12.22.22 PLCO

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

There was a festive spirit in the air at the last City Commission meeting of the year. Though normally held twice a month, the Dec. 26 meeting was cancelled because of the holiday.

After the call to order by Mayor Nathan Kilton, invocation by Pastor David Delph of First Presbyterian Church of Plant City and pledge of allegiance, City Manager Bill McDaniel encouraged residents to make the most of this time of year. “Plant City is a great place to live, work and

play and I hope everyone enjoys the holiday season to the fullest,” he said.

During the presentation portion of the meeting, the Florida League of Cities was on-hand to recognize City Commissioner Bill Dodson for his years of municipal service as a city commissioner.

Routine consent agenda items were quickly approved, including approving bids for pump repair and services and awarding a contract with Rep Services, Inc. for the

removal and installation of new playground equipment at Burchwood Park. The project, which will cost $57,202.81, is expected to take 32 weeks from the issued purchase order to completion. The new equipment will include ADA accessibility, auditory play elements, a saddle spinner and climbing panel.

HOPE LUTHERAN RECOGNIZES MUSIC DIRECTOR, HOSTS LADIES CHRISTMAS TEA

On Sunday, Dec. 11, the members of Hope Lutheran Church, 2001 North Park Road, Plant City surprised their organist and Music Director Christine Mansell, with a celebration in her honor. Christine marked her 50th year of ministry at Hope. To mark the occasion, her close friends Gloria Klockzeim and Barbara Carnicelli — both retired organists — shared the music duties that morning at Hope to Christine's surprise. The congregation also hosted a special brunch following their morning worship in her honor. Among the tributes received that day were a video greeting from Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Florida Georgia District President, Rev. James Rockey. A proclamation honoring Mansell was also received from the City of Plant City. The members of Hope also presented Mansell with a basket full of

cards and gift cards to her favorite crafting stores. Mansell, who has faithfully served Hope for 50 years, also owns and manages Jacks Insurance and the Tiki Boutique in Lakeland. According to Hope's pastor, Rev. Dean Pfeffer, "Christine shares her love and joy of music and ministry every time she sits at the organ or keyboard.' Christine leads the music at both Hope's English and Spanish congregations.

And on Saturday, Dec. 3, the Christian Growth Ministry Team of Hope Lutheran Church joined for their Annual Ladies Christmas Tea. The time together is open to ladies of all ages and many brought their young daughters and granddaughters to the event. The morning began with a devotional time together in Hope's sanctuary and then moved to their Fellowship Hall for Tea Time.

This year, Hope's Elders Ministry Team was asked to serve as "waiters" for the day. The Elders were ably directed by Hope's Fellowship Ministry Team.

PREPARE NOW FOR THE

GARDEN CLUB HORTICULTURE SHOW

Start planning now if you wish to have your plants on display at the Florida Strawberry Festival as a part of the Plant City Garden Club’s Horticulture Show.

Plants will be accepted on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be dropped off at the NeighborhoodVillage Building, on the south side of the Administration Building right next to Gate 4, off f Berryfest Place. Eligible plant specimens to be entered into the competition must be

FOUR ARRESTED FOLLOWING PLANT CITY SHOOTING

On Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, at approximately 12:37 p.m. the Plant City Police Department responded to a 911 call of a reported shooting in the 1000 block of W. Washington Street. Upon arrival, officers located a Black female adult victim who sustained a gunshot wound to her lower body. A second victim, an adult Black male who sustained a gunshot wound to the upper body, was located at an area hospital. Both victims have since been treated and released from area hospitals.

Back up officers responding to the scene detained three juveniles who were passengers in a black four-door vehicle that crashed into a tree near the shooting scene. All three juveniles had injuries consistent with a traffic ash. The three juveniles were later transported to area hospitals where they were each treated and released. A fourth subject who fledfrom the vehicle was not located at that time. Further investigation revealed the juveniles fied multiple rounds from fiearms

There is an exception for multiple plants (Dish Gardens, Fairy Gardens, Terrariums) which must have been in exhibitors’ possession for at least six weeks.

For the full list of rules, regulations, and awards for the contest, please visit: https:// fltrawberryfestival.com/wp-content/ uploads/2022/09/2023-Strawberry-FestUPDATED-Horticulture.pdf

from the vehicle as they passed the victims on the street.

All four suspects were arrested on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022 and transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center.

The four suspects are:

• Miguel Torres-Flores, 16, of Plant City

• Juan Jose Altamirano-Ibarra, 17, of Plant City

• Juan Isidro Jr., age 17, of Plant City

• Juan Velasco-Santiago, 17, of Plant City

All four suspects have been charged with:

• Attempted Murder in the First Degree, Premeditated with a Firearm, one count

• Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, with a Firearm, two counts

• Aggravated Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony with a Weapon, one count

• Aggravated Battery with a Weapon, Great Bodily Harm, two counts

PLANT CITY

grown by Hillsborough County residents. To enter your plants for prizes, they must be in your possession for three months prior to opening day of the Strawberry Festival.

Photos courtesy of Hope Lutheran Church

Photos courtesy of Hope Lutheran Church

CACERES STAFF WRITER

COOKING SAFETY

„ Cautious Cooking: Always have a cook in the kitchen; unattended cooking is a contributing factor in home cooking fies.

„ Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen: Keep kids and pets away from the cooking area.

