12.2.21 PLCO by Plant City Observer

FREE • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

VOLUME 6, NO. 173

NEW PARKSIDE SUBDIVISION IN THE WORKS THE PLANT CITY CITY COMMISSION HAS APPROVED BUILDING A TOWNHOME NEIGHBORHOOD OFF GRANT STREET BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

On Monday, Nov. 22, the Plant City City Commission gave the green light for a new subdivision to be built off West Grant Street, in Plant City. The Parkside Planned Development District will have 73 single-family attached townhomes on the south end of Grant

Street and west of its intersection with Hunter Street. This comes after being approved by the Plant City Planning Board and returning before the city commission with updated proposals The neighborhood will have two-story townhomes, each consisting of either four, five, or six attached residencies, sitting on 11.94 acres of land.

It will also be incorporated with several bodies of water, including a large stormwater management pond on the west end. A recreational amenity, a mail kiosk, and a playground will be provided, with a potential trail connecting the subdivision with the adjacent Dr. Hal and Lynn Brewer Park. It will be within the vicinity of several

daycares, an academy, and an assisted living facility. And the property is directly across from Tyler Street – which is on the north end of Grant Street. The highly controversial project has faced scrutiny from homeowners living within close proximity to the property.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

PLANT CITY RECEIVES AWARD FOR REC CENTER

Plant City officials accept the plaque for the Hillsborough County Commission Planning and Design Award, on Oct. 27. (Courtesy of City of Plant City).

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

SADYE GIBBS MARTIN COMMUNITY CENTER EARNED THE CITY ACCOLADE

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

NEWS BRIEFS

Chick-fil-A announces grand opening in Plant City A new Chick-fil-A restaurant will open its doors in Plant City today. Plant City’s first Chick-fil-A will be located at 1101 Goldfinch Dr., off of Thonotosassa Rd., with operating hours running from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The new restaurant will be locally owned and operated by Florida native Dawn Redmon. Redmon grew up in Mulberry, Fla., just a short drive from Plant City, and worked as a middle school teacher while also supporting a local Chick-fil-A restaurant with its marketing efforts. Redmon lat-

er became employed as a part-time team member with the company before advancing to leadership positions and ultimately being selected to become the operator of the Chick-fil-A Westfield Brandon in 2016. After serving the Brandon community for five years, Redmon will now transition to her new role as operator of Chick-fil-A Plant City. “Throughout my life, mentoring youth has always been my passion,” Redmon said. “With the opening of Chick-fil-A Plant City, I look forward to developing and encouraging my Team Members. As a local business owner, I am humbled by the opportunity to show care for our neighbors and serve our guests great-tasting food with Chick-fil-A’s signature hospitality.”

UYFL coming to Plant City for the 11th year The United Youth Football League National Championship tournament is returning to Plant City for it’s 11th consecutive year next week. In 2020, the event brought thousands of spectators to Plant City as they cheered on over 5,000 players and coaches that made up 185 youth football teams over 16 different age weight divisions that ranged from six-and-under to 15-and-under. Of the 185 teams in attendance last year, 151 came from outside of Florida, representing 26 different states. Only eight teams from Hillsborough, Pinellas and Orange counties were non-trav-

eling teams that didn’t utilize local hotels or other rental housing in Plant City. The tournament will take place at EllisMethvin Park where seven fields have been laid out to accommodate the event. Games will take place from Sunday, Dec. 5 to Friday, Dec. 10 and the tournament will stream live video of each game online through a pay-per-view service, exposing Plant City’s local facility and weather to the out-of-town markets. According to the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, the UYFL event is one of the largest annual youth amateur sports events held in the county and the event generated 15,163 room-nights in 2019, not including the positive economic impact on other businesses including restaurants, grocers and convenience stores.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

DECEMBER EVENT PREVIEWS LANT CITY HAS MUCH TO OFFER FOR HOLIDAY SEASON

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Every year Plant City has various programs to help its residents get into a happy holiday spirit. Here are some upcoming events for this month. CHRISTMAS LANE Not in its 37th year, Christmas Lane makes its return to Plant City, promising to offer decorations, props, lights, trees, train rides, mazes, food, a visit from Santa and much more. The holiday event will once again be held at the Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center on the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds, 2508 W. Oak Ave, Plant City. The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. each night from Nov. 26 to Nov. 28.; Dec. 2 to Dec. 5; Dec. 9 to Dec. 12; Dec. 16 to Dec. 24. Tickets will be $8 for those age 13 and older; $5 for ages 4 to 12; and free for age 3 and under. Tickets will be good for only one night. PLANT CITY CHRISTMAS PARADE Everyone is welcome to dress up in their holiday attire for this big event. Held in the downtown district of Plant City, attendees can watch the parade with its fancy cars, favorite Christmas characters, miniature cars, Santa’s train, listen to live performances, and much more. The parade will begin at 7 p.m. on Dec. 3.

LIGHTS OF LOVE At downtown’s McCall Park, will sit a 20-foot Christmas tree adorned with lights and decorations. A 23rd annual tree lighting ceremony welcomes all spectators to enjoy the scenery. The lights shown are purchased and hung up in memory or honor of a loved one. The proceeds go toward South Florida Baptist Hospital programs. The event will be located at 100 N. Collins St. in Plant City.

CHRISTMAS MOVIE CHRONICLES Drive in Movie for those age 60 and up and their grandchildren. Light snacks, door prizes, music and entertainment will also be offered. Attendees are encouraged to come in Christmas attire. It will be located at 307 N. Michigan Ave on Dec. 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The movie starts at 6:30 p.m. Must RSVP. Contact Gerry Randolph at 813-853-2136 or by emailing randolphG@HillsboroughCounty.org.

AWAKEN PLANT CITY This free event is hosted by Life Family Church and Jack Myers Ministries to help families in need of food and Christmas gifts for kids. Toys will be distributed as well as groceries, and a chance to win a free car. The function will offer live music performed by local artists, food trucks and more. It will be held on Dec. 5 at 4:30 p.m. and located at the Plant City Stadium.

CHRISTMAS IS NEAR This free event promises non-stop fun with a number of Christmas-themed amenities. It will be held at the Strawberry Festival Grounds Wish Farms Sound Stage, 303 Lemon St., in Plant City. Kids will have a youth zone to keep them occupied, plus a chance to take photos from 5 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.

WHITE SANDS HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE The treatment center is welcoming all for their holiday celebration. Snacks and refreshments will be provided along with a raffle to win a gift. The event features presentations from the KO Addiction Foundation as well as the White Sands clinical director, who will discuss their treatment philosophy and programs offered. And those in attendance can spar with professional boxers and take a tour of the 10acre campus. It will be on Dec. 10 from noon to 4 p.m. and located at 2011 N. Wheeler St, in Plant City.

