3.4.21 PLCO by Plant City Observer

Plant City Observer

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YO UR HOMETOW N. YO UR NEWSPAP ER .

VOLUME 6, NO. 135

YOUR HOMETOWN. YOUR NEWSPAPER

FREE • THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

. YO UR NEWS PAP ER . CREDENTIALS AND ACHIEVEMENTS HIGHLIGHTED FOR CITY STAFF Highlights of last week’s city commission meeting included a new credential program the city offered to staff and a celebration of EMS Chief James Maxwell’s completion of the Executive Fire Officer Program.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Staff with the City of Plant City are now able to add one more avenue to further expanding their credentials list. City commissioners authorized City Manager Bill McDaniel to execute a letter of agreement with Florida State University that will allow up to 25 employees to

head “back to school” to receive designation as a Certified Public Manager. “This is something that I proposed initially when I became City Manager as part of my organizational deep dive,” McDaniel said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

QUEEN’S INSIDE! NEW EXHIBIT UNVEILED

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

THE 2021 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE! JUSTIN KLINE

SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The new Strawberry Queen and her Court were invited to the unveiling of the updated 2021 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s exhibit, which is changed each year to fit the festival’s theme and highlight the new court. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

NEWS BRIEFS

Photos courtesy of Florida Strawberry Festival Courtesy of Plant City Parks and Recreation Department

Chris Haston/NBC

Dover man competes on The Voice Kenzie Wheeler went all the way from Dover to NBC’s The Voice and had an impressive TV debut. Wheeler, 22, got a four-chair turn and a block during Monday night’s episode. He secured a spot on Kelly Clarkson’s team with his rendition of Keith Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes.” Blake Shelton also gave his signature mullet a rave review. For more on Wheeler’s experience so far from the singer himself, keep an eye out for next week’s issue of the Observer.

Florida Strawberry Festival releases ‘Strawberry Central’ database Want to have the “berry best” experience at this year’s Florida Strawberry Festival? If so, the festival has made it easy for you to find all things strawberry-related on the grounds this time around. You can now visit Strawberry Central to view a complete list of strawberry foods, strawberry gifts, strawberry exhibits, strawberry contests, strawberry rides, strawberry merchandise and where you can find Mr. and Ms. Berry for a photo op. Each list

contains the item you’re looking for and a location where you can find it. The lists are viewable online at flstrawberryfestival.com/information/strawberry-central/. For a map of the festival grounds, pick up a brochure at the festival or around town, or grab a copy of the 2021 Florida Strawberry Festival Guide with this week’s Observer. The festival starts today and ends on March 14.

Application window for Lincoln, Marshall MYP programs opens tomorrow Parents who wish to enroll their children in one of Plant City’s magnet schools’ MYP programs will have the opportunity to start the process tomorrow. The magnet application window for Hillsborough County schools opens at 5 p.m. Friday and closes at 11:59 p.m. March 25. Lincoln Magnet School for International Studies and Marshall Middle Magnet School are the two Plant City-based options for elementary and middle schoolers, respectively. Parents must apply during the window to be in the lottery. Visit hillsboroughschools.org/choice to apply.

Virtual Mental Health Issues in the Family seminar upcoming Building Strong Families, Inc., will host its second virtual mental health wellness seminar from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturday, March 20 through Zoom. The focus of this seminar is “Mental Health Issues in the Family.” Licensed mental health professionals will discuss the following topics: “Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues,” “Impact of Mental Health Issues on the Family,” “Coping Strategies as a Family” and “Getting the Help Needed: Mental Health Resources.” The speakers include Sarah Smith, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor from At One Counseling Services, and Dr. Jeanene Robinson-Kyles, a licensed clinical psychologist with Robinson-Kyles Counseling & Testing Services. There is no cost to attend this virtual seminar but pre-registration is required by March 12. The Zoom meeting ID, passcode and seminar materials will be emailed to those who pre-register. For registration information, contact Dr. Pauline Rivers at 813-759-0260 or by email at pmrivers@ aol.com, or visit buildingstrongfamiliesofflorida.com.

YMCA Safety Around Water program coming up If your child is between age 3 and 12 and could use some water safety lessons, the Plant City Family YMCA and others in the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA network will offer the Safety Around Water program again just in time for spring break. The free program, which will run from March 15-18, is open to beginner-level swimmers and non-swimmers alike. “During the four-day course, certified instructors teach kids a sequenced set of skills that will reduce the risk of drowning and give them confidence in and around water,” YMCAs of Tampa Bay said in a press release. Participants must be present on the first day of class and bring their own swimsuit and towel. You do not need to be a YMCA member to enroll your children, but you must pre-register for the classes. To sign up, visit tampaymca.org, call 813-757-6677 or stop by the Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

GRAND PARADE TAPS

SHARON MOODY

AS GRAND MARSHAL Local community leader Sharon Moody was named the Grand Marshal of the 2021 Grand Parade. Moody’s impact on the community is boundless and she has long been a dedicated leader for Plant City. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Plant Citians and visitors alike will gather along the streets of downtown early Monday morning to begin a full day’s worth of celebrations. The Grand Parade is one of the most anticipated days of the year and this time around, the annual event will be led by Grand Marshal Sharon Moody. You’d be hard pressed to find a better representative of Plant City than Moody. For more than four decades, she has volunteered with a variety of organizations throughout the community. In 2016 she was honored for her dedicated service by being named Citizen of the Year. She has led with Kiwanis Club, is the president and founder of Plant City’s Black Heritage Celebration and is a founder and former president of the Plant City Junior Elite Women’s Club. She’s served on the boards for the Christmas Parade, Unity in the Community and Code Enforcement, and she also served as the director for the Plant City Boys & Girls Club from 2004 to 2009. She worked as a teacher’s aide for Hillsborough County schools from 1979 to 1981 and was also involved with the Plant City Colts youth football and cheer teams as a cheerleading coordinator. She is the organizer of the Lots of Hugs Summer Reading Program, which aims to help combat the “summer slide” where students fall behind their peers academically. Santa Sled Fest, also hosted via Plant City Black Heritage, has allowed thousands of families to have memorable Christmases over the years and Moody is at the helm as the event coordinator. Listing her accomplishments would require a near-endless amount of print. Some of those highlights include receiving the Kiwanis International President Challenge Award, the Distinguished Lt. Governor Award and the Distinguished President’s Award with the Kiwanis Club. She also received the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce’s Good Egg award in Nov. 2015. Despite her many accomplishments, Moody said she was genuinely shocked when she received the call announcing that she had been selected to lead the 2021 parade. Commissioner Mike Sparkman, Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis and Berry Fine Productions Director Gail Lyons get together every year with nominations for the grand marshal. They discuss each suggestion and come to an agreement. Lyons said this year’s choice was a no-brainer. “When Paul Davis and Commissioner Mike Sparkman called, I was shocked and just so honored to serve as the grand marshal,” Moody said. “It’s a great honor and I just, well, I don’t really know what else to say. I was just so shocked.”

