12.5.19 PLCO by Plant City Observer

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019

STOLEN VEHICLE INCIDENT ENDS WITH DRIVER’S DEATH Early Sunday morning, a man was shot and killed by a PCPD officer after driving a stolen vehicle directly toward him. SEE PAGE 5

LOCAL PILOT RECEIVES THE WRIGHT BROTHERS

MASTER PILOT

AWARD In a quiet ceremony in a hangar at the Plant City Airport on Nov. 23, Wilson Grier became one of a highly select group of aviators to receive the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. Only one other pilot from the Plant City area has received the award since its inception 16 years ago. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

A local pilot has received one of the highest honors for aviators in a special ceremony at the Plant City Airport. To honor his years of expertise in the sky, Wilson Grier was awarded the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, which is the “most prestigious award the FAA issues to pilots certified under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61.” Named after the legendary Wright Brothers, who were the first U.S. pilots, the award is given to those who have exhibited professionalism, skill and aviation expertise for a minimum of 50 years while “piloting aircraft as Master Pilots.”

“I’ve had a varied career,” Grier said. “I’ve flown for airlines, private charters, for the military. This award is for being involved in aviation in excess of 50 years and for focusing on safety and professionalism. I was fortunate enough to have had several letters of recommendation from people I have flown with over the years.”

SEE PAGE 3

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019

NEWS BRIEFS

File photo

Periphery creators Clay Hollenkamp and Shelby Baerwalde are preparing for their next show in Tampa in January 2020.

File photo

Christmas Lane is one of Plant City’s most popular annual Christmas-themed events and runs a contest every year to help local families get some holiday cheer.

Christmas Lane contest winners

- Four Christmas Lane concession stand tickets - A $100 Publix gift card The prizes can be claimed at the Plant City Observer office, 1507 S. Alexander St. Suite 103, during normal business hours.

Christmas Lane is partnering with Publix Supermarkets, Inc. and the Plant City Observer to help spread the holiday cheer right here in Plant City. The public was asked to nominate deserving families to the Observer and this year’s winners are the families nominated by Candy Walker and Tami Bender. The families will receive:

Lakeland man found dead following Plant City shooting

- Four VIP tickets to Christmas Lane - A professional photo with Santa Claus

Plant City police are investigating the fatal shooting of a 24-year-old Lakeland man.

At approximately 9:25 p.m. Nov. 26, PCPD officers responded to a call of gunshots near 1009 W. Washington St. When they arrived at the scene they found a man, who was later identified as Michael James Hector Jr., in the roadway with a gunshot wound to the chest, according to PCPD. The police report said Hector died at the scene. PCPD detectives are actively investigating the incident and gathering additional information to develop leads as to what the motive may have been, and are asking for more information regarding the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Mark Dunnam at 813-757-9200. This is an ongoing investigation. More information to come.

Plant City art show moves to Tampa Back in January, the Bing Rooming House hosted the “Periphery: An Exhibition” art show that used striking visuals to tell the stories of marginalized communities. Exhibition organizers Clay

Hollenkamp and Shelby Baerwalde are now getting ready to host the sequel in Tampa in early 2020. Titled “Shelter: Concepts of Home,” this exhibit is a partnership with the USF Humanities Institute and will come to the Portico Community Hall in downtown Tampa from Jan. 4, 2020 through March 31, 2020. “The name and theme came about as the event is the last in a series of community events that began with a speaking engagement on Sept. 19 with Matthew Desmond, author of the Pulitzer-winning book, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City,” Hollenkamp said. “In connection with Mr. Desmond’s speech, the Humanities Institute wanted to include a number of community events on a similar theme.” The exhibit will feature 2D and 3D art and cash prizes will be offered for winners of the show’s Best in Show award and two honorable mentions. Artists can learn more and submit work “exploring the concepts of home” for the event online at fs7.formsite.com/BOjxAC/ ayk5lgm1ke/index.html by Dec. 20. The opening reception takes place from 6-9 p.m. Jan. 24, 2020.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019

LOCAL PILOT RECEIVES THE WRIGHT BROTHERS

MASTER PILOT

AWARD Wilson Grier has spent decades becoming one of the greatest pilots in the sky. He was honored on Nov. 23 with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for his dedication to perfection in aviation. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Andrew Crossman, FAASTeam Program Manager and Aviation Safety Inspector, said they usually only see three letters come in when people apply for the award, but Grier had seven excellent letters highlighting his skill and dedication to the craft. Getting photos of Grier’s life in the sky proved an interesting challenge as they combed through old Polaroids and found images from Da Nang, Vietnam, to Grier’s trips to the Aspens, to the many photos of him with his students in the cockpit. With the ceremony on Nov. 23, Grier became only the second pilot from Plant City to ever receive the honor. Roger Emmett Shepherd was the first and received the award in April 2014. There are only approximately 5,660 pilots that

have received the honor since it was instituted by the United States Federal Aviation Administration in Oct. 2003. Grier was in high school when he first found himself floating among the clouds. Buckled into a Cessna 150, he fell in love with the craft and knew right then that he wanted a future that would continue to put him in the sky. He did his first solo in May 1969 in a Cessna 150, and in September of that year he reported to Marine Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia. In 1970, he had his first flight in the TA-4J and by 1971 he received his commercial pilot license. He became a C-130 aircraft commander in March 1973, and by 2002 he was a ground instructor as a certified Airline Transport Pilot and a Certified Flight Instructor — Instrument. There didn’t seem to be a corner of the industry Grier hadn’t mastered and his list of pupils begin

to grow as eager pilots sought his impeccable instruction. After joining the Marine Corps, Grier began the process of becoming a naval aviator. He served in Vietnam and was in active duty for six years and then in the reserves for five years. Using his military benefits he went back to school for his doctorate, but he never left aviation. Grier carried his passion into his personal life as well. He and his wife frequently escape on adventures in his personal plane and he has even begun the process of teaching his grandson to fly. “My grandson is 13 years old,” Grier said. “I hope to solo him on his 16th birthday. I hope to be around to certify him and watch him officially have that certificate at age 17.” Grier said he would encourage anyone considering a career in aviation to give some thought to the military and all it has to offer. He said going that route saves hundreds of thousands of dollars and takes a lot of the “what ifs” out of the equation. Despite how tight money was or how busy he was with work, Grier

always found peace among the clouds. It’s been a constant in his life for as long as he can remember and he passes that passion on to nearly everyone he meets. Three years ago, he bought a home in Plant City. Now he and his wife spend seven months of the year here and the other five in Kentucky with his children and grandchildren. His reputation and network of fellow pilots is spread around the world. A glimpse of his impact was on full display during the ceremony at the airport. As Crossman began speaking to the packed room, the door continued to open as more and more attendees piled in the hangar to watch Grier receive his plaque and lapel pins. There wasn’t an empty seat in the room and many stood along the walls as they watched Grier be awarded the prestigious title. “I’m tickled beyond belief to be here with you,” Grier said. “This is a culmination of my career. You don’t ever expect to make it this far, to be able to receive such a prestigious certificate.”

Breanne Williams

Wilson Grier began flying as a teenager and has never stopped perfecting his craft.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

COPS CORNER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019

PLANT CITY

Observer

This week on Cops Corner: Plant City Police investigated a stolen or missing wallet, an abandoned Purse, a stolen F-150,

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

an “IRS” scam phone call and more.

