3.10.22 PLCO by Plant City Observer

FREE

VOLUME 6, NO. 186

•

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE: OFFICIAL FLORIDA DESSERT BRIAN FERNANDES THE HIGHLY STAFF WRITER DEMANDED Strawberry shortcake has risen to another level of prominence, becoming PASTRY NOW the official dessert of Florida as of MonREPRESENTS THE day. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill STATE IN A BIG WAY into law that finally gave the all-Amer-

ican treat its new state title and chose

Plant City of all places to make Florida history. The timing was on point as it coincided with the annual Florida Strawberry Festival that takes place from March 3 to March 13 this year. The sizable turnout was a departure from last year’s that didn’t see big crowds due to COVID-19. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

VIEWS FROM THE FESTIVAL THE FIRST WEEK OF THE 2022 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL HAS COME AND GONE. THESE ARE SOME OF THE BEST SIGHTS FROM AN EXCITING SEVEN DAYS. TAYLOR JENKINS STAFF WRITER

And just like that, the first week of the 2022 Florida Strawberry Festival has come and gone. That one-of-a-kind energy has permeated throughout Plant City with the festival’s presence as thousands flock to the festival grounds to experience all of the festivities for the

first time, or make their annual return with another chance to build memories with family and friends. From all of the rides on the midway, delicious foods both familiar and brand new, flying dogs, racing pigs, a Grand Parade and the return of headline entertainment, the festival remains in full swing.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

NEWS BRIEFS

Photos courtesy of Hope Lutheran Church

Department of Health issues rabies alert The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County has issued a rabies alert for the area surrounding Glen Harwell Road in response to a grey and white stray cat that tested positive for rabies on March 7. Two people with confirmed exposures have already begun rabies post exposure vaccination. The rabies alert will last for 60 days and the center of the alert is at Glen Harwell Road, including the following boundaries: • Northern: Interstate 4 • Eastern: Branch Forbes Road • Southern: US Highway 92 • Western: Bethlehem Road Anyone who has been bitten, scratched, or exposed to the saliva of this cat is asked to report the exposure to DOH-Hillsborough. • This incident serves as a reminder that people should stay away from “neighborhood pets” or any wild animal. Some may be tempted to feed or help the animal, but it isn’t worth the risk. • An animal with rabies could infect oth-

er wild animals or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and all wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes. • Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm blooded animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunizations. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect and exposed person from the disease. Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions: • Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets and at-risk livestock. • Do not allow your pets to run free. • If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately. • Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter. • Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. • Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. • Prevent bats from entering living

quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people and pets. • Persons who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County at (813) 307-8059. For further information on rabies, go to http://www.floridah alth.gov/diseasesand-conditions/rabies/index.html or call the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County at (813) 307-8059.

Hope Lutheran celebrates 65th anniversary, hosts Teddy Bear Sunday Last month, Hope Lutheran Church welcomed two special occasions, the fi st of which being their annual Teddy Bear Sunday on Feb. 13. The annual event encourages Hope members and friends alike to bring a new Teddy Bear to church with them on each Sunday closest to Valentines Day. The bears then form a “Bear Mountain” in front of the sanctuary’s alter during the service

before being tagged with a special note and donated with love. Over the years, Hope has donated the bears to both Plant City’s Police and Fire Departments, Florida Baptist Children’s Home and several other establishments to share the bears to those in need of the comfort that a new bear can provide. This year, Hope is excited to donate their bears to Lots of Hugs Summer camp operated by Plant City Black Heritage Foundation. “These bears are given out of love by Hope members who are excited to share their love of Jesus,” team leader Sandy Howell said. “As Lots of Hugs meets each summer at Hope, we are thrilled to share these with the campers this year.” Later in the month, on Feb. 27, the members of Hope gathers for a special 65th anniversary worship in their new sanctuary. The congregation welcomed Rev. Dr. Gregory Walton, President of the Florida Georgia District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, who preached their anniversary message. Hope’s pastor, Rev. Dean Pfeffer, assisted by Rev. Ron Pennekamp, a member of Hope and retired LCMS pastor, led the worship along the congregation’s anniversary theme, Hope at 65- Immeasurably More than ever Imagined.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

A LOOK INSIDE THE FESTIVAL GET A GLIMPSE AT ALL OF THE BEST PHOTOS TAKEN BY THE PLANT CITY OBSERVER THROUGHOUT THE FIRST WEEK OF THE FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL.

TAYLOR JENKINS STAFF WRITER

The opening day of the festival brought three headline acts, opening with Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra followed by The Oak Ridge Boys and capped off with ady A. Over the next few days the festival’s star-studded lineup would bring fans to their feet with performances from artists like Christian music star Lauren Daigle, R&B icons Boys II Men, rock legend Sammy Hagar and hometown hero Kenzie Wheeler. But all around the grounds people could find different forms of entertainment to fill their d y, from the Amish Donut Eating Contest on Friday to the Lamb Costume Contest on Sunday to the return of action-packed, half-hour thrills like K9’s in Flight and Robinson’s Racing Pigs. Here are some of the Plant City Observer’s best images from this past week, with plenty of Festival fun still left before it wraps up on Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Art Nelson

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

PLANT CITY

This week on Cops Corner: Plant

Observer

City Police investigate a reckless driver, stolen hockey equipment and missing firearms

FEB. 25

istock

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Sports Writer / Taylor Jenkins tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com

FEB. 27

FEB. 28

SPEED RACER

IT WAS WARRANTED

ON THIN ICE

2900 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. NVDL arrest: Officers responded to the listed location in reference to a reckless driver where the suspect was subsequently arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail for booking.

W. Baker St. / Thonotosassa Rd. Warrant arrest: Officers conducted a traffic top after the driver in question failed to stop at a stop sign. Contact was made with the suspect and an FCIC/NCIC check revealed a warrant out of Orange County for possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was then arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

400 block of Whitehall St. Theft: Officers met with the victim who advised them that his pressure washer, valued at $250, and his hockey bag with goalie equipment in it, valued at $2,000, had been taken from his truck.

STAY IN YOUR LANE N. Alexander St. / Victoria St. DUI: Officers conducted a traffi stop in the early morning hours due to a driver’s failure to maintain a lane of traffic. The suspect was then placed under arrest for DUI.