This is more than just another honorific to add to her collection. Moody has attended the parade for as long as she can remember and said whether she’s watching with her friends or volunteering with the parade, she has countless fond memories of the event. When she was younger, she said, she was always most excited to see the bands that marched along the route. The talent of the young musicians always stuck with her as the days progressed. Afterwards Moody will head to the festival, where she volunteers at the Stingray Chevrolet Unity Car Raffle for all 11 days. Steve and Susan Hurley from Stingray Chevrolet donate the vehicle each year to Unity, which in turn uses every dime to give back to the community by pouring into more than 40 organizations around town. You can buy tickets for the vehicle in person at the festival up until the drawing or at Stingray Chevrolet, 2002 N. Frontage Road, until 6 p.m. March 12. You can also buy tickets online at StingrayChevroletRaffle.com until 3 p.m. March 12. “This is going to be a great parade this year and I think we really have a wonderful grand marshal,” Lyons said. “She’s an outstanding individual. She does a lot for the community and she’s such a huge volunteer. That’s what we look for — someone who gives back to the community.” If you want to zip around town Monday, you may want to prepare for the massive line of floats that will throw a wrench in your commute. The parade floats and attendees congregate on Prosser Street, Evers Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, then head north on Evers Street toward Reynolds Street. From Reynolds, the route turns west before hopping over toward the festival grounds, where it disperses on Sammonds Street. The parade will be March 8 and will leave the starting area at 1 p.m., but streets will begin to close at 10:30 a.m. in preparation of the event. If you want to get a good spot on the route, you’d better prepare to get there early. In fact, many set up their chairs the night before. At dawn you’ll see a string of cars headed toward downtown dropping off camping chairs at their preferred viewing locations. By 11 a.m., most of the spots are filled and many of the watch parties are well underway. This will also be a year full of change. The Strawberry Youth Parade, which has been a longstanding tradition at the Florida Strawberry Festival, has officially dissolved. The Grand Parade will thus be the only parade during this year’s festivities. Lyons said they wanted to come up with a unique way to represent all of the high schools in the area at the Grand Parade this year. She decided to have an award titled, “All-American High School Senior.” Principals and guidance counselors nominated students for the title. One student from

each school was selected and given a $250 scholarship from Berry Fine Productions. They will represent their schools in the parade. The Grand Parade has been a staple in the community since 1930. This year, despite the ongoing pandemic, the number of units has not been adjusted. However, Lyons said with it not being a major election year there aren’t a string of politicians hoping to secure votes in the parade lineup, which reduces its size. The marching bands Moody has long adored will be there as well, with the exception of teams from Polk County. Lyons said there is also the addition of some middle school bands as well this year, as they would usually participate in the Youth Parade. The Grand Parade will also feature a drill team from the University of Florida. The major difference this year is that Berry Fine Productions will live-stream the parade. A stage will be set up along the route and City Manager Bill McDaniel and Mayor Rick Lott will don their emcee hats once more to narrate the event, just like they did for the first time in December for the Plant City Christmas Parade. If you want to watch the parade from the comfort of your own home, you can do so by heading to Facebook and going to the Florida Strawberry Festival’s page, where it will live-stream the event. The stream will also be shared to the Berry Fine Productions, the City of Plant City, Bill McDaniel City Manager, Nate Kilton Plant City Commisisoner, Plant City Main Street, Plant City Right Now or the Visit Plant City Facebook pages. There will be a short pre-show before the parade begins, so Lyons said to begin to look for the link around 12:30 p.m. It should be live no later than 12:45 p.m. “I hope that everybody comes out and enjoys themselves and is safe,” Moody said. “Enjoy yourself, have fun, watch the parade, make sure you’re social distanced and go to the festival. Enjoy this with your kids. It’s a great thing in this community and the festival really is something we all love.”

IF YOU GO What: Grand Parade Where: Downtown Plant City. The parade gathers on Prosser Street, Evers Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and then heads north on Evers Street toward Reynolds Street. From Reynolds, the route turns west before hopping over toward the festival grounds, where it disperses on Sammonds Street. When: Streets begin closing at 10:30 a.m. and the parade begins promptly at 1 p.m. Cost: Free to attend Live Stream: Head to the Florida Strawberry Festival’s Facebook page

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

COPS CORNER

FEBRUARY 19

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER

2000 block of South Wheeler Street Warrant arrest: Officers responding to a call for service made contact with a male subject, who was found to have an outstanding warrant out of Hillsborough County for violation of probation. The subject was also found to be in possession of 41 illegal/controlled substance pills and was charged. FIVE-FINGER DISCOUNT 1400 block of South Collins Street Theft: A female subject was found to have stolen $36.45 worth of merchandise from a store. YOU CAN’T SEE ME North Maryland Avenue/East Calhoun Street Flee to elude: Officers attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle with a dark window tint, but the driver fled the area.

FEBRUARY 20 BACK AT IT AGAIN 1720 block of James L. Redman Parkway Trespass after warning: Of-

ficers were notified of a male subject panhandling at RaceTrac and made contact with him. They learned he was previously trespassed from the property in November 2020. He was arrested and released with a court date. BUMMER 800 block of West Warren Street Criminal mischief: Officers met with a female subject and gave her a ride to the 800 block of West Warren Street so she could retrieve her vehicle. They arrived and found both tires on the passenger side were flat. NOW YOU SEE IT, NOW YOU DON’T 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway Theft: This complainant stated someone took his wallet from the place where he left it.

FEBRUARY 21

FEBRUARY 22

CLEAN CLOTHES, DIRTY DEEDS

SUSPICION CONFIRMED

3400 block of West Baker Street Vehicle burglary: This complainant stated someone burglarized their vehicle while they were inside a laundromat.

1720 block of James L. Redman Parkway Warrant arrest: Officers responded to a report of a suspicious person at RaceTrac and made contact with the male subject in question. They confirmed he had an active warrant out of Hillsborough County for grand theft of a motor vehicle. He was arrested and taken to Orient Road Jail. MAILBOX MANGLER Multiple locations Criminal mischief and supplements: Several mailboxes were vandalized in northeastern Plant City on the 1400 block of Oakdale Street, the 1300 block of North Gordon Street and the 1400 block of North Maryland Avenue.

