3.15.18 PLCO by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY

Observer

SCHS football fundraiser.

PAGE 8

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 5, NO. 37

FREE

Stay frosty

•

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2018

Plant City’s newest Kona Ice truck will help residents beat the upcoming summer heat. SEE PAGE 3

SEE YOU NEXT

YEAR

YOUR TOWN Photo Archives Gala returns The Photo Archives and History Center in Plant City is once again hosting its annual gala on March 29. The format is transitioning from tuxedo formal to dressy casual. There will still be live piano, extensive photo exhibit, the photo trivia quiz and more. The cost is $50 a person. For reservations or more information, call 813-754-1578 or email gil@plantcityphotoarchives. org.

Courtesy of Not Your

Contest winners. SEE PAGE 6. Full Strawberry Festival coverage. Online.

Normal Entertainment

If/Then sells out opening night Not Your Normal Entertainment sold out its opening night production of If/ Then, a play that explores one woman’s two possible futures and strives to answer the question everyone has asked at one point in their life: ‘What if?’ The play is held at Plant City Entertainment, 101 N. Thomas St., and has three shows left. March 16 at 8 p.m. and March 17 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. As of Tuesday there were approximately 50 tickets left for each show. Tickets are $22. Daniel Figueroa IV

A ‘Night at Norma’s’ Norma’s Cuban Sandwich Shop now has an exclusive, monthly ‘Night at Norma’s’ event. It will feature a four-course meal and an intimate atmosphere. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

File photo

Norma’s Cuban Sandwich Shop is trying something new this month.

Norma’s Cuban Sandwich Shop is offering a night out that can’t be missed. The restaurant is presenting a monthly luxurious four-course dinner event called “Night at Norma’s.” There will be a grand total of four tables, which create an intimate and formal night on the town. Leo Mesquita, co-owner of Norma’s, said he wanted to

offer a unique dining experience for his town. “We have a very nice storefront, we’re closed at 5 and this is another way to bring people through the door,” Mesquita said. “We feel like Plant City is lacking in the formal kind of dinner scene. I want people to not have to drive to Tampa for a four-course dinner or anything like that. Plus, this helps bring more people downtown.” Drawing people to downtown

Plant City continues to be one of the top priorities of local businesses. Mesquita said he continues to see an increase in attention and traffic in downtown. It was part of the reason they chose to open Norma’s in its current location on Collins Street in November. While at first there were complaints about parking, he said as people began to frequent downtown, whether for restaurants or events, they soon realized all of the buildings were surrounded by spots, even though they lack one large lot. SEE NORMA’S PAGE 5

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2018

BRIEFS

HEALTH OBSERVED

Courtesy of Naazneen Pal.

Eating Healthy on the Go By Nelida Rivera, RN, Florida Blue Registered Nurse

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When you’re going on a trip, pack your own snacks. — Bring apples and peanut or almond butter. Cut up veggies to dip into hummus or guacamole. Try wholegrain crackers with low-fat string cheese. Or make your own trail mix with raw or unsalted nuts, dried fruit and seeds. Make sure you have the right containers. — Use insulated lunch boxes with a cold pack for items that should be kept cold or a hot thermos if you are packing soup. Eat healthier fast-food options. — If you like Mexican food, try a chicken fajita with vegetables on a small corn tortilla with a little guacamole, salsa and cheese. Or instead of a hamburger, grab a grilled chicken sandwich or oatmeal with dried fruit. Convenience store foods can still be healthy. — Pick up some low-fat plain or Greek yogurt along with dried fruit to mix in. Look for snack bars or protein bars with the fewest ingredients, fewer than 200 calories, more protein and fiber, and less sugar. Beef and turkey jerky are good choices for protein.

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At the deli, skip the chips. — Choose lean meat like turkey, and get it on wholegrain bread with lettuce, tomato and mustard. Skip the mayo and oil.

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If you’re dining out, look at the menu online before you go. — Take a few minutes to check out the nutrition information of the meals they offer, and decide what you’re going to order ahead of time.

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Whip up a fruit smoothie. — Put a cup of water, a few ice cubes, 1 scoop of highquality vanilla protein powder, a cup of berries, a handful of spinach and 1 Tbsp. of ground flax seeds or chia seeds in a blender, mix and go!

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Rethink your muffins. — Make a batch of oatmeal with rolled or steel cut oats according to directions. Then line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, and portion out the oatmeal evenly. Add some favorite toppings (like berries, raisins or chopped nuts), and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

2 dead, 1 injured in Plant City shooting

Tomlin FFA scores big

Two people are now dead following a shooting at a Plant City business Monday afternoon. Colonel Donna Lusczynski, of HCSO, said Richard Paul Bliss, owner of Bliss Enterprises, reportedly shot two males in his office. Lusczynski said it is believed Bliss had an ongoing dispute with both males about the property. A relative of the two people who were shot heard the shots, came in and shot Bliss, according to Lusczynski. Lusczynski said Bliss was killed and the two injured were sent to a local hospital. William C. Duncan, 43, died from his injuries on Monday night, according to the sheriff’s office. The other is stable. Lusczynski said the men shot were living on the property and at least one was working for Bliss. “It was over being on the property,” Lusczynski said. “They were staying on the property here and they had asked them to leave several times.” Visit plantcityobserver.com for further updates.

Tomlin Middle School’s Floriculture team won third place in the state. The team consisted of Layla Coffee, Emma Hansen, Kenley Connell and Alyssa Hudson. Layla Coffee was ninth overall and Emma Hansen was 10th overall. Kenley Connell recieved a perfect score on her floral arrangement. Nursery and Landscaping won third place in the state. The team consisted of Logan Ausburn, Abagail McCranie, Samuel Shiver and Kayla Benson. Abigail McCranie was second overall in the state and Logan Ausburn was 10th overall in the state. Tomlin was also the first place winner in Parliamentary Procedures at the district level. The team will go on and compete for the state title at the Florida FFA convention this summer. The first place district winner in Creed was Brenna Sturgis. She will go and compete for the state title at the 90th Florida FFA State Convention in Orlando this summer.

