12.12.19 PLCO by Plant City Observer

Plant City Observer

y Observer

YO UR HOMETOW N. YO UR NEWSPAP ER .

VOLUME 6, NO. 75

YOUR HOMETOWN. YOUR NEWSPAPER

. YO UR NEWS PAP ER . CITY COMMITS TO BRINGING DOWNTOWN VISION TO LIFE After a long meeting Monday afternoon city commissioners agreed to begin implementing some of the suggestions from the Downtown Vision Plan crafted by Community Design Solutions.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

There’s a tension when you are standing at a precipice, peering at the faint vision of a world below you and you know you’re about to jump. The climb is often long, and for Plant City it has been decades in the making. However, it appears as if the city has reached the edge, taken a deep breath and is ready to plunge.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

Commissioners and city leaders have long talked about the vision of the future for the town. The Imagine 2040: Plant City Comprehensive Plan holds a detailed account of what the grand vision for the next 20 years holds. After a special meeting held hours before the normal commission meeting on Dec. 9, commissioners made it clear that when it comes to the heart and soul of the city — historic downtown — they are more than ready to leap. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

CHRISTMAS GUIDE

2019 PAGE 10

CHRISTMAS PARADE DRAWS MASSIVE ATTENDANCE

City commissioners called attendance for the 2019 Plant City Christmas Parade, held on Dec. 6, among the best they’ve ever seen in the parade’s long history. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

When the sun set on Dec. 5, the community gathered in McCall Park to officially kick off the holiday season with the annual tree lighting ceremony. As the hours ticked by, the crowd slowly ebbed and eventually the newly-powered light displays flipped back off as the city prepared to welcome the burgeoning dawn. The streets were empty, as were the sidewalks, but then there was movement several hours before the sun ever peaked over the horizon. Cars slowly cruised down Reynolds Street toward the heart of downtown. When they arrived at their preferred location, either along Reynolds or down Collins Street the drivers would park, flip on their flashers and hop out to begin unloading trunks full of folding chairs. CONTINUES ON PAGE 9

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

HCSO issues gift card scam warning

Polling places to change for 2020 Craig Latimer, Hillsborough County’s Supervisor of Elections, announced Monday polling places around the county are set to change for the upcoming election year. “We don’t want anyone to show up at the wrong place on Election Day, so we work very hard to let voters know where their polling place is,” Latimer said. “But the best way to avoid an Election Day mistake is to take advantage of Early Voting or Vote By Mail.” Hillsborough will have 260 polling places open in 2020 and 23 Early Voting locations, an increase from last year’s total of 20, open for the 14 days leading up to each Election Day. Registered voters in precincts set to get a new polling place will receive new Voter Information Cards in January 2020 with the updated information. You can also visit votehillsborough. org/VOTERS/Voting-Precincts to look up your new polling places using your street address and preferred language (English or Spanish). To vote by mail, visit votehillsborough. org or call 813-744-5900 to sign up for mail ballots. Vote By Mail requests expire after two general elections. Florida has closed primaries, so only registered party members can vote in their party’s primary. To join a party, submit an updated Voter Registration Application 29 days before a primary. All registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, can vote on issues and nonpartisan races during a primary. Visit votehillsborough.org for more information.

Just because a gift card is in a store waiting to be purchased doesn’t mean it’s been tampered with, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister warned Tuesday. Chronister and the Tampa Bay Regional Intelligence Center are making the public aware of an increase in consumer fraud around Christmastime in the Tampa Bay Area, especially with gift cards. Scammers have taken to covering the original bar codes with their own, Chronister said, which funnels consumers’ money into their own accounts instead of the gift cards. “Scammers are taking gift cards outside of stores and covering the cards with a bar code from another gift card they have already activated,” HCSO said in a news release. “The scammers then return to the store and place the gift cards back on the sales rack. When a customer goes to purchase the tampered gift card, the cashier activates the card by scanning the code. The money is then loaded to the scammer’s already activated card and not the card purchased by the customer.” Consumers and retailers should be on the lookout for three signs of tampering: unusual tears or damage to the packaging (which suggest someone put their own label over the real one), pin numbers that have been scratched off and cards with barcode numbers on the back that don’t match the numbers on the label. If you see a card you’re suspicious of, report it to the manager, ask for permission to open the card at purchase to verify it hasn’t been tampered with or keep your receipt for proof of purchase. “Remember, anyone who has the number on a gift card has access to the funds on that card,” Chronister said. “Since gift cards can be used like cash, they are an easy target for thieves around the holiday shopping season. We’re asking shoppers to thoroughly check the cards they are purchasing for any signs of tampering before leaving the store to help stop this crime from occurring.”

Top: Some scammers stick their own labels over those of the actual gift cards.

Bottom: Make sure the label number on a card matches that of its packaging.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

DOWNTOWN FACES MASSIVE UPCOMING MAKEOVER

There will be many changes ahead thanks to the commitment of city commissioners to ensure downtown Plant City has a CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 chance at revitalization. Several projects are on the table for the new year.

Courtesy photos

Mock up of what Reynolds Street could look like with some incremental changes, like the addition of another grant option. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The special meeting was focused on a presentation from Tripp Muldrow with Community Design Solutions, the Mainstreet group consultant hired to create a “downtown vision plan” for the city in partnership with Main Street Plant City and the City of Plant City. Muldrow officially dove deep into the analysis of downtown and offered suggestions on ways the city could start making changes to ensure future economic prosperity. “A vision without implementation is a hallucination,” Muldrow said. “We take a market snapshot and do a rapidfire process in the community to create a plan that you all can begin working on right away if you want to create change here in downtown.” Muldrow said the company saw a market leakage in a lack of both housing and businesses downtown. If downtown Plant City was to capture only 10 percent of what’s leaking and thus 10 percent of the potential growth over the next five years, it would be able to support things like 240 new housing units, five to six new clothing stores, five to six new specialty retail/gift/hobby stores, 10 new restaurants/bars/breweries, a meat market, a bakery, art dealers, home furnishings, a jewelry store and a pet store, according to Muldrow. He spent several hours going over their analysis point by point to the gathered commissioners. After each section, he paused to answer any questions they had before turning to the next part of the presentation. He touched on a several of the issues that had been discussed before, like whether there was

a parking problem downtown and how the layout of the streets affects traffic, thus negatively affecting shoppers and pedestrians. Part of Community Design Solutions’ suggestions to help combat the perception of unavailable parking, which they said was a myth outside of a handful of major events held downtown, would be to add way-finding signs, which would help people easily navigate the downtown core. Signage in general was top of their list for creative methods of sparking more engagement downtown. They also recommended people monitor the timed parking throughout the area and that there be ample signage for free or limited hour parking spots. Aesthetics were key to many of the proposed alterations from the group. A downtown that looks appealing would draw in more visitors. It’s a simple concept, but one they spent a lot of time weaving into a variety of their pitches. Luckily, much of what Community Design Solutions suggested is already underway in some form thanks to the planned Midtown development. The goal now is to tie in the downtown core to its new and shiny neighbor and make sure downtown is not forgotten in the addition of the upcoming district. One thing Muldrow said set Plant City apart was the fact its city leaders have already done a lot of the work to put it in a position of success. There were things they believed need to be done to push the city further into revitalization, but he said he was shocked to see they had the commission’s support. In fact, right after Muldrow’s presentation, City Manager Bill McDaniel set forth a sixpart plan to begin the process of bringing this vision to life.

