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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
MIDTOWN GRANTED EXTENSION
The City of Plant City has agreed to give 2XS Development, LLC — the company that is tackling the upcoming Midtown development — a short extension. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Though many expected to hear the first whispers of an initial development plan for the upcoming Midtown District, there has been a slight delay in its final submission.
2XS Development, LLC, the company hoping to transform the concrete slabs in the Midtown District into a stylish retail and residential mecca, originally was supposed to submit its Master Development Plan and Minimum Development plan by Jan. 14. The development agreement gave them 60 days from their initial Oct. 14 agreement.
However, a vote from city commissioners on Feb. 10 has allotted them a 30-day extension to submit the applications for approval.
NIGHT TO SHINE CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
DAZZLES AT FBCPC
BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Courtesy of Deanna Hurley Photography and Sprouter Mills Photography by Mary Bess
Hundreds donned their finest prom apparel and flocked to First Baptist Church of Plant City last weekend for the annual Night to Shine event, an unforgettable prom night for those in the community with special needs. When Plant City first brought Night to Shine to town in 2018, the volunteers were shocked to see the red carpet filled with eager attendees as the community came out in full force to the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds.
Since then, the event event has only continued to grow and for the past two years has been held at First Baptist Church of Plant City. It’s a night of laughter, singing, good food and, of course, dancing. The prom was created by Tim Tebow in
hopes that the special needs community throughout the country would have a night where they knew they were loved, appreciated and supported. Lauren McNair, chair of the event, said they ended up maxing out on registration for this year’s event.
While not everyone who registered ended up being able to make it, approximately 130 guests, 250 volunteers and 110 parents came out to the big prom night.
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PLANT CITY OBSERVER
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PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
NEWS BRIEFS
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Unity Ride check presented to PCPD Plant City Police Department received a $4,100 check Tuesday afternoon to help its officers be able to participate in the upcoming Police Unity Tour. The money came from a Jan. 25 fundraiser hosted by the Wooden Spoon Diner. The Wooden Spoon served up barbecue chicken and rib lunches from a “drive-thru” station set up at the diner from 12 to 3 p.m. that day and worked closely with the Elks Lodge and Universal Tire and Auto Repair to make it all work. “However we can help the community, we will,” Wooden Spoon owner Manny
Roussos said. “Whether it’s police officers, veterans or anything, we’re here to help and to be a part of the community.” Chief Ed Duncan said he and the police department were grateful for the help and that Wooden Spoon’s willingness to jump right in during its first year in Plant City was greatly appreciated. “The Wooden Spoon was very supportive of this effort,” Duncan said. “Without the support of the community and our local business partners, (officers) would have to put that money out themselves. Being able to seek out the community’s support, it’s very helpful for everybody. It’s a win-win for everybody.” The 2020 Police Unity Tour begins in Portsmouth, Virginia and ends 250 miles
away at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. The annual event raises awareness about officers who have died in the line of duty and raises money for the memorial. This year’s ride starts on May 8.
Nonprofits invited to compete for grant funding Social Venture Partners Tampa Bay and the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay are giving Tampa Bay-area nonprofits the chance to win unrestricted grant funding. The third annual Fast Pitch is a unique take on a grant application. The SVP calls
it “Shark Tank, but for nonprofits” in a nod to the TV show featuring Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, Barbara Corcoran and more well-known entrepreneurs. Like in the show, nonprofits will get three minutes to make a “pitch” — sharing their stories — to a panel of judges that will then get four minutes of Q&A time with the nonprofits. It will be held on Feb. 20 at the Tampa Theater. The event will feature a performance by Alex Harris, is open to the public and all ages are welcome to attend. For tickets and more information, visit eventbrite.com/e/2020-fast-pitch-tickets78000582843?discount=2020.
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
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JIM SCOTT NAMED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
2020
In a ceremony on Jan. 12, Jim Scott was surprised with the annual Citizen of the Year award. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Many remarkable residents are considered for the annual Citizen of the Year award, but there can be only one each year. This is the 61st annual ceremony and Jim Scott, of Jarrett-Scott Ford, was the recipient of the coveted honor. The award was created to single out and honor a civic-minded Plant City-area resident who has worked tirelessly to give back to the community and embodies the characteristics that sets the city apart. The first recipient, Arthur Rice Boring, was the president of Hillsboro Bank and served as a city commissioner, mayor-commissioner, director of the Florida Strawberry Festival and countless other civic roles. The first woman to receive award was Quintilla Geer Bruton, who was selected for the honor in 1961. Scott was joined onstage by his wife, Leigh, and their two sons, Nick and Connor, and thanked them in his speech. He said without their support, he never would be able to accomplish all that he does. Scott was presented his award by last year’s recipient, George Banning. Ironically, Banning and Scott have a deep connection. Banning went to college with
Scott’s father and both Banning and Scott are Michigan State University alumni. “Jim and I both graduated from Michigan State University and his father was my fraternity brother,” Banning said. “We were talking about 1960 and that’s about when I started, and that’s about when his father started also at Michigan State. Unfortunately his father couldn’t be with us today but, Jim, he would’ve been proud.” In 1993, Scott graduated with a bachelor’s degree in general business administration and then worked for Ford Motor Company. He also worked for a short period of time doing sales and marketing for the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Pistons before Ford Motor Company transferred him to Orlando in 1996. In the Sunshine State, Scott worked as a sales representative and called on dealerships throughout the state. It was on his many commutes that he eventually formed a business relationship with the Jarrett family, a friendship that would change his life. Eventually he left the Ford Motor Company to join Jarrett’s organization in 1999. He has since become a partner in the Jarretts’ Ford dealership network and has ran both the Dade City and Plant City locations. Despite the busy schedule his work demands of him, Scott can always be found
around the community supporting local events and organizations. He joked during his acceptance speech that not a single one of his employees was at the ceremony by design. They go above and beyond at work so he is able to then go out into the community and serve. He thanked them for their dedication at the dealership and said he couldn’t do what he does in the community without their hard work. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Plant City and has served both as president and on its board of directors. He is also an associate director of the Florida Strawberry Festival and has long been the Chairman of the Ambassadors. He serves on the East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Association and has been on its board of directors since 2015. He also has served with the South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation’s board of directors since 2018. Scott was one of the founding members of the Plant City Economic Development Corporation in 2015 and has been on its executive committee since 2017. He recently joined the board of directors for Hillsboro Bank. He was also on the board of directors for the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum Society from 2014 to 2017. He has been active with the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce for years. He
was on the board of directors starting in 2009 and was chairman of the board in 2013. In 2005, he joined the board of directors for the Plant City YMCA and was chairman of the board from 2009 to 2010. He also served with the Tampa YMCA Association Governance Board from 2014 to 2017. Scott has also made quite an impact outside of Plant City. He served with the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce for many years and was on its board of directors from 2002 to 2004, and he served as its chairman of the board in 2004. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Dade City from 2000 to 2004 and served on its board of directors from 2002 to 2004. “It’s fitting that George I guess preceded me in this honor because him and I go way back and have been friends for a long time, and we both share the same alma mater, Michigan State University, Scott said. “We’re the only two in the room. Thank you very much, it’s an honor to be up here, I’m very humbled. To the civic clubs that put this event together, thank you, like I said, I’m humbled. To all those previous winners in the room, thank you for being role models to all of us. We’re watching and we are trying to emulate what you have set for us moving forward.”