With a little planning and creativity, we can come up with healthy ways to get the nutrition we need. For more options, visit eatright.org. Nelida Rivera is a registered nurse at the Florida Blue Center in Winter Haven where she teaches free health and wellness classes that are open to the public in addition to providing health coaching and assessments.

(863) 291-0140 www.FloridaBlue.com

Health Observed allows brands and businesses to connect directly with the Observer’s readership — and participate in the conversation — by creating engaging content on the Observer’s digital publishing platform. For more on Health Observed, email us at kohara@yourobserver.com.

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When your life is busy, it’s often easier to grab food on the go. Sometimes, though, we sacrifice good nutrition for convenience. The good news is we can get the nutrients our bodies need even when we’re pressed for time. Here’s eight easy ways to make healthy, nutritious choices when you’re eating on the go:

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Kona Ice is now serving sweet treats and tropical tunes to Plant City. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

A sweet frozen treat is now making its rounds in Plant City just in time for the return of Florida’s sizzling summers. Diana Kerr has completed Kona Kollege and joined the Kona Ice family. She and her new tropical inspired truck will cover Plant

City and some of the surrounding areas, offering shaved ice, featuring more than 25 flavors and up to 500 different combinations to her fellow residents. “It wasn’t even something I was looking for,” Kerr said. “I was multitasking and ended up on their website. It was a ‘meantto-be’ kind of thing. The more I heard and the more I talked to people, I knew that it was a perfect fit for me and my daughter. Kona Ice is kind of like a family, they support you throughout the entire process.” She reached out to Kona on

IF YOU GO To book Kona Ice at your event Visit: kona-ice.com/finda-kona and enter your zip code. Fill out the information and Kerr will contact you. Types: Kerr will attend nonprofit events, birthday parties, corporate events and more.

October 14 and, by Halloween she was mailing her check and signing paperwork. Though all new entrepreneurs are given months to prepare before they begin their Kona careers, Kerr decided to dive in. She went to Kona Kollege the first week of January and, by the beginning of February, she was driving her new truck home from a convention in Ohio. She’s been fully active in her truck for three weeks and has already seen the community welcome her with open arms. One of the things that drew her to Kona Ice was the company’s philanthropic commitment to the communities it serves. The company has only been around since 2007, but it has already

FRESHEST MEATS

given more than $50 million back to local nonprofits like schools, teams and organizations. Kerr plans to embrace that mindset by offering “Kona Days” at local schools. Administrators can raise money for underfunded programs or initiatives while also treating their students. Schools contact Kerr and she brings her frozen goodies to either a class, field day or game. When working with these nonprofits, Kerr gives

25% of the proceeds back to the organization. “It’s been so great to get to bring the truck to local schools, the kids are just so excited,” Kerr said. “We have a big sign in the window about the company giving $50 million back and the kids have all been curious about that. I’ve been able to talk to them and explain that they’re helping their own school out every time they purchase something.” The enthusiasm is contagious. Just last week, Kerr drove to a local school and, even though it was barely 50 degrees outside, she couldn’t get her window open before a horde of students had flocked to the window. She said the kids have just enjoyed having something different and so unique. Her unique flavors, like Butterbeer and Tiger’s Blood, are always a huge hit with the children and she said Kona is in the process of crafting an entire menu with adult flavors like Rose Sangria. She prefers a cappuccino, caramel and french vanilla concoction that creates an iced coffeeflavored treat. Soon, Kerr, said she will be running the truck full-time. Before she even officially was off the ground, she was contacted by Disney to work some events at its local offices. She’s beginning to be booked left and right and has already had to reach out to her Kona family for help on days she was double booked. Luckily, she said everyone at Kona is here to help and support each other. She said the business just draws happy people, people who want to help make the world a little brighter. “We’re all very different, but all similar,” Kerr said. “We all want to give back and better everyone’s lives. I’ve had some experience in customer service, but the people I was at Kollege with, some were doctors, ex-cops, former military, students out of college, people on their third careers. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s like a family. It’s just a pretty fun business to be a part of.”

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Diana Kerr and her daughter inside the new ice truck.

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2018

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Frost impressions

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There are more than 20 flavors and approximately 500 combinations available at the truck.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2018

East Hillsborough Discovery Quest coming to Plant City The free event will connect residents to service providers and showcase local talent.

IF YOU GO

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

She says it’s the “Plant City Bubble,” the isolation many within the city and its surrounding East Hillsborough areas feel from the county seat in Tampa. It’s a separation from needed services many in the area do not know are available and a sometimes blind eye towards a burgeoning artistic community. That bubble is a large part of the reason Karen Collins, Plant City’s community services director, has been working so diligently to kickstart East Hillsborough Discovery Quest. Collins represents Plant City on the East Hillsborough Advisory Council, the organization putting on the event. Discovery Quest is as much an opportunity for residents to discover services and opportunities available to them as an opportunity to showcase blossoming talent in and around Plant City. “We’re so isolated from what’s mostly in Tampa and Hillsborough as far as the county,” Collins said. “We’re so far out, a lot of the time people have felt like we’re just out here and nobody thinks about us but for 11 days of the year during festival season.” The free event will be held

EAST HILLSBOROUGH DISCOVERY QUEST Where: Grimes Family Agricultural Center, 2508 W. Oak Ave. When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 7 Cost: Free Info: easthillsboroughdiscoveryquest.com

GET INVOLVED Want to help out East Hillsborough Discovery Quest? More volunteers are needed, as are door prizes for giveaways. If you'd like to volunteer or make a donation, contact Karen Collins at kcollins@ plantcitygov.com

April 7 at the Grimes Family Agricultural Center. It will feature service providers and vendors offering free and low-cost services to the community and job opportunities. There will also be family activities, music and dance performances and an “I-4 Food Truck War,” a competition featuring top performing food trucks from Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando. The East Hillsborough Art Guild is providing a 5-by-8-foot map for Plant City and East Hillsborough, created by EHAG President Loretta Burns,

Daniel Figueroa IV

Loretta Burns looks over a draft of the map she is creating for Discovery Quest.

