12.27.18 PLCO by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY

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VOLUME 6, NO. 26

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

YOUR STORIES. OUR PICTURES Revisit the biggest news and most compelling stories of 2018 through photos. SEE PAGE 3

TRAINING WITH A LEGEND

YOUR TOWN

Santa Sled Fest comes to town The annual Santa Sled Festival was held on Dec. 22 at Marie B. Ellis Park. The Des’ Aimes Social Club and Plant City Black Heritage host the event every year to ensure local families have a stressfree and merry Christmas. During the festival, the children can play on bounce houses and enjoy fun games. Free meals are provided for everyone as well. Then the participating families are given toys and a Christmas meal. Dozens of bicycles and lots of new clothes are also given out throughout the event.

Breanne Williams

Dave Letterfly has lived a life few could even dream of. Now he’s sharing his skills with the community.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

A local artist has lived a life that most would only see in the movies. Running away to the circus, traveling the country painting elaborate murals, Dave Letterfly has developed an enviable skill set.

ave Letterfly has spent his life chasing his passions. It’s led him around the world and allowed him to develop a skill set most could only dream of possessing. He’s spent the last several years offering an outlet for artists to learn his craft. At the start of each year, he hosts a five-day workshop in Plant City that teaches everything from old school pinstriping to airbrushing and gold leaf. Each day is a new topic and attendees are welcome to sign up for

their day of choice or for the entire week. “My life has been full of twists and turns and I’ve been lucky enough to have had opportunities to learn so many different skills,” Letterfly said. “These workshops are for anyone, but I created them with young people in mind. They don’t have the situations available that I had to learn how to do this, how to create this type of art.”

SEE PAGE 2

PCHS Theatre troupe prepares for states BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Students in PCHS’s Theatre Troupe 1449 enchanted judges at districts, receiving a superior and were given the opportunity to participate in the state competition.

SEE PAGE 2

Courtesy of Audrey Schmidt

The students performed Harvey in the One-Act competition.

Redecorating for the holiday The Sadye Gibbs Martin Auditorium in City Hall is currently undergoing repairs. Commissioners approved a budget of $160,000 to purchase a variety of new media systems and equipment to enhance the meetings and experiences in the auditorium. The room is under renovation and will kick off the new year with a new look.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

KEEPING THE ART ALIVE

Courtesy of Kelly Slevin

The course teaches airbrushing and more.

Letterfly keeps his classes at around eight students to ensure it keeps the intimate ambiance that fosters creative growth. There are already students from as far away as Maryland and Indiana signed up for the upcoming class. As great as Letterfly’s knowledge is, his colorful history adds an irreplaceable charm to the course. “I’m an idea guy and one day I had a brilliant idea that I should join the circus,” Letterfly said. “I was young and I just took my set of drums and joined an old-fashioned big tent show. I was fascinated with the animal trainers and soon I took up horse training… the circus has some way of finding what you’re good at and using it.” Soon Letterfly was adding painting and decor creation to his other duties under the big tent. Letterfly has been surrounded by art his entire life. His favorite memories revolve around waking up in the morning and hearing his mother — who was an opera

PCHS Theatre troupe prepares for states

singer — running through the scales. He started the day with a smile and by the time he was in kindergarten, his mother realized he had a talent for drawing far surpassing his peers. Instead of coloring books, he was given sketch pads and by the time he was old enough to see out the window, he was recreating the world around him. Pinstriping became a passion and he’d slowly sketch out designs for bicycles. His playmates were in awe and soon began requesting he jazz up their bikes, too. “At the time I remember thinking, ‘Why can’t they just do it themselves?’” Letterfly said. “It never occurred to me that they didn’t have the skills to do it.” With a lifetime’s worth of experience, Letterfly has been able to have a successful career pursuing his passions. He’s mastered sign painting, pinstriping, airbrushing and even painting the elaborate backdrops that were so prevalent on RVs. “Not only are their fewer and fewer people that have these skills, there are fewer and fewer opportunities for younger generations to learn them,” Letterfly said. “Art is like everything else, to get better you have to kind of do it on a daily basis. The skills I teach, well they aren’t the kind of thing you can learn on Youtube or at the library.” A one day class is $225 and the week is $850. The syllabus for the course can be found on letterfly.com. It is a first come, first serve basis and spots are already beginning to fill. The classes will be held from Jan. 30 until Feb. 3 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Though he’s now in his 60s, Letterfly said there will never be a day when he is not creating. “When you’re passionate about something, it means there’s some sort of reason, some sort of link between you and that passion,” Letterfly said. “It’s like finding out why you were born...And it’s something you will never stop pursuing.”

Courtesy of Audrey Schmidt

The troupe won a superior at districts and will advance to states.

SEE FULL STORY ONLINE AT PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM. Students at Plant City High School are continuing to prove the school’s theater program is a force to be reckoned with. After winning the national NBC R.I.S.E. grant in March the students felt like they had “to prove they were worth the investment,” according to drama teacher Audrey Schmidt. At districts, they waited with bated breath as the judges presented their critique. “We took on the very monumental task of taking a two and a half hour performance and reworking it down to 40 minutes,” Schmidt said. “When I was going through the show I knew we were doing something special. There were moments of real artistry. At districts they went out and did what they needed to do. The judge told us they ‘enchanted the audience.’” The team received a superior, the highest score, and was selected to represent the area at states. They’re going up against some of the largest art schools in Florida, but the major hurdle between the students and success is not the competition, but rather having the capability to showcase their talent. A full sponsorship is $170, which includes travel fees and the $140 regis-

tration fee. The troupe has a goal to raise $5,000 to send the 30 students in the cast and crew to the competition in March and the Jan. 16 registration deadline is drawing near. Hana Crum is a sophomore in the troupe and said as stressful as districts were, it was inarguably one of the greatest experiences of her life. “I’m excited, but I am very stressed about the money issue,” Crum said. “I think districts was such a good opportunity for all of us to be able to go because we all grew from that.” That sentiment was echoed by fellow thespian Dalton Vanderford, senior, who said becoming involved with theater helped him grow his passions and express himself. “You learn so much from states, it gives experiences and moments that you’re not going to get from anywhere else,” Vanderford said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” Those interested in helping the students go to state can send a check to Plant City High School with theater donation in the memo or donate online at the GoFundMe account at gofundme.com/6jklwmo.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