He had done his homework, he knew what boxes realistically could be checked off and he suggested the city go ahead and get started. His suggestions were met with eager support from the commissioners and they unanimously agreed to get the ball rolling. McDaniel wants to begin working on adding way-finding signs, tackling landscape design, completing a string light project along Evers Street, adding more lighting throughout McCall Park, renovating the alley on Evers Street and looking into redesigning McCall Park. It’s a process they will explore more over the next few weeks as the “hows” and “whens” fall into place. With unanimous support from commissioners, however, it appears 2020 will be a year of rebirth in downtown and the cheering room of attendees showed the public is more than ready for it. Courtesy photos

Below: Signage similar to these mock ups may soon be coming to downtown.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

PLANT CITY

This week on Cops Corner:

COPS CORNER

Observer

Plant City Police investigated a pumpkin attack, a borrowed/stolen truck, a stolen generator

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

NOV. 29 POWERED UP 1300 block of South Frontage Road Theft: A site supervisor reported someone entered the above listed location and stole a 6,500-watt gas generator. GOTCHA 1600 block of Teakwood Drive Drug possession/Warrant arrest: Officers responded to the above listed location in reference to a man having outstanding Hillsborough County and Indian River County warrants. When they made contact with the man, they found he was in possession of one gram of meth and 0.8 grams of heroin. He was arrested on all charges and later transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

NOV. 30

pursue charges and only wanted to let the police be aware of the situation.

been in a verbal altercation with three unknown men at McDonald’s in the drive-thru. Once he left the drive-thru, the three men followed him to RaceTrac where one of the men approached his vehicle and punched him through his open window. The victim got out of his car and was struck again by one of the subjects, at which point he said he defended himself against the subjects. His story was confirmed via security camera footage and he elected to sign a waiver of prosecution.

YOU’RE A MEAN ONE, MR. GRINCH 3000 block of Boot Bay Road Criminal mischief/Burglary residence: This complaint reported that between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., someone forced entry into her residence through the front door, which caused damage to the door. They then took an unknown make, model and size flat-screen TV as well as $2,500 in cash from the bedroom dresser drawer.

OPEN INVITATION 1300 block of Mendonsa Road Stolen vehicle: This victim reported the theft of his gray Toyota Tundra after he realized he left his phone in the house and ran inside to grab it while leaving the keys in the ignition and the truck running. Hours later, police were able to recover the vehicle with front end damage in Hillsborough County.

DEC. 4 YOU WALKED RIGHT INTO THAT ONE 1 Police Place Warrant arrest: A man arrived at the Plant City Police Department to collect property. The evidence custodian realized the man had a warrant and notified officers. After confirmation was made, he was arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

DEC. 5 OUT ON THE TILES 1600 block of East Calhoun Street Theft: This victim reported that during the night of Dec. 4, an unknown suspect stole more than $150 worth of tile from his property. BORROWED, NOT STOLEN 3200 block of West Baker Street Theft recovery: A man reported his F-650 Ford truck was stolen by a man he knew in another county. The man in question later returned the truck and said the reason he hadn’t brought it back was because he had been in the hospital. The owner of the truck signed a waiver of prosecution and the case was closed. IT’S DOUGHNUT POWDER, I SWEAR James L. Redman Parkway/ Maki Road Possession of Cocaine: Officers made contact with a man during a traffic stop. They then realized he was in possession of cocaine. He was arrested for possession of cocaine and tampering with evidence.

FALL BRAWL 500 block of West Lee Street DEC. 2 Criminal mischief: Officers responded to the address listed SEARCHING FOR THE GPS Edited by David December above in reference to criminal 1100 block Steinberg of North Gordon Street 13, 2019 mischief. When they arrived they Vehicle burglary (waiver): Some“The Matrix” ACROSS 40 Tolkien made contact with the victim, who48time between Nov. 2911 andThin Dec.fry 2, type role 12 unlocked Conveyance “___ Rich trilogy, told them an1 unknown suspect this victim’s vehicle was threw a pumpkin at their vehicle, 49and subsequently enteredtobythe an Asian Asians” for short which caused to the car. unknown suspect. They stole an New Year Hamptons, 6 damage Courtroom 42 Triceps spot 50unknown Fuel forbrand the GPS, for short figs. 45 Pops which was valued at 13 Church DEC. 1 Greek gods? 9 Big name 47 Causes for and an unknown 53$20, Unprocessed recess in electric excitement brand Bluetooth SIR, THIS IS Arides? MCDONALD’S 23-Across 19 Fermenting at the NYSE which was 1200 block14 of Townsgate Court 55speaker, Love poem? agent in beer Precise beam 51 Y or N at $10. Battery w/waiver: Officers met 56valued Part of whatThe 21 I help Touched 15 College email Kareem safe drivers save52 up to 14%. victim did not want to When with a man who advised he had you don’t have car accidents, you cost less to insure. I can help you save up to 14% off makes down address Abdul-

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

LIBRARY HOSTING NATASHA MALPELI EXHIBIT

Many of Malpeli’s watercolor works and other mixed-media pieces are displayed on Bruton Memorial Library’s art wall throughout December. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Natasha Malpeli is a woman of many artistic talents, and one of them is on display at Bruton Memorial Library for all to see this month. Malpeli, a prolific painter and musician, is the library’s featured artist for December. She currently has 22 pieces on the art wall in an exhibit showcasing her love of the natural world. “My biggest inspiration is nature,” Malpeli said. “I believe God created all the originals and we just interpret His creation.” Animals, plants and scenes from nature (many of which are based on photos Malpeli has taken around greater Plant City) are captured in both watercolor and acrylics. Though Malpeli has been painting almost all of her life, she only picked up watercolors “three or four years ago” and has devoted much time toward mastering them. “I love doing watercolor because I don’t have to be so precise,” Malpeli said. “I can get a little loose with it.” Religion is also a major part of Malpeli’s life and is often reflected in her work. The

only painting at the library that gets away from the theme at large is smack in the middle of the wall, a highly detailed pair of acrylic angel wings painted on mixed media. “I actually used drywall mud, and then I used house paint over it so I could lay the texture down,” Malpeli said. The seventh-generation Plant Citian is self-taught and drew inspiration from three people throughout her life. There was her father, who got her hooked on art at a young age by showing her how to put shadows into landscapes. There was Bob Ross, whose television show she watched religiously on Saturday mornings and drove her brothers crazy. And there was her Armwood High School art teacher, Greg Manley, who gave her the encouragement she needed to keep working at her craft and always try to learn new techniques. “It’s important for the kids, especially now, to really emphasize art and music because other than sports, I don’t know how else they’re gonna express themselves… I’m very much into fighting for and encouraging kids to excel in music and art, anything where they can be expressive and use the gifts God’s given them,” she said.

These days, Malpeli is very much into creating “live art” for churches, companies and other events. She’s also learning the art of wood burning. One day, Malpeli hopes to open an art gallery in Plant City or at least see a new one open in town. To buy Malpeli’s art, visit allnatasha. com/art for pricing and further details. All of the paintings on the Bruton wall are for sale but will not be delivered to customers until Jan. 1, 2020, when her time on the wall ends and a new artist takes over the space.

Anyone interested in having their work featured on Bruton’s art wall can apply for a spot by contacting Amanda Preece at apreece@plantcitygov.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

LIGHTS OF LOVE CONTINUES TO DAZZLE Each year, the community gathers in McCall Park to bear witness to the official welcoming ceremony of the holiday season.

Breanne Williams

BREANNE WILLIAMS

@Doverdoodlesfl and her family walked around the festive event.

STAFF WRITER

Christmas officially came to town on Dec. 5 during the 21st annual tree lighting ceremony in downtown Plant City. Hundreds flocked to McCall Park, 101 N. Collins St., to stake out the perfect spots around the makeshift stages as the sun began to set. Families popped into the Kandy Shoppe for sweet treats and across the railroad tracks for delicious beverages and then nestled into their chairs as the festivities began. Choirs from First Baptist Church of Plant City sang some worship songs and Christmas classics to the crowd and Vice Mayor Nate Kilton welcomed all to the city and opened up the ceremony. After an hour of performances Kilton was joined on stage by Mr. and Mrs. Claus and Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer hovered between them and the crowd. The entire crowd joined Kilton and Mr. and Mrs. Claus in a countdown from 10 to officially begin the holiday season. When the timer ticked down, Santa Claus hit a shiny red button and illuminated the massive variety of Christmas light displays throughout downtown Plant City.

