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THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
COMMISH ROUNDUP:
CORONAVIRUS LEADS TO QUICK, BUT MEANINGFUL MEETING The attendance may have been small at this week’s city commission meeting, but commissioners were able to make some impactful decisions from the dais.
With the COVID-19 coronavirus urging people to stay home and self-isolate, the City of Plant City had to get creative Monday night to hold its regularly scheduled commission meeting. When 7:30 p.m. rolled around, commissioners were at the dais facing an audience of approximately three people, all far more than six feet
away from one another. To keep attendance down, City Manager Bill McDaniel asked any city staff that did not need to be at the meeting to consider staying home. It wasn’t a mandate, but everyone complied.
SEE PAGE 7
UNITED FOOD BANK WEATHERING NEW STORM “Hurricane procedures” are in place at the United Food Bank of Plant City as it tries to meet the growing needs of a community sidelined by the COVID-19 coronavirus.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR
The most popular running joke about the COVID-19 coronavirus is that you’d have better luck finding the Holy Grail than finding toilet paper in a store right now. Mary Heysek, executive director of the United Food Bank of Plant City, knows it’s true because she’s not only seen the empty shelves in local stores, she’s also heard it from the people running them. “Publix and Winn-Dixie told me… within 20 minutes, the paper goods and cleaning goods are off the shelves,” Heysek said. “Within 30 minutes, 90 percent of the meat products are out of their containers.” The lack of toilet paper isn’t a huge problem for the food bank. The lack of meat, however, is one of several big obstacles life has thrown in the UFB’s way since the pandemic created a trend of panic shopping not unlike something you’d see during hurricane season. In fact, that’s exactly how Heysek said the UFB is handling the COVID-19 situation.
Justin Kline
The United Food Bank of Plant City is having a very difficult time meeting the needs of the community now that COVID-19 coronavirus panic has gripped many grocery shoppers, causing stores to sell out of essential products shortly after opening for the day.
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
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PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
CORONAVIRUS
NEWS BRIEFS
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HCPS ‘Grab and go’ program starts this week
Hillsborough County Public Schools delivered food to area schools March 19 to prepare for the start of its “Grab and go” program for students 18 and under. The program, which started Monday and runs through April 15, offers free food pickup for students from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at select elementary, middle and high schools. Kids are limited to one package of food per day, but each contains nutritious meals of both breakfast and lunch. Plant City-area pickup locations are Durant High School, Plant City High School and Strawberry Crest High School. Armwood and Brandon high schools, which are close to the Plant City area, are other nearby options. Visit https://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/ for more information.
PCPD closes front lobby
Plant City Police Department’s front lobby is temporarily closed to the public, but the department is still offering its services to citizens. Call 813-757-9200 for non-emergency police assistance. Call 813-707-2226 or 813-707-2234, or email records@plantcitypolice.com, for records requests. The lobby will be re-opened at a date to be announced later.
HCSO implements more coronavirus procedures Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s efforts to help fight the speed of coronavirus ramped up further last week. On March 18, Sheriff Chad Chronister announced HCSO, at Chief Judge Ronald FIccarotta’s order, would release 164 lowlevel, non-violent offenders from the Orient Road and Falkenburg Road jails in order to help prevent the spread of the virus to other inmates, detention deputies, staff members and their families. If any of the released inmates reoffends, however, they will go back to jail. “As your Sheriff, there is nothing I take more seriously than public safety and protecting our community,” Chronister said. “In times of crisis, like the health crisis we are facing, agencies around the country are finding ways to balance public safety and the health of their employees and neighbors. We are no different… these defendants are the lowest public safety risk and many were merely sitting in jail because they could not afford to pay the amount it would take to bond out. These defendants will still have to answer for the criminal charges against them.” HCSO said there were no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in either jail as of March 19. Chronister also ordered the suspension of eviction proceedings through April 20, though writs of possession will still be accepted. Landlords and property owners can file for evictions, but no orders will be executed by HCSO until April 20. “I cannot in good faith evict families from their homes because they are unable to work to pay their rent or mortgage during this national time of crisis,” Chronister said. “Removing people from the security of their homes during this vulnerable time would be a contradiction to our mission at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office: to protect and serve.”
RCMA child development centers operating The RCMA has shut down its charter schools in Immokalee and Wimauma, but its child development centers will continue to operate wherever needed. Because the RCMA is funded by state and federal sources, it’s following Florida Department of Health and CDC guidelines while remaining open. The centers are providing children with meals and sharing cleaning supplies with RCMA parents, and the group also said it’s not forcing families to pay any fees while their children stay
at home if they wish to practice social distancing. “We primarily serve migrant families and this is the height of the agricultural season,” Isabel Garcia, RCMA executive director, said. “Our parents depend on this work to sustain their families. They are picking fruits and vegetables that are ripe throughout Florida. We were founded 55 years ago to provide a safe place for the children of migrant families while their parents worked, and we continue that commitment today. Our parents need to work, the crops need to be harvested, and the consumer needs this food for their table. In addition, we provide breakfast, lunch and snacks to the children in our care. So, it is important that we remain open and provide this nutritional service.” Plant City’s RCMA childcare and education centers are located at 508 Lakewood Ave., 3102 Sammonds Road Apt. #82 and 2701 DeMontmollin Road, and Dover has a center at 3103 San Jose Mission Drive. Visit rcma.org for more information.
SBA disaster loans, deferment for small businesses The U.S. Small Business Administration announced March 18 that small businesses anywhere in Florida can apply for disaster loans if they’ve been impacted by the COVID-19 coronavirus. Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations can use SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans for up to $2 million in economic assistance to help overcome revenue losses and pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills. Interest rates are as low as 3.75 percent for businesses without credit available elsewhere, but businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75 percent. Loan amounts are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. Repayment terms are up to 30 years. To apply, visit the SBA Disaster website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. For more information, please call the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-8778339) or email disastercustomerservice@ sba.gov. The SBA also announced Monday existing disaster loans are to be deferred through December 31, so anyone already borrowing a home or business disaster loan will not need to request deferment.
CareerSource Tampa Bay, tax collector offices close for now CareerSource Tampa Bay announced last week that all of its offices are now temporarily closed through April 19. Though the Plant City office at 307 N. Michigan Ave. is closed until then, CSTB staff is still available online and by phone to help customers and onsite partners. “We are taking our direction from the state regarding these closings and limiting access to all of our centers,” CEO John Flanagan said in a press release. “By protecting the health and safety of our workforce, it is our hope we will be able to provide customers with services well into the coronavirus crisis.” Visit careersourcetampabay.com for more information. Hillsborough County Tax Collector Doug Belden announced March 19 all tax collector offices are closed until further notice, but back-office personnel who answer the phones and process mail and online transactions are still working. Visit hillstax.org for up-to-date information about changes in tax due dates, filing dates, payment methods and more.
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
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THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY BRACES FOR ‘SAFER AT HOME’ ORDER After an in-depth Emergency Policy Group meeting on Wednesday, county leaders will vote this afternoon on whether they implement a ‘Safer at Home’ order for all of Hillsborough County.
