12.29.17 PCTO by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY TIMES &

Observer

Reviewing the year in Plant City sports.

SEE PAGE 12.

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 5, NO. 26

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

Your Stories. Our Photos The Plant City Times & Observer shares its favorite moments from last year. SEE PAGE 3

THE NEW

Former patrons are trying to keep one of Plant City’s legendary eateries alive with a new downtown shop.

NORMA’S Photos by Daniel Figueroa IV

Above: The new Norma’s is located in the heart of downtown Plant City. Right: Leo Mesquita left his corporate job and moved to Plant City on a month’s notice for the opportunity to run Norma’s with high school friend Andy Nassar and father-in-law Scott Snapp.

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

Home can be a lot of different things to a lot of different people. For Scott Snapp, home was often a quick run from the airport to grab a Cuban at Norma’s Ybor City Cuban Sandwich Shop after one of his frequent business trips. He made that run for the last time the day Norma’s closed suddenly and without warning in March. Snapp, a lifelong Plant City resident, was devastated, but unwilling to lose his home. He opened Norma’s Plant City Cuban Sandwich Shop with son-inlaw Leo Mesquita Nov. 18, but not before the former Norma’s owner, Candace Haywood, showed the owners and kitchen manager Andy Nassar her storied preparations for the iconic Tampa sandwich and sides that made her shop a Plant City institution. They even use the same bread, which is where it all starts, Snapp said. “I’m a native of Plant City. I’ve lived there all my life. I love my little town, but I’m not there very much because of my travel schedule,” Snapp said. “I’m in the catastrophe business (Snapp has worked with Progressive Insurance responding to natural disasters for nearly 29 years). My job is stressful. For me to be able to come home and get that taste of home meant the world to me.” The name might be slightly different, but the food is mostly the same. “I didn’t realize how much I actually missed their Cubans until I just had one,” Susan Venning said on her first visit to the new Norma’s. Keeping the familial atmosphere and familiar tastes was one of the main priorities in opening the shop, Mesquita said. It was all about keeping the tradition established by Haywood and her family alive. “We wanted to keep the Norma’s name and the recipes,” Mesquita said. “Candy has been extremely nice and blessed us and this idea. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her teaching us in the kitchen.” The first month has been more successful than either Mesquita or Snapp thought it’d be. They still haven’t had their grand opening, which is slated to happen in January. The family got to work on the shop, located on Collins Street in Plant City’s Historic Downtown district, in August, while Mesquita was preparing for his wedding. SEE NORMA’S PAGE 2

Astin family annexes into Plant City The City Commission recently approved the annexation of more than 160 acres of land owned by the Astin family into city limits. DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

stin is a name synonymous with Plant City and its status as a leader in winter strawberry production across the country. And now, thanks to a unanimous vote by the City Commission, the Astin family has helped Plant City grow to the south by more than 162 acres. On Dec. 11, the Commission approved the voluntary annexation of eight parcels of land owned by members of the Astin family south of Johnson Road and east of Sam Astin Road, according to city records. The voluntary annexation is seen by some as an inevitably and a trend that could continue in the longterm as more East Hillsborough landowners request to become a part of the city. Traditionally, unincorporated coun-

ty areas were de facto holding zones, regulating lands as cities expanded to meet them.Over time, many county governments have grown to become their own jurisdictions and service providers. In Plant City and many other municipalities, newly annexed land must be connected to existing city land in order to be incorporated. “If you look a this philosophically, all of eastern Hillsborough, way down the road, are lands that are more compatible to be a part of the city,” Phil Waldron said. “They have all the infrastructure in place. Long term, it’s better to be a part of the city. If I was closer, I’d annex into the city tomorrow.” Waldron, of Waldron Consulting Services, oversees projects involving

YOUR TOWN

annexations and land use and zoning designations. He is handling the annexation for the Astin family and, according to city documents, has been involved in at least nine Plant City zoning projects in the last three years. With the county seat of Hillsborough located in downtown Tampa, Waldron said it makes more sense for the family to have its lands incorporated into the city limits where it can take advantage of city utilities and municipal services. County services have to come too far and are more used to handling city-oriented issues. Plant City leaders, Waldron said, know the areas surrounding the SEE ASTIN PAGE 2

Courtesy of Karen Elizabeth.

The Plant City Commons Community Gardens transforms the botanical gardens into a winter wonderland for its annual Holiday Stroll.

Strolling through lights The Plant City Commons Community Garden held its annual “Holiday Garden Stroll” this week. The Botanical Treasure Gardens, 2001 E Cherry Street, is found across from the Plant City HCC Campus and is home to the Community Garden. Each year, the group decorates the garden with twinkling lights and festive decor, offering a unique and fun-filled evening. The event opened Dec. 20 and ran through Dec. 27. It had a special meet-and-greet with Santa, children’s crafting, hot chocolate and cookies.

Breanne Williams

Tuesdays at the Archives hosted a holiday-themed wine and beer tasting for its final event of 2017.

Most wine-derful time of the year The Photo Archives offered a Holiday Wine and Craft Beer Tasting event for a holiday themed Tuesdays at the Archives. There was a sampling of holiday wines and craft beers from Keel & Curley, Two Henry Brewing Company, Coppertail and more. The free event offered other refreshments such as cheese, hors d’oeuvres and different holiday themed items. Next month, Tuesdays at the Archives will present a free trivia night with the theme, “So You Think You Know Plant City?”