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com

NOV. 22 CAMERA CAPER 300 block of Park Springs Circle Theft: This complainant reported to officers that a wireless camera installed near the dumpsters had been removed. THERE FOR THE TAKING 900 block of Waller Street Theft: This complaint reported that she left her purse on a bench and when she realized it and returned, her purse was nowhere in sight.

and Nov. 23, someone entered this complainant’s shed and removed a 12-inch Ridgid chop saw valued at $200. They also took a 10-inch Ryobi chop saw valued at $80 and a Gorilla yard cart valued at $150. The complainant requested the incident be documented and then signed a waiver of prosecution.

Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

want to pursue criminal charges, so he signed a waiver of prosecution.

complaint reported at an unALL GAS, NO BREAKS known time during the evening 2600 block of of Nov. 26, an unknown suspect James L. Redman Parkway entered her vehicle and removed THAT’S HOW THEY GET YA Vehicle theft: This complainant her vehicle registration and insurReynolds Street/Franklin Street reported his silver 2006 Ford ance information from the glove DUI Arrest: A vehicle was F-150 extended cab pickup truck box. They didn’t take any other was stolen at the Murphy USA gas observed driving the wrong items. The complainant requestEXPLAINS A LOT way down Reynolds Street. The station at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 21. ed the incident be documented 1800 block of vehicle was stopped and a woman so she could have the papers James L. Redman Parkway was placed under arrest for replaced. Fraudulent use of a credit card: NOV. 24 Driving Under the Influence. This complainant reported earlier in their shift that her wallet was WHOOPSIE DAISY TAG! YOU’RE IT missing and possibly lost. Later 2700 block of Thonotosassa Road North Franklin Street/ NOV. 26 in the shift, it was determined Fraud: This complainant reported Sunset Drive the wallet was taken in a vehicle he left his wallet on his vehicle Battery (waiver): This complain- THANKS FOR SHARING burglary. A card inside the wallet and pulled away from the pump ant reported he was standing 1 Police Place was also used fraudulently. after getting gas. Eventually he near the street when a man Stolen vehicle recovery: This realized he left his wallet on the reached out the rear window of a victim reported to police that car and turned around to go back HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT passing vehicle and smacked him an unknown person returned 2000 block of Via Napoli Street to the pump for the wallet, but in the back of the head. The man her stolen vehicle to her home. he was unable to find it when he Vehicle burglary: An unlocked was identified by the officer and Someone swiped their Cadillac returned. vehicle was burglarized. The located in the area. The complain- SRX on the prior day. Since it thief took a Samsung Galaxy ant advised they did not want to was returned, the victim signed a tablet with a black cover, which ’TIS THE SEASON OF FRAUD press charges on the man and waiver of prosecution. Edited by David Steinberg December 6, 2019 was valued at $200, as well as a 1900 block of Cedar Run Court signed a waiver of prosecution. black North Face backpack which No injuries were reported or Information report: This victim NOV. 27 It may be 11 Last Greek 44 Mess up contained ACROSS miscellaneous items 49observed. fell for an IRS phone scam and framed consonant 47CHOICE Greatest “I Do” 1 and valued at $40 twosinger electronic went to Walmart and CVS to purCURIOUS chargers valued at $30. chase gift cards. The victim was PIRATES 900 block of chance 50PORCH ***Game 12 G.I. Lisa scammed out of $3,074. 600 block of Coronet Street East Alsobrook Street with rooks entertainers 48 ****African 5 Purpose Stolen bike ThisPunk rocker Vehicle burglary (waiver): This NOV. 23 8 Brown (1 and 2) (waiver):13 site of a 52complainant Eddie Van reported ___ Vicious 1976 rescue spot? unknown TOOL TIME 53an___ Mawrsuspect 19 **Ages and (4 and 5) 14 *Humorist 1600 block of Bombeck 55removed Choicea bike from ages (2 and 3) 51 ***Brain hisword? front porch. He 21 Rapa ___ East Calhoun Street scans, for (circle letters wanted the incident Residential burglary: During an 57 ****Winter (Easter Island) short (2 and 3) 2 and 3) safe drivers save52 up Snicker to 14%. reported but did not 25 I help unknown time between Nov. 20 D.C. setting What a fool 15 Hot off the

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019

MAN SHOT, KILLED BY PCPD OFFICER IN VEHICLE INCIDENT Early Sunday morning, Steven Kerr Jr. was shot and killed after driving a stolen vehicle directly toward a Plant City Police officer. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Two Plant City Police officers shot and killed the driver of a stolen vehicle after police said the man drove the vehicle at one of the officers. PCPD spokesman Al Van Duyne said a grey Honda was reported stolen Saturday evening so the department put out a Be On the Lookout call for the car. At approximately 6 a.m. Sunday morning, two officers, Corporal Gerald Baker and Officer Christian Lopez, saw the car at 1202 Spooner Drive and approached the vehicle. The officers shined their light at the car and realized a man was inside. Then the driver reportedly put the car in drive and drove the car directly toward Baker, who stood against the fence. “The man put the car in drive and drove toward the officers,” Van Duyne said. “The first officer was walking toward the front of the vehicle, but he was walking parallel with a fence line at the house. The second officer

was approaching from the rear and he was approaching the right rear side of the vehicle. As the officers were walking toward the vehicle the driver put the vehicle into drive and starts driving forward toward the one officer. “Well they both were in fear, obviously the officer the vehicle was coming toward was in fear of his life and the other officer was in fear the driver was going to injure the other officer,” Van Duyne said. The fence was six feet tall so Baker, who was at the front of the vehicle, was unable to take the time to scale the barrier or dodge the oncoming car, so both officers fired shots at the vehicle in an attempt to stop the driver. Van Duyne said the driver, who was identified as 25-year-old Steven Kerr Jr., was shot at least once and died at the scene. Baker has been with PCPD for 14 years and was cleared of a previous officer-involved shooting in 2017. Lopez has been with the department for seven years.

This was not Kerr’s first brush with the law. On Nov. 7 he was arrested and charged with grand theft third degree, petty theft first degree, resisting an officer without violence and fleeing and attempting to elude officers. In the past he has also been in prison for charges related to grand theft and had an out of county warrant for Marion County. Both Baker and Lopez were put on standard paid leave. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident. PCPD has also enlisted the assistance of HCSO and its crime scene unit came in to process the scene. Any subsequent information will come from the FDLE. This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Plant City Police Department or the FDLE.

HCSO

Steven Kerr Jr.’s booking image from his arrest in November.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019

COMMISSION ROUNDUP:

PlantCityObserver.com

CITY HALL RENOVATION AND IRMA EXPENSES SETTLED City Hall is finally getting a new roof and the city has officially begun to wrap up expenses for Hurricane Irma management. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