EMERGENCY POLICY GROUP UPDATE BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
The clock is ticking and local leaders, spearheaded by Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, are itching to implement whichever restrictions they must to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. However, the devil is in the details and the eight members of the EPG spent more than an hour on Wednesday hashing out exactly what those restrictions should be. The EPG is comprised of three county commissioners, the mayors from the cities of Plant City, Tampa and Temple Terrace, the sheriff and chairman of the school board. Each had their concerns, but Castor reminded everyone at the virtual dais that this unprecedented time requires immediate action. She implored “everyone to not make this more difficult than it needs to be.” Eventually an agreement was made and all involved attorneys for the county are drafting an order to be voted on today at the 1:30 p.m. virtual meeting. Confusion is the one thing all said they hoped to combat with the order, so getting to the meat of the proposed directive is key for the community to understand what is being asked of it. First and foremost, all essential services will continue to be up and running. Anyone who needs healthcare, wants to buy food or requires other necessities are welcome to go acquire those items. Anyone who provides those services is encouraged to contin-
ue to go to work. Everyone else is asked to stay at home. However, after much discussion among the EPG members and clarification from County Administrator Mike Merrill, another crucial definition was laid bare: if you cannot afford to not work and you cannot work from home, you are allowed to go to work as long as you can continue to abide by the six-feet physical distancing rule. If your job requires you to be closer than that and you are not in a field that has an exemption — for example, healthcare workers — you cannot go in and are asked to remain home. There will also be a ‘Safer at Home’ directive from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. from Monday to Friday and a 24-hour ‘Safer at Home’ directive during the weekend. That means if you do not need essentials or want to recreate at a minimum of six feet apart from others, then you are asked to stay home. Whether that directive is a curfew is yet to be decided. Curfews are much stricter and Sheriff Chad Chronister told the group he recommended they change the language to reflect a softer order. Plant City Mayor Rick Lott was one of those at the virtual dais who wanted to omit the verbiage and follow Chronister’s suggestions. He said local law enforcement needed the support to do their jobs without worrying about having to strictly enforce a curfew and have to take into account the enforcement aspect. Currently, the proposed initial enforcement is education and
encouragement. Those who do not abide will be educated on the new order and encouraged to follow it. Hopefully that will be all it takes to get community compliance. The order will be voted on today during the EPG meeting and, if approved, is set to go into effect at 10 p.m. Friday. This will give businesses time to make the necessary adjustments and was a major concern for several in the EPG, including Lott. Originally, the proposal was for it to go into effect at midnight following the vote and many voiced their opposition to such a fast turnaround. “I’m getting texts from businesses in our community going, ‘How do they get their paychecks tomorrow if this goes into effect at midnight’ because they’re watching this online and so forth,” Lott said. “I know we’re saying there shouldn’t be panic, but there already is panic. I want this to go into effect as soon as possible, but we also have to make sure we allow enough time to make people understand what we are really doing here, and I don’t know how six or seven hours after we adopt something (today) at 1:30 or 2:30 (p.m.) or somewhere in that range allows people to have time to make good, sound decisions. I just hope we have an 8-0 vote tomorrow and if we have to sway a little bit to allow our citizens to get their arms around this so there’s less panic and less angst than we already have, I would sure be able to support this a lot easier.” Eventually there was a consensus and the entire group amended
the motion to include its initial effective date to be 10 p.m. Friday. One massive change approved by the EPG earlier this week that already impacts local residents was the decision to open the first community collection site for COVID-19 coronavirus, which has now officially been operating for more than 24 hours at Raymond James Stadium. Hillsborough County worked with the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County, BayCare, Tampa General Hospital, AdventHealth, HCA Healthcare West Florida Division and the City of Tampa to offer a “drive-through COVID-19 Coronavirus testing site for symptomatic residents.” The site opened from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tuesday at the stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., and will remain open through Saturday or until supplies run out. It essentially is a drivethrough testing site for symptomatic patients who have preregistered through the county’s call center. The site is in the parking area south of the stadium and is bordered by Tom McEwen Boulevard on the north, Dale Mabry Highway on the west and Himes Avenue to the east. Vehicles are asked to enter from Dale Mabry or Himes. You cannot just drive up to the location. Anyone who arrives must have pre-registered through the call center by calling 813-2725900. A trained medical professional will be on the other end of the line and will determine if you qualify with potential COVID-19
symptoms via a pre-screening process. If you meet the requirements, they will give you the OK to arrive. The call center will have health care staff available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Anyone who does not have a designated primary care physician or is uninsured can still be eligible for pre-screening and pre-registration through the call center. Residents can also be tested if they have been pre-screened and meet testing guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and the Florida Department of Health. If you show up to be tested, you have to arrive via a personal vehicle and be seated next to a working window. Try to limit vehicle passengers to just those needing a test. Have a photo ID (Florida driver’s license, state-issued ID or passport) and bring a copy of the testing confirmation email from the Hillsborough County Customer Service Center. When you arrive, you will be handed a tissue to blow your nose and then a swab will be inserted deep into your nose to get the sample. The test is quick and should take less than a minute. Results, however, still may take several days. You will receive your results via the phone number you give during the pre-screening.
You can listen live to the EPG’s meeting today at 1:30 p.m. online at youtube.com/user/HillsboroughCounty for further updates and to hear the result of the vote on the potential ‘Safer at Home’ order.
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COPS CORNER
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
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PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
PLANT CITY
Observer
This week on Cops Corner: Plant City Police investigated a car egging, an altercation on the basketball court, damage to a
Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com
garage door, burglary of a storage
Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com
unit and more.
Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com
TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850
Advertising / Richard Brame richard@plantcityobserver.com
MARCH 13
MARCH 14
MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE GROUND 300 block of North Collins Street Theft: A victim advised police that a mirror was broken off their car and stolen.
EGG-SCUSE ME? 2800 block of Wedgewood Drive Criminal mischief: This victim reported to police that someone threw eggs at his truck and struck the rear body panel with an unknown object at an unknown time on March 14. The eggs caused no permanent damage but the strike to the rear body panel caused approximately $300 in permanent damage to the truck. The victim requested the incident be documented and signed a waiver of prosecution.
following receiving a report of a vehicle theft in progress. A juvenile was arrested.
MARCH 15 PAY DAY CAME EARLY 1000 block of Barbour Drive Vehicle burglary/theft of firearm: This complaint reported that an unknown suspect entered his unlocked vehicle between the hours of 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. and took a black Smith & Wesson M&P Shield .40 caliber pistol with an unknown serial number along with a brown leather holster, which was valued at $350, and a blue iPhone 6 Max with an unknown serial number, which was valued at $200.
MALICE, BUT NOT AT THE PALACE 300 block of North Alexander Street Battery (waiver): Officers responded to the above listed location following a report of a battery. The victim told police that he was involved in a physical altercation at Mike Sansone Park with other GARAGE SCRAPE subjects during a basketball game. 1300 block of East Ohio Street The victim stated he just wanted Criminal mischief: This victim by David Steinberg March to document the incident and Edited reported to officers that at an un- 27, 2020 signed a waiver of prosecution. known time between the evening ROUNDING UP THE HOOLIGANS 50ofRight 39 Place/ Drink that’s ACROSS 11 Sporty Marchangle 13 and the morning of Chevy Wilder Oak 51March Tax law whiz- snuck 1 Lawn mower 12 Koran’s 14, someone up and Wilder Park often Drive free damaged her garage door. prowling (x2 arzes, briefly 40and Former “FBI” part or target language Loitering patrollingWard the area 52 Exam with 6 Lightbulb 13 You may rest): Whileactress GTA FAIL reportedfish vehicle logic games: units 41 Slippery hold yoursdue to recent 2700 block of Wedgewood Drive burglaries, observed two Abbr. 11 City street 43 officers Timeline underwater grand theft bat-in Lima suspicious vehicles. Juveniles 53Robbery, “As I ___ sight markings, 18auto, Love, tery on the theft, with were arrested. saying ...”elderly, petit 14 Push away for short 23 Passed 54leaving Obtainthe scene of a crash 15 Child’s 45 Minecraft or flyingand colors NVDL (arrest): Officers respond55 Recipe meas. response Hearthstone 24 Black-tie to the above listed location 57edChocolatier to a favorite 46 Works with bash
Universal Crossword
MARCH 17
Advertising / Karen Berry kberry@plantcityobserver.com
PICK OF THE LITTER 4300 block of West Highway 574 Stolen vehicle: Officers received a report from 813 Sharp Auto Sales that an unknown subject snuck onto the property and stole a 2003 Black Hyundai Tiburon from the lot.
