2.9.23 PLCO

PLANT

CITY

ROTARY

CLUB

DONATES 52 AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS TO PLANT CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Plant City residents and visitors are a bit safer thanks to Plant City Rotary Club. The organization donated 52 LifePak 1000 automated external defibrillator (AED) units, valued at $92,000, to Plant City Police

Department (PCPD). The gift means that every officer will have a life-saving AED on-hand in their patrol vehicle in the event of a medical emergency.

AED devices can check a person’s heart rhythm, recognize a rhythm that requires a shock, advise the rescuer when a shock is needed and

using voice prompts, tell the rescuer the steps to take to shock the heart of a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest back into rhythm. All officers will be trained to correctly use the device.

“I don’t know how to thank the Plant City Rotary Club for their donation which will no

PCHS INTEGRATION

LOCAL WOMAN ONE OF THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS AT PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL.

doubt save lives,” said Chief James Bradford. “We are grateful for the support of our community and look forward to distributing these life-saving devices to all of our personnel so they can better protect and serve the community.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

PLANT CITY MAIN STREET AND MAKE PLANT CITY HOSTS TRASH CAN-VAS PROGRAM

The organizations are calling on artists to help beautify Plant City one dumpster at a time.

When you think of art, your mind probably recalls classical works by Picasso, Van Gogh or Michelangelo that can be found in galleries around the world. Now, when you think of art, you also need to think of trash.

Plant City Main Street and MAKE Plant City is issuing a call for artists to paint original artwork onto a dumpster that will be on display at the Robert W. Willard Railroad Museum on Palmer Street, as part of the Trash Can-Vas Program, which was made possible by a grant from the Hillsborough County Arts Council.

Erin Hollenkamp said its electrical box wrapping campaign went so well they looked for other opportunities to enhance the downtown area with public art. “We’ll see how this program goes and if there’s a good community response hopefully we’ll expand it,” she said. “There’s a bunch of dumpsters downtown so why not add a little bit of art where we live, work and play.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Art must cover the front and two sides of the dumpster (dimensions: front- 72” long x 50” high, side- 82”

long x 76” high) and express the theme “Celebrating Florida Nature”. Organizers encourage submissions in a variety of media as long as they are two-dimensional and will withstand the elements and normal use of a dumpster.

Plant City Main Street Executive Director Dawn Hyatt is grateful for the support of local government officia. “Bill McDaniel and his team have been so great to work with, they’ve given us a new dumpster to be painted,” she said.

The selected artist will be notifiedon February 28, painting of the dumpster will begin March 13 and the finished project will be unveiled March 31. The winning artist or team of artists will literarily turn trash into treasure and will receive $1,000 compensation for their work.

Until February 17, submissions of dumpster art designs may be submitted online at https://bit.ly/3wvIRUq. For more information about the contest email director@plantcitymainstreet.com.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

THE

DONATION MEANS EVERY PLANT CITY POLICE OFFICER WILL HAVE A LIFESAVING DEVICE IN THEIR VEHICLE WHEN ON PATROL.

This dumpster will go from drab to fab thanks to the Trash Can-Vas Program.

20TH ANNUAL BLACK HERITAGE CELEBRATION RETURNS TO PLANT CITY

The Plant City Black Heritage Celebration, Inc. invites the community to join in as they kick off their Black Heritage Celebration weekend with their annual Black Heritage Gala on Friday, an extraordinary opportunity to enjoy delicious food and celebrate individuals that have made an impact on the Plant City community. Keynote speakers will include Maurice “Mo” Billington of “The Cat Named The Mo Show” on 102.5 The Bone and Captain Alfred Van Duyne of the Plant City Police Department. The event will take place at the Trinkle Center at Hillsborough Community College’s Plant City campus from 6:30 to 9 p.m., with tickets costing $50 and only available for purchase online. The weekend will continue on Saturday with the annual Black Heritage Jazz Festival, taking place at the Robert Willaford Train Museum, 102 N. Palmer St, from 12 to 6 p.m. and featuring acts such as the MIXX Group, Judy’s Dance, Navigator Academy Dance and much more. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the festivities downtown, free of charge. On Sunday, the event will conclude with a Black Heritage Gospel Concert from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 604 W. Ball St. For more information, contact Sharon Moody at 813-453-7134.

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH

WELCOMES MOBILE FOOD PANTRY

Hope Lutheran Church will once again host their mobile food pantry in the church parking lot, 2001 N. Park Rd., on Thursday, February 16. This pantry, in association with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lakeland, will begin distributing food to those

in need beginning at 6 p.m., running until the supplies are distributed. Anyone in need of grocery assistance is encouraged to join as Hope Lutheran works to help eliminate food insecurities within their local community. Various goods ranging from vegetables to meats to dairy and bakery goods will all be available.

The pantry, “Moving Hope,” takes place at Hope Lutheran Church on the third Thursday of each month, no identifiation is required to participate and the pantry is open to anyone in the Plant City community who may need an extra hand.