THE YEAR IN PHOTOS:

’18 IN THE BOOKS The past year has been one of Plant City’s most eventful. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

e’re only a few days away from jumping into 2019 but it still hasn’t quite sunk in for me. It feels like we just got started. I hit my five-year anniversary with the Observer in September. At this point I’d say most of you know me best from my work in the Sports section. But I’ve dabbled around in the front of the house too and covering Plant City at large doesn’t feel the same. Plant City itself doesn’t

feel the same as it did when I started working here. Many of those bigger projects you and I have heard about for the previous four years feel like they’re finally taking shape as something real, something tangible that we can see and touch and experience. It feels like the heart of our little city has grown a few sizes and is giving it, especially downtown, new life and culture. In 2018 the groundwork was laid for a variety of upcoming city projects that will change lives of those who live here. The new Fire

Station on Park Road officially broke ground, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce hosted a Political Forum unlike any the city had ever seen and a Plant City local was elected as Florida’s next attorney general. I’ve long thought of Plant City as a place with much more to offer than meets the eye. Now it’s becoming a place where anyone can see what we’ve known all along. Makers groups are connecting the community, churches are ralling together to care for the homeless and those in need and

our many civic organizaitons are fighting tooth and claw to ensure everyone in Plant City has a voice. We have so much to offer including strawberries, festivals and the world’s best strawberry milkshakes. We also have a community that supports anyone in need. Operation Paying It Forward developed after community members began to live a life centered around acts of kindness, the United Food Bank of Plant City serves 3,500 people each month and Unity in the Communiy gave 1,250 backpacks to local kids.

This past year made me and my coworkers so excited about the shape of Plant City to come, about everything the future holds for our town and what developments we’re about to see in 2019. We’ve spent the past year gathering some of our favorite photos and recapping the monumental events of 2018 and, as always, have put it all together for you to check out one last time before the new year. Read on for the memories from the News, Neighbors, Sports and other sections of the paper.

JANUARY

lant City brought in the new year with a new Chamber of Commerce chairman and city manager, changing of the guard in both the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Junior Royalty pageants and a big celebration for the MLK Festival. We also finally got a Chick-fil-A (even if it was just a pop-up shop).

House Rep. Lawrence McClure opened his district office in Plant City in early January. He began his first term as District 58’s representative in 2018.

The 2018 Junior Royalty Court members are Queen Morgan Pierce, Princess Paige Madison Zarecor, Duchess Bella Grace Bikowski and Baroness Giselle Elena McDowell. The MLK Festival also poured into the MLK Recreation Center’s grounds for an afternoon of celebration.

Ally Elizabeth Burt was crowned 2018 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen in January. Burt, who comes from one of Plant City’s oldest families, is the first Seffner Christian Academy student to have won the annual pageant.

Members of the 2018 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Court embrace each other as they learn they’ve won spots on the esteemed court. The pageant was held the evening of Jan. 20.

The 2018 Florida Strawberry Festival Fashion Show had an audience of more than 600. Among the runway models were the Strawberry Festival Queen and Court, the Junior Royalty Court and many of Plant City’s familiar faces.

The MLK Freedom Parade marched through the streets of Plant City on Jan. 13. The marshals were former State Rep. Dan Raulerson and Pastor Ricardo Coronado, who is also a community activist.

Bill McDaniel was promoted from Assistant City Manager to full-time City Manager in January, replacing outgoing Interim City Manager Kim Leinbach.

Plant City hosted its first-ever Mac and Cheese Festival in January after a delay pushed it back from late 2017. The festival was held downtown at McCall Park.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

2018 YEAR IN PHOTOS

PLANT CITY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

s always, February brought Plant City a new Citizen of the Year in Don Walden and a new chairman for the Chamber of Commerce in Jason Jones. We learned of plans for MadZone Jump House to come to Midtown, saw the Florida Strawberry Festival’s new and improved grandstand completed and celebrated Black History Month. Jensen’s Heart of Gold Gala returned to Plant City, as did Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

Ed Verner and Don Walden pose with Walden’s Citizen of the Year award. At the ceremony, Walden stood and looked around the room before saying, “Well, I guess I know now why I had to get a haircut and a shave.”

Planes, Trains and Automobiles is always a big draw in Plant City and the 2018 event, held at the Plant City Airport, was no exception. The event puts all kinds of classic cars, airplanes and trains on display for enthusiasts to check out, and people can even go on short plane rides.

Observer

he Florida Strawberry Festival was the hottest ticket of March, kicking off the month and running through March 11. Hundreds of thousands of guests enjoyed the food, rides, ag shows, concerts in the new grandstands and everything else Plant City’s signature event had to offer. Around town, Plant City High’s drama program received a $10,000 grant from NBC’s R.I.S.E. program, steampunks came to the Food Truck Rally, Williams-Sonoma moved into town and more.

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

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Plant City’s Easter egg hunt was held March 31 and put a smile on the faces of kids from all over town. Though the egg hunt was held a day before the holiday itself, the 2018 event still had a large turnout.

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver. com

Reba McEntire returned to the Florida Strawberry Festival to headline the first of two Sunday night shows at the Wish Farms Soundstage. The other headliner for 2018 was Brad Paisley, whose March 11 show closed out the festival.