A more than 20-foot live tree in McCall Park was adorned with lights sponsored by individuals, families and businesses in honor or in memory of friends and loved ones. The event was free to attend, but there were several sponsors that helped bring the event to life. The funds went toward the Foundation of South Florida Baptist Hospital, which uses donations to benefit a variety of services and programs at the hospital. For several hours following the tree lighting, families could be found slowly strolling the park and taking pictures under the twinkling lights. SFBH and the City of Plant City co-sponsor the festive event each year. On top of live music, attendees also had the chance to get their photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus for a small fee. Mrs. Claus also had a “kitchen” in the street that served up yummy treats for attendees. The Robert Willaford Railroad Museum remained open for business throughout the jolly event and many families flocked to its elaborate displays for family holiday photos. One-of-a-kind Christmas gifts were also up for grabs at the art market tucked away in the patio of Big Dogs, adjacent to the park.

The stockings were hung

WINNERS OF THE

By the chimney with care

WALDEN LAKE 2019 CHRISTMAS LIGHTING CONTEST

With NEW gifts from Goodwill (and money to spare)!

Once again, the residents of Walden Lake went above and beyond decorating the entrances to their individual communities. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The Walden Lake 2019 Christmas Lighting Contest winners are: Grand Prize: Hampton Place

Whimsical Category: 1st place: Emerald Forest 2nd place: Silver Lake 3rd place: Westwood

Traditional Category: 1st place: Paddocks 2nd place: Fairway Estates 3rd place: Aston Woods

Illumination: 1st place: Sutton Woods 2nd place: Silverstone 3rd place: Clubhouse Woods

After much consideration, judges have officially announced the winners of the Walden Lake 2019 Christmas Lighting Contest. Each year, residents of the individual communities within Walden Lake spent hours decorating the entrances to their

community in hopes of landing a top prize. Judges were then driven around on Dec. 9 to each decorated entrance, where they analyzed them in a variety of categories. Award signs are placed at each entrance for the remainder of the holiday season.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

FOOTSTEPS OF FAITH: THE MESS BEFORE CHRISTMAS DR. DANIEL MIDDLEBROOKS

It is a tradition for me to set up the outside Christmas lights the day after Thanksgiving. I have the plan (remember, I’m prior military) and I have the stored resources ready to bring out. The day is cool, the scenes are set up, and now I am ready for the lights. It is here that many of you begin to groan in your spirit and think things like, “Bless his heart.” You know what is coming next because you have been there every Christmas. I have learned the hard way to plug in the lights to see which ones work. Out of the twelve bundles I saved, only eight work. I guess I forgot to read the small print on the manufacturing label that states; “These lights will only work for one Christmas, maybe just half the month. This is to ensure you buy more next year, good luck.” As a seasoned military chaplain I have learned to do more with less, so I figure out how to put them up to look good. It is one thing to test the lights. It is another to unravel them. What amazes me is that I took time last year to meticulously wrap them so it would be easy to undo them this year, but I believe the principalities and the powers of the air snuck into my shed and messed them up. How else could it have become such a tangled ball of wires? Some may look at it and see it as a challenge to overcome. Others will look at it and be challenged not to cuss while doing it.

If you don’t ask me which group I am in, I won’t ask you. The reason for the ranting is because I think our lives can sometimes be like that tangled mess of half-working lights. We start out with the greatest of intentions and brightest of dreams, only to find ourselves in situations beyond our control with decisions that are hard to make and a heart heavier than the rock of Gibraltar. Am I speaking to anyone out there? The Christmas season does not often cause these issues, but often exposes them. As hard as our situations are, have you ever considered the rocky road of Joseph and Mary? Mary was with child, with a wild explanation, and wondered if she would have a future. Joseph struggled with a lifeand-death decision that impacted the wife that was betrothed, a beloved family and their reputation, his strong beliefs and his religious convictions. What I have found to be true is that dark moments in life feel just as heavy and helpless, regardless if it was 3,000 years ago or just three minutes ago. So how do we deal with our mess before Christmas? The same way that Joseph and Mary did: trust the will and the work of God. If we look to God’s Word in Isaiah 9:6-7a, the great statesman and prophet of God writes these heaven-breathed words of wonder: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given. And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His

name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end.” How do we deal with our messy life? It is found in the description of the coming Messiah and King. “Wonderful Counselor” provides for us a perfect perspective of God’s plan, even in our problems. “Mighty God” promises us the power to “do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:13). “Everlasting Father” is the perpetual presence of the Shepherd that leads and loves his flock and will never forsake them. “Prince of Peace” is the prevailing of a peace that the world has paid others millions to obtain, only to have more problems and pain. This priceless peace has already been purchased by Christ on the cross. That is why He said in John 14:27, “My peace I give to you… let not your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” It is those last words in the previous scripture that seem to be the prevailing theme in the messy situation of Joseph and Mary. The angel speaks to them both, and in the beginning of the conversation they hear those four powerful words, “do not be afraid.” In your mixedup messes, Jesus says, “I’ve got you.” In your tangled trials, Christ shouts, “I’ll sustain you.” In the jumbled-up journey that seems to have more dead ends than horizons, our Lord whispers, “I’ll never leave you.” When the problems are pulling you

into pieces and weighing you down, consider our suffering servant of Isaiah 53 who demonstrates the “been there, done that, have the scars” and shows us, “I have peace for your pieces.” If we just trust Him for who the Word describes Him to be, He can then do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. He can turn our mess into a masterpiece. Do you have any twisted, tangled lights of life for Him? I do. I bet you do, too. I pray you and your family will have a blessed and bountiful Christmas celebration with or without lights.

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

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

CHRISTMAS BRIEFS

Santa Sled Fest seeking donations

The annual Santa Sled Festival is right around the corner. Each year the Christmas giveaway, which is hosted by the Des Aimes Social Club of Florida Inc. and Plant City Black Heritage, helps hundreds of families have a jolly holiday. The groups give away bicycles, toys, clothing and food to families and local youth. This year’s event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 21 at Marie B. Ellis Park, 601 E. Laura St. They are still in need of turkeys, hams and bicycles for the families, so any donations would be welcomed. For more information on donating, contact Sharon Moody at 813-453-7134.

wants to continue giving back and start a new holiday tradition here in his hometown. “To me, it meant the world to see people smile,” Sobh said. If you wish to nominate your family or a family you know of, call Sobh at 586-4411814 or email aksobh7@gmail.com.

ARTS COUNCIL WELCOMES COMMUNITY HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS The annual Tour of Homes event was held earlier this week, which raises money for the organization to provide scholarships for local graduating seniors.

BREANNE WILLIAMS

Charleene Closshey fundraising for UFBPC This year, if you add Charleene Closshey’s new album to your Christmas playlist, you can also help the United Food Bank of Plant City feed families during the holiday season. Closshey, a Plant City native, recently released “Christmas Time is Here” and is donating 500 signed CDs to the food bank to be sold to the general public. The album features the radio single “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” as well as her take on well-known classics like “Good King Wenceslas,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and more. Each CD costs $15 and all proceeds benefit the UFB. Cash or checks are accepted.

Hungry Howies owner to help local kids celebrate Christmas Ali Sobh, owner of the Hungry Howies store at 208 N. Alexander St., wants to make sure Plant City kids get what’s on their Christmas wish lists. Sobh is asking the community to nominate 10 kids who come from lessfortunate families in the area so that he can take them on a shopping trip the week of Christmas and make their holidays a little brighter. Though he’s no stranger to feeding families around Thanksgiving time, which he started doing while living and working in Michigan in the past, Sobh

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One of the most anticipated events of the year was held Dec. 8 in homes and iconic landmarks throughout the community. The Arts Council of Plant City has held the Tour of Homes event, which offers members of the community a chance to go on a curated tour of lavishly decorated homes and some of Plant City’s hidden gems, for more than 30 years. Titled “At Home for the Holidays,” the event ran for nearly four hours and cars were lined up and down the blocks surrounding each house. Held each December, the event is a festive holiday fundraiser that has drawn hundreds of attendees time and again. The money raised from the event provides scholarships to graduating seniors furthering their education in the visual, performing or culinary arts. A self-guided event, attendees pop in and out of the highlighted destinations at their leisure. Many started at the Plant