PREPARE NOW FOR THE PLANT CITY GARDEN CLUB HORTICULTURE SHOW

Start planning now if you wish to have your plants on display at the Florida Strawberry Festival as a part of the Plant City Garden Club’s Horticulture Show.

Plants will be accepted on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be dropped off at the Neighbohood Village Building, on the south side of the Administration Building right next to Gate 4, off f Berryfest Place. Eligible plant specimens to be entered into the competition must be grown by Hillsborough County residents. To enter your plants for prizes, they must be in your possession for three months prior to opening day of the Strawberry Festival. There is an exception for multiple plants (Dish Gardens, Fairy Gardens, Terrariums) which must have been in exhibitors’ possession for at least six weeks. For the full list of rules, regulations, and awards for the contest, please visit: https://fltrawberryfestival.com/wp-content/ uploads/2022/09/2023-StrawberryFest-UPDATED-Horticulture.pdf

Former Bealsville Resident Helped Pave The Way For Integration Of Plant City High School

Constance Holloman-Butler was one of the first frican American students to register at PCHS in 1966.

Historical records chronicle trailblazing African Americans throughout history for their remarkable individual achievements. In 1947, Jackie Robinson became the fist African American major league baseball player in more than 50 years, breaking through baseball’s color line that had relegated African American players to the segregated Negro Leagues. Actor, director and author Sidney Poitier, born to Bahamian parents, broke racial barriers and stereotyping in the film indutry to become one of the leading African American actors of the 20th century.

Trailblazers in Plant City may not be recognized for their accomplishments, but their bravery and actions have left a legacy that can be seen and felt in the city today. In September 1965, more than a decade after Supreme Court justices ruled that racial segregation of children in public schools was unconstitutional in its landmark Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka case, two Bealsville residents, Constance Holloman-Butler and June Thomas, became Plant City High School’s fist African American students.

Holloman-Butler, whose father worked in a phosphate mine during the day and would farm their land in the evenings and mother was P.T.A. president, said her parents always stressed the importance of education. “They didn’t want their children to work in the field,” she said. “They believed education was a way to have bet-

ter opportunities so they told me and my seven siblings to stay in school, study hard and pay attention in class.”

Lessons learned at home set her up for success. Her teachers at Glover, who recognized her excellent grades in academics as well as in conduct (in ‘olden days’ students earned grades in behavior as well as reading and math), suggested to her parents that instead of attending Marshall High School, the Black high school, she attend Plant City High. Her parents, Alphonso and Eathelle Holloman, went to the school and registered her as an incoming sophomore.

“One day my mother told me I was going to be integrating Plant City High,” she recalled. “Back then you obeyed your parents and when they told you to do something you did it.”

They told her she would be representing not just her family but the community.

“They said I had to carry myself well and maintain my stature by representing the Black race and those who’d be coming behind us,” she said.

On the fist day of school, the bus picked June and her up at 6:30 a.m. Other students gave her a wide berth. “Nobody sat next to me, in front of me or behind me but the bus driver maintained order,” she recalled. When she got to school, someone gave her a class schedule. She tried to sit in the second row in each classroom. “I didn’t want to sit in the fist row,” she said.

It wasn’t long before she realized she was put in the remedial classes. She told her mother she was learning material that

she had already mastered. Her mother went to the school and spoke to the principal and she was put in more suitable classes. She took Latin, Spanish and Typing, which helped her create a successful career as an administrative assistant.

She doesn’t remember any instances of prejudice from her teachers. “They were there to teach and that’s what they did,” she said.

Students were a different story. She remembers walking down the hallways and hearing comments about the world coming to an end. She said she never flinched “I just kept my eyes straight ahead and kept walking,” she said. Eventually the comments stopped. “They got used to us being there,” she said. “We even formed a few friendships with white students as they realized we were just as intelligent, but they weren’t the lasting kind.”

Holloman-Butler didn’t have time to participate in extra-curricular activities. After school, she went straight home to help her parents in the field planting or picking whatever fruit or vegetable was in season. Besides spending time with her family, it was a lonely existence because she had lost touch with many of her Black friends, who attended Marshall High School. Between working with her family and attending school, it didn’t leave time for much else.

She only recalled one incident that has remained with her all these years. As a teacher was dismissing the class, a male student who had been asked to close the windows using a long pole, held the pole

across the doorway as she was trying to exit the room, blocking her way. When she went home and told her mother, she made another visit to the principal’s office. “The federal marshals were called and they threatened him, telling him what he did was a federal offense and he could be sent to prison,” she said. Marshals asked her parents if they wanted to prosecute but they declined. He never bothered her again. “That same guy asked me to dance at my junior or senior prom, we danced together and I was just amazed,” she said. “I went home and told my mom and she laughed.”

Thomas moved in 1967 but HollomanButler graduated in 1968 with several other African American students. “I remember walking on stage, getting my diploma and then that was that,” she said. HollomanButler started at Florida A & M University that fall.

The lessons learned while at Plant City High were immeasurable. “I learned that I’m stronger than I thought I was and challenged me to do and be better,” she said. “I knew I was smart but I strived harder so I could compete with students that had more advantages than I did.”