that will be broken up into a puzzle and painted by attendees. “We need enough in Plant City’s bubble to make them (people) want to come to our bubble,” Burns said of the event. “You can find what you’re looking for here if you know where to look. Even in an information age, information is spread out. You have to know what you’re looking for. This brings it all together in one spot.” The event came to Collins after she helped Plant City host a Service Provider Area Network meeting in the fall of 2015. The meeting, she said, brought together social services, nonprofit agencies and government

agencies serving people in need. It was great networking for the providers, Collins said. There was just one thing missing. “Residents weren’t able to connect to it,” she said. “They weren’t there.” Then Plant City’s Career Source office closed and express bus service stopped running through the city in 2017, further limiting resident access to services, she said. So she decided to do something about it. Collins got a group together, started brainstorming ideas and it was decided to bring the providers to the residents. Once the Grimes building was secured as

the location, it was noticed more could be done outside of the building as well. It became more than just a way to reach people. It became a way for people to reach East Hillsborough and celebrate all this side of the county has to offer, she said. “Karen is just…she’s a rock star when it comes to this,” Frank Trunzo, an owner of downtown’s Krazy Kup, said. “It’s a pleasure to be on board with somebody who is so committed. She’s setting a great bar and a great standard.” The ideas came pouring in. Live music. Dance. Art. Food. One massive celebration where people can enjoy the day with their family, learn about services, maybe find a job and give back a little. Collins said the event is encouraging people to “pay it forward.” Anyone willing can purchase a meal ticket and give to someone or pass it along to an organization to give to a needy family. Trunzo, also a world champion auctioneer, is one of many people giving seminars. Some will be about services or job hunting, his will be about auctioneering as a first or second career. Collins said the tale of her efforts began to spread. Word of mouth got her more than 70 vendors and counting for the event’s trial run. With the growing list of events and activities, she said its almost outgrown the Grimes building. She’s already looking to bring the event back next year. “If we’re gonna do it once,” she said, “we need to do it every year.”

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THE TOP 10

United Way Suncoast's top 10 most generous workplaces for 2017 generated $16.6 million, $5 million more than the previous year. 1 Publix Super Markets 2 Raymond James 3 Duke Energy 4 USAA 5 The Mosaic Company 6 Enterprise Leasing Corporation, LLC 7 Wells Fargo 8 Tech Data Corporation 9 Macy’s 10 Citi

STAFF WRITER

United Way Suncoast has named the City of Plant City among its top 100 most generous workplaces for 2017. Plant City ranked 79 out of 100 in the annual listing of organizations that make the largest philanthropic contributions to United Way Suncoast, which covers DeSoto, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties. As an organization, United Way’s goal to “to break the cycle of generational poverty through educational programs for children; building financial strengths and skills for adults; volunteer activation and support in a crisis,” according to the organization. Plant City ranked fourth among municipalities, coming in behind Tampa, Clearwater and St. Petersburg, which ranked 1, 35 and 36, respectively. Sarasota came in at 95. Plant City is also the smallest of the five cities with a population under 40,000. Sarasota has around 56,000, Clearwater 114,000, St. Petersburg 260,000

and Tampa 377,000, according to the Census Bureau. With total contributions of around $23,000, Plant City’s contributions made a significant difference in United Way’s year and in the lives of those it serves, Melissa Miller, corporate relations manager for United Way Suncoast, said. Miller presented City Manager Bill McDaniel with a certificate acknowledging the city’s efforts during Monday’s commission meeting. “It’s huge,” Miller said. “Twenty-three thousand. That’s a huge impact.” Miller said the significance of such contributions was most felt

FROM PAGE 1

in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Irma hit much of United Way Suncoast’s coverage area when it tore through Florida in September, devastating homes and leaving many without power for weeks. “It opened our eyes to empathy and community again,” Miller said. “I saw people pulling together barbecues to make sure their neighbors had food. I saw that we were able to release emergency funds back into the communities, specifically to the food bank to get their stocks reshelved for families that were still struggling.” United Way Suncoast publishes the rankings annually to honor and acknowledge companies that have the largest impact. “These workplaces have donated generously to our programs, and equally importantly, they have fostered a culture of caring among employees,” United Way Suncoast CEO Suzanne McCormick said. “We couldn’t make a difference as an organization without the support of each and every individual donor and workplace that gives.” Much of the contributions come directly from employees through payroll deductions, according to the United Way. “We’re proud of our employees for meeting that cause and ranking so high,” Mayor Rick Lott said. “We’re very proud of their humble hearts.”

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This Friday will be the first of a monthly series of dinners at the shop. There are three sessions for the event. The first is at 4:30 p.m., the second at 6 p.m. and the third at 7:30 p.m. Though they just started advertising for the event a week ago, the two later sessions are already sold out. Reservations are required for all of the “Night at Norma’s.” The menu will change each month and is hand selected by Chef Andy Nassar. This month, the menu featured items like festival salad, bruschetta, slow braised pork shanks and beignets for the cost of $35 a person. Nassar picked the pork and pasta entrees because of his genuine love for the food, Mesquita said. He promised that though the menu would continue to evolve, it would always focus on foods Nassar thought highly of and loved to cook. Mesquita said they were using this first event to test the market to see if it was something residents of Plant City wanted. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. If the response continues to grow, Mesquita said they will do their best to evolve the event to meet the desires of their customers. For future “Night at Norma’s” check out the restaurant’s Facebook page. Upcoming menus will be advertised there approximately two weeks before the event. To reserve a spot at the next event email info@normascuban.com.

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Plant City named among United Way’s most generous workplaces Plant City placed 79th out of 100 based on workplace contributions to United Way.