GLORIOUS NIGHT First Baptist Church Plant City is ushering in the holidays with this 30-minute light show. The event will run between Nov. 26 and Jan. 2, from 6 to 10 p.m. It will be held at First Baptist Church Plant City, 3309 James L. Redman Pkwy., in Plant City. The event is free to all and will offer numerous Christmas carols, spectacular lights and holiday stories.

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

PLANT CITY

Observer

This week on Cops Corner: Plant City Police investigate multiple cases of fraud, damage at the Strawberry

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

Festival grounds and an altercation

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com

outside of a department store. istock

NOV. 19 MAXED OUT CARDS 2600 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Fraud: The victim responded to the Plant City Police Department and reported that she had purchased 10 separate gift cards to a department store at the location, each card carrying a value of $20 and equating to $200 in total. She later found out that the money was no longer on the cards.

NOV. 20 SHED CASE 1900 block of Lime St. Criminal mischief: Officers made contact with the victim who alerted them that an unknown suspect had attempted to enter

her shed by prying the corner of the window at some point throughout the night.

night and damaged a door that led under the stadium’s stage.

NOV. 24

NOV. 22

LAWN AND GUARDIN’

SCAMAZON 1200 block of W. Redbud St. Fraud: Officers made contact with the victim who advised them that she had been scammed by an individual who claimed to be with Amazon Security, resulting in a loss of $17,000.

NOV. 23 STRAWBERRY MESS-TIVAL 300 block of Berry Fest Pl. Burglary: Officers met with an employee at the Strawberry Festival grounds who alerted them that an unknown suspect had entered the festival grounds over-

2800 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Robbery: Officers responded to a department store at the location in reference to the report of an unresponsive male in a shed. Upon arrival, officers made contact with an individual who was sitting on the ground outside of the department store’s Garden Center entrance. Officers also observed the suspect laying on his back in the middle of the roadway, breathing but unresponsive in front of the Garden Center and near the previously mentioned individual. The individual stated that the suspect had attempted to rob him and his friend who had remained asleep in a display shed — where the two individuals

had both slept the night before — throughout the incident and was unharmed. The individual stated that he was sitting in the parking lot at the location when the suspect approached him demanding money, to which he refused. He then returned to the display shed and laid down next to his friend when the suspect returned, kicking open the doors to the shed, wielding a large knife and demanding that the two individuals give him money. The individual claimed that the suspect then attempted to stab him but he was able to grab the suspect and sling him from inside the shed. The individual then stated that he walked away from the suspect to the store’s Christmas tree tent, asked an employee to call the police and that his friend never woke up and has no knowledge of the incident. The individual did not wish to press charges and signed a waiver of prosecution. The suspect was transported to South Florida Baptist Hospital for minor injuries.

Sports Writer / Taylor Jenkins tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com Staff Writer / Brian Fernandes bfernandes@plantcityobserver.com Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

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

The Plant City Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. The Plant City Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

PROPOSAL GIVEN THE GREEN LIGHT DESPITE CONCERNS THE AMENDED PROPOSAL WAS APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION WITH A VOTE OF 4-1.

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Those in the community came out to the meeting protesting what they view as negative impacts to property value, privacy, safety, and traffic - should the subdivision be built. The recent approval was changed from initial plans, after taking into consideration the issues addressed by the public. Based on that, 85 single-family attached homes were reduced to 73 homes, decreasing the density of the neighborhood. The roadway will extend 1,650 feet in lieu of 1,590 feet – the first proposed length. The new stretch is also 150 feet longer than the limit typically is. One modification that is still ongoing is changing the buffer zone along the west side of the subdivision.

The p ro posed 8-foot buffer zone was shortened from 10 feet to accommodate the eastside with a 10-foot buffer. However, the west-end of the new neighborhood will be built along a wetland. Plant City Commissioner Bill Dodson saw the wetland as a safety hazard, leaving those homes vulnerable. As a result, it was decided that the developer will have to redesign the buffering along the westside. A dead-end cul-desac will stop the corridor short of intersecting with Mendonsa Road, which runs parallel to, and south of Grant Street. The original schematics showed a townhome situated between the cul-de-sac and Mendonsa Road. To create a longer distance from the street, the townhouse will be reduced from a six-family building to a four-family building. Also, it will be built 130 feet further toward the northeast. The cul-de-sac will have a 20-foot buffer away from Mendonsa Road. What’s more, fencing aligned with trees will divide the property from the street. Tara Tedrow is the developer’s representative and was present at the meeting to explain the modifications.

“If you were walking down Mendonsa, you would only see our tree lines,” she stated. “We wouldn’t have any rooftops right there. With the amount of planting that we’re going to have as well as…fencing along the entire perimeter of the property, I would argue that the visual impact is minimal if anything.” City code typically allows developers to add any new entrances or exits from their property without consent from the commission or informing homeowners close to the site. However, the developer for the Parkside subdivision agreed to return to the commission and undergo another public hearing if there were future plans to create another opening. “This was an important addition to the site plan,” said Robyn Baker, senior planner of the Plant City Planning and Zoning Department. “I asked them to add it to the plan so this way it’s a condition of approval if they ever decide to add access to Mendonsa. They have to come back before the city commission as well as notify the neighbors.” However, some homeowners feel that it still will cause issues to, what they say, is an already unsafe Mendonsa Road. “Our neighborhood has seen a resurgence of families with children,” said Dennis Carroll to the city commission. “It’s nice seeing children in the area, but danger lurks on Mendonsa. Traffic has increased significantly on Mendonsa because of the upgrade and the poor conditions on Grant Street.” Carroll went on to state that aside from him and fellow neighbors, delivery trucks and city vehicles have had to use other

detours to get onto Alexander Street and Collins Street, while avoiding Grant Street. Children’s safety along Mendonsa Road was another common concern. “The drivers are horrible,” said Chris Thomas. “I’m deathly afraid to let my kids go out to the road, or even play in the front yard without having to keep an eagle eye on them.” Jodie Peace expressed concerns for her children’s safety too, as well as the property value of her home. At the meeting, she pointed to the power point slide and noted that she lives directly across from the future cul-de-sac. Peace stated that she plans to sell her home in the next 10 to 15 years, but the subdivision would be a geographical disadvantage for her. “I don’t really think these townhouses are going to help my house appreciate overtime, and I love living in Plant City,” she said. “I love living on Mendonsa. Over time, I’m afraid that it’s going to become an exit to alleviate some of the traffic on Grant [Street] so people have an exit. I don’t want that.” Although, Baker tried to reassure the commission that safety measures have already been set in place, stating that “They’ve also gone above and beyond with the buffering and the screening to help try to protect those residents.” Mary Buzza has lived most of her life on Pinedale Drive, off Hunter Street. She already deals with heightened noise levels such as the Plant City High School band performance during football games.