City Photo Archives and History Center for sparkling punch and sweet treats before piling into their vehicles with their friends and heading to their first stop. This year, in addition to the three dazzling homes, attendees also were treated to a special holiday tour of the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum. The homeowners once again went above and beyond with their decor, tying in modern styles with a flair of traditional elegance. Some put new twists on Christmas trees by using dress forms to create a tree-themed dress. Others proved that detail makes the space with elaborate holiday-themed adornments on their light fixtures and even handwritten letters to Santa on their desks. The depot was transformed into a winter wonderland complete with twinkling snowflakes, Christmas trees in every room, presents ready to be loaded onto Santa’s caboose and even Mr. Claus himself. For more information, visit plantcityarts.com or follow @ArtsCouncilOfPlantCity on Facebook.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

CHRISTMAS PARADE PULLS MASSIVE ATTENDANCE The parade route was fully packed last Friday night as the entire community gathered in downtown Plant City to await the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Many have participated in this pre-dawn ritual for years. Others learned their lessons after arriving too late to the heavily anticipated event scheduled for later that evening and vowed to go above and beyond to score the perfect vantage point. After aligning their seats just so on the sidewalk, they slipped back into their vehicles and headed off, either to their warm home or, for some, an empty office where they hoped to get a head start on the day. By the time a handful of volunteers arrived on Collins later that morning to erect the stage upon which the parade judges could critique the passing floats and displays, the streets were heavily dotted with roped off groups of chairs. Though the annual Plant City Christmas Parade didn’t begin until 7 p.m. on Dec. 6, the community was already showing its adoration for the festive event. By 6 p.m. parking was almost non-existent in downtown and the majority of the streets were standing room only. Krazy Kup’s line wrapped nearly to the door as folks flooded in to pick up hot chocolates and holiday-themed beverages in anticipation of the party. As the clock rolled near start time, a restless energy built in the thick crowd. Sirens sounded in the distance and everyone’s heads turned down the street to watch in awe as dozens of law enforcement officers zoomed along the parade route. Finally, the Christmas Parade banner made its appearance and Grand Marshals David and Diane Brewington followed closely behind. City and county commissioners came next and then the onslaught of adorned floats and vehicles arrived on the scene. Despite the brisk and ever dropping temperatures, the crowd never lost its enthusiasm.

People let out cheers of glee as beads and candy were tossed their way. Attendees called out to the friends they spotted walking or riding along the route and children eagerly pointed out their favorite floats and Christmas tunes sounding from the paraders. Being Plant City, no parade is complete without the brief interruption of a passing train and while the route had to be paused several times for the oncoming railcars, the party picked up right were it had let off as soon as each train passed. Prancing reindeer rounded off the parade as they pulled a “flying sleigh” along the route, from which Santa and Mrs. Claus proudly waved to attendees. A well-oiled machine, the parade continues to grow. Several city commissioners praised the event and proclaimed it was the highest attendance they had ever seen.

Breanne Williams

Above: Children roared with excitement when a moving dinosaur arrived. Below: Taylor Jenkins, Jackie Benitez, Dodie White, Victor Hamilton, Marsha Passmore, Wendy Whitt and Rob Shaw.

Breanne Williams

Below: Santa and Mrs. Claus waves to the crowd.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS IN STRAWBERRY TOWN

With the holidays right around the corner, the community is gearing up with a plethora of festive events that will be perfect for everyone in town. Whether you’re rushing to get that perfect photo with Santa or want to take a moment and reflect on the deeper meaning of the holiday season, Plant City has the perfect event to fit your needs.

$12 for adults and $8 for children (12 and under). Doors open at 12:30 p.m. TUESDAY, DEC. 17

Our reporting team at the Plant City Observer has compiled a list of some of the many holiday events headed to town. This list was based on submissions to our editors and staff writers. See more online.

HOLIDAY CRAFTS AND COCOA 4 to 7 p.m. The Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place, will host a holiday crafts and cocoa night. The ‘Y hopes you’ll join them for treats, crafts, holiday Zumba and more family fun throughout the evening.

THURSDAY, DEC. 12

CHRISTMAS LIGHT RUN

PLANT CITY CHORALE CHRISTMAS CONCERT

6:00 p.m. The Plant City Chorale will be at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., to perform holiday songs a cappella.

CHRISTMAS LANE

6:30 to 8 p.m. Join the Plant City Running Club for a fun run around Downtown Plant City to see all the festive light displays. Come dressed in your holiday gear and wear some lights as well. This year, they will follow a shorter route starting and ending at McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St.

6 to 10 p.m. Experience the magic of Christmas Lane, a winter-wonderland extravaganza at the Florida Strawberry Festival Charlie Grimes Family Agriculture Center, 2508 W. Oak Ave. Christmas Lane runs Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 29 to Dec. 22, and from 6-10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday Dec. 23 and 24. Admission: $5 + tax 14 and up, $3 + tax 4--12, under 4, free. Tickets available online at christmaslane.com.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 18

FRIDAY, DEC. 13

THE LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS

SANTA AND THE RED CABOOSE

5 to 8 p.m. The Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum Society, Inc. is opening up the depot, 102 N. Palmer St., for a fun and merry night. The depot has been transformed into a winter wonderland and the entire community is invited to come out and enjoy the festivities and get a picture with Santa. The pictures are free, but those who can are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for PCPD to distribute to local children.

MYSTERY CHRISTMAS BUILD

6 to 8 p.m. Brick City Bricks, 107 E. Reynolds St., is hosting a Mystery Christmas Build. Swing by for their mystery Christmas pizza and LEGO build. The event is $15 and covers the pizza, build and play.

SATURDAY, DEC. 14 JOLLY HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS

2 p.m. ’Tis the season for a Jolly Holiday Christmas. Join Plant City Entertainment, 101 N. Thomas St., for two showings (Dec. 14 and Dec. 15) of a special musical Christmas production. The event will feature Santa, carolers, hot chocolate and more. Tickets are

CAROLING ON THE CORNER

6 to 7 p.m. Springhead United Methodist Church, 2301 Sparkman Road, will host a Caroling on the Corner event. Come on out for some classic Christmas carols. Refreshments will follow.

THURSDAY, DEC. 19 6 to 9 p.m. Experience the magic of Christmas in a brand new way with City Pointe Church, 503 N. Palmer St. Come walk through the advent this holiday season each night from Dec. 19-21.

FRIDAY, DEC. 20 FESTIVAL OF TREES

6 to 8 p.m. Grace Manor at Hunters Creek, 765 W. Grant St., will host a silent auction of Christmas trees. College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving has graciously offered to deliver the purchased trees to the homes of the winners of the auction on Dec. 21. A portion of the proceeds will go toward Operation Pay It Forward.

SATURDAY, DEC. 21 SANTA SLED FEST

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The annual Santa Sled Festival is held at Marie B. Ellis Park, 601 E. Laura St. Registered attendees will receive a toy, food, clothing and possibly a bicycle. The Christmas giveaway is hosted by the Des Aimes Social Club of Florida Inc. and Plant City Black Heritage and helps hundreds of families have a happy holiday.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

DECEMBER 12, 2019

SPORTS

David Ruiz leads Plant City High’s boys soccer team in points in 2019. See Page 13

XFL’S VIPERS START OFFSEASON PROGRAM IN PLANT CITY

Quick Hits

The Tampa Bay Vipers took to the field at Plant City Stadium for the first time Dec. 5.

AREA PARKS HOSTING EVENTS This weekend, in addition to the United Youth Football League national championships, there’s one other tournament coming to Plant City. Global Sports Alliance Baseball will host the Winter Wrap-Up tournament at Plant City Stadium, the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex, Mike Sansone Park, EllisMethvin Park, the MLK Rec Complex and Snowden Park. Games start between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Also on Saturday, local fans can make the trek to Tampa to watch the Plant City Dolphins 10U team take on the Tampa Bay Jaguars in the 2019 Gameday of Champions. Both teams went undefeated and won championships in their respective leagues. Kickoff is at 10:45 a.m. Parking and entry each cost $5. Pro-Active Sports Academe is hosting a 7-on-7 practice session at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at 1903 E. Dr. MLK Blvd. and does have open spots to fill on its roster, so athletes in grades 6-12 interested in joining the teams can come out and show coach Gerold Dickens and the staff what they have to offer. For more information about the tryouts or Pro-Active Sports Academe, call Dickens at 813-770-8367 or follow him on Twitter at @PA_AllDay1.