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Back to her roots, Jayme Harris, Plant City native, PCHS graduate c/o 1990 and USAF veteran has officially opened her new boutique in Downtown Plant City. A PEACE of Plant City offers an array of boutique style retail items to include locally made strawberry-themed shirts, hats, jewelry, organic soaps, lip balm and lotions. Veteran-made pens and man cave stuff. Repurposed, refurbished and original state antique furniture and household decor. This UNIQUE BOUTIQUE is located at 120 North Collins Street, Suite 101 in the heart of downtown Plant City.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2018

2018 Florida Strawberry Festival

WINNERS DAIRY

GRAND CHAMPION Ayrshire Grand Champion: Sarah Carter Brown Swiss Grand Champion: Noah Bouchard Guernsey Grand Champion: Austin Holcomb Holstein Grand Champion: Gracie Lee Jersey Grand Champion: Austin Holcomb RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION Ayrshire Reserve Grand Champion: Cheyenne Sommer Brown Swiss Reserve Grand Champion: Cheyenne Sommer Guernsey Reserve Grand Champion: Austin Holcomb Holstein Reserve Grand Champion: Gracie Lee Jersey Reserve Grand Champion: Kyleigh Glenn JUNIOR CHAMPION Ayrshire Junior Champion: Sarah Carter Brown Swiss Junior Champion: Taylor Boyd Guernsey Junior Champion: Austin Holcomb Holstein Junior Champion: Kenslee Heinke Jersey Junior Champion: Aubrey Cook RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION Ayrshire Reserve Junior Champion: Sarah Carter Brown Swiss Reserve Junior Champion: Blane Rogers Guernsey Reserve Junior Champion: Rebecca Holcomb Holstein Reserve Junior Champion: Gracie Lee Jersey Reserve Junior Champion: Aaden Griffin SENIOR CHAMPION Ayrshire Senior Champion: Sarah Carter Brown Swiss Senior Champion: Noah Bouchard Guernsey Senior Champion: Austin Holcomb Holstein Senior Champion: Gracie Lee Jersey Senior Champion: Austin Holcomb RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION Ayrshire Reserve Senior Champion: Cheyenne Sommer Brown Swiss Reserve Senior Champion: Cheyenne Sommer Guernsey Reserve Senior Champion:

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Austin Holcomb Holstein Reserve Senior Champion: Gracie Lee Jersey Reserve Senior Champion: Kyleigh Glenn RICHARD KAHELIN ALL-BREEDS CHAMPION AWARD Austin Holcomb

MIDDLEWEIGHT Grand Champion: Jake Stines Reserve Grand Champion: Jace Stines HEAVYWEIGHT Grand Champion: Dakota Allen Reserve Grand Champion: Angelic Alex

INTERMEDIATE First: Jay Stewart

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION All Breeds Heifer: Bailey Buchanon All Breeds Bull: Morgan Walls Bred and Owned Heifer: Aidan Vaughan Angus Heifer: Blair Buchanon Brangus Heifer: Walker Hill Brangus Bull: Kyleigh Crisswell Other Breeds Heifer: Britney Smith Brahman Heifer: Julia Norman Simmental Heifer: Shalee Conrad Commercial (English) Heifer: Brooke Varn Commercial (Brahman) Heifer: Leah Duncan

SENIOR First: Sarahann Sweeney

SHOWMANSHIP SENIOR First: Kendall Locke

SUPREME GRAND CHAMPION Emma Leiss

INTERMEDIATE First: Shalee Conrad

PREMIER EXHIBITOR Austin Holcomb

SHOWMANSHIP SENIOR First: Noel Walls

JUNIOR ALL BREEDS BRED-BY EXHIBITOR Sarah Carter

INTERMEDIATE First: Amanda Clark

SENIOR ALL BREEDS BRED-BY EXHIBITOR Gracie Lee Junior Herdsman Sarah Rogers Senior Herdsman Ashleigh Denney CHARLIE HUNTER MEMORIAL SPORTSMANSHIP Taylor Boyd FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL DAIRY SCHOLARSHIP Ashleigh Denney PREMIERE SHOWMANSHIP Pee Wee: Morgan Cook Novice: Andrew Crouch Junior: Aubrey Cook Intermediate: Austin Holcomb Senior: Ashleigh Denney Adult: Michael Fioretto PREMIERE SHOWMANSHIP AWARD Ashleigh Denney

POULTRY

Grand Champion: Randy Vazquez Reserve Grand Champion: Donavan Doyle Best Opposite Sex Exhibition: Samantha Williams Best Opposite Sex Production: Hailey Vazquez

RABBIT

Grand Champion: Addison Coleman Reserve Grand Champion: Gabriella Resto Best Opposite Sex Commercial: Caleb Benitez Best Opposite Sex Fancy: Delaney Buch

STEER

Overall Grand Champion: Jake Stines Overall Reserve Grand Champion: Jace Stines LIGHTWEIGHT Grand Champion: Cole Hanson Reserve Grand Champion: Amanda Clark

Brangus Heifer: Kyleigh Crisswell Brangus Bull: Morgan Walls Other Breeds Heifer: Maggie Clark Other Breeds Bull: Timothy Chauncey Brahman Heifer: Joleigh Hinton Simmental Heifer: Tucker Conrad Commercial (English) Heifer: Madi Conrad Commercial (Brahman) Heifer: Elizabeth Bazemore Brahman Bull: Raelyn Hudson

JUNIOR First: Bailey Vogt

SHEEP

SHOWMANSHIP BEGINNER First: Jayde McConnell JUNIOR First: Emma Leiss

GRAND CHAMPION Black Face Ewe: Jazmin Rodriguez Black Face Ram: Delaney Tucker White Face Ewe: Jayde McConnell White Face Ram: Emma Leiss Crossbred Ewe: Jay Stewart Crossbred Ram: Sarah Rogers Rare Breed Ewe: Savannah Jenkins Rare Breed Ram: Bella Ballard Reserve Grand Champion: Black Face Ewe: Mackenzie Paul Black Face Ram: Kaylee Carr White Face Ewe: Jay Stewart White Face Ram: Jay Stewart Crossbred Ewe: Taylor Stewart Rare Breed Ewe: Everett DelValle Rare Breed Ram: Case Watson

BEEF

GRAND CHAMPION All Breeds Heifer: Tucker Conrad All Breeds Bull: Kendall Locke Bred and Owned Heifer: Savannah Jenkins Bred and Owned Bull: Kendall Locke Angus Heifer: Blair Buchanon Angus Bull: Kendall Locke

JUNIOR First: Tucker Conrad SENIOR HERDSMAN First: Hunter Dupre INTERMEDIATE HERDSMAN First: Payge Dupre JUNIOR HERDSMAN First: Tucker Conrad BILL MCCLELLAND SCHOLARSHIP Blair Buchanon