There has also been a growing frustration for the backed-up traffic near Advantage Academy of Hillsborough, on Prosser Drive. With the use of a video camera, a traffic study was conducted in August near the surrounding intersections of the development and its entrance. The analysis concluded that no changes needed to be made based on morning and afternoon traffic peak hours. “This is your consultant who analyzed our study and rendered the conclusion that given the minimal amount of traffic that actually comes out of this project, no improvements to the roadways are necessary,” said Tedrow. However, Buzza pushed back stating that the study was inaccurate due to poor timing. “There’s no way it should have been done this summer when school is not in,” she argued. “There’s too many schools surrounding this area.” Dodson echoed Buzza’s sentiment and objected to the study. “I can understand the residents’ views at certain times, how they’d have such trouble getting in, getting out and have to deal with it on a daily basis,” he said. “I wouldn’t imagine any of us living on Mendonsa would want to deal with that type of daily activity.” While Dodson objected to certain aspects of the project, the rest of the commission reasoned that new developments and traffic buildup are inevitable in an already expanding Plant City. The commission approved the proposal by 4-1.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

NEW REC CENTER RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE IN ITS FIRST YEAR THE AWARD WAS PRESENTED BY THE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

Plant City’s Commissioner Bill Dodson and Mayor Rick Lott were in attendance

The Planning and Design Award of Excellence plaques were received by differ-

Plant City Parks and Recreation Director Jack Holland and Plant City Com-

for the 39th Annual Planning and Design Awards ceremony, on Oct. 27.

ent Hillsborough County cities. (Courtesy of Plan Hillsborough website).

missioner Mary Mathis hold the Planning and Design Award of Excellence.

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

In just one year, the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center has made enough of an impact for the City of Plant City to be granted the Planning and Design Award of Excellence. The Hillsborough County Planning Commission presented the accolade during the 39th Annual Planning and Design Awards ceremony, on Oct. 27. It was specifically for the entertainment and participation categories. It’s in recognition for the community center being a thriving hub for activities and events in Plant City since it opened last year. It is also named after Sadye Gibbs Martin, who not only was a teacher, but the first African American, and woman, to serve as mayor in Plant City and Florida. Annually, the planning commission allows Hillsborough County cities to submit entries for projects that have been completed in

a five-year time frame. The Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center is a replacement for the former Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center. The recreation center was established in 1960 and had additional building done in 1987. “We shared the facility with the Boys and Girls Club and had two joint programs after school going on, and then we had the summer programs,” said Deborah Haldane, superintendent of the Plant City Parks and Recreation Department. “We would have tons of kids coming through the doors.” Then in 2017, the recreational center suffered massive damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. “Unfortunately, its age was showing and had some water penetration issues,” said Jack Holland, director of the Plant City Parks and Recreation Department. The “go-to spot” was rendered unfit for use and the city commission decided not to invest any funds toward it but build a new recreation center in its place. With a $6 million-dollar price

tag, the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center was constructed and opened its doors to the public in August 2020. With a full-time staff of 61, the Parks and Recreation Department has made efforts to incorporate the same as well as new amenities into the facility. Spanning 30,000 square feet, it is equipped with two full-sized basketball courts, and multipurpose meeting rooms fitted with LED lighting, audio-visual technology, and energy-efficient climate control. Just like the former, this community center offers summer programs, afterschool programs - including tutoring, and activities that cater to a wide range of demographics. “There’s a lot of different things we can do in this building that we weren’t able to do in the old building,” explained Holland. For those who are all about fitness, there are always dance, aerobics and Zumba classes available. Along with basketball, kids can also partake in pickleball, volleyball and summer camp programs.

The multi-purpose rooms are always occupied with classes for arts, crafts, and exercise. And there are also computers available – a convenience that students may not have access to at home. Plant City schools take advantage as well, holding their own events. In fact, the community center has vans to pick up students after school. As Marshall Middle Magnet School is across the road from the community center, its students take advantage of the short walk to go about their fun activities. “Our staff does a really good job of creating relationships with the kids and the families,” said Julie Garretson, a supervisor within the Plant City Parks and Recreation Department. “The parents just love the things that we offer and just the type of people around their kids.” The staff not only provides a space for fun activities for children, but also creates a safe haven for children who have personal issues and need a confidant to listen to them.

“Those relationships are priceless,” said Holland. “A facility like this makes it so much easier for us to make that impact.” Plant City Mayor Rick Lott and the city commissioners also offer their support, serving as coaches and giving pep talks. Often times, the facility is used to create special memories for special occasions. It has become a suitable ceremonial ground for baby showers, gender reveal parties, memorial services, high school reunions, retirement parties, birthday parties, and holiday events. Holland credits the community center’s success, and the award, to the comradery of the various city departments. The new accolade acknowledges that the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center has become the new “go-to spot.” “People come and you know everybody by their first name,” said Holland. “Even with 40,000 [residents], we can still do that in Plant City, because we’re really a big family.”

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT ISSUED COINS SEALED IN EACH BAG:

Silver Morgan Dollar 1878-1921

Silver Liberty Head 1892-1915

■ FLORIDA AREA RESIDENTS CASH IN: Pictured above are protected packages containing the unsearched Vault Bags that everyone will be trying to get. It’s hard to tell how much these unsearched bags loaded with rarely seen Gov’t issued coins could be worth someday. That’s because each Vault Bag is known to contain nearly 3 pounds of Gov’t issued coins some dating back to the 1800’s including all those shown in today’s publication. In addition, after each bag is loaded with over 200 rarely seen coins, each verified to meet a minimum collector grade of very good or above, the dates and mint marks are never searched to determine collector values. So you better believe at just $980 these unsearched Vault Bags are a real steal.