FEB. 26

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

MARCH 1 FLORIDA KEYS

LATE BREAK 2200 block of Village Park Dr. Vehicle Burglary: Officers responded to the listed location in reference to the report of a delayed vehicle burglary.

2400 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Criminal mischief: Officers responded to the listed location and met with the victim who advised them that her vehicle had been keyed.

CONSTRUCTION CRITICISM 3300 block of S. Frontage Rd. Theft: Officers responded to the listed location and met with victims who reported multiple thefts from a properly marked construction site, resulting in the loss of approximately $2,000 in power and hand tools/equipment.

Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

Advertising / Richard Brame richard@plantcityobserver.com Advertising / Karen Berry kberry@plantcityobserver.com

GUNSTOPPABLE

1800 block of W. Ball St. Grand theft: Officers met with the victim in reference to the home being broken into, resulting in two fi earms that were stolen. A juvenile was subsequently arrested.

BYEPHONE

200 block of E. Laura St. Criminal mischief: Officers met with the victim who reported that rocks had been thrown at his vehicle.

Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez

MARCH 2

MARCH 3

ROCK WHILE ROLLING

Staff Writer / Brian Fernandes bfernandes@plantcityobserver.com

1400 block of S. Evers St. Theft: Officers responded in reference to a theft where the victim reported that her iPhone was stolen.

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. Mail: The Plant City Observer, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B, Plant City, FL 33563

O Plant City Observer

is locally owned by Ed Verner, Karen Berry, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes

This week’s Sudoku answers

The Plant City Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC.

This week’s Crossword answers

This week’s answers Jumbles:

110 E. Reynolds, Suite 100B Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850

RIVER GLAZE SKIMPY JESTER Answer: The hot air balloonists were able to see the sun come up because they were -EARLY RISERS

Publishers of the

Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE NOW THE NO. 1 STATE TREAT THE PASTRY BECOMES FLORIDA’S STATE DESSERT BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

As thousands of patrons took advantage of the vendors, games, rides and food on the fairgrounds, the signing was taking place upstairs in the TECO Expo Hall. Those in attendance included Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Plant City Mayor Rick Lott, Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis, and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, among other dignitaries. “What better place to sign this then the 2022 Florida Strawberry Festival,” DeSantis said. “This designation of the strawberry shortcake as the state dessert is a way to pay tribute to the strawberry farmers and what they’ve contributed to our state and our agriculture industry. This is an important part of Florida and the farmers have helped put us on the map.” Davis mentioned that he had recently visited fairs in North Carolina and South Carolina that were selling strawberries from Plant City. He also acknowledged the strawberry growers who helped to make the festival and the bill possible. “Signing the bill is kind of whimsical and fun,” Davis said. “It’s a great tribute to the strawberry… It’s just something we’re really proud of here and we’re known for it all over the country.”

An estimated 200,000 strawberry shortcakes are sold at the festival each year. Strawberries are an economic driver in Plant City, holding over 10,000 acres of crops. Plant City and its surrounding areas make up 75% of winter strawberry crops in the U.S., DeSantis said. Florida, which is known for its citrus, has its official pie – key lime. However, lawmakers wanted to implement another pastry that has become synonymous with Florida. Florida Senator Danny Burgess of District 20 initially proposed the idea to Florida House Representative Lawrence McClure of District 58 - both of whom represent Plant City. After presenting the bill before colleagues in the senate and the house of representatives, it was eventually passed on Thursday, Jan. 27. However, the legislature didn’t find it fitting to co-sign strawberry shortcake just by itself, so they designed the bill to make the state dessert complete with a “natural Florida dairy topping.” The typical fan of strawberry shortcake most likely wouldn’t take any issue with that as the treat is served with a sizable portion of whipped cream on top. This is evident as festival shops that serve the delicacy see no shortage in their lines.

At the table where the governor sat, there was a big bowl of strawberry shortcake on display. Before signing, DeSantis was handed some in a smaller bowl to taste. “That’s worth signing this bill,” he said after sampling. Vice-Mayor Michael Sparkman is former Florida Strawberry Festival chairman of the board and was all smiles when the red, fruity dessert was designated as the state’s dessert. “It makes me extremely proud,” Sparkman said. “The strawberry growers – they’re excited about it.” It was a nostalgic moment for Moody who is a Plant City native. She recalled being the 1993 strawberry queen. She was thrilled when seeing current Queen Kenley Connell. Right next to Connell was First Maid Madison Davis as well as court members Chloe Hopper, Tamia Williams, and Bailey Blanton. “This is a very big deal not only for the State of Florida to now have an official state dessert, but to the City of Plant City,” Moody said. “One thing is for sure, title or no title, strawberry shortcake has already proven itself to be a top contender in desserts among its fans.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARH 10, 2022

SHOPPING SPREE AT STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Visitors at the festival have a wide variety of products to buy BRIAN FERNANDES

CANDY SHOP

STAFF WRITER

When walking on the fairgrounds of the Florida Strawberry Festival, there’s the foods and their strong aromas, rides, games, large crowds, and all the glamour that comes along with the yearly event. However, inside the large buildings on the premises, there are shopping malls with what seems like an endless variety of vendors lined up, each offering something unique and different from the next. One such building is the Stadium Exhibit Hall located behind the GT Grandstands and the Wish Farms Soundstage. Businesses for barbeque grill accessories, candies, arcade games, fl werpots, chairs, clothes, jewelry, handbags, and much more can be found indoors. It draws in sizable crowds with patrons whose stroll down the aisles are interrupted every so often when a vendor has items that catch their eye. What’s more, many vendors aren’t from Plant City…or Florida for that matter. Just like many of the patrons who enjoy the festival, there are those business owners who come from other regions of the country. Some not only set up shop just for the festival alone, but they use it as an opportunity to leave the cold weather behind and be snowbirds for several days out of the year. DOG TREATS One of those vendors is Nicole Duval from Kansas City, Missouri. “We come down in the winter because in the northern part it’s hard to make a living with the weather,” she said. Inside the Stadium Exhibit Hall, Duval and her husband set up their establishment called Yappy Hour: All Natural Dog Treats. The name explains it all. When approaching the small shop, patrons are initially enticed by what they believe are homemade cookies for people, Duval explained. The dog cookies on display come in a variety of colors and are shaped as well as designed as dog bones, bacon strips, hot dogs, flamin os, scrambled eggs, baseballs, footballs, burgers, basketballs, donuts, and of course strawberries. Some are made of peanut butter without sugar and have yogurt as frosting.