City Hall is getting a makeover and the City of Plant City has received the final word on Hurricane Irma expenses. One of the many changes headed to downtown Plant City is quick, but significant, construction at City Hall. On Nov. 25, commissioners agreed it was time to finally replace the roof of the building, which was originally installed in 2000. While it was recoated in 2009 and 2016, McDaniel said it is now beyond the point of normal repairs and thus must undergo a complete reroofing. “There’s been multiple instances over the last few years where its become evident it’s time for a new roof,” McDaniel said. “I walked into my office one day and there was a waterfall going down onto this table. At first I thought it was an AC issue, but we investigated and found it was a leak. It’s definitely time to replace it.” McDaniel said he’s been up on the roof himself eyeing the quality of the now nearly two-decade old materials. A lot of the wear and tear has gravitated toward the front of the building where the water rushes off after a heavy rain. It’s a fast job once it starts and McDaniel said the process should take no more than 45 days once it begins. Part of the city’s CIP program is dedicated to reroofing city buildings. The city put feelers out to determine the most financially sound method of going about the project and procurement determined it was “in the best interest of the City to piggyback the City of Tampa’s continuing contract with Quality Roofing, Inc., of Tampa.” Quality Roofing estimated it will cost $292,818 to fin-

ish the job. The city also received the expenses in the city’s hands. bids from two other contractors The City of Plant City is responwho had a range from $372,105 sible for footing $51,599.25 of the to $481,950, respectively. Com- total repairs. As of Nov. 18, 2019, missioners agreed with the rec- the City has been reimbursed ommendation to hire Quality $972,653.65. Roofing and authorized the city “The City is still expecting manager to execute a contract approximately $466,242.64 with the company. to cover storm debris pickup McDaniel also announced the and administrative expenses, city received good news regarding plus $26,842.18 for insurance the budget for the Hurricane Irma deductions at closeout,” the report cleanup. On Sept. 9, 2017, the from the Finance Department City of Plant City initiated emer- said. “During the process, the gency operations according to the split on some projects went from city’s Comprehensive Emergency 75 percent federal and 12.5 percent Management Plan. The next day, State reimbursed to 90 percent Interim City Manager Kim Lein- federal and 10 percent State, bach activated the city’s Emer- based on changes approved by gency Operations Center, which President Trump. This resulted in remained in operation around the an $11,000.66 benefit to the City.” clock until 5 p.m. Sept. 11. File photos City staff had to engage in a variety of storm-related activities Following Hurricane Irma in 2017 including approach, landfall and the City of Plant City worked recovery. The original estimated around the clock to repair the cost that was reported to FEMA damage throughout town. for the expenses related to Irma was $1,676,587.96, which covered nine major projects around the city. Debris removal from Sept. 4 and Sept. 17 cost $393,881. Debris removal from Sept. 18 to Oct. 17 cost $407,393. Repairing and replacing street signs and traffic signals cost $37,945.07. The Dr. MLK Jr. Utility Project cost $188,250. Stadium awning and fence repair cost $19,020.06. Recreation and parks facilities cost $48,611.32. Vermont Street repairs cost $17,937. Lift Station 2’s repair cost $44,482. Protective measures from Sept. 4 to Oct. 3 cost $439,068.51 and direct administrative costs (five percent of the total) were $80,000. To date, FEMA has obligated a total of $1,490,495.54. Of 12/5/2019 that money, $1,387,297 is& 12/19/2019 com- Lakeland ing from the federalKeiser government 231-1851-PCO-ImpactMA-5x6 City Observer and $51,599.29 is Plant coming from 5x6 the state. That leaves SB a mere 3.55 11/25/19 percent of the total amount for

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019

CHAMBER OPENS AVENUE OF CONVERSATION BETWEEN POLITICIANS AND ELECTORATES In a pre-session legislative round table that was held Tuesday evening members of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce had the opportunity to sit down with two of their elected officials and talk about issues close to their hearts. Breanne Williams

Representative Lawrence McClure and Senator Tom Lee.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Senator Tom Lee and Representative Lawrence McClure met with members of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Tuesday for a pre-session legislative round table. The event was designed by the Chamber to “create avenues” for its members and get them politically engaged. Following last year’s Capitol Coffee event, where the Chamber invited a variety of elected officials to “check in” with their constituents and discuss hot-button items, several of the politicians said they wished they had the opportunity to sit down with the voters before a session started rather than hearing their thoughts after the year was essentially over. “I always thought that we do these wrap-ups after session and then we sit in our cars after and go, ‘Man, I wish I had heard that earlier,’ or we wish something had been brought to our attention at the start of session so we

could have maybe focused on that a little more,” Lee said. “An event like this helps us know where your minds are, where your passions are, before we really get into the new session.” Structured as a formal Q&A, the chamber had members preregister their questions and each was given three minutes for a response. Both McClure and Lee said Florida’s budget has long been focused on healthcare and education. They briefly discussed some of the items they expected to see on the floor next session and both took a moment to highlight issues they will forever be passionate about. Lee talked about working a lot “in the education space” right now and discussed deregulating the public school system. McClure frequently brought up his passion for agriculture and his desire to find a way to get the desperately needed help for the strawberry and citrus farmers in the area. Mayor Rick Lott opened the evening by sharing the city’s perspective. Three years ago,

they hired a lobby firm to make sure Plant City’s interests were being represented. It’s “just how the process works,” according to Lott, and he formally highlighted the two main issues he would seek help with from our elected officials this year: help for the McIntosh Park project and for pushing for the local courthouse to have the ability to try felony cases. The room was full of community leaders from all walks of life and the questions pitched toward the politicians reflected that diversity. Some wanted an insight on Florida’s amendment system, which they believed to be flawed. Others asked for clarification on the state’s stance on hemp. Several were worried about the push to raise the minimum wage. Because of Plant City’s heavy focus on agriculture, the topic of immigration as well as the use of E-Verify was a point of heavy discussion. One attendee from the Florida Strawberry Growers Association said as a country, we can either “import our labor or import all of the food that we eat. I think we’d be a lot better off importing labor

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ics, like how different healthcare related bills would affect hospitals, issues with current practices in relation to the motor industry and the impact of of autonomous vehicles on franchise dealers. As the evening went on, the elected officials motioned toward their notes and said this put them in a great mindset going into their next session. “I just want to say on behalf of all of us, thank you,” Lott said. “We’ve had a long relationship and worked together and the projects are countless that you go through and you have Senator Lee’s handprint on. It’s from legal to healthcare to housing to you name it, you’ve been a big benefit to our community and we all know that if we have something to discuss we all have the opportunity… I know it’s only been two years, Representative, but wow what a two years it has been. You really have come in and what I like about both of them is they don’t come in and tell us how to run our city, but they come and ask ‘How can I help your city?’ I love that relationship.”

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than food.” He said there needed to be a pathway from the federal government to bring in help and make it a viable means for both farmers and their workers. In response, Lee broke down the dynamics of Florida’s labor issue. He said there are 800,000 undocumented immigrants working and living in Florida. He said we are paying billions of dollars for them via Medicaid and in the school system, but that our economy has become reliant on them. He said we are “a hostage to these people.” “It’s frustrating, and to me there’s a couple stages of this,” Lee said. “The first to is, ‘How do you stop the bleeding?’ How do you keep 800(k) from becoming a million? Then of course you have the 800,000 that are here and how do you keep any program you put in place to verify that they’re here legally from affecting our companies, our businesses and other people in the agriculture industry?” After much discussion on the issue, the conversation turned to a few more industry-specific top-

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019

CUTEST CRITTER

Do you want Plant City to see how cute your favorite pets are? Send your pictures to Staff Writer Breanne Williams at bwilliams@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

MILLIE: This week’s Cutest Critter is looking for her forever home. Millie enjoys going on adventures, exploring downtown and meeting strangers. Her sweet and accepting personality is only matched by her charming zeal for life. She instantly becomes best friends with anyone she meets. If you would like to meet Millie, her intake number for the Pet Resource Center is A2024770. She’s a three-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier and is spayed, microchipped and up-to-date with her shots.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com Courtesy of Fred Tolliver Jr.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FRED TOLLIVER JR. Tolliver’s latest finished project, The Last Whistle, is now available to stream on Netflix.

