11.8.18 PLCO

PLANT CITY

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 6, NO. 19

FREE

•

Garden Club turns 70 SEE PAGE 7 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

PC’s Ashley Moody AG-elect Plant City native Ashley Moody will be Florida’s next attorney general. SEE PAGE 5

Raiders in color

YOUR TOWN

Courtesy of Meredith Hurley

Winn-Dixie’s new look Plant City’s Winn-Dixie held a grand opening ceremony on Nov. 1 to reveal the newly remodeled store to the public. There are new signage and a more contemporary color palette, an update farm-fresh produce department, a renovated bakery and deli, new food items, a new dollar shop, expanded beer selections and more.

The first 500 customers received a free Winn-Dixie mystery gift card valued between $5 and $500 as well as a Fuel Rewards code.

Plant City High School was awash in color for the recent 2018 Raider Color Run. SEE PAGE 10

Breanne Williams

Durant High School ROTC color guard did the presentation of the colors.

Justin Kline

Almost every runner was caked with powder by the end of the event.

Moms find tranquility at SFBH South Florida Baptist Hospital is stepping up its game when it comes to serving expectant mothers.

Courtesy of Beverly Littlejohn

Dr. Carlos Lamoutte said C-section rates at SFBH are rapidly declining.

M

oms can breathe easy at South Florida Baptist Hospital thanks to the dedication of the hospital’s team to provide award winning care and expand the service available for soon to be parents.

SFBH was one of 20 Florida hospitals to achieve the Healthy People 2020 Maternal and Child Health goal, which they won for reducing cesarean section deliveries for first-time mothers that had low-risk pregnancies. The national goal was to keep C-sec-

tion births below the 23.9% range and SFBH’s rate in 2017 was well below the bar at 21%.

“It’s very simple, we avoid unnecessary inductions,” Dr. Carlos Lamoutte, OBGYN with BayCare Medical Group, said.

“Nationwide, inductions have remarkably decreased to avoid unnecessary admission to the neonatal intensive care unit.”

An unnecessary induction is when a doctor induces labor for a

SEE PAGE 9

Courtesy of Sonya L. Reid

Simmons unites against bullying Students and faculty from Simmons Career Center participated in the National Unity Day for Anti-Bullying by having a variety of activities like a poster contest, wearing an orange shirt and taking a group unity photo.

Simmons takes bullying very seriously and made it a school-wide event to raise awareness on the issue.

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WH AT’S H APPENING

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

“I will always remember that it is not about me, it is about you and ensuring that at the end of the day, I will defend the rights that ensure that you are in charge.”

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 8, 2018

BY THE NUMBERS

52.3%

Christmas Parade names Grand Marshal

— Ashley Moody, in her victory speech after winning the race for state Attorney General

City Pointe hosts Harvest Fest

percentage of Floridians that voted for Plant City native Ashley Moody to be Attorney General-elect.

The Plant City Christmas Parade Board has named Frank LaBarbera the Grand Marshal of the upcoming 2018 parade.

LaBarbera is one of the original organizers of the Christmas Parade and has served on the board for many years.

“We’re so excited to announce that Frank LaBarbera is our recipient this year and this is a long time coming,” board member Dodie White said in a news release.

SEE PAGE 5

Girl Scouts collect cans

70

years the Plant City Garden Club has been around.

SEE PAGE 7

4

Grammy-winning albums bluegrass legend David Grier has played on.

SEE PAGE 6

21%

percentage of births by C-section at South Florida Baptist Hospital. The national rate is 23.9% and Florida’s rate is 37.2%.

Justin Kline

Pastor Scott McIntosh gave a presentation about the three types of belief in God using balloons to demonstrate his points.

SEE PAGE 9

C

ity Pointe Church wanted residents around Burchwood Park, near where pastor Scott McIntosh grew up, to have some wholesome Halloween

fun.

The church held its Harvest Fest at the park on Oct. 31, inviting the residents

out for an evening of food, fun, games and trunk-or-treating. Attendees could play games to win candy, participate in a “cake walk,” check out a balloon art presentation by McIntosh himself and more.

See more photos online at plantcityobserver.com.

Plant City Girl Scout Troops 1157 and 2912 recently hosted a canned food drive to benefit the United Food Bank of Plant City.

The month-long drive required each scout to collect at least five items. The goal was to collect 85 items and the troops blew past that with 225 canned food and paper good items rounded up at the end of October. The troops held a Give Thanks party on Nov. 2 to organize all the items, inform people about the food bank and its mission and craft Thanksgiving centerpieces to take home.

The drive was meant to help the food bank feed hungry families over the holidays and gives it a boost in addition to its other current events. The UFB also kicked off its turkey drive Nov. 1 with the goal of collecting 400 frozen turkeys to distribute to clients for Thanksgiving, and Saturday’s Empty Bowls Project will also help raise awareness of food insecurity.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Florida elections epitome of close calls

Courtesy of Bill Nelson’s campaign

Incumbent Democrat Sen. Bill Nelson is calling for a recount.

Courtesy of Rick Scott’s campaign

Gov. Rick Scott declared victory in the Florida Senate race.

Several Florida elections may need a recount due to the results lingering under a half of one percent difference between candidates.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

E

lection Day brought millions of Floridians to the polls with many waiting in lines for hours as they attempted to cast their ballots. These are the unofficial results as a finalized tally was not available by press time.

Republican Gov. Rick Scott will more than likely be Florida’s new senator thanks to once again sliding through the election with a sliver of a lead. If elected he would oust Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson, who has held the seat since 2001.

As of press time the race looks to be heading toward a recount. As more precincts reported the margin narrowed to less than one-half percentage point.

For a recount the 67 County Supervisors of Election would recheck the total tally.

As of early Wednesday, only approximately 34,500 votes separated the two candidates. Nelson’s office said the race was headed for a recount since the margin between the two was under half a percent.

Scott’s campaign replied by saying, “The race is over.”

It was easily one of the most contentious races in the midterms and was the last to call Tuesday night. Scott declared victory Tuesday night and used more than $50 million of his own money to fund his race. This was the most expensive Senate race in the entire 2018 midterms with more than $100 million spent total.

“It’s hard to believe we’re here tonight,” Scott said during his victory speech. “This campaign is behind us and that’s where we’re going to leave it.”

Ron DeSantis is the declared governor-elect after receiving 49.7% of votes over opponent Andrew Gillum, who had 49.1% of votes. DeSantis thanked President Donald Trump for supporting him and vowed to further the progress he believed has been made by Governor Rick Scott.

“I was at peace knowing that I worked as hard as I possibly could and I left everything out on the field,” DeSantis said during his victory speech.

Plant City native Ashley Moody will become Florida’s next attorney general. Moody is a former judge and a federal prosecutor and was endorsed by Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Republican Matt Caldwell, an eight-year veteran of the Florida House of Representatives declared victory over Democrat Nicole “Nikki” Fried after having a half-point lead Tuesday night.

Caldwell is a strong supporter of the second amendment and spent his campaign promising to be committed to the environment.

The race will head to a recount due to the narrow margin between the two candidates.

Voters approved 11 of the 12 amendments to the Florida Constitution. Throughout the election voters frequently commented on the confusing language and “bundled” issues where several amendments featured items not related to each other. Of the amendments approved a few are drawing national attention.

Most notably, Floridians agreed to restore voting rights to approximately 1.4 million ex-felons.

Ex-felons that completed their sentences and that did not commit murder or felony sex offenses now can get their voting right restored thanks to the landslide passing of Amendment 4.

That will potentially affect 1.4 million people. However, some of the 1.4 million are those excluded due to the severity of their convictions.

Other highlights include Amendment 3, which put the decision on Florida gambling in the hands of the voters rather than with the Florida legislature.

Amendment 12 is another hot topic. The passage of the change to the constitution means that there are now stricter and longer lobbying restrictions for state and local elected officials, judges and public employees.

Floridians also voted to ban greyhound racing throughout the state by 2021 with the passage of Amendment 13.

The only Amendment not passed was Amendment 1, which would have created another homestead exemption for those who have a taxable value of $100,000 to $125,000.

Both of Hillsborough’s referendums were passed by local voters Tuesday night with 56% of the vote. The half-penny tax increase takes the sales tax from 7% to 7.5% and all of the funds will go to the improvement of public schools.

