2.23.23 PLCO

TWO PLANT CITY POLICE OFFICERS SWORN IN

LUZ ALONSO AND HEATHER SNELL JOIN THE RANKS OF PLANT CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT, PROMISING TO PROTECT AND SERVE THE CITIZENS OF PLANT CITY.

officers with the Plant City Police Department (PCPD).

Plant City civic leaders and law enforcement officials joined friends andamilies of Luz Alonso and Heather Snell as they were sworn in last Friday afternoon as patrol

The ceremony saw dozens of people present at the Michael S. Sparkman Police Center. Among those present were Mayor Nate Kilton, City Manager Bill McDaniel and Commissioners Jason Jones and Mary Mathis.

CRACKS DOWN ON ILLEGAL DUMPING CODE ENFORCEMENT

During the ceremony, the officers recited the following oath: On my honor, I will never betray my integrity, my character or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always maintain the highest ethical standards and uphold the values of my community, and the agency I serve.

“This is a big day in their career where hopefully they will offer a lifetime of service to the community,” said McDaniel, whose own career in law enforcement spans 28 years, 16 of them as police chief.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS INVITED TO MILLENNIAL SUMMIT

THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR THE FREE EVENT IS

Two Plant-City based organizations, Building Strong Families, Inc. and G.R.O.W. Plant City, are co-sponsoring a Millennial Summit for young professionals on Sat., March 4th, from 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center.

The theme of the summit is “Lean Into Success” and is designed to provide young professionals, particularly those in their 20’s, 30’s and early 40’s, with resources, information and practical strategies to support them as they navigate their career paths. The focus of the summit is career success, financial tability and mental health wellness.

Speakers include Nikki Foster, community investment manager at Mosaic, Liesta Sykes from the Florida Department of Children and Families, financial plannerZachary Wilson and Dr. Benetta Wholuba, a licensed clinical psychologist at Orange Park Medical Center. The keynote speaker will be Phillip Walker, Vice President of Partnership and Research for the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

“This is a wonderful opportunity to get insights and strategies from professional mangers, a financial planner and a licensed clinical psychologist,” said Dr. Pauline Rivers, founder and President of Building Strong Families, Inc. “You’ll learn practical strategies and words of wisdom from subject matter experts and get the chance to network with other young professionals.”

G.R.O.W. Plant City Sergeant of Arms Aaron Sykes is 31 years old and one of the event organizers. He hopes other people his age will take advantage of the program. “There’s still time to register and learn more about upward mobility in the workplace,” he said. During breaks Sykes will teach a minilesson about office yoga. “It’s good exercise especially if you sit for eight hours,” he said.

Lunch will be provided for registered guests. There is no cost to attend the summit but seating is limited and preregistration is required by February 27. To register visit www.buildingstrongfamiliesoffloridcom or call Rivers at 813-759-0260.

MICHELLE CACERES

STAFF WRITER

OFFICIAL SAYS REPORTING IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS IN FIGHTING BLIGHT.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

RELAY FOR LIFE RETURNING TO PLANT CITY

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Plant City invites the community to join the movement to honor and remember loved ones and fight ack for lifesaving change on Friday, May 5, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Strawberry Festival Grounds.

Relay For Life is a community of survivors, caregivers, local citizens, volunteers and participants and is the largest, most inspiring and supportive cancer fundraising event on the planet.

“We share a passion to end cancer as we know it, for everyone,” Event Lead Linda Herman said. “In 2023, over 1.9 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. Thanks to that shared passion, the lifesaving mission of the American Cancer Society can’t be stopped, ensuring we are here for everyone who needs us.”

Relay For Life of Plant City’s theme for 2023 is "Curing Cancer Would Be Relay Sweet,” and begins with Opening Ceremonies at 6 p.m. with the Survivors and Caregivers taking the fist lap, followed by a Survivor’s reception. To help plan for the reception and order the Survivor shirt, Survivors are asked to register for the event at www.relayforlife.org/plantcityfl

ForaLimitedTimeOnly, GiftCardsareAvailable!

The Luminaria ceremony will be held at 9 p.m. Come out join In the fun and help “Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back.”

If you want to be a sponsor for the event, please contact Tammy Schoonover at tammy.schoonover@cancer.org.

For more than 35 years, Relay For Life has brought together passionate supporters who embody the American Cancer Society’s mission. This volunteer-led experience unites communities to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer and raise funds to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to protect, detect, treat and survive cancer.

“It’s never been easier to raise money for Relay For Life and help fund the future. Every dollar raised fuels the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving mission. The fight against cancer needs you now more than ever,” Herman said.

PLANT CITY KID FINISHES SECOND AT STATE HOOP SHOOT COMPETITION

After advancing through the Elks National Hoop Shoot’s state regional round at Lake Placid, Fla., Plant City’s Angel Ortiz made his way to the state round at the Florida Elks Youth Camp in Umatilla this past weekend, finishing econd in the state in the boys 12-13 division.

After moving on from the state regional round by coming away victorious in a shootout following a three-way tie, making 19 shots, Ortiz made 20 of his 25 shots in Umatilla.

GLORIA BELLAMY CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF SERVICE AT COMMUNITY CARE CENTER

Fresh out of high school at 19 years old, Gloria started her career at Community Convalescent Center working with her mother as a housekeeper, along with her three sisters who were nursing assistants back in 1973. At that time, Community provided 11 beds to serve the community. During her 50 year career at Community, Gloria has worked as a housekeeper, activities assistant, and as a CNA. Gloria is the shining star of the facility, always with a smile on her face or her trademark “hey baby” that makes you feel at home every

time she greets another staff membe, Community said in a press release.