FEBRUARY 23 JUST VISITING

GOTCHA 2800 block of Wedgewood Drive Warrant arrest: Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle owned by a male subject with an outstanding felony warrant for violation of probation, but he was not in the vehicle. They visited his residence, found him and arrested him. He was taken to Orient Road Jail without incident.

FEBRUARY 24 INTRUDER ALERT 1100 block of North Pennsylvania Avenue Burglary: This complainant stated an unknown suspect entered her home while she was on a walk and stole her iPad, for which she had no serial number. She signed a waiver of prosecution and the case was placed in inactive status.

FEBRUARY 25 BLUETOOTH BANDIT 900 block of West Warren Street Theft: This complainant stated they believed someone stole their Bluetooth speakers overnight.

PLANT CITY

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100 block of Burchwood Avenue Warrant arrest: Officers met with a male subject and learned he had active warrants out of Pasco County for grand theft and failure to appear in court. He was arrested and taken to Orient Road Jail.

The Plant City Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. The Plant City Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

CITY STAFFERS HIGHLIGHTED FOR GOING ‘BACK TO SCHOOL’

During last week’s city commission meeting, there was a spotlight on a new credential program the city offered to staff. They also celebrated EMS Chief James Maxwell’s completion of the Executive Fire Officer Program. FROM PAGE 1

File photo

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BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

“When you talk about the depth and breadth of a systemic overhaul like the one I have wanted to bring to the city, you have to talk about the goal to have more opportunities for all of our staff to grow and continue to expand on what they can offer to our community,” McDaniel said. “We needed to get ourselves established with the program and now we are able to offer this certification program for up to 25 of our employees.” The curriculum has eight levels of classroom instruction supplemented by homework and exams. Typically it will take a participant 18 to 24 months to complete the program, and if they are successful they will walk away as a Certified Public Manager. Levels 1 to 7 are offered at a flat rate of $8,000 per level and Level 8 is offered at a flat rate of $8,750. For 25 participants to attend, the total cost for the City of Plant City is $64,750. The CPM program is “a nationally-recognized leadership development program

for public managers and supervisors.” Florida State University’s program aims to professionalize public management and improve “organizational efficiency and effectiveness.” The letter of agreement with FSU will allow for the training and development of up to 25 employees during the period of Nov. 30, 2020 to Sept. 20, 2022. The first round of sessions will begin in March shortly after the end of the Florida Strawberry Festival. McDaniel has already enrolled in the program and said he aims to “lead by example.” He joked in last week’s meeting that he was once again juggling homework and exams, and said he believes the lessons he has learned from the program will be a major asset for the rest of the staff who also aim to obtain the certification. During the meeting, McDaniel also announced to commissioners that another major achievement had been completed by a City Employee. EMS Chief James Maxwell completed the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program. The NFA’s Fire Officer Program takes four

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years to complete and “ provides senior fire officers with a broad perspective on various facets of fire and emergency services administration.” The courses are broken up into two-week segments and focus on the following: Year one focuses on Executive Development and is designed to assist fire service personnel in developing effective management and leadership skills. Year two’s focus is Executive Analysis of Community Risk Reduction which is designed to help students to become a community risk-reduction leader. Year three emphasizes Executive Analysis of Fire Service Operations in Emergency Management which enables the student to better prepare their communities for large-scale, multiagency, all hazard incidents. Year Four’s Executive Leadership course provides the student with the framework of executive-level competencies by focusing primarily on issues and areas of personal effectiveness.

Maxwell also had to complete four applied research papers to demonstrate an application of all of the course theory and concepts he learned to real life applications. He was honored Monday evening at the commission meeting by all those in attendance. “This is one of the many ways we ensure our citizens that we are delivering the best possible services,” McDaniel said. “For someone like Chief Maxwell to go through such a rigorous program just so he can make sure that he is able to provide the top level of service to his community, well, that’s an outstanding dedication on his part. We are willing, more than willing, as a city to make sure that our employees have the opportunity to pursue these types of credentials and achievements. In my mind it all goes back to the fact that we are here to serve. If you are going to your doctor, you want to know that your doctor is keeping up with training, is keeping their skills as sharp as possible. EFO for firefighters is top-tier training. And now our residents can know that Chief Maxwell is at that top level.”

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

AN EXHIBIT FIT FOR A QUEEN The new Strawberry Queen and her Court were invited to the unveiling of the updated 2021 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s exhibit on Monday.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Every year, the new Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court are invited to a special reveal of the Queen’s Exhibit at the festival grounds. Queen McKenna Jordan, First Maid Avery Surrency and court members KellieAnne Kirkland, Brynne Murphy and Kate Turner were joined by their family and leaders from the Florida Strawberry Festival for the reveal. The exhibit in Neighborhood Village is run by sisters Marsha Passmore

and Dodie White, who update it every year to fit the festival’s theme and the new Queen and Court. This year’s theme, “All Aboard,” was perfectly represented by donations from the Robert Willaford Railroad Museum, the East Hillsborough Historical Society and the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center. Pictures of the new Queen and Court in conductor’s hats as well as images from their pageant adorn one wall, interspersed among images from courts through the decades. Two massive rows of plaques of former Queens and Courts make

up the majority of the exhibit and a red carpet outlines a path through the historic experience. The blue dress Jordan wore the night she received the crown greets guests as they walk through the front doors of Neighborhood Village. On the other end of the exhibit is the winning dress of Catherine Fletcher, who was crowned Strawberry Queen in 1940. The exhibit always features the current queen and a royal from yesteryear. Passmore and White took a moment to thank the girls for coming and explained the history of Fletcher, who was a founda-

tion of the community. As their families walked along the photos many shared memories of the faces smiling down at them from the courts of the past. Festival Chair Dub McGinnes took a moment after many pictures had been snapped and long conversations had floated back and forth between those gathered to thank Passmore and White for the hard work they put into making the exhibit a fresh and informative experience year after year for attendees of the festival. The exhibit is frequently stated as being some attendees’ favorite part of the festival and he said a

large part of its continued success lies in the passion Passmore and White have for preserving this important part of the festival’s history. Before the girls left, the sisters presented them with gifts from some of their favorite local businesses, including a set of bedazzled red masks they joked would make sure future visitors would be able to peg exactly when Jordan and her Court reigned.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