„ Food Poisoning for Christmas: Keep prepared foods away from raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs.

„ Bacteria Growing: Cook food thoroughly, using a food thermometer to determine doneness. Internal temperature should be 140 degrees Fahrenheit or above depending on the food.

„ Calling it Quits: Ditch the leftovers after four days (you’ll be sick of them anyway by then).

TRAVEL SAFETY

„ Distressed Drivers: Avoid aggressive and angry driving. The holidays can mean crowded roadways but keep your emotions in check. Plan ahead and anticipate delays to arrive alive and on-time. If you see an angry driver, give them plenty of space.

„ Careful with Cocktails: A little eggnog might be tasty during the holidays but be sure to designate a sober driver ahead of time if you plan to drink at holiday gatherings. In Dec. 2021, there were 1,099 crashes involving alcohol, drugs or a combination of both in Florida. Buckle up, slow down and don’t drive impaired.

„ Musical Chairs: During long road trips, rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.

SHOPPING SAFETY

„ Shopping Secretively: Do your online shopping at home and make sure your home wireless network is protected.

„ Say No to Scammers: During the holidays, scammers may send fake emails that are too good to be true. Don’t click on links! Also, when shopping online, only use trusted retailer websites.

„ A Hard Pass: Set strong passwords and change them often. Don’t set passwords the will be easy for cyber criminals to guess.

„ A Car Repair for Christmas: More shoppers mean more vehicles in parking lots. Be extra careful when backing out of parking spaces but even more careful when you’re on foot walking to and from your vehicle.

„ Look Out for Lurkers: Always park in well-lit areas and be alert to your surroundings.

„ An Invitation to Steal: Don’t leave

purchased gifts in plain sight- lock them in your trunk.

„ Disappearing Act: Check your bank statements regularly to spot suspicious activity.

PET SAFETY

„ Oh, Christmas Tree: Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall on your precocious pet.

„ Avoid Mistletoe & Holly: Mistletoe and holly can be poisonous and cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, a surefie way to ruin the holiday spirit as you search for a veterinarian open on Christmas.

„ New Year’s Noise: Many pets are scared of fieworks. If they’re part of your New Year celebration, keep them in a safe, escape-proof area as midnight approaches.

There was plenty of goodwill going around Plant City last weekend when Plant City Black Heritage and Des’Aimes Social Club hosted its annual Santa Sled Festival at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center, providing toys, groceries, clothing and more to local families. One lucky single mother also drove away from The Joy of Giving Event at Sligh Middle Magnet School (hosted by WWE star and philanthropist Titus O’Neil) with a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu thanks to the generosity of Stingray Chevrolet owner Steve Hurley.

Plant City Black Heritage founder and event coordinator Sharon Moody said more than 100 families with more than 300 children attended the Santa’s Sled event. Attendees received raffle tickets for a chance to walk away with a big-ticket item like bicycles, hoverboards and electric scooters. “The children were so excited to see the bags filled with toys that they wanted to open them up right then and there,” she said. “I really enjoy this time of year, giving back to

the community.”

While there were many grateful families, probably none were more grateful than Plant City resident and single mother Shytal Eston, who received a gift she wasn’t expecting in her wildest dreams. The Lincoln Elementary Magnet School teacher’s aide and mother of two (King, 9, and Royal, 6)had been puttering around town in a 1999 Honda Civic with more than 180,000 miles on its odometer.

Faulty wheel bearings that caused a constant wobble when driven meant she only drove the car to and from work. Highways were avoided. If she needed to go somewhere outside of Plant City’s city limits, she’d rely on friends to take her. The car radio didn’t work. Three of four car doorhandles were inoperable. When the doors locked, one of her children would crawl through the trunk to the backseat and manually unlock the doors. Two weeks ago she was late to work because the key wouldn’t fit in the trunk lock and she had to call AAA. The tow truck driver spent 30 minutes running a snake to the only working door. Although thankful to have a car

(she used to not own one), she frustratedly told her co-workers that she was ordering new doorhandles as soon as she got her next paycheck.

What Eston didn’t know was that she would soon receive a gift that would change her life. Principal Carol Rushing was in on the surprise and invited her to attend a Saturday event with her at Sligh Middle School. Rushing picked Eston and her children up the day of the event (because her car couldn’t make the drive to Tampa). “I thought we were there to represent Lincoln,” said Eston.

Rushing invited Eston to an area near the stage. An announcer said they waned to recognize four families. Eston’s was he second name called and she was told to stand next to Hurley. She was bewildered but obliged. “I got closer and saw a covered object but didn’t have my glasses on and was just praying to God I wouldn’t faint,” she said. “I felt like I was having an outerbody experience.”

When the cover was removed she was shocked to see a new car. Her new car. All the doors open. The radio works. There’s

no wobble. It has Bluetooth technology, lane assist and a key fob. She cried happy tears.

Eston took possession of the vehicle Monday morning after completing the required paperwork at the dealership. Her children, who attend the H.O.S.T. after-school program, couldn’t wait for their mom to pick them up in the carline. “My daughter thought Christmas had come early,” she said. “She loves the new car smell.”

The biggest benefit is she can now take her children to all the places she couldn’t in her old car. Her son wants to go to the beach. Her daughter wants to see the mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs. “We can go places now,” she said. “I’m just so appreciative.”

