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 10%

TOMATOES

Shipping point: Central Florida $10.95-$13.95

Nov. 26 New

Nov. 12 Full

Dec. 1 First

Nov. 22 Last

RAINFALL Monday, Oct.28

0.00

Tuesday, Oct. 29 0.12 Wednesday, Oct. 30

0.00

Thursday, Oct. 31 0.00 Friday, Nov. 1

0.00

Saturday, Nov. 2 0.00 Sunday, Nov. 3

0.00

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2019 41.95 in.

2019 0.00 in.

2018 22.20 in.

2018 0.34 in.

GOLD & SILVER

Diamonds & Precious Gems,

11/7

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813.754.2360 | 1705 Jim Redman Pkwy. Plant City, 33563

Here’s Hoping by Evan Mahnken

ACROSS 1 American in Canada, e.g., briefly 6 Seedy fruits 10 Pick from a deck 14 “Cool!”

15 “Making a Murderer” genre 17 One making a diagnosis before school 18 *Boston bowler’s target 19 Nolo contendere, for one 21 Once known as 22 Roulette bet 23 *“How dare you!”

27 Occupied 28 Psychological mediator, per Freud

29 Trash bag brand 30 Microwave measures 31 Thorn in one’s side 33 PC hookup 34 ___ Enterprise 35 *Drink made with weeds 40 Dilbert’s is askew 41 “Bad” cholesterol, for short 42 Cod or Hatteras 44 Put in, as a link 47 Lotion ingredient 48 Nada 49 Close at hand 50 *Geeking out in front of a celebrity, say 53 ___ Taylor 54 Favorite

55 Keep away from 56 Charity that hints at the starred answers’ starts 60 D-Day beach 63 Shopping on Amazon, e.g.

64 Video game character that runs on many consoles?

65 Car collector Jay 66 Control, with “in” 67 Go ballistic DOWN 1 Last word of many books 2 Gen ___ 3 Running of the bulls site 4 Reef formation 5 Marisa of “Spider-Man:

Far From Home” 6 Fraud watchdog org.

7 Retirement plan letters 8 Revved 9 Passover repast 10 Bay Area rap legend Mac ___ 11 Remove roughly, as a page 12 In the thick of 13 McDonald’s rival 16 Browns, on scoreboards 20 “Gemini Man” director 23 Charlotte’s message board 24 “Good lord!”

25 Airline to Israel 26 Neapolitan flavor 27 Having a high pH 30 Opposite of ENE 32 Key that can sometimes replace clicking 34 Word before an aha moment 36 Accomplished 37 Locker-room feature 38 Mork’s goodbye 39 It’s a long story 43 Yellowstone animal 44 Tooth cover 45 “Dennis the ___” 46 Place trust in 47 Subject of dress codes 50 Drainage system 51 “___ were the days” 52 “Little birds” spread one 54 Jim’s colleague on “The Office” 57 Comic Philips 58 Elementary school subj.

59 Rooster’s mate 61 With it 62 One of five in “Hamlet”

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

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