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
CHAMBER GAVEL PASSED TO COURTNEY PAAT Karen Kerr passed the gavel to Paat, the new Chairman of the Board, at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual gala.
PLANT CITY
Observer
2020 BEST OF PLANT CITY WINNERS
Best Community Service: Krazy Kup Best Customer Service:
Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com
Tennessee Jane Boutique
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Praise in the Park (Krazy Kup)
Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com
Best Health and Wellness: South Florida Baptist Hospital
Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez
Employer of the Year:
Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com
Plant City Family YMCA JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR
The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce is kicking off a new decade with new leadership. Courtney Paat officially became the 2020 Chairman of the Board on Feb. 6 when 2019 Chair Karen Kerr passed her the ceremonial gavel onstage during the chamber’s annual gala. Though the “Roaring 20s” theme was very much rooted in the past, Paat spoke of a forward-thinking future — “reimagining” the way the chamber engages with local businesses and how it can make a greater impact in the community.
In addition to Paat’s big promotion, the chamber’s new board of directors was also recognized that evening and sworn in onstage by Mayor Rick Lott. The winners of the 2020 Best of Plant City Awards were revealed at the gala and almost all were there to accept their plaques. That night’s biggest winners were Roots Tap Room and Wine Bar, which won three awards (including owner Brandon Snyder’s “Entrepreneur of the Year” win), and Krazy Kup, which won two awards. The Chamber also gave out two special awards for the event: the Visionary Award to City Manager Bill McDaniel and the Chairman’s Award to Wesley Joyner.
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NIGHT TO SHINE AT FIRST BAPTIST PlantCityObserver.com
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THURSDAY, FERUARY 13, 2020
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FROM PAGE 1 BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
“What we try to do is every year we try to add new things for our guests to look forward to so it remains somewhat of a new event,” McNair said. “This year, we added face painting, bubble machines and gifts for the parents, which we haven’t been able to give out in the past. We try to make it new and fresh every year and I think it works because people continue to be so excited about coming.” In addition to the bubble machines and face painting stations, attendees could participate in karaoke, a photo booth, limo rides, balloon animals, enjoy a massive dinner spread and boogie down with their friends and buddy on the dance floor. One of the pinnacle moments of each night is when the DJ calls everyone to the dance floor and every attendee is crowned King and Queen of the prom. McNair said she’s always so proud of the volunteers that help bring this event to life every year. She said Night to Shine highlights the very best of the church and the community. She added that the volunteers make sure every guest is as comfortable as possible and are having a fun evening. Calling the volunteers the “hands and feet of Jesus,” she said the volunteers go above and beyond every year and serve like she’s never seen them do before. Of all of the special moments throughout the night, McNair said one of her favorites was watching the guests interact with the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court, who always make it a point to attend the event. “They did a phenomenal job, I was so proud of them,” McNair said. “One of my favorite moments was when several of our female guests, as they arrived and were about to walk down the red carpet, grabbed the Queen, Meghan, and wanted her to walk down the red carpet with
them for the arrival. It was just a special moment for them to see Meghan and the court showing so much love to everyone as they arrived. It made them feel special and that’s what the entire night is about, making sure they know they are special to our church, our community and our Creator.” Each year, registration for the upcoming event opens around mid-November. The event is always held the Friday before Valentine’s Day and will next be held on Feb. 12, 2021. You can find registration on the church’s website at fbcpc. com/nighttoshine.
Courtesy of Deanna Hurley Photography and Sprouter Mills Photography by Mary Bess.
Night to Shine makes every attendee feel like a king or queen on prom night.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
CITY POINTE CHURCH
SHARES BLESSINGS WITH MARSHALL MIDDLE SCHOOL During the church’s fourth anniversary, Pastor Scott McIntosh presented Marshall Middle Magnet School Principal Daphne Blanton with a $5,000 check to refurbish the teacher’s lounge. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
When City Pointe Church was officially formed four years, ago the attendees had one vision in mind: for it to be a church that serves the community. Pastor Scott McIntosh said every year, City Pointe does an end-of-the-year project. Last year, it funded the drilling of a water well in South America and this year made Marshall its big project. The teacher’s lounge desperately needed some upgrades and when McIntosh and his team showed Marshall Middle Magnet School’s Principal Daphne Blanton some of the transformations they’ve done to areas of their own church, she was fully on board with the project. “Marshall Middle School is partnered with us, kind of like a business partner, and they’re one of the many organizations and businesses around that we help out throughout the year,” McIntosh said. “Our four-year anniversary was great. We love making a difference in the community around us in practical way. We partner with so many different organizations, and to date we’ve given approximately $150,000 away. When we planted the church, we dreamed of a church that made a practical difference in the community around us. The first year, we started with Marshall doing some small things and later we became their business partner. We’ve given away backpacks, blessing boxes, provided meals and I was over there a little while ago and noticed their teacher break room needed a little extra love.” They’re not just throwing in some new furniture. The church is repainting the entire room, installing new floors and doing a variety of other transformative repairs to ensure Marshall’s educators have
a relaxing and high quality space to unwind in. “We are going to transform it so that when the teachers come in, they will know they are amazingly loved and cared about,” McIntosh said. “If we love on the teachers, we believe that will help them love on the students even more. They give so much every day, so it is just an honor to be able to give back to them. We are proud to play a part and make a difference. The teachers over there are the real heroes of the story. It just blows my mind when I think about everything that they do day in and day out. They are such a blessing to our community and we hope this will be a blessing to them.” On top of the lounge, meals and book bags, City Pointe has also given blessing boxes to Marshall. At the end of every year, City Pointe members fill boxes up with practical items like food, coffee, candy and other long-lasting items, then distributes them to the community. They’ll stand on the street and hand them out or go to businesses and organizations and give them away, and they’ve made it a point to go to Marshall and give one out to every faculty member at the school. They gave out more than 500 boxes every year.
Blanton joined McIntosh during the church’s Feb. 2 anniversary service. The church had a pre-show where they dropped new music that will soon be available on iTunes, had caricature artists on site for the children, held a massive party following the service and, of course, did the check presentation with Blanton. Dozens of staff members from Marshall also attended in honor of the special event. Right now, the church is in the designing and planning phases for the teacher’s lounge rehab. Soon, volunteers will head over to begin the work by hand so no one from Marshall will have to lift a finger during the transformation. The faculty will get the final say in the design and then City Pointe will get to work. McIntosh said they’re always looking for assistance and anyone who wishes to get involved with this project, or any of the church’s mission program assignments, can call City Pointe at 813-441-6693.
CBC1260170 / MRSR1611
Photos courtesy of City Pointe Church
Above: Staff from Marshall Middle Magnet School were presented with a $5,000 check. Below: Blessing boxes were delivered to Marshall Middle Magnet School during the holiday season to thank the educators for their work and dedication toward students.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
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17TH ANNUAL BLACK HERITAGE CELEBRATION COMES TO A CLOSE
It was another successful weekend for the annual Black Heritage Celebration. The banquet gala, youth summit, jazz festival and gospel concert drew massive crowds to Plant City.
BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
The 17th annual Black Heritage Banquet Gala was a night of reflection as the community took a moment to focus on the legacy of strength and a future of hope. Rod Carter, of WFLA News Channel 8, was the master of ceremony. The Honorable Lesley “Les” Miller was the keynote speaker and, while his speech was brief, it was riveting. He analyzed how far the nation has come, sharing anecdotes of his own past, and inspired all in the audience to work toward achieving all the progress that still needs to be accomplished. He received a standing ovation for his speech and many discussed his message long after the event came to a close. James McDaniel was the recipient of the Heritage Award. Master Officer Darren Culmer received the Lifetime Recognition Award. The Plant City High School Key Club received the Community Service Award and the Cornerstone Award was given to the Kainos International Church. Several other community leaders were surprised with awards that evening and a local student, Sidney Moore, was given a $500 scholarship. Prior to the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a saxophone solo from Alphonso Cromartie
and then paused for a dinner of chicken, pot roast, pig feet, collard greens, string beans, macaroni and cheese, yellow rice, salad, rolls, cornbread, dessert and sweet tea. The meal was cooked by volunteers of the organization. The Youth Summit was the next morning at the 1914 East Hillsborough Historical Society Museum, 605 N. Collins St. The free event was open to all youth in the area and focused on topics like mental health awareness, guns in the school, fighting in schools, the effects of absent parents in children’s lives and much more. Minister Denzel Singleton was the facilitator of the event. As soon as the event ended, the Jazz Festival kicked off at the Robert W. Willaford Train Museum, 102 N. Palmer St. The soulful music could be heard throughout all of downtown and many folks brought their lawn chairs and camped out for the event. There were vendors on site selling food and merchandise, and most who wandered over ended up staying all afternoon. The weekend of celebration ended with the Black Heritage Gospel Concert at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 604 W. Ball St., at 4 p.m. on Sunday. Praise teams, solo singers, dancers and choirs all worshipped for hours at Mt. Olive in spectacular performances.
Breanne Williams
The annual Black Heritage Celebration is a weekend-long event that focuses on educating the youth, honoring some of the strongest difference-makers in the community and giving all who attend a weekend full of lively music and family-friendly fun.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
JOAN BRAME Celebrates 90th Birthday
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
MIDTOWN GRANTED EXTENSION The City of Plant City has agreed to give 2XS Development, LLC — the company tackling the upcoming Midtown development — a short extension. FROM PAGE 1
BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
“They’ve turned in some draft master plans and we have been working and reviewing them, and one of the things that came out is the way that the Midtown code is currently written, it identifies primary and secondary streets and it assigns a certain level of commercial to anything facing a primary versus a secondary street. So here’s what it did: when you applied all of that trigonometry, he was going to have to build 140,000 square feet of commercial space the way his master plan was laid out,” City Manager Bill McDaniel said. “That is the equivalent of roughly 26 Applebee’s restaurants on that 16 acres. It doesn’t work.” When the City of Plant City saw what would have to be done to make the plan adhere to the Midtown code they realized there was a problem. McDaniel said he had two major concerns upon seeing that. Calling the square footage “complete overkill,”
he said they had to quickly come up with a way to bring that number down to something manageable. First, he felt 140,000 square feet in the allotted acreage would not be a viable build for the developer because it would be nearly impossible to fill, thus it would have a lot of vacancies. That brings down the overall worth of the development. Secondly, if the developer was lucky enough to fill all 140,000 square feet of commercial space, they would suddenly have another unintended problem: downtown would be drained. Midtown is supposed to act as an asset to downtown. The two are supposed to merge and bring foot traffic to the area. One should breathe life into the other and together they should make the core of Plant City an enviable destination. But having that much commercial solely in Midtown would inevitably “suck the life” out of the downtown businesses, which McDaniel is firmly against. He said Sam Bauer, co-
owenr of 2XS with Steven Katz, agreed and did not want to create something that could possibly be detrimental to the downtown section of Plant City. So the group is now working to overcome that hurdle and get the number down to a “much more reasonable square footage” that is viable to build and a complement to downtown rather than a hindrance. McDaniel said this unexpected speed bump gave everyone at the table pause, so he felt it was best to ask commissioners to consider allowing another 30 days to pass before 2XS had to present its master plan. This will also allow the city to take a hard look at the final plan without the pressure of a ticking clock. This is not, however, a death sentence for Midtown. McDaniel called this an “unintended consequence” but said he’s not in any way worried about the future of the project. “For those that ask, ‘Well why didn’t you see it coming?’ all I can tell them is it
all depends on how the planning is done. The way he is laying out buildings and where the focus was put, it triggered certain things that were built into the code and we were suddenly facing a massive amount of required commercial space,” McDaniel said. “We don’t need, nor do we want, 140,000 square feet of commercial space down there.” Nodding again to his Applebee’s analogy, he said anyone who takes the time to picture what that would actually look like would realize it was a recipe for disaster. If the Applebee’s imagery doesn’t work, he said the math also equates to approximately 22 Outback Steakhouses. Either way, it’s a massive amount of retail and the current character of the city doesn’t support such an intense undertaking. The new timeline has this all being wrapped up as soon as March following the Florida Strawberry Festival or early April at the latest.
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FEBRUARY 13, 2020
SPORTS Quick Hits ‘CAN’T ” STOP ,
6
AND THEN SOME
Strawberry Crest’s cheer team won its sixth state title in as many years on Jan. 31 and won its first UCA national championship one week later. PCHS SPECIAL OLYMPICS WINS BASKETBALL GOLD Plant City High School’s Special Olympics Unified basketball team became its newest state champion on Saturday at the Big House in Tavares. The team won the 2020 State Basketball Championship, one of its two scheduled statewide events in February, that day. Next up is the FHSAA state championship in Lakeland, which tips off at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 28 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.
PC COLTS SEEKING COACHES If you’re looking to make a positive impact on children’s lives and can coach football or cheerleading, the Plant City Colts want to hear from you. The Colts are looking for area coaches to join the organization and have needs to fill at all age levels, which range from 4 to 15 years old in flag football, Miley Mite, Pee Wee, Junior and Senior divisions. Anyone interested in coaching is asked to contact Angelo Murray at 863-398-6359 or plantcitycoltsyouthfb@gmail.com.