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MARCH 19
If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.
STORAGE WARS 1800 block of Turkey Creek Road Burglary structure: Officers responded to the business at the above listed location in reference to a burglary of a storage unit on the property.
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PLANT CITY OBSERVER
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THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
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CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE UNITE TO LEND HELPING HAND TO COMMUNITY Staff at chambers of commerce across the nation have been working around the clock to ensure the businesses in their communities are being given the most accurate and up-todate information during this time of crisis.
BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
While their office may physically be closed to the public, the staff at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce has been putting in an unprecedented amount of hours to ensure it is another asset businesses in the community can turn to during the confusion and rapidly changing environment surrounding the spread of COVID-19. Chamber President Christine Miller said she and her staff are working both remotely and in the office in a mix of the two to ensure they can advocate for businesses in Plant City. Each day, they are on calls or in meetings with other chamber leaders at the county, state and national levels to make sure everyone is getting the most relevant information. “We are working as a unified front with all of the other chambers to support the 5,000 businesses in the county’s chamber network,” Miller said. “We are
working to make sure that collectively, our businesses have access to the help they need and have the most accurate information available. We hear the needs from our communities and we are bringing those to the table. By having that line of communication open, we are able to then go back to our businesses and make sure they have a realistic and up-to-date standing on what’s going on.” Miller has met with community leaders like Mayor Rick Lott and commissioners and said she wants businesses to understand that everyone in Plant City is trying to make the best decisions for this community. No one can do this alone and she said the chamber is here to act as another asset, another avenue, for Plant City to turn to while weathering out this storm. Because of the rapidly changing environment surrounding the mass spread of the COVID-19
coronavirus, many chamber staff members are checking in with businesses every day to find out where they are and their plans for that moment. Most don’t have a plan outside of whether or not they stay open today. Tomorrow is anyone’s guess. The goal is for the chamber to act as a central location for information to flow directly between businesses and the public. One thing the chamber has done to help spread the word in the community is create a constantly updating list of restaurants in the community that are
offering take-out, to-go and delivery options. With the initial post alone, they were able to reach more than 30,000 residents. The chamber has also created a section of its website solely dedicated to evolving COVID-19 news. Topics range from insurance changes to an update on Axiom Bank, N.A. offering relief for customers impacted by the coronavirus to sharing webinar opportunities you can register for to talk with panelists and a moderator that are discussing ways businesses can respond or adapt in this trying time.
Miller said they are also in the process of working on creating “robust virtual programming” to support businesses’ needs. They’re working toward beginning to offer a variety of helpful events, workshops and communications between those offering resources and those in need of them. “We are here, we are all in this together and it has been my pleasure to work with our city and, of course, our county and local officials in helping to find solutions moving forward,” Miller said.
To stay up to date, visit plantcity.org/news or follow the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce on Facebook @PlantCityChamber.
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PLANT CITY OBSERVER
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PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
UFBPC NEEDS HELP TO GIVE HELP The United Food Bank of Plant City is facing new challenges brought on by the public’s response to the COVID-19 coronavirus.
JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR
“We’ve broken down the barriers like we would do during a hurricane,” Heysek said. “So if you’re a new client, although we’re not accepting new clients because we just don’t have the manpower to do the intake and all the information, we’re giving them food and taking care of them. We’re getting the basic information of how many (people) are in the household so we have good numbers. We’re taking care of them and serving them, but we’re just not adding them into our system as a regular client until they’re verified to make sure they qualify as a client.” If you look past the fact that nothing has been damaged by a massive storm, it does look a lot like hurricane season at the food bank. Shelves are going completely empty just days after they’re stocked. People picking up food have to wait in line outside for pick-up service, as the UFB isn’t letting anyone but its own staff and volunteers in the building as a safety precaution. Heysek said the UFB is seeing two and a half times as many people coming in as usual and that virus-related disruption of life has been a significant contributor to the growth, which the food bank has calculated in a survey. “Thirty-eight percent of the people who are coming in, they’re coming in because they have to stay home without pay,” Heysek said. “Businesses are saying ‘don’t come in.’ It went up from 35 to 38 percent last week — last Friday alone increased us by three percent. Twenty-five percent of the people are coming in, they can’t go to work because there’s nowhere to put their kids.” Heysek believes the growth is temporary and should taper off if they can get through the next four to six weeks. The food bank’s network of volunteers hasn’t taken much of a hit, though a few daytime volunteers are needed at the moment. They’ve also been able to mobilize somewhat and deliver food to local senior living facilities.
Unfortunately, less than a month after most of America started making moves to “flatten the curve,” March’s uptick in service has already done major damage to the UFB’s budget between people whose work situations have taken unexpected turns, people who can’t put their children in day care while they work and kids who can’t get food they would normally have at school, to name a few. And since the coronavirus has prompted the suspension or cancelation of numerous events — such as the annual Strawberry Ball, which has been a consistently strong fundraiser for the food bank for several years running — raising money for the UFB has gotten trickier. “What’s happened to us financially and the reason it’s so important to us right now is that in order to buy food, we have to have funds,” Heysek said. “We’ve gone into our summer budget and our fall budget, so our budget doesn’t look very good right now. We’re putting it into buying items right now that we would have been buying in the summertime for the kids’ programs, heading into fall and getting ready for the holidays, our normal cyclical type of work that we do.” Increased buying at grocery stores has made it more difficult for the UFB to get people what they need, let alone for them to go find things themselves before trying the food bank. The rapid buying of meat in particular has led to more drastic measures being taken: the state has been sending MRE meal kits, self-heating field rations often used by the military, to the food bank and those kits have helped make up for what would otherwise be a lack of protein caused by a lack of meat. “A lot of people can cushion themselves for a couple weeks, a couple months, whatever it is,” Heysek said. “But these people don’t have a cushion. That’s why it’s so important. The people who are coming here, they do live week-to-week.” Local businesses and residents are stepping up, though. Last week, for example, Heysek said an area man bought 3,000 juice boxes from Sam’s Club specifically for the kids’ bags. Wish Farms is donating
strawberries so that those who get a kids’ bag or a monthly bag can also enjoy a flat of fresh berries. Panera Bread donated bread earlier this week and Plant City commissioner Nate Kilton has called “every day” to see how he can help. Heysek said more groups that have been helpful during this own or when they come for curbside pickup time include Gordon Food Service, Winn- of items they bought from RAOK’s website. Dixie, Star Distribution and the Noon The boutique is also getting ready to roll out Rotary Club, among others. a new graphic tee and donate 100 percent of If people, businesses and groups aren’t the proceeds from its sales to the food bank donating money, Heysek said, the best in order to help with the kids’ bags. The thing one can do to help is to donate spe- shirt’s release date wasn’t set at press time cific items so that the UFB doesn’t have but will be posted on shopRAOK.com and to spend any time going through boxes RAOK’s social media accounts sometime of mixed goods and sorting the contents this week, if it hasn’t already been. apart. Keeping things organized saves “We love being a partner in the commuch time and effort and enables the UFB munity,” co-owner Hannah Hodge Benton to start making bags immediately. said. “Plant City is near and dear to our Members of the GFWC Woman’s Club of hearts, so it was important for us to find a Plant City gathered close to 100 boxes of way to give back during this difficult time.” cereal between them and donated them all on March 11. President Pat Tillman-Shadd brought the idea to the club’s attention in its February board meeting, well before coronavirus panic spiked in Florida, and they chose cereal because it’s something kids can eat all day. “It ended up being such a success,” Judy Wise said. “We wanted to do it again this month, but we can’t have a meeting in April because we can’t have gatherings of more than 10 people. We’re assuming it will still be on in April. If it isn’t, we will do it again.” RAOK Boutique lived up to its name (“Random Acts of Kindness”) this month with a cereal and mac & cheese drive that started last Monday and is still ongoing. Though the storefront itself Courtesy of Mary Heysek is closed, there’s a collection bin out front for people Empty shelves have been a common sight at the food bank to donate to either on their lately with a greater influx of clients.