Fred Tolliver Jr. spent many shifts at the Sherwin-Williams paint store on Collins Street wondering what his purpose in life was and where that would take him — even if that meant leaving his hometown. More than 10 years have passed since he saw a commercial and decided to take a gamble on acting professionally. Tolliver’s big bet on himself seems to have paid off. He’s now living in New York City and getting regular work on and off screen. You can see or hear him in several Spike Lee “joints,” as the legendary director would say, and now you can also stream his latest film, The Last Whistle, on Netflix. “It was just me following the omens and following the universe, allowing that to guide me and not being stuck on just living in Plant City and playing the safe route,” Tolliver said. Tolliver’s goal may have been to chase his dream out of Plant City, but his roots are still important to him. That was among the reasons he signed on to act in The Last Whistle, a drama that initially released this past June and features Friday Night Lights alum Brad Leland, as well as Parks and Recreation actor Jim O’Heir and University of Kansas head coach Les Miles. “We filmed it last summer in Texas and for me, it was very nostalgic,” Tolliver said. “It brought me back home… I got to relive my old high school days when I played football and got to work with some actors I admired before this film came out.” Like his character, football star Benny Robinson, Tolliver played football in his youth and absolutely loved the game. He

felt a strong connection to his character upon reading the script and knew he couldn’t turn the role down if it was offered to him. “Football coaches become like your second father,” Tolliver said. “With Benny, the coach was like his father and I could relate to a lot of the things happening with Benny and his coach.” The role also let Tolliver put the pads on and play for the first time since 2006, which he said let him “relive my old high school days.” Robinson is the star player on a successful high school football team in the Fort Worth, Texas area. The events of the movie are set into motion when he collapses during a particularly tough practice and dies from an undiagnosed heart condition, which forces head coach Victor Trenton (Leland) to balance handling the aftermath of Robinson’s tragic death with keeping the team’s winning ways alive no matter what. “Of all the things I’ve done so far, this was at or near the top,” Tolliver said. After realizing he didn’t have a future as a pro football player, Tolliver enrolled at Hillsborough Community College and thought he’d try and become a defense attorney. He stopped attending after about a year and a half, realizing that wasn’t really something he was passionate for, and found himself stuck in a rut. “I stopped going, hit a crossroads and felt like maybe there was something else I was supposed to do,” Tolliver said. “I was driving, doing paint delivery and I heard this commercial about acting three or four times before I really heard it. I said ‘Maybe I’ll give this a shot.’” He participated in seminars and tested with agents, took acting classes at Mary Jo’s Perform-

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019

ing Arts Academy in Carrollwood and worked hard at his craft in Florida until January 2009, when he decided it was time to take a leap of faith and move to New York. His first credited role, per IMDb, came in 2011 when he played a rookie cop in superhero film Somebody’s Hero. Tolliver’s resume includes roles in Spike Lee’s 2012 film Red Hook Summer and the 2017 TV adaptation of She’s Gotta Have It, a role in 2013 crime drama Broken City, which starred Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe, and a role in a 2015 episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit titled Decaying Morality. Tolliver has also continued to work with Lee in several uncredited roles, including a taste of Broadway with Lee’s 2018 production of Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth starring the notorious boxing icon himself. “Getting firsthand experience with (Lee) was invaluable,” Tolliver said. “He’s a legend. On set, working with someone of that magnitude, you want to be prepared… (Red Hook Summer) was a challenge but it was wonderful.” Tolliver is currently in what he calls the “grind” stage of auditioning for roles. He’s currently hoping to land a part in an upcoming Lena Waithe production and auditioned last week for something “really big” that he’s not legally allowed to discuss at this time. This career, he said, is broken up into two parts: the grind of auditioning for roles and the “high” of working in roles and finally seeing the projects release. “This work, it’s a revolving cycle until you hit that one big one,” he said. “I have wonderful agents and managers who keep me busy.”

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019

GARDEN FRESH FEAST PROMISES NIGHT OF CULINARY DELIGHT The Plant City Commons Community Garden is hosting an inaugural Garden Fresh Feast that will feature a five-course meal and live music.

MENUMENU

GARDEN GARDEN Plant CityPlant Commons City Commons Community Community Garden Garden

FRESH FRESH

SeasonalSeasonal Food From Food Local From Farms Local & Gardens Farms & Gardens

FEAST FEAST

Chef Prepared Chef Prepared Five Course FiveDinner Course Dinner

Local - Fresh Local- -Clean Fresh - Clean

Friday

Food sourced Food sourced from ourfrom our local gardens Garden,Garden, local gardens & farms & farms using organic vegetable and using organic vegetable and fruit growing AND fruit growing methodsmethods AND local farms using organic & local farms using organic & Friday animal practices. humanehumane animal practices.

December December 13, 2019 13, 2019

meal prepared by 2001 E. Cherry 2001 E. St.Cherry St. Inspired Inspired meal prepared by Plant City,Plant FL City, FL Chef Shannon Chef Shannon Shearer Shearer Social Social 5:30 P.M. 5:30 P.M. $50 per 5 $50 per 5meal course meal course Dinner 6:30 Dinner P.M. 6:30 P.M. Choice of Omnivore Choice oforOmnivore Vegetarian or Vegetarian

SOCIAL SOCIAL HOURHOUR

GARDEN GARDEN

Hors d’oeuvre Hors d’oeuvre Cornbread Bruschetta Creole Cornbread Bruschetta ShrimpShrimp Creole Cornbread Bruschetta Lentil Creole* Cornbread Bruschetta Lentil Creole*

FRESH FRESH

DINNER DINNER Butternut Squash BisqueBisque * Butternut Squash * SaladSalad MixedMixed Garden Greens with with Garden Greens HoneyHoney Balsamic Balsamic Vinaigrette Vinaigrette * * Roasted Roasted Fall Garden Fall Garden Vegetables Vegetables * * Creamed Creamed Kale *Kale * Sous Vide Sous Herbed Vide Herbed Chicken Chicken BreastBreast

FEAST FEAST or

Polenta Polenta stuffed stuffed Portobello Portobello * * DESSERT DESSERT Assorted Assorted Tarts *Tarts * BEVERAGES BEVERAGES Assorted Assorted WinesWines and Beer and Beer Tea and TeaCoffee and Coffee *Vegetarian *Vegetarian

Music & Music Entertainment & Entertainment Ticket Information: & Sponsor Information: Silent Auction Ticket & Sponsor Silent Auction

Alaina www.plantcitycommunitygarden.com www.plantcitycommunitygarden.com

Edgemon Alaina Edgemon 813.956.3453 813.956.3453

Hosted by &Hosted held at byPlant & held CityatCommons Plant City Community Commons Community Garden a 501(C)3 Garden a 501(C)3 On the South Onside the of South the HCC side of Plant the City HCCcampus Plant City campus

STAFF WRITER

Cuisine enthusiasts have the opportunity to join a new culinary movement at the Plant City Commons Community Garden next week. The inaugural Garden Fresh Feast will feature seasonal food from local farms and gardens, including produce grown right there at the Community Garden. Chef Shannon Shearer will prepare a fivecourse dinner for attendees that will push the boundaries of “festive eating.” “The funds from this event will help support our Garden programs and general garden maintenance,” Community Gardens President Karen Bornstine said. “Purchasing soil and amendments, germination and potting supplies, printed materials, irrigation parts, concrete block, seed library supplies, aquaponics supplies, weed control supplies, funds for our children’s programs, tools and repairs,

tractor maintenance, expanding the fruit forest, expanding the container garden, upgrading irrigation, workshops and more. PCCCG is committed to providing a space inspired by food, health, organic gardening, caring for the earth and enhancing the quality of life for our diverse Plant City community.” The event is held at the Community Garden, 2001 E. Cherry St., so attendees have the opportunity to experience one of Plant City’s hidden gems and mingle in the everevolving garden. The Plant City Commons Community Garden is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that is located on the south side of the HCC Plant City campus. Guests will arrive for a social hour at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 13 and will then begin the fivecourse dinner at 6:30 p.m. There will be music and entertainment as well as a silent auction to raise money for the organization. During the social hour, Katie Lombardo will sing and Zachary Frankowiak will