I LOVE PLANT CITY

The year’s best photo submissions. SEE PAGE 15

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

Norma’s

LOOKING AHEAD

FROM PAGE 1

He got back from his honeymoon just days before the soft opening. “It’s not what we expected in the first month,” Mesquita said. “We’ve had very good customers and a lot of loyal customers from the old shop.” In July, Mesquita was working a corporate job for Florida Power & Light in West Palm Beach. The 27-year-old University of Central Florida graduate had been with the company for a few years. He flirted with entrepreneurship through a now-defunct apparel company he had on the side, but wanted something of his own. Snapp wanted to keep his love for a good Cuban alive and decided to help his soon-to-be son-in-law achieve a goal. Within a month, Mesquita had quit his job, moved to Plant City and enlisted the help of Nassar, a chef friend he knew from high school. For Snapp, a good Cuban is more than a sandwich. It’s home. It’s family. “Ever since I was a kid, my father made a big deal out of a genuine Cuban Sandwich and how wonderful that was.” Trips with his father into Tampa for the kind of authentic Cuban he says you can only find in the Bay Area grew into trips to Norma’s, where his own children grew up eating Cubans at the counter. “It’s about the connection to our hometown,” he said. “The familial connection.” The downtown location puts the shop, which has so much of Snapp’s heart in it, into the heart of Plant City’s burgeoning downtown core. The decor has changed, as well as a few modern updates like online ordering and accepting debit and credit transactions, but the food and the feelings, Snapp hopes, have remained the same. “This is a testament of love for two things: the traditional Tampa Cuban Sandwich and that people of Plant City have a love for their local eateries,” Snapp said. “Being able to come home and just be home and get that taste of home, that’s the reward, to be able to get that in my home town. It’s comforting to look across the table or bar and see someone who’s a regular and smile or chat. That’s what it’s all about.

Susan Venning and Tina Sikes loved the old Norma's and said the food at the new store is just as good. They also like the downtown locations convenience for a lunchtime walk from their office at First Baptist Church.

Photos by Daniel Figueroa IV

Leo Mesquita shows a photo of photo of Plant City Growers where his father-in-law and co-owner Scott Snapp worked through high school and college. Norma's decor features many historic photos of Plant City.

Norma's Plant City Cuban Sandwich Shop has made a few updates from the old Norma's including online ordering and accepting debit and credit transactions. Catering is also available and the downtown shop will be available as an event space after hours. The menu is simple by design, allowing the shop to master the few sandwiches it offers, but breakfast is now served every morning and there will be a rotating offering of special sandwiches courtesy of chef Andy Nassar. Co-owner and general manager Leo Mesquita said a food truck and more locations could likely be in the future if the first month is an indicator of success to come, but downtown Plant City will always be the shop's heart and home.

IF YOU GO NORMA'S PLANT CITY CUBAN SANDWICH SHOP Where: 120 N. Collins St. When: M-F: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Closed Sundays Info: (813) 704-6015, normascuban.com, info@normascuban.com

Raymond and Nicole Williams smile and greet friends while picking up a to-go order at Norma’s.

Astin FROM PAGE 1

city better and understand the needs of its farmers more. The Astin family has been a part of Plant City since the 1920s when Sam Astin Sr. moved to Plant City from South Georgia. Since then, the farm has grown from a few rows of strawberries to producing more than 40 million pounds of fruit each season on more than 1,200 acres of strawberry field, according to the Astin Farms website. “Astin Farms and family is very familiar with Plant City. They’re very entrenched and rooted in the Plant City area,” Waldron said. “This is a vibrant area. You’ve got a city commission that’s very responsive and very professional. You’re dealing with people right here in your area that are part of your area.” Now that the land has been annexed into the city, the next step will be to change the land use and zoning designations from county to city. Waldron said the applications are being processed to change the land use to residential 4 and the zoning to R1A, which would allow the land to continue operating as farm land. Currently, Waldron said, the family has no plans to develop the land, but given the transitional nature of the area, he said that could change in coming years with the possibility of residential development on the farm land. Commissioners noted the move might seem confusing to some who are still waiting for proposed developments to come to the city’s northeast quadrant surrounding Interstate-4, where most of the city’s future growth is expected to take place. However, the move to annex the Astin properties is not a land grab, but a common-sense response to a private citizen’s request. “I’ve heard a couple of folks ask why the city is trying to make a land grab and why we need more property on the south side of town when we have plenty on the north side,” Commissioner Nate Kilton said. “This is a voluntary annexation. People petition the city to come into the city limits for various reasons and it provides an opportunity for long term planning and growth…the city is not going out and taking land into the city limits. Folks are voluntarily coming forward and asking to be part of the city.”

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

2017: YOUR STORIES. OUR PHOTOS. JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

SIGHTS OF ‘17 As 2017 comes to a close, we reflect on some of our favorite moments of the year and look forward to the new memories that will be made in 2018.

he past year was full of change for Plant City. The Strawberry Festival built a new grandstand for concerts, final candidates were selected for the city manager position and District 58 received a new representative after Lawrence McClure won a special election to replace retired Rep. Dan Raulerson. Plant City underwent immense growth, literally and metaphorically, throughout this whirlwind of a year. Just in the past month the city grew by 162 acres after the city commission approved the voluntary annexation of eight parcels of land owned by members of the Astin family south of Johnson Road and east of Sam Astin Road. Several local churches and organizations have practically doubled

in size and as the year progressed new and more elaborate fundraisers brought in immense amounts of funds to pour back into the community. Empty Bowls, a fundraiser for the United Food Bank of Plant City, had one of its highest attendances ever. Free Rider Fellowship created a “Give and Take Box” to anonymously provide food and funds for those in need. A former Marine Corps Captain helped the 72-year-old neighbor she rescued when a tree crushed her house during Hurricane Irma. Despite being struck by a massive hurricane, shake-ups in city hall with the sudden departure of Mike Herr and another delay in the fight to develop midtown, the city is moving forward. A new year means there are endless possibilities for making

memories that will last a lifetime. New events, programs and leaders in the city will take us down an untrodden path. While it may be more comfortable to remain locked in the past, great possibilities await a community willing to take chances and continue to innovate. But let’s bring 2017 to a close by reminiscing over the beloved instants spent bettering ourselves and our community. The Strawberry Festival’s theme for 2018 is “Building New Memories,” a motto we should all carry with us into the new year. Life is short, so we should strive to fill it as full of cherished moments as possible. — BREANNE WILLIAMS

“You can do anything you put your mind to. We’re perfect examples, on the court. Every single one of us is an athlete or a singer. I didn’t pretend to be the perfect pageant girl because I’m not. I mess up.” — Drew Knotts, from Januaray 27, 2017

he start of the new year in Plant City also brought some new faces into prominent positions. Anticipation surrounding the annual Strawberry Queen and Junior Royalty pageants was as high as ever as the town awaited for its new queens and courts to be crowned. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce also underwent a changing of the guard as Yvonne Fry became its chairperson. The city also had cause to celebrate with the Martin Luther King festival, business additions and expansions and milestones among the churches.