Oxford has been building these wooden toys for 30 years, which appeal to kids all the way to grandparents, he said. While he and his wife Barbara enjoy visiting the festival each year, it’s also a win-win as they get to escape the cold weather in Missouri. “It takes us about six weeks to get all this done,” she said. “I bake, my husband decorates and then we get in the truck, we pull a trailer with our two dogs and head south.” Duval also mentioned that she looks forward to coming to the festival to see the other small, independent businesses with handmade products. And she is impressed by how orderly the Strawberry Festival is kept and that it makes doing business easier. HAIR ACCESSORIES Lisa Bandy has been selling her EZ Bun hair bands for over 25 years. For two decades she had been trying to get a spot at the festival, but because the number of vendors had reached full capacity, it was difficu , she explained. For four years now, she has been able to reserve a spot and set up her products. From afar, the hair bands look like socks neatly laid out. They’re firm but flexible and Bandy usually spends each day giving demonstrations with her hair to show how it works. “They stop and they’re shocked like, ‘do that again,’ they say.” The hair bands come in a long and short size, and customers have a wide range of styles and colors to choose from. The most popular ones are those made of denim, and those that match the customers’ hair color, Bandy explained. “I have a ton of repeat customers,” she said. “They come back looking for me for more colors.” She also noted that her patrons, plus the friendly atmosphere of the festival, makes it worth traveling to each year from her home in Nashville, Tennessee.

Joe Dias knows that the variety of candy showcased at his shop not only makes kids stop in their tracks, but adults too. He operates the Lady Ann Candies’ Candyland Market which is based in Rhode Island. It’s “more candy in one spot than you’ve probably ever seen in your life,” Dias said. And it does have a large assortment of sweets for customers to choose from. Pretzel rods dipped in chocolate, Reese’s Pieces, M&Ms, peanut butter, or coconut. There’s Turtles with pecans and caramel, as well as nuts that are clumped together with a combination of honey, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. There are also lollipops, pop rocks, and bubble gum. And the thin, white candy cigarettes are nostalgic and a big seller among adults, Dias said. What’s more, he has another tent set up outside on the fairgrounds. While he’s surrounded by all that candy, Dias said it’s the sweet taste of the festival’s strawberry shortcake that satisfi s him most. WOODEN CRAFTS “Plant City’s Strawberry Festival is a fabulous event,” Rick Oxford said. “It’s one of the better ones in the country, when it comes to people enjoying themselves.” He sees patrons do just that when they stop by his shop which displays wooden hand-crafted guns that shoot rubber bands. Patrons get to test their skills when aiming at a row of spinning cards perched up on a bar.

ARTWORK

John Norris from Dynogen Marketing offers products that don’t require any physical activity, but something to be admired on a wall. His shop has a vast array of texture print drawings that come from Indiana. Different pictures depict characters from Marvel comics, Star Wars, Disney and much more. Some of the biggest sellers are drawings of movie or T.V. characters sitting in a barber shop having a conversation while getting their hair cut. There are also real-life portraits of prominent figu es as well. Patrons spend a considerable amount of time looking through many colorful options, and sometimes they will swing back around later to look at more items, Norris said. When taking a stroll around vendors’ shops, visitors might spot something they’ll eventually walk away from the festival with. One thing is for sure, vendors will not all sell the same thing, making each item unique in its own way.

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

DR. JOHN VERNER Passes Away at 93

Member FDIC

Happy New Year from The Bank of Tampa.

LOCAL PHYSICIAN WAS KNOWN FOR COMMUNITY OUTREACH BRIAN FERNANDES

Photos courtesy of the Verner family

STAFF WRITER

Wishing you a prosperous 2022! At The Bank of Tampa, the relationships we have with our clients and communities go far beyond transactional banking—we stand by them every step of the way, during the good times and the uncertain ones. Each person, business, and situation is unique. You deserve personalized service. You deserve a relationship. And we are in the relationship business. 509 W ALEXANDER ST. | PLANT CITY, FL | 33563

813.707.6506 thebankoftampa.com

Dr. John Victor Verner Jr., an accomplished physician and businessman who resided in Plant City, passed away on Friday, March 4. He was born on April 26, 1927, in Greenville, South Carolina to John, Sr. and Ruth Groce Verner. After graduation from high school, he enlisted on his 17th birthday in the Army Specialized Training Reserve Program, during which he would be sent to college until age 18, and after which he would enter active duty in the infantry. He took double courses and got two years’ credit in one year before entering basic training. Upon completion, he became the only one from his battalion accepted to Officer Candidate School. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the infantry at age 18, the youngest in his class. He served out the remaining years of active duty in the Military Government Operation in Seoul, Korea, working with the US effort to aid decimated Korea that had survived after long Japanese occupation. After his service, he completed his undergraduate studies at Duke University, where he joined Sigma Chi fraternity and was on the Freshman Advisory Committee. He entered Duke Medical School in 1950, also the year he met and married his college sweetheart Sally Prosser at the First United Methodist Church of Plant City, Florida. He received his medical degree in 1954 as second in his class academically, having been elected to the honorary medical society Alpha Omega Alpha and winning the Mosby Award for scholarship. “He read extensively,” said Robert Trinkle, a friend of Verner. “In his profession, he was at the top.” Verner completed fi e years of postgraduate training at Duke and the University of Michigan, culminating as chief resident in medicine at Duke during the fourth year. After a year of basic research in endocrinology, he was selected to join the exclusive Private Diagnostic Clinic at Duke Hospital, and to become a member of the faculty. While still in training he published 25 clinical papers in medical journals, including one in which he described a heretofore unheard of new clinical disease which bears his name today (Verner/Morrison Syndrome) and will be found in medical textbooks. This paper was later listed as one of the “Classics in Medicine,” signifying that it had been listed in other papers often enough to qualify. Bob Madden was another longtime friend of Verner and wasn’t surprised by all of his accomplishments. “His mind worked like a machine gun,” Madden said. “The breath and speed of which he could process information. Just a brilliant man.” After three years of research, teaching, and practicing medicine, he realized that his heart was in the practice. After 15 years at Duke, he joined Watson Clinic in Lakeland where he practiced for 35 years, serving as a member of the executive committee, chairman of the finan e committee, chairman of the Department of Medicine at Lakeland Regional Hospital, president of the West Coast Academy of Medicine, and chairman of the Florida Society of Medicine. At Watson Clinic, he treated the family of Ebbie Pou-Doherty, who knew Verner all of her life, since growing up in Plant City. “He was our family’s doctor, for my entire family,” she said. “My parents, my grandparents, everyone.” After Pou-Doherty’s father passed away, she began to refer to Verner as “Papa John.” For several years, Verner taught as a clinical associate professor of medicine at the University of South Florida. Additionally, he was a long-time member of the Lakeland Yacht and Country Club, serving on the board, and was a charter member of the Lone Palm Golf Club. He was honored to receive a direct fellowship to the American College of Physicians and to serve two terms, or six years, as a governor of the Board of Internal Medicine,