FESTIVAL ADDS EVEN MORE

SAFETY UPGRADES

As opening day drew near, the Florida Strawberry Festival added several last-minute changes to help attendees feel safer than ever.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The Florida Strawberry Festival continues to add more improvements and amenities to the grounds in order to keep attendees safe while they visit the annual event. Festival President Paul Davis sat down with the Observer for an in-depth look at all of the COVID-19 precautions the organization has put in place prior to the gates opening. However, the situation is fluid and several new additions were added between press days to further the festival’s fight to keep people safe. “Every day, we are going up with something new that we want to add, that we want to change,” Davis said. “It’s a continuous process and you’re going to see that throughout the festival as we identify new areas we want to address.” One of the recent changes was that the festival purchased two new bathrooms to help lessen the amount of people standing in line to use the facilities across the park. Dividers were also installed in the men’s restrooms to separate the urinals and plexiglass was added to the top for

further protection. The festival added as many no-touch elements to the restrooms as it could — changing more than 400 units — to eliminate as much contact with hightouch areas around the grounds as possible. Davis requested his Midway provider have every person who works for them sit through a training session that addresses sanitization, social distancing and the many policies in place to keep riders safe as they buckle into attractions across the Midway. The staff has gone through similar trainings in the past, but they all had a refresher that focuses specifically on how the Florida Strawberry Festival expects to go above and beyond for its guests. A massive purchase for the festival came in the form of a sanitizing tunnel. The smart fogging sanitizing tunnel relies on motion detection, fog and UV light, which “atomizes a sanitizing solution and produces a dry fog. Sanitizes without leaving any residue.” The tunnel works with FDA and EPA approved COVID-19 solutions and utilizes a temperature reading on top of its twostep sanitizing process. The company says that it limits COVID-19 transmissions and

instantly sanitizes any clothes that walk through it. The tunnel has been set up under a tent just inside of Gate 1. It’s not mandatory for anyone to use, but Davis said he wanted to make sure it was available for those who want the extra protection. “This is state-of-the-art technology,” Davis said. “Several of us were walking through it the other day to test it out and I have to tell you it’s really amazing what it can do. It’s completely safe to use — you know they say that fog is safe enough to eat if you wanted to — and it just helps you have that extra layer of safety, of peace of mind, as you go enjoy your day at the festival.” The festival also has a new policy in place in order to help local youth not feel pressured to show their animals if they begin to come down with symptoms. During a meeting with the agriculture committee Tuesday evening, the festival decided it would have a policy in place so if someone begins to develop symptoms, comes in contact with someone who has tested positive or whose family has to quarantine, they can still show the animal they’ve worked with for months.

“We aren’t gong to penalize a kid if they’re sick,” Davis said. “That’s just not going to happen. So what we’re going to do is if a student has to quarantine, we will allow them to have another approved student show their animal for them. It has to be one of the students that has already been approved by us. We make sure these kids have good grades and are not in trouble, so they can’t just pick anyone. I would recommend they choose someone that’s showing from a different class so that they aren’t relying on their competition to help them out. But that really shouldn’t be a problem. We have a lot of great kids who have worked so hard on this. The last thing we want is for them to feel like they have to come and show their animal despite the fact that they feel sick because they’re scared of all that hard work going down the drain.” Davis added that as the festival progresses, there are sure to be many more sudden alterations and purchases to help attendees feel safer than ever.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

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“Our goal here at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is to continue being as relevant and as proactive as possible,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a press release. “This is an opportunity for the community to help us, help them. The livestock registration program allows a dispatched deputy to have all the information they will need -- like the owner’s contact information and address -- even before responding to a loose animal call. Our goal is always to make sure we can reunite lost livestock with their rightful owners. This information will, without a doubt, help expedite that process.” To register, visit teamhcso.com, and click the “Online Registration Services” tab under “Services” located on the main page. The program is called “Livestock Registration.”

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

BOY SCOUTS

HOST RECORD-BREAKING FOOD DRIVE

The Timucua District, which includes Plant City, and other Tampa Bayarea Boy Scouts collected more than 45,000 pounds of food in last month’s Scouting for Food drive.

Photos courtesy of Greater Tampa Bay Area Council

The Greater Tampa Bay Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America held its Scouting for Food drive in February and gathered more than 45,000 pounds of food to stock food pantries all over its territory. This is the second consecutive year the Tampa council has broken its own previous record for the drive, and this year’s haul was much greater than last year’s: in 2020, the scouts collected a total of 37,082 pounds of food. “Scouting for Food is a critical part of our Scouting culture,” Timucua District Director Kyle Molldene said in a press release. “Amidst the tragedy of COVID-19, the local scouts have stepped up as servant leaders within their communities.” The council is comprised of districts in nine counties and the Timucua District, which includes the Plant City area and southern Hillsborough County, collected a whopping 4,912 pounds of food for the drive. The Timucua scouts donated the food to the United Food Bank of Plant City and several others within district boundaries. The Boy Scouts cite a Feeding America study that shows Hillsborough had a child

food insecurity rate of 17 percent in 2018, a figure that the COVID-19 pandemic more than likely made worse. “The food drive gave the youth a chance to give back to the community and help those in need,” Tracy MacDonald, Troop Committee Chair of Plant City’s Troop 5, said in a press release. “Being helpful is a part of our Scout Law, and we often try to practice community service.”

CUTEST CRITTER

MILLIE, a 10 month old German Shorthair Pointer puppy, is enjoying the sunshine! Mom and dad Jason and Linsey Hay said she’s always ready for her closeup.

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

MARCH 4, 2021

SPORTS

DURANT BASEBALL SCORES 200TH WIN FOR VALDES

The Cougars’ 3-0 win over Plant City on Feb. 24 was the milestone marker head coach Butch Valdes.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Durant baseball team’s 3-0 win over Plant City on Feb. 24 was a big milestone for Durant head coach Butch Valdes: it was his 200th alltime with the program. A pitchers’ duel started by Durant’s Ronnie Galletti and Plant City’s Preston Rogers kept fans of both teams on their toes through the first five innings. Galletti threw a no-hitter, struck out seven Raiders and walked two in his five innings of work. Rogers struck out six Cougars and gave up three hits in the first five innings. Weston Sanchez, who earned the save for Durant, fanned four batters and gave up just one hit in two innings of relief work. The Cougars finally caught the break they needed in the sixth inning when Oscar Fernandez drew a walk

with one out, Dylan LaPointe and Dean Hotz loaded the bases with back-to-back singles and Javy Quintana drove in Fernandez to give Durant a 1-0 lead. Then Carlos Morales finished up the scoring with a two-run double to score courtesy runner Nick April-Gath and Hotz, respectively. Tanner Rollyson came in to relieve Rogers and induced a flyout to end the inning. Durant picked up three consecutive wins over Freedom (11-0 on Feb. 18), Lennard (3-1 on Feb. 22) and Plant City to start the 2021 season strong. Their win streak ended at three on Feb. 27, when a visit to Wharton ended with the Cougars taking an 8-7 loss that morning despite the team getting eight hits and five walks against the Wildcats’ pitching staff. Durant hosted Middleton Tuesday and won, 4-1. A trio of hot bats are leading the Cougars offensively: seniors Dean

