12.16.21 PLCO by Plant City Observer

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

On Monday, the Plant City City Commission passed a proposal to invest just shy of $20 million to improve the Plant City community. Under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the U.S. federal government has allocated funds that will go toward various projects that are deemed as essential in town.

PLANT CITY NEVER CEASES TO SUPPORT ITS FIRST RESPONDERS

PLANT CITY ELKS LODGE HELD ITS ANNUAL LUNCH AND DINNER FOR FIREFIGHTERS, EMTS, AND LAW ENFORCEMENT. BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

The Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 continued this month’s momentum in celebrating first responders as it held its annual Christmas gathering on Thursday, Dec. 9. Held at the local lodge, club members once again offered praises and homestyle cooking toward the Plant City Police Department for lunch and Plant City Fire Rescue for dinner. “That’s been our tradition for more than 30 years,” said Judy Wise, member of Elks Lodge #1727 and chairwoman for the Elks District Veterans’ Services. “It’s just our way of saying thank you for what they give to us.” This comes as December has seen a steady outpouring of love and support to the men and women who put their lives on the line every day. Since it opened on Dec. 2, the Plant City Chick-fil-A restaurant has surprised the Plant City Police Department, among other local entities, with free service, lasting a year. And on Friday, Dec. 3, Chaplaincy Care Inc. – led by Dr. Daniel Middlebrooks, kicked off an event providing first responders with breakfast every first Friday of the month. The evening service had a dense crowd of lodge members, firefighters and paramedics, making quite a social atmosphere. Retired servicemen were among those present and were asked to stand for recognition. Newly promoted Capt. Dustin Hill of Plant City Fire Rescue, had the honors of his wife, Shannon pinning on his badge, with their son Owen.

However, the spotlight put on several active crewmen brought a change to the traditional gathering. This year the fire department chose the lodge as its grounds to promote four crewmen. Plant City Fire Rescue Chief David Burnett called each member forward for the pinning ceremony- where a badge adorns their uniform. Those promoted to the rank of captain were Bill Saunders and Dustin Hill. Those promoted to the rank of paramedic were Gabriel Valiente and Devin Johnson. “We often get comfortable and complacent in our position in the fire service,” said Burnett. “We choose not to take on any unnecessary risks. Today our newest promotees have chosen to take a different path. They’ve decided to step outside their comfort zone. In addition to their own destiny and well-being, they will now take on new responsibilities.” Johnson has been with the fire department since 2018. In order to receive his rank as paramedic he had to go through an internship program. Not only was he appreciative of the support from the Elks Lodge and his fellow crewman, but his family who was in attendance. When he was hired by the department, he chose his father to pin his badge on, but this year chose his grandmother.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

NEWS BRIEFS

Jack Holland named Assistant City Manager Jack Holland has spent over four decades working for Plant City, recently being named the community’s newest Assistant City Manager. “I love being a part of Plant City and am very proud to have the opportunity to continue to serve the city in this new role,” Holland said in a press release. “It’s been phenomenal to see the way Plant City has evolved over the years, and I look forward to working to help the city continue to grow while we also preserve what makes this such a special place.” Holland began his career with the Plant City Government as a part-time soccer official with the Recreation Department in 1977. Holland then joined the department as full-time employee in 1979, first working as a recreation athletic manager and later serving several different positions within the department before ultimately becoming superintendent of the Recreation Division in 1997 when the Recreation Department merged with the Parks Department. Holland held the position of superintendent until his appointment to Director of Parks & Recreation in 2004, a role that he has served in since.

Holland will now oversee various city departments and city team members, joining the office of City Manager Bill McDaniel and serving alongside Mercedes HermidaPerez as one of two Assistant City Managers. “Jack is ideally suited to serve as Assistant City Manager, and I look forward to having him in this role as we move the city organization forward toward the exciting and bright future ahead,” McDaniel said. Holland has served on a variety of key projects within the City government, including Request for Proposal evaluations, new employee hiring panels, “think tank” exercises, employee benefits analyses, project consultations, ribbon cutting events, and employee recognition events. “I’ve been a Parks & Rec person for a long time,” Holland said. “We’ve done some great things in that department and I’m very fortunate to have been a part of it for so long. I’m excited to use the skills and knowledge that I’ve gained over the years to help make things run as smoothly as possible for some other departments in the city and to move some great projects forward for our residents.” In addition to his work as a city employee, Holland has also volunteered in a number of capacities throughout the years, including past and current tenures with the Optimist Club of Plant City, the

Plant City Area Soccer Club Lancers, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, the Friends of Recreation & Parks Corporation, the Alliance for Lupus Research, the Plant City Family YMCA and the Plant City High School Business Advisory Board.

Free COVID vaccines to be distributed in Dover On Saturday, Dec. 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the RCMA’s Dover Child Development Center, 3103 San Jose Mission Dr., RCMA will provide free COVID vaccines to all who qualify and are in need. As a part of it’s commitment to their local community and with grants that the organization applied for, RCMA will have first doses, second doses and booster shots for adults and children from age five to 16 available. RCMA is a community development organization that aims to create opportunities for children, specifically those that are the children of migrant and other lowincome families. Founded in 1965, RCMA has grown with 66 child development centers, two charter schools, over 40,000 alumni, over 1,700 employees and over 6,500 children served each year. For more information on RCMA, visit www.rcma.org.