the national board which tests internists to certify them for excellence in the field He also spoke at numerous meetings in the U.S. and three foreign countries, the latter being to present the syndrome which he had fi st described at Duke. He was quoted in a book by Pekkanen as one of the best doctors in the U.S. and was listed in “Who’s Who in the South and Southwest” and “Who’s Who in American Medicine.” He was recalled to Duke in 1972 to receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award. During his 35 years of practice in Lakeland he always had a listed telephone number and answered his own calls night or day, making him much loved by his patients. Many believed him to be, as Dr. Stead, the physician in chief at Duke Hospital had described him when asked for a reference. His short appraisal was, “John Verner is the best doctor Duke University has ever trained.” Twenty years before retirement from medicine, realizing that he would need to take over the family business interests eventually, he began to study economics and to make investments. He had an able mentor in his father-in-law, Lew Prosser. He said he was reprogramming his brain to be as filled with e onomic information and experience as it had been earlier in mastering the field f medicine. Knowing that doctors were noted to be poor businessmen, he was determined to be an exception to that rule, and he was. He became successful in establishing a company for himself, erecting buildings for commercial and residential space. “We developed office complexes and single-family subdivisions,” Madden said. “My reporting was to Dr. Verner. He was a good boss. It was a delight to be able to work for him. Over the years he became a wonderful friend.” Verner and his wife formed the Verner Foundation which has grown to a point that the family can continue making gifts to charitable institutions in perpetuity. He agreed with John Templeton that, “If you’re giving while you’re living, you’re knowing where it’s going.” This was his greatest joy in later years, being able to give back to the community and educational institutions that he loved. There were major gifts to South Florida Baptist Foundation, YMCA Building, Plant City Veterans Park, First United Methodist Church of Plant City, Plant City Photo Archives, the Salvation Army of Lakeland, which he served as president, and Florida Southern College, where he was on the Board and Executive Committee for many years, receiving an honorary degree as Doctor of Public Service. He was chairman of the board of the First Florida Bank of Lakeland, director of the First Florida Bank of Tampa, and CEO of numerous Plant City corporations. He said his most important accomplishment was winning and marrying Sally in 1950. They celebrated their 71st wedding

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

anniversary in August of 2021. He was predeceased by his eldest son, John Victor Verner III, and his eldest grandson, Robert Llewellyn German. He is survived by a daughter Sally Lew and her husband Jeff Rucker in Florissant, Colorado; a son James in New York City; and son Ed and his wife Amanda in Plant City; seven grandchildren, and one great grandchild. John claimed to be a staunch Methodist and an aspiring Christian. “Ed, your dad was the brightest man I ever knew, a great businessman, an excellent boss, a wonderful friend and a shining example to all,” Madden said to Verner’s son. “You are mightily blessed. “ A funeral service was held at the United Methodist Church of Plant City on Wednesday, May 9. In lieu of fl wers, consider a gift to the Care Group of First United Methodist Church of Plant City, 303 N. Evers St., Plant City, Florida, 33563.

Establish with our NEW primary-care providers TODAY for all your healthcare needs.

Christopher Berchelmann, M.D. Internal Medicine

Dawn Yonkee, APRN Family Medicine

We SPECIALIZE in MEDICARE quality programs.

813.754.3344 1907 S Alexander St., Suite 1 | Plant City MillenniumPhysician.com PlantCity-Observer-Berchelmann-Yonkee-Feb22-5x8.indd 1

2/15/22 2:25 PM

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

STRAWBERRY CREST STUDENTS

WITH DISADVANTAGES CELEBRATE PROM NIGHT

ESE students had an on-campus program celebrating them. BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

The students at Strawberry Crest High School with disabilities had a special evening dedicated to them on Friday, March 4. It was their prom night, and the school cafeteria was an open dance floor with upbeat music to add to a fun atmosphere. Shauna Kornegay, the school’s exceptional student education (ESE) teacher wanted to put together an in-person prom honoring her students. She was able to put the program together with the help of her colleagues at Strawberry Crest, as well as generous donors. Professional football player Tim Tebow puts together prom events for students. It’s a part of his foundation that helps disadvantaged kids in the U.S. and abroad. Due to COVID-19, the prom he put together for the Strawberry Crest students, had to be celebrated virtually. This is what inspired Kornegay to be creative and still keep this annual event alive. At the evening ceremony, two rows of Strawberry Crest cheerleaders stood on either side of a red carpet set out specially for the students. After being rooted with enthusiasm by the cheerleaders, each student passed through an arch made up of multicolored balloons before entering the cafeteria. That evening, the students got to enjoy a photo booth, face painting, photography, food, and a DJ. And each student was crowned as either prom king or prom queen. It was another way for the school to remind the kids that they too are celebrated.

Students with disabilities at Strawberry Crest High School had the opportunity to enjoy prom night, on Friday, March 4.