For more information or to inquire about donating, visit ufbpc.org or call 813-764-0625.
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PLANT CITY OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
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THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
COMMISH ROUNDUP:
7
COMMISSIONERS HAVE SHORT MEETING, TACKLE BIG PROJECTS City commissioners were able to make impactful decisions from the dais despite having a quick meeting on Monday. FROM PAGE 1 BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Commissioners also removed all of the previously scheduled public hearings from the agenda and postponed them to later dates so the general public would not feel obligated to attend a social gathering just to have their opinions stated on the items on the commissioners’ to-do list. With nothing but a consent agenda left, the meeting went quickly but tackled important topics. One of the interesting votes on Monday night regarded replacing playground equipment at Marie B. Ellis Park. The playground currently in place was installed in 2001 and the city said it had “exceeded its useful life of 15 years.” Because the playground had heavy use and has weathered its fair share of heavy rains and the blazing sun, the city determined replacement of the worn sections was simply not feasible. While searching for a replacement, the city found a quote from Rep Services, Inc. that was available via piggybacking on an existing contract with Clay County. The cost to purchase and install the new equipment with a safety fall zone is $89,655.30. The funds are available from the city’s playground improvements budget. The city also found a way to save some money in the way it pays for security alarm
and fire alarm monitoring for approximately 20 city facilities. Currently, the city is paying approximately $27,070 that is split among three different companies “with different expiration dates for multiple agreements, with the oldest agreement from 1997.” Staff went and worked with Procurement to issue a Request for Proposals to include all 20 locations in one agreement. During the process, six other locations including the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center, the Pistol Range Shelter and the Utility Maintenance Warehouse were added to the agreement. The city received three proposals and and selected Expert Security Professionals to handle the process for the next two years. Once all the locations have been updated, the new annual cost will be $15,960, which gives the city an annual savings of $11,110. One of the most monumental decisions of the evening was a resolution to approve the Fiscal Year 2020 Street Resurfacing Program. The City of Plant City has $4,493,608 available for the program and because resurfacing streets means the city has to comply with the American with Disabilities Act there is a need to provide ADA-
compliant curb ramps where pedestrian walkways intersect the resurfaced street. The design has not been completed yet, but the cost is estimated to be $1,013,070 to bring the curb ramps into compliance with the ADA for the streets that have been resurfaced from 2016 through 2019, along with those included within the FY 20 Street Resurfacing Program. The funds available
for resurfacing and paving dirt roads total $3,480,538. The FY 20 Street Resurfacing Program includes 55 local streets and two dirt roads that are proposed to be designed and constructed to paved street standards, which will essentially encompass a total of 10.61 centerline miles of roads.
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PLANT CITY OBSERVER
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PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
PLANT CITY In this season of COVID-19 coronavirus-induced change, it would be easy to get an empty cup and cry into it every day. After all, most of our Plant City social contacts that bring warmth to our lives have been taken away from us. Most of our organiza-
this description to take away the woe. But wait, let’s look a little further. Let’s look at the frequent press conferences and the work of all levels of our government, from our Plant City commissioners and all the fine folks that serve us. Let’s look at our county government. Let’s look at Tallahassee. Let’s look at Washington. Next time you turn on your television to listen to a press conference, look how tired our government leaders look. Look at the serious looks on their faces — not many smiles there. The season of coronavirus is unprecedented and we have little experience to guide us in how to fight it, but good minds at all levels are working to find new ways to soften the blows, to find new ways to push it back. Special assistance to employers to keep their workforces employed and
to the people to help with extra expenses is on the way. And aren’t our private and nonprofit sectors stepping up? Grocery stores like Publix and WinnDixie have established special early hours for our senior citizens, who are more vulnerable to coronavirus, so they may come, shop and maintain their social distance from the rest of us. Many of our restaurants have expanded their take-out modes to continue to serve their patrons. All the branches of our Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA may be closed, but those branches are not dark. They have turned on a dime in a week’s time and set up a program of relief care in Plant City and 20 other branches, to provide child care for 1,500 of the children of first responders and health care workers who must staff our health care organizations to care for those of us who contract coro-
noavirus. I have served on the Metro Y Board for a dozen years and I have never been prouder of our services than I am now. Our churches, like St. Peter’s, are using ZOOM and Facebook to hold electronic services for members to stay in touch with our new Rector Alissa Anderson, each other and the God we worship. My investment counselor began a newsletter he sent to all his clients this week by quoting Psalm 62. Yes, coronavirus is stretching the social and financial fibers of our lives, but efforts are being made from all directions to strengthen those fibers. We need to complement those efforts by complying with social distance recommendations and supporting our public and private leaders who are working so hard to get us back to normal.
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The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic is disrupting all of our lives right now. No matter who you are or what you do, no two or three days are exactly the same and we’re not sure when things will be back to normal — even a “new normal.”
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tions have shut down, the victims of social distancing to defeat COVID-19. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is not meeting. My Noon Rotary Club is not meeting and the two big fundraisers that power all our services to the community have been postponed. The Photo Archives Soiree has been cancelled. Our Plant City Family YMCA is closed. Applebee’s, Outback, and Carrabba’s and all our other restaurants where we enjoy lunches and dinners out with our friends and family, have adapted to only offer take-out and delivery. Our new wine bar is locked up and Krazy Kup is now limited to a walk-up window. Downtown Luncheon Club is not meeting. Bruton Memorial Library is closed. Our lives have all been put on hold. We know the fabric of our lives will come back, but when? Woe is us, and there’s not a lot in
But no matter what happens in the coming days, weeks or even months, we’re here for you. We realize many people are concerned about news outlets promoting “fear and panic” over facts. The Plant City Observer is not trying to scare anyone or promote dangerous ideas at a time when people will benefit most from staying calm. The truth is, however, that the entire world is trying to fight a new, unknown enemy and the facts we’re all learning about the virus can be scary. Our goal is to keep you informed to the best of our ability, whether it’s covering all the latest virus-related developments affecting Plant City or highlighting community-driven initiatives that are working to make our new way of life a little bit better for you or someone you know. We hope you’ll continue to trust us for information on all things Plant City-related right now.
FRESHEST MEAT & LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN!
Our methods have changed somewhat — our two reporters are conducting interviews remotely as often as possible to do their part in social distancing — but our dedication to the community has not. We still want to tell your stories and bring attention to important issues, so please feel free to drop us a line if you have something that may be of interest to the community. Feel-good stories are especially welcome right now, as we could all use a nice distraction from the nonstop COVID-19 developments from time to time. Though our office is closed to the public, you can still call us at 813-704-6850, email info@plantcityobserver.com, message us on Facebook or contact either of our reporters directly.
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At the end of the day, we’re not just Plant City’s newspaper. We’re all members of the community just like you and we also care deeply about what happens next in our town. We’re all in this together and, if we commit to flattening the curve, we can come out of this together, too.
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PLANT CITY OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
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THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
OPINION: TO HELP AG,
FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE
Lynetta Usher Griner is the 2018 Florida Farmer of the Year and a generational forest landowner and logger.