ProActive Sports Academe to hold second round of 7-on-7 tryouts ProActive Sports Academe will be holding a second round of tryouts for their 7-on-7 football teams on Saturday, Dec. 18 at the Marshall Middle School track in Plant City, 18 S. Maryland Ave. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and tryouts begin at 11 a.m. for all of their teams, including 10U, 12U, 14U. 15U and 18U age groups. There is no cost for the tryouts. ProActive Sports Academe’s 7-on-7 teams allow budding football players an opportunity to showcase their skills through tournaments and league play against some of the most talented players in the area. ProActive Sports Acadame co-founder Gerold Dickens emphasizes that not only is this an opportunity for players to sharpen their skills under the instruction of local high school and junior college coaches, but it also provides them an opportunity to prepare for the college recruiting process. The 7-on-7 season will “kick off” in late January. For more information, contact Coach Dickens at 813-770-8367.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

LITERATURE TEACHES KIDS MONTHS OF THE YEAR APRIL MARTIN DEBUTS HER FIRST BOOK EDUCATING STUDENTS ABOUT MONTHS BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Not only does April Martin share her name with a month of the year, but she’s on a mission to teach kids what occurs in that month as well as the 11 others. It’s an initiative in publishing a catalogue of books, each dedicated to one month. With this, students are educated about the weather, holidays, and events in January all the way to December. Martin, a Plant City High School graduate, has worked as a teacher in multiple schools. However, she realized that there was little to no school material that focused mainly on each month of the year, and what takes place in each. As a first-grade teacher, every morning she would have “calendar time” which helped her students familiarize themselves with each day. While she incorporated that into her curriculum, she wanted to hone in on the months, which she felt were as important a subject as any other. “That’s primarily what I wanted to write for,” explained Martin. “It’s for teachers to have a particular resource in the classroom to read to their kids.” And as a mother herself, she encourages parents to do the same. Her first published book is dedicated to the month that kicks off a new year and is entitled Meet January.

January is a girl whose characteristics are associated with that month. She’s always cold and her hair is frozen solid. On the first day back to school, she prefers to stay in bed and keep warm, but winter break is over. She’s feeling kind of blue, but her friends help to perk her up. Every book has a character that is named after a month and its attributes are associated with holidays: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Groundhogs Day, and New Year’s Day, to name several. It’s also meant to help kids learn geography as well as distinguish between different climates. And students can also keep track of special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays. Meet January has pages in the book where kids can write those memorable days and other additional information that is meaningful to them. Martin has adopted this teaching method to help students understand the significance of the months, and what to expect in each. These books are catered to students from preschool to second-grade. Although she didn’t consider herself to be an artist, she decided she was going to illustrate the graphics for the book. She went on YouTube, watched tutorials, and finished drawing Meet January in eight weeks. “I took that experience and love for reading funny books when I wrote my book,”

said Martin. “I wanted to include some silly parts that would make kids giggle. I definitely want it to not only be just educational, but memorable.” The character February will have a hair bun in the shape of a heart, recognizing Valentine’s Day. And December will have a Christmas Tree-shaped hair-do. As for April, her hair will be similar to rain. Not to mention that each character will be accompanied with their own pet. The idea for Meet January was 13 years in the making, yet when she finally started write it, the process didn’t take as long. “I had the storyline in my head forever, constantly thinking about what the story would be like,” said Martin. “I sat down and I wrote the book – start to finish, in no

more than 30 minutes. It just came spewing out.” She developed an interest in writing as she worked for the school newspaper and helped put together the school yearbook. However, she didn’t consider turning it into a career. Martin contemplated nursing but ultimately obtained a degree in psychology. She eventually settled on becoming an educator because of her love for kids. She taught in Tampa as well as North Carolina. What Martin felt was lacking in classrooms was what sparked the idea for teaching all 12 monthsBeing named April also inspired this shift, she explained. The next books will not come out in chronological order of the months, but will be based on which Martin feels most confident about. She has her eyes set on June. After she wraps up her series for the months, she plans on writing books for upper grade kids and ones with short chapters. She hopes that this learning material will span for generations. “I would love for my books to stick around for years and years,” said Martin. “Hopefully these first 12 will definitely be something that families can pass down. I would love for that to happen.” To learn more about, or to purchase Meet January, visit www.CalendarKidsBooks.com.

January is a young girl who represents the first month of the year. Her character is from the book, Meet January, written by April Martin.

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

This week on Cops Corner: Plant City Police investigate a damaged door, stolen beer, missing sports jerseys and multiple fraudulent credit card applications.

plainant, an employee of an electronics store. The victim reported that a tool bag containing a drill and miscellaneous hand tools had been stolen from his work van while he was at the listed location, valued at approximately $200.

DEC. 4 LAST CALL

DEC. 2 DOOR JAMMED 2900 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Criminal mischief: Officers responded to the business at the listed location and met with the victim/owner who alerted them that after the business had closed on Nov. 30, an unknown suspect damaged the entrance door on the south side of the building.