Hurley appreciates the opportunity to bring joy to such a deserving person in the Plant City community. “It’s great to be blessed with enough success to be able to do this but this wouldn’t happen without Sharon’s help finding the best candidate,” he said. “It’s amazing to be able to make that kind of difference, it’s really special.”

MICHELLE

MICHELLE

Photo Courtesy of Norm Kniess

Photo Courtesy of Norm Kniess

DECEMBER 12

FAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE IT

Counterfeit bills: An officer responded to a business at the listed location in reference to a delayed counterfeit bills complaint.

CARD SWIPED

2500 block of Thonotosassa Rd.

Theft / fraud: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who reported that while they were at work that morning, their wallet containing miscellaneous credit cards and other personal items was misplaced / stolen.

DECEMBER 13

A DAY LATE, A DOLLAR SHORT

500 block of Turkey Creek Rd.

Business burglary: An office responded to a business at the listed location in reference to the delayed report of a burglary.

KEEP ON TRUCKIN’

3000 block of James L. Redman Pkwy.

Recovery, stolen vehicle: Officers made contact with a representative of the business at the listed location who reported locating two items belonging to the business, one truck and one trailer, that were previously reported stolen to different agencies.

LOST AND FOUND

800 block of S. Alexander St.

Warrant arrest: One officer observed an individual walking in a parking lot at the listed location. The officer had been informed earlier in the day by another officer that the individual was seen in the area prior and was in possession of an active felony warrant out of Hillsborough County. The officer made contact with the individual and an FCIC/NCIC check revealed the active warrant for felony petit theft. The individual was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

UNLOCKED AND LOADED

2600 block of E. Cherry St.

Vehicle burglary: An officer met with the victim who reported that their unlocked vehicle was

entered, resulting in the victim’s purse, credit cards, $2,600 in cash and medication was allegedly stolen.

CLEAN PLATES

1000 block of W. King St. Stolen license plate: An officer responded to the residence at the listed location in reference to a delayed stolen license plate complaint.

DECEMBER 14

YOUR CHECK’S IN THE MAIL

1600 block of Paddock Dr. Fraud: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who believed that their check book was taken from their mailbox and that checks were then fraudulently cashed.

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COMMISSIONER’S CORNER

MISSED THE MEETING? DON’T WORRY, WE TOOK NOTES.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

A contract change order (increasing the contract fee by $33,630) was also approved with Kimbley-Horn and Associates, Inc., a planning and design engineering firm orking on the Collins Street Complete Street Improvement project. The fee is for design modifiations at Renfro Street right-of-way east of Collins Street, modifications to the Street & Pedestrian Lighting system and additional coordination of private utility relocation. The project is currently approaching design completion, including approval through the Florida Department of Transportation. Construction is anticipated to be bid in April 2023.

A resolution was approved to increase internet speeds for the Police Department. Its current contract with Spectrum Ser-

vices includes 100 megabits per second (mbps) download and 10 mbps upload speeds, comparable to residential internet service, which is not sufficientor its infrastructure needs. The new service, which will cost $62,134 for a three-year contract, includes one gigabyte download (1,000 mbps) and one gigabyte upload speeds.

A resolution regarding the Wetland Impact Approval and Mitigation Agreement, related to road widening on Turkey Creek Road and the impact on 2.11 acres of wetland and potential stormwater runoff was also approved. Although the property is owned by the city, the roadway improvements are being constructed by Hillsborough County. Under this Agreement, Hillsborough County will be responsible to perform construction of the wetland mitigation on the property.

The terms for Plant City Planning Board members John Haney and Jeremy Burris

expire on Jan. 1. Members of the sevenperson board serve three-year terms. Both members were reappointed to serve an additional term. The City Commission approved the appointments.

The terms for Plant City Housing Authority Board Commissioner Jon Poppell and Resident Commissioner Judy Picket’s expire on Jan. 1. Members of the fie-person board serve four-year terms. Poppell was reappointed to serve another term as Commissioner. Picket was not seeking reappointment. Florida law provides that the “Mayor, with approval of the governing body” makes appointments for Housing Authority members. Maribel Agosto was appointed as the new Resident Commissioner. The City Commission approved the appointments.

“We’re grateful for anyone who wants to serve on these boards,” said Mayor Nate Kilton.

A resolution ratifying a collective bargaining agreement with International Association of Firefighers Local 2103 was ratified

City Hall will be getting a new rooftop chiller thanks to a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Johnson Controls, Inc. for $173,994, the lowest bid for the project. The old units, one of which is inoperable, are 13 years old.

The next commission meeting will be held Mon., Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers within City Hall (Nettie Berry Draughon Municipal Building), located at 302 West Reynolds Street.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA HONORS VETERANS IN PLANT CITY CEMETERIES

VOLUNTEERS SHOW UP EN MASSE TO ADORN MILITARY GRAVES IN PLANT CITY.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Plant City resident Vicki Croft always hoped that Plant City would one day participate in Wreaths Across America, a program where volunteers lay wreaths on the graves of veterans buried in local cemeteries. Last month, while in the break room at South Florida Baptist Hospital where she works, she noticed a Plant City Observer on a table and decided to peruse its pages. She saw an article about Wreaths Across America’s inaugural event being held in Plant City and she immediately picked up the phone and called event organizer Kimberly Kitchen.