Editorial Designer / Juan Alvarez Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver. com

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The Belle City midway was popular among guests at the Florida Strawberry Festival and had rides and games virtually everyone could enjoy.

FIRST LEGO League held its Championship Tournament at the Trinkle Center in February. The event tasked elementary and middle schoolers with building “robots” to solve real-world problems such as recycling, energy efweek’s Celebrity Cipher answers ficiency andThis more.

Puzzle One Solution: “We are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.” – Laura Ingalls Wilder

Kids in 4-H and FFA programs got to show their livestock in the Florida Strawberry Festival’s many ag shows.

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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, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103. 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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We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, send your information via: Email: Sarah Holt, SHolt@PlantCityObserver. com.

Puzzle Two Solution: “I donate heavily to the church and various churches in the Detroit community and food banks.” – Aretha Franklin

Mail: The Plant City Observer, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33563

This week’s Sudoku answers

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This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “We are better throughout the year for Students The Wish Farms Monte Package having, in and spirit, become a child againatatLincoln Elementary told the stories of influential Company Strawberry Picking Chal– Laura Ingalls AfricanWilder Americans during their lengeChristmastime.” raised funds for the Redlands annual Black History Month Christian Migrant Puzzle TwoAssociation. Solution: In addition to the picking contest, there performance. As each speech “I donate heavily to the church and was also a strawberry shortcake eat- was finished, the young actor various would point toward themselves ing contest forchurches the kids. in the Detroit community and food banks.”and say "I am somebody.”

– Aretha Franklin

This Sudoku answers Thisweek’s week’s Sudoku answers

“Ice Ice Baby” rapper Vanilla Ice performs during the I Love the 90s tour, which also featured Salt N Pepa and Tone Loc. The unique concert was a big hit with the audience, and many members came dressed in period-appropriate clothing.

The Plant City Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC.

Parkesdale Market debuted its new booth at the Florida Strawberry Festival and gave its fan-favorite “strawberry throne” the tastiest backdrop around — rows upon rows of fresh strawberries.

Thisweek’s week’sCrossword Crossword answers This

This week’s Celebrity CipherCipher answers This week’s Celebrity answers

Puzzle One Solution: “We are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.” – Laura Ingalls Wilder Puzzle Two Solution: “I donate heavily to the church and various churches in the Detroit community and food banks.” – Aretha Franklin

This week’s Sudoku answers

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2018 2018

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

2018 YEAR IN PHOTOS APRIL

MAY

pril kicked off with Plant City High School’s drama program’s dual-language production of Aladdin and never lost steam. The fourth month of the year brought events like the Blueberry Festival, RailFest and Relay for Life back, as well as new offerings in Discovery Quest, Praise in the Park and the War on I-4 food truck rally. Locals teamed up to help firefighter/EMT Jimmy Riley fight brain cancer and rocked the stage at Krazy Kup’s first-ever Lip Sync Battle.

he month of May was bittersweet for local high school seniors, who finally got their diplomas later in the month at the Florida State Fairgrounds. It was a good month for the new Little Miss Plant City and her court, East Hillsborough law enforcement officials honored at their annual banquet, and students at the Willis Peters Exceptional Center, who got their playground sunshade after a long fundraising effort. Plant City also saw its post office building purchased and was featured in the book 100 Things to Do in Tampa Bay Before You Die. Amber Farmer and Kaitlyn Kubecka show off their four cheerleading state championship rings while waiting for Strawberry Crest High School’s graduation ceremony to begin. All area high schools sent off their seniors between May 18 and 24.

Governor Rick Scott and Plant City officials sent off 30 new members of the National Guard in a deployment ceremony held at the Milton E. Hull building at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds.

Durant High School mourned the loss of senior football player Grover Wills with a large ceremony at the school’s track and football field. Mourners lit candles and lined around the track, walking for five minutes to represent Wills’ football jersey number.

The PCHS drama program made headlines for its production of Aladdin, which was performed in both English and Spanish. The play was performed with help from the RISE grant the drama program won in March.

The “War on I-4” brought a slew of food trucks to the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds for a friendly competition based on eaters’ voting.

When Plant City Fire Rescue’s Jimmy Riley was diagnosed with brain cancer, PCFR, surrounding fire departments, local civic clubs and organizations came together for the Jimmy’s Fight fundraiser. The money raised by the car wash and other event features would go directly to Riley’s family.

Durant High School Criminal Justice teacher James "Mr. Smitty" Smith was thrilled to see his son, Jacob, graduate in May.

Plant City High School was the second of Plant City's four high schools to hold their graduation ceremony.

Queen Madelynn Hardwick, First Maid Makyla Brown and Court Members Mia Jones, Makinley Jensen and Brightyn Willis stand tall after participating in the Little Miss Plant City pageant and winning.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

2018 YEAR IN PHOTOS JUNE

JULY

lant City kicked off its summer with a look at the proposed replacement for the MLK Recreation Center. The local arts scene was highlighted with a silver screen feature in “No Postage Necessary,” which was filmed in town, Benji Padgett’s win in Kelly Clarkson’s “I Don’t Think About You” cover contest and “Under-Medicated” starting up an improv scene in town. Mayor Rick Lott was reappointed to another term, the downtown area got “refreshed” and Krazy Kup owners Frank and Wenda Trunzo announced plans to open up a “performance pizzeria” downtown in the future. Plant City also mourned the loss of local legend Al Berry, whose voice graced the airwaves from WPLA and whose actions helped grow the Florida Strawberry Festival for decades.

he month we celebrated the birth of the United States of America and the Plant City Observer’s sixth anniversary was jam-packed. We learned North Park Isle was to be back in development (with a slightly altered name) and welcomed new additions to the city in the Sparkman House Luxury Bed & Breakfast and MADZone Jumphouse. David Burnett became the city’s new fire chief and Evers Street became a lot more colorful with an art project. Most importantly, though, we learned Plant City’s roads were finally soon to be repaired.