Quick Hits PLANT CITY, ROBINSON FLAG FOOTBALL TEAMS LINKING UP FOR ‘CRUCIAL CATCH’ GAME Plant City High School’s March 24 flag football game at Robinson will be special for more than just the action itself. The schools have chosen that game in a joint venture to promote the American Cancer Society’s “Crucial Catch” program, an annual campaign hosted by both the ACS and the NFL that raises awareness of breast cancer. The teams will celebrate breast cancer survivors, warm up in commemorative t-shirts provided by Greenberg Traurig, raise awareness of the importance of getting breast cancer screenings and more to “intercept cancer” with help from members of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization. The game itself is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. For the PCHS fans who wish to attend, Robinson is located at 6311 S. Lois Ave., Tampa. For more information about the game and the “Crucial Catch” initiative, visit cancer.org.

SCOREBOARD BASEBALL FEB. 22 Durant 3, Lennard 1 FEB. 23 Strawberry Crest 2, Leto 0 (eight innings) FEB. 24 Durant 3, Plant City 0 FEB. 26 Plant City 6, Steinbrenner 3 Bloomingdale 5, Strawberry Crest 2 FEB. 27 Wharton 8, Durant 7 Plant City 10, Brandon 6 MAR. 1 Leto 13, Plant City 6 MAR. 2 Durant 4, Middleton 1 Strawberry Crest 17, Armwood 0

SOFTBALL FEB. 22 Durant 5, Lennard 0 Strawberry Crest 16, Plant City 0 FEB. 24 Durant 15, Plant City 0 FEB. 25 Riverview 5, Strawberry Crest 0

FLAG FOOTBALL MAR. 1 Durant 20, East Bay 0 Newsome 41, Plant City 0 Brandon 13, Strawberry Crest 0

Hotz (.385 BA, five hits, three RBI, three runs, one double and one triple) and Luke Scolaro (.375 BA, three hits, three runs, two RBI, one triple), as well as sophomore Aidan Welsh (.444 BA, four hits, three runs, one RBI). Thomas Allen (.250 BA, three hits, four runs, three RBI) has also given defenses fits with five stolen bases through four games. And it helps that along with Galletti (9.2 IP, 15K, 0.00 ERA), fellow senior Sean Hermann got off to a great start this season, having struck out 17 of 23 batters faced and given up just one hit with two walks. The Cougars will look to pick up their first road win during their upcoming four-game business trip. First up is a game at Riverview at 7 p.m. Friday, then at Sickles at 10 a.m. Saturday, then at Newsome at 7 p.m. March 9 and finally at Leto at 7 p.m. March 10.

Justin Kline

Ronnie Galletti threw five innings of no-hit ball Feb. 24 to lead Durant to the win.

Save $2.00 on Adult & $1.00 on Youth General Admission Tickets at Participating Publix Super Markets

OPENS TODAY!

Mar. 4 - 14, 2021 • Plant City, FL

WISH FARMS VARIETY STAGE Home of the GT Grandstands

• Mike Walker Daily: 12:30pm, 2:30pm & 4:30pm No 4:30pm show on Mar. 14 • Florida’s Frank Sinatra, Don Juceam Mar. 4 10:30am • What Remains Mar. 4 6:00pm • SouthBound Mar. 5 6:00pm • Sick Hot Mar. 6 6:00pm • “Ace” Jackson & The Jump Kings Mar. 7 6:00pm • Valley’s End Mar. 8 6:00pm • HeanonMusic Mar. 9 6:00pm • Honor American Heroes Mar. 10 5:45pm • oxford noland Mar. 10 6:00pm • Jimmy Mazz Mar. 11 10:30am • Bits of Grass Mar. 11 6:00pm • The Descendants Mar. 12 6:00pm • Unpainted Souls Mar. 13 6:00pm • HOLA! Plant City Mar. 14 6:00pm

SMITHFIELD STRAWBERRY TENT • The Stephanie Ann Show Daily: Noon, 4:00pm & 7:00pm • Kazual Daily: 1:00pm, 3:00pm & 6:00pm

ENTENMANN’S SHOWCASE TENT • Dennis Lee Daily: Noon, 2:00pm & 4:00pm No Noon show on March 7 • Born Lonesome Daily: 11:00am,1:00pm & 3:00pm No 11:00am show on Mar. 7 • Electric Woodshed Mar. 4 6:00pm • Pastor “Pee Wee” Callins Mar. 5 6:00pm • Florida Strawberry Festival Talent Show Mar. 6 6:00pm • The Detectives Mar. 7 6:00pm • Bound No More Mar. 8 6:00pm • Joe’s Garage Band Mar. 9 6:00pm • First Baptist Church Plant City Worship Team Mar. 10 6:00pm • Electric Woodshed Mar. 11 6:00pm • Pastor “Pee Wee” Callins Mar. 12 6:00pm • Florida Strawberry Festival Talent Show Mar. 13 6:00pm • The Detectives Mar. 14 6:00pm The Florida Strawberry Festival will be adhering to ALL guidelines and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, (CDC) as well as, local, county, and state mandates for the 2021 event. Per current restrictions, masks are required inside all structures and anywhere social distancing proves difficult.

Humana SENIOR CITIZENS DAYS Mar. 4 & 11

Seniors 60+ get $2 Off At Gate Special Concert 10:30am Senior Drawing 11:45am Wish Farms Variety Stage

O’Reilly Auto Parts Ride-A-Thon Days Mar. 4 & 11 Ride All Day $17 with $3 Off voucher from participating stores

MIDFLORIDA CU Free Kids Day Mar. 6 Kids thru High School Free Admission

Circle K Super Saturday Wristband Days Mar. 6 & 13 Ride All Day $30

TECO Ride-A-Thon Days Mar. 8, 9 & 10 Ride All Day $20

Coca-Cola Family Sundays Mar. 7 & 14

Caspers Company McDonald’s Food & Fun Friday Mar. 5

$5 Off Wristband with any empty Coke brand can or plastic bottle Ride All Day $20

$5 Off Midway Wristband Present any non-perishable food item and get a coupon for a Special Offer at participating McDonalds Ride All Day for $25.00 Get FREE with each Midway wristband purchase!