GRAND PARADE

BEST ANTIQUE First: Robert W. Willaford Train Museum

BEST CHURCH FLOAT First: Eastside Baptist Church (Crusaders A-Team) BEST MARCHING UNIT First: Patrick’s Patriots Twirling Corps BEST BAND First: LLT Band of Steel BEST IN SHOW Esme Coward

STRAWBERRY THEME AWARD Heather Esposito ADULT PROFESSIONAL OILS First: Mary Ann Freeman PROFESSIONAL ACRYLICS First: Wayne Chunat PROFESSIONAL WATERCOLORS First: Deborah Biasetti PROFESSIONAL GRAPHICS/MIXED First: Jennifer Watson

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Daniel Figueroa IV DFigueroa@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com Editorial Designer / C.J. Major CMajor@yourobserver.com Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

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AMATEUR ACRYLICS First: Carolyn McBride

Advertising / Al Berry Al@InTheFieldMagazine.com

AMATEUR WATERCOLORS First: Karen Odell AMATEUR GRAPHICS/ MIXED First: Lynn Hoff MINIATURES First: John Brennan ADULT SCULPTURES First: Ruth Bolles DRAWING/PAINTING (15 TO 17) First: Shoun Khanvilkar DRAWING/PAINTING (12 TO 14) First: Tanishq Bajaj

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, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103. 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, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33563

DRAWING/PAINTING (9 TO 11) First: Radhika Rangwala DRAWING/PAINTING (6 TO 8) First: Yash Sharma

EXHIBITS

COMMERCIAL EXHIBITS First: Fox Lane Baskets

MARCHING UNIT First: Strawberry Crest High School Band

OUTSIDE CONCESSIONS First: Polar Bear Homemade Ice Cream (East Independent)

BEST GROUP FLOAT First: J.S. Robinson Elementary School

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Advertising / Chandler Workman CWorkman@PlantCityObserver.com

CIVIC/CHURCH First: First Baptist Church of Midway

STRAWBERRY YOUTH PARADE

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

AMATEUR OILS First: Diane Lindsay

SPECIAL FEATURE First: Strawberry Express Cloggers

BUSINESS/ COMMERCIAL First: Noti Chica, LLC Media

Observer

FINE ART SHOW

BUSINESS EXHIBITS ARTS AND CRAFTS First: Village Glass Blower

SCHOOL CLUBS/ YOUTH SPORTS First: Plant City High School Calendar Girls

PLANT CITY

EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS First: School District of Hillsborough County CIVIC CLUBS First: St. Clement “Make Your Own Shortcake” Booth AGRICULTURAL EXHIBITS First: Parkesdale Farms

Plant City Observer

is locally owned by Ed Verner, Karen Berry, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes The Plant City Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC.

1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103 Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850 Observer Media Group Inc.

1970 Maint St. • Sarasota, Fl 34236 941•366•3468 Publishers of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota Observer, Siesta Key Observer, Palm Coast Observer, Plant City Observer, Ormond Beach Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Windermere Observer, Winter Park Observer Business Observer, Jacksonville Financial News & Daily Record.

PlantCityObserver.com For full results please visit: PlantCityObserver.com.

MARCH 15, 2018

HIGH

SPORTS

Dimas won his amateur boxing debut on March 10. SEE PAGE 19

The Plant City Recreation and Parks Department is still looking for some coaches to fill open spots on five of the 94 teams and asks anyone interested in coaching boys or girls soccer to call 813-659-4255 or email recinfo@plantcitygov. com. Valid photo ID and a background check are required. Games begin March 20 and 24.

Let’s rumble

Photos by Justin Kline

Steven Lesko and Nurideen Shabazz got off to a quick start.

T File photo

Registration for the 2018 Spring Youth Fishing Derby is getting started. The Recreation and Parks Department holds youth derbies every spring and fall at the pond behind Plant City Stadium, which is accessible from Gordon Food Service Drive. Registration is free and may be done through April 5 at the department office, 1904 S. Park Road, online at ow.ly/ Ojcc30iTBhI or on-site from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. April 7. Fishing begins at 8:30 a.m. and stops at 10:30 a.m.

The Plant City Family YMCA’s annual Dean’s Ride, featuring 18, 38 and 62-mile bike courses, is scheduled to start at 7:30 a.m. March 24 at Hillsborough Community College’s Plant City campus. Helmets are required to ride. Register online at ow.ly/iB3k30iTBVT or on-site the day of the event.

The Plant City FC Lancers are also looking for soccer coaches for the 2018-19 season. Anyone interested in coaching youth travel competitive teams must email Joshua Kiper at kiper@plantcityfc. com. Candidates will be able to coach up to two teams and will be paid based on experience and licensing.

hough Plant City Boxing Gym’s pro fighters have been in the spotlight recently, Saturday’s showcase was all about the amateurs. The gym hosted 23 fights that afternoon, including six featuring local fighters. Two of the gym’s amateurs, Jesus Dimas and Robert Figueroa, picked up wins early in the card. Devan McClinton, Hector Suares, Vladimir Konkin and Mohammad Salem also fought for Plant City Boxing Gym. — JUSTIN KLINE

YOU’LL BE THE JUDGE OF THAT To understand where judges are coming from — at least, most of the time — it helps to step into their shoes and score fights for yourself. Boxing’s scoring system is fairly simple. Fighters start and can finish each round with 10 points, and 1010 draws are possible, but a fighter who appears to have lost a round will have a point deducted. A good, clean round where one fighter had an advantage may be scored at 10-9. Bonus points are deducted for each time a fighter gets knocked down in a round, if they land any illegal blows (headbutts, rabbit punches, etc.), points get deducted. If a fight is stopped early because of an unintentional cut, the decision will go to whoever was ahead on points at that time. After accounting for knockdowns and illegal procedures, you’re basically scoring the fight as you saw it unfold. The three judges will normally come to a unanimous or split decision, but it is possible to earn a draw — if the tiebreaking judge in an otherwise split decision submits a draw, the fight is ruled as such.

Mohammad Salem fought in the second to last match on the card.

Hector Suares gets some coaching from Jose Rodriguez between rounds.

The Plant City Tennis Center is offering yearround evening classes for beginners age 4 and older in three-week blocks (total of six classes). Contact city pro C. Shane Johnson at sjohnson@plantcitygov.com or call 813-707-7485.