AREA PARKS HOSTING EVENTS This weekend, Plant City Lancers FC will host the Strawberry Classic soccer tournament at Ellis-Methvin Park and the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex. The tourney will feature boys and girls teams from U8 to U19 that are USSF affiliates and each team is guaranteed at least three games. The games will start between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. GSA Baseball’s FishHawk Presidents Day Bash, its spring season warm-up tournament, is also scheduled for that weekend and will feature game action at the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex, Mike Sansone Park, Snowden Park and Ellis-Methvin Park. Games start between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Strawberry Crest High School/Twitter
JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR
One of the most well-known photos of Michael Jordan is not of a dunk, a jump shot or a celebration. He’s just sitting in front of a solid background, shooting the camera a knowing look and resting his head on his hand. That hand’s covered in NBA championship rings: one at the base of each of his four fingers, two more just above them on his index and ring fingers. If anyone in the cheerleading program at Strawberry Crest wants to recreate that picture, they now have all of the rings they’d need. The Chargers went into the season rallying behind their “Can’t stop six” motto and more than delivered on it, winning state and national championships in back-toback weeks to close out January and start February. The only obstacle left for the cheerleaders is deciding on the look of their latest state championship rings, which is a good problem to have. “This season was special to begin with, and I could just tell as a coach that this team had what it took to get to the level of a national champion just by the kids’ attitudes, their eagerness to learn, the way they gelled together to get skills and how
quickly they were progressing,” head coach Loveny Rivas said. Though Crest didn’t win its first competition of the year, the cheerleaders stepped up and got right back to their winning ways. One such highlight was winning Western Conference again after last year’s loss. The Chargers weren’t flawless every time they took to the mat, but they didn’t need to be perfect to be effective. “Just because we won doesn’t mean we’re perfect,” Rivas said. “Every competition that we had, we had an error and we tried to get better at it, perfect our skill set.” The Chargers powered through the FHSAA postseason and won their sixth consecutive state championship in six years with an 89.70 score on Jan. 31. “Won” might be an understatement, though, as there was a 23.65-point gap between the Chargers and 2A Small Co-Ed runner-up Wiregrass Ranch after last Friday’s competition in Gainesville. Crest’s 89.70 was also the highest score of any team in any division in the 2A competition and second only to West Nassau’s 93.80 in the 1A Medium Non-Tumbling division. “We went in knowing that if we executed, we would do very well,” senior Caitlyn Daniels said. “It was a new experience for a lot of our girls — we have a lot of freshmen
WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?
JUSTIN KLINE
Now that the new league has officially kicked off, we’ve gotten to see its unique rulebook and procedures in action.
If you’re here for all of my thoughts on the Tampa Bay Vipers’ season opener at New York, you’re in the wrong place. That game was… well, all I have to say right now is the same thing virtually all of #FangGang is saying: let Quinton Flowers eat. But other than that on-field performance, I came away from that XFL game feeling like this whole thing might actually work. On top of that, I think football at large would improve by adopting some of what those of us who tuned in this weekend saw.
— so going in, I think it was more of like a practice run for nationals and just really getting them into a bigger competition, showing them what it’s like to compete in front of a larger crowd in a bigger arena.” Next up for Crest was that trip to UCA Nationals in Orlando. Last year, the team bounced back from a shaky warm-up (by its own admission) at the UCA competition and scored a fourth-place finish. The team was too determined to go in and do better this year to be nervous. “We were really prepared for it,” senior Mikenzie Shiflett said. “If anything, I would say we were tired. But our coach taught us how to push through, so we got through it.” This year, even with eight of the 18 matted cheerleaders having no UCA experience, the Chargers knocked the judges’ socks off: after winning the preliminary round, they placed first out of 45 teams in the Small Varsity Co-Ed division, thus becoming the first Hillsborough County team to ever win a UCA national championship. Though the cheerleaders were nervous after an error cost them 0.75 points, their raw score was high enough to overcome it and weather the storm of the rest of the competition. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
WHAT FOOTBALL COULD (AND COULDN’T) LEARN FROM THE XFL I grew up on the NFL Street video games, so I love the point-after conversion rule that lets you net anywhere from one to three extra points depending how far from the goal line you want to start. It’s much more fun than watching a PAT kick and can also turn a lot of threepossession games by traditional standards into twopossession games just by going for three, weird as it is to say “going for three” in a sentence about a point-after attempt.
SEE PAGE 13
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PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
CREST CHEER CHAMPS AGAIN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR
“I was just trying to be humble going into awards, being happy with whatever we received,” senior Trinity Perry said. “I was not expecting first place. I had no words. As soon as they started getting closer and closer to first place, I wasn’t hearing our name get called and it just, like, brought me so much shock. It was disbelief. It’s still kind of hard to believe that really happened.” Rivas, however, had a good feeling about this team’s national championship chances well before the season began. In fact, she received the team’s new UCA uniforms and gear during football season and kept it hidden away from the cheerleaders until shortly before they went to Orlando. The coach said she just knew this team was going to be special and earn the right to wear those uniforms on one of the biggest stages in the nation. It was a pretty good hunch. Crest’s ongoing run is one of the most impressive the state of Florida has ever seen. Ten years ago, when she first came to the school, Rivas didn’t think anything like this would happen so soon. But the people who have come through the program over the years and left everything on the mat, gave the sport everything they had to offer, made it possible for a relatively new school in the middle of Dover to become one of the best in the state as quickly as it did. “It was just an awesome combination of coaching and athletes,” Rivas said. “It was all just together. Once we figured out what worked for us and our chemistry, the ingredients we needed to be successful, we gained momentum and continued to go forward.” Diamond Burgos, a four-year member of the varsity team, said her expectations as a freshman were high and the ride from then to now was everything she wanted it to be. As huge for her as any championship, though, was that the first thing anyone told her about the program held true.
“Being a freshman on a varsity team, you expect to go through different things,” Burgos said. “But from the beginning, it was a family. That was the number one thing everybody made sure I knew coming into SC: that no matter what I was going through, they were gonna be there for me.” Aloanys Gil-Ramos, who made the varsity team in her junior year, said her experience with the team has given her more confidence in her ability to overcome any obstacle she faces. “I learned to push myself even if I think I can’t keep pushing myself,” Gil-Ramos said. “I can continue to go with what I want and what I’m striving for.” For the coach, who has been at Crest for 10 of its 11 years running, this season was kind of like completing the journey started by the 2016 Chargers. That Crest team was the third to compete in the UCA tourney and the first team from Hillsborough County to medal in it. That, Rivas said, was also important for the program as the point when the championship culture she and her coaching staffs worked tirelessly to build felt like it was finally established, as if set in stone. “It was an incredible team,” Rivas said. “High skill set. I believe those athletes built and carved the work ethic and success. It’s almost like that was when our team culture was really established.” Rivas believes heart and willpower are the most important traits a champion can have and that if anyone could match the 2016 team there, it was this year’s group. “It’s taken four years to find the group of athletes that wants to be pushed to that caliber,” Rivas said. “This group of kids wanted to be pushed to that caliber. There was a point in this season where it was explained to the kids that they could be that team, and I think that they absorbed that. They believed that. They achieved that.”
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GIRLS SOCCER TEAMS FALL IN REGIONAL QUARTERFINALS
All three local high school teams lost their Tuesday night games and have been eliminated from the playoffs. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest entered Tuesday night’s regional quarterfinals with high hopes and high energy, but the wins didn’t come. The Cougars went to Plant to play the 7A-District 7 champs and were shut out, 3-0, as the Panthers’ offense exploded in the first half for all of the team’s scoring. Plant City visited 6A-District 9 champ St. Cloud and those Bulldogs handed the Raiders a 2-1 loss. Abigail Ortiz scored the Raiders’ only goal of the game in the second half.
Crest, the only area district champion, hosted 6A-District 12 runner-up Melbourne and, despite generating much first-half pressure and goalkeeper Emily Hobbs making several difficult saves, took a 1-0 loss to the Bulldogs. Melbourne’s goal came a little less than midway through the first half when Isabella Ottomanelli managed to slip a shot past Hobbs.