Al Berry’s contributions to Plant City through his work with WPLA, the Florida Strawberry Festival, the Lions Club and more won’t be forgotten. Nobody represented the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World quite like Berry did. (Courtesy photo)

Benji Padgett sits in Kelly Clarkson’s chair from TV’s The Voice. Padgett covered “I Don’t Think About You” for a contest Clarkson hosted and won, so he and his mother were flown out to Los Angeles for the show’s finale. (Courtesy photo) United Starz Dance Team, a local Christian step team, grew into a prosperous dance outfit and began performing all over Tampa Bay. The team’s routines all carry messages and are thought up by the dancers.

The Plant City Kiwanis Club’s “Stuff the Bus” fundraiser gave free backpacks and school supplies to 26 schools in the Plant City area. The backpacks were stored and loaded up at Stingray Chevrolet in late July. The event was co-sponsored by Unity in the Community.

MADZone Jumphouse opened its doors in July for a soft opening. The games and events center is located on Wheeler Street in the old Kash N’ Karry building across from Midtown. It has arcade games, bounce houses, space for parties and banquets and more.

City Manager Bill McDaniel pins new Plant City Fire Chief David Burnett on July 25. Burnett has worked in Plant City since 2007 and is leading the charge for several technological advancements within the department.

July 12 was the last chapter luncheon for the Plant City Lions Auxiliary, a women’s group chartered by wives of members of the Plant City Lions Club in 1941. Members shared memories of their time with the club and brought scrapbooks full of old photos and clippings to reminisce further.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

2018 YEAR IN PHOTOS AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

Plant City’s Noon Rotary Club hosts a Community Appreciation Fun Day every year near the end of kids’ summer vacations that connects people with local law enforcement officers and other first responders. People could watch Plant City Fire Rescue use its “Jaws of Life” tool and try on body armor worn by Plant City Police Department’s SWAT team, among other things.

Fire Station Three’s groundbreaking ceremony was held Sept. 21, not long into new Fire Chief David Burnett’s tenure. The new station is expected to be completed in 2019 and should eliminate the rare but real problem of trucks not being able to reach certain parts of town quickly due to oncoming trains. Little Miss Plant City and her court glazed bowls for the Empty Bowl Project auction, which happened Nov. 11. Proceeds from the annual event go to help families in need.

Jim Scott, owner of Jarrett-Scott Ford in Plant City, was the winner of the Plant City Family YMCA’s 2018 Strong Leader Award. Scott is active on the boards of many local civic groups, the Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Strawberry Festival.

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The Arts Council of Plant City designed and installed new, colorful banners to hang all over the Historic Downtown district. The first of 50 banners spread throughout the area was raised at the Bruton Memorial Library in an Aug. 9 ceremony.

The Plant City Observer published the annual Wonder Women feature in September. Wonder Women annually highlights 10 Plant City women who make a positive impact in the community. This year’s group featured Pam Bowden, Jana Butler, Cynthia Diaz, Deborah Haldane, Christine Miller, Helen Parke, Vicky Saunders, Jodi Stevens, Wenda Trunzo and Pam Walden.

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Brick City Bricks closed out the month of August with its firstever Minifig Trading Night, which became a regular monthly event. The trading nights bring LEGO fans to the downtown store to swap ‘figs and take advantage of special sales.

n September, Plant City celebrated the start of construction on Fire Station Three and welcomed the long-awaited Taste of Laura Street event to town. The Historic Downtown district was lively with the Plant City Main Street Farmers Market, Dark Horse Music Store’s talent show, open mic night at Krazy Kup and more, and the scene should continue to grow thanks to Main Street getting a second chance with funding and downtown businesses teaming up for discount cards. The city’s new fiscal year kicked off with hopes to fund more upcoming projects and the Florida Strawberry Festival debuted its 2019 theme, “It’s a Hit!’

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his past August had four major highlights for Plant City: funding to complete Fire Station Three was found, much-needed road resurfacing projects began, city commissioners stepped up to do something about the Walden Lake golf course situation and we learned residents’ longtime wishes for a Chick-fil-A were to come true. Students got back to school and political candidates came to town to educate local voters about their campaigns in a public forum.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

2018 YEAR IN PHOTOS OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

ith the start of Alexander Street’s repairs, a potential Walden Lake golf course buyer emerging and progress made with the proposed Sports Village, McIntosh Regional Park, Midtown and Fire Station Three developments, October was a month marked by moving forward in Plant City. Residents lent a helping hand to people undergoing hard times with projects as big as Hurricane Irma relief efforts and as local as Lincoln Elementary students taking a stand against bullying for Red Ribbon Week. Hillsborough Community College celebrated its 50th anniversary and events such as Jensen’s Play for a Cure, Dine Small Downtown, ChiliFest and more made downtown a fun place to be.

ovember was obviously a wild month for Florida politics and Plant City saw some big changes there. Longtime Hillsborough County commissioner and Plant City resident Al Higginbotham retired from politics in the same month Plant City native Ashley Moody defeated Sean Shaw to become Florida’s new Attorney General-elect. The month also brought about big returning events like Pig Jam, Dancing with the Locals and Empty Bowls Project, as well as new additions like the Elks Lodge’s week-long Veterans Day celebration and Operation Paying it Forward. We also said goodbye to the MLK Recreation Center, as its demolition process began in November to make way for the new community center. Al Higginbotham retired from politics in November,

formally ending his career with a speech at the Nov. 11 Veterans Day celebration at the Plant City Elks Lodge. Higginbotham served for 12 years and focused largely on three things: maintaining civility on the board, balancing the budget and working on environmental issues. (Courtesy of Deanna Hurley)

Krazy Kup celebrated its fifth birthday in October with a large celebration open to the entire community. The coffee shop pulled out all the stops, including live music, balloon art, face painting, family-friendly events and more.