She realized she could interact with people of all races and that everyone should be treated with respect. Her experiences helped shaped her life. “It made me see whatever obstacle I’m facing, maintaining and keeping a strong mind and work ethic will help me overcome whatever is standing in my way,” she said.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Plant City resident Constance Holloman-Butler was one of the first African-American students to integrate Plant City High School in 1965.

COPS CORNER

This week on Cops Corner: Plant City Police investigate a stolen identity, a blaring alarm and stolen gas.

JANUARY 27

LOST IN TRANSIT

2200 block of Pixie Way

Fraud: An officer met with an employee at the listed location who advised that their company mailed out a check that was intercepted and cashed fraudulently.

JANUARY 28

CAR TROUBLES

2600 block of E. Cherry St.

Vehicle burglary: An officer responded to the business at the listed location and met with several victims who all stated that their vehicles were broken into.

SOUND THE ALARM

200 block of W. Alexander St. Trespass arrest: Officers responded to a business at the listed location in reference to an alarm being set off due o tampering with the business’ roof hatch/access door.

Two individuals were arrested for criminal trespass before both being transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

GASSED UP

700 block of E. Knights Griffind. Theft of fuel: Officers responded to the listed location in reference to the possible stealing of fuel from company-owned John Deere Gator UTVs.

JANUARY 29

ERRANT SHOT

1300 block of E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Criminal mischief: An officer responded to the listed location in reference to possible gunshot damage done to a car.

JANUARY 30

TAX SEASON

3300 block of San Moise Pl.

Identity theft: An officer responded to the residence at the listed location and met with the victim, who advised that an unknown subject used their identity to file income taxes.

KEEP ON TRUCKIN’

4700 block of Bloom Dr. Theft of auto parts: An officer responded to the residence at the listed location and met with the victim who advised that an unknown subject removed the vehicle computer belonging to his semi-truck from underneath the motor.

JANUARY 31

NO ONE’S HOME

800 block of Morse St. Residential burglary: An officer responded to the residence at the listed location and met with the complainant who advised that the home was broken into.

CLEAN PLATE

2000 block of S. Frontage Rd. Stolen tag: An officer responded to the business at the listed location and met with the victim who reported having the tag stolen from her vehicle.

NO SECOND CHANCES

300 block of Berryfest Pl. Trespass arrest: An officer responded to the business at the listed location in reference to a subject trespassing on the property. The individual in question had previously been trespassed from the location and was placed under arrest for trespass after warning and was subsequently transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

WINDOW PAINS

1800 block of W. Lowry Ave. Vehicle burglary: An officer responded to the residence at the listed location and met with the victim who advised that their vehicle window was shattered.

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com

Sports Writer / Taylor Jenkins tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com

StaffWriter / Michelle Caceres michelle@plantcityobserver.com

Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez

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TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

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CONTACT US

The Plant City Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. The Plant City Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B.

If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

SEND US YOUR NEWS

We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements.

To contact us, send your information via: Email: Sarah Holt, SHolt@ PlantCityObserver.com.

Did

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AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DIFIBRILLATORS DONATED TO PLANT CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT BY PLANT CITY ROTARY CLUB

When medical emergencies occur, police officers usually have a quicker response time than Plant City Fire Rescue because they’re already patrolling the city’s streets. Even though the difference between the two department’s response times is approximately one minute, that minute can mean the difference between life and death. According to The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, every minute CPR isn’t initiated or an AED isn’t utilized, the chance of survival decreases by seven to 10 percent. “We want to get there and provide lifesaving measures so we can hand them off to the fie department,” said Bradford. “We’re just so grateful for this generous, generous donation.”

Plant City Rotary Club, whose motto is ‘Service Above Self’, hosts several

fundraisers every year which generates more than $200,000, which it pours back into the community. Club member Mayor Nate Kilton said the donation aligns well with City Hall’s goals which fist and foremost is public safety. “Plant City Rotary Club is so appreciative of the work you do, you don’t have a job, you have a calling and we’ll always be here to support you because you can have a positive impact on people every day,” he said. “I hope you never have to use these but if you do have to use them it’ll mean you’re saving someone’s life.”

Rotary Club President Shawn Jemison said the organization does all they can for the community. “To give these devices to the police department was a no-brainer,” he said.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Member FDIC

EVERY PATROL OFFICER WILL BE TRAINED TO USE THE LIFESAVING DEVICE ON RESIDENTS IN CARDIAC ARREST.

Officers Oresha West and John Gilmore attend a training to learn how to use ifesaving AED units.

Plant City Rotarians donated automated external defibrillaors to the Plant City Police Department.

MEL’S CARE CLOSET HELPS CLOTHE HOMELESS HOSPITAL PATIENTS

CLEAN CLOTHES OR A NEW PAIR OF SHOES BRING JOY TO PLANT CITY’S HOMELESS RESIDENTS.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Melanie Pass-Park, a clinical nurse coordinator at HCA Florida Plant City Emergency, part of HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, recognized the need to serve the homeless patients treated at the hospital fie years ago when a young woman came into the Emergency Room, her tattered shoes held together with rubber bands.