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BREANNE WILLIAMS

perform during dinner with his ensemble “Zach and the Four Seasons.” The silent auction will feature items like cigars and scotch as well as “A Taste of Downtown Plant City,” where a chef will prepare a dinner for four in the comfort of your home. Shearer is a PCCCG member as well as a community chef. She said she’s looking forward to the opportunity to use her skills to “provide a real contribution to our community.” The dinner will only highlight gardens and farms using organic vegetables and fruit growing methods, as well as local farms using organic and humane animal practices. Shearer has crafted a menu that mixes classic winter favorites with new traditions. There will be cornbread bruschetta shrimp creole for the Hors d’oeuvre and dessert will be an assortment of tarts. Dinner is butternut squash bisque, salad mixed garden greens with honey balsamic

Contact Alaina Contact Edgemon Alaina 813-956-3453 Edgemon 813-956-3453 • www.plantcitycommunitygarden.com • www.plantcitycommunitygarden.com Email aedgemon@gmail.com Email aedgemon@gmail.com or 12circle8@gmail.com or 12circle8@gmail.com

vinegrette, roasted fall garden vegetables, creamed kale, sous vide herbed chicken breast or polenta-stuffed portobello. There is also a variety of assorted wines and beer as well as tea and coffee. The entire community has thrown its support behind the event including sponsors like Wish Farms, 84 Lumber, Taylor Rental, Thrivent, Walmart, Dennis and Julie Carroll, Plant City Hillsborough Community College, Keel Farms, Ramon Ortiz-Roldan DDS, Coastal Dental Plant City South and Winn-Dixie. Tickets for the inaugural event are $50 per person for the five-course meal and you can select an omnivore or vegetarian meal. You can sign up online at Eventbrite for tickets. For ticket and sponsor information contact the Event Chair Alaina Edgemon at 813-956-3453. For more information about the Plant City Commons Community Garden, visit plantcitycommunitygarden.com.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019

Join us Dec 22 10:15

WHAT CAN I BRING?

SUNDAY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Featuring Professional Beat Boxer, Kadison Beaver!

SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS A NIGHT OF MUSIC AND PROSE

Featuring Handbell Choir and Tampa Bay Harpist, Taylor Mills Krebs!

6:00

DECEMBER 5, 2019

SPORTS Quick Hits STRAWBERRY Megan Watson’s leadership helps Strawberry Crest’s girls on the basketball court. See Page 13

JAM TURKEY BOWL

AREA PARKS HOSTING EVENTS This weekend, in addition to the United Youth Football League national championships starting up, there’s one other tournament coming to Plant City. Pro-Am 50 Softball, a league for players age 50 and up, is hosting a tournament on Saturday and Sunday at the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex. Games start between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. both days. If you can’t make it out to the Four-Plex to watch the games live, the league will have full game videos available on its YouTube channel, youtube.com/channel/UCgOr9OZemaA_uBFNC3HDTCQ. Next weekend, Global Sports Alliance Baseball will host the Winter Wrap-Up tournament at Plant City Stadium, the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex, Mike Sansone Park, Ellis-Methvin Park, the MLK Rec Complex and Snowden Park. Games start between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15.

SUCCESSFUL Fifteen youth football organizations came together in Plant City for the inaugural Thanksgiving weekend tournament.

WHITE MAKES SPLASH IN CYPRUS Plant City native Trenton White competed with Team USA’s U17 squad in the European Pocket Billiard Federation World Championships and finished 12th overall in his age group. His performance also has him ranked 12th in the world among players 16 and under. Photos by Justin Kline

The Plant City Dolphins won all four divisions their teams competed in.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SIGN UP FOR YOUTH FISHING DERBY Registration for the annual Fall Youth Fishing Derby is now open. The Fall Youth Fishing Derby comes back to the pond behind Plant City Stadium and the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex bright and early this Saturday. The annual free event is for anglers age 5-15 and runs from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Participants are asked to bring their own fishing equipment, bait and buckets for the catch-and-release event, though past winners have often walked away with brand new gear to go with their trophies. You can pre-register online at plantcitygov.com or at the PCRPD office by the end of the day today, or sign up onsite from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. on derby day. For more information, contact program manager Deborah Haldane at dhaldane@ plantcitygov.com or at 813-659-4255.

Thanksgiving leftovers weren’t the only thing that heated up in Plant City over the weekend. The Plant City Dolphins hosted their inaugural Strawberry Jam Turkey Bowl from Nov. 29-Dec. 1 at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex, bringing in 15 teams from around Florida and as far as Texas. The teams competed for championship glory in seven age-assigned divisions. Though the planned 6U flag football division didn’t work out in 2019, the Dolphins considered the event as a whole a success and have every intention of bringing it back for years to come. It was also great for the Dolphins players themselves: all four PCD teams that entered the tournament won their respective divisions.

CHAMPIONS 6U: Plant City Dolphins 8U: Plant City Dolphins 10U D1: Plant City Dolphins 10U D2: Fort Myers Raptors 12U D1: Plant City Dolphins 12U D2: North Texas Warriors 14U: Lakeland Legends PARTICIPATING TEAMS Brandon Cowboys Chiefland Indians Fort Myers Raptors GTM Hurricanes Lakeland Eagles Lakeland Gators Lakeland Legends Lakeland Storm New Tampa Wildcats North Texas Warriors Ocala Thunder Plant City Colts Plant City Dolphins Polk City Jaguars Polk County Titans

A GTM Hurricanes player slips past Lakeland Storm defenders.

Left: The Plant City Colts also defended their home turf that weekend. Right: The Lakeland Legends try to stop the Chiefland Indians.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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PIECE DE RESISTANCE

Megan Watson

Resistance band training can put a new twist on any workout. If you have never trained with any type of resistance band before, you might be surprised to find resistance band training is not at all like using free weights or doing body weight exercises. They can challenge your body in a different way. We work against gravity when we use free weights, so we have resistance in one direction. With band training, there is resistance in multiple directions. Being able to perform exercises in all planes of motion allows us to train more functionally. It enables us to train our bodies to use movement patterns that mimic everyday life or perform sportspecific movements, such as mimicking the swing of a baseball bat. Unlike weight training, resistance bands provide continuous muscle tension. Additionally, the resistance will increase as you move through the range of motion. If we use a bicep curl, for example, the point of most resistance when using free weights is at the midrange of the movement. The point of most resistance with a band, however, is going to be at the top range of the curl movement. The resistance will progressively increase as you bring your knuckles up toward your shoulders. This ascending resistance requires a higher degree of stabilization, which is needed to help prevent injury. Training with resistance bands is easier on joints. When using weights, muscles accelerate at the beginning of the movement using momentum and

This season’s started off pretty well for you and your teammates. How do you think things will go from here? I think things are gonna go really well. We’ve been working together. We’ve got a true point guard this year. It should just get better from here. What makes this team different from the others you’ve played with here? We’re a lot closer. We work together more on and off the court. And we have a real point guard, so we don’t have to worry about somebody up there getting scared with the ball. All our plays just run really smoothly. How have you changed your game in the last year?

Angela Fulgieri is a Program Director for the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA. Write her at observerfitness@ gmail.com.