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The Brandon Kennel Club hosted a dog show on the last weekend of October at the Florida Strawberry Festival fairgrounds. With plenty Eagle Scout David Harnage finished a project in October of pampered pups on the that gave the Willis Peters Exceptional Center in Dover a premises, the Grimes Family Agricultural Center was the new outdoor classroom for teachers to use for agriculture and environmental science lessons. The project was happiest place in Plant City completed in six months and a dedication ceremony was that weekend. held Oct. 11.

Plant City native Ashley Moody was voted into the office of Florida Attorney General following the Nov. 6 election. Moody received approximately 4 million Floridian’s votes and was backed by incumbent Pam Bondi and 43 sheriffs around the state.

The Empty Bowls Project drew hundreds to the train depot in November. The event highlights food insecurity issues in the Tampa Bay area and raises money to feed the needy through the auction sales of handcrafted, painted clay bowls made by local students.

The annual Raider 5K Color Run always brings a splash of vibrant color to Plant City High School in November. More than 60 runners participated in the Nov. 3 fun run on the PCHS campus.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

2018 YEAR IN PHOTOS DECEMBER

lant City had a holly, jolly Christmas in December. As usual, locals pulled out all the stops to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year: hosting Lights of Love, the Christmas Parade, Santa Sled Fest and dozens of other holiday-themed events to either bring the spirit to town or help people in need have a better Christmas. Jay Hollenkamp was picked to represent Plant City in Hillsborough County’s new transportation committee and tickets for the Florida Strawberry Festival concerts went on sale with the usual collective of eager campers set up to get their purchases in early. The city also honored native Ashley Moody, the state’s Attorney General-elect, with road signs on Dec. 18.

The annual J. Seward Johnson sculptures have officially returned to Plant City and will remain on display throughout downtown until March 15. This time, statues on display include an ice cream fan, tennis enthusiasts, Marilyn Monroe and more.

The GFWC Plant City Junior Woman’s Club hosted its annual 5K Reindeer Run at Alafia River State Park on Dec. 1. The 2018 event raised money for the GFWC Plant City Junior’s Shoe Project.

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 26 in Plant City spends hours each year prepping and placing close to 900 Christmas wreaths on the graves of local veterans. This year the Legion was able to place approximately 870 wreaths in Plant City.

Mayor Rick Lott shows off his Christmas-themed suit during Plant City’s 20th annual Lights of Love celebration. The event helps kick off Plant City’s Christmas season as the downtown area’s biggest Christmas tree is lit and musical performances punctuate the evening.

Wyrd Brothers Production kicked off December with a hiking event at Edward Medard Park on Dec. 1. The inaugural Hiking with a Viking event tied in with Hillsborough County’s 2018-19 Hiking Spree and hosted 45 people.

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SPORTS

THE YEAR IN SPORTS: A FAREWELL TO 2018

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

JUSTIN KLINE

The past year was one of the most action-packed in recent memory.

’d say 2018 was the most eventful year in Plant Cityarea sports since I’ve been here. This year gave us several champions, surprise runs, big plays, signature moments and regional attention. We had dozens of athletes stand out among their peers and accomplish great things on and off the field. We experienced just about every emotion on the spectrum at some point, from reaching the highest of highs with a championship win on the field to, unfortunately, mourning after a tragic loss off the field. For me, that meant it was the first time I

was able to tell some stories I’ve always wanted to write and some stories I’d hoped I’d never have to write. Let’s focus on the positives. I had a really hard time picking this year’s top five teams and athletes. This is especially true of the latter because there were so many great resumes to look back at and choose from. I like to think that’s because Plant City is a hotbed of athletic talent that people from out of town just don’t know about. There were close calls and tiebreakers and instances where I could have made a strong case for

five kids from one single team, but I’m satisfied with both that list and that of my top five teams after careful consideration. If you kids keep this up, I might have to switch the format to Athlete and Team of the Year next year so it’s not quite as agonizing. Athletes: no matter what kind of year you had in 2018, I want you to reflect on it over the next few days and think of what you can bring with you into the new year. Whether it’s lessons learned, skills acquired or things you wish you could have done differently, plan to keep that in mind once January kicks in. Use 2018 as a

springboard to give you a boost now that you’re getting kind of a blank slate here (I know winter sports seasons are still ongoing, but it still won’t hurt to think this way). Keep 2018 in the back of your mind as you get ready to take on 2019 in high school, college or whatever level you’re going to, and stay positive. The past year was a whirlwind for us, too. We’ve got changes of our own on the way and, since I survived 2018 and we have big changes coming soon, I’m also taking that last paragraph to heart for work-related reasons. You’ll see what I mean next week.

With all that said, I’m as excited for a fresh start in 2019 as I would imagine many area teams and athletes are.

Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Times & Observer. Email: jkline@ plantcityobserver. com.

HIGHLIGHT REEL: SCENES FROM 2018

he year 2018 was quite eventful, especially when seen through the viewfinder of a Nikon D7000. The Plant City Observer’s sports department rounded up some of the best sports photos of the year for your viewing pleasure. Whether it’s straight-up action or emotion, these pictures have been worth hundreds — if not thousands — of words. Strawberry Crest’s wrestling team picked up a 56-13 Senior Night win over Chamberlain in January. The Chargers went 31-5 in the regular season and sent four wrestlers to the state championship series in March.

Plant City High School’s softball team defeated East Bay, 4-1, in the April 26 district championship game. The win gave the Raiders their fourth consecutive district championship and paved the way for their run to regionals in May.

Plant City’s boys soccer team hoists the state championship trophy after defeating the Miami Beach Hi-Tides, 2-1, on Feb. 24.