GALLON-SIZED PROBLEM 2600 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Criminal mischief: Officers responded to the department store at the listed location in reference to a verbal disturbance. Upon arrival, the officers discovered that a gallon of anti-freeze had been broken open on the floor.

DEC. 3 WIRES CROSSED 700 block of N. Collins St. Vehicle burglary: Officers responded to the Police Department and met with the com-

2210 N. Park Rd. Retail theft: Officers met with the manager of a business at the listed location, who reported that a 12 pack of beer had been stolen.

DEC. 5 NEW JERSEYS 2400 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Retail theft: Officers met with an associate at a sporting goods store at the listed location where they were alerted that eight Los Angeles Lakers jerseys had been stolen from the business.

DEC. 6 NO CREDIT 1000 block of Fairwinds Cir. Fraud/identity theft: Officers made contact with the victim. He advised them that he had discovered that an unknown suspect had recently applied for multiple credit cards using his personal information. LOST AND FOUND 2700 block of Thonotosassa Rd. Warrant arrest: Officers made contact with the suspect who was observed on the property of a business at the listed location. A check revealed that the suspect had an active Polk County Sheriff’s Officer warrant for violation of parole. The warrant was confirmed by PCSO with no bond and the suspect was subsequently arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident. MORE MISSING TOOLS 1400 block of Strawberry Pl. Vehicle burglary: Officers responded to the listed location in reference to a complaint of a vehicle burglary. Upon arrival, officers discovered that numerous tools had been stolen. TRESPASSED BY 1700 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Trespass after warning: Officers responded to the business at the listed location and made contact with the suspect, who had previously been trespassed from the location. The suspect was subsequently taken into custody and transported to Orient Road Jail.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

PLANT CITY IMPROVEMENTS ON THE WAY PLANT CITY AGENDAS IN WORKS WITH GOVERNMENT FUNDS BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

“The first two projects…are considered absolute necessities,” said city manager Bill McDaniel. “These projects have to do with capacity improvements and our ability to continue to provide infrastructure services that we have currently, as well as those we’re proposing.” Those tasks are the installation of a new Lift Station 2, and construction of a sewage pipeline on Wilder Road. 1. The current Lift Station 2 is located at 1000 N. Pennsylvania Ave. in Plant City. However, because of its inefficiency, it will be replaced with a new one. A lift station is a pumping station that brings wastewater to a higher elevation, sending it to a facility to be cleansed. This substitution will help increase the pumping capacity, with a price tag of $1.5 million. 2. Next, a new extended sewage pipeline will be built along Wilder Road, starting at its intersection with Cherry Street to its intersection with South Frontage Road. The intent is to provide more sewage capacity and will span 4,500 linear feet. The $1.3 million plan calls for the pipeline to pass underneath Interstate-4 in order to reach South Frontage Road. 3. A spray park, which is a recreational water play area, is being conceptualized by the city. Its location and design have not yet been determined. In regards to what is being invested into the park, McDaniel stated, “I do not believe $2 million will cover the entire cost of this project. We have some additional funds that are already being set aside toward this proj-

ect, and under the rules of ARPA, this is a permitted use of funds.” 4. Also on the agenda is the renovation of Rowena May Park for $1 million. It will include adding pickleball courts, a bridge, adequate lighting, and parking. The courts, fencing, basketball goals, tennis nets, benches and trash receptacles will all be replaced. 5. A public lift station will be built on Park Road. In addition, a 1,300 linear-foot sewage pipeline will run along Park Road’s intersections from North Frontage Road to Sam Allen Road. Two million dollars will be invested into this task. 6. Along Alexander Street from its intersections with Sam Allen Road to Knights Griffin Road, two pipelines will be built. One will stretch 13,000 linear feet and the other, 18,000 linear feet. The investment for this will be $7.8 million. 7. Two pipelines, both spanning 5,300 linear feet, will stretch along James L. Redman Parkway from its intersections at Colson Road to State Road 60. This will have a price tag of $3.2 million. 8. A 5,200 linear-foot pipeline will stretch along Trapnell Road from its intersections with Heathcoe Road to Daniels Road. This will have $1.3 million invested toward it. The federal government not only issues these funds toward cities, but to counties and municipalities as well. One condition under ARPA is that all appropriations must be used within a fouryear window. The city commission passed the proposal by 5-0.

Now with the use of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, a spray water park will be one of the projects implemented within Plant City.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

PLANT CITY FIRE RESCUE PROMOTES ITS OWN FIRST RESPONDERS AWARDED NEW RANKS DURING ANNUAL CEREMONY. BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

“I love the small department feel,” said the Plant City native. “I literally know everybody here. I know everybody’s family that’s here.” Also, the fire department used the opportunity to award the 2021 Firefighter of the Year, Joseph Mitchell – who received a plaque. Like Johnson, he too was hired in 2018. While he was nominated, he was quick to take the credit off himself and attribute the comradery among his colleagues. “I feel like across the department, everyone’s done a really good job this year,” said Mitchell. That teamwork was evident that day as first responders were called for an emergency – the very reason their ceremonies were being held. Lunch was cut short for several police officers as they had to join firefighters in responding to a car crash. The Elks Lodge names the employee of the year for the police department. This year, instead of recognizing one individual, they honored the department’s entire communication staff for their hard work. Like many others, commemorating first responders is something personal for Wise. Several years ago, her husband was suffering from atrial fibrillation.