Tyler Jones | UF/IFAS
an idea developing at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences to take an inventory of the environmental benefits provided by Florida agriculture. In science, they’re called ecosystems services. This inventory will help us identify what agriculture provides in addition to food, fiber, and fuel. Such cataloguing of these “free” services can point the way toward establishing programs that can help farmers provide even more of them. Yes, we want to cast greater shade, protect you from bigger floods, host wildlife on our properties, support rural economies and do more for the health of bees and butterflies that pollinate food and non-food plants alike. We also want to do more to fight climate change. We need science to show how farms can capture more carbon, how forests and pastures can clean more air. We don’t deny that there’s a carbon footprint from running irrigation systems, fueling tractors, and unspooling acres of plastic sheeting over our plant beds. No matter what we do on this planet, though, we leave our footprints. Dinner for 7.8 billion can get messy. We’re in this climate crisis together. Almost no one stands to lose more than farmers as temperatures rise, stronger hurricanes lash crops, and new pests ride in on heat waves. Traditionally, farmers have not wanted to listen to scientists’ hand-wringing over
a planet in peril. This is especially true when it involves farmers needing to change the way we manage our land. We have come to understand and appreciate climate solutions we can deliver from the land. We’re now asking university researchers to help us help mitigate climate change. Some of these scientists are showing interest in analyzing agriculture’s costs and benefits to inform policy that will tilt that balance in the right direction. We haven’t much talked about farming’s aesthetics, cooling, carbon sequestration and other intangibles because we haven’t identified them all. Nor have we measured them. It’s time for that to change. If we want to acknowledge farmers who score high in offering these intangibles and encourage others to do so, we need scientists. They have the tools to figure out what it is of value that farms produce beyond food. Your purchases of climate-smart food and your votes for representatives interested in incentivizing climate mitigation will strengthen our efforts. We’re all in this together. We want our land to provide solutions to the climate crisis. In the long run, if we don’t, it won’t provide as much food. — Co-chairs of the Florida Climate Smart Agriculture Steering Committee
Jim Strickland is the 2019 Audubon Florida Sustainable Rancher of the Year.
Jack Payne is the University of Florida’s senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
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As your farmers, foresters, ranchers and agricultural scientists, we know you’re buying based on more than price. We see it when you spend extra for grass-fed beef, organic produce or cage-free eggs. We believe there’s a market for food that fights climate change. Your tomatoes already take carbon from the air and lock it in the soil. Your steaks come from pastures that keep the planet a lot cooler than subdivisions do. We want to do a lot more. With the right tools and incentives, farmers can be leaders in finding solutions to the climate crisis. We’re your green infrastructure. Traditional infrastructure, such as roads, sewers and fire stations, get funded by taxpayers. The green infrastructure of farms, pastures and forests provide critical services, too, such as clean water and air and preserving land for future generations. But you don’t pay for those — we do. We’re talking millions of acres of living air filters, for example, that can slow the warming of the planet. While they’re at it, they might even reduce asthma rates. About a year ago, a group of us started meeting as the Florida Climate Smart Ag Working Group to look for ways to make us even better climate citizens. What we’ve discovered is that even we don’t fully appreciate what we’re providing now. That’s why our producer-led group will be the first of what we expect will be many agricultural organizations to get behind
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MARCH 26, 2020
SPORTS PLANT CITY SHUTS DOWN PARKS A week after the city suspended formal programming at city parks, it’s taken further steps to close them temporarily. File photo
The Plant City Recreation and Parks Department announced Monday it’s taken further steps to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, this time by closing all city parks. “To follow CDC COVID-19 guidelines recommending cancelation of activities with 10 or more participants, Plant City is following the lead of Hillsborough County, Polk County and City of Tampa by officially closing all city parks,” director Jack Holland said in a news release. Previously, on March 16, the department left parks open but suspended all formal programming (like sports leagues, recreation center events, pavilion/rec center rentals and events) through May 10. The lone exception to the change applies to cemeteries, but those are only open to groups of fewer than 10 people at a time. Interment requests will be handled by phone and paperwork will be filled out only with a funeral home representative or a family member. Pre-need space sales are not being done at this time. Call the cemetery office at 813-707-7429 or email cemeteryinfo@ plantcitygov.com with interment location questions. Though the department still plans to kick off its annual summer program on June 8, restrictions on public-facing offices mean helping walk-up customers is no longer an option and the start of the registration period for the eight-week program has been delayed. Anyone with questions is asked to call the Planteen Recreation Center at 813-659-4256 or email recinfo@plantcitygov.com. Because the virus has created an extremely fluid situation for virtually every public service, plans may change and people should keep an eye on the department’s website, plantcitygov.com/ parksrec, for updates as they happen.
YMCA
ADAPTING
AFTER COVID-19 CLOSURE The Plant City Family YMCA is temporarily closed to the public, but still finding ways to serve it.
Justin Kline
JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR
As of this week, the Plant City Family YMCA and the rest of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA network planned to close until May 8 as a safety precaution. But don’t look at the empty parking lot and pool areas and think nothing’s happening. In the face of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the staff of the Plant City Y is still working to bring its services to the community. It’s just doing things differently. “Normal daily operations are closed for the time being, so this is something we can do for the time being to fill that void and keep everybody working to serve the community as best they can,” Executive Director Paul Conley said. Though Conley said current programming is “hurting” — not a surprise considering the facility had to close — the Y has moved as many of its programs to the Internet as it could. On a larger scale, the Tampa Metropolitan network website has uploaded numerous workout videos to its website, tampaymca.org/tampa-ymember-resources, for members to use while the gyms are closed. The website will be updated with new content daily, Conley said. On a more local scale, the Plant City Y staff is putting together a kind of virtual toolbox for kids to use to both stay fit and keep their sports skills sharp while at home. On Tuesday, for example, the Y started to put together a
WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?
video where program director Ally Larese teaches fundamental soccer drills kids can do at home. Whether it’s on dry land or in the pool, the Plant City Y staff wants to keep kids ready to go for the upcoming summer sports seasons. “I think this is going to give us an opportunity to be innovative,” Conley said. The one thing the Plant City Y and others in the Tampa network are able to do on-site for the public is provide all-day child care for workers in fields like health care and emergency response “who are playing important roles combating the coronavirus,” the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA said in a press release. For $125 a week, children can be enrolled in a program similar to the Y’s existing day camp, but with a greater focus on education to help replace what was lost when schools closed. Conley said the program has a greater focus on STEM programming than the day camp, which consists of more athletic and outdoor activities. Kids in the program will also get free breakfast and lunch thanks to a partnership with Hillsborough County. Financial aid is available for the program, though the Tampa Y said no child will be turned away because of an inability to pay. Qualified employees can register online at tampaymca.org/relief-care. “We want to do everything we can to keep those folks working,” Conley said. “We’re doing what we can do right now to best serve the community.” Conley said the Y is still planning to move forward with its summer
programming as usual. The Plant City Y’s summer camp is still scheduled to begin June 8 and its summer sports are also expected to start on time with no hiccups, assuming nothing drastically changes and the Y can re-open in early May as planned. “We anticipate, at this time, running a really exciting summer camp,” Conley said. “We’re planning a full summer camp and to run operations as we were, hopefully even at a higher level than we were when this started. Right now, we’re working on how to improve our programming.” Still, even with an upbeat attitude and approach to the COVID-19 problem, the Y needs the community’s support to keep going. No full-time staff members have been laid off and the part-time staff members will be able to return to their jobs once the facility reopens and operational needs arise again. But the Y is asking members and the community for any support they can give. “The Y is trying to do the best we can as a non-profit charitable organization,” Conley said. “The support our members and the community can show at this time, whether it’s continuing their membership so we can continue offering services to parents… when we do open back, up, we can be as strong as we’ve ever been. Charitable giving is more needed now than probably ever before at the Plant City Y. It’ll allow us to progress as an organization.”
JUSTIN KLINE
SHOUT-OUT TO THE SENIORS
Plant City-area seniors whose high school sports careers may have just ended abruptly deserve some recognition.
I can’t imagine what high school senior athletes must be going through right now. This isn’t like a hurricane where we know we’re likely to only miss a handful of weeks if something hits, then get right back to action in the fall. We have no idea when we’re getting everything back to normal.