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? FROM PAGE 11
JUSTIN KLINE
JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR
ago. The one-foot catch rule should be in every league. The XFL’s illegal man downfield rule giving a three-yard limit makes it much easier to call the run-pass option, football’s hottest offensive trend. Now, I don’t like to hate on something just because it’s different from what I’m used to. I’m a firm believer in trying to learn and understand anything, in and out of sports, before saying it’s trash. But this league does have a few things I’m not too crazy about. Did you like the kickoffs? Neither did I. The shorter halftime break didn’t make much of an impact for me. The punting rules are OK, I guess, but in theory they’re supposed to reduce the amount of both punts and fair catches and I didn’t notice a difference in the game. New York punted six times! I do believe that people who don’t care to watch punts haven’t taken enough time to watch a good punter work, but that’s just me. Saturday’s XFL games were better than Sunday’s by a lot, but so far this is watchable football and I’ll keep tuning in. It’s worth a look if you like football at all.
Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Observer. Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
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The Cougars are first-time qualifiers for the tournament in their third season of existence.
Todd Comunale/Facebook
The clock rules are also pretty good, as the game has long needed to be sped up. I love football as much as anyone, but modern offenses are too fast for the traditional clock and it can make many games feel like they’re dragging on as long as the typical five-hour YankeesRed Sox game. It can get boring when you’re not completely invested in either of the teams. So cutting the play clock nearly in half and speeding up the majority of the game clock while allowing more stoppages inside the two-minute warning to encourage quick comebacks is speaking my language. I wouldn’t say it achieved the goal of speeding up the game’s runtime as a whole, since it still fit that roughly three-hour window the NFL shoots for, but I would say the pace of play was solid. I also like the way they handle replays. Not that having a designated official in the booth looking at every play would work at the high school level, but it is something to consider for the higher levels. Removing coaches’ challenges and making all plays subject to review at any time speeds up the game and will save teams from burning costly timeouts because a coach on the field didn’t have the best view of a play that happened. Plus, a guy holding an Xbox controller and scrutinizing a replay while nose breathing super loudly into his headset is relatable for the Madden crowd. Having a designated ball spotter, whose only job is to spot the ball, is something football should have had long
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
DURANT HOCKEY MAKES SAHOF STATE TOURNEY
Some of the XFL’s rules and procedures could really improve modern football games. Others, not so much.
File photo
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Three years ago, Durant’s hockey team was just a dream. This season was like another dream come true, maybe even quicker than anyone expected. Durant’s resume is pretty strong. It’s got two playoff appearances in its three seasons, one 30-point season in the books after the 2019-20 Lightning High School Hockey League regular season came to a close and recently put three players in last weekend’s 2020 Honda High School Hockey All-Star Showcase — in which freshman goalie Ryan Putnam was named third star. Most importantly, though, is that the Cougars qualified for the upcoming Statewide Amateur Hockey of Florida (SAHOF) State High School Championships tournament in Fort Myers. “When we got the invite, we were just ecstatic,” head coach Todd Comunale said. “We felt last year we had a team that could qualify, but we got knocked out in first round.” Hungry after last year’s early playoff exit at the sticks of West Manatee, Durant clawed its way to a 12-4-6 record this year and made the playoffs again. The Cougars pride themselves on a tough-as-nails defensive identity: they have five junior defensemen who rotate through the lineup and every forward is expected to contribute on defense just as well as offense. The team has also had strong play from an extremely young, yet skilled, goaltending tandem of Ryan Putnam and sophomore Will Chabalowski that’s combined to allow just 2.23 goals per game, second-fewest in the league behind LHSHL champion Seminole. Durant’s approach to scoring is to capitalize on chances when they get them, but junior Jordan Putnam has proven more than capable of lighting up the scoreboard with 21 goals and 19 assists (37 points) in 19 games, which has him tied for fifthmost in the league. He, along with versatile
senior C.J. Comunale, also played in the Honda showcase over the weekend. This year’s playoff run started with a gutsy 6-3 win over Jesuit, in which the Cougars scored twice in each period and stopped a Tigers rally. It ended in the next game with a 7-5 loss to LHSHL runner-up George Jenkins. “We fell behind, but these kids don’t give up,” Todd Comunale said. “Jenkins totally outplayed us in the first period. We fell behind 5-1 and came back.” The Eagles outshot Durant, 25-6, in that period but only had one goal to show for it. C.J. Comunale, Ethan Carstens and Michael Romeo cut Jenkins’ thirdperiod lead to a 5-4 score, but the Eagles answered with two goals in three minutes and held Durant to nothing else but Xander Wise’s even-strength goal. Still, the loss didn’t keep the Cougars from qualifying for SAHOF’s Tier II bracket with Plant and East Manatee. “Three years ago, we didn’t have a team,” Todd Comunale said. “Here we are, three years later, we’ve done it… I’d like to thank coaching staff, parents, players, everybody that put the time and energy into this because it’s a total program effort. Not just one person. I’m really thankful.” The SAHOF championships will pit teams from Tiers I and II in the LHSHL and the Florida Panthers Scholastic Hockey League against each other for three games, and then the best teams from both divisions will face off on Feb. 23. Durant’s first three opponents are Boca Raton (8:45 p.m. Feb. 21), Miami Dade (12 p.m. Feb. 22) and Southwest Broward (8:45 p.m. Feb. 22). Tier II semifinal play (LHSHL 1 and 2 seeds) is scheduled to start at 11:15 a.m. Feb. 23 and the Tier II LHSHL/FPSHL championship showdown closes out the tourney at 3 p.m. that afternoon. “I expect to be one of the final two teams in the state championship,” Todd Comunale said. “I’m not gonna hold back and tell them we’re underdogs — I expect us to be one of the better teams in the tournament.”
The tournament will be held in Estero at Hertz Arena, the home of the ECHL’s Florida Everblades. Visit sahofhockey. org/ssc for more information.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
PCLL, FSYFL HIGHLIGHT WEEKEND SPORTS EVENTS
Justin Kline
The Plant City Dolphins hosted an FSYFL 8-on-8 tournament over the weekend.
JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR
This past Saturday was a busy day for youth sports in Plant City. Plant City High School’s baseball team came back out to Mike Sansone Park to host an open camp for Plant City Little League players. More than 50 braved the cold weather to learn the game from the 2019 FHSAA Class 7A state champions and left with new hitting, throwing and fielding drills to keep working on. Opening Day ceremonies for Plant City Little League are scheduled for the morning of Feb. 22 at the ballpark. The Plant City Dolphins were also hard at work that morning, hosting a Florida Youth Spring Football League 8-on-8
preseason tournament at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex. That tournament brought in 40 teams from around the state for 42 action-packed games.
FOCUS ON FITNESS: LOVE YOUR HEART
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, but your own heart needs just as much love and care as that special someone in your life. This Valentine’s Day, show your heart some love. We know you want to be around for your loved ones for a long time, so it is never too early (or too late) to start thinking about heart health. One way to do that is to quit bad habits like smoking. You can reduce your risk of heart disease by 50 percent after just one year of being smoke-free. Maintaining a heart-healthy diet is another way to keep it ticking. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, at least four or five cups per day. Fish, preferably oily fish high in omega-3, should be a part of your regular diet. Salmon and tuna are good options and shellfish, like oysters and mussels, are also high in omega-3. Try to swap red meats for fish twice per week. Whole grains are rich in fiber and you should include three servings in your daily diet. Aim for four servings per week of nuts, seeds and legumes like chickpeas and lentils. They are high in protein and fiber. Opt for unsalted versions when possible. Like sweets? Me, too. Treat your loved one to some “good for your heart” ones this Valentine’s Day. The American Heart Association has plenty of heart-healthy dessert recipes, but you do not have to spend hours in the kitchen baking them. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, soluble fiber and minerals like magnesium, iron and copper. Some studies show dark
chocolate (with 70 percent or higher cocoa content) can actually improve your health and reduce your risk of heart disease. It is one of the few foods that both satisfies your taste buds and provides significant health benefits. Enjoy! Make exercise a part of your daily routine. Moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes per day will help you burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. Regular physical activity, even for just a few minutes at a time, can lower your blood pressure. Exercise also helps to reduce stress levels, which can directly affect a person’s risk factor for heart disease. Every year, the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA encourages a little heart-healthy competition. This year, Fat Tuesday is Treadmill Tuesday at all Tampa YMCA (including the Plant City Y) and YMCA of the Suncoast locations. Help your favorite Y win the challenge by logging some miles on the treadmill. Walk, jog or run for fun to help your Y win. Good luck!