Ace Hardware Grand Parade Day Mar. 8 Parade Starts 1pm Florida Peanut Federation TWOSDAY Mar. 9 Single Rides $2 each Kids up to 17 FREE with Paid Adult Admission

Grow Financial FCU AMERICAN HEROES DAY Mar. 10 ALL Military & Veteran’s Law Enforcement First Responders & Healthcare Professionals admitted Free with valid ID

Tampa Bay Times Day on the Midway Mar. 12 Noon - 10pm, $5 Off Fun Pack Ride Coupon Book with printed Times coupon

Moonlight Magic Mar. 12 10pm - 2am $25

Farm Worker Appreciation Day Mar. 13 Sponsored by Astin Farms

Visit FLstrawberryfestival.com or call 813-754-1996 and get your tickets!

Go online to check out MORE Free Entertainment, INFO on Special Days & Discounts, plus the full Schedule of Events. Entertainment subject to change. General admission required.

Sun. Mar. 14, 6pm Wish Farms Variety Stage

#berryfest21

• T-Mobile • ZYN • Smithfield • Alessi Bakeries • AMSCOT • Astin Farms • Candyland Warehouse • Global Frequency Living • Circle K • Local Ford Dealers • O’Reilly Auto Parts • Grove Equipment Service • Stingray Chevrolet • Uncommon USA • Netterfield’s Concessions • Dakin Dairy Farms • Badcock Home Furniture &More • Good Health Saunas • GT Grandstands • Verizon Wireless • Krazy Kup • Russell’s Western Wear • TrueStim • AT&T • Images Everywhere! • Master Spas • Truist • Choo Choo Lawn Equipment • Entenmann’s

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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STRAWBERRY CREST WRESTLERS MAKE 2021 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT Sebastian Fernandez and Lex Strickland will represent the Chargers and the Plant City area at states this week.

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

DOLPHINS HOST 8-ON-8 TOURNAMENT The Plant City Dolphins’ 2021 spring football jamboree was held Saturday at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

File photo

Saturday was full of action at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex as the Plant City Dolphins’ 2021 8-on-8 Jamboree got into full swing. The Dolphins hosted 19 organizations from around the Tampa Bay area and central Florida with 56 games in five age divisions. The action was spread out among four fields at the complex with games starting between 9 a.m. and 5:35 p.m.

Sebastian Fernandez placed second in the 285-pound division at regionals over the weekend. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

After the FHSAA Class 3A-Region 2 championships came to a close last week, two Plant City-area wrestlers could say they made the cut for this weekend’s state championship tournament. Sebastian Fernandez and Lex Strickland, both of Strawberry Crest High School, will get a chance to bring some more state championship medals back to Dover this week. At least one win would give Crest its first state wrestling champion since Cullen Telfer won the 138-pound division as a freshman in 2015. Fernandez (20-6), a senior, had the best finish of the two at regionals. He scored three consecutive wins by fall to get to the 285-pound division championship match, but then lost to Grant Gelazin of Palm Harbor University (33-1) by fall (1:20) to claim second place. Strickland (21-9), a freshman, placed fourth overall in the 170-pound division. After losing his first match to KissimmeeOsceola’s Donovan Bohanan, Strickland powered through to the final round of the third-place bracket with two wins by fall and one 8-3 decision. He lost to Lakewood

Ranch’s Ranson Coons (39-6) by fall (2:18) in the third-place match. This year’s FHSAA state championship tournaments will be held tomorrow and Saturday at Silver Spurs Arena, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee. Tickets are $9 if purchased online in advance (ticketmaster.com/fhsaa-wrestling-tickets/ artist/1540379?CAMEFROM=CFC_ OHP_WEB_WEBSITE_OHPARK) and $12 if purchased the day of. Parking is $10 per vehicle, but you can also watch online at NFHSnetwork.com if you can’t make it in person.

Strawberry Crest Athletics/Twitter

Photos by Justin Kline

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

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We asked the 2021 Strawberry Queen and Court:

If someone’s coming to the Florida Strawberry Festival for the first time, what’s the first thing they should do? “Something very special to me this year is the Queen’s Exhibit where my dress from the Strawberry Queen’s pageant will stay in an enclosed case for the next year, along with my picture which will stay forever. It’s a reminder of such an amazing experience I had and the absolutely amazing opportunities I will receive this year. Something else to go to is the Amish doughnuts stand (Peachey’s). I cannot explain the obsession I have for those doughnuts, but if you have a sweet tooth you NEED to go try these.” — Queen McKenna Jordan “To visit the Neighborhood Village. Within that building there are baking contests, sewing projects and different ways for people in our community to express themselves and share their talents. But my favorite part would be the Queen’s Exhibit that is featured. Having the opportunity to be a part of the exhibit this year is so humbling and an

amazing honor. The festival showcases the queens and courts from 1930 to now. But being able to see the evolution of the scholarship pageant and what it has become today is so unique and one great thing that is showcased here at the Florida Strawberry Festival.” — First Maid Avery Surrency

art and photographs made by the people of our beloved Plant City. Being able to witness such creativity and all of the different perspectives of our town through the art of our people is such a unique experience which is why that’s the first place I’d recommend someone to go.” — Brynne Murphy

“If this was someone’s first time visiting the festival I’d tell them ‘All aboard! Welcome to everyone’s favorite train station.’ The first thing they should do is try all the delicious food. From Amish doughnuts to Island Noodles and Fiske fries, the options are endless.” — KellieAnne Kirkland

“The first place someone should go at the festival if they have never been would definitely be the TECO Expo Hall. It’s such a heartwarming experience walking through and meeting so many vendors who are so passionate about their work. You can see everything from crazy socks and monogrammed backpacks to the most beautiful jewelry pieces. You see so many unique gifts and personalities as you walk through the hall and it’ll get every visitor excited for the day ahead.” — Kate Turner

“As a first time festival-goer, I think that the place to be is the Milton E Hull Armory Building because during the festival, the inside of the building is decorated with the

Meet Your Care Team

Robert Baskin, MD

Gregg W. Gutowski, MD

Brian J. Korte, MD

Specialty: Family Medicine Education: Medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham, Alabama.

Specialty: Family Medicine Education: Medical degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. Experience: Residency at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama.