Fazoli’s® proudly supports the 2022 Strawberry Festival

NOW OPEN IN PLANT CITY! 238 West Alexander 831-441-4260 Mention this ad to receive 15% off your purchase. Valid only during festival days, March 3 - 13th. Valid only at the Plant City, FL location.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

PC Man’s Helping Hand for Ukrainian Refugees

Cenovio Villa continues to do humanitarian work as he and his organization assist Ukrainians affected by war BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

As thousands of displaced Ukrainians began to flee o neighboring countries while theirs was being taken siege by Russian forces, Cenovio Villa decided that he was going to provide care to those victims. The Plant City resident left the U.S. and headed to Romania on Thursday, March 3, where many Ukrainian refugees have settled but are lacking in resources. Villa traveled to the country, for a seven-day stay, with the United Aid Foundation he is a board member of. “We’re trying to create a situation where we send teams in the future, medical teams,” he said. “The immediate thing is that we set up a kitchen to provide warm meals to the refugees passing through or staying there. We want to be able to provide local homecooked meals.” This is the result of Russian President Vladimir Putin ordering his military soldiers to invade Ukraine, on Thursday, Feb. 24. Prior to that, approximately 190,000 Russian soldiers spent several days amassed at their border with Ukraine, as the world watched and waited for the inevitable.

Villa is no stranger to providing humanitarian aid as he has helped build many homes for the disadvantaged in other countries. “We do this all over the world,” he said. “It’s a big humanitarian situation over there. We like to get out there and see what we can do.” After graduating high school in Plant City, he went on to receive a degree in computer animation, but he ended up working in a blue-collar industry. As a professional construction worker and builder, he had an opportunity to put his skills to use outside of the U.S. The California native had spent years working for the Palm Harbor Homes housemanufacturing company until he started his own business, Project Villa LLC, in 2012, which renovates and remodels homes. During the aftermath of the earthquake that ravaged parts of Haiti in 2010, he went to the island and helped build houses for those who were left homeless. This was after he had initially volunteered to go there with his former employer, but then had a change of heart. “I tried to get out of it,” Villa said. “I tried to come up with

some excuse not to make it out there and I just couldn’t get out of it. So I went, and it was just eye-opening.” Since then, he had returned there at least twice a year, helping to build up to 42 houses. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and he had to stop the effort. In the past he has also contributed his services within Africa and Nepal. Locally, he has done charitable work for the United Food Bank of Plant City. With the constant news coverage of the devastation that the Ukrainian people are enduring, the United Aid Foundation felt it was time to support those who had chosen the Romanian country for refuge. However, unlike his other missions, Villa’s wife did not support his decision to go to the country, feeling that it was unsafe. This wasn’t a typical volunteer job that addressed a natural disaster, but instead a war in which his safety wasn’t guaranteed, Villa acknowledged. Eventually his wife changed her mind. He was now ready to help complete strangers he had never met in his life. “There’s something about helping your fellow human

being in their most vulnerable situation,” Villa said. “We’re extremely blessed to be living in the greatest country in the world. I feel that if everybody was in my situation, that anybody and everybody would do the same thing – just drop what they’re doing and go. “I see the faces of the kids. I see the happiness. I see the desperation before we get there. Sometimes a little bag of rice is enough to change somebody’s day for the better. I guess when it’s all said and done, I just want to help out as many people as I can.” Right now, Villa and his organization are mainly focused on providing the necessary food and medical supplies needed for the Ukrainian refugees. However, he said he is willing to make a return to help build houses if needed. As a humanitarian, he’s always ready to leave his comfortable life in Plant City to help build a comfortable one for those who deserve another chance. To make a donation through the United Aid Foundation to assist in the refugee crisis, visit UnitedAidFoundation.org.

Courtesy of Cenovio Villa Facebook page

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

PlantCityObserver.com

CUTEST CRITTER

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

LYRA AND JULES: Sylvia Hatcher submitted this photo of her cats Lyra and Jules. While Lyra moved her tail underneath a copy of the Plant City Observer, Jules became curious and had to come check out the commotion.

SPORTS

STRAWBERRY CREST

FALLS TO HILLSBOROUGH IN TOUGH LOSS Despite two home runs and 10 hits, the Chargers couldn’t overcome Hillsborough’s one big inning on Tuesday. TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Strawberry Crest hosted the 3-1 Hillsborough Terriers on Tuesday, looking to move to 5-1 on the year. The Chargers jumped out to a lead early in the contest and out-hit Hillsborough 10 to six, but Crest couldn’t overcome the Terriers’ one big inning as they fell 6-4. Luke Richardson got the start for Crest and made easy work of Hillsborough in the first, sitting the first three batters down in order. The Chargers got a base hit from RayAllen Vasquez in the bottom half of the inning and he eventually moved over to second with a two-out stolen base, but that would be it as the game moved to the second inning scoreless. Richardson put up another quick top half of the second and Crest responded with a crooked number on the board from their offense. With one out, Alexander Philpott roped a single to left and sophomore Akhil Nimmala crushed his first home run of the year on a deep shot to left field, giving the Chargers an early 2-0 lead. But Crest wasn’t done. Lance Highsmith reached safely on an infield single, stealing second and third before being driven home on an RBI triple into the right center gap from Eli Vickers. In the top of the fourth, Richardson allowed his first baserunner of the contest on a base hit through the left side but he was promptly caught stealing. After retiring the next two batters, Richardson finished his night with four innings pitched and just one hit allowed. The Chargers threatened again in the bottom of the inning as a base hit from Philpott and a double off the left field wall from Nimmala put runners on second and third with one out. They would later load the bases with two outs on an intentional walk to Vickers, but Hillsborough would escape the jam unscathed and keep Crest’s lead at 3-0. In the top of the fifth the Chargers made a move to the bullpen and things quickly began to snowball for Hillsborough. A base hit, a walk and a hit batter loaded the bases with no outs and a sacrifice fly to right scored the first run for the Terriers. The