A fire rescue crewman tended to him until he was transported to the hospital. Wise believes that the up and coming generations will be inspired to take up the mantle stating, “there’s a lot of little kids in there right now that will be firemen and EMTs long after I’m gone because of what they’re seeing their fathers and their grandfathers do.”

Devin Johnson, joined by his grandmother Martha Bauldaugh. was promoted as a medic for Plant City Fire Rescue. joined by his grandmother, Martha Bauldaugh.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

A wait to remember

Donna Elliott waited nearly four days for her spot at the front of the line when tickets went on sale for the Strawberry Festival’s headline entertainment.

TAYLOR JENKINS STAFF WRITER

Each year Plant City’s Strawberry Festival brings a lineup of headline entertainment that’s filled from top to bottom with star-studded and worldrenowned musical acts And with that wealth of entertainers and musical groups comes fans flocking from all over for their chance to see their favorite performers and bands. But while dozens — if not hundreds — can argue that they would do anything to ensure their place in the

stands, very few would camp out for nearly four days to make it happen. “It’s just so much fun,” Donna Elliott said. “We sit here and we play games, we interact with each other, we have food delivered, it’s awesome. And we also get a lot of questions from people riding by asking, ‘what are y’all doing out here,’ or ‘where’s the line for tickets?’ We just tell them that it’ll be right here, but three days from now. We confuse them big time.” Joined by a group of 12 friends that Elliott calls her “frontline bunch,” and at times her grand-

daughters until school starts in the morning, the Plant City local has celebrated the release of headline entertainment tickets for over a decade by camping out in line. This year even marked a special moment for Elliott as she claimed that while she’s spent years camping out at the Strawberry Festival grounds — becoming no stranger to the third or fourth spot in line — this year was her first time being at the front of the line to purchase tickets when the box office opened. After the long wait Elliott purchased 32 tickets in total, includ-

ing tickets to eight shows for herself and several other tickets that were purchased as Christmas presents for her kids and grandkids. “As soon as the lineup comes out it’s like, ‘I want to go to this show and I want to go to that show,’ they’re all telling me,” Elliott said. “And my son and my daughter-in-law, that’s just what they want for Christmas.” Elliott says that the best performance she’s ever seen at the Strawberry Festival was country music star George Jones and is certainly most excited to see Nelly

this year, but while the entertainers provide their fair share of fun, it all starts months before with her annual tradition of spending quality time with friends and family as she waits in line for tickets. “It’s an amazing experience and people shouldn’t knock it until they try it,” Elliott said. “I know that we get a lot of negativity and people think we’re crazy for sitting out here but they have no idea how much fun we really, really have.”

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

WALDEN LAKE CHRISTMAS LIGHT CONTEST WINNERS

Clubhouse Woods comes out on top of this year’s Christmas Light Contest in Walden Lake. TAYLOR JENKINS STAFF WRITER

For over a decade Walden Lake has held their annual Christmas light display contest. Homes within each subdivision not only shine bright for all to see, but the yearly contest allows community members to come together and decorate the entrance to their subdivision for the holiday season. Then a panel of judges — none of which are residents within Walden Lake — take their tour around the neighborhood, take

notes, mark down their favorite entrances and ultimately decide which subdivisions did enough to rise above the rest. In past years the contest was judged in two separate categories, traditional and illumination. Each category would have a first, second and third place winner, along with two honorable mentions, while one subdivision was awarded the grand prize. This year, however, there were no categories, awarding one grand prize winner as usual, followed by first, second and third place overall.

THE WINNERS OF THE 2021 WALDEN LAKE DECORATING CONTEST ARE AS FOLLOWS: Grand Prize: Clubhouse Woods 1st Place: Fairway Estates 2nd Place: Aston Woods 3rd Place: Silverstone Honorable Mention: Parkwood, Walden Oaks

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FOCUS ON FITNESS:

HOW TO KEEP YOUR FITNESS GOALS THIS FESTIVE SEASON

The holiday seasons is all about joy, giving to others, family and good food. For others, it can be a stressful time of diving into the depths of family dysfunction, overeating and high credit card debt. With the pressures and expectations of home decorating, home cooking and holiday parties, coupled with endlessly overcrowded malls and parking lots, tis the season for stress, emotional eating and chronic fatigue. SLEEP

The party season will be getting underway any minute now and with it comes late nights. As some of us begin to feel the pressure of the season on our shoulders, sleep deprivation may make the tiniest molehill look like a mountain. A good night’s sleep — anywhere between seven and nine hours of deep sleep — has amazing restorative powers and will provide us with the resiliency we may need to get to the New Year (with our nerves intact.) If getting to sleep is a challenge, try turning off the screen 30-45 minutes before bedtime and/or taking a hot shower or bath to help relax and induce sleep. EAT A VEGETABLE