“I sponsored a wreath and told her I wanted to volunteer this year and every year,” said Croft, who knew exactly where she’d place her wreath. Her son, David Andrew Croft, Jr. joined the Army after graduating from high school in 2005. During his second deployment to Iraq in 2010, he was killed when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device (IED) and small arms fire.

Last Saturday, she placed the wreath on her son’s grave in Turkey Creek Cemetery. “He served our country and I’m grateful this program has made it’s way to Plant City so I can honor him this way,” she said.

Wreaths Across America ceremonies took place in 3,400 locations across all 50 states and abroad. In Plant City, more than 300 volunteers placed more than 1,000 wreaths on veterans’ graves in local cemeteries. Kitchen is grateful for everyone in the community that participated and supported the event.

One of those supporters was Terry Jones, Southeast General Manager of Marcone Supply, who was working out of town the day before the event when he got a feeling he needed to give Kitchen a call to see if she needed any last minute help with the event. His call couldn’t have come at a better time. “I told him

I needed guys with trucks to help pick up the wreaths early the next morning and deliver them to the event site,” she said. “He hung up but called back several minutes later and told me he had nine men with seven trucks and four trailers that could help and I was so grateful.”

The event was extra-special for Kitchen because her grandchildren laid a wreath on their great-grandfather (Kitchen’s father) Alfonso Murray’s grave, a Korean War veteran they’ve never met but honor every year as they eat Christmas breakfast together every Christmas morning. “That was a tradition he started 17 years ago and to have them honor him with a wreath and make the connection that he fought for the freedom we have to celebrate that tradition was impactful,” she said. “So many people gave their lives so we can enjoy these freedoms.”

A program preceded the wreath laying at Veterans’ Memorial Monument Park, when local officials spoke, the National Anthem was sung and wreaths representing veterans of the various services were placed at the base of the monument.

Plant City resident Jeannie Elliott’s husband Colonel David Elliott and daughter Captain Kara Elliott Jordan participated in the ceremony. In previous years they attended the event at Florida National Cemetery.

“Attending the event in Plant City made it more personal because we heard stories about what our neighbors and local veterans, people we know, have done for our country,” she said. “It helped us see those residents in a richer light and to recognize their service.”

Elliott hopes the event will become a Plant City tradition for years to come. Kitchen hopes that too and knows the Plant City community will rally again in coming years to support its veterans. Her heart is full of gratitude for everyone that supported the event this year. “If I could title this article ‘Thank You Plant City’ I would because so many people came together to make this event possible,” she said.

DODSON RECOGNIZED FOR TWENTY YEARS CONTINUOUS MUNICIPAL SERVICE AS CITY COMMISSIONER

THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES PRESENTED DODSON WITH A PLAQUE AT THIS MONTH’S COMMISSION MEETING.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

The Florida League of Cities presented Commissioner Bill Dodson with the Mayor John Land Years of Service Award at this month’s commission meeting. Named in honor of long-time Apopka Mayor John Land, who served his city for more than 60 years, the award honors elected municipal officials who’ve reached 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 50 years of dedicated municipal service.

Eryn Russell with the Florida League of Cities presented Dodson with a framed resolution and lapel pin for recognition of 20 years continuous service as a city

commissioner. “America’s government has long relied on its citizens and we want to recognize you for dedicating so many years to this city,” she said. “Being elected to serve so many terms on the commission is a high compliment.”

Dodson’s public service career spans much longer than 20 years. In the 1970’s, he served as Plant City’s assistant city manager, leaving after two years for terms as assistant city manager of Temple Terrace and then as a city manager of Enfield, N.C. while attending graduate school at N.C. State. Dodson returned to Plant City to join the family tile/brick manufacturing business Florida Brick and Clay Co. Inc. He was introduced to a local young woman and former Strawberry Queen, Silvia Azorin. Dodson fell head-over-heels in love and

the couple married in 1976. Not long after, city leaders tapped him to accept an advisory appointment to the Planning Board, a seat he held for 23 years (20 as chairman). He was elected a city commissioner in 2002.

“It’s been an honor serving the people of Plant City,” said Dodson. He was pensive as he considered his years of service. “Time goes by so quickly especially when you’re doing something that you truly love.”

Dodson isn’t the first commissioner to earn the award. Commissioners Mary Mathis and Michael Sparkman were recognized in 2020 for 20 and 25 years of service, respectively. He recognizes that the continuity of leadership has a positive impact on its success. “When you have people willing to serve that long, to gain experience,

it allows the city to move forward in very positive ways,” he said. “We’ve been able to obtain a lot of goals that haven’t been easy to obtain.”

Mayor Nate Kilton offered congratulations, calling service on the city commission a volunteer position that requires an election. “We really appreciate you as a colleague and friend, it’s clear you have a real love for this community,” he said.

POLICE OFFICERS GIVE BACK WHILE GROWING BEARDS

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

The beards are back as officers of the Plant City Police Department (PCPD) have once again grown out their beards to raise money to help Bryan Elementary parents make their children’s holiday wishes come true.

Normally the department has a strict no-beards-in-uniform policy but around the holidays officers could grow facial hair after contributing a set amount to the fundraising campaign. This year, officers paid $110 to wear a beard until Dec. 31. Female officers could get in on the holiday spirit this year by making the donation in exchange for being able to wear non-conforming nail polish colors.