Specialty: Family Medicine Education: Medical degree from Northeastern Ohio University in Rootstown, Ohio. Experience: Residency at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Primary Care and Sports Medicine fellowship at Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Board Certified Family Medicine

Experience: Residency at the Cardiology Research V.A. Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. Certification: American Board of Family Medicine

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Sara Burnise Robbins Gunn, 68, of Lithia, born in Opp, Alabama on June 5, 1952, entered into eternal rest on February 23, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Sherwood ‘Woody’ Joseph DeAmbrose

Sherwood “Woody” Joseph DeAmbrose, 77, of Lakeland, born in Tampa on December 8, 1943, entered into the eternal rest on February 26, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

William ‘Clint’ Clinton Blanchard

Twila Kaye Palome

William “Clint” Clinton Blanchard, 55, of Plant City, born on July 4, 1965, entered into eternal rest on February 22, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Twila Kaye Palome, 57, of Plant City, born in Bartow on November 23, 1963, entered into eternal rest on February 26, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Brenda Lowe

Sherlene Elliott

Brenda Lowe, 79, of Valrico, born in Georgia on October 31, 1941, entered into eternal rest on February 24, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Sherlene Elliott, 59, of Plant City, born in Salem on January 10, 1962, entered into eternal rest on February 28, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

David Clair Hunley (Hopper), Sr.

David Clair Hunley (Hopper), Sr., born Nov. 15, 1941, passed on February 26, 2021. David was a Vietnam-era veteran. David will be laid to rest with military honors at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, at a later date. Haught Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local hospice.

Barney ‘Billy’ Wiggins Barney “Billy” Wiggins, 80, of Cocoa Beach, passed away on March 1, 2021. Services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, if so desired donations can be made to the Indian River Lagoon Clam Restoration Project at https://www. uff.ufl.edu/giving-opportunities023327-indian-river-lagoonclam-restoration/. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

Online condolences may be left for the family at haught. care.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Tom Levin Tom Levin, born in Rockford, Illinois and raised in Carrollwood, passed away on February 21, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Sharon Ann Hargis (Gorrell)

Sharon Ann Hargis (Gorrell) passed into eternal life 2/21/2021. The service will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1104 Cason St., Plant City at 10am March 12. The family will receive friends at 9am until time of HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM service. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations sent in her honor to Shiloh Baptist HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM Dorothy Mary Church, The Kidney Foundation Dempsey or the VFW. John Allen Online condolences may be left With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to our precious Nana. Doro- for the family at haught.care. Parrish II thy Mary Dempsey peacefully passed on to rejoin her family in John Allen Parrish II, 65, of heaven last Friday, February 26, Tampa, passed away on Febru2021. If you would like to donate ary 23, 2021. Services will be HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM in Dorothy’s name, please mail held privately. a check or money order to: Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care. Lifepath Hospice Care Services, 8720 Quimper Place Suite 100, Shreveport, LA 71105. HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

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THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

OBITUARIES

Sara Burnise Robbins Gunn

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

FAMILY. COMMUNITY. COMPASSION. VALUE. FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971 HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Taking careMARCH of 4, 2021 | THURSDAY, each other is what

PlantCityObserver.com

Caroline Joyce Thomas

Glenn W. Callis community Glenn W. Callis, 85, of

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is Plant all about. City, passed away on Saturday, February

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OBITUARIES

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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BEST BET THURSDAY, MARCH 4 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL OPENING DAY 10 a.m. It’s that time of year again! The Florida Strawberry Festival’s gates open to the public the morning of March 4 and this year’s event — themed “All Aboard!” will go full steam ahead through March 14. Visit flstrawberryfestival.com or pick up a copy of the Plant City Observer’s 2021 Florida Strawberry Festival Preview this week for more information.

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SATURDAY, MARCH 6

PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS 7:30 to 9 a.m. Join the Plant City Toastmasters for breakfast, laughs, and fun; there’s no better way to start your Thursday mornings. Bring a chair and a mask. The Toastmasters also offer Zoom meetings for those who can’t make it in person. Visit the Facebook page, facebook.com/ PlantCityToastmasters/, for meeting locations and information.

BLUEGRASS JAM 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This is an open invitation for local bluegrass musicians and fans to come to the Krazy Kup Loft, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., and jam, clap hands, stomp feet, and enjoy. They host a Bluegrass Jam the first Saturday of every month.

BATON TWIRLING CLASSES Plant City Recreation presents Baton Twirling Classes at the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St. Classes are held every Thursday. Beginner classes are from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Intermediate classes are from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Your first class will be free. If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Barbara Patrick at 813-626-4554.

FRIDAY, MARCH 5

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM Wells MeMorial & event Center

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THURSDAY, MARCH 4

10/27/15 10:42 AM

Born Bette Irma Arnold in, Baltimore, MD she left Wells MeMorial & event Center this world on February 19, PlanT CiTy Grace Tickel 2021. 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com A true force of nature, Yancey she will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Grace Tickel Yancey, 93, She is survived by her passed away on February 24, 2021. She was born May children Raymond McDowell and Kimberly Johns (Al1, 1927 we’re in Plant City and dedicated to helping families create a E RVE our community unique and meaningful memorial that trulylen); her grandchildren Anassionate care since 1896.a lifelong was resident. celebrates the life it represents. orial professionals, Fond memories and mes- derson McDowell (Gina), rvice Guarantee > National Plan Transferability ment Travel Assistance The Compassionmay Helpline® Amanda Crafton (Jeff), sages of> sympathy be Johns (Shavarn) left at www.wellsmemorial. Rthe Yancey Family. Jacob and Kristin Brown (Wiludly supportingcom for the Plant City Strawberry Festival. liam); her great-grandchildren McKinley McDowellSantiago (Hector), Dalton WELLSMEMORIAL.COM Monroe, Taylor Johns, Olivia McDowell, Maxwell Crafton, Gabrielle Crafton, Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy Paton Mary and Addison Brown. 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com There will be no services, Mary Paton, 94, of Valrico, per her request. Donations passed away on Saturday, can be made to Breast February 27, 2021. Mary Cancer Research, the was born February 7, 1927 Humane Society of Tampa in Tampa. we’re dedicated to helping families create a E RVE our community unique and meaningful memorial that trulyBay or the charity of your assionate care since 1896. Fond memories and celebrates the life it represents. orial professionals, choice. expressions of Transferability sympathy rvice Guarantee > National Plan ment Travel Assistance The Compassion Helpline® may be >shared at www. WellsMemorial.com for the R Paton family. udly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. WELLSMEMORIAL.COM

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813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com 10/27/15 10:42 AM

UNCHAINED LIVE AT KRAZY KUP 7 to 8:30 p.m. Plant City’s own Unchained will play the loft at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., for a night of uplifting music and worship. A love offering will be collected.