Rarely seen United States coins up for grabs in Florida -zip codes determine who gets them Unsearched Vault Bags loaded with rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued coins some dating back to the 1800’s and worth up to 50 times their face value are actually being handed over to residents who find their zip code below and beat the 48 hour order deadline

Silver Walking Liberty 1916-1947

FL RESIDENTS: IF YOU FIND THE FIRST THREE DIGITS OF YOUR ZIP CODE BELOW. CALL: 1-800-869-3164 UV31881 320 321 322 323 324

Silver Peace Dollar 1921-1935

Silver Ben Franklin 1948-1963

“The vaults at Federated Mint are going empty,” said Laura A. Lynne, U.S. Coin and Currency Director for Federated Mint. That’s because a decision by Federated Mint to release rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued coins, some worth up to 50 times their face value, means unsearched Vault Bags loaded with U. S. Gov’t issued coins dating back to the 1800’s are now being handed over to U.S. residents who find the first three digits of your zip code listed in today’s publication. “But don’t thank the Government. As U.S. Coin and Currency Director for Federated Mint, I get paid to inform and educate the general public regarding U.S. coins. Ever since the decision by Federated Mint to release rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued coins to the general public — I’m being asked how much are the unsearched Vault Bags worth? The answer is, there’s no way to tell. Coin values always fluctuate and there are never any guarantees, but we do know this. Each unsearched bag weighs nearly 3 pounds and is known to contain rarely seen Morgan Silver Dollars and these coins alone could be worth $40 - $325 in

325 326 327 328 329

collector value each according to The Official Red Book, a Guide Book of United States Coins. So there’s no telling what you’ll find until you search through all the coins. But you better believe at just $980 these unsearched Vault Bags are a steal, “said Lynne. “These are not ordinary coins you find in your pocket change. These are rarely seen silver, scarce, collectible and non-circulating U.S. coins dating back to the 1800’s so we won’t be surprised if thousands of U.S. residents claim as many as they can get their hands on. That’s because after the bags were loaded with nearly 3 pounds of U.S. Gov’t issued coins, each verified to meet a minimum collector grade quality of very good or above, the dates and mint marks were never searched to determine collector values and the bags were securely sealed. That means there’s no telling what you’ll find until you search all the coins,” said Lynne. The only thing U.S. residents who find their zip code printed in today’s publication need to do is call the National Toll-Free Hotline before the 48-hour deadline ends. This is very important. After the Vault Bags were loaded with over 200 of U.S. Gov’t issued coins, each verified to meet a minimum collector grade quality of very good or above, the dates and mint marks were never searched to determine collector values. The Vault Bag fee has been set for $1,500 for residents who miss the 48-hour deadline, but for those U.S. residents who beat the 48-hour deadline the Vault Bag fee is just $980 as long as they call the National Toll-Free Hotline before the deadline ends. “Remember this, we cannot stop collectors from buying up all the unsearched bags of coins they can get in this special advertising announcement. And you better believe with each bag being loaded with nearly 3 pounds of U.S. Gov’t issued coins we’re guessing they’re going to go quick,” said Lynne. The phone lines will be ringing off the hook beginning at precisely 8:30 a.m. this morning. That’s because each unsearched Vault Bag is loaded with the rarely seen coins pictured left and highly sought after collector coins dating clear back to the 1800’s including iconic Morgan Silver Dollars, a historic Peace Silver Dollar, stunning Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars, the collectible Silver Eisenhower

330 331 332 333 334

335 336 337 338 339

341 342 344 346 347

349

■ UNSEARCHED: Pictured above are the unsearched Vault Bags being handed over to Florida residents who call the National Toll-Free Hotline before the 48-hour deadline ends. And here’s the best part. Each Vault Bag is loaded with over 200 U.S. Gov’t issued coins, including all the coins pictured in today’s publication, some dating back to the 1800’s and worth up to 50 times their face value. Each coin is verified to meet a minimum collector grade of very good or above before the bags are securely sealed and the dates and mint marks are never searched by Federated Mint to determine collector value. Dollars, spectacular Silver Liberty Head Half and Quarter Dollars, rarely seen Silver Franklin Half Dollars, high demand President Kennedy Silver Half Dollars, beautiful Silver Standing Liberty Quarter Dollars, American Bicentennial Quarters, rare Liberty V Nickels, one cent Historic Wheat Coins including 1943 “Steel Cents”, one of the beautiful Winged Liberty Head Dimes, scarce Indian Head one cent U.S. coins and the last ever minted Buffalo Nickels. “With all these collectible U.S. Gov’t Issued

coins up for grabs we’re going to do our best to answer all the calls,” said Lynne. Thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to claim the U.S. Gov’t issued coins. That means U.S. residents who find the first three digits of your zip code listed in today’s publication can claim the unsearched bags of money for themselves and keep all the U.S. Gov’t issued coins found inside. Just be sure to call before the deadline ends 48 hours from today’s publication date. ■

FEDERATED MINT, LLC IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. MINT, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, A BANK OR ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY. IF FOR ANY REASON WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM SHIPMENT YOU ARE DISSATISFIED, RETURN THE PRODUCT FOR A REFUND LESS SHIPPING AND RETURN POSTAGE. THIS SAME OFFER MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE AT A LATER DATE OR IN A DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. OH RESIDENTS R1054R-1 ADD 6.5% SALES TAX. FEDERATED MINT, PO BOX 1200, MASSILLON, OH 44648 ©2021 FEDERATED MINT

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

OFF-ROAD ENTHUSIASTS WILL TAKE TO SORENTO X-LINE TRIM!

Photo courtesy of Nitish S. Rele

SORENTO X-LINE (AWD) Tires: 255/45R20 Wheelbase: 110.8 inches Length: 189 inches Width: 74.8 inches Height: 70.3 inches Suspension: MacPherson front strut, multilink rear

Steering: motor-driven power Fuel capacity: 17.7 gallons City: 21 mpg Highway: 28 mpg Base price: $42,590 Price as tested: $45,050 Web site: www.kiausa.com

NITISH S. RELE

The 2021 Kia Sorento is offered in a wide range of trims and power trains, includinghybrid. Our test of this fourthgen SUV was the all-new and punchy X-Line AWD trim. It’s bigger in wheelbase by 1.4 inches and height by one inch. Also, overall cargo volume is up by 2.5 cubic feet from its predecessor. Under the hood sits a 2.5-liter turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder engine putting out 281 horsepower @ 5800 rpm and 311 pounds-feet of torque @ 4000 rpm. Seating six (seven is also offered in other trims), the midsize SUV is mated to a solid 8-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox. Eco, smart, comfort, sport and snow drive modes are offered. Tow capacity is acceptable at 3,500 pounds. The front shows off a dark hyper silver radiator “tiger nose” grille mesh flanked by LED headlights and daytime running lights. The bumper delivers a rough appearance thanks to molded-in skid plates. But it is the classy interior in the steel unibody SUV, packed with abundant creature/tech goodies, that wins hands down. The massive 12.3inch digital instrument cluster sports an analog speedometer and tachometer with fuel and engine temp readings. Space is plenty with a one-touch, slide-and-fold second-row Captain’s chairs and a 50/50 third-row seat. All in all, you get 75.5 cubic feet of space with both seats down.