Plant City’s annual MLK Festival Freedom Parade cruised through the downtown streets on Jan. 14. Among those marching in the parade was Mt. Olive Baptist Church, which flew a colorful display of flags.

The 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Court includes Drew Knotts, First Maid Marlee Arn and court members, Courtney Coton, Caroline Brummer and Ariel Navarrete. All members of the court attended Plant City High School in the 2016-17 school year.

Above: In a Jan. 26 ceremony, former Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce chair Brian West officially passed the gavel to Yvonne Fry for 2017. Fry pledged to help Plant City’s business scene grow through her work with the chamber. She will pass the gavel to Jason Jones in 2018 when her term ends. Left: The Florida Strawberry Festival Fashion Show turned 40 in 2017 and looked as good as ever. More than 600 people attended the Jan. 26 show.

After a two-month offering period, First Baptist Church of Dover was able to raise $1.4 million to fund the completion of its worship center. The church celebrated Jan. 22 with a special service and a performance by the musical group Veritas.

CityPointe Church, one of the fastest-growing congregations in Plant City, celebrated its one-year anniversary Jan. 29. Pastor Scott McIntosh and the mobile church split time between the John R. Trinkle Center at HCC and the Plant City Family YMCA throughout the year.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

2017: YOUR STORIES. OUR PHOTOS. JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

“Let’s get people fed. Then, I’ll teach you how to cook. It’s for the children. We will get them fed.” —Emily Ellyn , from February 6, 2017

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Food Network star Emily Ellyn (center), known for her “retro rad” style, was brought aboard for the 2017 Celebrity Chef Dinner, held Feb. 4 at the John R. Trinkle Center at HCC. The event is an annual fundraiser for the United Food Bank of Plant City.

lant City’s buildup to the Florida Strawberry Festival ramped up in February, but there was more going on than just the final preparations. The city celebrated Black History Month and named a new Citizen of the Year. Fashion shows, galas and more raised funds for groups and causes. Planes, Trains and Automobiles came back to Plant City Airport. Local government started crafting the city’s walk/bike plan and honored late civic leader David Miller with a proclamation. Wish Farms hosted its fourth annual Strawberry Picking Challenge Feb. 11, allowing local families and corporations to participate in a U-pick with a competitive twist. There was also a performance by Next Radical Generation (NRG).

Left: Plant City High School’s annual Every Buddy’s Beautiful Fashion Show was held Feb. 3. The show lets the school’s Raider Buddies members, a mix of traditional and specialneeds students, strut their stuff on stage. The school’s cosmetology program also helps with the show.

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Below: Plant City High School hosted a Black History Showcase at its auditorium on Feb. 16. The event allowed students to highlight important periods of black history in both Africa and America with short plays, music and dancing.

PLANT CITY TIMES &

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER Locally owned by Ed Verner, Karen Berry, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes The Plant City Times & Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC, a jointventure of the Tampa Bay Times and Plant City Observer LLC.

CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Fridays. It is inserted into the Tampa Bay Times for subscribers. The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103.

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Observer Publisher / Karen Berry, KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt, SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline, JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Daniel Figueroa IV, DFigueroa@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams, BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com Editorial Designer / C.J. Major, cmajor@yourobserver.com Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

“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 TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

2017: YOUR STORIES. OUR PHOTOS. JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

“We have very fond memories there. The festival’s been so supportive of our music for many years. That in itself makes it really special for us. — Howard Bellamy, from March 3, 2017

t wouldn’t be March in Plant City without the Florida Strawberry Festival. The 82nd edition of the festival ran from March 2-12 and drew tens of thousands of visitors to the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. There was family-friendly entertainment, record-breaking food, parades, ag shows, contests and more — something for everyone. Outside the festival grounds, the city brought back the famous J. Seward Johnson scupltures, rode bikes with Mayor Rick Lott, committed millions of dollars to road improvements and said an unexpected goodbye to longtime local favorite Norma’s Ybor City Cuban Sandwich Shop.

The Florida Strawberry Festival’s Moonlight Magic event keeps the party going at the Midway area of the festival grounds past typical hours of operation. This year’s event ran from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. March 10 and featured a slew of discounts for guests.

In a communitypowered effort, Cabot Creamery hosted an attempt to make the world’s largest strawberry smoothie and pulled it off on March 3. The smoothie, a Guinness World Record-certified 1,000 gallons, was sold by the cup at the festival and anything left at the end of the day was donated to Feeding Tampa Bay.

The Wallenda family, famous for its acrobatic acts, brought its Circus Incredible show to the Florida Strawberry Festival and performed three times each day.

Above: Country music legend Willie Nelson made Florida Strawberry Festival history on March 3. Before Nelson’s performance, no afternoon show at the festival had ever sold out of tickets. His show was also the first of 2017 to sell out. Right: The ag shows at the Florida Strawberry Festival are serious business, but everyone likes to let loose for the animals’ costume contests. Local FFA and 4-H members participate every year.