Last week, officers and their families took the $3,600 in proceeds and went on

a shopping spree at Walmart to purchase items on more than 30 children’s wish lists.

Officer Justin Lee brought his family (wife Heather and four daughters) to help shop for items on the lists. His family scoured the aisles for toys for four girls between the ages of two and 11. His girls dug through a bin of Squishmallows to find an animal squishy. They were torn between the toucan and the sloth. Other items on their lists included a volleyball, clothes, arts and crafts kits and slime. “My girls have been looking forward to this all day,” said Heather Lee. “It’s just a great outreach to the community.”

Justin Lee said it’s not just local families that benefit because the lessons his children are learning will have a lifelong impact on them. “I want my kids to become adults that are always looking for opportunities to

serve others,” he said. “This is a character-building moment for them.”

Officer DeDee Gregory’s shopping list included dinosaurs and a Baby Shark. She had a little trouble locating the second item but Walmart employees were quick to lend a hand, locating a stuffed Baby Shark in one of the aisles. Several years ago, Gregory stepped in as Bryan Elementary’s school resource officer (SRO) while the school district hired and trained permanent SRO’s a few years ago so feels a connection to the school and its students.

Parents of the children will pick up the gifts at police headquarters, along with wrapping paper and tape, so they can take the gifts home and wrap them. “This isn’t about police officers buying gifts for kids, it’s about helping parents give Christmas to their children,” said Police Chief James

a little recharge for them,” he said.

All good things must come to an end though, because when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Day, those newly-grown whiskers will be shaved off and the officers’ faces will return to their preholiday looks.

Bradford. His officers also benefit because it gives them another way to serve the community in addition to responding to motor vehicle accidents, assisting victims of petty crime or writing incident reports. “This is

THE MONEY DONATED FROM THE FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN WAS USED TO PURCHASE ITEMS ON BRYAN ELEMENTARY STUDENTS’ WISH LISTS.

PLANT CITY ELKS LODGE HOLDS HOLIDAY EVENTS FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY

TAYLOR JENKINS STAFF WRITER

On Dec. 14, the Plant Elks Lodge hosted their annual holiday dinner for Everyday Blessings, an organization in Lithia that partners with community agencies, local organizations and private donors to provide highquality care for children and young adults in the foster care system. Through an impact grant of around $9,000 provided by Elks National, the Plant City Elks are able to work year-round with Everyday Blessings in the form of weekly dinners every Friday night, a special Easter dinner each spring and an annual holiday dinner near Christmas, among other events.

Last week’s holiday dinner hosted around 25 children from Everyday Blessings, including not only a holiday meal, but opportunities for the kids to meet Santa and each received gifts provided by Elks Lodge members and the Elks Lodge itself.

The following day, the Elks Lodge started early by fully preparing a midday luncheon for the Plant City Police Department before turning right around and holding a dinner for the Plant City Fire Rescue and EMTs the same evening.

The events hosted and served over 50 police officers and over 80 members of the fire department — along with their families — in addition to presenting a special award to the police department and fire rescue’s respective employees of the year, as selected by the departments themselves. For the police department,

this year’s award was presented to executive assistant Carmen Butts — accepted at the event on her behalf by Captain Robert McLellan — with the fire department’s award presented to Captain John Carter.

While the police luncheon is held at noon, the department rotates shifts each year to ensure that officers and employees who aren’t able to attend one year are able to attend the next, additionally providing to-go bags at the end of the event for some employees that are actively serving their shifts during the event.

The Elks Lodge has provided these holiday meals for Plant City’s first responders for over 40 years, with all of the cooking done in-house.

“I had some wonderful volunteers help me in the morning and some of the same ones coming back to help in the evening,” Elks chaplain and longtime member Judy Wise said. “After the lunch we wash everything down, clean everything up and start again at four o’clock for the fire department.”

Additionally, in conjunction with the state Elks and Walgreens Corporate, the group is permitted to place boxes in Walgreens around the state to collect presents for local children.

This week the Plant City Elks collected the toys from around town, divided them up alongside teachers Rachael Harvester and Rebecca Minjares and presented them to several kids at Advantage Academy. Leftover toys that were not age appropriate for that specific donation were divided among Plant City Police Officers to be given to local children throughout the week of Christmas.

THE PLANT CITY ELKS LODGE HOSTED A NUMBER OF EVENTS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON TO BENEFIT THEIR FELLOW COMMUNITY MEMBERS.

Photos courtesy of Judy Wise

Durant made their way to Wiregrass Ranch High School early on Saturday morning to face Tampa Catholic in the semifinal match for the Tampa Bay Top 10 Champions League tournament, a competition that draws its inspiration from one of the most prestigious tournaments in professional soccer, the UEFA Champions League (UCL.) The UCL is an annual tournament held each summer in which top-division European clubs battle through group stages before advancing through a knockout format to ultimately determine the year’s top club in European competition. In similar fashion, the Tampa Bay Top 10 was introduced in 2018 by Jim Harte and Rob Nugent to provide an inviteonly highly-competitive tournament between some of the Tampa Bay Area’s top high school soccer teams. The event has evolved to feature four groups, each including a Pasco County, Pinellas County, Hillsborough County private and Hillsborough County public school, and in 2022 the organization added a girl’s league for the first time.