PLANT CITY SOCIAL DANCE 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Strawberry Square Dance Center, 4401 Promenade Blvd. Plant City Social Dance will have dances every Saturday night in the month of March at the Strawberry Square Dance Center. From 6 to 6:30 p.m., there will be ballroom music for ballroom dancers. The regular dance goes from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The cost to dance is $7 per person and attendance is limited to 50 people with reservations. Call DJ Ken Miller at 863409-7714 to reserve your spot and visit djkenmiller. com to look at sample playlists and get more information.

merged for the 2021 festival season. The parade will begin in downtown Plant City heading westbound on Reynolds Street and is expected to pass the festival grounds around 2 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 9 VIRTUAL STORY TIME WITH BRUTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY Join Miss Amanda for a pre-recorded story time of the book entitled “The Spider and the Fly” by Mary Howitt.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10

MONDAY, MARCH 8

FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Federal, state and local opportunities are constantly changing. If you’ve served any time in the military, retired or non-retention, and would like to review your benefits, please take advantage of free assistance at the Bing House Museum, 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walkins welcomed or call 813704-5800 to set a specific time. Masks are required and temperatures will be taken at the door.

2021 STRAWBERRY PARADE 1 p.m. The Florida Strawberry Festival’s biggest parade returns like never before, as the Grand Parade and Youth Parades have

MASTER GARDENER: PRUNING BASICS 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join Bruton Memorial Library for this live webinar and Q&A teaching ecological awareness and how to

nurture your own corner of the natural world. This session’s topic is “Pruning Basics”. Register early via Bruton Memorial Library’s social media.

THURSDAY, MARCH 11 PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS 7:30 to 9 a.m. Join the Plant City Toastmasters for breakfast, laughs, and fun; there’s no better way to start your Thursday mornings. Bring a chair and a mask. The Toastmasters also offer Zoom meetings for those who can’t make it in person. Visit the Facebook page, facebook.com/ PlantCityToastmasters/, for meeting locations and information. BATON TWIRLING CLASSES Plant City Recreation presents Baton Twirling Classes at the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St. Classes are held every Thursday. Beginner classes are from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Intermediate classes are from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Your first class will be free. If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Barbara Patrick at 813-626-4554.

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FORECAST

Send your photo submissions to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@PlantCityObserver.com or hashtag #iloveplantcity on Instagram for @igersplantcity to feature.

THURSDAY, MARCH 4 High: 75 Low: 50 Chance of rain: 8%

FRIDAY, MARCH 5 High: 79 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 6%

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, March 4

6:49a

6:31p

Friday, March 5

6:48a

6:31p

Saturday, March 6

6:47a

6:32p

Sunday, March 7

6:46a

6:33p

Monday, March 8

6:45a

6:33p

Tuesday, March 9

6:44a

6:34p

Wednesday, March 10 6:43a

6:34p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MARCH 6 High: 66 Low: 53 Chance of rain: 85%

SUNDAY, MARCH 7 High: 71 Low: 46 Chance of rain: 5% “No matter which city park you visit, you can always find something interesting and unique in Plant City,” Stephanie Hrenchir wrote. “Taken at Brewer Park, this double-crested cormorant was enjoying the cool fountain water on a warm February day.”

ONLINE

MONDAY, MARCH 8 High: 73 Low: 50 Chance of rain: 4%

Across 1 Puts at ease 6 Pinot alternative 9 Something about a painting? 14 Ryan of “Paper Moon” 15 Brouhaha 16 Paint choice 17 *Mechanical plaything 19 __-garde 20 Ambulance gp. 21 Quick inhalation 22 Horseshoe-shaped letter 23 Pennant __ 25 *Dark as can be 28 Patronizes, in a way

30 “Insecure” actress/ writer Issa __ 31 Enero, por ejemplo 32 Foil alternative 33 Rock’s __ Supply 34 Campus suffix 35 *Duke led one 40 Keeps in the email loop 43 Comprehend 44 Litter’s littlest 47 Chef’s dish words 48 Med. country 49 Web page banners 52 *Nursery rhyme arachnophobe 55 Barter 56 Cause friction 57 Be up against

59 Diner slice 60 Scoville unit food 61 Ump’s call, often based on a sequence found in the answers to starred clues 63 Muscle beach bro 64 Bedazzle 65 When left turns are rarely allowed 66 Off-mic comment 67 Furry foot 68 Fills up Down 1 Hides in fear 2 Do some work at Pixar 3 Protective camera piece

4 Sore 5 Whack over the wall 6 Keep a Persian company, perhaps 7 Take in, as a Persian 8 Huck Finn, for one 9 Served blazing 10 “Bolero” composer 11 In the ballpark? 12 Intimidated 13 Interoffice no. 18 Bear whose bed was too hard 22 Maureen of “Rio Grande” 24 Focuses on, as the catcher for signals 26 Bed with sliding sides 27 Sunflower St. school 29 Patch, perhaps 33 Ticket price determinant, at times 36 A single Time? 37 Soft ball 38 New Deal agcy. 39 Outfit 40 Engine part 41 Trite expressions 42 Bento box selection 45 Jazz festival site 46 One learning the ropes 48 “Nothing’s wrong” 49 Bar mitzvah language 50 Notions case 51 Races round the bases 53 Caesar __ 54 Mufti’s proclamation 58 17 of Laila Ali’s wins, for short 60 “__-ching!” 61 Weaken 62 “Bambi” doe

Mar. 12 New

Mar. 17 First

Mar. 27 Full

Mar. 8 Last

RAINFALL LAST WEEK:

MONTH TO DATE:

0.11 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

MAR. AVERAGE:

04.57 in.

3.57 in.

STRAWBERRIES Shipping point: Central Florida $6-$10

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

Don’t let fear stop you from getting the care you need. Don’t delay getting essential medical care. We’ve put enhanced safety measures in place to help keep you safe. COVID-19 has stopped people from doing many things. But we can’t let it stop us from getting what we need most: medical care. BayCare is helping to keep our patients safe by following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for safety processes and cleaning procedures. This makes sure that everyone can feel secure getting the care they need. Don’t let fear of this pandemic make other health conditions worse. Learn more about how we’re keeping you safe: BayCare.org/Safety

21-1392274-0221

PlantCityObserver.com