Angela Fulgieri is a Program Director for the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA. Write her at observerfitness@gmail. com.
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THURSDAY,FEBRUARY 13, 2020 our community with personal, compassionate care since 1896. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, ®
Jacqueline Louise McFadden Jacqueline Louise McFadden, 54, of Plant City, passed away on Feb. 5, 2020. Services will be held privately. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught. care.
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memories and expreswe’re dedicated to helping families create a our communityFond unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. sions of sympathy may be shared celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, W E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E
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Louise Uldine Exum passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family at her Billy Don Green, Sr., 76, born R side on Feb. 7, 2020. on January 26, 1944 in GeorProudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. She is preceded in death by giana, Alabama, passed away her husband of 70 years, Grady on Friday, February 7 in WinLester Exum; sons, Lester ter Haven. He was preceded Lavone Exum and David Elijah in death by his parents, WilWELLSMEMORIAL.COM Exum, five sisters, and three liam Jasper Green and Lena Wells MeMorial & event Center brothers. Estelle Green of Greenville, PlanT CiTy Wilma She is survived by sons Jack Alabama, and son Michael813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com Wynona Davis L. Exum and Wayne C. Exum, Bradshaw of Plant City. eight grandchildren and 10 He is survived by his Wilma Wynona Davis, 87, of children, Billy Don Green Jr, Monroe, Georgia, born on Jan. 15, great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations Tammy Green-Rangel, Lori 1933 in Plant City, entered into may be made in Louise’s honor Garcia, Tanya Green Beveard eternal rest on Feb. 5, 2020. to Haven Hospice of Gainesand stepson Jason Arocho, She is survived by her chilville, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., numerous grandchildren and dren, Dan Bishop (Linda), Calvin great grandchildren. Services Bishop (Sandra), and Carl Bishop Gainesville, FL 32606 or online at https://beyourhaven.org/ will be at Wells Memorial (Pam); siblings, Benny Watson donate. Funeral Home in Plant City (Christine), and Myrtice Griffin Louise was laid to rest in the on Saturday, February 15, (Frank); nine grandchildren; and west section of Oaklawn Cem2020. Family visitation will 17 great-grandchildren. etery, Plant City, Florida, Feb. 11, be from 12:00 to 1:00 pm, She was preceded in death by 2020. friends 1:00, services at 2:00. her parents, James Washington Arrangements are under the Reverend Lonnie Buser ofWatson, and Millie Mertis Fields. care of Evans Carter Funeral ficiating. Internment will be in A memorial service will be held Home, High Springs. Hopewell Cemetery in Butler Saturday, Feb. 15 at 11:00 a.m. https://www.evanscarterfh. County, Alabama on Saturday at Turkey Creek First Baptist com/obituaries/louise-uldineFebruary 22. Church, 4915 W. Trapnell Road, exum. Plant City. M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1
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George David Hope, Sr., 90, of Plant City, Florida, born on July 7, Johnny R. Ceto Sr., 60, of Naples, 1929 in Tampa, Florida, entered into passed away on Friday Feb. 7, eternal rest on February 10, 2020. 2020. Expressions of condolence at Johnny was born April 9, 1959 dedicatedCeto to helping families create a W E ’R E P R OU D TO SE RV E our community HopewellFuneral.com. to Bettywe’re Mullis and Johnny unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. A. Ceto.celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, memories and expres> 100% Service GuaranteeFond > National Plan Transferability > Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® sions of sympathy may be shared at R www.WellsMemorial.com for Ceto Proudly supportingthe the Plant Cityfamily. Strawberry Festival.
community
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is all about.
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Louise Uldine Exum
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PLANT CITY FARM AND FLEA MARKET Highway 39 North at Sam Allen Road—1 mi. N. of I-4 Exit 21
WEDNESDAY FLEA MARKET OVER 40 ACRES . . . MORE THAN 500 VENDORS
OP EN
PM 7A M T O 1 708 W. SAM ALLEN RD. 1 MILE NORTH OF I-4 EXIT 21
LIKE KMART WITHOUT A ROOF!
287696-1
OBITUARIES
W E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E
PLENTY OF FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
WWW.PLANTCITYMARKET.COM
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
Clare J. Vaughn, 80, of Plant City, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 4, 1939, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 3, 2020. Expressions of Condolences at HopewellFuneral.com.
Friday, Feb.14 at 11:00 a.m., at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 South County Road 39, Plant City, where the family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. Private interment at Dover Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org, and/or Camp Boggy Creek at boggycreek.org. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
Frances Odom Sutherland
Frances Odom Sutherland, 80, of Valrico, born on March 21, 1939 in Snellings, South Carolina. Went to be with her Lord and Savior on Feb. 2, 2020. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
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Danny R. Roland Danny R. Roland, 73, of Sun City Center, born on Dec. 21, 1946 in Moultrie, Georgia entered into eternal rest on Feb. 3, 2020. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
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Diane Bridges Diane Bridges, 77, of Plant City, born on Jan. 9, 1943 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 9, 2020. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
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Laurent Dorsey Laurent Dorsey, 99, of Plant City, born on Sept. 8, 1920 in North Florida, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 7, 2020. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
Charles Cooper Charles Cooper, 84, of Dover, Florida, born on December 2, 1935 in Antioch, entered into eternal rest on February 9, 2020. Expressions of Condolences at HopewellFuneral.com
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Charleen R. Gee Charleen R. Gee, 73, of Tampa, born on Oct. 18, 1946 in Evansville, Indiana, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 9, 2020. She was a Southern Baptist and served as a pianist at every church she attended. She loved spending time with her family, and her cats. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Albert H. Gee; son, Todd A. Gee (Michelle) of Dover; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, and Ian; sister, Janice Pendley, of St. Peters, Missouri; mother in-law, Henrietta Gee; and many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Jessie Graves; and brother, Galen Graves. A funeral service will be held
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A blessed Hazel lived to be 104+ years. She was preceded in death by her husband Horace Crews; parents Oscar and Emma Hein
YOUR COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY. FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971 HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM
and siblings Margaret Seeber, Wilford, Harold, Ellis Leroy, Dwight. Survived by nephews Robert Seeber (Margaret), Jack Winegarden (Donna), David Crews; nieces Donna Chenet, Cheryl Fitzgerald (Brian). She loved and was loved and adopted by many. Hazel was a fun, energetic person who loved the Lord and taught Sunday School. If you wish, you may donate to her church listed below. I, Patsy, was one of her “adopted” daughters for over 40 years. I and my family feel grateful and blessed to have been a part of her blessed and long life. We know many others were touched by her also. If you would like, you may donate to her church listed below. We will have a Celebration of Life for our Valentine on Friday 2/14/2020 @11:00 am First Call Sydney Baptist Church 1510 Cre Road, Dover, Fl 33527.