For a lot of kids in our area and around the country, their last game’s already been played and they had no idea ahead of time. All they can do is try to stay sharp and in shape hoping that April 15 return date will stick. I hope the “curve” is flattened enough for that to happen.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?
JUSTIN KLINE
SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
If high school athletes’ last season before college (or ever) really did just come to an end, they deserve to go out on a higher note than the COVID-19 coronavirus gave them. FROM PAGE 10
If you watch ESPN, you’re probably aware of Scott Van Pelt’s “Senior Night.” If not, it’s a cross-platform package on Twitter, TV and ESPN.com honoring high school seniors who likely did just have their careers come to an early end. SVP shared their stories with his audience and gave the kids a great send-off. You can check it out online at espn.com/ college-sports/story/_/id/28900304/ best-scott-van-pelt-senior-nighttwitter-thread. I thought it was a great idea at the time and I think even more highly of it now. I know we haven’t gotten a full prep sports shutdown just yet, but there is a very real chance the county’s athletic department and the FHSAA will bring the spring 2020 season to a close and plan to start fall sports on time in August. Just in case that does happen, I have a favor to ask of you readers. I want to give spring sports athletes from Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest their own “Senior Night.” Whether you’re a coach for their team, a teacher or athletic director at their school or maybe even an athlete yourself, I need your help to make that happen. Check out the link above if you haven’t kept up with SVP’s show and you’ll get the idea of what I’m looking for. If you think your team at large deserves some recognition, please give me the rundown. If a senior on your team is as inspiring as Ethan Haskiel or is the “heartbeat” like Tommy Luce, let’s talk about them. While I know quite a few of you seniors at least a little bit, I don’t know the depth of all of your stories and how you all got where you are today. I’ll still want to do this even if the season does resume in April as planned, so no chat we have between now and my deadline — whatever that may be — will be wasted. I am on board with the social distancing movement and wish to
respect everyone’s personal space, so I’m not forcing anyone to meet with me in person. Drop me a line at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com and we’ll get started. As a side note, many of you know about the Tampa Bay Times’ string of 11 layoffs from last week. That included long-tenured reporters whose jobs I thought would be untouchable by now, like preps writers Rodney Page and Bob Putnam. They even let Craig Pittman go, which is one of the most insane things I’ve heard in a year full of non-stop insanity. All of those people who just got laid off did good work and deserve to get hired by someone else ASAP. It also drives home the point that newspapers and other publications could use your support now more than ever. I know many of you in Plant City have a less-than-stellar opinion of the Times (I’ve been here almost seven years now, I’ve heard everything) but it’s still a newsroom full of real people like you and me working hard to keep you updated on the state, national and international levels. Their coronavirus coverage is currently free and available to all. They need your help. We hope you’ll stick with us for local coverage. When this virus finally passes and sports come back, I hope you’ll keep supporting us, the Times sports team (please, give them a reason to hire a preps team again) and local sports-focused outlets like 813Preps. If you want local sports to distract you from all the anxiety-inducing stuff life throws at you, we all can do that if you’ve got our backs.
Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Observer. Email: jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
11
FOCUS ON FITNESS: STAY HOME AND STAY FIT
More time spent at home thanks to the COVID-19 coronavirus means you have more time to find new ways to exercise. “Remember that time in 2020 when we all ran out of toilet paper,” joked the man who stood behind me in line at Walmart. We were lucky to arrive in time to buy our rationed package of toilet paper. They were already out of disinfectant wipes, but he had enough in his cart to spare one for me. These are unprecedented times and many of us are worried. Some are concerned for their health or the health of friends and family. Others face financial issues and those who are fortunate enough to be working have to find time to help their children with schoolwork at home. I feel for the high school seniors who will not get to experience their prom, for the nurse who has to find childcare for her little one, for the elderly people who may not be able to get the groceries they need, for those that live alone and miss social interaction and, of course, for those affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus. It can be stressful and even depressing, but it is important to remain positive, find ways to connect, keep busy and, most of all, support each other because we are all in this together. We have no control over what is going on in the world today, but we can control how we deal with it. Besides the obvious frequent hand washing, social distancing, etc., there are other ways to stay well during this pandemic. If you must be homebound, make a list of things you have always wanted to do but hadn’t had the time to start. They could be home projects or something fun like gardening, painting landscapes, crocheting or teaching yourself another language. Use this time to try new recipes, read a book, check in with your neighbors and bond with family. Gyms are closed, but do not fret! Many workouts do not require any equipment. You can find them online or connect with a group exercise instructor or trainer offering virtual classes. For those that can,
get outdoors to stay active and go for a walk, run or bike ride. If you are not used to running solo, you can connect with other runners using an app like Runkeeper to hold each other accountable or join a Fitbit challenge. It always feels good to help others. Do you have a neighbor with a health condition who might need groceries or paper goods? Support local businesses that are open for takeout. FaceTime or start a group chat to keep in touch with friends, and be kind to the teachers navigating through this new way of teaching. The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is trying to do everything it can to help people stay connected, healthy and well. Though our facilities must remain closed to members, our centers are offering school aged relief care to help support healthcare workers, emergency responders and other essential workers. You can also find many ideas to keep you busy at tampaymca. org/tampa-y-member-resources. This includes a variety of free workout videos you can do at home with little to no equipment like Barre, Yoga, HIIT, kidfriendly workouts and workouts for active older adults. There is also free access to LesMills on demand for YMCA members and links to free at home entertainment. It’s our way to help you stay active, healthy and connected in your own home, and on your own time. These are challenging and confusing times so let’s try to do whatever we can to lessen the burden on each other and our community as a whole. Stay strong and healthy!
Angela Fulgieri is a Program Director for the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA. Write her at observerfitness@gmail.com.
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PLANT CITY OBSERVER
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THURSDAY, MARCH 26 , 2020
YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN
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We asked Facebook: How have social distancing, the recent 10-person gathering limit and other effects of the effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus affected your daily lives?
“We are hanging in there ! I cook all the time but now we have made an effort to buy take out to support those less fortunate. My husband comes and goes to and from work but that is set next week for him to work from home. After this weekend we intend to not go in public for at least 15 days.” — Barbi Lynn Bartholomew
“Everyone in the service industry is one step away from ruin. I have a side hustle 2 nights a week. Now that’s gone. So I’m losing money too.” — Susan Fairchild Gray
“Completely crushed my livelihood.” — John Parker
“We are fine. Giving us lots of family time and time to work on the ‘to do list’. We r fortunate that we already worked from home. Would really like a list of ways to help others in our community.”
“I’m over 70 and have asthma so I stay away from crowds, sit in the sun by the pool for vitamin D and a spirit lift, walk in the woods and walk some more, cook lots of fresh veggies and eat those and — DeeDee Hawthorne Mathes fresh fruit and realize anew “Other than not being able to how lucky we are in Florida find toilet paper, no big deal. to have all that available and It’s given our family more time how foolish it is to pave over together.” this blessing.” — Jessica LeMire
— Meg Scott
“I’m still working which is a blessing as long as I don’t get sick. If I did the virus could really hurt my husband who’s also still working.” — Amanda Jungle
“My husband’s job has shutdown for now with no idea of when they will go back to work. He is the manager of his facility and usually is paid salary but while they are closed he will NOT get paid…We live pay check to pay check! Prayers appreciated!” — Lili Brooks-Armatrout
Gail Ann Boehm
Shirley Ann Godwin In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Shirley Ann Godwin, 83, of Plant Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 N City, passed away on WednesCarey Street, Plant City 33563. day, March 18, 2020. Shirley was Expressions of condolence at born in Plant City on March 21, we’re dedicated to helping families create a W E ’ RE P RO U D TO S E RV E our community HopewellFuneral.com. 1936. unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals,Fond celebrates memories and expres> 100% Service Guarantee > National Planshared Transferability sions may be at www. > Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® WellsMemorial.com for the Rfamily. Godwin HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival.
community
Gail Ann Boehm, 79, of Lithia, born on July 21, 1940 in Gwendolyn Sue Wright Landrigan, 63, of Valrico, formerly of Midland,Michigan, entered into eternal rest on March 19, 2020. Memphis, Tennessee, born on Aug. 8, 1956 in Dade City, entered Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com. into eternal rest on March 19, 2020. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
is all about.