ONLINE For results please visit: PlantCityObserver.com. Jesus Dimas (red) trades punches with Baldemar Nava (blue).

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2018

Crest football to host inaugural golf fundraiser This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

The Strawberry Crest Chargers’ golf scramble will tee off on April 14.

Puzzle One Solution: “Dolores O’Riordan inspired me early on ... sad to lose her and am endlessly grateful for her influence.” – Kiesza

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Strawberry Crest’s football team wants to win off the field as much as they do on game days. This year, they’re looking to pick up a “W” in April. The Chargers are trying something new in their fundraising efforts. On April 14, they’ll host their first annual golf tournament fundraiser at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive, Tampa. “We try to do something new this time of year, every year,” head coach Ron Hawn said. Typically, the Chargers players will sell discount cards or spirit t-shirts to Crest fans to generate money for the team. The venture into event-based fundraising is a first for Hawn’s Chargers, though, and it will also be Hawn’s first golf tournament. While leading Tarpon Springs High School’s program, Hawn’s Spongers hosted silent auctions, dinner get-togethers and other fundraising events, but never golf. Hawn said the program is using the golf tournament to help accomplish two goals. First, the team is looking to raise enough money to buy a new sled for practice and, hopefully, have some left over to help with typical operating costs. A sled, Hawn said, will cost around $6,000. The team, he added, generally spends $15,000 to $35,000 in a year on field and equipment maintenance, technology, meals, uniforms and more. While much of this money is raised through the players’ individual fundraising efforts, the team saw an opportunity to try something new this spring. Second, Hawn wants to build stronger relationships between Strawberry Crest football, communities and corporations. He’s hoping the team can find those supporters in the Dover, Plant

This week’s Sudoku answers

This week’s Crossword answers

File photo

Strawberry Crest’s football team hopes to raise enough money for a new sled and other football costs.

City, Seffner and Brandon areas, as well as the FishHawk community — where many of the school’s IB students come from. Hawn said finding those supporters and building corporate relationships, as he had done while at Tarpon Springs, will help the team achieve its off-field goals in the short and long-term. “I’m trying to look at this thing more big-picture, more longterm,” he said. The Chargers are also interested in hosting a fundraising event during football season, though they haven’t formalized any plans yet. At a cost of $85 per person or $340 for a team, golfers can play in the four-person scramble, eat lunch and snacks and compete in Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin events. There will also be raffles, a live auction and an awards ceremony after all golfers are finished playing. The shotgun start is scheduled for 9 a.m., coming after the 8:15 a.m. check-in and the 8:45 a.m. call to carts.

2018

Abundant Gardens

Church Yard Bake Sale

NOW OPEN!

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Saturday, March 17 8am – 2pm

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1/4 Mile North of I-4 on Alexander St. Between Cason St. and Terrace Dr. fb.com/AbundantGardensPlantCity BRING IN MINI DISH AbundantGardensPC@gmail.com THIS www.abundantgardens.net COUPON GARDENS FOR 10% OFF 813-716-7835

WE BUY GOLD & SILVER!

New owner with Joe Grimes still doing repairs

TOUCHDOWN ($500) Signage at one hole, ad on CrestFootball.com, stadium banner at SCHS for one year. EXTRA POINT ($700) Signage at one hole, ad on CrestFootball.com, bleacher banner at SCHS for one year, preferred sponsor callout at each home game. GO FOR 2 ($1,000) Signage at one hole, ad on CrestFootball.com, bleacher banner at SCHS for one year, preferred sponsor callout at each home game, one four-person team at golf tourney.

The Annual Report of the Verner Foundation, Inc., a Private Foundation, as required by Section 8056 of the Internal Revenue Code, for the year ended December 31, 2017, is available in the office of Edward M. Verner, 110 West Reynolds Street, Suite 700, Plant City, Florida 33563 for inspection during regular business hours by any citizen who so requests within 180 days of publication, March 15, 2018.

Tony Lee CLU, CHFC

Fine Jewelry Sales Custom Designs Graduate Gemologist

1701 S. Alexander Street • Suite 102 • Plant City, FL (813) 752-0585 • YFJ0801@yahoo.com

FIELD GOAL ($200) Signage at one hole, ad on CrestFootball.com.

STATE FARM® AGENT

813.752.7202

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Jewelry & Watch Repair Insurance Appraisals Buying Gold & Diamonds

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Four levels of individual or corporate sponsorship are available for anyone interested in helping the Chargers beyond registering to play.

LEGAL NOTICE

New Garden Center Grand Opening

Friday, March 16TH 8am - 2pm

SPONSORSHIPS

1702 S. Alexander, Plant City, FL 33563

268270

Puzzle Two Solution: “Bono... is in love with the world... he wants to give the world a great big hug, I want to punch its lights out.” – Bob Geldof

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Plant City Boxing Gym’s March 10 amateur showcase was a night Jesus Dimas won’t soon forget. Dimas, 15, defeated Baldemar Nava by unanimous decision to win his first amateur fight. The Tomlin student has been boxing at the gym for just over a year and credits the sport and his coaches with turning his life around. Your coach told me you’ve made some big changes in life since you started boxing and have become a better person. What life lessons has boxing taught you? Many people that have come to this boxing gym, coaches and other people, pros, they used to talk to me about life. I’ve seen that in boxing I can do something better with my life. I started thinking that what I was doing out here wasn’t gonna get me anywhere in life…I got into boxing and started talking to many pros, and I saw that they were really happy. I was like, “I can actually do something in boxing.”

been helping me out. My dad, mostly…even though he comes out from work late, he would always come rushing to bring me to the boxing gym so I can be 100% ready. They were really happy. They were really proud of me. I was proud of myself, too. What’s the best advice you’ve gotten? Life is really hard. Life is not like how you see it, it’s how it is. If I kept doing what I was doing out here, it wasn’t gonna get me anywhere. Killed, jail, something different. Boxing is all about your mind, what you put into it. Jose helped me out a lot. I used to get in the ring and be all mad and stuff. I would want to beat up somebody. But Coach Jose would always tell me, “Focus, focus, this is not about beating up somebody. It’s about putting your mind into it.”