2019 FALL YOUTH FISHING DERBY The fish woke up late in the 2019 Fall Youth Fishing Derby, but it was still a fun morning for 17 local anglers and their families. The contest, held at the pond behind Plant City Stadium, challenges kids to catch as many bass, bluegill and catfish as they can within the two-hour time limit. There was also a casting contest for the 5-10 age group. The derby is sponsored by T.A. Mahoney’s, Trinity Sportsman Ministries and the Plant City Water Resource Management Department.

WINNERS AGE 5-10 Most fish: Devin DuBose (2) Biggest fish: Devin DuBose (bass, 1.6 pounds) Casting contest champ: David Sherrard AGE 11-15 First bass: Robert Smith Most fish: Brayden Keys (3) Biggest fish: Robert Smith (bass, 2.4 pounds) Captain’s Award: Mason Lawrence

Justin Kline

The Tampa Bay Vipers’ first-ever workout at Plant City Stadium was low in intensity but high in optimism.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Like the snowbirds that have descended upon Florida for the winter, the Tampa Bay Vipers have officially settled in at their second home. The Vipers, who will play home games at Raymond James Stadium and practice at Plant City Stadium, got the ball rolling on their offseason with a Dec. 5 light workout session at the former spring home of the Cincinnati Reds. Though it wasn’t anywhere near as intense as practices will normally be — the players didn’t wear pads, helmets or any other official team gear for its round of cardio — the team walked off the converted baseball field with a positive outlook. “We got a lot out of it today,” head coach/general manager Marc Trestman said. “Players really locked in. Coaches were excited to coach. A lot of us haven’t coached for a while, so it was great to get up in front of the team and interact with the players.” Plant City Stadium has been modified to give the Vipers everything they need to be the best they can be. The field’s been adapted for football with yard lines applied through most of the outfield. The team has access to the facility’s locker room and can lift weights in an enclosed space a short walk away from right field. “We’re excited about it, and the players are as well,” Trestman said. “It’s really easy to see in their demeanor that they’re happy to have a home. They’re very appreciative of Plant City and appreciative of this environment we have. I mean, look at what we have. We get three meals a day and we go out and have recess every day in this gorgeous weather. And the players and the coaches are really appreciative to be here, and the way the community’s wrapped around us here and provided with this environment to be able to do our job — who wouldn’t want to come to work here every day?”

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Quarterback Aaron Murray, who last played in the Alliance of American Football, said Plant City has been able to provide things for the team he didn’t have easy access to while with the Atlanta Legends. “It’s a great feel so far,” Murray said. “I think the facilities, just comparing facilities for us compared to our team in Atlanta, we were practicing out at a high school and working out at LA Fitness. Now we have our own facility. We have our own fields. We have our own weight room.” Next week, the Vipers will begin a round of OTAs before heading into the minicamp series that will conclude on Dec. 18. The Vipers will start regular practices afterward and get fully prepared for the upcoming regular season. Tampa Bay will kick things off at 2 p.m. Feb. 9, 2020, with a road game against the New York Guardians. The Vipers’ home opener against the Houston Roughnecks is scheduled for a 2 p.m. start on Feb. 22, 2020. With the start of a new chapter in their football lives just about two months away, the energy on the field at Plant City Stadium was excitement. Trestman said his

group of players, like the rest of those in the XFL, is battle-scarred from previous pro football experiences. They were cut from their NFL teams, they were victims of the AAF’s midseason implosion, they were college standouts who couldn’t quite catch a break at the next level — they’re all getting another chance in a league that’s getting its own second chance. “Every day you go on the field, you’ve got to be grateful for that,” running back Quinton Flowers said. “Every opportunity you get, you’ve got to capitalize on it.” Local Vipers fans will have the chance to meet players, get autographs and get to know the team with this weekend’s VIPer Day event at Plant City Stadium. This fan fest runs from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 14 and will have food, family-friendly fun and frontrow seats to watch the team work. VIPer Day is an RSVP-only event, but you can register for it by either purchasing season tickets or signing up for the team’s newsletter online. Visit xfl.com/teams/tampabay to do so and to get more information about the team, ticket sales and merchandise.

Justin Kline

Plant City Stadium has been retooled to accommodate the Tampa Bay Vipers and all their training needs.

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David Ruiz

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

One of this season’s bright spots for Plant City High School’s boys soccer team has been junior David Ruiz. After scoring two goals in last week’s 3-3 tie against Durant, Ruiz took the team lead with 10 total points (four goals, two assists) this season. You had 20 points all of last season and have 10 right now. How do you feel about your own play so far?

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

You’ve been with the team a couple years now and know these guys well. What’s this team’s potential? I think we can go really far with the group of boys we have. If we all work together and work for each other, we’ll all build up, become a better team and win a championship.

I think, as a team together — obviously I wouldn’t be doing this without the team. That’s what makes us better. If we all work together and push each other, we can all win and reach our goal.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

CREST RALLIES TO STUN ARMWOOD, 64-60

Where have you really improved since last year? I think getting on the final third of the field and taking my chances. If you don’t take the shot, you never know if it’s gonna go in or not. If you take all your chances, they’re gonna all end up in the goal if you can get them on target. What’s something you took from last season that’s motivating you this year?

A last-minute scoring outburst propelled the Chargers to a win Tuesday night.

Basically to just work hard. The goal is there. We’ve just got to work hard for it every day and show it off. Our talent’s there, we’ve just got to show it to the people and let them know who we are.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Just when the Armwood Hawks thought they had Tuesday night’s game wrapped up, Megan Watson sparked an offensive explosion with less than two minutes to go and Strawberry Crest suddenly found itself with the win. In the Chargers’ mind — and to hear Watson tell it last week — this game was going to be revenge for Armwood’s 76-46 win in Dover way back on Jan. 31 in the 2018-19 season. Tuesday’s 64-60 win at home did not come easy by any means, but it’s still a mission accomplished for Crest. Crest got out to a 25-18 lead after one quarter by consistently staying a step or two ahead of the Hawks, who were able to draw fouls at will but otherwise couldn’t keep pace. Armwood, however, got more aggressive in the second quarter and started forcing the Chargers to make mistakes and turn the ball over. The Hawks took a 36-34 lead with just more than a minute left to play in the first half and held it until the third quarter. The halftime break seemed to pump Crest up, as the Chargers were able to take the lead within two and a half minutes after Mya Lamar’s two made free throws capped off a 6-4 run. Watson, Taylor Butler and a solid defense kept Armwood from scoring until there was 4:14 left in the third quarter, but the Hawks then chipped away at Crest until they were able to go up, 48-47, at the free throw line with 11 seconds left. It was fitting that the fourth quarter was the most physical of the night, even for a matchup both teams have been looking forward to since the schedules came out. Armwood had the upper hand in that struggle for almost all of the quarter, but then Crest’s 11-3 run happened with less than two minutes to go. It started with Watson burying a corner three, then scoring two more points after snatching a rebound and breaking away from the defense. The Chargers kept pouring on the offense and gave Armwood no breathing room until the Hawks drew a foul with 19.6 seconds left and made one shot. Watson drew a foul immediately afterward and went two-for-two at the line to make sure her team’s lead wasn’t in danger, and all Armwood could get after that was a layup and the loss. The win improved Crest’s record to 4-1 before they traveled to Jefferson Wednesday night.

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SPORTS SCORES

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

SPORTS SCORES AND MORE BOYS BASKETBALL DEC. 4 Kathleen 71, Strawberry Crest 57 DEC. 6 Riverview 66, Durant 45 Sickles 73, Strawberry Crest 21 DEC. 10 Plant City 65, Spoto 47 Armwood 75, Strawberry Crest 34 DEC. 12 Durant at Bayshore Christian Invite, 7:30 p.m. DEC. 13 Lennard at Durant, 8 p.m. Armwood at Plant City, 6:30 p.m. Strawberry Crest at Wharton, 7 p.m.