My shot percentage. I’ve been putting up a lot more shots than I did and I’ve been getting really good at passing, too.

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Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at JKline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.

When Strawberry Crest’s girls basketball team needs a bucket, it turns to Megan Watson. The senior helped the Chargers get off to a 2-1 start to the season averaging 22 points per game and most notably put up a monster stat line at Spoto on Nov. 22: 30 points, nine steals, seven assists and two blocks. Watson is also getting ready to finalize her college plans and is excited to take her game to the next level.

decelerate at the end of the movement. As long as you are doing the exercises correctly, there is no danger to the joints with weight training. However, it is easier for most people to perform exercises properly with resistance bands because they are not using momentum to move through the range of motion. For that reason, bands are used in physical therapy to rebuild strength after injury. Resistance bands are inexpensive, portable and allow you to train your entire body with just one piece of equipment. If you decide to purchase any resistance band, be sure to select one of good quality that won’t break easily. Traveling for the holidays? They are easy to pack since they are small and lightweight. No excuses! Resistance bands are used in many group exercise classes at local YMCAs, including Active Older Adult classes and the LesMills 30-minute core program. Try one of these classes to have an experienced instructor guide you through the workout.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019

What are your personal goals for this season? I really want to make a name for myself so I can go to college and get a free education, of course, but I also want to set more goals for myself and be better for my team. Are you getting more attention from colleges now than you did last season? Yes, I have some offers and I’m committing real soon.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

FOCUS ON FITNESS:

SPORTS SCORES

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019

SPORTS SCORES AND MORE BOYS BASKETBALL DEC. 3 Sarasota Riverview 85, Durant 42 Plant 53, Plant City 44 Freedom 53, Strawberry Crest 38 DEC. 4 Kathleen at Strawberry Crest, 7 p.m. DEC. 6

DEC. 11 Plant City at Newsome, 7 p.m.

Lennard at Durant, 8 p.m. Armwood at Plant City, 6:30 p.m. Strawberry Crest at Wharton, 7 p.m.

DEC. 10

Durant at Pensacola Catholic Invite through Dec. 28

Strawberry Crest at Wharton, 7 p.m.

Strawberry Crest at Durant, 6 p.m.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

CHEERLEADING

DEC. 6

Riverview at Durant, 8 p.m. Plant City at Bloomingdale, 8 p.m. Armwood at Strawberry Crest, 8 p.m.

DEC. 3

DEC. 5

Durant 49, Sarasota Riverview 38 Strawberry Crest 90, Freedom 14

Plant City at Strawberry Crest, 6:30 p.m.

DEC. 4

Plant City at UCA regionals in Tampa, 8 a.m.

Durant at Riverview, 6:30 p.m. Lakeland at Plant City, 7 p.m.

Steinbrenner at Durant, 7 p.m. Spoto at Plant City, 6:30 p.m. Armwood at Strawberry Crest, 6:30 p.m.

DEC. 13

DEC. 5

DEC. 6

DEC. 10

Durant at Bayshore Christian Invite, 7:30 p.m.

DEC. 20

Spoto at Durant, 7 p.m.

Durant at Riverview, 8 p.m. Strawberry Crest at Sickles, 7 p.m.

DEC. 12

DEC. 26

DEC. 10 Spoto at Plant City, 8 p.m. Armwood at Strawberry Crest, 8 p.m.

Plant City at Durant, 6 p.m.

DEC. 7

DEC. 20 Wharton at Plant City, 6 p.m.

DEC. 13

DEC. 10 Strawberry Crest at Steinbrenner, 6:30 p.m.

Plant City at King, 6 p.m. Strawberry Crest at Freedom, 6 p.m.

DEC. 11

DEC. 20

Durant, Plant City at Sickles, 6:30 p.m.

Wharton at Plant City, 8 p.m.

WRESTLING DEC. 6 Plant City at East Bay, 2 p.m. DEC. 7

GIRLS SOCCER

DEC. 21 Plant City at Bartow, 8 a.m.

DEC. 3

Durant at Chamberlain, 7 p.m. Strawberry Crest at Jefferson, 7 p.m.

BOYS SOCCER

Newsome 2, Durant 1 Strawberry Crest 2, Plant City 1

Lennard at Durant, 6:30 p.m. Armwood at Plant City, 8 p.m.

Plant City at King, 8 p.m. Strawberry Crest at Freedom, 8 p.m.

Riverview at Durant, 6 p.m. Plant City at Bloomingdale, 6 p.m. Armwood at Strawberry Crest, 6 p.m.

DEC. 11

DEC. 13

DEC. 10

DEC. 3

Durant at Mulberry Invitational Plant City at East Bay, 9 a.m. Strawberry Crest at Ben Richards IBT (Leto), 9:30 a.m. DEC. 12 Plant City at Durant, 7 p.m.

DEC. 5

Newsome 3, Durant 0 Strawberry Crest 1, Plant City 0

DEC. 13

Strawberry Crest at Durant, 8 p.m.

Strawberry Crest at Freedom 6-way through Dec. 14

DEC. 6 Plant City at Durant, 8 p.m.

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OBITUARIES

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019

Ora ‘O.E.’ Maddox Ora “O.E.” Maddox, 80, of Seffner, passed away on Dec. 1, 2019. The family will receive friends Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Landmark Baptist Church, 6021 Williams Road, Seffner, FL 33584. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.

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William Carter Southerland William Carter Southerland, 75, of Bartow and Plant City, passed away Nov. 30, 2019. William was a six-year veteran of the Florida National Guard. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 6, 2019, Springhead Baptist Church, 3106 S. Wiggins Road, Plant City, with a funeral to follow at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

5, 2019 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Eastside Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held Friday Dec. 6 at 11 a.m. at Eastside Baptist Church. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.

to Buford and Choles Meeks Phillips. She is survived by her loving Daniel Ramirez, 50, of Plant City, husband of 57 years and passed away Nov. 26, 2019. Steve Gene Pendergrass, age caregiver for the past 13 years, The family will receive friends 62, of Tampa, FL passed away on Paul M. Sgro, sons; Joseph from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, December 2, 2019. The family M. Schidlowski and Paul S. Dec. 4, 2019, Haught Funeral will receive friends Saturday, Sgro (Amber), daughters; Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., December 7, 2019 from 10:00 Monica M. Fleming (Scott) Plant City. AM to 11:00 AM at Shiloh Baptist and Lynette L. Curtis, brother; Daniel will be returning to Church, 905 West Terrace Drive, Michael Phillips, sister; Mexico for interment at a later Plant City, FL 33563. Funeral Marama Rusyn, sister-in-law; services will follow at 11:00 AM HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM date. Dr. Joyce Sgro Hagel-Wright, Online condolences may be Online condolences may be left Grandchildren; Randy, Brooke, left for the family at haught.care. for the family at www.haught.care. James Anthony, Kyle, Kale, and Christopher Brown Abby, great-grandchildren; Leon, Taylor, Brayden and James Christopher Brown, age Cooper, and many nieces and 40, of Plant City, passed away nephews. on December 2, 2019. The famHAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM She has been a Plant City ily will receive friends Monday, resident for the last 40 years December 9, 2019 from 10 to 11 Annette M. and retired from GTE. a.m. at Haught Funeral Home, She loved her family and 708 W Dr MLK Jr Blvd, Plant Pasqualone Rau enjoyed cooking family meals, City, FL 33563. Funeral services baking cakes and Christmas will follow at 11 a.m. Annette M. Pasqualone Rau, 62, cookies. Online condolences may of Plant City, passed away Nov. Other hobbies included be left for the family at www. 28, 2019. traveling to North Carolina haughtfuneral.care. Annette was a U.S. Army vetand seeing mountains and eran who served in the last allPisgah National Forest and female regiment while stationed going to Disney World, where in Arizona. Epcot was her favorite and The family will receive friends HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM she would eat at Mexico and from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, watch the fireworks. Dorothy Maltzahn Dec. 5, 2019 at Haught Funeral She was very much loved Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. and will be greatly missed by Blvd., Plant City, with a memorial Dorothy Maltzahn, 95, of Plant we’re her. dedicated to helping families cre W E ’ RE P RO UD TO S E RV E our community all who knew City, passed away Nov. 27, 2019. service to follow at 3 p.m. unique and meaningful memorial that with personal, compassionate care since 1896. A Memorial Mass will be Online condolences may be The family will receive celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, held Friday, December 6, left for the family at haught.care. friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability 2019 at St. Clement Catholic Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019, Hope Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Assistance Church at>11The a.m. with a Lutheran Church, 2001 North visitation at 10 a.m. Park Road, Plant City, with a Marie Condolences and fond Memorial Service to follow at 11 Trevagrey Sgro memories may be offered at a.m. Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. www.wellsmemorial.com. Online condolences may be Marie Trevagrey Sgro, 80, of left for the family at haught.care. Plant City, entered heaven’s gates on Nov. 24, 2019 from the comfort of her home and HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM surrounded by her family. WELLSMEMORIAL.COM She was born on Sept. 12, 1939 in Gastonia, North Carolina HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Daniel Ramirez