On March 6, the Florida Strawberry Festival’s Grand Parade — the granddaddy of all Plant City parades — rolled through town. This year’s grand marshals were the Bellamy Brothers, Howard and David, a pair of musicians with Plant City roots.

The J. Seward Johnson Sculpture Exhibit, which places realistic, life-sized statues of people around Plant City’s downtown area, returned March 1. This year’s crop of 10 statues stayed in town until June 1.

Many Plant City residents gathered at the bleachers of the William Schneider Memorial Stadium on March 20 to say goodbye to the seating section they’d used for many years. The concrete bleachers were removed and replaced with more comfortable seating over the summer.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

2017: YOUR STORIES. OUR PHOTOS. JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

“When they are on the frontline, we — Americans — we are their No. 1 priority. When they come home from the frontline, they should be our No. 1.” — Kim Denmark, from May 26, 2017

pril can be a month to sigh relief in Plant City following the completion of the strawberry season and the end-ofharvest Florida Strawberry Festival. That does not, however, mean Plant City slows down much at all. The annual Relay for Life cancer walk honored breast cancer survivor Jodi Stevens, first responders were honored, high school students got a glimpse of future prospects and there was more festival activity. RailFest returned to Plant City and the Florida Strawberry Festival announced Sandee Parke-Sytsma as the first woman chairperson.

ay came with a number of exciting announcements in Plant City including Bartow native and current Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam stopping in Plant City within the first days of his gubernatorial campaign, Mike Herr’s resignation as city manager and the coronation of Little Miss Plant City and her court. Many Plant City residents had an exciting May as well, from conservation efforts, to dragon boat racing and even some attention from a galaxy far, far away.

Jodi Stevens, 2017 Plant City Relay for Life honorary survivor.

Left: Sandee Parke-Sytsma holds a photo of her father, Roy Parke. ParkeSytsma was announced as the Strawberry Festival’s first woman chairperson in April. Her father held the same positions in the early ‘80s.

Kim Denmark walks down U.S. Highway 92 during her walk across America to raise awareness for issues related to poverty and homelessness, particularly among the nation’s veterans.

Right:John Harris poses with R2-J8, a fully functional droid he built in his Walden Lake Home, modeled after Star Wars’ most famous astromech, R2-D2. Harris spent years building his droid and debuted it at the 2017 Star Wars Celebration Convention in Orlando.

We asked:

What is your New Year’s resolution?

“Honestly, just to better myself.” —Danny Ryals, 27

“I would say to try and better myself. To better the community that I live in.”

“Better myself by trying to stay home, to stay more focused on work.”

— Robert Salmon, 28

— Samuel Mims, 20

“Become a better dancer. I’ve been dancing altogether for 11 years but I haven’t done it consistently.”

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

The Florida Strawberry Festival is grateful to be served by nearly 2,500 volunteers annually! THANK YOU to our dedicated board members! With thousands of volunteer hours at the Festival, they set the precedent for our famous volunteer spirit. Their leadership and service are second to none.

Sandee Parke Sytsma Chairman of the Board

Floyd Hall Vice Chair

Dub McGinnes Jr. Secretary

Phillip Waldron Treasurer

Jon Poppell

Gary Boothe

Pam Warnock

Danny Coton

Ron Gainey

Ken Lucas

Jim Jeffries

Joe Newsome

Kenneth Peace

Michael Sparkman

David Sullivan

Dan Walden

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS Renita Boles Suzanne Cribbs Jamie Davis Doug Driggers

William Keel Andy Knotts Rick Lott Kenneth Parker

Rhett Rollyson Dr. Michael Salvato Jim Scott Chris Sparkman

Kay Varnum Lane Wetherington

DIRECTORS EMERITI Al Berry Bruce Galloway

Johnny Dean Page Ray (Rolly) Rollyson Jr.

B.M. (Mac) Smith Jr. Robert Trinkle

William Vernon

March 1-11, 2018

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303 North Lemon St. Plant City, FL 33563-4706 General Information: (813) 752-9194 Purchase Tickets Over the Phone Through Etix: (813) 754-1996

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

2017: YOUR STORIES. OUR PHOTOS. JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

“When you’re hungry and you feel like no one wants to help you ... you make bad choices. When there are people who love you and want to help you, you want to help yourself.” — Rodney “Hot Rod” Johnston, from June 23, 2017

s the summer rolled around, Plant City continued to shake things up around the state, including making a case for being an underrated hub of artists, creators and makers of all kinds. Plant City native and former circuit judge Ashley Moody announced a promising bid to replace Pam Bondi as attorney general, local farmers made it into the FFA Hall of Fame and, within the city, community organizations continued giving everywhere they could.

Below: Fran Johnson, 94, looks over one of the newborns for whom she has knitted more than 5,000 caps. Johnson was honored in June for volunteering more than 27,000 hours at South Florida Baptist Hospital.

Dressed as a Dragon Ball character, one competitor goes “Super Saiyan” over the warped wall, one of Tactical Titan’s final obstacles.

Aspen Stafford of the Plant City High School ROTC carries a wreath from the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce during the American Legion Post 26 Memorial Day ceremony.

Members of the homeless community are fed at the Plant City Winter Visitor center as part of the Friends in the Park program. Local church New Hope @ Cornerstone took over in June after it nearly came to an end.

Debbie and Larry Swindle hold plaques given to them by the FFA. The Swindles were inducted into Florida’s FFA Hall of Fame in 2017.

ugust featured dozens of backto-school events, a solar eclipse and highlighted some of Plant City’s finest citizens. The community rallied together to ensure all local students and teachers received everything they would need to kickstart a successful year at school. Children competed in the new YMCA developmental swimming program, a local artist was a finalist in a nationwide motorcycle customization competition and an 87-year-old woman walked a mile for every year since she was born to raise money for charity.

uly was a milestone month for Plant City, including the offices of the Plant City Times & Observer. The city loosened regulations on food trucks, the Observer celebrated five years in the city and Gresham Stephens left his post on the Strawberry Youth Parade board for college while his sister, Mary-Catherine, took over. It was also a big month for events with the annual Fourth of July celebration at Plant City Stadium, Shrek the Musical at Plant City Entertainment and a number of performances at Bruton Memorial Library.