Other conveniences are 10-way power heated/cooled front seats, dual auto a/c, push-button start, satin-chrome door handles, robust leather shifter and tilt/ telescopic steering column, 10.25-inch infotainment touch screen, panoramic sun roof, power lift gate and nice-looking wood on doors and dashboard. Dual front and side airbags, driver knee airbag, side curtain airbag for both rows, electronic stability and traction control, fur-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist, front active headrests, side impact door beams, front/rear crumple zones, forward, blindspot and rear cross-traffic collisionavoidance assists, smart cruise control, lane keep and follow assists, surround view monitor, rearview camera, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system are standard. Our hats go to Kia for installing the 2.5 turbo engine into the well-rounded Sorento lineup. By no means is the new power train insufficient to haul the nearly 4,000-pound SUV. This eminently practical package is a smart pick for the SUV buyer who at times likes to venture off the beaten path. Nitish S. Rele operates motoringtampabay. com and Khaas Baat, and was an automotive editor/columnist for the Tampa Tribune. Email him at motoringtampabay@gmail.com.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

MENORAH LIGHTING IN PLANT CITY Photo courtesy of Vicky Saunders

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

This festive season is not only about Christmas, but also the Jewish holiday Hanukkah. This year, Plant City performed its inaugural menorah lighting ceremony, hosted by the Chabad Jewish Discovery Center. It was held on Nov. 30 at 5 p.m. and located at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, 102 N. Palmer St. in Plant City. This ninebranch candle stand not only looks decorative, but also has symbolic meanings. Each branch lit represents the days during the Festival

of Lights. The shamash is the candle in the center and means helper or attendant. This one is lit first before the other eight are. The shamash is typically higher or lower to distinguish it from the other eight. During the ceremony, treats were offered such as the Jewish cuisine latkes and donuts. Also offered were chocolate gelts which are coin-shaped candies that are wrapped in foil. Often times they are used to play games with as if they were real currency. Afterwards, players get to the fun part which is tearing off the covering and eating them.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

FRESH CLASSICAL MUSIC

ED VERNER GUEST WRITER

There are those who say that Classical Music is like oceanfront property, “They just aren’t making any more of it.” Some say there are no more composers like those classical romantics with the emotion of opera, or the symphonic beauty of Brahms, or the childish wonder and purity of Mozart. However, there is a whole segment of music art and its composers often denied proper respect, namely the music of cinema. There are times when entire soundtracks of great films are a seamless orchestral composition of exquisite beauty and complexity. And, like their ancestors who created music to accompany action in opera or Ballet, these artist composers sometimes transform a well-made visual scene to the level of the sublime with their music. But unlike their forefathers of the bygone days of royal cinema who were heralded in the

trailers and boldly cherished in the opening credits of a film, they are sadly now often noted only in tiny letters and behind the film production crew caterers. Try to imagine movies like “Braveheart,” or “The English Patient,” or “Dances With Wolves” without the sound of their music. Original music in movies can be powerful and rich with emotion, but you may have to cherry-pick. Some movies make artful use of pop songs to create suspense, laughs, or to enhance the story line, and so a modern composer may wind up connecting the dots of music between pop songs. This bridging of gaps between musical styles across generations, race, and culture sometimes produces a classical gem. However, the infusion of pop songs makes many movie soundtracks or playlists unsuitable to satisfy the frustrated romantic classical music fan, unless they are willing to cull through the pile of rotten oysters in search of the pearl. Many movie CDs (yes, I’m that old)

can be taxing on the ear as they jump from the rock and roll of The Goo Goo Dolls to a symphonic choral of angelic voices. It can be hard to think of some original orchestral compositions from cinema as classical when they are nestled amongst such company. Another pitfall with some motion picture soundtracks is the tendency to give but a scant fraction of a 70-minute audio soundtrack to the composers who made hours of symphonic beauty for most of the screen time. Too often these movie “soundtracks” shamelessly push pop record sales, and sadly some soundtracks leave out entirely an orchestral section of music that played an essential role in a film to make room instead for one more pop track that only plays for 10 seconds during the last three lines of end credits. It is even more of a travesty when one realizes how pop songs have so many avenues to gain exposure both in mind-numbing repeti-

tion on radio, but also through all manner of marketing and media in our culture where symphonic work is mainly absent. Even with the pitfalls of the genre, and the hit or miss risks one takes when cruising through movie soundtracks, the search can generate great rewards for those who lament how Brahms just isn’t making any new music these days. In the original compositions for films there are creations of orchestral music that are every bit as breathtaking and complex in their simple beauty as anything written. If you are a Romantic Era classical music fan, you should try selected tracks from “Children of a Lessor God” or “City of Angels,” “Message In A Bottle,” “Somewhere in Time,” or “Gladiator.” Or you may find my Spotify playlist entitled “Film Score Greats – IMHO” to sample a few of my favorites. Take heart in knowing there are hundreds of others left to discover.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

A Look Back On The Pearl Harbor Attacks 12-2 &12-16, 2021

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

CUTEST CRITTER Do you want Plant City to see how cute your favorite pets are? Send your pictures to Staff Writer Brian Fernandes at bfernandes@plantcityobserver. com to be featured.

Kathy Flemister took this photo of a Plant City Longhorn off of Cowart Rd.

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IT’S READ EVERYWHERE Did you take the Observer with you on vacation? Send your pictures to Staff Writer Taylor Jenkins at tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

CENTERVILLE, INDIANA: Steve Harrington took this photo with a copy of the Plant City Observer in Centerville, Indiana.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

FOUR PLANT CITY KIDS ADVANCE IN NATIONAL HOOP SHOOT COMPETITION After coming out on top of their age group in the local round, several competitors from Plant City found similar success in districts. TAYLOR JENKINS STAFF WRITER

After the Plant City Elks Lodge held their annual Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest in October, the five winners from each age group made their way to Lake Placid, Fla. for the district round. In the competition, male and female participants across three different age groups ranging from eight to 13 years old each got their opportunity to shoot 25 free throws, with four of the five Plant City hopefuls taking first place. These are the local competitors that took the top spot in districts, earning their spot in the state regionals in Sanford, Fla. on Jan. 29: Boys 10-11: Kaden Montgomery Boys 12-13: Elijah Gilroy Girls 10-11: Kara Ouzts Girls 12-13: Marlee Kraus

In addition to the four district winners, Je’ziah Johnson finished second in the 8-9 Boys division. Following the state regionals, any competitors that once again earn the top spot will head to the state competition at the Elks Youth Camp in Umatilla, Fla. on Feb. 19, with a chance to then advance to the national regional and eventually the National Championship at DePaul University in Chicago. Winners at the national level will have their names and pictures enshrined as part of a brand-new digital exhibit at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. Seeing the important role that the Hoop Shoot plays on local kids, the Plant City Elks Lodge will assist the journey by funding travel expenses for any kids and their parents as they advance through the competition. “When we started the Hoop Shoot at the local level, we wanted to instill

grit in all of the kids,” said local Hoop Shoot director George Domedion. “A commitment to making new friends, a commitment to the work ethic to go out in practice and I can’t even tell you, almost every one of those kids told me how hard they’ve been practicing for the entire time since we held the local competition. They’re all practicing like crazy and now, especially the four that are moving on, they’ve all said how they’ve got to practice, practice, practice. That’s what we want them to do and they’ve all kind of become friends along the way, so it’s really been cool.”