“I asked her what her shoe size was and went and bought her a pair of shoes,” said Pass-Park, a sixth generation Plant Citian. The patient, grateful for new footwear, left the E.R. and never returned but the experience sparked a passion to help those who didn’t have the means to help themselves. “Plant City is my home, this is my community, and it brings me joy to not only provide care, but comfort to the patients we care for,” said Pass-Park.

She started bringing in more items of clothing for men, women and children in all sizes. Fellow caregivers noticed and became inspired by her efforts to provide for the community. They followed her lead and began bringing in their own donations. Before long, there were stacks of clothes and shoes. Her manager, Derika Graham, located an empty storage room where the supplies could be stored. Shelving was installed and a medic made labels for each storage bin. The space was aptly named Mel’s Care Closet. Pieces of clothing are pulled from the closet on a daily basis. “Somebody needs something every day,” she said. “I go through socks like you wouldn’t believe, every homeless person needs a pair of socks.”

Nobody has ever turned down her offer of clothing. She recollects one man who came in by ambulance. “I could

tell he was depressed and his clothes were really dirty,” she said. “I asked if he needed some clothes and after showering and putting on the clothes he left before seeing a doctor,” she said. “He just needed a little self-esteem.”

Pass-Park, who has served as a caregiver in the HCA Florida Brandon Hospital community for more than 35 years, said not all patients who need clothing are homeless. Last week a child came into the ER with a torn shirt and worn shoes. “I asked him if he’d like a pair of shoes and a shirt and they brightened his day,” she said.

Pass-Park’s charity and compassion isn’t lost on her manager. “Melanie is a leader known to provide a higher quality of care with a commitment to do what is right,” said Graham. “With that quality of care comes kindness that Melanie shares with the homeless community in Plant City.”

While Pass-Park’s nearing retirement (her 40th anniversary with HCA is within a few days of reaching full social security retirement age), Mel’s Clothes Closet will continue to help patients at HCA Florida Plant City for years to come. She’s thankful for the career that has made her aware of the homeless population. “I was born into a family that had a home and went to church on Sunday and I would never have known this culture existed if I hadn’t become a nurse,” she said.

“When I retire I want to spend my time continuing to serve this community, specifially the homeless.”

Mel’s Care Closet is always in need of clothing. The greatest need is socks and men’s and children’s clothing. Donations should be new items with tags. For information on how to donate items to Mel’s Care Closet, contact Graham at Derika.Graham@hcahealthcare.com

Derika Graham, manager at HCA Florida Plant City Emergency (left) poses with Melanie White, clinical nurse coordinator at HCA Florida Plant City Emergency, inside Mel’s Care Closet at HCA Florida Plant City Emergency.

GREESON WILL DEFEND HER TITLE AT FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

When Lakeland resident Cortney Greeson saw a brochure about the Strawberry Spaghetti Eating Contest at the Florida Strawberry Festival fie years ago, she decided to enter the competition. The registered nurse and fitnss enthusiast doesn’t eat pasta, so why was the idea of being the fist to finish a half pound bwl of spaghetti topped not with a meatball but a strawberry, using a large wooden spoon, appealing?

“I’ve always been told I eat fast, it’s just what I do,” she joked. “People ask me if I’m in the military but I’m not.” Greeson, who won the contest that year, has competed every year since, besting younger and larger eaters to earn the top spot. She’ll be competing this year for her fifth onsecutive win. “It’s become the thing I do at the Florida Strawberry Festival,” she said.

Like a prizefigher at the top of their game, Greeson brings her entourage (a.k.a. family) to watch her stuff her face. When she finishs, she displays her trophies from prior wins and a drapes championship belts, bought as a joke, over her shoulders.

“I have no other claim to fame so if my thing is spaghetti-eating queen then I’m going to make the most of it,” she said.

One year her dad entered the contest too. She was intimidated. “He once put an entire Big Mac in his mouth and ate it in one bite,” said Greeson. He was no match

for his daughter. Halfway through the eating contest, he looked over at her almostempty bowl and said ‘what is wrong with you?’ It was the fist and last time he entered the contest. “My dad said he won’t do it again because he got beat too badly,” she said.

Too terrified o go up against Greeson?

Other eating contests held during the Festival include the Deep Fried Strawberry on a Stick Relay, Amish Donut Eating Contest, Youth and Adult Strawberry Stemming Contests, Duper Dog Mega Corndog Eating Contest and Strawberry Mashed Potato Pie Eating Contest. If your proclivity is to cook food rather than eat it, several Neighborhood Village Competitions allow you to show off our best jams, jellies, pies, cookies or breads as well as display your quilting, jewelry, woodworking, home decor and needlework skills. Enter your cutie in the Baby Contest. Showcase a piece of art in the Art Show. Enter a plant or flwer in the Horticulture Show. Create a mini parade flat to enter in the Shoebox Float Contest (youth only).

“There are so many opportunities to get involved at #BerryFest23,” said Cala Callins, Competitive Exhibits Director at the Florida Strawberry Festival.