Hazel Crews
ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
17
OBITUARIES
Clare J. Vaughn
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PLANT CITY OBSERVER
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PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
BEST BET FRIDAY, FEB. 14 JOE CONRAD, MIND ILLUSIONIST
7:33 to 9:33 p.m. Joe Conrad, Mind Illusionist is premier magic and mentalism and he’s bringing his show to Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., for one night only. His amazing show has been seen worldwide including in the USA, Canada, South America, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau, China, South Korea and Japan. With some of the most spectacular mind reading seen anywhere in the world, he is without doubt one of the best. Tickets are $10 and include admission to the show and one drink from Krazy Kup’s drink menu. You can pick up tickets in house or on Eventbrite.
THURSDAY, FEB. 13
FRIDAY, FEB. 14
PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS OPEN HOUSE
DUPLICATE BRIDGE
7:30 to 9 a.m. Join the Plant City Toastmasters at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 S. Evers St. The open house will feature a light breakfast with an extra big welcome to guests. Invite your friends for breakfast, laughs, and fun. There’s no better way to start your Thursday mornings.
MAHJONG CLASS
2 to 4 p.m. Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., hosts a Mahjong Class on Thursdays. Whether you’re a first-time player or a seasoned expert, join them every week to play American Mahjong.
LEARNING ABOUT HEART HEALTH CLASS
6 to 8 p.m. South Florida Baptist Hospital is hosting a Learning About Heart Health Class. This is part of the hospital’s Ladies Night Out series. Join their physician expert to learn how to keep your heart healthy and the importance of your blood pressure numbers. A light dinner will be provided. The event is held in the Administrative Conference Room. Registration is free, but required. Call 1-800-229-2273.
GALENTINE’S DAY WITH PC JUNIORS 6 to 8:30 p.m. the GFWC Plant City Junior Woman’s Club is hosting a Galentine’s Day event at Roots Tap Room & Wine Bar, 101 S. Evers St. This years theme is Lady in Red. Come in your best head-turning red attire. The PC Juniors will also share upcoming events and updates.
BIRTH EXPERIENCE CLASS
6 to 8 p.m. South Florida Baptist Hospital is hosting a Birth Experience Class. 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 classes. Please bring a notepad to take notes. Snacks will be provided. The event is held in the ICU Conference Room, 2-South. Registration is free, but required. Call 1-855-2694777.
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 813-752-1602 for more information.
watch. Grab your favorite drink and pastry downstairs, then join everyone upstairs in the loft for a “krazy” fun evening.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19
AMVETS POST 44 FRIDAY NIGHT DINNERS
RISE UP WITH COURTNEY PAAT
6 p.m. The AmVets Post 44, 5521 FL-60, Plant City, FL 33567, is hosting a weekly dinner on Friday nights. The second Friday of every night is a menu of baked chicken and sides for $8. For more information visit amvetspost44.org.
SUNDAY, FEB. 16
FARCE OF NATURE
JOSEPH HABEDANK IN CONCERT
8 p.m. Plant City Entertainment, Inc. in conjunction with Dramatists Play Service presents “Farce of Nature.” This Southernfried farce highlights one day in the life of the Wilburn family of Mayhew, Arkansas. The struggling family fishing lodge, the Reel ‘Em Inn, becomes the backdrop for a motley collection of flawed characters stirring up a hilarious comedic stew. Show dates are Feb. 14, 15, 16*, 21, 22, 23*. Shows with an asterisk also have a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Join the cast on Valentine’s Day for a romantic fun treat with the show. Tickets are available online at pceshows. com and at the door while available.
SATURDAY, FEB. 15 BREAKFAST AND BUILD: CREATIVE
10 a.m. Brick City Bricks, 107 E. Reynolds St., is hosting a Breakfast and Build for you and your child to express your creativity. For $10, you will be provided doughnuts, drinks and, of course, the build. Each builder will receive a box where they can let their mind wander or follow the directions. Message Brick City Bricks on Facebook or call the store at 813-756-6256 to reserve a spot.
TRIVIA NIGHT LOVE STORIES AND ROMANTIC COMEDY MOVIES
8:33 to 10:33 p.m. Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., invites you to show off your knowledge of love stories and romantic comedies at a special love-filled Trivia Night. The event is free to play and free to
6 to 8 p.m. Grammy nominated, Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter and Singing News Magazine’s Soloist of the Year, Joseph Habedank, will be in concert at 6 p.m. Feb. 16 at Countryside Baptist Church, 13422 Sydney Road, Dover. A love offering will be received. For more information, call 813-571-8200.
MONDAY, FEB. 17 PLANT CITY DAYBREAK ROTARY CLUB
7 to 8 a.m. The Plant City Daybreak Rotary Club holds a meeting every Monday morning. Now the group will be meeting in the Community Meeting Room of the Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place. Guests are welcome.
TUESDAY, FEB. 18 SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB
9 a.m. Come on out to the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St., each Tuesday to play Shuffleboard. You’ll be an expert in no time. The club is hosted by Anita Balch and she can be contacted at 808-722-5821 for more information.
TOPICS ON TAP
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Plant City Main Street is hosting its monthly Topics on Tap event at Norma’s Plant City Cuban Sandwich Shop, 120 N. Collins St. This month’s topic is Window Dressing and will feature guest speaker Devony Chanel Wyatt. An attrac-
WHEN SCHOOL’S OUT
UP N G I S AY!
TOD
tive retail window space helps draw customers into your store. A unique, compelling window display can be one of the most powerful tools to make your storefront stand out. Don’t miss this free lesson from Devony, who has over a decade of retail experience. The community is invited to attend this free event.
7:30 to 9 a.m. Come on out to Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., for this month’s Rise Up meeting. Courtney Paat will be the guest speaker at the February meeting. Join this group of young professionals as they learn from this community leader in an informative Q&A format. No RSVP required.
BEDTIME STORIES AT BRUTON
6 p.m. Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., is hosting Bedtime Stories for local youth. Stories and interactive activities make up this engaging 30-minute program that highlights early literacy skills and encourages reading readiness and social interaction. For children age 3-7 and their caregivers.
THURSDAY, FEB. 20 MAHJONG CLASS
2 to 4 p.m. Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., hosts a Mahjong Class on Thursdays. Whether you’re a first-time player or a seasoned expert, join them every week to play American Mahjong.
BREASTFEEDING AND NEWBORN CARE CLASS
6 to 8 p.m. South Florida Baptist Hospital is hosting a Breastfeeding and Newborn Care Class. This class covers several aspects of newborn care, such as breastfeeding, bathing, diapering and safety risks. This class is held the fourth Thursday of every month. Participants may bring one guest to classes. Please bring a notepad to take notes. Snacks will be provided. The event is held in the ICU Conference Room, 2-South. Registration is free, but required. Call 1-855-269-4777.