When you ask Gloria why she has dedicated her career to Community Care Center she says, “my mother worked here for 16 years as a housekeeper, my three sisters have worked here a combined 50 years as CNA’s and my brother two years as an orderly, this is where my family has worked, and this is home.”

Compassion, selflssness, and inspiration are three words to describe Gloria from the residents that she serves each and every day, Community said.

Compassion, “Gloria stood by me in my time of need and would not leave my side when I was very sick with COVID that tried to take me to heaven.” “She brought me my favorite snacks every time that she worked while I was in isolation, and I am very grateful for all that she has done for me.” “Gloria put the good in good morning for me during that time.”

Inspiration, “Gloria gives me the tough love when I needed it most which was important for me to get to my goals and I am in better health now because of her.”

Selflssness, “I have lived here at Community for 11 years and she will do anything for anyone at any time and me and my family are grateful to her.”

Former Florida Strawberry Queen Kenley Connell and her court walk at Relay For Life in 2022.Left to right: Former Florida State Elks president Tom Ludwick, Angel Ortiz, Plant City Elks Hoop Shoot lodge director George Domedion.

SCHOOL DISTRICT HOSTS

S.O.S.- STUDENT ONLINE SAFETY TOWN HALL

Hillsborough County Public Schools’ Human Traffickin Taskforce hosted an S.O.S.- Student Online Safety Town Hall meeting on Monday to educate students and families about this issue.

Parents have reason to be concerned. Florida is one of the top three states in the nation in reported cases of human traffickingvery year.

That’s not a difficulttatistic to believe. More than 200 people suspected of sex traffickin prostitution and solicitation were arrested in Polk County last week as a result of a large sting operation. Last week, a Tampa youth pastor and a foster parent were arrested and charged with human trafficking aer a mother contacted Hillsborough County Sheriff ’s Office (HCSO) after finding diturbing content on her 16-year-old’s cellphone. The pair had been talking to the teen for at least two years on an app called “Sniffies.”

The panel of experts shared their knowledge about how traffiers use cellphones to gradually groom minors for the nefarious exploitation of them for financial ain.

“It’s important for parents to be able to recognize the signs of human trafficking and w best to protect students from predators who work online,” said school superintendent Addison Davis. “It takes all of us to keep out children safe everyday.”

Panel members included: Lennard Principal Denise Savino, The NOMORE Foundation Anti-Trafficking Dector Dotti Groover-Skipper, Paving the Way Foundation President Jan Edwards, Victims2Survivors- US founder and human trafficking svivor Connie Rose, Hillsborough County School Board Member Lynn Gray, Circuit Judge John Bowman, HCSO Corporal Ashley Lindeman and HCSO Major Chris Rule.

The following is a selection of questions and answers from the meeting.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING?

Rose- There are so many types but social media networking sites are the primary target for our youth. Other types include labor trafficking intrip clubs, domestic servitude and classic sex trafficking jt to name a few.

Bowman- The Polaris Project is a resource to learn more about the many types of human traffickin

WHAT ARE OUR KIDS DEALING WITH TODAY ONLINE?

Edwards- If there’s a chat feature on that app or video game, there are predators on that space. They are playing video games with people they don’t know. Be with your kids. Bark, a nonprofit fightingo eradicatre sex traffiing, put out a video where people go undercover, creating fake profils online. Watch it during the day and don’t watch it alone. The fake profils get pictures of body parts and texts every single day from people they don’t know. I was at a church and I shared this and found out later that two boys went to their youth pastor and said that happened to them. There are lawsuits against social media sites, parents are suing these platforms because of what they’re allowing on them. We’ve made it so normalized for our kids to take nude pictures, there’s actually a Florida Statute about that.

Savino- Students are on their phones 24/7. Now they’ve become immune to anything that comes in, they can’t

decipher if it’s from somebody they know or somebody they don’t know.

We have to educate our kids in schools because we have to stop this. As long as they have phones, this is going to happen. We can’t miss this opportunity. I feel morally obligated to be on this committee. We need parents to step up and know what kids are doing on their phones.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT MAKE OUR KIDS MOST VULNERABLE?

Edwards- We’ve educated almost 25,000 young people in the last six years. Lack of attention at home is the number one reason that makes them vulnerable. They all want to feel loved and feel connection. They’re going out seeking connection and where they go is right to their phones. Poverty and not feeling a sense of belonging at school are also contributing factors.

Savino- It’s important our students get connected to school. If they come home from school and go to their rooms and are on their phones all the time, that’s a sign. Talk to your kids to see what’s going on.

Rose- Cell phones have become the babysitter for our children. Please find a ay to have family time, at dinner, in the car, find ays to connect with your children. They do feel invisible. Why? COVID changed the entire dynamics of how we interact with each other.

Groover-Skipper- It’s grooming over time versus kidnapping. Grooming means building a relationship with a student, building that trust relationship. Once that’s gained, maybe it’s the fist time someone’s told them they’re pretty or smart or they’re proud of them so that’s preying on the vulnerability of that child. Once that trust is there, they say ‘well, if you love me, I need you to go do this.’

I’M ON THE PTA BOARD FOR AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND WE WANT TO HOST A WORKSHOP. WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO PERSUADE A HESITANT PRINCIPAL TO HOST IT?

Edwards- The average age that online predators target our kids is 10 - 13 years old. Remember the numbers 17, 32 and 10. It takes less than 17 minutes to groom a child to send an inappropriate picture. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received 32 million reports of suspected online child sexual exploitation last year. A 10-year-old commented that since she turned 10 her phone was being bombarded by direct messages from people she didn’t know. When asked if she had told her parents, she said no. Our community is screaming for this knowledge and information. I invite young people into the conversation and have this dialogue.

DO STUDENTS DROP OUT OF SCHOOL BEFORE THEY’RE TRAFFICKED OR BECAUSE THEY’RE TRAFFICKED?