Steve Gene Pendergrass

Taking care of each other is what

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HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Brittany Nicole Clark Brittany Nicole Clark, 31, of Orlando, passed away on Nov. 30, 2019. The family will receive friends Thursday, December

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

is all about.

in Seattle, Washington on Marie Carmody, 74, ofmemorialborn unique and meaningful that truly ate care since 1896.Theresa celebratesaway the lifeon it represents. professionals, Nov. 24, 1929, entered into eterLakeland, passed Nov.

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Williams John ‘Bill’ Nealand

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HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Robert ‘Bobby’ Lucas

lls MeMorial & event Center we’re dedicated to helping familiesRobert create a“Bobby” Lucas, 83, of E our community PlanT CiTy Dover, born in Troy, Alabama Williams John “Bill” Nealand, 71, unique and meaningful memorial that truly ate care since 1896. 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com celebrates theaway life it on represents. on Nov. 30, 1935, entered into professionals, of Plant City, passed

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Wayne Rogers

lls MeMorial & event Center

Wayne Rogers, 79, of Plant City, PlanT CiTy born in Jacksonville, Florida 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com on June 23, 1940, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 26, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Michael Baty Sr. Michael Baty Sr., 64, of Plant City, born in Harrisburg, Arkansas on Aug. 5, 1955, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 26, 2019. Expressions of condolence at 10/27/15 10:42 AM HopewellFuneral.com.

protect the farming industry. He grew, branded, and shipped Florida strawberries throughout the eastern U.S. and parts of Canada. Traveling the world doing his own research, Marvin was a pioneer in using drip irrigation, developed a hydroponic system to grow strawberry plants, and was instrumental in developing and patenting specialized equipment to form strawberry rows, which is still in use today. He also built comfortable, affordable housing for his George Marvin workers. He was constantly Brown in search of new methods to benefit all strawberry growers. George Marvin Brown, 74, Marvin worked with the passed away at his home in University of Florida, North Ruskin this week. Carolina State University, and He fought the good fight. He has finished the course. He has the University of California, along with many California kept the faith. Marvin is survived by his bride growers and shippers. He was a strong supporter of the of 55 years, Linda; one daughter, Lisa Brown Fox (Raymond); Florida Strawberry Growers’ one grandson, Matthew Brown Association, Florida Gulf Coast Fox; two loving sisters, Frances Research and Education Center, Williamson and Jeanette Spinks; North American Strawberry many nephews and nieces, and Growers’ Association, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association friends all over the world. and Florida Farm Bureau. Marvin had a burning desire A funeral service will be held to farm, a passion to succeed, on Thursday, December 5, at a willingness to take risks, and 11:00 a.m., at Plant City Church the vision to pursue innovative of Christ, 315 N. Wilder Road, solutions to conserve and

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019

Plant City. Interment at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marvin’s name to Florida College in Temple Terrace or to the Florida Strawberry Growers’ Association. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Mary C. Stinson Mary C. Stinson, 76, of Lithia, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on June 12, 1943, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 1, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

OBITUARIES

Wayne A. West Marie Theresa Carmody Wayne we’re dedicated to helping families create aA. West, 90, of Riverview, E our community

YOUR CALENDAR

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019

BEST BET FRIDAY, DEC. 6 PLANT CITY CHRISTMAS PARADE

7 p.m. The annual Plant City Christmas Parade will fill the streets of downtown with floats from area businesses, schools and organizations. Everyone is invited to come out and celebrate the holiday season with the special event. While the parade begins at 7 p.m. it is recommended you arrive early to grab a seat by the street. The parade route begins on Collins Street near Alsobrook Street and heads north on Collins to Reynolds Street, where it takes a right turn and ends at the Plant City Courthouse. Bring your chair, grab a snack and settle in for a special night.

THURSDAY, DEC. 5

SATURDAY, DEC. 7

LIGHTS OF LOVE

HOLIDAYS ON THE FARM

5:30 to 8 p.m. The community is invited to attend the 21st annual Lights of Love event at McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St. The festivities will have live entertainment, a visit from Santa Claus and, of course, the annual tree lighting ceremony. Admission is free.

HAVE A HEALTHY PREGNANCY CLASS

6 to 8 p.m. South Florida Baptist Hospital is hosting a Have a Healthy Pregnancy class in the ICU Conference Room, 2-South. This class covers recommendations for a healthy pregnancy and will be held the first Thursday of every month. Topics will include highlights of each trimester, proper nutrition, how to decrease risks and more. Participants may bring one guest to classes. Please bring a notepad. Snacks will be provided. Registration is free, but required. Call 1-855-269-4777.

FRIDAY, DEC. 6 DUPLICATE BRIDGE

1 p.m. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 Carey St., is now hosting a weekly Duplicate Bridge game, the most widely used variation of contract bridge in club and tournament play. Contact Walt Arnold at 813-7521602 for more information.

DATE NIGHT DANCE CLASSES

7:30 to 9 p.m. Come on out to the Stardust Ballroom for a perfect date night filled with dancing. Spend the evening holding your loved one and learning cool dance moves. These classes are recommended for all beginning dancers and act as a four week program. Each week is $20 per couple and will cost $80 for the full four-week session. Register at the door. All you need to bring is some clean dancing shoes to slip on once you cross the door. Call Pamela at 218-256-1873 for more information. Classes are limited to 50 people.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road, is bringing a winter wonderland to Plant City. Join them for Holidays on the Farm select Saturdays in December, including Dec. 7, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21. Admission is $5 per person and children ages 10 years old and under will be free. Admission includes hayride and kids activities. Get tickets at http://keelfarms.com/ events/holidays-on-the-farm/. The event will feature Santa, u-picks, hay rides, vendors, farm animals, poinsettia sales, bounce houses and a life-sized snow globe.

MERRY MARKET

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The second annual Merry Market at Plant City High School is back. Admission is $5 and there will be a variety of vendors on site as well as gourmet food trucks available. For more information, email merrymarketpchs@gmail.com. This event supports the PCHS PTSA.