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Jesus Dimas

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2018

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SATURDAY, MARCH 17

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN 3 to 8 p.m. The monthly Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is back. Featuring classic cars, DJ Tiny spinning hits from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, great vendors and a kids’ area. The event is held in downtown Plant City. For more information call Laura Leslie, vendor coordinator, at 813-754-3707.

MONDAY, MARCH 19

PLANT CITY GARDEN CLUB 9 a.m. The Plant City Garden Club’s general meeting is at the Walden Lake East Community Center 1304 Teakwood Drive. Following the meeting, they will have a field trip to Bok Tower in Winter Haven. Come and enjoy the botanical gardens and music of the Carillon. Free to the public. Contact Lisa Firm 813-404-4922 or visit PlantCityGardenClub.org. BEGINNER SQUARE DANCE LESSONS 6:30 to 9 p.m. The Strawberry Square, 4401 Promenade Blvd, is hosting its beginner square dance lessons. The caller/instructor is Mary Vanwart. There is modern upbeat music. Get healthy and make new friends, or bring a friend. Causal dress. No experience necessary. Open to singles, couples or families. Admission is $5.

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SATURDAY, MARCH 17

OMG IT’S WEDNESDAY!

4-H STRAWBERRY U-PICK 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Annual 4-H Strawberry U-Pick is back for this St. Patrick’s Day. The cost is 50 cents per quart (no limit) and containers are provided. You can pick for free to donate to area food banks. There is help available for elderly and disabled. The U-pick is held at Fancy Farms, 1909 S. Wiggins Road. Call 813-4778332 for more information.

PLANT CITY FARM AND FLEA MARKET Highway 39 North at Sam Allen Road—1 mi. N. of I-4 Exit 21

WEDNESDAY FLEA MARKET OVER 40 ACRES . . . MORE THAN 500 VENDORS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21

CAPITOL COFFEE 8:30 to 10 a.m. The Plant City Chamber of Commerce’s Governmental Advisory Committee is hosting a Capitol Coffee, a post-session conversation with Plant City-area elected officials. Members get in for free and nonmembers pay $10. Meet your officials at 8:30 a.m. and the program begins at 9 a.m.

OP EN

CREATE YOUR OWN PORTRAIT 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Classroom Gallery art instruction classes presents a color pencil seminar with Mark Menendez. Bring your own bag lunch. Cost is $50 and includes the paper. In this seminar you provide a 5x7 or 8x10 photo of someone you cherish and Melendez will help you create a color pencil portrait. You will learn his technique. Recommended for beginning to intermediate students.

PM 7A M T O 1 708 W. SAM ALLEN RD. 1 MILE NORTH OF I-4 EXIT 21

LIKE KMART WITHOUT A ROOF!

PLENTY OF FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

WWW.PLANTCITYMARKET.COM

PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA 1507 YMCA Pl., Plant City 813 757 6677 tampaymca.org

268314

PLANT CITY REPUBLICAN WOMEN’S CLUB 6 p.m. Plant City Republican Women’s Club will be hosting Denise Grimsley, candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture. The meeting will be held at Fryed Egg Productions, 102 S. Evers St. Social starts at 6 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7 p.m. Please RSVP to Jeanne Grill: 813-361-2827 or jeanne.grill@gmail.com.

BEST BET

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THURSDAY, MARCH 15

is all about. 14

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2018 our community with personal, compassionate care since 1896. As your Dignity Memorial professionals,

OBITUARIES

W E ’ RE PR OU D TO SERVE

Carolyn ‘Judy’ Bennett Carolyn “Judy” Bennett, 78, of Plant City, born on October 27, 1939, entered into eternal rest on March 11. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

www.HopewellFuneraI.com HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

we’re dedicated to helping families create a unique and meaningful memorial that truly celebrates the life it represents.

Laura Mayor Davis

Laura> Mayor Davis. 94,Transferability passed > 100% Service Guarantee National Plan > The2,Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Assistance away on March 2018.

Donald Lee Collins

A Celebration of Life is at Wells Memorial on March 15 at Donald Lee Collins, 70, of BranThe family will receive don, passed away on March 7, Proudly supporting12 thep.m. Plant City Strawberry Festival. friends at 11 a.m. 2018. Donald served in the Vietnam era as a U.S. Marine. Services will be held privately. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. WELLSMEMORIAL.COM haught.care.

239042

community

Gladys Mobley 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com

Judy M. Bryant

Judy M. Bryant, 67, of Plant City, passed away on March 8, 2018. Services will be held privately. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

Betty Jean Lancaster Betty Jean Lancaster passed away Feb. 28, 2018. She was a longtime resident of Plant City. Her service will be held in her hometown in North Carolina. She will be missed by friends and family. Online condolences can be left for the family at www. pinecrestfuneralservice.com.

Elmer “Jinx” Givens, 88 of Plant City, passed away March 8, 2018. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. If desired, donations may be made to Weeki Wachee Christian Camp in Jinx’s memory. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught. care.

Taking care of each other is what

Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy

Elmer ‘Jinx’ Givens

Velma Hall

Velma Hall, 76, of Plant City, born in Sydney on March 24, 1941, entered into eternal rest on March 10. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

www.HopewellFuneraI.com HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

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Billy L. Hicks

Gladys Mobley, 94, of Alma, Billy L. Hicks, 84, of Plant City, 10/27/15 10:42 AM Georgia, formerly of Plant City, HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM born in Blount, Alabama on entered into eternal rest on September 4, 1933, entered March 7. into eternal rest on March 11. Expressions of condolence at Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com. www.HopewellFuneral.com. we’re dedicated to helping families create a WE’R E PR OU D TO SERVE our community

is all about.

HOPEWELL

unique and meaningful memorial that truly William ‘Bill’ G. celebrates the life it represents. Fletcher

with personal, compassionate care since 1896. As your Dignity Memorial professionals,

> 100% Service Guarantee FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

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> National Plan Transferability FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® William “Bill” G. Fletcher, age 71,

of Plant City, passed away at his home on March 4, 2018. The family will be holding Proudly supportingservices the PlantatCity Strawberry Festival. a later date.