Photo courtesy of George Domedion

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

SPORTS

2021 FOOTBALL SEASON: TOP PERFORMANCES These are the Plant City Observer’s top performances from the 2021 football season.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

With the Plant City area’s football season wrapped up and the NCAA’s early signing period inching closer on the horizon, I wanted to take one more look back at the season by noting the top individual performances that I was able to see in person from Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest. Note: Given the nature of high school football scheduling, I was only able to attend one game each week throughout the season. For that reason, several notable performances where I wasn’t in attendance did not qualify for this list.

65-yard go-ahead touchdown run late in the fourth quarter to break the tie and give the Raiders a 31-24 lead that they would hold until the final whistle. “It’s one of the best [performances] that I’ve seen,” head coach James Booth said after the game. “Reggie’s been patient all year and a lot of teams have kind of been loading the box and daring us to throw. So this was his opportunity to really have a lighter box and he made them pay. I thought that he did a great job, ran physical, showcased the speed that he has and I think that it’s one of the top Plant City performances that I’ve seen coaching.”

SEP. 3: DURANT QB MARCUS MIGUELE VS. LENNARD

NOV. 4: PLANT CITY RB REGGIE BUSH JR. VS. PLANT

In what was maybe the best single-game showing that I saw from any player in the area this year, running back Reggie Bush Jr. provided all of Plant City’s firepower in a crucial late-season district matchup against Plant. Entering the night with a 4-3 record and jostling with Plant for district placement, the Raiders were missing five starters and looked to Bush for a breakout game, a task that he happily took and ran with — no pun intended. Bush finished the night with 265 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 18 carries. Bush opened the scoring with an 11-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, added another score with a 32-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, broke off his biggest run of the night with an 80-yard touchdown run just before halftime and secured the Plant City victory with a

After attempting just five passes in Durant’s season-opening win over Sumner, quarterback Marcus Miguele showed out with 241 total yards of offense and three scores in a 49-12 win over Lennard the following week. Through the air, Miguele completed six of nine passes for two touchdowns and 130 passing yards, his third-highest passing total on the season. And on the ground, he took 11 carries for an 111 rushing yards and an additional touchdown, his secondhighest rushing total on the season. It was hard to highlight just one single performance from this game however, as Durant’s offense caught fire as a whole against the Longhorns. Garnering mention alongside Miguele, receiver Jeremiah Gines hauled in three receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns while running back Calub Connell notched 124 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries, also adding one reception for 22 yards.

just at running back but at quarterback as well. While quarterback Coby Burger wasn’t slated as the starter under center heading into the 2021 season, he took over as the primary signal-caller midseason and it allowed the Chargers to embrace a consistent rushing attack from the quarterback position. Perhaps no game better encapsulated that methodology better than Strawberry Crest’s 27-0 win over Brandon. Burger paced an explosive backfield that night with nine carries for 82 rushing yards and a touchdown, his second-highest mark on the season, while adding two completions on four attempts for 12 yards. Miles Jones followed suit with 64 rushing yards and a touchdown, then Ryan Weems with 46 rushing yards and two touchdowns and then Devin Blunt with 42 rushing yards. After stepping in as the starting quarterback, Burger led Strawberry Crest with 358 rushing yards and six touchdowns. OCT. 15: DURANT RB CALUB CONNELL/ CB JAYDEN CORNELIUS VS. PLANT CITY

In the 2021 Redman Cup between Plant City and Durant, the Plant City area’s biggest annual rivalry game, Connell was a force. A preseason injury to projected

starter Alex Daley pushed Connell to the top of the running back depth chart heading into Week 1 and he took advantage with a team-high 730 yards and 13 touchdowns, with one of his best performances coming in one of Durant’s biggest matchups. Connell was instrumental in helping Durant take the Redman Cup back from Plant City by way of a 29-6 victory, seeing the Cougars lift the trophy for the first time since 2017. Connell totaled 131 rushing yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, also notching one reception for 20 yards and his lone receiving touchdown on the season. The junior running back’s 151 yards of total offense against Plant City proved his second-highest single-game mark of the season, falling just shy of his 155-yard performance in Durant’s first game of the year against Sumner. Connell hauled in a 20-yard touchdown reception from Miguele to give Durant a 16-0 lead in the second quarter, then battled his way into the end zone on a tough 16-yard carry later in the quarter to extend the Cougars’ lead to 22-0 before halftime. On the other side of the ball, freshman defensive back Jayden Cornelius shut down the game late by taking advantage of Durant’s pressure up front and coming up with a pair of interceptions in the second half. Cornelius was the only freshman to ride with the Cougars’ varsity team in 2021 and had his coming out party early, notching two interceptions in Durant’s preseason game, one in each of his first two regular season games, one in a big win over Sickles and two against Plant City for a team-high five interceptions on the year.

OCT. 8: STRAWBERRY CREST QB COBY BURGER VS. BRANDON

Strawberry Crest entered the season with an emphasis on being as variable as possible on offense, using a rotation not

STRAWBERRY CREST’S EZRA CARPENTER NAMED GIRL’S SOCCER PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Carpenter has been instrumental in the Chargers’ first two wins of the 2021 season. TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Strawberry Crest’s girl’s soccer team has jumped out to a 2-1-1 start this season and it would be hard to argue that any single player has been more instrumental in those two victories than junior forward Ezra Carpenter. Carpenter has already amassed nine goals over the Chargers first four games, a mark that not only leads the team, but puts her at the top spot in the competitive 6A District 10. In fact, her nine goals are more than double any other player in the district as Wiregrass Ranch’s senior forward duo

of Rylee Humphries and Natalia Kaminski sit tied for second, tallying four goals each over the Bulls’ 5-0 stretch to start the 2021 season. All of Carpenter’s goals have come in Strawberry Crest’s two wins, both 8-0 victories over Plant City and King, as she netted four goals in the season-opener against the Raiders and an astounding five goals against the Lions on Nov. 16. Her five-goal performance garnered Hillsborough County Girl’s Soccer Player of the Week honors from PrimeTimePreps.

com where she amassed 58 percent of the total votes in a field of six nominees. In 2020, Carpenter led the Chargers to a 13-3 record en route to a 6A District 11 championship behind a team-high 23 goals while also tallying five assists. Strawberry Crest currently sits in fourth place in the district with a 2-1-1 overall record and an 0-1 record within the district after falling 4-1 to Tampa Bay Tech in their last contest on Nov. 17. The Chargers will return to action and look to get back into the win column on Thursday as they head

to Citrus Park to take on a 6-1-1 Sickles squad in a non-district matchup.