“The people have spoken and they support our students,” Superintendent Jeff Eakins said in a statement. “This overwhelming approval of the half-penny sales tax shows the deep care and understanding the people of Hillsborough County have for education, our students, our teachers and staff and the future of our community.”

The All for Transportation sales tax plan received 57% of the vote.

The funds will be spent on roads, trails, sidewalks, buses and mass transit.

“We are humbled by tonight’s results, which confirm that Hillsborough County is ready to invest in a transportation plan that truly benefits every part of the county,” All for Transportation Chair Tyler Hudson said in a news release. “From the beginning, All for Transportation did things differently. From this different approach came a different outcome: victory for the Hillsborough County citizens who are ready for a better transportation system.”

The Hillsborough County Canvassing Board will meet as scheduled today at 5 p.m. at the Elections Service Center to certify the first unofficial election results for the 2018 General Election. The board will decide tonight if any races require a recount, which will only happen if someone has the lead by one half of a percent or less of the total votes cast.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

Hillsborough County Unofficial results as of 11/7/18 Sheriff: Chad Chronister (REP) with 54.86% of the vote Representative in Congress District 12: Gus Michael Bilirakis (REP) with 62.10% of the vote Representative in Congress District 15: Ross Spano (REP) with 50.56% of the vote Representative in Congress District 16: Vern Buchanan (REP) with 52.41% of the vote State Senator District 18: Janet Cruz: 50.07% (Will more than likely have recount) State Senator District 20: Kathy Lewis (DEM) with 51.92% of the vote State Representative District 57: Mike Beltran (REP) with 55.29% of the vote State Representative District 58: Lawrence McClure (REP) with 54.53% of the vote State Representative District 59: Adam Hattersley (DEM) with 51.43% of the vote State Representative District 60: Jackie Toledo (REP) with 52.24% of the vote State Representative District 61: Dianne “Ms. Dee” Hart (DEM) with 97.19% of the vote State Representative District 63: Fentrice Driskell (DEM) with 53.40% of the vote State Representative District 64: James Grant (REP) with 51.98% of the vote Board of County Commissioners District 2: Ken Hagan (REP) with 52.39% of the vote Board of County Commissioners District 4: Stacy White (REP) with 57.61% of the vote Board of County Commissioners District 5: Mariella Smith (DEM) with 52.29% of the vote Board of County Commissioners District 7: Kimberly Overman (DEM) with 53.30% of the vote Circuit Judge, 13th Judicial Circuit Group 25: Robin Fuson with 55.71% of the vote County Court Judge Group 2: Lisa Allen with 55.60% of the vote County Court Judge Group 8: Jack Gutman with 60.68% of the vote School Board Member District 1: Steve Cona with 53.67% of the vote School Board Member District 6: Karen Perez with 54.18% of the vote Soil and Water Conservation District Group 1: Kathy Eckdahl with 40.52% of the vote Soil and Water Conservation District Group 3: Michael Hepburn with 38.10% of the vote Soil and Water Conservation District Group 5: Andrew Brooks with 39.59% of the vote

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

PC CHAMPIONS AMENDMENT 4 Amendment 4 will restore voting rights for more than a million citizens.

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

Friedrich Hayek

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

STAFF WRITER

T

he passing of Amendment 4 will change more than 1 million lives throughout the state of Florida.

The Amendment restores voting rights to citizens that have been convicted of certain felonies. Those who qualify must complete their sentences, which includes prison time, parole and probationary periods. This does not apply to those who were convicted of murder or felony sex crimes.

Courtesy of Aaron Sykes Of the approximately 1.4 million people who are currently kept On Saturday the community came together for the Souls to the Polls and the Let My People Vote event. out of the voting booth because of a past felony, the most impacted are African-Americans. Plant did have apprehensions about the City locals came together Satur- details of the policy. They wantday at New Grace Chapel C.M.E ed clearer information about the Church to discuss the Amend- timeline and had questions about ment and rally support for its the specifics of how the policy would be implemented. passing.

The goal was to create a safe “It’s pivotal because I think the culture around voting, espe- space and open platform for peocially in communities of color ple to come and voice their opinaround here is very hostile,” Aar- ions and discuss the details of on Sykes, community organizer, the then-proposed Amendment. said. “Meaning it’s either a status Sykes said he wanted attendees quo that we just don’t talk about to hear a rhetoric that was invigit or its a status quo of we’re com- orating and uplifting, which he placent with the system or that said often is the antitheses of the there’s not a healthy relation- language normally heard within ship with communities of color the community.

This “I think when you talkweek’s about Celebrity Cipher answers around here and voting.”

More than 20% of African- oppression or communities that of voterOne sup-Solution: American adults in Florida are face the end resultPuzzle “Elections remind us not only of of Florida, deprived of the right to vote pression in the state by these because of the current process. the ones who are affected the rights but the responsibilities of the ones who While former Gov. Jeb Bush and policies the most are citizenship in a democracy.” then Gov. Charlie Christ were in are not voting because they are – Robert Kennedy office, approximately 75,000 and perceiving or believing that ‘This Puzzle Two treats meSolution: 150,000 people respectively had is the way the system “Life is like a creek. It kind of meanders Sykes said. their voting rights restored under so why participate?’” along, you instinctively do the things hold and politiloosened clemency laws. That all “However, you can’t youmeant par- to do.” came to a screeching halt under cians accountable unless you are –Sissy Spacek ticipate.”

Gov. Rick Scott.

This week’s Sudoku answers Courtesy of Aaron Sykes While Sykes was talking to During Saturday’s event, which was a partnership between a vari- voters at the polls on Tuesday he The Plant City community rallied to encourage locals to get out and vote. ety of groups including Let My said he met a young woman who People Vote and Souls to the Polls, was a mother of three. He was Amendment 4 passed Tuesday “It’s pivotal because I members of the local faith-based shocked to discover she had once community came out to discuss been convicted of a felony and evening when 64% of Floridthatanswers it took 10 years for her to get ians agreed it was time to end the think the culture around the amendment listen to tesThis week’sand Celebrity Cipher timonies of those impacted by the her rights back. She told him the restrictive process and restore voting, especially in “policy was backwards.” felons’ voting rights. current Puzzlesystem.

One Solution: He said after hearing how this “I feel that this is the right thing Sykes said those who have “Elections remind us not only of theological mindsets, whether has impacted her both socially and the right direction for the communities of color the practice rights but the responsibilities of and yet seeing her state of Florida to go,” Sykes said. they Christianity, Juda- and mentally citizenship intend a democracy.” ism, Islam, etc., to approach persevere he had no choice but to “I think its pivotal for our justice around here is very admire her strength and deter- system to be committed to reform issues with the firm belief – that Robert Kennedy everyone deserves forgiveness. mination. He said it furthered his as well. As we grow as a society I hostile.”

Puzzle Two Solution: Most in attendance had an open dedication to winning the resto- think that should be reflected in — Aaron Sykes, community “Lifeabout is likerestoring a creek.

It kind meanders of rights. our criminal justice system.” mind rights but ofration

This Sudoku answers Thisweek’s week’s Sudoku answers

Observer

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

BREANNE WILLIAMS

along, and you instinctively do the things you are meant to do.”

–Sissy Spacek

PLANT CITY

organizer, said.

©2018 NEA, Inc.

Thisweek’s week’sCrossword Crossword answers This

This week’s CipherCipher answers This Celebrity week’s Celebrity answers Puzzle One Solution: “Elections remind us not only of the rights but the responsibilities of citizenship in a democracy.”

– Robert Kennedy Puzzle Two Solution: “Life is like a creek. It kind of meanders along, and you instinctively do the things you are meant to do.”

–Sissy Spacek

This week’s Sudoku answers

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver. com Editorial Designer / Betsy Alvarez BAlvarez@yourobserver.com Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver. com

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This week’s Crossword answers

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

PC native Ashley Moody new AG Drug Enforcement Administration so both issues strike close to home.

Moody has said she is “100% pro-life” and she has also been a vocal supporter of increasing security along the border. Notably, she has vowed to be dedicated toward cracking down on human trafficking, which is a major issue for Florida.