Colleen McCormack, a Plant City resident, competed on TV’s American Ninja Warrior for the third time in 2018. McCormack put together her best outing yet this year and is looking forward to conquering more of the challenging course in 2019.

The Plant City Dolphins Midgets team celebrates after winning its third consecutive TCYFCC Superbowl championship. The PCD Midgets are riding a 29-game win streak in league play.

Plant City Boxing Gym hosted several amateur showcases in 2018 that packed the Hitchcock Street facility with cheering fans.

Durant’s Demarcus Governor reacts after making a play against Jesuit in the Cougars’ 2018 season opener. Governor will play college football at Central Michigan University in the fall.

Chris Welbon Karate Clubs’ competitive team won 332 medals by the time its competitive season ended in July. The club won 33 at AAU Nationals.

Alex Mussenden slides safely into third base during Strawberry Crest’s 3-2 regional semifinal win at Wharton in May. The Chargers won their first-ever district and regional championships in 2018.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

TOP 5 ATHLETES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

TOP 5 TEAMS

1. Ashley Blessin, Plant City softball

1. Plant City Boys Soccer

2. Braxton Plunk, Plant City football

2. Strawberry Crest Cheer

3. Rob Haywood, SCHS swimming

3. Strawberry Crest Baseball

4. Mario Williams, Plant City football

4. Plant City Dolphins Midgets

You’d be hard-pressed to find an athlete with a better resume than Plant City softball’s ace. Three Hillsborough County Pitcher of the Year awards in three seasons. Current school record-holder for wins and ERA and, more likely than not, future record-holder for strikeouts. A 5.7 GPA in the classroom and a volunteer in the community. Blessin went 21-6 in 2018 with eight shutout wins and a whopping 245 strikeouts, and has one season left to go before heading to Marshall University. Though no player in Hillsborough County was as exciting to watch as teammate Mario Williams, Braxton Plunk’s play at quarterback was the driving force for the Plant City Raiders’ district championship. The young man referenced on the “Plunk City” shirts threw for 2,602 yards and 26 touchdowns against just five interceptions in 2018. Plunk arguably cemented himself as Hillsborough County’s best quarterback in 2018.

How many athletes can say they’ve gone to a state championship nearly every year of their high school careers? At least one of them is Strawberry Crest’s Rob Haywood, who appeared in his third event in four seasons in 2018. He placed sixth in the state in the 100-yard breaststroke in a season where he also had to win a battle against Vocal Cord Dysfunction.

When your team has an athlete like Mario Williams, you’re never out of the game. Plant City’s game-breaking sophomore was a terror for opposing defenses and special teams units in 2018, scoring 16 total touchdowns at wide receiver and return man (and would have had more if not for penalties). Williams is also a threat on the base paths for the school’s baseball team and is racking up plenty of NCAA Division I offers from Power Five schools this offseason.

5. C.J. Barnes, Durant football

Any time a defensive player finishes a season at or near the 100-tackle mark, it’s a great personal achievement. What makes C.J. Barnes’s 107-tackle season more special is that he isn’t a linebacker — Barnes did it at the safety position, which is an even more difficult task. Barnes was one of the bright spots for the Cougars in 2018 and, fortunately for the team, will be back next season.

The Raiders brought a state championship trophy to PCHS for the first time since 1982 this year, but their accomplishments go deeper than that. Plant City finished the 2017-18 season with a 19-1 (5-0 district) overall record and was ranked first in Florida and 10th in the nation by MaxPreps.com after beating Miami Beach for all the marbles. That team is a hard act to follow but, with a 5-0-1 (3-0 district) record to start the 2018-19 season, Caleb Roberts’ boys are off to a good start. When Kaitlyn Kubecka, Quinn Hyde and Amber Farmer graduated in the summer, they joined an elite club: athletes who won four state championships in a row. Strawberry Crest is the first program in Florida history to four-peat in the state’s Small Co-Ed division, beating out runner-up Winter Park by 0.7 points in February. The team also won Western Conference in a clean sweep during a year when low turnout and new faces meant Crest succeeding on this level did not look like a sure bet at first. Winning the first district and regional championships in program history led to Strawberry Crest’s baseball team playing in the state Final Four in Fort Myers in early June. The Chargers put up a 19-9 (3-2 district) record in 2018 with solid play in all areas of the game. Their secret weapons, though, were their heart and chemistry — the boys kept the faith all season long, no matter what, and persevered in close games other teams would likely have lost. Two words — “Purple Reign” — have helped the Plant City Dolphins to 29 consecutive league wins and three consecutive championships. John Broome’s squad got the job done once again in 2018 with an undefeated TCYFCC season topped with a 22-16 Superbowl win over the East Bay Bucs. The Dolphins will look to keep the streak alive in 2019, adding to the wins records they’ve already set.

5. Plant City Softball

Ashley Bullion guided the Raiders to their fourth district title in as many seasons and Plant City once again made it to the end of the regional bracket in 2018. With strong pitching from Ashley Blessin and the bats of Lexi Moore, Abbie DeWeese and Beka Schulte burning red-hot all season, the Raiders won 22 games in a year where the roster consisted of more freshmen than any other grade level. The young team set the tone for what could be another successful season in 2019, so all eyes will be on the girls in the orange and teal this spring.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

We asked: What’s something you hope to accomplish in 2019?

“I accomplished everything I wanted to in 2018, so I’m pretty open for suggestions for 2019.

“Not to take things too serious. A little lighter. I also want to travel and have small adventures.”

— A.T. Wadi, 55

— Karen Roman, 22

“To travel more. I want to leave the country a couple times and go to a couple places here in the States. I want to see more of the world.” — Bentley Roberts, 20

“To meet my goal weight and happiness in my family.”