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

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

STRAWBERRY CREST BASKETBALL JUMPS OUT TO 3-0 START IN 2021

The Chargers fought off a comeback attempt from Chamberlain on Tuesday night to remain undefeated. TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Strawberry Crest hosted the Chamberlain Chiefs on Tuesday night, coming away with a 67-52 victory to remain undefeated and move to 3-0 in the young season. Led by their top-scoring trio of senior Jasiah Taylor and juniors Jordan Lewis and K.J. Canady Jr., the Chargers jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter and built on it in the second to take a 39-22 lead into halftime. Strawberry Crest continued to cruise early in the second half before Chamberlain caught fire, outscoring the Chargers 21-10 in the third quarter and cutting the deficit to just six as the fourth quarter began. Despite the courageous comeback attempt, Strawberry Crest stood tall and didn’t let the Chiefs’ run ever put their potential victory in question, pulling away for a 15-point lead and their first double-digit win of the year. “We’re playing okay, but we still have to get better,” head coach Austin Lewis said. “We’re still learning the game as well as learning how to win games.”

After finishing under .500 the last two seasons — going 1-25 in the 20192020 season before bouncing back to 9-15 in the 2020-2021 season — the Chargers have started red hot this year, on the back of an experienced roster that features just one underclassman. Jordan Lewis has led the Chargers’ scoring efforts through three games, averaging 18.3 points per game behind 19 points and 57 percent shooting from the field against Chamberlain. After Jordan Lewis, Canady has averaged 16 points per game and Taylor raised his average to 13.6 points per game with a team-high 20 points on Tuesday. “We were young,” Austin Lewis said about what makes the team different than the one on the court the past two seasons. “Those freshmen are juniors now and they’ve helped buy into the system. So it’s nothing but up from here.” Despite the fast start, the Chargers’ early wins may build confidence but could ultimately mean little if their winning ways can’t

translate to district play. Strawberry Crest will open a string of district games this week, starting with Armwood before taking on Tampa Bay Tech on Friday and Hillsborough next Tuesday. “We can be good,” Lewis said. “Even with our lack of size, we can be good because of our defensive pressure and our shooting ability.”

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

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

289704-1

We asked Plant City: If you put up a Christmas tree every year, do you use a real tree or an artificial tree? Why? “Artificial. It saves a lot of money, it’s less messy, and my cats leave it alone!” Jan Boarman “Artificial, I have bad allergies.” - Patricia Dixon “Real ones because it comes once a year and we love the smell of fresh pine.” - Matt Elliott “Artificial, I’m allergic to pine needles.” - Michelle Chambers

“Artificial. A short one because it is more financially efficient.” - Brenda Boyd Anderson “Artificial, I don’t like the mess of a real tree.” - Barbara Skaggs Ward “Real ones! And they are decorated and set up outdoors, under the gazebo this year!” - Mary Ann iStock image

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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Jenell White, 78, of Lakeland, Fla., born in Plant City on Dec. 17, 1942, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 21, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

James Anthony Howard James Anthony Howard, 57, of Mulberry, Fla., born in Plant City on Aug. 3, 1964, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 21, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Barbara Jean ‘Bobbie’ Goodson

Sergio Ramirez Juarez Sergio Ramirez Juarez, 54, of Mulberry, Fla., born in Monte, Mexico on May 22, 1967, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 21, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Eddie L. Chapman Dustin Daniel Pizzi Eddie L. Chapman, 68, of Plant City, Fla., born in Indianapolis, Ind. on Sept. 29, 1953, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 13, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Christopher Edward Miller

Christopher Edward Miller, 68, of Dover, Fla., born in Columbus, Ohio on Oct. 22, 1953, entered into eternal rest on November 23, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Bobbie Jane McGalliard Bobbie Jane McGalliard, 86, of Plant City, Fla., born in Rome, Ala. on Dec. 21, 1934, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 23, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Virgilio Reyes Jr.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Virgilio Reyes Jr., 56, of Plant City, Fla., born in Lampazos de Naranjo, Nuevo Barbara Jean “Bobbie” Leon, Mexico, on Aug. 1, 1965, Goodson, 89, of Plant City, entered into eternal rest on Fla., born on Jan. 22, 1932, Nov. 22, 2021. entered into eternal rest on Expressions of condolence Nov. 29, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com. at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Clyde Smith. Jr.

Dustin Daniel Pizzi, 36, of Plant City, Fla., born in Brandon on March 30, 1985, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 24, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Clyde Smith Jr., 80, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Nov. 25, 2021. The family will receive friends Dec. 2, 2021 from 9 to 10 a.m. at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. Funeral services will follow at 10 a.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care

OBITUARIES

Jenell White

William Burch William Burch, 62, of LakeHAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM land, Fla. passed away on Nov. 25, 2021. The family will receive friends Dec. 5, 2021 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. A graveside service will be Dec. 6, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 2323 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511 Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

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

YOUR CALENDAR

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

BEST BET THURSDAY, DEC. 3 PLANT CITY CHRISTMAS PARADE 7 to 9:30 p.m. Plant City’s Hometown Christmas Parade is a family-friendly event and all are invited to come out and enjoy the fun. Bring your family, friends and neighbors for great time together. The parade route will start at Collins and Alsobrook Street, travel north on Collins through downtown, turn right onto Reynolds Street and end at the courthouse. Spectators are asked to begin lining up on Collins, one block north of Alsobrook Street in order to view the parade in its entirety and to save space for the parade participants to line up properly. The parade is sure to include beautifully decorated floats, high-energy marching bands, heartwarming church participation, civic and service groups, local business participation and of course you can expect a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus to help kick off the 2021 Christmas season.

THURSDAY, DEC. 2

FRIDAY, DEC. 10

23RD ANNUAL LIGHTS OF LOVE

MOVIE TRIVIA NIGHT - MOVIE MUSICALS

5:30 to 7:30 at McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St. On Thursday, Dec. 2 the South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation will light up Plant City with their 23rd annual Lights of Love tree lighting ceremony. Starting at 5:30, kids can get their pictures taken with Santa, a musical program will begin at 6:30 and then the lighting of the Lights of Love tree will take place at 7. A gift of $25 or more will place a light on the tree in honor or in memory of someone special to you, or in your own name. Your gift will benefit medical services and healthcare workers at South Florida Baptist Hospital. Sponsors for the event are also welcome. For more information or to make a donation, visit wwwSFBHFoundation.org.