For information about the Florida Strawberry Festival’s contests, their rules and application windows, visit www.fltrawberryfestval.com.

FROM EATING CONTESTS TO ART SHOWS, THERE ARE PLENTY OF WAYS TO GET INVOLVED AT THE FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL.

Lakeland resident Cortney Greeson poses with Spaghetti Eddie owner Eddie Porcelli after winning with Strawberry Spaghetti Eating Contest at the Florida Strawberry Festival.

Cortney Greeson’s fast eating has earned her fit prize in the Strawberry Spaghetti Eating Contest for four years.

Health enthusiast Cortney Greeson is a four-time winner of the Strawberry Spaghetti Eating Contest.

Quick Hits

Several athletes from Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest all signed their national letters of intent on National Signing Day last Wednesday, committing to continue their athletic and educational careers at the college level.

DURANT

Football

• Ty Merkle - Valdosta State

• Greg Smith - West Virginia Wesleyan

• Ajai Brown - Benedict College

Girls Lacrosse

• Leah Gainer - Warner University

Boys Basketball

• Cory O’Hehir - Flagler College

Girls Basketball

• Maggie Lauber - Hillsborough Community College

• Miani Mejia - Hillsborough Community College

• Ki’ajanae GordonHillsborough Community College

Softball

• Amy Bak - Lake Sumter State College

• Emma Chisholm - Lake Sumter State College

STRAWBERRY CREST

Boys Soccer

• Jackson HinsonCovenant College

Girls Soccer

• Ezra CarpenterLees-McRae College

Baseball

• Zach RednerHillsborough Community College

• Alex PhilpottUniversity of Florida

• Arjun NimmalaFlorida State University

Softball

• Hannah BoothWebber International

PLANT CITY AREA SOCCER SEASON COMES TO AN END

• Ariana RegoLynn University

• Kylee DodsonLynn University

PLANT CITY

Football

• Cole HighsmithSoutheastern University

PLANT CITY AREA IMPRESSES

AT STATE CHEER CHAMPIONSHIPS

Plant City, Durant and Strawberry Crest cheer all made their way to the Stephen C. O’Connell Center at the University of Florida last week for the FHSAA Competitive Cheerleading State Championships, with all three earning medals.

• Durant: After finishing fifth in the FHAA 2A Small Varsity division last year, they returned this year to come away with a second place finish in the Small Varsity division.

• Plant City: After claiming their fist cheer state championship in school history last year, taking home fist place in the FHSAA 2A Small Non-Tumbling division, Plant City returned to the state championships this year and took home second place in the Medium Non-Tumbling Division.

• Strawberry Crest: In a continuation of their unparalleled run of state-wide dominance, Strawberry Crest’s cheer team claimed fist place and took home the gold medal in the FHSAA 2A Small CoEd division this year. This most recent state championship in 2023 now marks an astounding ninth consecutive state championship for Strawberry Crest.

Plant City boys soccer made their way to Newsome on Thursday where they faced the Wolves in the the 7A District 6 championship.

The matchup between the Raiders and the Wolves was their second meeting of the season, following a game on Dec. 22 where Newsome raced out to a 6-0 win, handing Plant City one of their three regular season losses on the year. In the championship, Newsome once again came away with a win, this time via a 6-1 final, to spell an end to the Raiders’ season.

Plant City opened the scoring in an instant as forward Angel Guerra found an opening at the top of the box and finished the opportunity to give the Raiders a quick 1-0 lead in the first minute of the contest, but from that point on the Wolves took control of the match. In the fifth minute, Newsome answered back as a ball sent into the box was redirected on goal, initially stopped with a stellar save from Plant City’s charging keeper Francisco Miranda, only for the Wolves to quickly jump on the rebound and bury the second-chance opportunity, knotting the contest at 1-1.

A series of strong saves from Miranda throughout the remainder of the first half kept Plant City in the contest, but with just minutes remaining before halftime the Wolves added onto their lead. With less than 10 minutes left in the first half, Newsome settled a loose ball at the top of the box and put the chance away to take a 2-1 lead, earning a penalty kick moments later that was

converted to give the Wolves a 3-1 lead heading into halftime.

Newsome began the second half strong, with chance after chance thwarted by Plant City. With more spectacular play from Miranda, along with some luck as a Newsome shot rattled off of the post, the game remained 3-1 for much of the second half. In the 56th minute Newsome broke through the Raiders’ back line with a beautiful run into the box, but the chance was once again stonewalled as Miranda charged the Wolves’ forward and made the save with a diving stop. A few minutes later the Raiders responded with a chance of their own, looking to claw back into the contest late as they controlled possession into the offensive third and led a run into the Wolves' 18-yard box with the ball at the foot of senior Simon Gonzalez. Gonzalez created space, dropped the ball off to Jose Hernandez at the top of the box and Hernandez let a shot rip from the top of the box, only for the shot to be sent away on a diving save from Newsome’s keeper. But as quickly as Plant City saw their scoring chance fall apart, the Wolves responded with a counter attack up the left side, crossed into the box at the back post, settled and finished by Newsome forward Stephen Gilbert to give the Wolves a 4-1 lead. As the Raiders pressed forward hoping for a miracle to keep their district championship hopes alive, the Wolves were able to stand tall against the offensive pressure and counter for two late goals to seal the 6-1 contest. Despite finishing the year with a 16-4-1 record overall, the Raiders were not able to secure

a wildcard berth in the regional quarterfinals.