With all of the home baked goodies at work and home, it may be challenging to remember to eat our veggies. Chronic ingestion of chocolate, cookies and fruit cake may be lovely in the moment, but can lead to fatigue, gastrointestinal challenges and even depression. It may be necessary to plan a few meals during the day that include as many servings of veggies as possible or prepare a plate of veggies with dip to sit on the kitchen counter for munching instead of chips. By keeping up with our healthy eating time, it will be easier to sustain our energy levels throughout the festive season.

can do for our health during the holidays. Learning to say “no” more often will only leave us with more time to focus on what is most important. Begin by drafting up a list of important events (a grocery list, so to speak) and refer to it when other offers arise. It is much easier to stick to a plan if you have one. AVOID SETTING THE STANDARD OF PERFECTION

Thanks to social media and all those home decor networks, we are exposed to more images of the “perfect” holiday season. Gone are the days of paper chain links on the tree and a simple string of lights on the house. It’s safe to say that holiday home decorating and party hosting is on steroids. Perfectionism has been correlated to stress, anger and other mental health issues. We may work around the clock to prepare the perfect family dinner with all the trimmings, only to become frustrated and angry when we don’t attain it. If we expect perfection, we will always be disappointed because perfect doesn’t exist. It would do us all good to lower our expectations and be happy with the string of popcorn on the tree and the overcooked turkey for a change.

JUST SAY NO

With the holiday season comes the pressure to entertain, be entertained and give our money and of ourselves. For some, this comes naturally. But for others it leaves them feeling exhausted, overwhelmed and stressed out. Establishing personal boundaries for ourselves is one of the best things that we

Mike Gartz is a personal trainer who owns I Hate My Trainer at 117 E. Reynolds St., Plant City.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

SPORTS

LOCAL RIVALS MEET ON THE COURT

Both the girls and boys basketball teams from Plant City and Durant faced off last week.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

While the annual Redman Cup football game gets its fair share of attention, it’s always fun when any local rivalry game is played between Plant City High School and Durant High School. On Friday, Durant’s girls and boys basketball teams made the short trip to PCHS for district matchups. The boys tipped off first at 6:30, with Plant City entering the contest at 6-0 and looking to remain undefeated while Durant entered at 3-2 with a chance to stretch their active win streak to three games. In a low-scoring first quarter, Plant City was able to build a six-point lead as they held the 13-7 advantage heading into the second quarter, but Durant fired back. Early in the second quarter, a three pointer from junior Cam Cotal cut the Plant City lead to just one and a layup from Douglas Blackwood gave the Cougars a 19-18 lead with over five minutes remaining in the half. Durant added another two points, followed by a three pointer from sophomore Austin White to cap a 9-0 run for the Cougar, giving Durant a 26-20 lead.

Plant City forward Elijah Dawson broke up the Durant run and scored six straight points for the Raiders, leaving the contest tied at 28-28. But with 28 seconds left on the clock, White responded with another big three pointer and the Cougars were able to cling to a narrow 31-30 lead at halftime, outscoring Plant City by seven in the second quarter. Coming out for the second half, Dawson scored two straight buckets for Plant City to regain their lead, 34-31, and Dawson’s scoring runs proved to be a common theme for Plant City on the night. Whenever they needed points, Dawson was there to provide them Friday night with a season-high 23 points on 55 percent shooting from the field, while also adding a team-high 10 rebounds. The rest of the quarter remained tight, with several lead changes before Plant City was able to take a 51-48 lead into the fourth. The final quarter was once again lowscoring, with the two teams combining for just 14 points between them. But in the end, Plant City was able to hold on and escape with the thrilling 57-56 victory to keep their undefeated run in tact. “It’s still a young season and we obviously didn’t make the right plays at the

end, we missed free throws, we turned it over,” Plant City head coach Billy Teeden said. “So it’s like, we’re 7-0 but we have so much more to improve on. But these guys are awesome, it’s an awesome environment, I love it.” Behind Dawson, junior Damian Jones finished the contest with 15 points, sophomore Mike Bell finished with nine points and senior D.J. Haynes added eight points with a team-high five assists. “It’s awesome, awesome, awesome,” Teeden said about the energy from the fans. “When both teams are doing well in Plant City it’s awesome and Strawberry Crest is starting off well too. So it’s good stuff.” In the ensuing game between Plant City and Durant’s girls basketball teams, the game admittedly produced a bit less drama than the back-and-forth battle that came before. Durant entered the matchup on the heels of a strong 7-1 start, their lone loss coming in a five-point contest to Bloomingdale earlier in the week, and started the night on a 22-1 run en route to an 86-30 victory. The charge was led by the Cougars’ core group of juniors in Ki’Ajanae Gordon, Maggie Lauber, Sophia Flair and Miani Mejia, all finishing the evening with double-

digit scoring. Gordon paced the group with a team-high 25 points, falling just short of her season-high 29 points against Bloomingdale, while also adding a teamhigh six assists and five rebounds. Lauber — the Cougars’ leading scorer on the season at 19.6 point per game — followed just behind Gordon with 24 points of her own on 73 percent shooting from the field. Flair posted a double-double with 12 points and a team-high 13 assists and Mejia added 11 points, five rebounds and five assists of her own. All four teams will return to action on Friday, with both of Plant City High School’s teams hosting Robinson High School while Durant’s boys team will head to East Lake and the girls team will head to Alonso. As they sit in the same district, both of Plant City and Durant’s teams are set to meet again at Durant on Jan. 12.