Multiple sheriffs, including Hillsborough’s Chad Chronister, and current Attorney General Pam Bondi spoke at Moody’s victory party Tuesday night. Though there was much excitement leading up to the speech, the atmosphere the night of the watch party was relatively calm as polls had indicated Moody would more than likely be walking away with a victory.

File Photo

Ashley Moody received the support of 52.3% of Floridians while her Democratic opponent, Sean Shaw, received 46% of the votes.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

P

lant City native Ashley Moody will become Florida’s next attorney general.

Moody (REP) received the support of 52.3% of Floridians while her Democratic opponent, Sean Shaw, received 46% of the votes. More than 4 million Floridians voted for Moody and she had the backing of Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as well as 43 of Florida’s sheriffs.

“I will always remember that it is not about me, it is about you and ensuring that at the end of the day, I will defend the rights that ensure that you are in charge,” Moody said in her victory speech Tuesday night.

When Moody was elected to the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida in 2006 she was the

youngest judge in Florida. While there, she created an attorney ad litem program that would connect volunteer lawyers to children whose parents didn’t show up to court.

She is also a former federal prosecutor, private attorney and adjunct law professor and has touted the fact that she was the only candidate with prosecuting experience on the campaign trail.

Her roots in Plant City are deep and set the stage for her draw toward law. James S. Moody, her grandfather, served in the state legislature and was a judge in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court.

James Moody Jr., her father, is a federal judge. Her brother, James S. Moody III, is a lawyer. During her victory speech, she shared a story of watching her mother, Carol Moody, lug giant law books to her practices and games as she

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Ashley Moody was born and raised in Plant City and will be Florida’s next attorney general.

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simultaneously earned her law degree while raising her family.

“All I ever wanted in this world was a normal mother, and I have said many times over the course of this campaign, thank goodness for my mother who set an example for me that I could do this as a mother and run a statewide campaign,” Moody said.

Moody is the mother of two children and joked that while many believe she is prepared for the job because of her background as a prosecutor and judge, her experience as a travel baseball mom is really what has set the stage for her new career.

Throughout her campaign, Moody discussed her plans to tackle the opioid epidemic in the state and vowed to fight for law enforcement. Her husband, Justin Duralia, is an agent with the

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Ashley Moody is Florida’s new Attorney General-elect.

The Plant City native received the support of 52.3% of Floridians.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

Bluegrass legend strums for Plant City David Grier is performing in an intimate concert downtown tonight at Krazy Kup.

Four Grammy Award winning albums: True Life Blues: A Tribute to Bill Monroe The Great Dobro Sessions Alison Brown’s Fairweather

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Amazing Grace 2: A Country Salute to Gospel

A

Bluegrass legend is performing an intimate concert tonight in Plant City.

David Grier was named Guitar Player of the Year three times by the International Bluegrass Music Association, played on four Grammy Award-winning albums and was named one of the Artists of the Decade in 2000 by Acoustic Guitar Magazine. He’s bringing his soulful vibes to Krazy Kup’s music loft tonight for a show local music lovers are sure to enjoy.

“The general characterization of a musician of his caliber is that he’s a musician’s musician,” Frank Trunzo, owner of Krazy Kup, said. “He lays a pathway of his own. He’s truly unique… It’s just a great thing to have somebody perform that other musicians, top musicians, admire and hold so much respect for.”

Grier began playing the guitar when he was six years old. Now he is considered to be one of the greatest guitarists in the world.

Countless reviews of his work have praised his cross picking and abillity to create a variety of tunes off of one theme.

Trunzo said attendees are getting a once-in-a-lifetime experience tonight thanks to the unique venue provided by Krazy Kup. Unlike most shows, the tight venue allows for an extremely intimate experience.

After speaking with Grier, Trunzo said he is an extremely down to earth man who “embodies what you’d expect from such an accomplished musician who loves his art.” He fully expects

Courtesy of David Grier

David Grier is known for his impressive guitar skills as well as his ability to reinvent a theme at a moment’s notice.

Courtesy of David Grier

he’ll be interacting with the audience all night and more than willing to sign autographs or take photos following the show.

“It’s obvious he loves his craft,” Trunzo said. “He checks his ego at the door and brings his down to earth attitude to the floor.”

Grier is just one of many impressive acts Krazy Kup has highlighted over the last several years. Trunzo said it had always been his family’s goal to bring quality entertainment to Plant City and that he was excited to see it coming to fruition.

Krazy Kup is known for its intense monthly events like the Bluegrass Jam, Open Mic Night and Improv Night. The Trunzos have also recently purchased another building across the street, which they plan to convert to a “performance pizzeria.”

There, at the new business, is where the more esteemed artists are going to regularly be showcased, Trunzo said. The pizzeria will have a large stage built into the venue and Trunzo said the dream is to eventually have monthly concerts with big name acts to help further the reputation of Plant City becoming a musician’s mecca.

Krazy Kup will continue all of its unique offerings and Trunzo said the hope is new bands and talents will utilize the Krazy Kup stage to build their brand and help launch them on their musical journey. The pizzeria’s stage will be where iconic groups will come to perform for larger crowds than Krazy Kup can currently hold.

“I saw the writing on the wall when I made the phone call to purchase the building at 201

MLK,” Trunzo said. “I’m wanting once a month to have a big name there. It will take a lot of work to get the venue to where we want it to be, but it will get there. Krazy Kup is a tremendous blessing to this family… That will always be there. With both venues, we can continue to grow the music scene here in Plant City.”

Until then legends like Grier will continue to provide cozy concerts at the Krazy Kup loft.

For tonight’s show, there is limited seating and tickets are $20 per person. They can be picked up on Eventbrite or at the register of Krazy Kup. “He’s a gem of a man and we’re excited to have him,” Trunzo said.

“People aren’t going to want to miss out on this.”

Grier has played on four Grammy Award-winning albums.

IF YOU GO DAVID GRIER LIVE AT KRAZY KUP Where: Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd.

When: 6:30 p.m.

Tickets: $20 at the Krazy Kup register and on Eventbrite under David Grier LIVE at Krazy Kup

Back to her roots, Jayme Harris, Plant City native, PCHS graduate c/o 1990 and USAF veteran has officially opened her boutique in Downtown Plant City.

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PC Garden Club turns

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File photo.

Buzz, a Screech owl who was 15 years old at the time of the photo, at a Birds of Prey event.

The Plant City Garden Club has spent the last seven decades spreading environmental education throughout the community and literally reshaping Plant City.

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NOTIFICACION PUBLICA

La ciudad de Plant City conducirá una pruebas de humo en el sistema de alcantarillado principal en las calles, a partir del 13 de noviembre de 2018 hasta noviembre 16 de 2018; W. Morrell Drive, Tangerine Court, W. Langford Drive, Cedar Drive, Hughes Drive, Hickory Street, McLeod Drive, Essex Drive, W. Prosser Drive, Oakwood Estates Drive, Fox Gate Court, Tozier Place, Citrus Landing Drive, Orange Bud Way, S. Evers Street, Waller Street, Spanish Oak Lane, Oak Point Place, Crum Street, W. Strickland Street, W. Alsobrook Street, Russell Drive, Hunter Street, Pinedale Drive, Mendonsa Road, S. Gibbs Street, W. Bates Street, W. Grant Street, S. Alexander Street and Pinedale Meadows Court.

Si usted tiene alguna pregunta, por favor llame a Angel Soto-Diaz at 813-757-9288 288788-1 ext. 4725.

M O W I N G , E D G I N G , W E E D E AT I N G

813-982-0218 813-982-0218 813-982-0218

24-Hour Emergency Service

The City of Plant City will conduct smoking testing on the mainline sewer system beginning November 13, 2018 through November 16, 2018 on the following streets; W. Morrell Drive, Tangerine Court, W. Langford Drive, Cedar Drive, Hughes Drive, Hickory Street, McLeod Drive, Essex Drive, W. Prosser Drive, Oakwood Estates Drive, Fox Gate Court, Tozier Place, Citrus Landing Drive, Orange Bud Way, S. Evers Street, Waller Street, Spanish Oak Lane, Oak Point Place, Crum Street, W. Strickland Street, W. Alsobrook Street, Russell Drive, Hunter Street, Pinedale Drive, Mendonsa Road, S. Gibbs Street, W. Bates Street, W. Grant Street, S. Alexander Street and Pinedale Meadows Court.