En route to the semifinal appearance, Durant opened the year with a 13-game win streak in which they outscored their opponents 63-4, a run that featured four mercy rule victories and 10 shutouts. Their game against Bloomingdale – a regular season matchup in which the Cougars faced another Tampa Bay Top 10 Champions League team – ended in a 6-2 final, their lone game in which they conceded more than one goal. And in their Champions League matchups ahead of Saturday, Durant had come away with a 2-0 victory over New Port Richey’s River Ridge, a 1-0 victory over Clearwater’s Calvary Christian and a 3-0 win over Sickles.

“We just have to take it game-by-game,” head coach Melissa Brown said. “Every team is good and we just have to bring it in every game. It’s hard to say that you would expect this start, but that’s a good start and I’m very proud of them.”

In the early stages of Saturday’s match, Durant controlled possession and regularly presented themselves with chanc-

es on the offensive end. In the fifth minute, the Cougars earned a corner kick that was sent in the box by freshman Kendal Vician, just missing the outstretched foot of sophomore Mykala Ulrich as the ball rolled through the box and away from harm for Tampa Catholic. A few short moments later, Ulrich chased down a through ball in the box and was just able to put a shot toward the frame but the chance was ultimately thwarted by TC’s charging keeper. And following a strong counter attack from TC, Durant earned another chance as a run up the left side resulted in a shot from inside the 18-yard box, but it was placed right at TC’s keeper and easily sent away.

At the 13 minute mark the tides began to shift in Tampa Catholic’s favor, starting with a run up the right side that resulted in a corner kick, settled at the far post and directed in front of goal before Durant’s defense was able to make the crucial clear. Tampa Catholic was turned away on another run in the 19th minute and narrowly missed opening the scoring in the 21st minute as Crusaders striker Lena Bailey cleared her defender, took possession into the 18 yard box and rifled a shot off the crossbar. Tampa Catholic finally broke through in the 30th minute as they forced a turnover in the middle of the field and quickly transitioned to a fast counter attack, ultimately putting the ball back on the foot of Bailey who converted with a perfectly-placed shot, tucked into the lower left corner of the net, giving the Crusaders a 1-0 lead. And in the blink of an eye, Tampa Catholic extended their lead as Bailey controlled a run up the right side and connected with forward Isabella Murphy streaking into the box at the far post to give the Crusaders a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.

Durant was able to find sporadic chances throughout the second half, most notably in the form of two well-driven shots from Katlyn Levasseur that were sent just over the bar, before finally converting in the 70th minute as Emma Harnage sent a corner kick into the box, deflected on goal

and past the keeper by Addison

to cut the Cougars’ deficit to 2-1.

“We always say that 2-0 is the most dangerous lead you can have in soccer,” head coach Melissa Brown said. “We knew we were still in it and I still think that the match could have gone either way at any time. I’m very proud of our girls for never giving up and they played 110 percent.”

But as the score would sit, it would remain as Tampa Catholic was able to outlast the late push from Durant to give the Cougars’ their first loss of the season in an extremely tight contest. But over the course of a long season, lessons can still be learned from losses and moments of adversity had admittedly been few and far between for the experienced and previously undefeated Durant squad.

“It keeps us humble,” Brown said. “We have to stay humble and we have to keep fighting for it. This is good experience. These teams in the Champions League are amazing to play and hopefully it sets us up well for districts and regionals… I think we just have to stay in it 110 percent and keep bringing 110 percent to every game, not taking any team too lightly and finishing when we have the opportunity.”

Durant will return to action following their winter break with a home game against Spoto on Tuesday, Jan. 10 before wrapping up their regular season on the road against Steinbrenner on Friday, Jan. 13.

Kapustiak

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

PLANT CITY’S TOP TEAMS FROM 2022

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

STRAWBERRY CREST/PLANT CITY CHEER: The teams were named co-Western Conference Champions in January before both teams took home a state championship the following month, with Crest claiming the FHSAA 2A Small CoEd Division for their cheer team’s eighth consecutive state championship and Plant City claiming the FHSAA 2A Small Non-Tumbling Divison for their fist cheer state title in school history.

PLANT CITY UNIFIED SPECIAL OLYMPICS BASKETBALL: After two consecutive FHSAA state championships, Plant City’s Unified Special Olympis Basketball team – a program composed of Plant City High Schools Special Olympics athletes alongside their fellow general education Unified artners – once again reached the state title game, falling one win short of yet another gold medal. At the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando this past fall, the team opened play 3-0 with wins over Oregon, Washington and Utah before taking home a bronze medal.

STRAWBERRY CREST BASEBALL: Strawberry Crest baseball finished the 022 season 20-9, claiming their fourth consecutive district championship en route to a regional finals apparance. Led by sluggers Ethan Pues (.349, 5 HR, 26 RBI), Alex Philpott (.233, 2 HR, 19 RBI), Zach Redner (.269, 2 HR, 18 RBI) and Eli Vickers (.309, 18 RBI), the Chargers hit .269 as a team while scoring just north of six runs per game. On the mound, Crest finished the ear with a 2.80 ERA as a team behind stingy starters in Redner (8-1, 1.39 ERA) and Luke Richardson (6-2, 2.48) and strong relievers in Philpott (6 SV, 4.83) and Zach Vincent (1 SV, 3.23). Following the season, Redner, Pues and middle infielder RayAllen Vasquez were named fist-team All-Western Conference for Hillsborough County’s National Division.