Taylor Jenkins is the Sports Writer at the Plant City Observer. Email: tjenkins@ plantcityobserver.com.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL HOLDS EARLY SIGNING DAY CEREMONY Plant City’s Romello Jones, Jariyah Sawyer and Jermarian Jackson signed their National Letters of Intent on Wednesday.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

With the early signing period for players across the country to sign their National Letters of Intent, officially committing to the universities where they’ll continue their football career at the college level, three athletes from Plant City held their ceremony on Wednesday. Three multi-sport athletes at Plant City, defensive back/running back Romello Jones, wide receiver Jariyah Sawyer and defensive back Jermarian Jackson, all signed their letters of intent, with more players sure to follow on National Signing Day in February. “I always enjoy this day with all of our kids because you get to celebrate them and all of their accomplishments,” Plant City football head coach James Booth said. “Especially with these three. To sign now, especially with the transfer portal and how recruiting is now and the lack of scholarships that a lot of these universities have,

for these guys to go to really prestigious schools, for all of them to sign full-ride scholarships, it’s really rare in this day and age where a lot of guys have to go as preferred walk ons. So for them to sign these scholarships, to have school paid for, to have an opportunity to play at the next level, I’m just really proud of them.” Jones signed with the United States Naval Academy. In his senior season, Jones did everything that was asked of him by the Raiders. Defensively, Jones totaled 36 tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and four passes defended. He also served as Plant City’s returner, hauled in 10 receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns and took 48 carries for 383 yards and two more touchdowns on the ground. On special teams, he returned seven kickoffs for 266 yards and an average of 38 yards per return. 12-2 &12-16, 2021 “Navy isKU-Lakeland just very prestigious, it’s a great 231-1992 Keiser_Dec_Ads Plant City Observer honor,” Jones said. “Going there is something rare5x6 that not a lot of people have a MS chance to11.4.21 do. And then the benefits even

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after school, knowing that I’ll be successful regardless of what happens with football. It’s a smart investment, it’s a smart choice and I’m going to take advantage of it. I just thank God for giving me this opportunity.” Sawyer signed with Colgate University. At receiver, Sawyer finished 2021 with 26 receptions for 210 yards, the second- and third-best marks among Plant City passcatchers, respectively. “Not only is Colgate a competitive football team in the Patriot League, but the academics and the opportunities after school,” Sawyer said. “They’re one of the best colleges in the country for setting you up for success. I just know that by going to that school, my life is going to be set up for the long run. Coming into today I had three offers, but I knew from the beginning that I would be going to Colgate.” Jackson signed with Robert Morris. A standout in Plant City’s defensive backfield, this past season Jackson totaled 56 tackles, nine tackles for loss, one forced fumble and a team-high seven passes defended and three interceptions.

“Robert Morris stayed true to me for a long time, since day one,” Jackson said. “I took a visit up there and I loved it and I knew that it had to be home. They were by my side when I had nothing so I’m going to rock with them… When there was a dead period and there weren’t too many college coaches sticking with me, they were with me through the whole season. Talking with me and making me feel like family there.”

Taylor Jenkins is the Sports Writer at the Plant City Observer. Email: tjenkins@ plantcityobserver.com.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

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We asked Plant City: What is the best gift that you have ever received for Christmas? “My basketball hoop!” - Matt Smith “My Tiny Tears doll.” - Sharon Marie

“My first bicycle.” - Nick Johnson. “A marriage proposal.” - Karen Bingham

Elizabeth

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Louise Wall, 90, of Dover, Fla., born in Brandon on Nov. 28, 1931, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 3, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Roy ‘Ron’ Abney Sr. Roy “Ron” Abney, Sr., 77, of Lakeland, Fla., born in Birmingham, Ala. on July 11, 1944, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 6, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

of Plant City; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; siblings, George A. Dobrovic (Jeri) of Grove City, Ohio, and Patricia A. Dobrovic of Parma Heights, Ohio; sister-in-law, Linda Johnson (Jerry) of Plant City; and many nieces and nephews. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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Ilene Creamer Dukes

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Ilene Creamer Dukes, 85, of Dover, Fla., born on Feb. 25, 1936, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 8, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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Bryan W. Lott