If you have any questions, please call Angel Soto-Diaz at 813-757-9288 ext. 4725.

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“I’ve met the most interesting and intelligent people across the state through the Garden Club,” Firm said. “But people think that we’re very exclusive, but we’re really so inclusive. Any nationality, race, gender, anyone is welcome to be a part of the Garden Club.”

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Club member Lisa Firm agreed that camaraderie is a major aspect of the Garden Club.

She joined the group in 1999 and said being a part of the club has created a network of friends across the state and the memories they all share with the club are endless.

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During the annual Garden Fest the community flocks downtown to enjoy handmade goods and local plant life.

There are currently 48 members of the club and one has been in the group since 1958. The group’s history is immense and yet it is constantly evolving to meet the challenges and demands of the current environment.

Griffin said the group is beginning to offer more evening events in hopes of drawing in a more diverse group. Their goals are to have more men and a younger wave of attendees join the club and to continue to expand their repertoire of programs.

Some of the highlighted programs offered by the club include its Fun with Flowers event, a variety of diverse guest speakers and a bird program, where the group takes students from Jackson Elementary and Robinson Elementary on a trek along the Walden Lake walking trail to discuss different species of birds and take in the highlights of the local environment.

Its Junior Gardening Committee visits a variety of local schools and introduces programs like the Arbor Day tree planting, an Earth Day event and butterfly gardens.

The group also sponsors campers and volunteers with the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs in a six week camp at Wekiva State Park. At this one-of-a-kind camp, students in elementary and middle school learn about nature and conservation and enjoy activities like canoeing and exploring the great outdoors.

High school students receive support as well via a sponsorship to SEEK, Save the Earth’s Environment through Knowledge, environmental conference. The four-day conference features approximately 70 students each year.

The Garden Club also offers a college scholarship to a student from the Plant City area high schools. Increasing overall environmental education throughout the community is also a major goal for the group and they seek out programs that are both fun and educational for attendees.

For more information on the Garden Club or any of its programs go to the Plant City Garden Club Facebook page or visit plantcitygardenclub.org. The group recommends interested parties attend a general meeting to get a feel for the group and enjoy some of its unique programs.

Park Rd.

T

he Plant City Garden Club has been reshaping the very foundation of the community for 70 years.

Originally a branch of the Woman’s Club of Plant City the group was formed on Oct. 19, 1948. A year later it broke off into its own group so it could officially join the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs and over the decades has left its mark on Plant City.

The club has handled the landscaping of the new Police Station as well as four Habitat for Humanity homes and designed and landscaped the Veterans Park and Tomlin Middle School. Each year it sponsors the Horticulture Show at the Florida Strawberry Festival, hosts the beloved Gar-

den Fest in downtown Plant City and works in a variety of local schools.

“I hope we’re changing the mindset, the perception of the club,” Jan Griffin, Garden Club member, said. “We aren’t wearing white gloves and big hats. We’re hosting the Flower Show at the annual Pioneer Day event, we’re involved with local schools, we’re concerned about and focused on the environment. People join the Garden Club because they want to learn how to grow things in Florida.”

When Griffin moved from Seattle she said she couldn’t grow a “bloomin’ thing.” She joined the club around 1991 and quickly found that it was full of locals that were extremely generous with their knowledge, time and resources.

7

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

Maryland Ave.

STAFF WRITER

290377-1

BREANNE WILLIAMS

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92

Lakeland

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

DOCTOR’S NOTE

FLORIDA E.N.T. & ALLERGY

COPS CORNER

“Healthy Ears Throughout the Years” Keep your ears healthy by taking precautions against harmfully loud noises.

Y

ou don’t have to sacrifice the exciting and noisy experiences of life, but if you expect your ears to cooperate for years to come, be considerate.

Wear earplugs during loud concerts, around powerful machinery and during other loud events.

Turn the volume down on your TV, music, and phone. Do not poke around in your sensitive ears with any sort of tool--yes, even cotton swabs are prohibited. Take the necessary actions to preserve your hearing for as long as possible.

How loud is too loud? Let’s consider the sound ranges you experience. The lowest and most comfortable sound range extends from 0 decibels to about 60 decibels. Examples are soft whispers and normal talking.

A very loud range extends from about 60 decibels to 100 decibels. This range includes the sounds of vacuum cleaners and blenders.

Finally, we have the painful range of daily noise. This range extends from about 100 decibels to 140 decibels. Sounds such as chainsaws and jets taking off. In this range, your ears are begging you for some protection.

OCT. 29

GAME OVER 100 block of Burchwood Avenue.

Residential burglary: The complainant told officers that someone broke into his home and took a variety of items including an Xbox and costume jewelry that valued at more than $300.

Do you find yourself continuously asking people to repeat themselves? Do you experience difficulty hearing what is being said unless you are directly facing the speaker?

Consider scheduling an appointment with Florida E.N.T. & Allergy today to find out how a hearing aid could drastically improve your quality of life.

Florida E.N.T. & Allergy is here for you. The Doctors of Audiology at Florida E.N.T. & Allergy specialize in the prevention, identification and management of hearing loss. They work in conjunction with ENT physicians to discuss potential causes and treatment options.

Please call (813) 879-8045 to schedule an appointment, or visit Florida E.N.T. & Allergy online at www.FloridaENTandAllergy.com.

OCT. 26

MAKING MONEY MOVES 200 block of South Wheeler Street.

Trespass after warning: Officers came out to this bank after finding out a man was asking for money at the ATM. While on their way there they learned the man had been previously trespassed from the property. He was arrested.

OCT. 28

FIVE FINGER DISCOUNT 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway.

Shoplifting: Officers came out to the business after receiving a call that two people stole clothing

For more information about Florida E.N.T. & Allergy, visit www.floridaentandallergy.com.

and other merchandise without paying.

OCT. 29

TAILGATING 4500 block of West Highway 574.

Theft: During the night someone stole the tailgate from the victim’s white Ford F-150.

OCT. 30

NO GAS, NO PROBLEM? 4600 block of Highway 574 Grand theft auto: The victim told officers he had left his keys in his 2008 Blue Saturn Aura when he went into the store to pay for gas. When he came out someone had stolen the vehicle. It was later recovered and the suspect was arrested.

NOV. 1

WILY SPENDER 1 Police Place.

Fraud: The complainant told officers that he had eight unauthorized transactions on his bank account between Oct. 16 and Oct. 22. During that time, $10,846 was removed from his account.

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8

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

|

9

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE Did you take the Observer with you on vacation? Send your pictures to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

Courtesy of Beverly Littlejohn

SFBH Labor and Delivery team members LeaAnn Crow, Jeanice Lerum, Ingrid Gaylord, Sonya Vickers, Taylor Moore, Teresa Shelby, Karen Halverson and Marka Day displaying the award.

FROM PAGE 1

mother whose cervix is not yet ready to properly dilate. C-sections can be life-saving procedures, but they also can pose serious health risks to both the mother and the infant. Lamoutte said the United States was seeing a drastic rise of unnecessary C-sections and a movement was created by the Department of Health and Human Services to reduce the nationwide rate.

The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statics found in 2017 Florida’s C-section rate was one of the highest in the country at 37.2%, well above the national goal.

Lamoutte said that SFBH has a much smaller unit than many of the mega-hospitals throughout Tampa Bay. Because of its size, it is able to offer more one-on-one care for its patients, which helps increase the level of aid the hospital can provide.

Lamoutte also sits on a board that meets every month to discuss guidelines and recommendations that are then distributed to all of the physicians and nurses at the hospital. They make it their goal to stay up to date and constantly run simulations in the unit to ensure the staff is always prepared to give top-quality care.

That care extends far beyond simply ensuring a safe delivery.

Last month the hospital began offering a variety of maternity classes to help expecting parents be completely prepared for the childbirth experience.

Sonya Vickers, nurse practitioners with SFBH, leads the four classes offered and each falls on a Thursday evening from 6 p.m. to

8 p.m. The first Thursday’s class is Healthy Pregnancy, which covers topics like the highlights of each trimester, proper nutrition, how to decrease risks, safety concerns and warning signs.

The second Thursday will feature Birth Experience, which covers various aspects of labor and devilry like labor signs, pain control options and stages of labor. The third Thursday of the month offers the Breastfeeding and Newborn Care class. This will cover topics like breastfeeding techniques, handling a crying baby, swaddling and bathing.