But this season was a massive improvement for the Raiders in comparison to their 2021-2022 campaign in which they finished the year with a 6-12-1 record, matching their highest single-season win total since going 19-1 in an undefeated regular season run in 2017-2019 and once again reaching their district championship after claiming their last district title in 2020-2021.

Across town, Durant’s girls were the only other Plant City area team to reach their district championship match, also facing Newsome. Durant had previously faced Newsome twice in the regular season, splitting the series with a 3-1 win over the Wolves on Dec. 9 and ending their regular season with a 2-1 loss against them on Jan. 19. In the district championship last Wednesday, Durant fell to Newsome by a final score of 3-1, with their lone goal coming from junior Kassidy Oliver. And with a 15-4 record on the year, Durant advanced to the regional quarterfinals on Tuesday as a fifth seed, despite a loss in the district championship, where they would once again make their way to Newsome on Tuesay for their fourth matchup of the year, falling by a final score of 3-2 to end their season at 15-5.

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

While Plant City’s boys and Durant’s girls both reached their district championships, both teams saw their seasons end at the hands of Newsome.

MUSTANG MACH-E – PONY GOES ELECTRIC!

MUSTANG MACH-E (GT, AWD)

Tires: 245/40R20

Wheelbase: 117.5 inches

Length: 186.7 inches

Width: 74.1 inches

Height: 63.5 inches

Suspension: MacPherson strut front, multilink rear

Steering: electric assist

Fuel economy: 82 MPGe (88 city, 75 highway)

Weight: 4,920 pounds

Base price: $59,900

Price as tested: $69,800

Web site: www.ford.com

Who would have thought nearly 60 years ago the birth of Mustang would create a sports coupe, convertible, endless special editions, of course, and … electric SUV? Heck, ya. Why not?

The Mustang Mach-E is equipped with an 88 kWh useable lithium-ion battery pack that will go 260 miles on a full charge. Two dual electric motors boast 480 horsepower and 634 pounds-feet of torque while mated to a single-speed transmission. We test drove the GT Performance model, which can take off from 0 to 60 in a mere 3.5 seconds. Charging the slick SUV is quick with the 150-kW DC fast charger, taking just 45 minutes for 80 percent juice, or a 240-volt outlet at

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home in about 10 hours. The one-pedal driving (slowing down to a complete halt by taking foot off the gas) is a personal choice, we think.

Sure, it’s a Mustang but with a difference. A black grille with the centered and illuminated pony emblem is flanked by LED headlights with sequential tri-bar turn signal tail lamps and GT insignia taking up the rear. Also prominent are red brake calipers, black sideview mirror caps, and rear spoiler. Step into the spacious cabin and the mammoth 15.5-inch center touch screen for infotainment controls will draw attention. As will the 10.2-inch digital screen for the driver. A two-tier center console enables hiding personal stuff out of sight. The GT/pony scruff plate is a nice touch, pleasing to

the eye. The rotary shifter dial is easy to change gears. The frunk drainable size is 4.7 cubic feet, decent to store cold beverages for tailgating. So is space OK behind the rear seat at 29.7 cubic feet. Other niceties at no extra cost are dual auto a/c, 60/40 fold rear seat, aluminum applique on instrument cluster, hands-free lift gate, eight-way power heated front seats, push-button door release, three-spoke tilt/telescopic steering column and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, driver knee airbag, electronic stability and Advance trac controls, pre-collision assist with auto emergency brakes, frontal collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor with cross-traffic alert

and lane-keep, hill start and active park assists, keyless entry/start, rearview camera and auto high-beam headlamps, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.

The all-electric Mustang Mach-E is an incredible vehicle with laudable battery reach, tremendous power and an interior that is as high-tech as any other EV on the market. With this SUV, Ford has put all its competitors on notice. Electric or otherwise, the pony logo looks fine on them all!

Nitish S. Rele operates motoringtampabay. com and Khaas Baat, and was an automotive editor/columnist for the Tampa Tribune. Email him at motoringtampabay@gmail.com.

Local January 2023 sales and trend information courtesy of The Crawford Group.

“Real Estate Bubble to Bust … Did we miss it?” At this time last year everyone was waiting for the market to crash and burn, well that’s not what we reported back then or even now. The market has undergone some changes, but we are no closer to a market crash than we were back then. The most noticed change in the market has been the prevailing mortgage rates that buyers need to qualify by. The average Freddie Mac mortgage rates for January were 6.27 percent in 2023 which is an 82 percent increase from last January, but it’s a 11 percent decline from the peak rates in November. These rates will continue to decrease throughout the year and believe we will see mid 5 percent by the summer.