“For less distractions, 2019 being the year of breakthrough and focus, spiritually, mentally and financially.”

— Mary Salcido, 49

— Stephin Jacob, 25

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TAKE ANOTHER LITTLE PIZZA MY HEART 600 block of North Dort Street. Petit theft: Complainant stated pizzas had been stolen from a delivery driver. The pies were valued at $53.

FEB. 11

TABLETOP TREACHERY 2420 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Criminal mischief: Complainant stated an unknown male subject jumped on an outdoor table and broke its attached umbrella.

APRIL 22

CAR OWNER’S WORST NIGHTMARE 1700 block of East Alabama Street. Stolen vehicle/recovery: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) had stolen his 2011 Chevrolet Camaro overnight. Just before 9 a.m., the vehicle was found in Sumter County, five miles north of Polk County. The Camaro was on blocks and had been set on fire.

MAY 21

HOT FOOD, HOT TEMPER 2000 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Battery: Complainant stated a fast food restaurant employee’s family member entered the restaurant kitchen to argue with an assistant manager. The family member

pushed the complainant during the altercation. Complainant declined to press charges and filed a waiver of prosecution.

JUNE 15

ET TU, TRUCK? Alexander Street and One Police Center Injury: In a mysterious circumstance, a driver of a truck pulled off the roadway at the intersection of Alexander Street and One Police Center and exited his vehicle for reasons unknown. He was then run over by his own truck.

JULY 3

RUFF RIDER Wheeler Street and Calhoun Street Found dog: One officer received a surprise visitor when he was doing a security check. A two to three-year-old Golden Retriever approached his vehicle, decided to go for a ride and jumped in the patrol car. The owner was attempted to be located, but the officers were unsuccessful. Animal control was not available to scan for a chip so they took their new companion to Blue Pearl Animal Hospital where no chip was found. Blue Pearl took custody of the animal and took over the search for its owner.

AUG. 2

POLITICAL DIVIDE 2200 block of James L. Redman Parkway Criminal mischief: The complainant told officers she had stickers torn

from her vehicle. Of all of the ones removed her main concern was over a sticker that read “F- - Trump.” The suspect tore the letter “F” off of the sticker. She told officers she wanted to sue the subject for “violating her civil rights to express herself.” She also said the police “had better press charges.”

OCT. 16

OWNER MIXUP 1400 block of North Franklin Street Fraud: The owner of a Plant City home found out a stranger was attempting to rent out his house. He acquired a phone number for the fake owner and made contact with the fraud. The pretend owner gave him an out of state address to send a check to so he could “secure the rental.” The real owner gave the information to PCPD.

NOV. 23

PURR-FECT ESCAPE 3500 block of West Reynolds Street Theft with a waiver signed: A teenage boy ran up to this victim’s front porch and swiped the owner’s cat house. Tucking the house under his arm, he fled the scene in an unknown vehicle. The victim signed a waiver of prosecution not wanting to continue the investigation.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DEC. 27

RETRO MOVIE NIGHT 6:33 to 8:33 p.m. Come out to Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., for this month’s Retro Movie Night featuring the live action Dr. Seuss “The Grinch.” The event is free and Krazy Kup rolls out special movie treats in honor of the event.

FRIDAY, DEC. 28

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

JAVA & JEANS 8 to 9:30 a.m. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St., is hosting its Java & Jeans event at the Chamber. This month's Java & Jeans will feature an "unwanted gift exchange.” Bring any wrapped unwanted holiday gift that you received this Christmas to the Chamber and exchange it for something else and enjoy lots of laughs.

MONDAY, DEC. 31

NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE GALA 7:30 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. Strawberry Square Dances, 4401 Promenade Blvd., is hosting a New Year’s Eve Dance Gala. Tickets are $35 per person and includes dinner at 7:30 p.m. with dancing beginning at 8:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at strawberrysquaredancing.com or at the dance hall. KEEL & CURLEY’S NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Keel & Curley is hosting its annual New Year’s Eve Bash in the Wine Production Building. Tickets are $55 each or two for $100 and include two complementary drink tickets per guest and access to an extensive buffet. There is free champagne at midnight and there will be live

BEST BET FRIDAY, DEC. 28

MINIFIG TRADING NIGHT 6 to 8 p.m. Brick City Bricks, 107 E. Reynolds St., is hosting its monthly Minifig Trading Night. Come and trade your minifigs and give them a new home with other LEGO fans. There will be food, fun and specials all night long. music featuring the Marc Barrios Band. The first 75 guests to purchase tickets will receive an exclusive gift at the door. 1916 IRISH PUB’S NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION 8 p.m. 1916 Irish Pub, 2309 W. Thonotosassa Road, is hosting

a New Year’s Eve Celebration. There will be live music by The Justin Grimes Band, complimentary cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. and a champagne toast at midnight. Call the pub at 813-7566504 for more information.

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BEST OF I LOVE PLANT CITY 2018 Send your photo submissions to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@PlantCityObserver. com or hashtag #iloveplantcity on Instagram for @igersplantcity to feature.

Sept. 20 A. David Belcher

Jul. 12 Elizabeth Rountree

Jul. 19 Frank Starmer

ONLINE

Jun. 21 Lorraine Renaud

Nov. 15 Brenda Miller

April 12 Jamie Newman

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

BEST OF IT’S READ EVERYWHERE 2018 Did you take the Observer with you on vacation? Send your pictures to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

Aug. 16 Jennie Sue

Sept. 6 — Canadian Rockies

Oct. 18 — Galapagos Islands

Nov. 8 — Honduras and Asheville

Sept. 20 — Paris, France

Jul. 26 Toni Colon

Your One Stop Shop For All Parties, Events & Reunions! 44 “What’ve you been

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LL Wiiiams & Karen Davis OWNERS OF FELTON'S

CELEBRITY CIPHER

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“IO WSO POCCOS CXSTZMXTZC CXO LOWS KTS XWNGJM, GJ DAGSGC, POBTFO W BXGRU WMWGJ WC BXSGDCFWDCGFO.”