DURANT GIRLS BASKETBALL: After earning the district’s top seed on the heels of an 18-4 regular season, the Cougars earned a bye through the district quarterfinal ound before cruising past Lakewood Ranch in the semifinal and claiming their first district championship since 2016-2017 with a thrilling 55-52 win over rival Newsome. The team’s success largely came on the back of their four star juniors, Maggie Lauber, Miani Mejia, Ki’Ajanae Gordon and Sophia Flair. All four girls averaged over 13 points per game this season, with Lauber leading the way with 17.5 points per game in addition to a team-high 3.6 assists per game. Flair’s 13.5 points per game and 9.5 rebounds per game left her just shy of averaging a double-double for the year. With a district championship and a regional quarterfinal apparance under their belt, Durant’s girls ultimately ended their season with a 20-5 record.

DURANT FOOTBALL: Durant football’s 8-3 record in 2022 marks their secondconsecutive eight-win season in the Cougars’ fist two years under head coach Claybo Varnum after finishing 021 at 8-3 as well, their highest single-season win total since going 8-3 in 2016. En route to another eight-win season, Durant finished the ear with their second straight win over rival Plant City, their fist win over rival Newsome since 2017, their fist district championship since 2014 and their second consecutive playoff apparance.

After losing starting quarterback Marcus Miguele to graduation last spring, the Cougars leaned on a sophomore transfer from Newsome in Mike Ryan, completing 54 percent of his passes for 1,655 yards and nine touchdowns while adding another 230 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. Despite both dealing with injury, the running back duo of Calub Connell and Alex Daley combined for 18 total touchdowns while senior Jeremiah Gines led all receivers with six touchdowns and 773 receiving yards, good for a team-high 85.9 receiving yards per game. Hale Sollmann and Greg Smith each led the Cougars’ front seven with 13 tackles for loss each while defensive lineman Ty Merkle paced the unit with 4.5 sacks and middle linebacker Jacob Reed led the unit with 8.9 total tackles per game, all ahead of an experienced defensive backfield withJayden Cornelius, Xavier Peavy, Jayden Forte, Luther Scarlett, Zaevion Jordan and Gines in rotation, combining for 19 takeaways, with 14 interceptions and fie fumble recoveries.

PLANT CITY TRACK AND FIELD: Plant City Track and Field put together a stellar 2022 campaign, finishing the ear with one county champion, 14 district champions, 23 regional qualifies and state qualifies in Kaden Mizell, their boys 4 x 100 meter relay team (Ian Jolly, Jae Sawyer, Reggie Bush, Romello Jones) and girls 4 x 100 meter relay team (Makenzie Holmes, Makayla Holmes, Jalayah Shaw, Erica Holloman). As a team, Plant City finished as runnes up at the district meet behind only George Jenkins High School.

STRAWBERRY CREST SWIM: A year after the Strawberry Crest’s girls swim team won the school’s fist district championship in swimming, Strawberry Crest took home both the boys and girls district titles this year. For the boys, they were able to come away on top of the eight-team district on the heels of three bronze medals, six silver medals and two gold medals. For the girls, it was an even more dominant performance with four bronze medals, fie silver medals and seven gold medals. On the boys’ side, Josiah Tan earned bronze in both the 100-yard butterfly and the 00-yard individual medley, Kristian Walker earned silver in both the 200-yard and 500-yard freestyle, Noah Jones earned gold in the 200-yard individual medley and silver in the 100-yard backstroke and Hubert Pilichowski earned silver in the 200-yard individual medley and gold in the 100yard breaststroke. And on the girls’ side, Emmy Hamilton earned gold in both the 50-yard and the 100-yard freestyle, Saige Starford earned gold in the 200-yard freestyle and silver in the 100-yard freestyle, Bailey Scott earned gold in both the 500-yard freestyle and the 200-yard individual medley, Mimi Bitting earned silver in both the 500-yard freestyle and the 100-yard butterfl, Michaela Walker earned silver in the 100-yard breaststroke and bronze in the 100-yard butterfl, Alex Ball earned silver in the 200-yard individual medley, Jillian Starford earned bronze in the 200-yard freestyle and Chin Hargewar earned bronze in the 200-yard individual medley. In addition to their individual medals, the boys took silver in the 200-yard medley relay and 400-yard freestyle relay and bronze in the 200-yard freestyle relay while the girls took gold in the 200-yard medley relay and the 200-yard freestyle relay and bronze in the 400-yard freestyle relay. Following regionals, Strawberry Crest had two swimmers qualify for the state meet in Saige Starford and Pilichowski.