next batter struck out on a breaking ball in the dirt but it rolled to the backstop, allowing a second run to score and the runner to reach first base safely. An ensuing walk loaded the bases again and a base hit to the left scored one and knotted the game up at 3-3. Hillsborough’s next hitter rolled over a slow ground ball up the middle but it found its way through the infield to drive home two more, giving Hillsborough a 5-3 lead with still just one down. A second sac fly would move Hillsborough’s lead to 6-3 before Crest was able to escape the long inning. That would be it for Hillsborough’s production Tuesday night, but it would be enough to hold on to the eventual win. In the bottom of the sixth, Nimmala roped a single to left to cap his three-hit night with a home run, a double, two runs batted in and a run scored. In the bottom of the seventh, outfielder Ethan Pues would put one more run up for the Chargers with a solo home run to left but it wouldn’t be enough as Crest fell 6-4 and moved to 4-2 on the season. The Chargers will return to action on Thursday as they head to Alonso to face the 3-2 Ravens. Around the Plant City area, Plant City remained undefeated as they moved to 4-0 with a big 11-0 win over Tampa Bay Tech last Thursday and returned to action on Wednesday night as they headed to Riverview. Plant City will face Strawberry Crest on Saturday to kick off the annual Saladino Tournament. Durant moved to 4-0 themselves with a 6-3 win over Freedom last Thursday but faced their first loss of the season on Tuesday with a 5-4 final against the defending 6A State Champion Bloomingdale Bulls. The Cougars will return to action on Thursday night as they head to Jefferson before opening up the Saladino Tournament on Saturday against Leto.

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

LOCAL PREPS SCOREBOARD Baseball: March 8

Softball: Feb. 28 - March 1

DURANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 BLOOMINGDALE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

EAST BAY . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 DURANT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

HILLSBOROUGH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 STRAWBERRY CREST . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

PLANT CITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 BRANDON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

STRAWBERRY CREST . . . . . . . . . . . 13 ALONSO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Softball: March 4 - 8 DURANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 BLOOMINGDALE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 PLANT CITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 SPOTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

REAL ESTATE

February 2022 Real Estate Transactions

Local February 2022 sales and trend information courtesy of The Crawford Group. February Real Estate numbers are in the books now. Not much changed in the last month except for a little Russian led aggression against Ukraine, sending fuel prices soaring and such, but real estate transactions continued moving forward and upwards. Buyers seeking a new home purchase are mostly confronted with lack of inventory. This limited inventory results in a buying frenzy, multiple offers and a lot of rejection. In light of this, it’s Strawberry Festival time, a time of year which makes Plant City’s citizens more anxious about what concert to attend, concessions to try, meeting up with old friends to share the festival excitement or what traffic outes to avoid. One of the many things that impresses on visitors wishing to make Plant City their home as well. Our market area saw 71 homes sold this month, slightly down from the previous month with 75 homes sold. The average selling price for February was $358,895 or $189.95 per square foot as compared to $307,110 and $180.14 per square foot. The higher average selling price was skewed due to the $1.2 million property sold this month. In this case it’s better to look at the median price points, which were $319,425 in February versus $300,000 in January, that shows about a 6.5% percent increase month over month. We are trending about an 11 percent increase in median price average over last year’s year-to-date median average of $277,937. One statistical number to watch is the DOM, or days on market for contract; in 2021 the Year-to-date average was 17.3

days, during the last two months we are averaging 19.3 days, a slight increase, but if this number extends into the mid 20’s or low 30’s it will help with the inventory supply. We are a long way from ample inventory supply, currently less than one month’s supply, but this will help improve the inventory level. The market is sound and in good shape. We still have more buyers than sellers now. So, I still affirm that the ma et will continue to increase in value through 2022 and maybe 2023. As always, if you are in the market to buy or sell your home… seek out an experienced professional realtor to assist you in this transaction process. There are too many pitfalls to go it alone without representation. If you have any questions, please reach out. Sales Snapshot The following properties were a sample listed as sold on the Greater Tampa Realtors Association MLS in Feb 2021. The home at 602 E Calhoun St. sold Feb 2 for $192,000. Built in 1965, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1444 square feet of living area. The home at 3906 Sparky Ln sold Feb 4 for $200,000. Built in 1998, it has 4 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1643 square feet of living area.

The home at 2659 Eagle Greens Dr sold Feb 18 for $221,101. Built in 1999, it has 2 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1236 square feet of living area.

The home at 3002 Magnolia Meadows Dr sold Feb 15 for $381,000. Built in 2007, it has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 2881 square feet of living area.

The home at 2329 Tanbark Ridge Pl sold Feb 23 for $245,000. Built in 2008 it has 2 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1185 square feet of living area.

The home at 2206 Via Napoli St sold Feb 22 for $390,000. Built in 2012, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2025 square feet of living area.

The home at 1413 Sandalwood Dr sold Feb 10 for $290,000. Built in 1985, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1856 square feet of living area.

The home at 3037 Sutton Woods Dr sold Feb 10 for $445,000. Built in 1998, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2120 square feet of living area.

The home at 308 Valencia Ct N sold Feb 23 for $294,000. Built in 1979, it has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1581 square feet of living area.

The home at 3403 Walden Reserve Dr sold Feb 24 for $500,000. Built in 2006, it has 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths and 3041 square feet of living area.

The home at 2302 Sprucewood Ln sold Feb 3 for $307,500. Built in 1984, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1885 square feet of living area.

The home at 2822 Nesmith Estates Ln sold Feb 14 for $585,000. Built in 2007, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and 2633 square feet of living area.

The home at 3510 Coastal Dusk Dr sold Feb 28 for $315,525. Built in 2022, it has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1936 square feet of living area.

The home at 2202 Sparkman Rd sold Feb 24 for $650,000. Built in 2017, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 bath and 3429 square feet of living area.

The home at 3721 Crystal Dew St sold Feb 11 for $332,000. Built in 2008, it has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1976 square feet of living area.

The home at 3007 Country Breeze Dr sold Feb 25 for $1,200,000. Built in 2018, it has 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths and 4341 square feet of living area.