GIRLS BASKETBALL DEC. 4 Durant 54, Spoto 18

DEC. 6 Riverview 36, Durant 35 Lakeland 69, Plant City 62 DEC. 10 Spoto 40, Plant City 38 Strawberry Crest 64, Armwood 60 DEC. 13 Lennard at Durant, 6:30 p.m. Armwood at Plant City, 8 p.m.

CHEERLEADING DEC. 21 Plant City at Bartow, 8 a.m.

BOYS SOCCER DEC. 5 Strawberry Crest 2, Durant 1 DEC. 6 Plant City 3, Durant 3 DEC. 10 Riverview 7, Durant 2

Bloomingdale 4, Plant City 2 Armwood 3, Strawberry Crest 3 DEC. 12 Strawberry Crest at Freedom, 6 p.m. DEC. 13 Plant City at King, 6 p.m.

GIRLS SOCCER DEC. 5 Durant 5, Strawberry Crest 2 DEC. 6 Plant City 1, Durant 1 DEC. 10 Durant3, Riverview 0 Bloomingdale 2, Plant City 1 Strawberry Crest 3, Armwood 0 DEC. 13 Plant City at King, 8 p.m. Strawberry Crest at Freedom, 8 p.m.

WRESTLING DEC. 12 Plant City at Durant, 7 p.m.

DEC. 13 Strawberry Crest at Freedom 6-way through Dec. 14

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

Sam Allen Rd.

PLANT CITY Baker St. olds

Reyn

St.

4 County Line Rd.

— Jordan Williams

Park Rd.

“Blitzen.”

Maryland Ave.

AROUND TOWN

289704-1

Lakeland

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

REAL ESTATE

November 2019 real estate transactions

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued in Plant City for the month of November 2019, in order of dollar amounts.

Address

November 2019 sales information was obtained from the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser. Permit information was obtained from the City of Plant City. CITRUS LANDING The home at 128 Orange Bud Way sold Nov. 1 for $234,900. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,291 square feet of living area. HILLSBOROUGH The home at 1801 N. Franklin St. sold Nov. 8 for $200,000. Built in 1957, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,399 square feet of living area. The home at 5313 Keene Drive sold Nov. 14 for $255,000. Built in 1962, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,792 square feet of living area. The home at 4341 Pinebrooke Place sold Nov. 5 for $255,000. Built in 1971, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,052 square feet of living area. The home at 3709 Tanner Road sold Nov. 14 for $390,000. Built in 1961, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,622 square feet of living area. The home at 4803 Highway 574 sold Nov. 6 for $170,000. Built in 1965, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,440 square feet of living area. The home at 5009 Drawdy Road sold Nov. 6 for $139,500. Built in 1946, it has one bedroom, one bath and 1,036 square feet of living area. The home at 1109 Mendonsa Road sold Nov. 12 for $311,900. Built in 1975, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,475 square feet of living area.

The home at 4401 Bugg Road sold Nov. 12 for $270,000. Built in 1958, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,205 square feet of living area. The home at 801 W. Reynolds St. sold Nov. 1 for $329,900. Built in 1903, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,952 square feet of living area. LINCOLN PARK The home at 105 S. Morgan St. sold Nov. 1 for $192,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,297 square feet of living area. The home at 1320 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. sold Nov. 4 for $169,900. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,248 square feet of living area. LITTLE ALAFIA CREEK ESTATES

PINEHURST The home at 908 E. Alsobrook St. sold Nov. 21 for $220,000. Built in 2011, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 1,986 square feet of living area. PLANT CITY HEIGHTS The home at 406 W. Devane St. sold Nov. 1 for $160,000. Built in 1927, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,642 square feet of living area. WALDEN LAKE The home at 2892 Hammock Drive sold Nov. 1 for $305,000. Built in 1987, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,354 square feet of living area. The home at 2410 Clubhouse Drive sold Nov. 8 for $375,000. Built in 1994, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,685 square feet of living area.

The home at 3731 Alafia Creek St. sold Nov. 15 for $375,900. Built in WALDEN POINTE 2019, it has four bedrooms, three The home at 1902 Via Napoli St. baths and 2,255 square feet of sold Nov. 12 for $299,800. Built living area. in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,964 square feet OAKWOOD ESTATES of living area. The home at 1743 Oakwood The home at 1902 Via Chianti St. Estates Drive sold Nov. 7 for sold Nov. 7 for $247,000. Built in $259,900. Built in 2005, it has 2015, it has three bedrooms, two four bedrooms, three baths and baths and 2,183 square feet of 2,005 square feet of living area. living area. PALM HEIGHTS WALDEN WOODS The home at 1008 N. Maryland The home at 1931 Greenwood Ave. sold Nov. 14 for $100,000. Valley Drive sold Nov. 18 for Built in 1954, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 800 square $149,000. Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, two and a half feet of living area. baths and 1,632 square feet of living area.

Permit

Amount

3775 Fancy Farms Road

Industrial building

$27,058,401

1619 S. County Line Road

Completion

$3,500,000

1911 S. Wiggins Road

Roof

$2,303,500

1911 S. Wiggins Road

Plumbing

$1,850,000

220 W. Alexander St.

Completion

$984,818

3304 Sydney Road

Change-out/repair

$909,920

3304 Sydney Road

Accessory structure

$750,000

1609 S. Alexander St.

Occupancy

$650,000

1301 S. Frontage Road

Completion

$446,000

409 N. Alexander St.

Alteration

$320,000

4611 Lykes Road

Demo

$250,000

1621 S. County Line Road

Industrial building

$245,000

1904 S. Park Road

Alteration

$212,266

2202 James L. Redman Pkwy

Refrigeration

$183,370

902 N. Ferrell St.

Single family detached

$180,000

107 Lake St.

Single family detached

$135,000

1500 Victoria St.

Roof

$89,000

802 E. Dr. MLK Blvd.

Occupancy

$85,000

4504 Sydney Road

Occupancy

$51,220

3304 Sydney Road

Electrical

$50,000

VIEW MORE SALES ONLINE AT PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM

WHISPERING WOODS

WOODFIELD VILLAGE

The home at 2612 Walden Woods Drive sold Nov. 6 for $263,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, two and a half baths and 2,844 square feet of living area.

The home at 1220 Chestnut Court sold Nov. 1 for $224,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,738 square feet of living area.

WINDMILL POINTE The home at 4301 Holland Grove sold Nov. 7 for $206,657. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,738 square feet of living area.

CRAWFORD & ASSOCIATES CRAWFORD & ASSOCIATES

Outstanding Agents. Outstan Outstanding Agents. Outstanding Results. Outstanding Agents. Outstanding R Outstanding Agents. Outstanding Results. CRAWFORD & ASSOCIATES

CRAWFORD & ASSOCIATES

(813)967-0168 or (813)305-1616

2803-4 James L. Redman Parkway, Plant City Florida 33566 (813)967-0168 or (813)305-161 (813)967-0168 or (813)305-1616 (813)967-0168 or (813)305-1616 (813) 967-0168 (813) 549-9412 Office: (813) 305-1616 | Fax: (813) 754-8099 Email: Malissa.Crawford@Gmail.com

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 RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE 305-1616 | Fax: (813) 754-8099 Email: Malissa.Crawford@

288047-1

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

Office: (813) 305-1616 | Fax: (813) 754-8099 Email: Malissa.Crawford@Gmail.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Joyce Brown, 86, of Mulberry, born in Plant City on Feb. 7, 1933, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 30, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Essie Mary Martin Brown Essie Mary Martin Brown, 74, of Dover, born on Dec. 15, 1944 in Tampa, entered into eternal rest Dec. 6, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Mart Johnson

Mart Johnson, 61, of Valrico, born in Hayward, Wisconsin on Sept. 20, 1958, entered eternal rest on Dec. 2, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Hubert Campbell Hubert Campbell, 87, of Dover, born in Cookville, Tennessee on Dec. 11, 1931, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 6, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Joel ‘Howard’ Capps Jr. Joel “Howard” Capps Jr., 61, of Balm, born in Tampa on July 14, 1958, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 6, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Luis D. Zacarias

Luis D. Zacarias, 35, of Tampa, born in Bradenton, Florida on Nov. 20, 1984, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 29, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Kenneth W. Chambers Kenneth W. Chambers, age 88, of Plant City, passed away on December 9, 2019. Services to be held in Pennsylvania. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.