Noemi Olivo showed some patriotism with a photo that won her special seats at Plant City Stadium’s Fourth of July celebration. Left: The Crabgrass Cowboys perform at Bruton Memorial Library. Below: Members of Rise Plant City and City Pointe Church present United Food Bank of Plant City Director Mary Heysek with a $1,000 check they jointly raised for the organization.

James “Smitty” Smith watched the eclipse with a skeleton at Durant High School. The total solar eclipse was the first in almost 100 years to be visible from one end of the U.S. to the other.

Right: A Knowles Construction crew placed the final piece of structural steel on the Florida Strawberry Festival’s new grandstand on Aug. 4. Below: Teachers at Robinson Elementary donned their favorite superhero costumes at the annual New Teacher Coffee Tuesday to tell the audience what they believed made up a hero.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

2017: YOUR STORIES. OUR PHOTOS. JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

urricane Irma swept through Florida in September, causing communities to come together to rebuild and recoup in a time of need. Strangers helped strangers, churches and organizations banded together to help the community recover. Though the last-minute shift altered the path of Irmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye, Plant City still saw flooding and damage. The Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds hosted power companies from across the country as Florida attempted to regain power.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC AUCTION STORAGE SALE

In accordance with the provisions of the Florida Self Storage Act (sections 83.801 - 83.809), there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy an owner and/or managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lien of the goods hereinafter described and stored at the Life Storage location listed below.

Hurricane Irma struck Plant City late on the night of Sept. 10, leaving residents to assess the damage and recover early Monday morning. The gazebo at Walden Lake Park experienced major flooding thanks to the storm, as did many of the walking trails and yards of local residents.

And, due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties known to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the below stated location(s) to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on Wednesday, 9:00 am, January 10, at 1005 South Alexander Street, Plant City, FL 33563, 813-759-9526.

Ulta Beauty had its grand opening on Oct. 6. General Manager Ashley Cole and M.A.C. artist Ewelina Oponska posed at the M.A.C. counter.

Walden Lake held its ninth annual Howl-o-Ween Fall Festival Saturday, providing free games and food for the community.Â The event featured a costume contest for both children and dogs.

hroughout October, Plant City hosted several fundraisers for animals in need, breast cancer research and our local hospital. Plant City received a new shopping destination when Ulta opened its doors to the public, after a delayed start thanks to Hurricane Irma. Lawrence McClure secured the Republican nomination for the vacant District 58 seat in the primary. The town also revisited some of its annual favorites. Walden Lake once again held its Howl-o-Ween, Learn Tampa Bay hosted its annual Hispanic Heritage Festival and the Diamonds & Denim Gala raised over $100,000 for South Florida Baptist Hospital.

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PORT RICHEY Embassy Crossing Shopping Ctr., 9672 US Hwy. 19 N. (Behind Olive Garden) ....... 727-279-5816 LARGO 10451 10451Ulmerton UlmertonRd............................................................................................................................... Rd...............................................................................................................................727-470-6613 727-470-6613 PALM HARBOREmbassy The Fountains Plaza, 34838 US Hwy. 19 N.................................................................... 727-258-2492 ZEPHYRHILLS 38172 Center 38172Medical Medical CenterDr. Dr........................................................................................ .......................................................................................813-438-2605 813-438-2605 PORTRICHEY Crossing Shopping Ctr., 9672 US Hwy. 19 N. (Behind Olive Garden) ....... 727-279-5816 LARGO 10451 Ulmerton Rd............................................................................................................................... 727-470-6613 CLEARWATER/DUNEDIN 1761 Main St. (SR 580), (1.5 miles W. of Countryside Mall)......................... 727-222-4030 SUN CITY CENTER CENTERCommonwealth CommonwealthOffice OfficePlaza, Plaza,955 955E.E.Del DelWebb WebbBlvd., Blvd.,Unit Unit1010...................................... ......................................813-413-7361 813-413-7361 PALMHARBOR The Fountains Plaza, 34838 US Hwy. 19 N.................................................................... 727-258-2492 ZEPHYRHILLS 38172MedicalCenterDr. ....................................................................................... 813-438-2605 SPRING HILL Hernando West Plaza, 1366 Pinehurst Dr.................................................................................. 352-399-4302 TEMPLETERRACE/N.TAMPA TEMPLETERRACE/N.TAMPASherwood SherwoodForest, Forest,10931 10931N.N.56th 56thSt.St.(1/4 (1/4mile milesouth southofofFowler FowlerAve.)............ 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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

2017: YOUR STORIES. OUR PHOTOS. JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

“(Mel Tillis) wouldn’t dress in jeans (while performing), he never would. He was a class act from Plant City. He was an experience and I enjoyed every minute of it.” — Al Berry, from November 24, 2017

lant City spent November saying goodbye to fall. Groups hosted fall festivals, supported the food bank with Empty Bowls and competed in the annual Chili Fest and Pig Jam. Dynamic duos showed off their moves at Dancing with the Locals and the city honored those who have served on Veterans Day. The community rallied together for hot-button issues, like when Strawberry Crest students walked out of class to protest their teachers not getting raises and bonuses they were promised.

lant City was decked to the nines for the holiday season. Christmas lights, the annual parade, multiple toy drives for local children in need, a reindeer 5k run, Christmas Lane and dozens of community events unified the city for the season of giving. Whether donating time, money or items, many community members went above and beyond to give back this holiday season. Every weekend was full of festive gatherings and holiday parties as the city gathered together to reminisce on the past year and say hello to 2018.