Rose- There are a lot of students being traffied still going to school and living at home. You don’t want a student to have to experience what I experienced. I grew up thinking I was a prostitute. When people at my class reunion found out they said they new something was going on but didn’t know what they could do to help.

Edwards- There was a study done in Texas where they surveyed survivors and it found they’d been traffied as teens; 55% were groomed and recruited in high school.

This is an uncomfortable conversation and we get it. I’m with kids every day and this is what they are facing. I invite ya’ll to get your brave on. Get comfortable with the uncomfortable conversations with our kids.

Bowman- I think we also have to remember the big picture. Human trafficking kws no boundaries. It’s not a socio-economic crime because some victims are upper middle-class. It’s been a priest, a reverend, a teacher, a coach. You need to observe those relationships just as closely.

WHAT ARE SOME RED FLAG INDICATORS AND WHAT SHOULD WE BE LOOKING FOR?

Savino- At the high school level we generally see kids act the same. They’re usually hanging around the same kids and are in a routine. What worries us is when we see a kid that’s generally upbeat and then see a quick change in their behavior. When they stop acting the way they normally do, we’re all ears and eyes looking for why there’s that quick change in behavior.

Rose- If your kids are coming home with items you or they can’t afford, it’s a red flag If they tell you they borrowed it from a friend, I hope you know that family. The grooming process is very expansive. A lot of folks believe most human trafficking victims e kidnapped but the reality is that the largest percentage comes from familial traffickingy a family member or family friend.

NAME ONE ACTION OR STEP THAT PEOPLE CAN TAKE AWAY FROM TONIGHT.

Savino- You need to stay connected to your kids and let them know that nothing they’re doing is so bad that they can’t tell you. Your child has to know you love them unconditionally.

Groover-Skipper- Put the National Human Traffickin Hotline number in your phone (1-888-373-7888). You never know when you’re going to come across a situation, have the boldness and courage to call if you see something in the community.

Edwards- You kids need to know you’re human. Share a mistake you made when you were their age and how you overcame and worked through it. When you share a mistake they’ll realize they can come to you and have a conversation. Also, turn off the loator on your phone and make your pages private.

Rose- If your child comes to you with something, believe them. Give yourself a moment to breathe but take action.

Bowman- Be keen in your observations. The idea is that our children are subject to all different levels of media. It glorifis sex. For example, the movie American Honey is about a girl and her adventures over the summer but it’s really about a young lady that falls into a group of kids run by a sex traffier and they get dropped off o have sex with construction workers. We need to look beyond what’s on the surface.

Lindeman- It’s never a good idea for your child to communicate with individuals that they don’t know. From a law enforcement standpoint, we care and genuinely want to help.

Rule- I will make a promise to you we’ll continue to fight this problem in the county but parents need to make me a promise to be nosy and involved with your kids.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

PLANT

This week on Cops Corner, Plant City Police investigate: Stolen gas, a swerving driver and a missing generator.

GASSED UP

900 block of N. Merrin St. Petit theft: An officer responded to the listed location and met with the victim who stated that an unknown individual stole their 10-gallon gas can and a blue funnel the night before.

GAS GUZZLER

2000 block of N. Wheeler St. Grand theft: An officer responded to a business at the listed location and met with the manager of the business who stated that 334 gallons of diesel fuel was unaccounted for.

FEBRUARY 11

UNLOCKED AND LOADD

1600 block of E. Spencer St. Vehicle burglary: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who reported that their vehicle had been burglarized and that items were missing.

STAY IN YOUR LANE

Oak Pointe Place / W. Grant St.

DUI arrest: An officer conducted a traffictop on a swerving vehicle and one individual was subsequently arrested for DUI and transported to Orient Road Jail.

FEBRUARY 12

HARD-HITTING NEWS

1600 block of E. Alabama St. Battery: An officer responded to the listed location and met with the victim who reported being punched in the face.

FEBRUARY 13

MISSING IN ACTION

700 block of S. County Line Rd. Grand theft: An officer responded to a construction site at the listed location and met with an employee who reported the theft of multiple items from the site.

POWER STRUGGLE

700 block of N. Merrin St. Petit theft: An officer responded to the residence at the listed location and met with the victim who reported the theft of a generator.

FEBRUARY 14

CAUGHT RED-HANDED

600 block of N. Merrin St. Felony petit theft: An officer responded to a residence at the listed location in reference to a theft in progress. One individual was subsequently arrested for felony petit theft and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

FEBRUARY 15

GONE WITH THE SCHWINN

2600 block of James L. Redman Pkwy.

Theft: An officer met with the complainant at the listed location who reported a stolen bicycle.

YOU’VE GOTTA GO

2300 block of Thonotosassa Rd. Traspass arrest / false name to LEO: An officer responded to a business at the listed location in reference to a subject that was refusing to leave the property. One individual was subsequently charged with trespass after warning and false name to LEO and transported to Orient Road Jail.

FEBRUARY 16

WINDOW PAINS

100 block of Lemon St.

Criminal mischief: An officer met with an individual at the listed location who stated that their vehicle’s rear window was vandalized by an unknown subject the night before.

MO’ MONEY, MOW PROBLEMS

700 block of E. Knights Griffind. Business burglary: An officer met with the field supevisor of a business at the listed location regarding the attempted theft of a mower, valued at $10,000.

MORE GAS GONE

2200 block of N. Park Rd..

Theft: An officer met with the manager of a business at the listed location who reported a theft of gasoline.

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

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The twins usually knew what each other was thinking because they were -“IN-TWO-ITIVE”

©Copyright

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY POLICE WELCOMES NEW OFFICERS

Alonso’s father, Jose Alonso, pinned the badge her uniform. The Hillsborough County Sheriff ’s (HCSO) officer didn’t dissuade his daughter from her career choice and couldn’t be happier she’s following in his footsteps. “I knew this was something she always wanted to do and I want her to grow as a fair and just officer and become a leader in her field” he said. “I want her to inspire other women.”