Stephen ‘Steve’ J. Dobrovic HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Jerry Brooks Burton Jerry Brooks Burton, 74, of Garden Grove, Calif., and past resident of Lithia, Fla., born in Rochester, N.Y. on Nov. 13, 1947, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 4, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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cars, folk art, pottery, animals and social causes. She is survived by husband of 33 years, Will Moriaty; sister, Gina Cashon Frontiero of Clearwater; niece, Camella Frontiero; nephew, Wyatt Frontiero; cats, Jasmine, and Puck; and many other extended family and friends. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 South County Road 39, Plant City, where the family will receive friends beginning at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to T.R.E.E., the Tampa Bay Reforestation Environmental Effort, Inc. at treeinc.org. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Stephen “Steve” J. Dobrovic, 79, of Plant City, Florida, born in Cleveland, Ohio on Nov. 7, 1942, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 5, 2021. He was a member of Plant City Church of God, Vietnam Veterans of America, and VFW. He was a Veteran of the United States Navy and Army, having retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 with the Army, and a retired Inspector for the FAA. He loved God, his family, and church. He is survived by wife of 34 years, Peggy Dobrovic; daughters, Debra Moore, and Donna Andrews (Matt), both

Karen Cashon Karen Cashon, 58, of Plant City, Fla., born in Evanston, Ill. on Nov. 23, 1963, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 3, 2021. She was a Landscape Architect for the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation and was a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects. She enjoyed reading, American muscle

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

Bryan W. Lott, 76, of Lakeland, Fla., passed away on Dec. 7, 2021. Funeral services were held Dec. 13, 2021, at Plant City Church of God. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.

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OBITUARIES

Louise Wall

Patricia Ann Fuller-Gardner Patricia Ann Fuller-Gardner, 86, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Nov. 15, 2021. She was passionate about square dancing and cueing. She lived in a community dedicated to both Strawberry Squares in Plant City. Patricia was a member of The Daughters of the American Revolution. Survived by husband, Robert; her beloved cat, Bubba; children, Steven, David, Pam, Cheryl, and Diane; 17 grandchildren; 23 great- grandchildren; brothers, Joe and Shawn. She was predeceased by her daughter, Lisa.

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

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

YOUR CALENDAR

BEST BET THURSDAY, DEC. 2 STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN 3 to 6:30 at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Classic Cruise-In is back on Saturday, Dec. 18., rain or shine. Cars and trucks manufactured in or before 1996 can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music will be provided by DJ John Paul Gasca.

FRIDAY, DEC. 17

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 23

BLUEGRASS NIGHT

CHRISTMAS IS NEAR

7 to 8:30 at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Enjoy Bluegrass music? Than look no further. Head down to Krazy Kup and enjoy live Bluegrass entertainment from Southern Express Bluegrass Band, a Central Florida band that has originated from years of Bluegrass music experience. Admission is $15 and tickets can be purchased at www. eventbrite.com. For more information, contact community@krazykup.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 18 VALLEY’S END

7 to 8:30 at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Head to the loft at Krazy Kup on Saturday, Dec. 18 and enjoy their annual Christmas tradition, an evening of worship and Christmas music with Valley’s End. Valley’s End is a singer/songwriter band that aims to help people embrace intimacy with God through storytelling, music and ministry.

SUNDAY, DEC. 19 BIBLE TALKS

3:30 p.m. at 301 Dort St. Speakers Kelly Glazebrook and Betty Denton will lead Bible Talks throughout the month of December in an effort to encourage a genuine interest in the Scriptures and to point from them a way of life that “never fails and has not changed with time and circumstance.” Both speakers are without denominational affiliation but are in fellowship with a worldwide body of Christians who believe in following the instructions of the New Testament for their ministry and worship. They take no collections, tithes or salary and welcome all who wish to attend.

5 to 9 p.m. at 303 Lemon St. This free event promises non-stop fun with a number of Christmas-themed amenities. Held at the Strawberry Festival Grounds Wish Farms Sound Stage, kids will have a youth zone to keep them occupied, plus a chance to take photos from 5 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. From 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., attendees will also be entertained with live performances by Kenzie Wheeler and Rekindled Bluegrass. And to round off the night at 7:30 p.m., there will be a Christmas concert as well as a candlelight service. Parking Entrances are off of Oak St. and Reynolds Ave.

TUESDAY, JAN. 4 SQUARE DANCING LESSONS

6:30 to 8 p.m. at 4401 Promenade Blvd. Head down to the Strawberry Square Dance Center in January to kick off the new year with Modern Western Square Dancing Lessons. The event offers great physical and mental exercise, all through a fun social activity. The first lesson is free and all following lessons will cost $7 per person per lesson, with children from eight to 18 admitted free with parents. For more information or to register, call 860-9419841 or 813-723-0491.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 5 FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Federal, state and local opportunities are constantly changing. If you’ve served any time in the military, retired or non-retention, and would like to

review your benefits please take advantage of free assistance at the Bing House Museum, 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walk-ins welcomed or call 813-706-5800 to set a specific time.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS WITH ESTRANGED FAMILIES

6:30 to 8 p.m. at GracePoint Church, 1107 Charlie Griffin Rd. Join other parents who are estranged from their adult children. PEAK (Parents of Estranged Adult Kids) group provides a safe place to listen, share and support others going through the hurt of adult family abandonment. Meetings will include group discussions, self-care and positively-influenced activities to help cope with the situation. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month. For more information, visit www.peaksupportgroup.com.

SUNSET SOUNDS

6 to 8 p.m. at 5202 Thonotosassa Rd. Sunset Sounds is a summer music series featuring acoustic music from local artists. Head over to Keel & Curley Winery every Wednesday evening to enjoy music, food, drinks and sunshine on their patio.