The home 2713 Savannah Dr sold Feb 24 for $340,000. Built in 1989, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1702 square feet of living area.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

289704-1

We asked Plant City: What’s been your favorite part of the Strawberry Festival so far? “Seasoned Green was our favorite part. My daughter was actually able to eat at the festival this year.” - Luke Carvalho

“Mine is yet to come! Bobby Bones on Saturday in 90% chance of rain!” - Sandy Van Vooren Fautas

“The Lauren Daigle concert was amazing.” - Lynett Browlee Griffin

“Everything. I wait all year for it and when it’s gone I get so sad.” - Sandra Boggs

“Kenzie Wheeler concert, food, livestock, all the berry shirts!” - Nicole Quagliani-Bass

“Always the parade.” - Tammy Langdale

“Everyone in their strawberry swag! So cute.” - Lucy Davis

“Shortcake from the Transforming Life Church booth in the Entenmann’s Tent.” - Kyle Judah

SAGE DENTAL OF PLANT CITY

GRAND

PENING

Sage is your one-stop shop for dental care!

Cosmetic Dentistry

Periodontics

Emergency Care

Implants

FREE

EXAM & X-RAYS

Crowns & Bridges

100

OFF

every $400 of general treatment*

Cleanings

Root Canals

FREE ProClean

Sonic Toothbrush*

Schedule your appointment today. (813) 733-5217 | mysagedental.com/plant-city *Offer valid for new patient appointments completed within 30 days of this advertisement ONLY. Toothbrush offer valid 1 per patient. Offer may be redeemed upon completion of new patient exam, X-rays, and hygiene appointment. Offer is non-transferable. Total offer value $382. Free exam, X-rays, and $100 off every $400 of General Treatment may not be combined with Dental HMO, PPO, government reimbursements, or other discounts, treatment offers, or programs, except existing VIP or SageCare+ member discount. Must mention offer to redeem. Offer valid on total outstanding treatment performed by a general dentist. Not valid for orthodontics or specialty treatment. Dr. Cindy Roark DN16590/Sage Dental Group of Florida,PLLC and DN013293/Sage Dental Group Of Georgia, PLLC, 951 Broken Sound Parkway, Suite 250, Boca Raton, Florida 33487.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com person, and/or the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home at https://www.fumch. org. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Rufus ‘Pete’ Donald Purvis Rufus “Pete” Donald Purvis, 93, of Keller, Tex., previously of Lakeland, Fla., born in Keysville, Fla. on March 31, 1928, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 15, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Paul Alan Seifert Paul Alan Seifert, 59, of Dover, Fla., born in Dunedin on Dec. 19, 1962, entered into eternal rest on March 6, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

OBITUARIES

Betty Jo was active in civic, social and church work of the community, serving as President of the Junior Woman’s Club of Plant City and Vice President of the Woman’s Club of Plant City. She served as President of the Lions Auxiliary. In 1974, was the Art train Chairman for the City of Plant City. She was the President of the Arts Council, worked for the restoration of the train station and helped bring the Artist in Residence program to Plant City. She was a long-time and chairman of Betty Jo Tanner member The Bruton Memorial Library Vernon Board. A member of the First United Methodist Church, she served on the board and Betty Jo Tanner Vernon, taught bible school. 94, of Plant City, passed She was preceded in peacefully at home on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. Betty Jo death by her parents, James was born and raised in Plant Ira Tanner and Myrtle Mae Massey Tanner; husband, City. She attended Florida William D. Vernon; son, Jim Southern College in Lakeland, where she was a mem- Vernon and sister, Doris Mae ber of Alpha Chi Omega and Tanner. She is survived by Kappa Pi, National Honorary son Chris (Tami), daughterin-law, Bett Vernon Pate, Art Fraternity. She was always interested granddaughters; Brittany Vernon (Ryan Dodge), Laura in art and painted with oils, Middleton (David), Grace water colors, chalk and on Vernon and Katie Vernon, porcelain. In January 1947 she mar- great-grandchildren; William, Charlotte and Benjamin ried William D. Vernon and Dodge-Vernon and Kayleigh was happily married for 73 Middleton. years. They were blessed A private family gravewith two boys, Jim and side service will be held at Chris. She was a beloved Oaklawn cemetery. In lieu wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her of fl wers donations can be family was her greatest love, made to the Bruton Memorial Library of Plant City in pride and joy.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Genevieve Mallardi Genevieve Mallardi, 101, of Ocala, Fla., born in Bronx, NY on March 9, 1920, entered into eternal rest on March 2, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

David Bailey David Bailey, 68, of Lithia, Fla., born in Plant City on Nov. 28, 1953, entered into eternal rest on March 2, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

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

YOUR CALENDAR

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

BEST BET FRIDAY, MARCH 11 MOVIE TRIVIA NIGHT - BATMAN MOVIES

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. March’s Movie Trivia Night at Krazy Kup will feature questions relating to Batman movies. Brings your friends and family to grab a cup of coffee and head up to the loft to show off our movie knowledge or just to cheer on your loved ones with a chance to win a prize. As always, the event is family friendly and free.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

OPEN MIC NIGHT

PLANT CITY SOCIAL DANCE

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 sh w everyone what you’ve got.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 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 benefi s please take advantage of free assistance at the Bing House Museum, 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walkins are welcomed, or call 813-7065800 to set a specific tim .

THURSDAY, MARCH 17 A SPECIAL NIGHT OF BLUEGRASS

7 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Krazy Kup has a spectacular Bluegrass event this month, just for you, featuring Clay and Brennan Hess with Jon Garon. All tremendous artists in their own right, several Bluegrass greats will come together at Krazy Cup for a huge night of great music. Clay Hess is a Grammy winner, formerly with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, and John Garon spent time with the John Denver Band and Vassar Clements Band. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased on www. eventbrite.com. Grab your tickets now as seating is limited and you won’t want to miss this show.

SATURDAY, MARCH 19 CLEAN COMEDY NIGHT

7 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Head to the Loft at Krazy Kup for this one-night only event! Clean comedy night will feature comedians Rodney Norman and Donnie Stopa, hosted by Tampa’s own Gordon Dixon. The show will begin at 7 p.m. and tickets are on sale now for $20 at www.eventbrite. com.

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 302 S. Maryland Ave. DJ Ken will be hosting a new morning dance this month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center. The event will feature a fun and diverse lineup of dance music to satisfy everyone, including county, ballroom, R&B, rock-n-roll, Latin, line dancing, one regular tango and more. There will be no prizes and no judgement at this social dance, just fun. The cost is $3 and the dances are open to everyone.