The fourth Thursday of the month will feature the Hospital Stay and Postpartum class, which covers emotional changes, policies regarding hospital stay and how to adjust to being a new parent. All of the classes are free and snacks will be provided. Attendees can bring one guest.

“The main reason we brought these courses to South Florida Baptist Hospital is to help educate the moms on having a healthy pregnancy and the birth experience,” Vickers said. “We’re able to prevent problems. Early education helps prevent complications later on in the pregnancy.”

Vickers leads the courses and occasionally brings in experts to discuss individual topics. She said early care is so important for a successful pregnancy and though it is rare she has seen moms who show up at the hospital for delivery that have not taken any steps to prepare of the birth.

The classes offered cover all stages of pregnancy and Vickers said the hope is it will help reduce any complications and increase awareness of the importance of early care throughout the Plant City community. Those interested can register at 1-855-2694777.

HONDURAS AND ASHEVILLE: Marsha Passmore loves to travel and bring a copy of the Plant City Observer wherever she goes. In September, she and her husband Billy went on a cruise to Honduras. In October, she and sister Dodie White visited Asheville, North Carolina and stopped at the historic Biltmore Estate.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

Raider Color Run returns for 2018 Though the run is untimed and hosted just for fun, some participants gave it their best shot.

Every year, the Raider Color Run starts with participants throwing fistfuls of colored powder high above their heads.

J

ust after the Nov. 3 sunrise colored the morning sky, more than 60 runners went to Plant City High School to color themselves.

The annual Raider Color Run, a 3.1-mile trek around the PCHS campus, was held that Saturday morning and invited people to run, walk or stroll through a course lined with color stations.

— JUSTIN KLINE

Some runners kept powder on hand to throw at their friends.

Runners of all ages were able to hit the trail at PCHS.

When people at the color stations got bored between runners passing through, they’d turn the bottles on themselves for fun.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

11

Durant Calendar Girl 2019 T

hirty-nine girls competed for 13 spots in the Durant High School calendar in Saturday evening’s Calendar Girl 2019 pageant.

Kiersten Struth was crowned 2019 Cover Girl at the end of the night.

WINNERS Top 26: Taylor Harden, Grace Gainer, Denim Hughes, Yeli Remedio, Tori Lumley, Kiersten Struth, Aaliyah Maldonado-Perez, Faith Johnson, Savanna Huntley, Emma Poole, Avery Surrency, Meghan White, Emilia Galletti, Chloe Murphy, Andrea Ramos, Kamille Long, Emma Parke, Rylee Woody, Jordan Bramley, Nia’Vonne Hendrix, Declyn Staley, Ashlynn Dempsey, Feyanna Perez-Hernandez, Brooklen Mosley, Bianka Makeroff and Elizabeth Eakins Photos by Justin Kline

Durant’s 2019 Calendar Girls stand tall after their selections.

Most money raised: Rylee Woody Cover: Kiersten Struth January: Denim Hughes February: Emma Poole March: Taylor Harden April: Meghan White May: Grace Gainer June: Yeli Remedio July: Faith Johnson August: Avery Surrency September: Emma Parke October: Feyanna PerezHernandez November: Chloe Murphy December: Brooklen Mosley

Rylee Woody Andrea Ramos Kiersten Struth was elated after winning Cover Girl.

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SPORTS

Danny Ramirez is injury-free and as fast as ever. See Page 13

GAME OF THE WEEK

Sidelines

Braden River at PC

Justin Kline

Final football scores Armwood 38, Durant 0 (Photos and recap viewable online at plantcityobserver.com) Chamberlain 51, Strawberry Crest 0

PCHS boys XC shines Plant City High School’s boys cross country team just made school history.

The team placed ninth overall in the FHSAA 4A regional championships on Nov. 3 and had five of nine runners set new personal records. The Raiders were led by Danny Ramirez’s 17:42 and Tyler Carter’s 17:48 finishes.

Justin Kline

The Plant City Raiders will face Braden River in a rematch of the 2015 regional championship game.

The Raiders and Pirates meet up for the first time since the 2015 playoffs.

JUSTIN KLINE

Elks Soccer Shoot winners The following participants in the Oct. 25 Elks Soccer Shoot local level competition are advancing to the Dec. 1 district tournament in Plant City: U-8 GIRLS n Zoey Vasquez, 25 points U-8 BOYS n Gianni Bueno, 31 points U-10 GIRLS n Sherlyn Martinez, 33 points U-10 BOYS n Hector Vasquez, 60 points U-12 GIRLS n Diana Pena, 43 points U-12 BOYS n Ismael Gonzalez, 54 points U-14 GIRLS n Ashley Jeronimo, 49 points U-14 BOYS n Jahir Villaseñor, 38 points U-16 GIRLS n Kiana Kropp, 36 points U-16 BOYS n Angel Guerra, 44 points Hector Vasquez’s 60 points was the highest total ever scored in the three years the Plant City Elks have hosted the event.

SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

M

any people in Plant City expected district runnerup Bloomingdale to meet up with the Raiders in the first round of the FHSAA playoffs, but that wasn’t meant to be on Selection Sunday.

What the Raiders did get is a more interesting game with a familiar foe.

Friday will mark the first time since 2015 that Plant City and the Braden River Pirates have met up for a showdown at 1 Raider Place.

Their last matchup was also in the

regional round, but the stakes were much higher: Greg Meyer’s Raiders squad, then riding an 11-game win streak, were playing Curt Bradley’s Pirates for the regional championship and a state Final Four berth. Plant City lost, 17-7.

It’s definitely on the minds of several PCHS seniors who were around for that game as freshmen: Tyreke Harrison, D.J. Gordon, Ashton Mincey, Austin Kaczmarek, Demije Hollins and Kobe Panier. Things were going well for the Raiders until the Pirates figured out how to shut down PCHS running back Markese Hargrove and the offense, holding the team to just one score for the first time since the team’s 49-7 loss at Armwood in the Aug. 28 season opener.

Bradley is still in charge of the BRHS program and is once again bringing a strong team into town.

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

The Pirates have scored 31 or more points in eight of their 10 games and their two losses — to Trinity Christian Academy and Venice — came by a combined eight points.

This was also the first season ever where the Pirates were able to beat Plant City head coach James Booth’s former school, Manatee, in a 41-31 shootout.

The Pirates have a capable quarterback in senior Bryan Gagg, who’s thrown for 1,792 yards and 19 touchdowns against just four interceptions, but the offense tends to go as junior running back Brian Battie goes. Battie has put together an impressive junior campaign with 1,692 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground, and the Pirates will have to rely on him as much as ever now that

Justin Kline

Braxton Plunk has been the engine that makes the Raiders go in 2018.

SEE GAME, PAGE 13

JUSTIN KLINE

Why punish someone for staying with their school?

A Braden River player will miss Friday’s game at Plant City, per an FHSAA ruling.

N

ormally I like to use this space to talk about things happening in our town and what local athletes are up to. But when I started doing research on Braden River football to write this week’s Game of the Week feature, I couldn’t help but feel for one of their players.

I’ve got to break from tradition this week because I believe

Knowledge McDaniel should be able to suit up and play against Plant City on Friday night, but he can’t. He can’t play in his last playoff series as a high school athlete because he didn’t want to leave the school he’s called home since he was a freshman.

I get that rules are rules and they should be followed where applicable, but not every rule makes sense. I’ve been a critic of the FHSAA’s updated transfer policies from the jump, as they allow athletes to go wherever they want for whatever reason they want and basically enable lowkey recruiting efforts. It’s

created a free-for-all, just as I thought it would, but I didn’t think the FHSAA would feel the need to punish someone for staying with a school when its rules allow for a kid to play in a spring game for one school and end up playing for a different school in just two to three months.

Then they found out McDaniel was staying with the president of the school’s booster club. On the surface, that should ring alarm bells: I can’t even begin to tell you how many stories I’ve heard SEE KLINE, PAGE 14

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

You had the best run of your high school career and helped PCHS get a top-10 finish the other day. How were you feeling when you went out there?

I knew it was going to be a very fast race. There’s a lot of elite runners out there… we ended up going a 5:26 in the first mile, which was extremely fast, so I felt pretty confident.