She is survived by her children, Leland “Lee” Williams, Karen Davis (Elliot) and Jeff Williams (Pat); grandchildren, Kayla Davis and Cameron Davis; caregivers, Pansy Hall, Rene “Ray” Chavera, Marie Hobkirk, Lisa Kirby, Pat Wolfe, Linda Brown and LaVerne Snipes; and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. A funeral service will be held Friday, Dec. 13 at 11:00 a.m. at Eastside Baptist Church, 1318 E Calhoun St., Plant City, 33563, where the family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. Lucille Williams Private interment. In lieu of flowers, memorial Lucille Williams, 93, of Plant City, born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri contributions may be made to Eastside Baptist Church Buildon Nov. 23, 1926, entered into ing Fund. eternal rest on Dec. 9, 2019. Expressions of condolence She was a loving wife and a devoted mother and grandmoth- at HopewellFuneral.com. er. She was a longtime active member of Eastside Baptist Church, Plant City, where she was a Sunday school teacher, HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM choir member and prayer warrior. She and her husband founded Felton’s Meat and ProCatherine Johnson duce in 1955. She was preceded in death Mrs. Catherine Johnson was by her husband of 68 years, funeralized Friday, Dec. 6 at St. Felton Williams; brothers, Lucian Mark M.B. Church. A service of T. Bone, and Wayne Carr; and comfort by: Winslow Honors sisters, Irene Rushing, Beatrice Funeral Chapel. Chestnut, Imagene English, and “The People’s Choice Because Louise Threlkeld. We Care,” 1110 E. Laura St.

Toshida Shante Robinson The funeral service for Mrs. Toshida Shante Robinson was held Saturday, Dec. 7 at St. Mary Community Church. A service of comfort by Winslow Honors Funeral Chapel. “The People’s Choice Because We Care,” 1110 E. Laura St.

William John ‘Bill’ Nealand William John “Bill” Nealand, 71, of Plant City, passed away on Nov. 25, 2019. William “Bill” was born on Jan. 1, 1948. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be left at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Nealand family.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

FAMILY. COMMUNITY. COMPASSION. VALUE. FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971 HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

OBITUARIES

Joyce Brown

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

OBITUARIES

Randall Keith Baxley Randall Keith Baxley, 51, of Plant City, passed away on Dec. 1, 2019. Services will be held Friday, Dec. 13, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at Sydney First Church of God, 1432 Sydney Dover Rd, Dover FL 33527. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.

Trevagrey Marie Sgro

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Carole Shepherd

Carole Shepherd, 68, of Plant City, Trevagrey Marie Sgro, 80, of passed away on Dec. 6, 2019. Plant City entered heaven’s If so desired, donations can be gates on Nov. 24, 2019 from the commade to Lifepath Hospice. fort of her home and surrounded by The family will receive friends her family. Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019 from She was born on Sept. 12, 1939 in Gastonia, North Carolina to Buford and 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Eastside Baptist Church. Funeral Choles Meeks Phillips. services will follow at 11:00 a.m. She is survived by her loving husOnline condolences may be left band of 57 years and caregiver for for the family at www.haught.care. the past 13 years, Paul M. Sgro, sons; Joseph M. Schidlowski and Paul S. Sgro (Amber), daughters; Monica M. Fleming (Scott) and Lynette L. Curtis, brother; Michael Phillips, sister; Marama Rusyn, sister-in-law; Dr. Joyce HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM Sgro Hagel-Wright, Grandchildren; Randy, Brooke, Anthony, Kyle, Kale, and Abby, great-grandchildren; Leon, Charles A. Claar Taylor, Brayden and Cooper, and many Charles A. Claar, 94, of Seffner, nieces and nephews. passed away on Dec. 9, 2019. She has been a Plant City Resident Charles was a United States for the last 40 years and retired from Army Air Corps World War II GTE. She loved her family and enjoyed Veteran. cooking family meals, baking cakes The family will receive friends and Christmas cookies. Friday, Dec. 13, 2019 from 2:00 Other hobbies included traveling to p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Haught North Carolina and seeing mountains Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. and Pisgah National Forest and going Blvd, Plant City, FL 33563. Funeral to Disney World where Epcot was her services will follow at 3:00 p.m. favorite where she would eat at Mexico Online condolences may be left and watch the fireworks. for the family at www.haught.care. we’re dedicated to helping families create a V E our community She was very much and memorial will be that truly unique and loved meaningful ionate care since 1896. greatly missed by all the who her. celebrates lifeknew it represents. ial professionals, A Memorial Mass was held Friday, ice Guarantee > National Plan Transferability 6, 2019 at St. Clement Catholic nt TravelDec. Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® Church at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation at 10:00 a.m. Condolences and fond memories ly supporting thebePlant CityatStrawberry Festival. may offered www.wellsmemorial. com. HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Taking care of each other is what

community

is all about.

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM

Betty Sue Osborne

Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

Betty Sue Osborne, 78, of Dover, 813-752-1111 passed WellsMemorial.com away on Nov. 27, 2019. Services were held Dec. 9, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church 905 West Terrace Drive Plant City Florida 33563. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.

Lea Loretta Cumbie Lea Loretta Cumbie, 80, of Plant City, passed away on Dec. 8, 2019. The family will receive friends Friday, Dec. 13, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. Funeral 10/27/15 will 10:42 AM services follow at 11:00 a.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

YOUR CALENDAR

BEST BET FRIDAY, DEC. 13 GARDEN FRESH FEAST

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The inaugural Garden Fresh Feast is being held at the Plant City Commons Community Garden, 2001 E. Cherry St. The event features a “local-fresh-clean” five-course meal with wine and beer. The food is sourced from the garden and other local gardens and farms using organic vegetables and fruit growing methods as well as organic and humane animal practices. This inspired meal was designed by and will be prepared by Chef Shannon Shearer. There are only 50 seats available and they are $50 (plus fees). Dinner is your choice of omnivore or vegetarian. Also enjoy music, entertainment and a silent auction. For ticket and sponsor information, contact Alaina Edgemon at 813.956.3453 or pick up your tickets on Eventbrite.

THURSDAY, DEC. 12

SATURDAY, DEC. 14

PLANT CITY CHORALE CHRISTMAS CONCERT

SAFE & SOUND FOR THE HOLIDAYS CELEBRATION

6:00 p.m. The Plant City Chorale will be at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., to perform holiday songs a cappella.

BIRTH EXPERIENCE CLASS

6 to 8 p.m. South Florida Baptist Hospital is hosting a Birth Experience Class in the ICU Conference Room, 2 South. This class covers various aspects of labor and delivery, such as labor signs, breathing techniques, pain control options and hospital policies. This class is held the second Thursday of every month. Participants may bring one guest to class. Bring a notepad for notes. Snacks will be provided. Registration is free, but required. Call 1-855269-4777.

FRIDAY, DEC. 13 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.

DATE NIGHT DANCE CLASSES

7:30 to 9 p.m. Come on out to the Stardust Ballroom for a perfect date night filled with dancing. Spend the evening holding your loved one and learning cool dance moves. These classes are recommended for all beginning dancers and act as a four week program. Each week is $20 per couple and will cost $80 for the full four-week session. Register at the door. All you need to bring is some clean dancing shoes to slip on once you cross the door. Call Pamela at 218-256-1873 for more information. Classes are limited to 50 people.

WHEN SCHOOL’S OUT

UP N G I S AY!

TOD

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come on out to the Bing House Museum, 205 S. Allen St., for a day filled with soulful holiday music, food vendors, health living vendors, games for kids, CPR instructor demonstration and lots of fun. There will also be a Greek Christmas tree decorating contest. Call 813-704-5800 or 813-754-3834 for more information.