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

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FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

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Florist

Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy

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

Historic Downtown

10/27/15 10:42 AM

SPONSORED BY DIGNITY WELLS MEMORIAL ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 15 High: 72 Low: 38 Chance of rain: 10%

Want your pet(s) to be featured? Send entries to staff writer Breanne Williams at BWilliams@plantcityobserver.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 16 High: 77 Low: 48 Chance of rain: 0%

SATURDAY, MARCH 17 High: 82 Low: 56 Chance of rain: 0%

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2018

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, March 15

7:39a

7:38p

Friday, March 16

7:38a

7:38p

Saturday, March 17

7:37a

7:39p

Sunday, March 18

7:35a

7:40p

Monday, March 19

7:34a

7:40p

Tuesday, March 20

7:33a

7:41p

Wednesday, March 21 7:32a

7:41p

WEATHER

CUTEST CRITTER

FORECAST

MOON PHASES

March 17 New

March 24 First

March 31 Full

April 9 Last

SUNDAY, MARCH 18

RAINFALL

High: 84 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 0%

Monday, March 5

STRAWBERRIES Shipping point: Orlando $5.90 to $8.90

Posh is Marley’s middle name. He’s proud to say his wardrobe is full of this year’s hottest trends, including this eye-catching, sporty bandana. To Tom Riethmaier, Marley is simply a “fur family member,” but to the world he is a fashion icon.

Tuesday, March 6 0 Wednesday, March 7

Thursday, March 8 0 0

Friday, March 9

Saturday, March 10 0.01 0

Sunday, March 11

ONLINE

CROSSWORD

shooter 54 Hooky player 56 Word with tooth, heart or head 57 Away from home 59 Pleasure craft 60 Had lunch at home 61 Shun 68 Some eagles 69 Earring shape 70 Incubator young 71 Word with three or open 72 Assembly rules 75 B-movie safecracker 76 “___ only as directed”

2017 0.00 in.

Tag @PCObserver or @IgersPlantCity on Instagram and don’t forget #IlovePlantCity 268841

Do you have a photo that speaks to the heart of Plant City?

SIMPLE EXCHANGE by Timothy B. Parker

30 Itty-bitty parasite 31 Some fitness gyms 32 Low cards in pinochle 33 Wise Hindu teachers 37 Scott of “Happy Days” 38 “Whether ___ nobler ...” 39 Seize an opportunity 48 College credits 49 Irish language 50 Wilson of film 51 Unruly prison event 52 Snug animal retreat 53 Mythical arrow

2018 0.56 in.

2017 2.65 in.

PHOTO CONTEST SUBMISSIONS

involving stakes 109 Candidate’s prey 110 It arcs in a pub 111 Hunter of the stars 112 Creative mental flash 113 Jury composition 114 Salon stock 115 Wedding announcements 116 Like country pastures in the morning DOWN

1 Lugosi the horror legend 5 Weight revealer 10 Hollywood’s Blanchett 14 Moses’ rod 19 Terrible smell 20 Boo-boo 21 Skip over 22 Strong cotton thread 23 Be an OK interpreter 27 Constant 28 Frank or Archer 29 Sidesteps

MONTH TO DATE:

2018 5.96 in.

79 Not skip over (Abbr.) 80 Glance impolitely 81 Diamond corner 82 Valentine blooms 84 Go off the deep end 89 Common duo? 90 Half-and-half half 91 Quite opposed 92 Desert plants 95 Be in a bee 97 Desert fruit 99 Androids 100 Far from flushed 101 Tobacco shop fixtures 106 Arrangement

1 Places for cranberries 2 Change one’s story? 3 Feb. 14 word 4 Vicinity 5 U-turn from generous 6 Native of Rijeka 7 Popped up 8 Came in next-to-last 9 Before, to a bard 10 Barbecue throwaway 11 Maytag subsidiary 12 Trident’s stickers 13 Sci-fi creatures, sometimes 14 Blindly imitative 15 Tennessee tackler 16 “All joking ___ ...” 17 Frozen drifters 18 Grassy wetlands 24 Owns up to 25 Certain Sri Lankan 26 Not strict at all 31 Ivy League school 33 Variety of poker 34 Start to fade 35 Similar in nature 36 “Have we ___ before?” 37 Big smooch 38 “Back in those days ...” 40 Bone-chilling 41 What a cowboy busts 42 It must be served 43 Airline of yore 44 Addressed a crowd 45 Kitchen dicing device 46 Like seven Nolan Ryan games 47 Transcription taker, for short

53 Middle of telethons? 54 Disorderly outbursts 55 Heavy file 57 Seattle landmark 58 Extra qtrs. 59 Work a horn 60 Noisy commotion 61 “Following this?” 62 Robot maid of Richie Rich 63 Sweater type 64 Place for Chicago touchdowns 65 More than just plump 66 Encourages 67 Nautical diary 72 Complexion spoiler 73 “For” votes 74 “My Name Is Asher ___” 75 Tug 76 Sputnik launcher (Abbr.) 77 Gets an eyeful 78 “___ quam videri” (N.C.’s motto) 81 Cotton capsule 82 Revolutionary Paul 83 Loneliest number 85 Alphabet fill 86 Many breakfasts 87 1040 submitter 88 Some cotton fabrics 92 Small Pacific salmon 93 Become less intense 94 Cook’s apple gizmo 95 Spread out one’s fingers 96 San Diego fielder 97 “Bon appetit!” 98 Cover-up in the kitchen 99 Invitation abbr. 101 Prefix with mount or chute 102 In the thick of 103 Surrender possession 104 More than sensed 105 Command to a dog 107 Peculiar 108 Weep

CELEBRITY CIPHER

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“XNBNIJW N’IZNIXYC ZCWSZIJX PJ JYIBF NC... WYX KN BNWJ UJI YCX YP JCXBJWWBF HIYKJLAB LNI UJI ZCLBAJCOJ.”

– TZJWEY

“JPYP... TD TY VPCB ITHZ HZB IPEVA... ZB IMYHD HP UTCB HZB IPEVA M UEBMH JTU ZLU, T IMYH HP OLYGZ THD VTUZHD PLH.” – JPJ UBVAPX Puzzle Two Clue: G equals C

Observer

YEAR TO DATE:

Puzzle One Clue: T equals K

PLANT CITY

ACROSS

.55

SUDOKU

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

3-15-18

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2018

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