How did you not let that get to your head so you could still end the race with a PR? I knew not to stay with the person right next to me because if I stay with him, that means I’m slowing down. I had to keep pushing myself to pass somebody and finish off with a kick… I ended up passing three other people.

You’ve dealt with some injuries, too. How did you stay positive mentally?

Yeah, I injured my IT band and then it went down to my knees, too. That was almost halfway through my season, which really messed me up. I couldn’t train every day. I had to do cross-training and I feel like that’s not the same as running because you don’t get the most out of it… I wasn’t able to PR at all until this race, when I finally got healthy. My coaches, my teammates all counted on me. Everybody counts on each other. Knowing that my team needed me to be out there and place, to have a fast time, I feel like that’s what pushed me mentally. I have to do it for my team and that was the main goal for me.

13

Justin Kline

The dangerous Mario Williams could be a big problem for Braden River’s defense.

Game FROM PAGE 12

three-star senior wideout Knowledge McDaniel (436 receiving yards, team-high 11 touchdowns) is ineligible for postseason play.

The FHSAA punished McDaniel in August after learning he stayed with a BRHS booster following his grandmother’s eviction from her home, which enabled him to stay at Braden River for his senior year instead of having to transfer to Southeast High.

Braden River’s defense isn’t the team’s strong suit by any means.

The team allowed fewer than 20 points in just three games this year and its two shutout wins — backto-back games against Lakewood Ranch and North Port last month — came against teams with a combined three wins on the season. Lakewood Ranch went 0-10

and North Port finished at 3-7.

But there are some players the Raiders need to be aware of at all times: linebacker Taylor Pawelkoski, who leads the team with five sacks, three forced fumbles and 14 tackles for loss and defensive back Jean Lugo-DeJesus, who has a team-high 14 passes defended, two picks, two fumble recoveries and one blocked punt.

On paper, the Raiders have a clear edge on defense and special teams. Offense is where things get tricky. Can the Raiders slow down arguably the best running back they’ll have faced in 2018? Would the Pirates’ shorthanded offense be able to respond if Braxton Plunk and Plant City’s high-powered offense get in rhythm?

All eyes are on the Raiders this Friday night. But if any team is ready to make a statement and prove any doubters wrong, it’s the 2018 7A-District 9 champions.

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Recovering from a leg injury is a tough task for any runner, but Plant City junior Danny Ramirez has made it work. Ramirez realized he’s finally gotten back to 100% health on Nov. 3 after running a personal record 17:42 at the 4A Regional Championships in Punta Gorda. His time led the team to a school-best ninth overall finish. Ramirez also runs track and plays soccer.

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

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

SPORTS

Danny Ramirez

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

SPONSORED BY SPORT CLIPS

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14

SPORTS

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

PCHS ATHLETE LAUNCHES

CLOTHING BRAND Justyn King created Zero Doubt just over two months ago.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

I

n Justyn King’s mind, there’s no time like the present to make a statement.

Plant City High School’s star basketball player likes to call 2018-19 his “statement season.”

The Bethune-Cookman commit said he wants people to have “zero doubt” about his ability to succeed by the end of his senior campaign with the Raiders. He’s so committed to that mantra that he not only changed his jersey number to 0 for the season, he also had “Zero Doubt” printed up on clothing items he could wear in school and around town.

“Every time I walk around with it on, I have the student section yelling ‘Zero Doubt’ and people are starting to ask me if they can get a shirt,” King said.

Luckily for them, King wants to share his philosophy.

King created the Zero Doubt clothing line to inspire others to get fearless and believe in themselves, just like he’s doing. He’s been printing for the past few months through a local business, Elite Logos.

Justin Kline

Justyn King hopes his Zero Doubt brand inspires people around Plant City to believe in themselves.

“Everybody can believe in it, regardless of whether you play football, basketball, soccer, do music, anything. Anybody can claim it,” King said.

The senior does business through his Instagram page @ zer0d0ubt and he’s sold 15 shirts and three hoodies as of press time. King plans to have more offerings like jumpsuits available in the near future.

King hopes to keep the clothing line going for as long as he can, but he’ll have to tread carefully once he gets to college. The NCAA has strict regulations about how athletes can run and profit off of businesses but,

because King is pushing “Zero Doubt” without using his name and image as its marketing tool, he may be able to continue selling his clothes while at BethuneCookman.

In a roundabout way, King’s not the only PCHS athlete with his own shirts — he’s just likely the only one selling clothes himself. The school has capitalized on the success of the football team and quarterback Braxton Plunk by making and selling “Plunk City” t-shirts. For more information on those shirts, call the school at 813-757-9370.

SAMMIS LAW FIRM

Kline FROM PAGE 12

about kids moving from one district to another to stay with boosters or coaches of toptier programs just to have that coveted roster spot rather than stay with a team that won’t make a playoff run. But deeper digging revealed McDaniel wasn’t trying to cheat the system — he was trying to stay at his high school of three years so he wouldn’t have to spend his senior year elsewhere. His grandmother had gotten evicted from her home, so McDaniel had to choose between a transfer for the most important year of his high school career or to do whatever he could to stay put. It just so happened that a BRHS booster was willing to take him in for the year.

I guarantee you McDaniel wasn’t just thinking about football when he made his choice. I would know.

My parents built a second home while I was in high school with the intention to flip it and make some money, but ended up stuck with the place when the housing bubble burst. The plan then shifted to putting both homes on the market and seeing which sold first, then moving if we had to. The home we were living in at the time was the one we were able to sell, forcing us to move into another school district. I was about to start my senior year of high school and, had I not changed my address to my grandmother’s, I would have had to transfer. I

made the drive from Lakeland to Eagle Lake five days a week and spent much of the money I earned working at Firehouse Subs on gas. I was often a few minutes late to first period and got my fair share of stern talks from my teacher, but I wasn’t stressing about someone who didn’t care about my commute through Lakeland’s traffic. I was the new kid in town just four years earlier, so it was way better than having to go through all that again at another new school.

Doesn’t it look like the FHSAA is punishing a kid for choosing not to go to a new school when everyone else is doing it? I can’t blame McDaniel for choosing to stay at his school where he had already planted roots. I would support any Plant City, Durant or Strawberry Crest student’s decision to stay at their school whether they go about it like McDaniel did or like I did.

The FHSAA already needs to start thinking about making new amendments now that a winless Gadsden County team made the playoffs based on points and winning a coin flip against another sub-.500 team. Is it asking too much to also consider not punishing kids for trying to stay put?

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

Email: jkline@ plantcityobserver. com.

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The child born in a Bethlehem stable had come to bring the light of forgiveness and peace to a darkened world. Join us to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ! Our Christmas worship will feature an inspiring message, favorite Christmas carols and a place to bask in the light of the Christ-child.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued in Plant City for the month of October 2018, in order of dollar amounts.

Address 809 S. Woodrow Wilson St.

$195,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,620 square feet of living area.

WALDEN LAKE

The home at 1704 Brookstone Way sold Oct. 4, for $265,000.

Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,260 square feet of living area.

Justin Kline

The home at 2207 Wedgewood Court was one of the area’s top sellers.

CHERRY PARK

The home at 1203 N. Palm Drive sold Oct. 10, for $175,000. Built in 1972, it has two bedrooms, one and a half baths and 1,195 square feet of living area.

COUNTRY HILLS

The home at 418 Abigail Road sold Oct. 9, for $164,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,470 square feet of living area.

The home at 4340 Country Hills Blvd. sold Oct. 9, for $178,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,443 square feet of living area.

DEVANE AND LOWRY

The home at 1006 N. Shannon Ave. sold Oct. 3, for $90,000.

Built in 1905, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,410 square feet of living area.

HILLSBOROUGH

The home at 3506 W. Newsome Drive sold Oct. 5, for $90,000.

Built in 1980, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 948 square feet of living area.

The home at 4201 W. Sam Allen Road sold Oct. 5, for $190,500. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,981 square feet of living area.

The home at 3120 S. Wiggins Road sold Oct. 9, for $215,800.

Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,971 square feet of living area.

LINCOLN PARK

The home at 1003 E. Laura St. sold Oct. 4, for $38,000. Built in 1920, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 864 square feet of living area.

MAGNOLIA GREEN

The home at 3116 Azalea Blossom Drive sold Oct. 3, for $209,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,730 square feet of living area.