Officer Snell, who worked at HCSO in a civilian role as a community service aide, graduated from the Law Enforcement Training Academy at Hillsborough Com-

munity College in 2019. She learned about PCPD from other students in the academy and looks forward to her future with the department. “I just want to be a good offier and that’s it,” she said. “I want to be able to help people.”

Snell is originally from Troy, Alabama. She worked as a corrections officer in Pensacola for two years before moving to St. Petersburg, where she worked for its police department. After six months, she started missing Alabama and her smalltown roots. She decided to apply at PCPD after a visit to Keel and Curley Winery.

“I was thinking this feels just like where I used to live, like home,” she said.

Snell, who graduated from the police academy in April 2022, looks forward to her training. “I’m just excited to be learning the job, the training is really preparing me and I look forward to serving the people of Plant City,” she said.

The new officers will now begin their 16week Field Training Program, where they will ride with senior officers and learn how to become police officers for the City of Plant City.

“It’s an awesome day when we can bring people into the law enforcement family,” said Police Chief James Bradford.

PCPD, comprised of a force of 75 offiers, is not fully staffed and is seeking applicants to fill is fie open positions. Applications can be found at www.planctcitygov.com.

“Whether you have no experience in law enforcement, are a certified orrections officer or are a certified fficer in another state, sponsorships are available to pay your way through the appropriate training program,” he said. “I’m looking for people that want to serve others and make a difference.”

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

LUZ ALONSO AND HEATHER SNELL ARE SWORN INTO THE FORCE AND PROMISE TO PROTECT AND SERVE THE CITIZENS OF PLANT CITY.

Jose Alonso pins the PCPD badge on his daughter, Luz Alonso.

Heather Snell joins the PCPD as a new officer.

Plant City officialselcome PCPD’s newest officers: Luz Alonso and Heather Snell.

813.707.6506 thebankoftampa.com

PLANNING BOARD SPLITS ON PROPOSAL FOR WALDEN LAKE DEVELOPMENT

A deeply divided Planning Board on Wednesday voted four to three to deny a proposal to rezone land in Walden Lake to make way for 550 new single-family homes, townhomes and villas. The vote ran counter to the recommendations by city staff that aid the proposal was compatible with the comprehensive plan. Board members cited concerns about the project’s density and trafficonditions.

Board member Jeremy Burris made the motions to deny the application, PB-202017, finding the entie project inconsistent with the Plant City Comprehensive Plan. The motion was seconded by board member Douglas Driggers. Board members who voted ‘yes’ voters included: Driggers, Burris, Arthur Wood and LaNae Luttrell while Nicholas Thurston, John Haney and Matthew Stone voted ‘no.’

The ‘no’ vote came following accolades offered by planning board members because of the applicant’s willingness to modify their plan based on city staff, resident and board feedback. It’s most recent 12 revisions were a result of feedback received at the last meeting and included adding additional buffering including where fencing and buffering will be placed, adding language to clarify monotony control issues and a commitment to submit a construction traffic cculation plan along with construction plans. They also committed that villas will be one-story and townhomes limited to two stories.

In the end, it wasn’t enough to sway board members.

“I found myself aligning with Ms. Marino’s comments,” said Wood. Marino owns a planning advisory company. “We’re a

very established master plan community and the developer’s plan fell short of those rigorous standards.”

“All four of my kids have lived in Walden lake and I believe the applicant has done a great job,” said Burris. “I think about the reason why I live in Walden Lake and they’re all custom homes, I’m struggling with this and don’t think it’s compatible with our comprehensive plan.”

Haney, a Realtor, was a dissenter. “I recognize the concern for the neighborhood and quite frankly grew up beside Walden Lake and realize how special it is,” he said. “Nonetheless, this really comes down to me of private property rights, there are certain property rights that go along with ownership of a property.”

Haney said he’s sold a lot of golf course properties. “What’s the difference between a golf course and a cow pasture,” he joked. “About three weeks.”

Stone chastened some Walden Lake residents who used heavy-handed tactics to strong arm residents who approved of the project. “I was extremely discouraged at the conduct of some of the people of Walden Lake after hearing stories of people getting chased down the aisles of Publix,” he said. “Guys, we’re better than that.”

The city attorney will prepare the board’s findins and written recommendation which will be submitted to the planning board at its next regularly scheduled meeting for review and approval.

Carmine Zayoun, the developer, isn’t deterred. “We’ve consistently taken feedback and tried to incorporate that feedback into the plan,” he said. “We’re in this for the long haul and our intention is to stick around.”

IN THE END BOARD MEMBERS VOTED BY A SLIM MARGIN TO FIND THE PROPOSAL INCONSISTENT WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Member FDIC

Committed to Plant City.

Staffed with bankers who have deep roots in the Plant City area, our bank’s focus for over 38 years has been to serve owner-managed businesses, professional firms, and families that want a strong, local connection with their bank and banker. Come grow with us.

ARREST MADE IN 2015 COLD CASE

SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM LEARNS

A 2015 victim of sexual battery has found justice after Tampa Police Department arrested 30-year-old Lakeland resident Leonel Sotelo Cortez for the crime.

In the early morning hours of Jan. 31, 2015 at the 4100 block of West Highway 574 in Plant City, an adult woman reported to law enforcement officers that she had been sexually assaulted. The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment from injuries sustained during the encounter, a news release from the Plant City Police Department (PCPD) said.

The suspect wasn’t found but evidence was collected and submitted for testing. This physical evidence revealed a DNA profile that as entered into the Department of Justice Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a computer network that

connects forensic DNA laboratories at the local, State and National levels.