SATURDAY, DEC. 4 FROM THE REALMS OF GLORY

7:30 to 9 p.m. at 705 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL. After missing their annual holiday concert in 2020 due to COVID-19, the Plant City Community Chorale is thrilled to announce their 2021 holiday concert, From the Realms of Glory. The event is sponsored by Hopewell Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens and will take place at Nativity Catholic Church in Brandon, the Chorale’s first time performing at the venue. The Chorale, under the direction of Claudia Bolano, will perform several holiday favorites that will have you humming along, tapping your toes and feeling warmed by the spirit of the music and the joy of the holiday season. Tickets are $15 and available at www. pccchorale.org, facebook.com/pccommunitychorale, from any Chorale member, at the Walden Lake Car Wash, at the door or by calling 813-965-7213.

BLUEGRASS JAM!

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. This is an open invitation for local Bluegrass musicians and fans to head over to Krazy Kup loft and jam, clap hands, stomp feet and enjoy! Krazy Kup holds their Bluegrass JAM on the first Saturday of every month.

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. November Movie Trivia Night at Krazy Kup will feature questions relating to Christmas movies. Bring your friends and family to grab a cup of coffee and head up to the loft to show off your movie knowledge or just to cheer on your loved ones with a chance to win a prize. As always, the event is family friendly and free.

SATURDAY, DEC. 11 FUN WITH FLOWERS

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 605 N. Collins St. The Plant City Garden Club invites you to head over to the 1914 High School Community Center for their Fun with Flowers Event where you will have the opportunity to create your very own Christmas centerpiece with instruction from National Flower Show judge KC Jeronimo. Cost for the event is $25 and includes all supplies and a light lunch. If you would like to attend, you must reserve your spot in advance. Reserve your place by sending $25 payable to the Plant City Garden Club. C/O D.D. Severson, Plant City FL. 33566. Please bring your own clippers and scissors and for more information, text/call 206-406-3034.

EXPRESSO SELF ART

4 to 6 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Head up to the loft at Krazy Kup on the second Saturday of each month for art classes. Bring a friend, grab a treat and a drink downstairs and enjoy them upstairs as you ‘express-o’ yourself through art. Classes are $30 per person and open to all.

OPEN MIC NIGHT

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Open Mic Night is back at Krazy Kup. Join them for a fun night where you get to be the star of the show. Come out, strut your stuff and show everyone what you’ve got.

CHRISTMAS TOY TRAIN SHOW/SALE

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. Regal Railways presents the Christmas Toy Train Show/Sale at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds. Vendors will be in attendance selling model trains, various hobbies, collectibles and die cast cars. Additionally, there will be a running train layout for children to enjoy, so come on out and bring the kids as there will be something for all ages to enjoy. The cost of admission is $5 for adults and all kids 12 and under are free.

BRICKS N BREWS

2 to 4 p.m. at 115 S. Evers St. Head down to the Tipsy Bookworm for their Build N Brew event, in collaboration with Plant City’s own Brick City Bricks. The event costs $15 and includes both a holiday brew and a LEGO ornament for you to build and take home. Tickets can be purchased online at www.tinyurl.com/BuildandBrew. For more information, contact Greg Williams at 813-756-6256 or by email at greg@brickcitybricks.com.

FRIDAY, DEC. 17 BLUEGRASS NIGHT

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 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.

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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 2 High: 76 Low: 48 Chance of rain: 6%

FRIDAY, DEC 3 High: 77 Low: 51 Chance of rain: 7%

THURSDAYSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Dec 2

7:03a

5:32p

Friday, Dec 3

7:04a

5:32p

Saturday, Dec 4

7:04a

5:32p

Sunday, Dec 5

7:05a

5:32p

Monday, Dec 6

7:06a

5:32p

Tuesday, Dec 7

7:06a

5:32p

Wednesday, Dec 8

7:07a

5:32p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, DEC 4 High: 79 Low: 55 Chance of rain: 8%

SUNDAY, DEC 5 High: 81 Low: 60 Chance of rain: 11%

MONDAY, DEC 6 Mark Poppell submitted this photo of a smoky full moon over last month’s Plant City Pig Jam.

ONLINE

High: 80 Low: 58 Chance of rain: 13%

Across 1 Guthrie’s “Today” co-host 5 Apple tablet 9 Easily bruised Cajun veggie 13 Collectively 15 Possessive shout 16 Currency with Khomeini’s picture 17 “Same here!” 18 Greek salad ingredient 19 Out of sight 20 It takes getting used to 23 Note dispenser 25 Large tea dispenser 26 Geese cries 27 Native American leaders 31 Put a cap on

32 One of its first customers was a collector of broken laser pointers 33 IRS forms expert 36 Just slightly 37 Brown ermine 39 Born and __ 40 Theater backdrop 41 High time? 42 “Shrek” princess 43 Exuberant compliment 46 Some blue jeans 48 Sea-__ Airport 49 Observe 50 Morning news deliverers ... or based on a hidden word in each, what 20-, 27and 43-Across are?

54 Late notice? 55 “The __ Report”: 1976 bestseller 56 Bangkok natives 59 Ticket stub abbr. 60 Meadow mamas 61 Fires off 62 Programmer’s alternative to “if” 63 Yom Kippur ritual 64 Heavy homework amount Down 1 Most common surname in Korea 2 Half of snake eyes 3 Ryokan floor cover

4 Political alliance 5 “Everything’s OK” 6 Berth place 7 Initial poker payment 8 Tie on a track 9 Instruments with stops 10 Key-cutting site 11 Raging YouTube posts 12 Sheltered from the wind 14 Plumlike Asian fruit 21 GoDaddy purchase 22 Boris Johnson, e.g. 23 Book with insets 24 Clichéd 28 Auction action 29 Africa’s Sierra __ 30 Trade name letters 33 Flaky bakery product 34 Tubular pasta 35 “Opposites attract,” e.g. 37 Kitchen bigwig-inwaiting 38 A.L.’s Blue Jays 39 Show __ 41 Black, in Biarritz 42 Rhinestone surfaces 43 __ Nicole Brown of “Community” 44 Taking a breather 45 Monet’s May 46 Record company imprint 47 Heroic tales 50 Sit for a portrait 51 Bygone audio brand 52 66 and others: Abbr. 53 Flightless bird of the pampas 57 Altar affirmation 58 Phishing target, briefly

Dec. 4 New

Dec. 10 First

Dec. 18 Full

Dec. 26 Last

RAINFALL LAST WEEK:

MONTH TO DATE:

0.07 in.

0.00 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

DEC. AVERAGE:

50.53 in.

2.66 in.

STRAWBERRIES Shipping point: Central Florida $28.00-$30.00

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

PlantCityObserver.com