MARSHALL TERRACE

The home at 1810 E. Ohio St. sold Oct. 2, for $117,900. Built in 1964, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,144 square feet of living area.

OSBORNE

The home at 1756 Brookstone Way sold Oct. 10, for $265,000.

Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,055 square feet of living area.

The home at 2707 Clubhouse Drive sold Oct. 1, for $276,000.

Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,260 square feet of living area.

The home at 4118 Longfellow Drive sold Oct. 12, for $202,800. Built in 1990, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,453 square feet of living area.

Permit

Amount

Roof

$1,073,186

4004 Airport Road

Completion (commercial)

$998,375

615 W. Prosser Drive

Electrical

$270,421

2108 Thonotosassa Road

Electrical

$235,104

2108 Thonotosassa Road

Plumbing

$198,300

3309 James L. Redman Parkway

Signs

$186,463

2108 Thonotosassa Road

Electrical

$172,240

3239 S. Northview Road

Occupancy

$156,300

911 Ashentree Drive

Occupancy

$146,820

3206 Pemberly Park Drive

Occupancy

$146,820

1802 Jim Johnson Road

Electrical

$122,690

2317 Ashberry Ridge Drive

Occupancy

$120,420

107 N. Daniels St.

Single family detached

$110,000

The home at 903 Powell St. sold Oct. 9, for $75,000. Built in 1950, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,144 square feet of living area.

The home at 2207 Wedgewood Court sold Oct. 1, for $314,000.

Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,588 square feet of living area.

3215 Golden Dewdrop Lane

Occupancy

$109,000

3237 S. Northview Road

Occupancy

$105,060

2904 Chukkar Court

Pool

$104,000

PINECREST

WALDEN WOODS

3238 S. Northview Road

Plumbing

$101,000

3238 S. Northview Road

Occupancy

$101,000

405 E. Alabama St.

Commercial alteration

$100,000

1710 N. Park Road

Plumbing

$92,000

701 N. Wilder Road

Electrical

$74,887

805 S. Collins St.

Commercial alteration

$60,000

805 S. Collins St.

Occupancy

$60,000

The home at 506 N. Warnell St. sold Oct. 2, for $28,400. Built in 1908, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,367 square feet of living area.

3003 Spring Hammock Drive

Pool

$55,400

2904 Chukkar Court

Electrical

$50,000

2904 Chukkar Court

Plumbing

$50,000

WHISPERING WOODS

1309 S. Collins St.

Commercial alteration

$46,000

1015 Barbour Drive

Electrical

$41,816

2312 Ashberry Ridge Drive

Electrical

$38,223

The home at 2509 Waver St. sold Oct. 3, for $128,000. Built in 1970, it has three bedrooms, one and a half baths and 832 square feet of living area.

POLLARD PLACE

The home at 3801 Old Mulberry Road sold Oct. 11, for $200,000. Built in 1932, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,112 square feet of living area.

SEMINOLE LAKE ESTATES

The home at 3302 Delaware Ave. sold Oct. 15, for $160,000.

Built in 1980, it has two bedrooms, one and a half baths and 1,225 square feet of living area.

THOMAS HILLS

The home at 3103 Thomas Hills Lane sold Oct. 5, for $270,000.

Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, two and a half baths and 2,065 square feet of living area.

TRAPNELL RIDGE

The home at 2319 Ashberry Ridge Drive sold Oct. 4, for $216,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, two and a half baths and 2,328 square feet of living area.

The home at 1014 Ashentree Drive sold Oct. 1, for $200,500.

Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, two and a half baths and 2,108 square feet of living area.

WASHINGTON PARK

The home at 2804 Holly Bluff Court sold Oct. 1, for $249,500.

Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, two and a half baths and 2,058 square feet of living area.

15

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

REAL ESTATE

Oct. 2018 real estate transactions

October 2018 sales information was obtained from the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser. Permit information was obtained from the City of Plant City.

|

The home at 3607 Harvest Orchard Drive sold Oct. 9, for

CRAWFORD & ASSOCIATES CRAWFORD & ASSOCIATES

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James L.Plant Redman Parkway, Plant 33566 City Flor 2803-4James James2803-4 L. Redman Parkway, City Florida 33566 2803-4 L. Redman Parkway, Plant City Florida Office: (813) 305-1616 |Office: Fax: (813)(813) 754-8099 Email: Malissa.Crawford@Gmail.com 305-1616 | Fax:Email: (813)Malissa.Crawford@Gmail.com 754-8099 Email: Malissa.Crawford@G Office: (813) 305-1616 | Fax: (813) 754-8099

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RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

AROUND TOWN

We asked: When do you think it’s OK to begin to decorate for Christmas?

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

“After Thanksgiving. The first week of December. Walmart put a tree out on Halloween... I think those people are ridiculous.”

“I believe in the hierarchy of the holidays. Not until after Thanksgiving.”

“The day after Thanksgiving.”

“After Thanksgiving.”

— Sam Doxsee, 29

— Selena Peebles, 21

— Meghan Weber, 20

— Melinda Parker, 31

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Freddie Keith, formerly of Plant City, passed away Oct. 12, 2018 at her home in Wichita Falls, TX. Freddie was born in Plant City on Nov. 12, 1942 to Carrie Elizabeth and Fred Clarence Faulkner. She resided most of her life in Plant City with her husband, Fred Keith. During her adult years she worked as a personal aide to the elderly. She and Fred moved to Christiana, TN for years.

After Fred’s passing on Oct.4, 2015 Freddie moved to Witchita Falls, TX to be closer to her son.

Freddie is survived by four children, two sons, John Jerkins of Witchita Falls, TX and Mike Jerkins of Glouchester VA and two daughters, Sondra Piney of Lakeland, FL and Stefanie Clark of Murfreesboro, TN and one sister Margie Asbury of Riverview, FL. And 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

She was proceeded in death by her parents and one sister, Freida Kunkler, and two brothers, Roy Gene Faulkner and Clarence Edward Faulkner.

Services were held Tuesday Oct.16, 2018 in Wichita Falls, TX.

Robert Mitchell Jeffries

Collie Hawkins ‘Granny’

Robert Mitchell Jeffries, 74, of Cape Coral, passed away on Oct. 29, 2018.

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

Collie Hawkins “Granny,” 96, of Plant City, born in Opp, Alabama on March 30, 1922, entered into eternal rest on Oct. 31, 2018.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Elvoy Hugh Green

HOPEWELL

Debbi Stauffer, 53, of Valrico, born on Dec. 18, 1964 in Queens, New York, entered into eternal rest on Oct. 29, 2018.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

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HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

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Antero AraujoQuintana Antero Araujo-Quintana, 40, of Lakeland, born in Guerrero, Mexico on Jan. 2, 1978, entered into eternal rest on Oct. 31, 2018.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELL 239042

FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

www.HopewellFuneraI.com FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

Debbi Stauffer

Elvoy Hugh Green, 70, of Dover, born on Aug. 25, 1948 in Live Oak, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 2, 2018.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

17

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

OBITUARIES

Freddie Keith

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www.HopewellFuneraI.com

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

239042

239042

Christine ShaferHouck Beatriz Araujo Beatriz Araujo, 42, of Lakeland, born in Guerrero, Mexico on July 30, 1976, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 1, 2018.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELL HOPEWELL

Christine Shafer-Houck, 92, of Plant City, passed away Oct. 22, 2018.

A Celebration of Christine’s life will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018 at Grace United Methodist Church, 1801 East Cherry Street, Plant City.

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

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Florist ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

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YOUR CALENDAR

18

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

|

FRIDAY, NOV. 9

DANCING WITH THE LOCALS 2018 6 to 11:30 p.m. at the Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Road.

Watch locals dance to win the Mirror Ball Trophy. Sponsored

by The Noon Plant City Rotary.

CRAFT FAIR 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 601 N. Gordon St. First Church of God of Plant City will be having a Craft Fair on Nov. 9 and 10. A soup and sandwich luncheon will be available to purchase for $5.00.

Projects available are handmade dolls, yard art and more.

SATURDAY, NOV. 10

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

ANNUAL FLOWER SHOW 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Historic 1914 High School, 605 N. Collins

AN EVENING IN SONG 6 p.m. at Springhead United Methodist Church, 2301 Sparkman Road. Singer/songwriter Mildred Green Humphrey and friends will perform.