Deoxyribonucleic acid, more commonly known at DNA, is found in almost every cell of every living organism and like finerprints, is so unique that each person has their own genetic code that tells everything about a human, from their eye color to their skin tone and height. Recent advancements in DNA analysis, together with computer technology and CODIS, have created a powerful crimefighting ool for law enforcement.

At that time, a match wasn’t found but DNA evidence has the power to determine truth 10, 15 or even 20 years after an offense is committed. Fast forward to October, 18, 2022, when PCPD received a CODIS match from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement belonging to Cortez.

entered it in October 2022. “At that time a match was generated and we had to obtain a search warrant to compare it to the DNA on-file and then thy had enough to issue the arrest warrant,” he said.

Although Chapter 775 of Florida Statutes sets time limits on when crimes can be prosecuted, updates were made to give time from the date on which the identity of the accused is established, through DNA evidence.

The arrest warrant was issued on Feb. 1 charging Cortez with one count of Sexual Battery Causing Injury (a felony), one count of False Imprisonment (a felony) and one count of Criminal Mischief (a misdemeanor). He was apprehended by the Tampa Police Department in Tampa

investigations very seriously and while our goal is to effect an arrest as soon as possible, we realize some investigations take longer due to circumstances beyond our control,” said PCPD Captain Al Van Duyne. “For us, it’s important that although time has passed, we don’t rush and make as solid a case as possible so that the charges will remain and carry through to a conviction.”

Van Duyne gives credit to the multiple agencies that assisted with the case, including FDLE, ICE and TPD. “Our detectives have to work with other agencies to work and find esolutions and solve these cases,” he said.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

IDENTITY OF HER ATTACKER THANKS TO DNA MATCH.

Photo: Leonel Sotelo Cortez was arrested and charged in a 2015 Plant City cold case thanks to DNA technology.

CODE ENFORCEMENT WAGES FIGHT AGAINST BLIGHT

CITY OFFICIALS WORK HARD TO MAKE SURE CITY ROADWAYS ARE CLEAR OF ILLEGALLY DUMPED DEBRIS AND GARBAGE.

MICHELLE

CACERES STAFF WRITER

Plant City’s Code Enforcement Board is working hard to make sure the city doesn’t go to the dumps…more specifially, that people don’t illegal dump trash and debris on private and city property.

It’s happening on multiple roadways throughout the city, said Code Enforcement Manager Tina Barber. City official have cleaned up Sydney Road at least seven times since 2021.

Common products illegally dumped in Plant City include:

„ Throwing litter out of a car;

„ Chemicals and other hazardous waste;

„ Dumping household trash, construction debris or yard waste;

„ Letting someone else dump waste on your property, whether they pay you or not;

„ Motor oil or restaurant grease;

„ Dumping tires;

„ Hauling trash for profit and dumping it in unauthorized locations.

Some of the more unusual items found on city streets include an 18’ boat that was discarded on Roberts Ranch Road three weeks ago. “They literally tied a rope to a tree and the boat and drug it off their trailer,” said Barber.

A cow that had escaped from its owner’s property and died after it was struck by a vehicle. It wasn’t reported but still had to be disposed of properly.

Businesses have been caught getting rid of old tires, motor oil and restaurant grease. “They find a plae and start dumping so they don’t have to pay the high cost to dispose of these items,” she said.

While Barber’s team of four inspectors travel the city’s streets looking for code enforcement issues, she said citizens are now helping out the department by sending in pictures of dump sites and their locations and have even sent videos of people in the process of committing the crime. Cameras have also been installed in high dumping areas to catch perpetrators in the act. Some malefactors leave household trash that has their personal information on it, making it easy to track the trash back to an individual.

Make no mistake, illegal dumping is a crime. Depending on the size and weight of the trash, offenders can be charged with a misdemeanor or even a felony and can face hefty fins and possible jail time.

Barber said her team works with Hillsborough County Sheriff ’s Office in the unincorporated area and Plant City Police Department within the city limits to prosecute the offenders. There have been eight felony arrests for illegal dumping and they’re working with 10 more cases where officers have give them a choice to either be arrested or clean it up. “Most people will clean it up when given the choice but they have to show proof that they took the material to an authorized dump but if it takes too long or it’s in a visible area we’ll remove it because we don’t want our city to look unkempt,” said Barber.

Unfortunately, the majority of illegal dumping is carried out by people living outside the city. “I’ve seen people from Lakeland, Ocala and other areas,” she said.

“Be vigilant,” she said. If you find an ilegal dumpsite, call the Code Enforcement Department at (813) 659-4200 ext. 4289. If you see someone in the act of dumping illegally, contact PCPD at (813) 757-9200, noting the time of day, vehicle tag number, type of vehicle and color.

SPORTS

DURANT AND PLANT CITY BASEBALL FACE OFF IN STARSTUDDED PRESEASON MATCHUP

The preseason game featured two of Florida’s top pitchers from the class of 2024.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

To wrap up preseason play, Durant and Plant City baseball faced off in a contest that featured two of the state’s top junior pitchers in Durant’s Blaine Rowland and Plant City’s Chase Mobley.

The contest was the week’s final installment of an annual round-robin style preseason classic featuring the two Plant City high schools, along with Bloomingdale. While the Raiders fell to the Bulls by way a 5-0 final on Monday, the Cougars entered the evening fresh off of a 3-0 win over Bloomingdale on Tuesday. And with local bragging rights on the line and two juggernaut arms on the mound, the preseason matchup carried the energy of a dramatic district championship as Durant won 4-3 in walkoff fashion.