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Taking care of each other is what
community Richard S. Elliott
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Earl Yates
Earl Yates, 87, of Plant City, born on Dec. 20, 1932, entered into eternal rest on March 19, 2020. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
is Richard all about. S. Elliott, 65, of Plant
Howard ‘Howdy’ Benjamin Jones Sr.
WELLSMEMORIAL.COM City passed away on Thursday, March 12, was we’re 2020. dedicated toRichard helping families create a W E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E our community Sara C. Bender Wells MeMorial & event Center and meaningful memorial with personal, compassionate care since 1896. in unique born Dover, Delaware onthat truly PlanT CiTy celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, Matthew Roy Griffis 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com December Howard “Howdy” Benjamin Jones Sara C. Bender, 39, of> Plant City, 100% Service Guarantee > National22, Plan 1954. Transferability Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® > Fond memories and expresSr., 89, of Lakeland, entered into born on June 4, 1980 in Lakeland, Matthew Roy Griffis, 49 of of sympathy may be left at Plant City passed away March eternal rest on March 23, 2020. entered into eternal rest on March sions R 20, 2020. 21, 2020. The family will be havProudly supportingwww.WellsMemorial.com. the Plant City Strawberry Festival. She was a seventh-generation ing private services. Floridian, a graduate of Plant City Online condolences may be High School, a member of the left for the family at haught.care. National Honor Society, earned WELLSMEMORIAL.COM HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM State and American FFA degrees Wells MeMorial & event Center and won the Gold Medal in the PlanT CiTy Lois Gilley Slalom in the Special Olympics. 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com Lawrence ‘Larry’ She will be remembered for her Lois Gilley, 78, of Plant City, HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM smile and laughter. passed away on Sunday, March Alva Fowler She is survived 22, 2020. Lois was born increate Opp, we’re dedicated to helping families a W E by ’ R E Pher R O U D parents, TO S E RV E our community unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. of Plant Alabama on Aug. 7, 1941. Lawrence “Larry” Alva Fowler, 88, Chris and Jane Bender celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, City; brother, William >Bender memories and expresof Dover, born on July 7, 1931 in 100% Service Guarantee Fond > National Plan Transferability Travel Assistance The Compassionmay Helpline® > Bereavement Howard, sions of> sympathy be left Plainwell, Michigan, entered into (Betty); nephews, Angel and Austin Bender; grandmother, atR www.WellsMemorial.com for eternal rest on March 23, 2020. Sara “Sally” Bradley of Plant Gilley family.Festival. Expressions of condolence at ProudlyCity; supportingthe the Plant City Strawberry and numerous aunts, uncles, HopewellFuneral.com. cousins, family, and friends. A memorial service will be held at a later date. WELLSMEMORIAL.COM Inurnment at St. Peter’s EpiscoWells MeMorial & event Center pal Church. HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM PlanT CiTy ®
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Mary Alice Page Mary Alice Page, 71, of Plant City, born on June 16, 1948 in Shreveport, Louisiana, entered into eternal rest on March 24, 2020. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
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OBITUARIES
Gwendolyn Sue Wright Landrigan
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PLANT CITY OBSERVER
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THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
Doyne Richard McMahan Doyne Richard McMahan, 79, of Plant City, passed away on March 16, 2020. Doyne served in the U.S Army for four years. Services to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.
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Theresa Loise Egbert, née Fletcher Theresa Loise Egbert, née Fletcher, departed this life to be with her lord and savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020. Due to travel and gathering restrictions advised by the CDC, Theresa Egbert’s April 18 memorial service has been cancelled.
YOUR CALENDAR
OBITUARIES
14
BEST BET EVERY DAY STAY HOME
Until our local, state and federal officials give us the all-clear to move around at will again, we should all do our part to stay home and restrict the spreading of COVID-19 in our community. While days at home watching Netflix may get monotonous, leaving to socialize with others could lead to someone getting sick and potentially dying. Do your part and stay home.
Due to the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, many events around town we take pride in featuring each week in our local calendar have been postponed or canceled. The community has been asked to step up, take the necessary precautions and isolate themselves as much as possible as part of mitigation efforts in response to the coronavirus. Every week, the Plant City Observer runs a calendar of community events based off of items that have been submitted to the newspaper. Many are listed as “continu-
THURSDAY, MARCH 26 PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS
THURSDAY, APRIL 2
JUKEBOX BINGO COMES TO KEEL
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Keel & Curley Winery at Keel Farms, 5210 Thonotosassa Road, is offering a bingo night just like your grandma’s bingo, “just way cooler.” Every other Thursday they will be playing your favorite tunes from many different genre’s. Come sing along, play bingo and win prizes.
PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS
7:30 to 9 a.m. Plant City Toastmasters meets every Thursday morning at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St.
FRIDAY, MARCH 27
VIRTUAL EXISTENCE
DUPLICATE BRIDGE
OPERA
1 p.m. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 Carey St., is now hosting a weekly Duplicate Bridge game, the most widely used variation of contract bridge in club and tournament play. Contact Walt Arnold at 813-752-1602 for more information.
AMVETS POST 44 FRIDAY NIGHT DINNERS
6 p.m. The AmVets Post 44, 5521 FL-60, Plant City, FL 33567, is hosting a weekly dinner on Friday nights. The third Friday of every month is a menu of pork chops and sides for $8. For more information visit amvetspost44.org.
As of press time, these are the events that have still been sent to the Plant City Observer without any notice of change. If you plan to attend anything listed, please head to the event’s social media or contact the organizer of the event to ensure it is still going on. We have also added a variety of virtual events or learning experiences everyone has access to. Since we are all practicing social distancing, perhaps consider delving into a virtual experience to enlighten and enrich your time at home.
acclaimed performers are partnering with Broadway World to present a mini-performance every day called “Living Room Concerts.” You can find them on broadwayworld.com. You can also start a free trial with BroadwayHD to stream performances like Carousel, Cats, Macbeth, Swan Lake, Sweeney Todd and Kinky Boots.
National Museum of Natural History One of the greatest museum’s in America is offering a virtual tour that gives you a taste of everything the experience has to offer. This is great for the whole family. Head to naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtualtour to tour current exhibits and learn more about the world around you.
ART
EXERCISE THE BRAIN
TUESDAY, MARCH 31 SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB 9 a.m. Come on out to the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St., each Tuesday to play Shuffleboard. You’ll be an expert in no time. The club is hosted by Anita Balch and she can be contacted at 808-722-5821 for more information.
7:30 to 9 a.m. Plant City Toastmasters meets every Thursday morning at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St.
ing” and we do our best to ensure they go in week after week. Unless we have been contacted by the event’s facilitators, we have left these “continuing” items in this week’s schedule. However, everything is subject to change. President Donald Trump has advised no one attend any social function, workplace event or gathering that has more than 10 people. Other leaders are recommending similar precautions but have kept the ideal number at approximately 50 people.
The Metropolitan Opera is hoping to “brighten the lives of our audience members even while our stage is dark.” Each night, a different encore presentation from the company’s Live in HD series will be uploaded to the Met website — metopera. org — for 23 hours. Anyone can log on from 7:30 p.m. the night of until 6:30 p.m. the next day and stream the opera in its entirety. This week includes such classics as Wagner’s Siegfried, on March 26, Gotterdammerung on March 27, Dialogues des Carmelites on March 30, Nixon in China on April 1 and Don Carlo on April 2.