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 February 13, 2020 PLANT CITY OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
I LOVE PLANT CITY
FORECAST THURSDAY, FEB. 13 High: 85 Low: 68 Chance of rain: 10%
FRIDAY, FEB. 14 High: 76 Low: 53 Chance of rain: 40%
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
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SUNRISE/SUNSET
Sunrise Sunset
Thursday, Feb. 13
7:08a
6:18p
Friday, Feb. 14
7:07a
6:18p
Saturday, Feb. 15
7:06a
6:19p
Sunday, Feb. 16
7:05a
6:20p
Monday, Feb. 17
7:04a
6:21p
Tuesday, Feb. 18
7:04a
6:21p
Wednesday, Feb. 19
7:03a
6:22p
WEATHER
44 Word before 39 Food ACROSS 8 Packers “a time” connoisseurs 1 Longest river great Sterling 46 Unknown, 40 City of sin in Europe 9 Paper tiger? on a sched. 43 “That tastes 6 Short race 10 “Dancing 47 Good place awful!” 10 They may Queen” 45 Harry Potter, group Senduse youryour photo submissionstotowatch Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@PlantCityObserver.com Jazz players to Lord location 11 Heavenly or hashtag #iloveplantcity on(first Instagram for @igersplantcity to feature. syllable) Voldemort 14 Decorate entrance 51 Not up to ___ 12 Black15 Alexa’s 48 Wreak 53 Road runner? smart havoc on and-white 54 Regains speaker 49 Helen or animal in the conscious16 Boyfriend Hector WWF’s logo ness 17 On the 50 Kind of 13 Full of lather 55 Reveal a up-and-up seed on a 21 Stand lot (about), 18 Captain with bread roll in for or a hint to a whalebone 51 Service song 22 Blackjack this puzzle’s prosthesis 52 H.S. class calculation punny theme 23 Mescal 19 Word after covering 58 Biblical “garage” or cellular source fratricide “grunge” respiration 24 Knockoffs victim 20 Golf 56 Brewery 25 Modern TV 59 Close to tournament choices components closed displays 57 “The Shield” 29 Center of 60 Boot camp cop grp. (read the activity boss, briefly first two 61 Eggs on a 30 Back rub 64 Queue sushi roll syllables reaction 65 Stare open62 Fawkes aloud!) 34 Chance mouthed 23 Plague celebrated on to swing 66 Statement 26 ___ XING November 5 35 “Groovy!” made by 27 Fill an empty 63 GPS guess 37 ___ Tome folding your nest? and Principe hand? 28 February 13th 67 Rock cover observance PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER 68 Finales for “ladies celebrating Linda Wilkerson snapped69 this“Later, photo of Liam, Westyn and William Wilkerson having a blast on the gator!” ladies”at(first playground the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex on a sunny day. DOWN two syllables) Follow us on social media: @PCObserver on Instgram, ON L I N E @PlantObserver 1 Nickname 31 Wantedthat leaveson Twitter and Plant City Observer poster on Facebook. out “erie” palindrome 2 Metrical 32 Chess or homage Candy Land 3 Celery 33 Cosmologist stick, when Carl s ear topped with ess 32 y 36 Docs for usin “ants” puppies In B 4 Lexus 38 Battle of lattice the ___ 5 Starting 41 Despise 42 Assignment the pot 2/12 © 2020 Andrews McMeel Universal with an 6 Idle period www.upuzzles.com argument 7 Dull pain
MOON PHASES
SATURDAY, FEB. 15 High: 77 Low: 58 Chance of rain: 0%
SUNDAY, FEB. 16 High: 82 Low: 62 Chance of rain: 10%
STRAWBERRY Shipping point: Central Florida $14.90-$16.90
Feb. 23 New
Feb. 28 First
Mar. 9 Full
Feb. 19 Last
RAINFALL Monday, Feb. 3
0.00
Tuesday, Feb. 4 0.00 Wednesday, Feb. 5
0.00
Thursday, Feb. 6 0.27 Friday, Feb. 7
0.32
Saturday, Feb. 8 0.00 Sunday, Feb. 9
0.00
YEAR TO DATE:
MONTH TO DATE:
2020 01.63 in.
2020 0.87 in.
2019 02.12 in.
2019 0.43 in.
GOLD & SILVER
Diamonds & Precious Gems,
2/13
285826 287516-1
813.754.2360 | 1705 Jim Redman Pkwy. Plant City, 33563
Say a Few Words by Benjamin Kramer
ACROSS 1 Longest river in Europe 6 Short race 10 They may use your location 14 Decorate 15 Alexa’s smart speaker 16 Boyfriend 17 On the up-and-up 18 Captain with a whalebone prosthesis 19 Word after “garage” or “grunge” 20 Golf tournament displays (read the first two syllables aloud!) 23 Plague 26 ___ XING
27 Fill an empty nest? 28 February 13th observance for “ladies celebrating ladies” (first two syllables) 31 Wanted-poster palindrome 32 Chess or Candy Land 33 Cosmologist Carl 36 Docs for puppies 38 Battle of the ___ 41 Despise 42 Assignment with an argument 44 Word before “a time” 46 Unknown, on a sched. 47 Good place to watch Jazz players (first syllable)
51 Not up to ___ 53 Road runner? 54 Regains consciousness 55 Reveal a lot (about), or a hint to this puzzle’s punny theme 58 Biblical fratricide victim 59 Close to closed 60 Boot camp boss, briefly 64 Queue 65 Stare open-mouthed 66 Statement made by folding your hand? 67 Rock cover 68 Finales 69 “Later, gator!” DOWN 1 Nickname that leaves out
“erie” 2 Metrical homage 3 Celery stick, when topped with “ants” 4 Lexus lattice 5 Starting the pot 6 Idle period 7 Dull pain 8 Packers great Sterling 9 Paper tiger? 10 “Dancing Queen” group 11 Heavenly entrance 12 Black-and-white animal in the WWF’s logo 13 Full of lather 21 Stand in for 22 Blackjack calculation 23 Mescal source 24 Knockoffs 25 Modern TV components 29 Center of activity 30 Back rub reaction 34 Chance to swing 35 “Groovy!” 37 ___ Tome and Principe 39 Food connoisseurs 40 City of sin 43 “That tastes awful!” 45 Harry Potter, to Lord Voldemort 48 Wreak havoc on 49 Helen or Hector 50 Kind of seed on a bread roll 51 Service song 52 H.S. class covering cellular respiration 56 Brewery choices 57 “The Shield” cop grp. 61 Eggs on a sushi roll 62 Fawkes celebrated on November 5 63 GPS guess
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PLANT CITY OBSERVER
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
PlantCityObserver.com
If you need a heart procedure, making an appointment with BayCare is standard procedure. From the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and heart rhythm disorders to emergency heart attack care, South Florida Baptist Hospital is your BayCare hospital in Plant City. We use advanced technology like state-ofthe-art imaging and noninvasive diagnostic tests. And we always provide the high level of personal care that BayCare is renowned for. If your primary care doctor suggests you see a cardiologist, we can refer you: (844) 344-1952 or KnowYourHeart.org.
In Tampa Bay, BayCare hospitals are selected most often for people needing cardiac care.
Based on an aggregated number of adults who needed to be admitted to hospitals due to cardiovascular problems as reported by the state of Florida that lived in the four-county area of Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk from April 1, 2018, through March 31, 2019.
20-1020260-0120