Les and Christine Miller performed a country dance at the annual Dancing with the Locals competition. The couple won the competition with a dance Les Miller said was an homage to how they first met.

Far Left: At City Pointe Church’s fall festival, attendees took part in Jedi Training, using lightsabers to battle other Jedis.

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

Historic Downtown

Left: Mel Tillis, who traced success to his Plant City youth, died on Nov. 19. Tillis penned more than 1,000 songs, was a Country Music Hall of Fame member and received a National Medal of Arts.

Spencer Johnson, Patty Romano, Santa, Christina Grimsley and Evelyn Vila at the inaugural Reindeer 5k Run hosted by the GFWC Plant City Junior Woman’s Club.

Jyl Barber Anderson, a certified Bob Ross instructor, paints a beach scene during the East Hillsborough Art Guild’s Annual Christmas Show and Sale.

257263

256732

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

BEST OF

COPS CORNER

he Plant City Times & Observer highlights the best and most bizarre Cops Corners of 2017.

Simple battery: Officer met with complainant who stated a known female subject had come to her home and started a fight with her. Complainant stated that the fight was caused by a Facebook post involving a baby, and she requested prosecution.

JAN. 13

APRIL 29

LIGHT READING 3700 block of Trapnell Ridge Drive. Vehicle burglary: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) entered their unlocked Hyundai Sonata between 10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, and 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13. The only thing missing was the owner’s manual.

FEB. 26

HIDE AND SEEK 1300 block of South Collins Street. Petit theft: Officer met with complainant, who stated a known subject had stolen his phone and wallet while he slept on a bus. The subject, a male, stated he did not have the phone or wallet, and a female subject supported the claim. Other witnesses stated that the subjects did, in fact, have the phone and wallet. Following witnesses’ suggestions, the wallet was found hidden in a diaper bag carried by the two subjects, and the phone was found inside one of the female subject’s shoes. The items were returned, and the complainant signed a waiver of prosecution.

MARCH 21

FACEBOOK AND FISTICUFFS 1900 block of East Alsobrook Street.

HIT ME BABY ONE MORE TIME 1700 block of North Park Road. Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) smashed the rear passenger window of her Nissan Armada SUV and stole a brown Britney Spears purse, valued at $30. MORE THAN YOU BARGAINED FOR 210 block of West Alexander Street. Grand theft auto: Officers met with complainant, who stated a known male subject took her vehicle without permission. The subject had asked to get something from the complainant’s vehicle while she was at work, and he instead took the vehicle to Tampa, picked up his brother, damaged the driver’s side door and brought the vehicle back to Plant City, at the 1400 block of East Alabama Street. Complainant refused to press charges and signed a waiver of prosecution.

JUNE 13

HOW NOW BROWN COW 510 block of East Laura Street. Petit theft: A man reported several of his possessions were stolen from his unlocked

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

apartment between 4 and 6 a.m. June 12. He told an officer that he had two women — both of whom he knew as “Mickey” — at his apartment and that the three had stayed up late talking. One “Mickey” left his apartment at 3:30 a.m., but the other was still there at 4 a.m. when the man fell asleep. He woke up at 6 a.m. to find his wallet had been moved and its contents, a Social Security card, $5 in cash and an identification card, were missing. His blue Roadstar mountain bike, identifiable by an attached milk carton basket and valued at $500, had been taken from his living room. The man believed the second “Mickey” may have stolen his belongings but only wanted to press charges if he discovered someone else committed the crime.

SATURDAY, DEC. 30

JULY 20

SUNDAY, DEC. 31

HAVING A BALL 1800 block of North Lime Street. Burglary: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) entered his screened back porch and stole 20 ball python snakes, valued together at $5,000, between 10 and 11 p.m.

MAY 17

SEPT. 2

FINDER’S RETURNERS 100 block of West Ball Street. Recovered gun: What is lost, it seems, can sometimes be found. Officers responded to a woman who reported her stolen handgun had been found in her mailbox. She told officers she believed a former tenant had returned it but, “happy to have her gun back,” declined to prosecute.

OCT. 30

WHEN THAT HOTLINE BLING 110 block of West Bates Street. Battery: Officers responded to a reported disturbance at a residence. The complainant stated he and his “new” girlfriend got into an argument during which she threw a cell phone at him. He declined to press charges and signed a waiver of prosecution.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST FOR THE COMMUNITY 8 to 11 a.m. at Springhead United Methodist Church, 2301 Sparkman Road.. The charge is $5 a person and it will be held in the fellowship hall. REACH THE STREETS 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ridin’ Blessed is hosting a youth outreach at the Plant City Stadium. The event is free, however there is a $10 entry fee per car for the car show. Proceeds go toward the Plant City Boys and Girls Club. There are free activities, food, vendors and a raffle. NEW YEAR’S EVE EPIC BASH 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Crossroads Seafood and Steakhouse, 106 State Road 60 E. There will be a balloon drop on the dance floor, a champagne toast at midnight, a live screening of the NYC Times Square ball drop and a live DJ. For more information call 813-756-5699. NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT THE WINERY 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Keel & Curley Winery and Two Henrys Brewing Company are hosting a masquerade-themed New Year’s Eve party at the winery. Tickets are $60 each and can be purchased at KeelAndCurleyWinery.com.

FRIDAY, JAN. 5

OLD SCHOOL SOCK HOP DANCE 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Historic Glover School auditorium, 5104 Horton Road. Proceeds will benefit the MLK and Jeremiah Bailey College Scholarship Fund. Tickets are $10.