“More dinner places!” - Laura Schmidt

“Something more fun besides a bar and the Strawberry Festival for the older snowbirds.” - April Langdale Brown

“Places to sit outside and enjoy with friends at night. An upscale bar, not a dive.” - Janae Sparkman

“Pay increases. City workers are underpaid and it’s diffict to hire good people when other places are paying more.”Troy Martin

“A homeless shelter, to get them off the street.” - Crystal Johnson

“A Kroger!” - Kimme Vazquez

“Dinner options downtown. The people of Plant City have earned it. They begged for a national chain and got it,

now they deserve locally owned cuisine at night in the heart of our city.” - Cody Lenz

“An endless supply of funds for road improvements.” - Nikki Kimmel Sewell

“A Target.” - Lora Webb

“A Stop Building Permit, Plant City is Too busy and crowed anymore. Or if building must continue, then an infrastructure grant.” - Jamie Farkas

“A Fresh Kitchen!” - Krislyn Welch

“A Bass Pro Shop.” - Lawrence Granger

D. Randall

‘Buddy’ Sistrunk

D. Randall ‘Buddy’ Sistrunk, 84, of Plant City, Fla., born in Plant City on Nov. 27, 1938, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 13, 2022.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Reverend Kenneth C. Simpson

Reverend Kenneth C. Simpson, 70, of Plant City, Fla., born in Monroe, N.C. on Aug. 28, 1952, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 16, 2022.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Timothy H. Cribbs

Timothy H. Cribbs, 61, of Plant City, Fla., born on Aug. 31, 1961, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 14, 2022.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

William ‘Bill’ Thomas

William “Bill” Thomas, 90 of Seffne, Fla., born in Tulsa, Okla. on July 8, 1932, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 18, 2022.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

YOUR

BEST BET

THURSAY, DEC. 22 - SUNDAY, JAN. 1

TAMPA BAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

6 to 9/10 p.m. at 4800 US-301,. Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village will envelop guests in an enchanting winter wonderland from their entrance marked by a custom, signature light display on Route 60 to their exit through twinkling trees as they leave the Fairgrounds. The entire site will feature over a million lights. This year’s event features a nearly two-mile drivethru of continuous light features followed by a festive walking visit to Santa’s Village. Designed to appeal to all ages and backgrounds, the elaborate light displays themed to Florida and traditional winter holidays are complemented by individual presentations representing Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. With several planned activities and displays, admission will cost $25 per car. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.hillsboroughcountyfair. com.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 3

BEGINNING MODERN WESTERN SQUARE DANCE LESSONS

6:30 to 8 p.m. at 4401 Promenade Blvd. Head down to the Strawberry Square Dance Center for Beginning Modern Western Square Dance Lessons, starting on Tuesdays in January. No experience is required and the fist lesson is free, with each additional lesson costing $7. For more information or to register, call Cherylene at 770-825-6513 or the Strawberry Square Dance Center at 813-752-0491.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4

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 benefis please take advantage of free assistance at the Bing House Museum, 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walk-ins welcomed or call 813-704-5800 to set a specific tim.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6

BEGINNING

RUMBA CHOREOGRAPHED BALLROOM DANCE LESSONS

10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 4401 Promenade Blvd. Head down to the Strawberry Square Dance Center for Beginning Rumba Choreographed Ballroom Dance Lessons, starting on Fridays in January. No experience is required and each lesson will cost $7 per person, per lesson. For more information or to register, text Cindy at 864-723-6965

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7

BLUEGRASS JAM!

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

MONDAY, JANUARY 9

PLANT CITY GARDEN CLUB

MEETING

9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 303 N. Evers St. The Plant City Garden Club will host their monthly meeting at the First United Methodist Church’s Fellowship Hall. There will be a coffee meet and greet at 9:30, followed by a general meeting at 10. January’s meeting will include guest speaker Kenny Coogan, author & owner of the Carnivorous Plant Nursery. For more information, contact Christy Linke by email at clinke3173@aol.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14

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.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

3 to 6:30 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is back on Saturday, Jan. 21, rain or shine. Cars and trucks manufactured in or before 1996 can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music by DJ John Paul Gasca.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26

CHAMBER GALA 2023

6 to 9 p.m. at 1206 N. Park Rd. The Trinkle Center at HCC’s Plant City campus will play host to the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Gala next month. The event will welcome a new Board of Directors and Chair of the Board, Wesley Joyner, and celebrate the winners of the 2023 Best of Plant City Awards. RSVP is required and admission costs $125 per person, with the reception and cocktail hour beginning a 6 p.m., followed by dinner, the main program and awards ceremony at 7 p.m. In accordance with the 80’s theme, 80’s outfis are highly-encouraged, or semi-formal attire if not. Award voting will open Jan. 5 and run through Jan. 13. Sponsorship opportunities are also available at price points of $600, $900 and $1,200. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, reach out by phone at 813-754-3707 or by email at Matthew@PlantCity. org. To register

THURSDAY,

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Dec 22 7:15a 5:38p

Friday, Dec 23 7:16a 5:38p

Saturday, Dec 24 7:16a 5:39p

Sunday, Dec 25 7:17a 5:39p

Monday, Dec 26 7:17a 5:40p

FRIDAY,

Tuesday, Dec 27 7:18a 5:40p

Wednesday, Dec 28 7:18a 5:41p

“We provide compassionate care for you and your family.”

It’s

It’s

not just an ID badge.

a badge of honor.

At South Florida Baptist Hospital, the team members who wear this badge give you high-quality care in a comfortable atmosphere. Our wide range of specialty services includes comprehensive orthopedic care, sports medicine services and total joint replacement procedures. We have a comprehensive gynecology program that offers a variety of women’s services, and our weight loss surgery program meets nationally recognized standards. And if surgery is required, we have surgeons who are experts in minimally invasive robotic surgical procedures, which means shorter hospital stays and smaller incisions that reduce the risk of infection. All of this means you get outstanding, compassionate care right here in Plant City. Learn more: SouthFloridaBaptist.org