With Durant the home team on Wednesday, Rowland took the mound first. A Florida commit that stands 6-foot-3, he features a fastball that regularly sits in the high-80’s to low-90’s, complimented by a dangerous array of offspeed pitches. After falling behind 3-1 to the first batter he faced, Rowland forced a fly out to center, followed by a quick ground out and another fly out to center to easily work through the top of the first.

As Durant prepared for their first at bats, Mobley took the mound. A towering 6-foot-5 Florida State commit, the 16 year old righty commands a power fastball with exceptionally rare velocity at the high school level, regularly sitting in the mid-90’s while topping out at 99 miles per hour. Behind the heater, Mobley’s offspeed dips into the high70’s to mid-80’s with a sinker in his back pocket that can also climb into the mid-90’s. After coaxing a two-strike groundout from Durant’s Nick April-Gath, Mobley notched back-to-back strikeouts to end the frame, one looking and one swinging.

Back on the mound for the top of the second, Rowland was in control. After two

quick strikeouts, he began to flash his stellar four-pitch mix as he notched his third strikeout of the inning on a sharp 2-2 slider outside. In the bottom of the inning, Mobley remained perfect as well as he got out in front of Durant’s cleanup hitter Noah Morales before the power-hitting junior rolled over the two-strike pitch for the first out. He added another strikeout on an elevated fastball and got the third out with a one-pitch groundout to second.

Plant City opened the third with the first baserunner of the contest for either side as senior Zane Wright fell behind 1-2 in the count before ripping a double down the left field line. But Rowland remained composed as he forced the next two hitters to chase for strikeouts on breaking balls in the dirt and ended the threat with his third strikeout of the inning on just three pitches one batter later. And in the bottom of the frame, Durant put their first runner aboard as well. After yet another strikeout to begin the frame, junior outfielder Tyler MacPherson punched a single up the middle and eventually moved up to second on a passed ball, but two flyouts would end the Cougars’ scoring opportunity.

Each pitcher would tack on two more strikeouts in the fourth as their pair of scoreless outings would come to an end, looking every bit as dominant as advertised as both teams turned to their bullpens heading into the fifth.

Mobley finished the evening with zero earned runs, zero walks, two hits allowed and six strikeouts while Rowland’s final line featured zero earned runs, zero walks, one hit allowed and eight strikeouts.

A scoreless frame from Durant junior Gehrig Graham and Plant City senior Logan Figga moved the game to the sixth where Plant City broke through with their first run of the preseason. After a one-out single from senior Deven Gonzalez — moving up to second with a two-out stolen base — Durant appeared to be out of the jam as senior Anthony Palestrini rolled over a slow roller

to short, but the ensuing throw pulled the first baseman off the bag and Gonzalez was able to score from second to give the Raiders a 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the inning, Durant punched back, starting with a leadoff single from junior Devin Suero. At the conclusion of a five-pitch walk to April-Gath the next at bat, the fourth ball got away to the backstop allowing Suero to advance to third and give the Cougars runners on first and third with no outs. Aidan Welsh grounded into a fielder’s choice in the next at bat, but beat out the throw to first as he reached safely and drove in the game-tying run. Welsh then advanced to second on a passed ball and a strikeout left the Raiders just one out away from limiting the damage to one run, but a two-out double down the line from Morales drove home the go-ahead run and put Durant up 2-1 heading into the seventh.

Down to their last chance, Plant City immediately loaded the bases with no outs as senior Landen Robert was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, followed by base hits from senior Adan Longoria and Wright. With Durant’s infield playing in, senior Wyatt Fordham ripped a grounder to second that was corralled with a sliding stop, but the throw home to try and get the force out was not in time as the tying run scored. Next up was senior Tanner Rollyson, hitting another hard ground ball that couldn’t be fielded cleanly as a third run came across to score and all runners were safe, giving Plant City a 3-2 lead. But despite a bases loaded opportunity and no outs on the board, Durant was able to keep the deficit at one with a fielder’s choice, a fly out and a strikeout from the next three hitters.

And in the bottom of the seventh Durant found a bit of magic. After a leadoff ground out, sophomore Brantley Howard reached base with a walk, putting the potential tying run on first as he was replaced for a pinch runner in sophomore Brody Lissy. Next up, MacPherson hit a hard grounder that had

the makings of a game-ending double play, but the throw to second was sent high and into the left field gap where Lissy came all the way around to score as MacPherson made it to third. And in the span of seconds, Plant City’s late lead evaporated into a losing effort as a passed ball rolled to the backstop on the first pitch of the following at bat, allowing MacPherson to score from third and seal the 4-3 preseason walkoff victory for the Cougars.

“These guys never stopped the fight, which is nice,” Durant head coach Butch Valdes said. “We’ve got a special group this year. Every year I say that we’ve got a special group and the term is that we’re never rebuilding, we reload, and that’s what we did. We reloaded. The kids that we have here are fitting in great, we’ve got some transfers that have done a heck of a job of just blending into the family. We always know that it’s going to be tough with Plant City and with Bloomingdale and all of them but the guys fought through the whole thing, they never stop. There’s a ton of energy in these games and you know that there’s always bragging rights around here, especially with Plant City, and I know that it’s just preseason, it is what it is — they only went about 50 or so pitches with Mobley, we did the same with Blaine — but it’s going to be like that all the time. It’s going to be a dogfight and whoever can make the fewest mistakes wins usually.”

Plant City and Durant both opened their regular seasons on Tuesday, with Plant City moving to 1-0 with a 7-4 over Freedom and Durant falling to 0-1 with a 4-2 loss against Plant.

STRAWBERRY CREST SHUTOUT IN 2022 REGIONAL FINAL REMATCH AGAINST SICKLES

After seeing their season come to an end one game short of a Final Four appearance last year against the Gryphons, the Chargers returned to Sickles on Tuesday where they opened their season with a 2-0 loss.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

After a stellar 2022 season that included their fourth consecutive district championship, Strawberry Crest ultimately saw their season end at the hands of Sickles in a 5-0 regional final. On Tuesday the Chargers returned to Sickles in hopes of revenge to start their season, but were held off the scoreboard again as they fell 2-0.