JANUARY

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

2017: YOUR STORIES. OUR PHOTOS. SPORTS: LET’S WATCH THE REPLAY

“Without wrestling, I would be in the streets. I feel like wrestling really saves me from getting into trouble. Wrestling’s like a dance. When you move your feet, they can’t touch you.” — Manny Ramirez, from March 10, 2017

lant City’s sports scene was lively in 2017 and, though the year is coming to a close, it gave us plenty of moments to remember. The Plant City Times & Observer staff picked out some of the best, most captivating sports photos of the year so readers can take one last look in the rearview mirror before entering 2018. Read on to see which athletes and teams shined brightest during the year and to get Sports/Associate Editor Justin Kline’s take on the whole thing. As always, if you love the picks or think an athlete or a team was missed, let us know on the Observer’s Facebook page or on Twitter at @PCTOSports.

File Photos

Right: Zee Zamora and Eric Denson trade punches in an amateur showcase at Plant City Boxing Gym.

Above: Turkey Creek Middle School and all others in the county added boys volleyball in 2017.

Above: Plant City High School’s football team played its first season with new head coach James Booth.

Left: Durant High School beat Plant City to win the Redman Cup for the second year in a row.

Right: Plant City’s softball team made a playoff run all the way to the FHSAA’s state semifinal round in Vero Beach.

Durant High School’s volleyball team finished as district runner-up in 2017.

Above: Strawberry Crest High School’s football team snapped two extended losing streaks in 2017. The United States Flag and Touch Football League held a national tournament at EllisMethvin Park.

Right: Strawberry Crest’s baseball team made it to the district tournament’s semifinal round.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

2017: YOUR STORIES. OUR PHOTOS. SPORTS: TOP FIVE ATHLETES

pionships, where no Plant City girls cross country runner had been since Sara Hall got there in 2002. Hall and Highsmith are the only two Raider girls to make it that far in a season. In the 4A state championship meet, held Nov. 11 in Tallahassee, Highsmith placed 16th out of 182 runners with a time of 19:07 — a new school record. She hopes to keep at it in college and will run track and field in spring 2018.

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CASSIE HIGHSMITH, PLANT CITY CROSS COUNTRY Cassie Highsmith spent much of the last two cross country seasons breaking her own personal records. When her last high school race was over, she rewrote Plant City’s cross country history book. Highsmith got on a hot streak as the 2017 season winded down, placing third in the county championship meet with her third new PR time of the season, just one second shy of breaking the school’s record. That secured her spot in the state cham-

MANNY RAMIREZ, STRAWBERRY CREST WRESTLING Who doesn’t love a good comeback story? Manny Ramirez’s junior season with Strawberry Crest’s wrestling team couldn’t have gone much better, but it also almost didn’t happen. Ramirez rejoined the Chargers in the offseason after quitting the team during his sophomore season, just before the county championships. After some soul-searching on his part, he decided to try and rejoin the team. After heavy discussions between the coaching staff and the rest of the team, Ramirez was brought back for the 2016-17 season. He regained trust within the pro-

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

EDMILLY MOLINA, PLANT CITY SOFTBALL Though the Raiders weren’t able to win the state championship, there is at least one consolation: Edmilly Molina got to end a grand high school career on the grandest stage in Florida. Molina spent her four seasons at Plant City as one of the team’s most important players, if not the most important player. In 2017, she led the team at the plate with a .486 batting average — the only player to bat over .400 — to go with 34 hits, 28 RBI, 22 runs scored and 12 doubles. She split time between third base, catcher and the outfield during the season and could virtually always be counted on to produce when the Raiders needed to make something happen. Molina has since graduated and is now a utility player for Palm Beach Atlantic University’s softball team.

JUSTIN KLINE

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’ve been reflecting on the year in sports that was 2017 for a little while now, and I keep coming back to one word: “progress.” In a year when I thought things were going to get weirder before they got better — hello, Choice in Sports bill — I think I’ve seen more growth than anything. A growing sports scene is, in my opinion, good for Plant City as a whole and 2017 might have offered us a glimpse at what the future could look like. Maybe the most obvious thing that comes to mind is Gary Sheffield’s sports complex plan. That would be huge news just about anywhere, yet in 2017 we all learned that the group putting the plans together wanted it here. Right here in the “itty-bitty,”

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So long, ’17

There was something good for all Plant City-area sports fans in 2017.

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as many longtime residents call our town. It probably seems strange from the outside looking in, putting a massive sports hub in a town known for a huge annual festival, strawberries and an iconic water tower. But anyone who’s been here a little while knows it could work — Plant City is no stranger to hosting national tournaments across several sports, the International Softball Federation headquarters and Major League Baseball teams on several occasions (for example, I learned not too long ago from local legend Al Berry that the Texas Rangers used to have operations in town and that their old facilities are located underneath what is now the Florida Strawberry Festival’s midway). I think the complex could work out here and I’m hoping to see it become a reality one day. Our boxing scene grew from a start-up gym off of Hitchcock street to host two promotions — one born in Plant City — and several action-

packed showcases. We had several high school programs grow from works in progress into legit contenders at and beyond the district level, in some cases even achieving regularseason perfection. Check out our list of the top five area teams and athletes of 2017 for prime examples. We also saw noticeable progress at Strawberry Crest when the football team snapped its years-long losing streak, a feat that was even covered by USA Today. I can’t say there were only positives in 2017, though. Choice in Sports, which I was opposed to from the getgo, redefined what high school athletes were allowed to do in terms of transferring between programs and did lead to several of our programs taking hits as a result. There’s a new sense of uncertainty that comes with watching the games now. I’ve found myself wondering if some of the kids I’ve seen have breakout seasons will be with the same schools next year, or if they’ll try and leave for what they perceive as greener pastures, and I know at least a few area fans have wondered the same thing. But we can’t let one questionable bill ruin all the fun for us. Despite its presence looming over our rosters, we still had area teams come out ahead and be successful. We’re still going to be entertained at the games. We’re still going to see students become better on and off the field of play. If someone doesn’t want to be a part of a program anymore, so be it — you always want to be certain everyone on your roster is there because they genuinely want to be, anyway. No matter what the rosters will look like in 2018, I think we’re going to be in for a fun year. And 2017 is going down in my book as one, too.