St., there will be the cherished flower show by the Plant City Garden Club.

33RD ANNUAL VETERANS DAY EVENT 10 a.m. at Veterans’ Memorial Monument Park at Courier Field, 703 N. Wheeler St. Hopewell Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens is hosting its 33rd annual Veterans Day Event.

FALL MARKET AND CONCERT 12 to 7 p.m. at Faith Lighthouse Church, 3409 Paul Buchman Highway. A Fall market will be held throughout the event with goods from local vendors and crafters. There will be a free Christian country concert featuring Jackson Heights at 5 p.m. on the lawn.

SUNDAY, NOV. 11

Breanne Williams

BEST BET SATURDAY, NOV. 10

EMPTY BOWLS 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, 102 N. Palmer St.

Tickets are $10 and include a lunch and a handcrafted student bowl to take home as a reminder of all of the empty bowls people in the community face every day.

24TH ANNUAL TURKEY SUPPER 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, 2001 N. Park Road. Cost for the dinner is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children.

TUESDAY, NOV. 13

MAKE PLANT CITY 7 to 9 p.m. at The Corner Store, 121 W. Reynolds St. MAKE Plant City is featuring Frank Starmer, microphotographer and Duke University Emeritus Professor.

E U L A WE V YOUR 1507 YMCA Place, Plant City | 813 757 6677 | tampaymca.org

Fri. Nov. 16

Sat. Nov. 17

Plant City Pig Jam KCBS State BBQ Championship Live Music Kids' piglet play pen FREE EVENT $5 parking Fireworks Fri. Nov. 16

&

Sat. Nov. 17

Randy Larson Softball Fourplex

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proudly presented by these event sponsors:

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A! C M Y y l i m a F City t n a l P e h t t a

Plant City Chamber of commerce (813) 754-3707 www.plantcitypigjam.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Send your photo submissions to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@PlantCityObserver. com or hashtag #iloveplantcity on Instagram for @igersplantcity to feature.

High: 89 Low: 69 Chance of rain: 20%

THURSDAY, NOV. 8

We love Walden Lake and all the wild fowl we spot during our walks,” Vicky Collette said. “But we definitely obey the warning signs!” Collette wins this week’s I Love Plant City photo contest.

FRIDAY, NOV. 9 High: 88 Low: 68 Chance of rain: 10%

SUNDAY, NOV. 11 High: 83 Low: 68 Chance of rain: 10%

TOMATOES Shipping point: Central Florida $11.95 to $13.95

Follow us on social media: @PCObserver on Instgram, @PlantObserver on Twitter and Plant City Observer on Facebook.

s ear 32 y s s e usin In B

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Nov. 8

6:45a

5:39p

Friday, Nov. 9

6:45a

5:38p

Saturday, Nov. 10

6:46a

5:38p

Sunday, Nov. 11

6:47a

5:37p

Monday, Nov. 12

6:48a

5:37p

Tuesday, Nov. 13

6:48a

5:36p

Wednesday, Nov. 14

6:49a

5:36p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, NOV. 10 High: 82 Low: 62 Chance of rain: 10%

ONLINE

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

FORECAST

|

Dec. 6 New

Nov. 12 First

Nov. 22 Full

Dec. 2 Last

RAINFALL Monday, Oct. 29

0.00

Tuesday, Oct. 30 0.00 Wednesday, Oct. 31

0.00

Thursday, Nov. 1 0.00 0.34

Friday, Nov. 2

Saturday, Nov. 3 0.00 0.00

Sunday, Nov. 4 YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2018 23.40 in.

2018 0.34 in.

2017 29.80 in.

2017 0.45 in.

GOLD & SILVER

Diamonds & Precious Gems,

285826 287508-1

813.754.2360 | 1705 Jim Redman Pkwy. Plant City, 33563

©2018 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

1 Was a sprinter 7 Get the drop on 10 Sharp comic’s quality 13 Cafe option 18 Fa to fa 19 Teach the three R’s 21 Plowing implement 22 Flicking is punny (Pt. 1) 25 Gets the job done 26 Bit of good cheer?

27 Tentacled mollusk 28 UFO occupants 29 Type of prize or trap 31 Type of diver

32 Get at (with “to”) 36 Enrico of science 37 USSR, now 38 Flu preventer 42 Bakery output 43 Force out of a position 44 Thing received from a defendant 45 Defensive spray 46 Flicking is punny (Pt. 2) 52 Way-old “cool” 53 Work the fields 54 Hen’s place 55 World traveler’s aid 56 States without doubt

58 Tiny flies 59 Paving block material 60 Positive vocal vote 61 Scrooge utterance 63 Type of sauce or mil 64 That miss 65 Lace fray preventer 68 Frequented as a diner 70 Roofing unit 74 What you need to be a host 75 Ahmadinejad is one 76 Prejudice 77 Stool part 78 Flicking is punny (Pt. 3)

83 Vocal range 84 Word with “a soul” 85 Singular performance 86 Get a hold on 87 Do some ushering 88 Some naval initials 89 Part of a flower 91 Condensed reading 93 Kennedy Library architect 94 Flogs severely 95 Faux finisher 96 Writing assistants?

100 Belonging to you and me 101 Noted director Akira

opera, often 48 One of Plato’s letters 49 Holder of several cups of coffee 50 Place for seagulls 51 Cannabis byproduct 57 Peacock’s tail feature 58 City near Brussels 61 Clothing doffers?

62 Condition with unsteady movements DOWN 64 Horse carriage variety 1 Insects that hum 65 Turkish VIPs (var.)

2 Lingering pain 66 Sly quality 3 Eyelid pain 67 Drachma fraction 4 Some deli meats 5 Asked over, electronically 69 Flat’s lack 70 Fodder storage tower 6 Signify 71 Driver’s vision problem 7 Politico Gingrich 72 Some pants 8 Fussy commotion 73 Royal Library of Alexan9 Attaching seed dria locale 10 Mustard-y condiment 75 Ain’t right?

11 Overanxious 12 Drink served many ways 76 It sounds in boxing 79 Get money sadly?

13 Like beer 80 Cable sports award 14 Approximately 81 Extinct birds of New 15 Thing grown yearly Zealand 16 Stereotypical boxcar 82 Poached item hopper 89 Water conduit 17 Stunned stupid 90 Planet of the apes?

20 Common PC storage 91 Venturesome item 92 Figure with equal angles 21 Metal cutter 93 Some unskilled workers 23 Grunts, briefly 94 Large sheet of paper 24 Most all-up-in-your95 Afghani monetary unit business 96 Pound of writing 29 Gershwin heroine 97 Cambodian monetary 30 Scraps fit for Pooch unit 32 A hello 98 One end of the church 33 Runs super-casually 34 Old name for the Sami 99 On ___ (freelance) 101 Healthy seaweed 35 Strange light among 102 Stupid oaf (var.) the stars 103 Molecule fraction 36 Fill up with it 104 Wolf attachment 37 Like elite galas 105 Mythical warrior 38 In love 107 Guitar hookup 39 Fox hunter’s cry 108 Faucet 40 View from a porthole 109 Cow’s place 41 Ruffle, as hair 43 Mayberry alcoholic 44 Selfie 47 Final section of an

CELEBRITY CIPHER

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present.

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“DBDLEZWYC MDVZYP SC YWE WYBH WT EXD MZKXEC GSE EXD MDCNWYCZGZBZEZDC WT LZEZODYCXZN ZY R PDVWLMRLH.” – MWGDME JDYYDPH “MZGB ZY MZIB P VDBBI. ZO IZUT NG HBPUTBDY PMNUF, PUT ENW ZUYOZUVOZKBME TN OJB OJZUFY ENW PDB HBPUO ON TN.” – YZYYE YXPVBI Puzzle Two Clue: K equals V

106 Flicking is punny (Pt. 4) 110 Feel indignant about 111 One of the Jackson 5 112 “Never again” 113 Smart ones?

114 Macabre poet 115 Mushy, edible goo 116 Red hat wearers in gardens

HIP TO ZIP by Timothy B. Parker

Puzzle One Clue: L equals C

CROSSWORD

©2018 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2018 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

11-8-18

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

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