SENIOR CITIZENS’ CHRISTMAS DINNER

3 to 5 p.m. Join the Improvement League of Plant City for a Senior Citizens’ Christmas Dinner. The dinner is held at Plant City Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, 911 E. Warren St., in the Fellowship Hall.

PLANT CITY BIKE FEST

4:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Plant City Bike Fest is back. The event is held in downtown Plant City, 102 N. Palmer St. The eight class bike show will have awards for first and second place. There are also two special trophies.The registration fee is $10 per class. Judging starts at 6:15 p.m. There will be live music, great food and vendors.

CHRISTMAS LANE

6 to 10 p.m. Experience the magic of Christmas Lane, a winter wonderland extravaganza at the Florida Strawberry Festival Charlie Grimes Family Agriculture Center, 2508 W. Oak Ave. It features 1.5 million sparkling lights,

decorated trees 40 feet tall, a Christmas Castle, 10-foot-tall toy soldiers, larger-than-life reindeer, live entertainment, photos with Santa, Living Nativities with real animals, and a fun, activity-filled KidZone with face painting, ornaments, letters to Santa, and LEGO building station. Exciting carnival rides and food will be available for purchase. Christmas Lane runs Thursday - Sunday Nov. 29 to Dec. 22 and 6-10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday Dec. 23 and 24. Admission: $5 + tax 14 and up, $3 + tax 4-12, under 4, free. Tickets available online at www. christmaslane.com. Ride tickets: $3 each or unlimited ride armband $15. Free parking.

PLANT CITY SOCIAL DANCE

6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Come on out to the Strawberry Square Dance Center for a night of social dancing. There is a 3,000 square-foot floating wood floor to dance on. Social dancing includes slow dances, waltzes, line dances, chacha and rumbas, two-step and country slow, swing, free style and some Latin dances. A singles table will be set up. Admission is $6.

PLANT CITY COMMUNITY CHORALE: JOYFUL NOISE

7:30 p.m. Plant City Community Chorale will present its annual holiday concert, Joyful Noise at First United Methodist Church at 303 N. Evers St. in Plant City. The concert is sponsored by Hopewell Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens. The Chorale will be joined by the Florida Southern Girls Chorus. Both choirs, under the direction of Claudia Bolano Becerra, will perform holiday favorites such as Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Oh Holy Night and Deck the Halls. Tickets are available at www.pccchorale. org; from any Chorale member or by calling 813-965-7213. Tickets may also be purchased at the Walden Lake Car Wash. Advanced tickets are $12.00. Tickets at the door are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for children under 12 and any student with a student ID.

BLUEGRASS JAM!

7:30 to 10:33 p.m. This is an open invitation for local Bluegrass mu-

WHEN SCHOOL’S OUT

UP N G I S AY!

TOD

sicians and fans to come to the Krazy Kup Loft, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., and jam, clap hands, stomp feet and enjoy. They host the Bluegrass Jam the first Saturday of every month. Don’t forget about their Bluegrass Nights on the third Thursday of every month.

of every month from September until May at the Planteen Recreation Center, 201 N. Dort St. There will be salad, desserts and a covered dish lunch at the study and attendees are invited to bring an item to share. All ladies in the community are welcome. Donations are $1.

MONDAY, DEC. 9

KIWANIS CLUB OF PLANT CITY

CITY WORKSHOP: DOWNTOWN VISION PLAN

4 to 5:30 p.m. In partnership with Plant City Main Street, the City of Plant City invites all community residents and business owners to attend a workshop on the Downtown Vision Plan that was recently developed through an intensive collaborative process. Learn more about the action plan needed to grow and revitalize our historic downtown district. The meeting is held in the Sadye Gibbs Martin Auditorium at City Hall, 302 W. Reynolds St., right before the commission meeting.

PAWS FOR READING WITH TANNER THE THERAPY DOG! 5:30 p.m. Children are invited to come on out to Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., to enjoy an evening reading with Tanner the Therapy Dog. Tanner enjoys listening to students read to him on the couch in the children’s area. Reading with Tanner can help children improve reading, communication skills, and build confidence. Tanner is an Australian Shepherd Reading Therapy Dog certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. For children of all ages.

TUESDAY, DEC. 10 PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB

12 to 1 p.m. The Plant City Lions Club holds a meeting every Tuesday at Buddy Freddy’s, 1101 Goldfinch Drive. For more information on membership call 813-924-3829.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11 PLANT CITY COMMUNITY LADIES BIBLE STUDY

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This Plant City Community Ladies Bible Study runs the first Wednesday

12 to 1 p.m. The Kiwanis Club of Plant City meets Wednesdays at Buddy Freddy’s Restaurant, 1101 Goldfinch Drive (off Thonotosassa Road). For club information, call 813-417-7559.

PAWS FOR READING WITH BONNIE THE THERAPY DOG!

4 p.m. Children are invited to come on out to Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., to enjoy an evening reading with Bonnie the Therapy Dog. Bonnie loves to snuggle up with anyone who wants to share a book and rub her back. You can find her on the couch in the children’s area. Reading with Bonnie can help children improve reading, communication skills, and build confidence. Bonnie is a Shih Tzu Reading Therapy Dog certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. For children of all ages.

THURSDAY, DEC. 12 PLANT CITY CHORALE CHRISTMAS CONCERT

5:30 p.m. The Plant City Chorale will be at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., to perform holiday songs a cappella.

BIRTH EXPERIENCE CLASS

6 to 8 p.m. South Florida Baptist Hospital is hosting a Birth Experience Class in the ICU Conference Room, 2 South. This class covers various aspects of labor and delivery, such as labor signs, breathing techniques, pain control options and hospital policies. This class is held the second Thursday of every month. Participants may bring one guest to class. Bring a notepad. Snacks will be provided. Registration is free, but required. Call 1-855-2694777.

FUN IS IN!

Bring your kids to the Plant City YMCA on most school holidays* for an exciting, enriching experience while you’re at work or out and about! PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA 1507 YMCA Pl., Plant City | 813 757 6677 | tampaymca.org

*See website for available dates.

Universal Crossword Edited by David Steinberg December 5, 2019 PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

FORECAST THURSDAY, DEC. 5 High: 70 Low: 48 Chance of rain: 10%

FRIDAY, DEC. 6 High: 77 Low: 52 Chance of rain: 10%

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Dec. 5

7:05a

5:32p

Friday, Dec. 6

7:06a

5:32p

Saturday, Dec. 7

7:06a

5:32p

Sunday, Dec. 8

7:07a

5:32p

Monday, Dec. 9

7:08a

5:33p

Tuesday, Dec. 10

7:08a

5:33p

Wednesday, Dec. 11

7:09a

5:33p

WEATHER

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MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, DEC. 7 High: 79 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 10%

SUNDAY, DEC. 8 High: 80 Low: 60 Chance of rain: 10%

TOMATOES

Shipping point: Central Florida $17.95

Dec. 25 New

Dec. 30 First

Dec. 11 Full

Dec. 21 Last

RAINFALL Monday, Nov.25

0.00

Tuesday, Nov. 26 0.00 Wednesday, Nov. 27

0.00

Thursday, Nov. 28 0.00 Friday, Nov. 29

0.00

Saturday, Nov. 30 0.00 Sunday, Dec. 1

0.00

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2019 42.42 in.

2019 0.00 in.

2018 22.59 in.

2018 0.03 in.

GOLD & SILVER

Diamonds & Precious Gems,

12/5

285826 287516-1

813.754.2360 | 1705 Jim Redman Pkwy. Plant City, 33563

Terminal Termination by Paul Coulter

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019

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