PLANT CITY SOCIAL DANCE

6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Come on out to the Strawberry Square Dance Center for a night of social dancing. There is a 3,000 square-foot floating wood floor to dance on. Social dancing includes slow dances, waltzes, line dances, cha-cha and rumbas, two-step and country slow, swing, free style and some Latin dances. A singles table will be set up. Admission is $6.

MONDAY, DEC. 16 PLANT CITY DAYBREAK ROTARY CLUB

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 to come and join them.

TUESDAY, DEC. 17 MORNING BOOK CLUB

11 a.m. Join Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., for its Morning Book Club. The group meets once a month to discuss the club’s selection for that month. This month will discuss “The Island of Sea Women,” by Lisa See. Share your thoughts on the book and get copies of the next month’s club pick at the discussion.

TEEN: ART IN THE STACKS: WINTER WHIMSY

5 p.m. Teens are invited to bring their creativity and favorite book to Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. They will be creating a whimsical winter scene while discussing their favorite books. For teens in Grades 6-12.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 18 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.

THURSDAY, DEC. 19 PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS 7:30 to 9 a.m. Plant City Toastmasters is held every Thursday. Guest are always welcome to come join the free meeting at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St. ELIMINATING THE HOLIDAY DEBT HANGOVER 5:30 p.m. Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., is hosting the Eliminating the Holiday Debt Hangover workshop. Holidays are the time of year that friends and families share special time together. The time spent usually means gifts to be purchased, meals to be eaten out, or meals served at home. This can be expensive, and then after the holidays, the credit card statements start to arrive. This workshop will focus on how to be better prepared for the holidays and manage how much money you spend! Presented by GTE Financial. Please register online.

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!

HOLIDAY DATES

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

*See website for available dates.

NOW AVAILABLE!

Universal Crossword Edited by David Steinberg December 12, 2019 PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

12/12

ACROSS 1 Photo finish? 6 Bear, in Bolivia 9 Soothing substances 14 Actress Zellweger 15 Kilmer of “Top Gun” 16 To no ___ (uselessly) 17 Following 18 Come to a conclusion 19 Past or future 20 Trendy dining garnishes 23 Alternative to a H.S. diploma 24 Saharan refuge 25 Hangs around 27 Guard’s shout 29 “Move on already!” 31 Mil. entertainers

FORECAST THURSDAY, DEC. 12 High: 77 Low: 66 Chance of rain: 20%

FRIDAY, DEC. 13 High: 78 Low: 66 Chance of rain: 20%

61 Art house film 62 Puccini production 63 90-degree building extension 64 Stiller and ___ 65 Alarm clock button 66 Baseball Hall of Famer Williams 67 Famous Ford flop DOWN 1 Metric weight unit 2 Get a new loan, briefly 3 Insect group with a queen 4 Scrutinize 5 Sandwiches also known as submarines 6 Supervisor

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

High: 77 Low: 52 Chance of rain: 60%

SUNDAY, DEC. 15 High: 75 Low: 55 Chance of rain: 10%

TOMATOES

Shipping point: Central Florida $23.95

7 Sensible 8 Nickname for 55-Down 9 Gotham sky sighting 10 NYC’s Park or Madison 11 “Tootsie” Oscar winner Jessica 12 Pinchpenny person 13 Iditarod vehicles 21 “SNL” legend Radner 22 “Just kidding!” 26 Put one’s nose to the grindstone 27 Runs smoothly 28 About 30% of the Earth’s land mass 30 Personal preference 32 The Lonely Island hit whose lyrics mention climbing buoys 34 Carbonated mixers 35 Hawaiian coffee region 36 Influence 38 Sister of Osiris 39 Cause of the sniffles 40 Tyler Perry title character 45 Mme., across the Pyrenees 46 Microsoft Surface or iPad 47 Was worthy of 48 Country estate 49 “Fingers crossed!” 50 Some Washington workers 52 Cleaner’s target 55 New Haven Ivy 56 Makeshift swing 57 Notary’s mark 59 Three, in Tuscany

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Dec. 12

7:09a

5:33p

Friday, Dec. 13

7:10a

5:33p

Saturday, Dec. 14

7:11a

5:33p

Sunday, Dec. 15

7:11a

5:33p

Monday, Dec. 16

7:12a

5:33p

Tuesday, Dec. 17

7:13a

5:33p

Wednesday, Dec. 18

7:14a

5:33p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, DEC. 14

Bite-Size by Emily Carroll

32 Notion 33 Shaving mishaps 37 Hot cocoa topper 41 Final authority 42 Blue-green hue 43 Article in El Pais? 44 As a substitute 47 Online auction site 48 She played Ferris Bueller’s girlfriend 51 “The Dancing Class” painter Edgar 53 Sashimi tuna 54 Orange items on a crudites platter 58 Greet silently 60 Language spoken along the Mekong

Dec. 25 New

Dec. 30 First

Jan. 10 Full

Dec. 21 Last

RAINFALL Monday, Dec. 2

0.13

Tuesday, Dec. 3 0.00 Wednesday, Dec. 4

0.00

Thursday, Dec. 5 0.00 Friday, Dec. 6

0.00

Saturday, Dec. 7 0.00 Sunday, Dec. 8

0.00

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2019 42.55 in.

2019 0.13 in.

2018 23.13 in.

2018 0.57 in.

WEATHER

38 Sister of ACROSS 51 “The Dancing 12 Pinchpenny person Osiris 1 Photo finish? Class” 13 Iditarod 39 Cause of 6 Bear, in painter Edgar vehicles the sniffles Bolivia 53 Sashimi tuna 40 Tyler Perry 9 Soothing 54 Orange items 21 “SNL” legend title character cruditesEditor Justin Sendsubstances your photo submissionson to aAssociate Kline at jkline@PlantCityObserver.com Radner 45 Mme., 14 Actress platter or hashtag #iloveplantcity Instagram for @igersplantcity 22 “Just to feature. across the Zellweger 58onGreet silently kidding!” Pyrenees 15 Kilmer of 60 Language 26 Put one’s 46 Microsoft “Top Gun” spoken nose to the Surface 16 To no ___ along the grindstone or iPad (uselessly) Mekong 27 Runs 47 Was worthy 17 Following 61 Art house smoothly of 18 Come to a film 28 About 48 Country conclusion 62 Puccini 30% of the estate 19 Past or production Earth’s land 49 “Fingers future 63 90-degree mass crossed!” 20 Trendy dining building 30 Personal 50 Some garnishes extension preference Washington 23 Alternative 64 Stiller 32 The Lonely workers to a H.S. and ___ Island hit 52 Cleaner’s diploma 65 Alarm clock whose lyrics target 24 Saharan button mention 55 New Haven refuge 66 Baseball Hall climbing Ivy 25 Hangs of Famer buoys 56 Makeshift around Williams 34 Carbonated swing 27 Guard’s 67 Famous mixers 57 Notary’s shout Ford flop 35 Hawaiian mark 29 “Move on DOWN coffee region 59 Three, in already!” 1 Metric 36 Influence Tuscany 31 Mil. weight unit entertainers 2 Get a new 32 Notion loan, briefly PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER If any picture says “Christmas in Florida,” it’s this shot taken by Instagram user @beachkowgirl, 33 Shaving 3 Insect group whomishaps shared it on social mediawith with a the #iloveplantcity hashtag. queen 37 Hot cocoa 4 Scrutinize us on social media: @PCObserver on Instgram, topper 5 Sandwiches ON L I N E Follow @PlantObserver 41 Final also knownon Twitter and Plant City Observer on Facebook. authority as 42 Blue-green submarines hue 6 Supervisor 43 Article in 7 Sensible El Pais? 8 Nickname 44 As a for 55-Down substitute 9 Gotham sky 47 Online sighting auction site 10 NYC’s Park 48 She played or Madison Ferris 11 “Tootsie” Bueller’s Oscar winner 12/11 © 2019 Andrews McMeel Universal girlfriend Jessica www.upuzzles.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

PlantCityObserver.com