As we look at the Plant City housing data, January 2023, our market area sold 48 homes for the month substantially lower than last year’s average of 82.4 per month. The housing inventory has decreased slightly in months’ supply from 2.16 to 2.12, still considerably less than the 3-4 months average supply needed for a normal market time period. The ADOM, average days on market, was 49.9 but typically the holiday season tends to increase the number and should decrease somewhat over the next prevailing months but will be higher than last year’s ADOM of 23 days. Sellers will need to get accustomed to longer days on market before contract agreement.

The last six months of the year we saw small steady declines in the average selling prices from the peak in May/June but last month we saw an increase of 8 percent over December, the average selling price in January was $368,663. Looking at January’s year over year numbers, we see our area had a 20 percent increase in aver-

age selling price. The average selling price per square foot was $191.48 in January. Comparing the Median prices month over month data, January finished with median sales price of $343,900, which was 2.7 percent higher than in December.

So, what about the coming year, 2023, supply and demand constraints will affect many facets of the market conditions. The Federal Reserve still may have another interest hike in store, the mortgage rates have already started to retreat. Housing inventory will not hit an equilibrium supply this year. Buyers on the sidelines will be accumulating more funds towards their down payments readying themselves for their purchase decision time frame. Housing prices will see slight appreciation in prices, single digit growth while all these things are setting up for another real estate growth period in the latter part of the year and into 2024.

If you are in the market to buy or sell your home, please seek an experienced professional Realtor® to assist you in this transaction process. There are too many consequences, going it alone without proper representation. If you have any questions, want a market value analysis of your home, or see what’s available to purchase, please reach out.

Lastly, if you purchased a home in 2022, do not forget to apply for your homestead exemption by March 1st with the property appraiser office.

M Crawford Crawford Group

SALES SNAPSHOT

The following residential properties were a sample listed as sold on the Greater Tampa Realtors Association MLS in January 2022 for the Plant City Market Area.

The home at 3136 Clay Turner Rd sold January 11 for $130,000. Built in 1982, it has 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bath and 576 square feet of living area.

The home at 1115 N Maryland Ave sold January 6 for $225,000. Built in 1963 it has 3 bedrooms, 1 bath and 1062 square feet of living area.

The home at 4703 Bloom Dr sold January 30 for $259,200. Built in 1995, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1437 square feet of living area.

The home at 1004 S Evers St sold January 27 for $262,000. Built in 1946, it has 2 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1104 square feet of living area.

The home at 4608 Platt Rd sold January 3 for $275,000. Built in 2008, it has 2 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1664 square feet of living area.

The home at 1410 Tahitian Sunrise Dr sold January 27 for $309,900. Built in 2023, it has 4 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1817 square feet of living area.

The home at 3608 Trapnell Grove Lp sold January 13 for $325,000. Built in 2007, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1472 square feet of living area.

The home at 1802 Sagebrush Rd sold January 20 for $338,000. Built in 1987, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 2031 square feet of living area.

The home 3530 San Moise Place sold January 19 for $375,000. Built in 2016, it has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath and 2526 square feet of living area.

The home at 3013 Spring Hammock Dr sold January 3 for $385,000. Built in 2000, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 2179 square feet of living area.

The home at 4109 Barret Ave sold January 17 for $408,500. Built in 1988, it has 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bath and 2998 square feet of living area.

The home at 1219 S Wiggins Rd sold January 18 for $499,500. Built in 1983, it has 3 bedrooms, 3 bath and 2262 square feet of living area.

The home at 4314 Cooper Rd sold January 31 for $585,000. Built in 1989, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 2300 square feet of living area.

The home at 3737 Alafia Ceek St sold January 31 for $610,000. Built in 2006, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 bath and 2831 square feet of living area.

The home at 3501 Sam Allen Oaks Cir sold January 11 for $960,000. Built in 2001, it has 6 bedrooms, 4 bath and 4663 square feet of living area.

We asked Plant City: What was your first car

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR

“1951 Chevy, two-door coupe.” - Earl Truman

“1966 Plymouth Belvedere. I rode a 10 speed to Gardendale Elementary to work in the summer, saved up $200 and bought it from my cousin.” - Wesley Ezekiel

“An uglyv, but I didn’t care as long as it would start and go.” - Barbara Skaggs Ward

“1973 Ford Galaxie.” - Debbie West Harrell

“’61 two-door Impala.” - Norma Kelley Ausburn

“’67 Firebird convertible.” - Sharon Marie Elizabeth

“’77 Camaro.” - Jason Blanton

“Ford Falcon… stick shift, no AC and cloth seats.” - Judy Martin

“1965 VW Beetle.” - Tiffany Jones

“1967 Ford Mustang.” - Jody O’Steen

“Bonneville Pontiac.” - Gerry Ward

“1967 Pontiac Catalina.” - Keith Venning

“1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera.”Shannon Marie

“1969 442 Oldsmobile.” - Renee Mayernik

“1972 Chevy Vega.” - Nancy Fannin

James R. Van Tilburg

James R. Van Tilburg, 94, of Dover, Fla., born in Elkhart, Ind. on Jan. 12, 1929, entered into eternal rest on January 30, 2023. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Joseph Frederick Evans