THURSDAY, JAN. 6 PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS

7:30 to 9 a.m. Join the Plant City Toastmasters for breakfast, laughs, and fun; there’s no better way to start your Thursday mornings. Bring a chair and a mask. The Toastmasters also offer Zoom meetings for those who can’t make it in person. For more information, visit www. facebook.com/PlantCityToastmasters.

BLUEGRASS NIGHT

7 to 8:30 at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Krazy Kup will hold a very special Bluegrass Night to kick off the new year, welcoming three award-winning, Grammy-nominated artists in Richard Bennet, Shawn Lane and Cory Walker to the Loft. Bennet, a guidarist, vocalist and songwriter for JD Crowe and the New South Flashback Band, is a two-time Grammy-nominated artist. Lane, a long-time mandolin and fiddle player, vocalist and songwriter for Blue Highway, has garnered 22 IBMA awards and three Grammy nominations. Walker, of the Walker Brothers, has played alongside several major Bluegrass acts in addition to being named the IBMA Momentum Banjo Player of the Year. Tickets for the event are $25 and can be purchased on-site or online at www.eventbrite.com.

SATURDAY, JAN. 8 BEGINNING WALTZ LESSONS

10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 4401 Promenade Blvd. Head down to the Strawberry Square Dance Center this January for beginning waltz lessons. The event provides a fun way to get out and exercise, in addition to making some new friends. Beginning waltz lessons will take place every Saturday throughout January, February and March. The first lesson is free and all following lessons will cost $7 per person per lesson. For more information or to register, text or call Cindy at 864-723-6965.

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FORECAST

Send your photo submissions to staff writer Taylor Jenkins at tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com or hashtag #iloveplantcity on Instagram for @igersplantcity to feature.

THURSDAY, DEC 16 High: 84 Low: 66 Chance of rain: 16%

FRIDAY, DEC 17 High: 86 Low: 66 Chance of rain: 10%

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Dec 16

7:12a

5:35p

Friday, Dec 17

7:13a

5:35p

Saturday, Dec 18

7:14a

5:36p

Sunday, Dec 19

7:14a

5:36p

Monday, Dec 20

7:15a

5:37p

Tuesday, Dec21

7:15a

5:37p

Wednesday, Dec 22

7:16a

5:38p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, DEC 18 High: 85 Low: 66 Chance of rain: 24%

SUNDAY, DEC 19

Kimberly McDonald captured this photo of an afternoon storm over Plant City.

High: 83 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 24%

MONDAY, DEC 20

ONLINE

High: 80 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 24%

Across 1 3.0 and 4.0, briefly 5 “The Fall” guy? 10 AOL rival 13 James’ evil golfing opponent, in a 1964 film 15 Up to one’s neck 16 Subj. of a “delayed” notice 17 Kitty Hawk? 19 Monk’s title 20 Asset for a musician 21 One with all the answers? 22 Englishman Charles’ ripped-up early essay attempts? 27 Tight gp.

31 Some voting machine parts 32 Arcade plumber 34 2010s White House name 35 1860s White House name 38 Good insurance risk? 41 “Didn’t I tell you?” 42 U.S. laundry soap since 1918 43 Mound stats 44 It might be a bust 46 Where Ford gets an F 47 Pre-Christmas affair? 52 Forgets the lyrics, maybe 53 Evil laugh

58 59-Down need 59 Winning, in sports slang ... and what each of four puzzle answers is doing? 63 Bit of online mirth 64 Bury 65 Gooey goody 66 Poetic conjunction 67 Shoot for the stars 68 Corrosive chemicals Down 1 Rubberneck 2 Sheer 3 R&B’s India.__ 4 Take the offer 5 Three-time Best Director of the 1930s

6 Spiked punch? 7 Kid’s cry 8 Neil Armstrong alma mater 9 __-crab soup 10 Smart regarding marketing 11 Picnic spoiler 12 Desert along Africa’s southwest coast 14 Mull (over) 18 Sailing moniker 21 Shooting option, briefly 23 School meetings 24 “That ‘70s Show” role 25 The “Tristia” poet 26 Quake causes 27 Autobahn autos 28 One may be taken for a ride 29 Shopper’s lure 30 Quote qualifier 33 Gumbo pods 34 Screen lists 36 Fliers with combs 37 Source of “clan” and “slogan” 39 Miller option 40 Evan : Welsh :: __ : Scottish 45 Pranks, in a way, informally 47 More than a high roller, in casino lingo 48 Buzz 49 Cyberchatting 50 Have mastery over 51 Badgers 54 Webmaster’s code 55 Call from a bridge 56 “__ goes!” 57 Floors 59 Part of a band tour 60 “The Realistic Joneses” playwright Will 61 Slow boat 62 TNT component?

Jan. 2 New

Jan. 7 First

Dec. 18 Full

Dec. 26 Last

RAINFALL LAST WEEK:

MONTH TO DATE:

0.09 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

DEC. AVERAGE:

50.62 in.

2.66 in.

STRAWBERRIES Shipping point: Central Florida $16.00-$36.00

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

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