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

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2017

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CELI GUZMAN, STRAWBERRY CREST SWIMMING Strawberry Crest’s swimming and diving program has never been better than it was in 2017, but that’s especially true of the girls program. Staying perfect required hard work and strong leadership. That’s where senior captain Celismar “Celi” Guzman came in. She helped the team achieve her pre-season dream of going undefeated and winning Western Conference with high-level performances in the water and as a motivator out of it. She made the cut for the 4A state championships and continued to perform well there, finishing in second place in the 100 backstroke and sixth in the 100 butterfly. Guzman has committed to swim for the University of Florida after she graduates in spring 2018.

gram, worked harder than ever on and off the mat and made the cut for the state championships with a second-place finish at regionals. At states, Ramirez placed sixth overall in the 113-pound group. He and fellow junior Cullen Telfer (third place, 138 pounds) were the only Chargers to record top-10 finishes.

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CAMERON MYERS, DURANT FOOTBALL By far, the best football player in the Plant City area — and one of Hillsborough County’s best — was Durant running back Cameron Myers. Myers’ senior season saw the back make considerable improvements across the board. His 1,738 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns helped the Cougars win six of their first seven games, including an upset win over Jesuit and convincing victories in the Alafia River and Redman Cup rivalry games. Though his final high school season was cut short due to a Week 9 injury, Myers finished 2017 as Florida’s Class 7A leader in both rushing yards and touchdowns. He finished with the ninth-most rushing yards and 12th-most touchdowns across all state classes. Myers has committed to the University of Central Arkansas, where his brother Brandon — himself a former Durant standout — plays wide receiver.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

2017: YOUR STORIES. OUR PHOTOS. SPORTS: TOP FIVE TEAMS

PLANT CITY SOFTBALL Though the 2017 Raiders came just shy of making it to the state championship game, they did cement themselves as the best softball squad in school history. Led by senior utility player Edmilly Molina and sophomore ace pitcher Ashley Blessin, Plant City won 22 games (including nine shutouts), its third consecutive district title with head coach Ashley Bullion and a regional championship over a vaunted Lakewood Ranch team. It was the first time Plant City had ever gotten to the state’s Final Four round, and the Raiders came in hot on a sevengame win streak that featured three shutouts. This Raiders team raised the bar for the program and, with just three seniors lost to graduation, set high expectations for 2018.

STRAWBERRY CREST SWIMMING AND DIVING There’s no doubt Strawberry Crest’s swimming teams ruled the pool in 2017. The boys and girls teams finished the season undefeated for the first time in program history. Under new head coach Amanda Linton, the girls picked up their first-ever Western Conference win. Eleven swimmers and diver Adrienne Flott made the cut for the 4A state championships in November and Celi Guzman, Zane Richardson and Rob Haywood recorded top-10 finishes in their respective events. Flott, a freshman, became the first Crest diver to make a state championship meet, a feat even more impressive considering it was the first year the Chargers offered diving. The Chargers are hoping the success of 2017 will lead to more good things in 2018, including a bigger diving team.

STRAWBERRY CREST CHEERLEADING When the most disappointing thing about your state championship routine is a hair bow that won’t stay put, you’ve had a great run. The Chargers placed first at regionals in January, despite being down one flyer. The Western Conference win streak (four consecutive titles) came to an end, but that experience was as good a motivational tool as any. The Chargers would have had a perfect score at states if not for that fallen bow, but an 82.3 was still good enough for the title by 8.1 points. No other team in Hillsborough County has ever three-peated at states. Head coch Loveny Rivas and the Chargers are hoping to get back to the top of the cheerleading pyramid in 2018.

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PLANT CITY DOLPHINS MIDGETS The only Plant City-area team to make a TCYFCC Superbowl did so in spectacular fashion. The Plant City Dolphins Midgets team won all 10 of its regular-season games and gave up only two touchdowns, then cruised through the first two rounds of the playoffs to set up a Superbowl showdown with the Brandon Cowboys on Dec. 2. Plant City prevailed, 6-0, thanks to a clutch defensive stop as time expired. They went on to play in the United YFL Football Championships and Game Day of Champions the following day. Since most of the Midgets players were members of the 2016 Pee Wee squad that lost in that Superbowl, they wanted a win in 2017 more than anything else. As the team’s coaches like to say, good things came to those who trusted the process.

DURANT GIRLS BASKETBALL Constance Mitchell’s fourth season with Durant saw the Cougars finally make the transition from “rebuilding project” to “playoff contender.” Durant won 19 games, including 10 in 8A-District 9 play, and rode a nine-game win streak from mid-January through February’s district title game, a convincing 61-46 win over Tampa Bay Tech. Though the team did not make it out of the first round of regionals — it took a 63-43 loss to Palm Harbor University at home Feb. 9 — it was clear Durant had taken the next step as a program. The team lost six seniors to graduation, though it did retain leading scorer Ashlyn Myers for one more season.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

2017: THE YEAR IN PICTURES THE BEST OF I LOVE PLANT CITY

Jan. 20: Lloyd Thomas captured this photo of a hot air balloon over the train tracks in Plant City.

March 31: Damien Harrison kept the J. Seward Johnson sculptures in Historic Downtown Plant City looking sharp.

Nov. 24: Linda Hunter said, "I was taking a bike ride and stopped to enjoy the view of the strawberry fields on a beautiful day."

Feb. 3: Caleb McCormick was enjoying a beautiful Saturday afternoon flying his drone around town when he captured a picture of the Plant City water tower.

May 5: Every morning, Frank Starmer watches families of herons from a small kayak in Walden Lake. On Friday, April 28, he spotted a blob in a tree. After paddling over, he realized it was an eagle.

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ONLINE Follow us on social media: @PCTObserver on Instgram, @PlantObserver on Twitter and Plant City Times & Observer on Facebook.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

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