After the Chargers’ first three hitters went down in order, Alex Philpott took the mound for Crest. After posting a 4-3 record with six saves in 2022, the 6 foot 5, hard-throwing righty signed his national letter of intent with the University of Florida earlier this month.

In a rocky start for Philpott, he took the first two batters he faced to full counts

before a one-out base hit up the middle gave Sickles a quick 1-0 lead, but a strikeout looking and a ground out to second got the Chargers out of the inning with minimal damage done.

With two outs in the top of the second, the Chargers began to string together a threat of their own as freshman outfielder Dillon Knight roped a single up the middle, stole second and moved to third on a perfect bunt down the third base line from freshman Ray Llanes. But with runners on first and third with two outs, Sickles ultimately worked out of the jam with a crucial strikeout to end the frame.

Philpott allowed one runner in the bottom of the second and another in the bottom of the fourth, but left them stranded without much trouble as the Chargers were still left searching for their offense to push

the game-tying run across. After a fourpitch walk opened the bottom of the fifth, the night ended for Philpott as senior Zach Redner took the mound in relief. Back-toback base hits to start the outing pushed a second run across for Sickles, giving them a 2-0 lead late, but Redner responded with a strikeout and a pair of flyouts to escape the inning.

Crest opened the top of the sixth with a pair of strikeouts, but once again looked to mount a rally with two outs as one of the nation’s top high school prospects, FSU signee Arjun Nimalla, punched a single through the left side, stealing second before Redner reached base safely as he battled with two strikes before being hit by the 2-2 offering in his subsequent at bat. But despite another scoring opportunity for the Chargers, the two-out disadvantage once

again proved too much overcome as Sickles starter Caden McDonald tacked on another pressure-packed strikeout to end his scoreless night after six innings of work.

After Redner surrendered a leadoff single to start the bottom of the sixth, he sat the next three hitters down in order to bring the Chargers up for their last chance to draw the contest even, but Crest was unable to ever kickstart the offense as they fell to 0-1 in a 2-0 shutout loss.

The Chargers will return to action on Thursday as they look to get into the win column with their first victory of the year against the King Lions.

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

PLANT CITY COMES UP SHORT AGAINST ALONSO IN REGIONAL QUARTERFINAL

The Raiders finish the ear with a 22-6 record as their season comes to an end.

Despite falling to nationally-ranked Winter Haven in their district championship last week, Plant City’s 21-4 regular season record was strong enough to earn them a third seed in their region as they advanced to the regional quarterfinal and hosted Alonso last Thursday.

For the Raiders it was a chance to exact revenge on the Ravens after the two teams met at Alonso on Feb. 3, with the Ravens escaping with a 50-49 overtime victory. But despite earning the opportunity to host their second matchup, Plant City wasn’t able to overcome the Ravens’ sharp shooting as they fell 48-41 to end their season.

After winning the opening tip, Plant City went right down the court and opened the scoring with an easy layup from Elijah Dawson. Strong defense and two more buckets from Dawson and senior guard Damian Jones put the Raiders up 6-0 early in the

contest. After a long scoreless streak from both teams, a tough layup through contact from junior Chase Dexter extended the Plant City lead before Alonso ended the quarter with their only made shot of the period, a three-point shot to cut the Raiders deficit to 8-3 heading into the second.

A bucket from sophomore Seth Hogan on the assist from Jones put the Raiders up 10-3 early in the second, but a quick three from Alonso kept them within swinging distance. A midrange jumper from Jones and a huge dunk from Dawson once again gave Plant City some breathing room at 14-6, but Alonso once again answered with a three to make it 14-9. Dawson added two more on the Raiders next trip down the court but a layup from Alonso through the foul, tacking on the lone free throw, made it 16-12. Despite a slow start from the field for the Ravens, by the end of the second quarter they had clawed all the way back to make it a one point game as Plant City held narrowly

to a 17-16 lead. Alonso wasted no time taking advantage of early miscues from Plant City in the third, forcing a turnover and converting on a midrange jumper to take their first lead of the night at 18-17, battling shot for shot with the Raiders as the Ravens took a 25-24 lead into the final quarter.

In the fourth, Alonso came alive from three once again. After a layup to open the quarter extended the Alonso lead to 27-24, they were able to get a stop on the defensive end and add a quick three to make it 30-24 — the Ravens’ largest lead of the night to that point. Another cold stretch was finally broken up by a huge three from senior guard Ray Cowen, but Alonso turned right back around with a three of their own to hold their two-possession lead at 33-27. And as Cowen drilled another deep three to make it 33-30, Alonso once again added another three of their own to make it 36-30. A second-chance bucket from senior Mike Bell cut the Ravens’ advantage to 36-32

for the moment, but Alonso’s fourth threepoint shot of the quarter made it 39-32 and time was now beginning to run thin for the Raiders. A three from Jones, a forced turnover and a bucket inside from Dawson whittled the Alonso lead down to 41-37, but the Ravens were able to continue hitting shots and converting on crucial free throws down the stretch to secure the 48-41 victory and advance to the regional semifinal, eliminating the Raiders and marking an end to their phenomenal 22-6 campaign.

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

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Plant City junior Mike Bell Plant City senior Damian JonesPlant City junior Malachi Morris

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR

We asked Plant City: What was your favorite movie as a kid?