BROADWAY If you’re itching for a show, Broadway’s biggest stars have you covered. Many of its
The Dali Museum, which is located in St. Petersburg, offers a free virtual tour at thedali.org/virtual-tour. Thousands of works of art hang upon its walls and you can “walk” the halls for hours. The Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City also offers a free virtual tour if you want to immerse yourself in some of the greatest — and most poignant — works of art of all time. Visit museofridakahlo.org.
MUSEUMS/AQUARIUMS The Florida Aquarium, which is found right here in Tampa Bay, is keeping the public updated on how its diverse resident’s are handling their vacation away from the public with daily videos on “Sea-Span.” You can meet a penguin, listen to a unique story-time and even take some moment singing along with “Aqua Tunes.” Follow the museum on Facebook @floridaaquarium for daily updates.
PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA 1507 YMCA Pl., Plant City 813 757 6677 | tampaymca.org
If you’re wanting to learn something new during your stay at home, consider taking a free course from some of the world’s greatest universities or download a lecture to stream while you cook or do chores. Yale University is offering its most popular class, “Psychology and the Good Life” as a remastered course online for free. The title has been changed to “The Science of Well Being” and features lectures by Professor Laurie Santos. You can enroll at coursera. org/learn/the-science-of-well-being. Of course, you can then delve into Coursera to find a variety of free courses from the country’s top schools. Princeton is offering “Imagining other Earths” and the University of Pennsylvania has released “Greek and Roman Mythology.”
Universal Crossword Edited by David Steinberg March 26, 2020 PLANT CITY OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
I LOVE PLANT CITY
3/26
FORECAST THURSDAY, MARCH 26 High: 90 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 10%
FRIDAY, MARCH 27 High: 92 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 10%
24 Site of the patella 25 Hats in Glasgow 26 Not fem. or neut. 27 A door’s may contain a lock 28 NASCAR great Yarborough 29 Honorary poem 30 Brings before a judge 31 Peanut and sesame 32 Love letter words often written as an acronym 37 Dorothy’s dog 38 What a hand rocked back and forth might mean 39 End of the world? 40 “Quiet!” 41 Paintballs, e.g.
42 Usually buggy version 43 “Star” or “Storage” follower 44 Bouncer’s workplace 45 Capital of Senegal 46 Sign abbr. before a year 47 Bleachers level 48 Shoot for the stars 49 Crunchy bit in a brownie, perhaps 51 One on the wrong side of the law? 54 Comment from one who’s coping 55 Singer Brickell 56 Penn of films 57 Munch on a snack 58 See 18-Across
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
High: 94 Low: 66 Chance of rain:10%
SUNDAY, MARCH 29 High: 93 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 10%
STRAWBERRY Shipping point: Central Florida $12.90
59 Crafty DOWN 1 Cage fighting, for short 2 Fort fortification 3 Large marine reptiles 4 Writer Calvino 5 Opinion survey 6& 7 Former crime drama starring Dick Van Dyke 8 Vietnamese New Year 9 Donkey in “Shrek” and others 10 Far from famous 11 Crushes, as a fly 14 Spreadable cheese 15 Word necessary for consent 17 Buster? 21 WNBA stat hidden in “scoreboard” 23 Songwriter Tori 24 Didn’t just suspect 25 Have a heart-to-heart, maybe 27 Bit of praise 28 “Later!” 30 MacFarlane or Rogen 31 Too, too 33 Disappointing game result 34 Mummy’s place 35 Give oneself an objective 36 Char 40 Attempts, with “at” 41 American pale ___ 42 One in a high chair 43 “Victory is ours!” 44 Commute destination, often 45 Lavishes love (on) 47 Spot for a soak 48 Crossword part 50 Undefined degree 52 Wedding words 53 Paper towel layer
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SUNRISE/SUNSET
Sunrise Sunset
Thursday, Mar. 26
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Friday, Mar. 27
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Saturday, Mar. 28
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Sunday, Mar. 29
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Monday, Mar. 30
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MOON PHASES
SATURDAY, MARCH 28
Stair Cases by Amanda Rafkin
ACROSS 1 Poor fig. for a gas-guzzler 4 Popular tablet 8 Summer skin shades 12 ___ tai 13 Singer Braxton 14 “Until next time!” 16 “M*A*S*H” star (theme hint: note the letter above every black square in each four-black square diagonal!) 18 Eye part with 58-Across and cones 19 Taken together 20 Pinot ___ (white wine) 22 Yoga surface 23 Houston athlete
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Apr. 22 New
Mar. 28 First
Apr. 7 Full
Apr. 18 Last
RAINFALL Monday, March 16
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Tuesday, March 17 0.00 Wednesday, March 18
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Thursday, March 19 0.00 0.00
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YEAR TO DATE:
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2020 02.47 in.
2020 0.01 in.
2019 03.61 in.
2019 0.81 in.
WEATHER
38 What a hand 31 Too, too ACROSS 7 Former crime rocked back 33 Disappointing 1 Poor fig. for a drama starring and forth game result gas-guzzler Dick Van Dyke might mean 34 Mummy’s 4 Popular 8 Vietnamese 39 End of place tablet New Year world? Editor Justin 8 Summer 35 Give oneself 9 Donkey Send your photoskin submissionsthe to Associate Kline atinjkline@PlantCityObserver.com 40 “Quiet!” shades an objective “Shrek” and or hashtag Instagram for @igersplantcity 41onPaintballs, 12 ___ tai#iloveplantcity othersto feature. 36 Char e.g. 13 Singer 40 Attempts, 10 Far from 42 Usually Braxton with “at” famous buggy version 14 “Until next 41 American 11 Crushes, 43 “Star” or time!” pale ___ as a fly “Storage” 16 “M*A*S*H” 42 One in a 14 Spreadable follower star (theme high chair cheese 44 Bouncer’s hint: note the 43 “Victory 15 Word workplace letter above is ours!” necessary 45 Capital of every black 44 Commute for consent Senegal square in destination, 17 Buster? 46 Sign abbr. each fouroften 21 WNBA stat before a year black square 45 Lavishes hidden in 47 Bleachers diagonal!) love (on) “scoreboard” level 18 Eye part with 47 Spot for 23 Songwriter 48 Shoot for 58-Across a soak Tori the stars and cones 48 Crossword 24 Didn’t just 49 Crunchy bit 19 Taken part suspect in a brownie, together 50 Undefined 25 Have a heartperhaps 20 Pinot ___ degree to-heart, 51 One on the (white wine) 52 Wedding maybe wrong side 22 Yoga surface words 27 Bit of praise of the law? 23 Houston 53 Paper towel 28 “Later!” 54 Comment athlete layer 30 MacFarlane from one 24 Site of or Rogen who’s coping the patella 55 Singer 25 Hats in PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER Brickell Glasgow You,Not you, fem. you “otter” know! found last month that even though people aren’t able to 56Robert PennLavery of films 26 use Walden Lake’s clubhouse, local wildlife 57 Munch on are. or neut. a snack 27 A door’s may Follow us on social media: @PCObserver on Instgram, ON L I Na lock E @PlantObserver 58 See contain on Twitter and Plant City Observer 18-Across 28 NASCAR on Facebook. 59 Crafty great DOWN Yarborough 1 Cage fighting, 29 Honorary for short poem 2 Fort 30 Brings before fortification a judge 3 Large marine 31 Peanut and reptiles sesame 4 Writer 32 Love letter Calvino words often 5 Opinion written as an 3/25 © 2020 Andrews McMeel Universal survey acronym www.upuzzles.com 37 Dorothy’s dog 6 &
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PLANT CITY OBSERVER
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THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
PlantCityObserver.com