– RWZSW GJMWRRD IGRUOS “V ZEDIGK FKINVXO GE GFK RFHTRF IDZ NITVEHJ RFHTRFKJ VD GFK ZKGTEVG RECCHDVGO IDZ YEEZ UIDBJ.”

– ITKGFI YTIDBXVD Puzzle Two Clue: U equals B

45 Fee to be free 46 Poker contribution 617 N. Maryland Ave. • Plant City 48 Easy-to-lose coin 50 Is a contributor 51 Like taffy WHERE AM I? by Timothy B. Parker 53 Inuit boats 54 Horrific virus 57 Biblical high point? 58 In a sour-tasting way 59 Ornamental container 65 Geronimo was one 67 Filmdom statuette 70 Turns sharply 72 Check your arithmetic 73 Pago Pago setting 75 NATO’s T 76 Ancient Hebrew like Moses DOWN 77 Sets of beliefs 1 Egyptian wader 2 “The lady ___ protest too 78 Felon’s flight 79 Executive cabinet? much” 81 U-turn from verso 3 West Coast salmon 83 “But wait, there’s more” 4 Approximately 84 Big gob o’ tobaccy 5 Overwhelmingly 85 Famous opera slave defeated 6 Mexican hairless is one 86 Adult male deer 88 Golden-rule preposition 7 Play parts 92 Dollar replacement for 8 Tie-dye alternative 9 Having just seen a ghost some 93 Monastery inmate 10 Accidents may draw 94 Philadelphia university them 95 Unwritten, as a contract 11 It makes Rob more 101 Large-mouthed jugs formal? 103 Take a nap 12 Crazy-easy win 105 “Never again” 13 Gem keepers 108 Wavelike design 14 Michelangelo master109 Followed a curved path piece 111 “The Sopranos” restau15 “These ___ the times rateur Bucco that ...” ©2018 Universal Uclick 112 Chorus stand 16 This causes bets to 29 Start of a great inven- 56 Lost but not found 80 Sweethearts ACROSS 114 Cause to lose heart cease tion (Pt. 2) 82 Sympathetic sort 1 Proof of age, often 115 Piedmont wine center 17 Ocean flyer 30 License prerequisite, 60 South Beach locale 84 Spanish home 7 Degrading one 116 Booming 18 Chevy no more often 61 Guinness the knight 87 Sandy shade 13 Resort of a sort 117 Approximation words 22 Speculative venture 62 Pearl mussel 89 Inadequate, as an 16 Prepare to burn rubber 32 Sore joint for some 119 Yoko’s family 24 Jacuzzi 34 Gas bill information 63 Cameo, e.g. excuse 19 Jellystone Park 121 Plural suffix with 25 Country kids? 36 Tire gauge no. 64 Ancient, anciently 90 Bufferin alternative sidekick auction 31 Dress in India 65 By order of 91 Lost but not found 20 Cuban political name 39 Type of processing 123 Insect in a swarm 33 Travel guesses, briefly 41 “Star Trek” phaser 66 Its business is hair (Pt. 3) 21 Seat-by-the-window 124 Dust speck 35 Attire setting 68 “Is that clear?” 96 Abbr. on a tube cost 125 Overwhelmingly 36 Main parts in duets 43 Caribbean tourist city 69 Cobra in Cairo 97 In the habit of 23 Lost but not found impressed 37 Doddering 47 Rip asunder 71 Wakens 98 Receiving department (Pt. 1) 127 Cry of pain 38 Enter forcibly, as a 74 ___ in kangaroo (grade gadget 26 One way to be heard 49 Babe and Baby 128 “Oui ou ___?” country 52 Debate team partici- school lesson) 99 Director Preminger 27 Willow for wicker 129 Out in the distance, 40 It’s all mapped out pant 75 Compassion, initially 100 Put money on weaving quaintly 55 Frying utensil 78 Purple shade 102 Incalculable amount 42 Pakistani language 28 Frost with rhyme?

CROSSWORD

106 “Most assuredly” 107 Mature lady 813-752-1548 110 Knot in a tree 113 Move like an elephant 115 Soothing plant 118 Rice-sized pasta 120 Window with a bracket 122 Lava before surfacing 126 Lost but not found (Pt. 4) 130 Fawn-colored silk 131 More slimelike 132 All curlicued up 133 Promise before a toast 134 Say 133-Across 135 Dastardly looks 136 Cleared, as pay

Puzzle One Clue: A equals P

of time

104 •Saudi Arabia neighbor ___?” • Groceries Choice Meats • Meat Bundles • Specialty Meats • Produce Smoke House

SUDOKU

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

12-27-18

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

When you’re pregnant, there are so many questions. WHERE TO HAVE YOUR BABY shouldn’t be one of them.

Which car seat? What stroller? And oh, the discussions

extraordinary level of care during labor and delivery,

about the name. With so many questions surrounding

in a comfortable, spacious room. If you’re expecting,

a new baby, we want to give you one definitive and

or thinking about having a baby, come in and see for

easy answer. The hospital you choose. At BayCare’s

yourself. Take a tour of South Florida Baptist Hospital

South Florida Baptist Hospital, we have exceptional

and sign up for one of our free prenatal classes.

doctors and nurses to give you and your new baby an

Visit SouthFloridaBaptistMaternity.org to register.

OUR MATERNITY CENTERS:

Mease Countryside Hospital • Morton Plant Hospital • St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Hospital-North St. Joseph’s Hospital-South • South Florida Baptist Hospital • Winter Haven Women’s Hospital SOUTHFLORIDABAPTISTMATERNITY.ORG 18-589030-1118

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