“As a kid, as an adult… The Wizard of Oz.” - Donna Varano

“Kid, the original Star Wars. Young adult, The Electric Horseman or Somewhere in Time. Adult, the list is too long.” - Ed Verner

“A Goofy Movie.” - Kelsey Sheaye Wynne

“Star Wars. My forever favorite movie.” - Vince Maniaci

“As a kid, Sam Raimi’s Spider Man.” - Gabriel De Jesus

“Parent Trap.” - Ashley A. Barnes

“Roger Rabbit.” - Polly Clayton

“Ten Commandments or Jason and the Argonauts!” - Carrie Jeanne

“Mary Poppins.” - Linda Pittinger Bevis

“Homeward Bound and The Witches.” - Shannon Marie

“Clockwork Orange.”Mark Elliott

“Friday Night Lights.” - Bobby Raines

“The Goonies!” - Andrea Thomas

“Annie.” - Rhonda Knight

“Major League.” - Ryan Clark

lieu of flwers, memorial contributions can be made to Bethany Baptist Church Men’s Ministry at 3409 Cork Road, Plant City 33565.

Harry J. Newsome

Harry J. Newsome, 92, of Plant City, Fla., born on Feb. 7, 1931, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 13, 2023.

He was a member of Bethany Baptist Church, a Veteran of the United States Navy and the Korean War, a retired TECO lineman, and a longtime produce farmer.

He was preceded in death by wife, Patricia “Pat” Ann Newsome, and parents Abriel Manuel & Louise Newsome. He is survived by sons, James E. Newsome (MeiMei) of Washington, D.C., Guy Newsome of North Carolina, Clay Newsome (Christy) of Bradenton, and Andy Newsome (Kim) of Turkey Creek; 10 grandchildren; 6 greatgrandchildren; and siblings, Caroline Hicks, Shirley Hicks, and Ray Newsome (JoBeth).

A funeral service was held Feb. 20 at Bethany Baptist Church, 3409 Cork Road, Plant City. Interment at Memorial Park Cemetery, Plant City. In

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Lloyd Charles Davidson

Lloyd Charles Davidson, 65, of Dover, born on Sept. 28, 1957, in Valrico, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 12, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com. be left

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Betty J. Grimes

Betty J. Grimes, 87, of Plant City, born on April 23, 1935, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 19, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

BEST BET

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24

LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN

5 to 9 p.m. at 110 N. Collins St. The Last Friday in Downtown Food Truck Rally is held with a new theme each month. There will be live music, an expanded exhibitor market, a bounce house, a scavenger hunt, food trucks and more. The event is family and pet friendly and all are recommended to bring chairs and blankets. February’s theme is Pokemon!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25

APPETITE EVERS

5 to 10 p.m. at 111 S. Evers St. Plant City Main Street’s Food Truck Nights will bring a unique food truck to S Evers Street in downtown Plant City on select Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout 2023! Information on participating food trucks will be posted weekly on the Plant City Main Street Facebook page. Be sure to check the lineup as there will be lots of different trucks to try! Snag a bite to eat and enjoy a drink or two at Roots Tap Room & Wine Bar, Three Hands Mead Company or Yerb Labs

KEITH BASS & THE FLORIDA BLUEGRASS

EXPRESS BAND

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Head to the loft at Krazy Kup for an evening of bluegrass music featuring special guests Keith Bass & the Floirda Bluegrass Express Band. Admission costs $15 and can be purchased in advance at www.eventbrite.com

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1

FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Federal, state and local opportunities are constantly changing. If you’ve served any time in the military, retired or non-retention, and would like to review your benefis please take advantage of free assistance at the Bing House Museum, 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walk-ins welcomed or call 813-704-5800 to set a specific time.

THURSDAY, MARCH 2

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

10 a.m. at 303 Berryfest Pl. The Florida Strawberry Festival will kick off on Mach 2, with gates opening at 10 a.m.and the Midway opening at noon. With $2 off f the gate admission of $10 for patrons 60 years or older, the festival’s fist day will feature events like the Deep Fried Strawberry Shortcake on a Stick Relay, a senior citizens drawing and Rekindled Bits of Grass performing at the Publix Showcase Tent.

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

BLUEGRASS JAM!

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

MONDAY, MARCH 6

STRAWBERRY GRAND PARADE

1 p.m. in downtown Plant City. The Florida Strawberry Grand Parade is back for 2023, led by Grand Marshal Paul Davis. The parade route will head north on Evers St., west on Reynolds St. and come to an end at the Strawberry Festival Grounds.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

OPEN MIC NIGHT

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Open Mic Night is back at Krazy Kup. Join them for a fun night where you get to be the star of the show. Come out, strut your stuff and show everyone what you’ve got.

SATURDAY, MARCH 18

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

3 to 6:30 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is back on Saturday, March 18, rain or shine. Cars and trucks of all makes, models and years can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music by DJ John Paul Gasca.

MONDAY, MARCH 20

PLANT CITY GARDEN CLUB MEETING

9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 303 N. Evers St. The Plant City Garden Club will host their monthly meeting at the First United Methodist Church’s Fellowship Hall. There will be a coffee meet and greet at 9:30, followed by a general meeting at 10. March’s meeting will feature guest speakers from the Plant City Solid Waste Department, discussing recycling do's and don'ts. For more information, contact Christy Linke by email at clinke3173@aol.com.

I LOVE PLANT CITY

Send your photo submissions to staff writer Taylor Jenkins at tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com or hashtag #iloveplantcity on Instagram for @igersplantcity to feature.

FORECAST

85

62

of rain: 12% FRIDAY, FEB 24

84

60

13% SATURDAY, FEB 25

85

58

SUNRISE/SUNSET

MOON PHASES

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

ONLINE Follow us on social media: @PCObserver on Instagram, @PlantObserver on Twitter and Plant City Observer on Facebook.

Les Cole caught this photo of a colorful Plant City sunset from his backyard.

STRAWBERRY