Joseph Frederick Evans, born June 18, 1933 in Media, Penn.. He went Home to be with his LORD on Jan. 31, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Ronnye Hernandez Hernandez

Ronnye Hernandez Hernandez, 44, of Tampa, born on Dec. 29, 1978, in Havana, Cuba, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 1, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Hermelinda Alejo

Hermelinda Alejo, 92, of Plant City, born on Oct. 28, 1930, in San Cristobal, Guerrero, Mexico, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 2, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Gualberta Lucas Garcia

Gualberta Lucas Garcia, 58, of Mulberry, Fla., born on July 25, 1964 in Tecolcuahutla, Guerrero, Mexico, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 13, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Kathleen T. Goodson Hearne

Kathleen T. Goodson Hearne, 95, of Plant City, born on Dec. 21, 1927, in Nashville, Georgia, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 31, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral. com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Felix Castro Santiago

Felix Castro Santiago, 36, of Dover, born on April 13, 1986, in San Juan Ñumi, Oaxaca, Mexico, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 13, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Elizabeth Saldierna

Elizabeth Saldierna, 77, of Mulberry, Fla., born on Oct. 15, 1945 in Canovanas, Puerto Rico, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 13, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Gloria Varnadore

Gloria Varnadore, 87, of Plant City, born on April 10, 1935, in Chancellor, Ala., entered into eternal rest on Jan. 31, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral. com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Karen Sandifer

Karen Sandifer, 60, of Lithia, born on April 24, 1962, in Bartow, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 1, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Alice Jean

Martin

Alice Jean Martin, 98, of Plant City, Florida, passed away on Jan. 26th, 2023 in Lakeland, Fla.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Colin F. Tucker

Colin F. Tucker, 81, of Plant City, born on Dec. 18, 1941, in Dade City, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 31, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

John Trnka

John Trnka, 58, of Lakeland, Fla., passed away Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

City 1801 East Cherry Street Plant City, FL. 33563. Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

6:30 to 9 p.m. at 1206 N. Park Rd. The Plant City Black Heritage Celebration, Inc. invites the community to join in as they kick off their Black Heriage Celebration weekend with their annual Black Heritage Gala, an extraordinary opportunity to enjoy delicious food and celebrate individuals that have made an impact on the Plant City community. Keynote speakers will include Maurice “Mo” Billington of “The Cat Named The Mo Show” on 102.5 The Bone and Captain Alfred Van Duyne of the Plant City Police Department. Tickets are $50 and can only be purchased online. The weekend will continue on Saturday with the annual Black Heritage Jazz Festival, taking place at the Robert Willaford Train Museum, 102 N. Palmer St, from 12 to 6 p.m. and featuring acts such as the MIXX Group, Judy’s Dance, Navigator Academy Dance and much more. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the festivities downtown, free of charge. On Sunday, the event will conclude with a Black Heritage Gospel Concert from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 604 W. Ball St.

205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walkins welcomed or call 813-704-5800 to set a specific tim.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISEIN

3 to 6:30 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is back on Saturday, Feb. 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.

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 shw everyone what you’ve got.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14

BEGINNING MODERN WESTERN SQUARE DANCE LESSONS

6:30 to 8 p.m. at 4401 Promenade Blvd. Head down to the Strawberry Square Dance Center for Beginning Modern Square Dance Lessons all throughout Tuesdays in February. No experience is required and the fist

opportunity to enjoy quality, awardwinning bluegrass talents in one of the most intimate venues in the area. Admission will cost $15.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15

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,

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!

I LOVE PLANT CITY

tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com

FORECAST

THURSDAY, FEB 9

High: 78 Low: 62 Chance of rain: 11%

FRIDAY, FEB 10

High: 78 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 16%

SATURDAY, FEB 11

High: 63 Low: 51 Chance of rain: 42%

SUNDAY, FEB 12

High: 56 Low: 41 Chance of rain: 12%

MONDAY, FEB 13 High: 64

45 Chance of rain: 5%

SUNRISE/SUNSET

MOON PHASES

RAINFALL

STRAWBERRY

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

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or hashtag #iloveplantcity on Instagram for @igersplantcity to feature.

Robert Lavery snapped this photo of a great heron flying ver Walden Lake in Plant City.

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“We provide compassionate care for you and your family.”

It’s not just an ID badge. It’s a badge of honor.

At South Florida Baptist Hospital, the team members who wear this badge give you high-quality care in a comfortable atmosphere. Our wide range of specialty services includes comprehensive orthopedic care, sports medicine services and total joint replacement procedures. We have a comprehensive gynecology program that offers a variety of women’s services, and our weight loss surgery program meets nationally recognized standards. And if surgery is required, we have surgeons who are experts in minimally invasive robotic surgical procedures, which means shorter hospital stays and smaller incisions that reduce the risk of infection. All of this means you get outstanding, compassionate care right here in Plant City. Learn more: SouthFloridaBaptist.org