FRIDAY, MARCH 25 LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN

5 to 9 p.m. at McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St. The Last Friday in Downtown Food Truck Rally is held with a new theme each month. There will be live music, market vendors and food trucks. The event is family and pet friendly and all are recommended to bring chairs and blankets. This month’s theme will be March Madness.

BLUEGRASS NIGHT

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Head over to Krazy Kup for Bluegrass night featuring Duck Wallow Lane, a small-town Bluegrass band doing what they love to do. Admission is $15 and can be purchased in-house on the night of the event or in advance at www.eventbrite.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 26 NEW BEGINNINGS

7:30 to 9 p.m. at 303 N. Evers St. The Plant City Community Chorale is excited to announce their annual spring concert, New Beginnings. In the spirit of New Beginnings for the Chorale, this will be their fi st performance under the direction of their new Artistic Director, Coleman Flentge. The performance’s musical selections will echo the theme of welcoming and trusting in the exciting possibilities that newness can offer. The event will take place at First United Methodist Church and tickets are$15, with children 12 and under

admitted free. Tickets are available at www.pcchorale.org, www.facebook. com/PCCommunityChorale, Walden Lake Car Wash, any chorale member, by calling 813-965-7213 or at the door on the night of the concert.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30 CAPITOL COFFEE

8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 1205 N. Park Rd. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce will host Capitol Coffee at Hillsborough Community College’s Plant City campus. Beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 30 at the John R. Trinkle Center, you will have to opportunity to meet with your elected officials awrence McClure (R), House District 58 and Danny Burgess (R), Senate District 20. Following the opportunity to meet with McClure and Burgess, the event’s program will begin at 9 a.m. and run until 11:30 a.m. As a chamber event, it will be free for members with a cost of $10 for non-members.

PLANT CITY SOCIAL DANCE

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FORECAST

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 10 High: 87 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 43%

FRIDAY, MARCH 11 High: 87 Low: 70 Chance of rain: 24%

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

SUNRISE/SUNSET Sunrise Sunset Thursday, March 10

6:43a

6:34p

Friday, March 11

6:42a

6:35p

Saturday, March 12

6:41a

6:35p

Sunday, March 13

6:40a

6:36p

Monday, March 14

6:39a

6:36p

Tuesday, March 15

6:38a

6:37p

Wednesday, March 16

6:37a

6:37p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MARCH 12 High: 79 Low: 37 Chance of rain: 93%

SUNDAY, MARCH 13 High: 66 Low: 47 Chance of rain: 1%

MONDAY, MARCH 14 Barbara Tetro sent us this photo of turkey vultures soaking up some sun in her back yard.

ONLINE

High: 76 Low: 57 Chance of rain: 7%

Across 1 “__ All That”: 1999 movie 5 Diver’s gear 9 “Fancy seeing you here!” 14 Hoof it on a bad knee, say 15 Ecstatic internet shout 16 Driver’s choice 17 Oberlin’s state 18 “We tried, but this won’t work” 20 Give up on 22 Superman’s makeup? 23 Fashion plate 24 Kerfuffle 27 Construction girder 31 Dubuque denizen 33 Serve as a reminder

37 Mic __: triumphant move 39 Finnish company that created Angry Birds 40 James Patterson hero __ Cross 41 Do an accountant’s job 44 Cheapen 45 Subtle summons 46 Run-of-the-mill 47 Nonsense 50 Yellowfin , e.g. 55 Write briefly and quickl 59 Cause of a crash 62 Family __ 63 Cup or star 64 Emerald City princess 65 “Haven’t decided yet”

66 Uses WhatsApp, say 67 Eject 68 Tibetan title Down 1 Slackens the pace 2 Drum kit item with a pedal 3 “Into the Wild” star Hirsch 4 Took the mic 5 “Just saying,” in 66-Across 6 Kappa preceder 7 Meddlesome 8 Nonsense companion? 9 Black-and-white dessert 10 Ian who plays Bilbo

Baggins 11 It might be adjusted in Photoshop 12 Kang and Kodos, on “The Simpsons” 13 “Affirmat e” 19 Sellout letters 21 Sacha Baron Cohen alter ego 24 Mil. truants 25 “You wouldn’t __!” 26 Black gemstone used to make beads 28 Snooze inducer 29 Auth. unknown 30 Gun 32 Actor Epps 33 Fish story notable 34 Backs (out) 35 Popular video game series, with “The” 36 Unruly groups 37 Scot’s Scotch order 38 Yahoo 42 Foreshadows 43 R&B great James 48 Ending with malt 49 Ache 51 “__ we meet again” 52 Fashionista Kamali 53 Likely roster for the big game 54 “I’m outta here” 55 Bar flie 56 Rice-shaped pasta used in salads 57 Acronymic anxiety about being excluded from the fun 58 Group with pledges 59 The 1% in 1% milk 60 Flabbergast 61 Sales __

April 1 New

March 10 First

March 18 March 25 Last Full

RAINFALL LAST WEEK:

MONTH TO DATE:

0.11 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

MARCH AVERAGE:

3.27 in.

2.78 in.

STRAWBERRIES Shipping point: Central Florida $6.00-$20.50

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

Great health care is closer than you think. South Florida Baptist Hospital is more than just a small community hospital. We’ve got a wide array of specialty care and surgical services that you don’t have to travel far to get. Our surgeons are experts in minimally invasive robotic surgical procedures that provide lots of benefits, including shorter hospital stays, decreased blood loss and smaller incisions that reduce the risk of infection. Plus, faster recovery times that mean you can get back to your normal activities sooner. You’ll find comprehensive orthopedic care—whether you’re an athlete who needs sports medicine services or you’re someone who needs a total joint replacement. Our all-inclusive gynecology program offers high-quality care to the women and mothers in our community with a variety of women’s care services. We’ve even been designated as a Center of Excellence for our weight loss surgery program, meeting nationally recognized standards and providing outstanding care to our patients. And all of this extraordinary care exists right here in Plant City. Learn more: SouthFloridaBaptistSurgery.org

21-1493769-0521

PlantCityObserver.com