3.8.18 PLCO

Sweet memories The first Royal Roundup SEE PAGE 4

Festival concerts get grand SEE PAGE 8

VOLUME 5, NO. 36

YOUR TOWN Tick, tock.

Turn forward your clock!

Parades and more photos SEE PAGE 12

FREE

PCHS rises to the top Plant City High was awarded a $10,000 NBC R.I.S.E grant to enhance the school’s drama program.

SEE PAGE 3

Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. March 11.

Breanne Williams

As drama teacher Audrey Schmidt announced the school had won, her students began to cry.

StrawBuddy Selfie update This is your last chance to win Brad Paisley concert tickets through the 2018 Strawbuddy Selfie Challenge.

Go to plantcityobserver.com for full details of the contest.

The cutoff is at 5 p.m. on March 8 and winners will be announced March 9 on the Plant City Observer’s Facebook page. Winners can pick up their tickets at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce’s booth at the Florida Strawberry Festival.

Design complete on new station By early 2019, the Plant City Fire Department will have three fully operational stations.

SEE PAGE 6

•

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

YOUR TOWN

Breanne Williams

Reba McEntire cried as she watched her former bandmate propose to his girlfriend.

Slipping on that little rock Reba McEntire helped a former bandmate give the proposal of a lifetime Sunday evening during her concert at the Florida Strawberry Festival. Calling Wayne Lewis and his girlfriend, Roselle Everett Spann, on stage to aid in a raffle, the tables quickly turned when Wayne dropped to one knee and produced a ring.

McEntire dabbed her eyes throughout the proposal, then jokingly said she should have passed tissues around and sold them for $1, saying “I would’ve made a fortune.”

Lewis joked he was grateful for the help from both McEntire and the 11,500 audience members in attendance in pulling off his grand proposal.

After all was said and done, the couple thanked McEntire for sharing such a special moment with them. Lewis said she truly was “one of the sweetest and kindest people” alive.

|

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

WEEK OF MARCH 8, 2018

BY THE NUMBERS

$10,000

“I know this is going to get put to good use, I know we’re going to do incredible things with it. We just never expected to get this opportunity, but now that we have it we’re not going to waste it.”

Photojournalism contest returns

— Lexi Knotts, drama historian at PCHS, said in reaction to the $10,000 grant the school’s theatre program won.. READ MORE ON PAGE 3.

LOCAL STUDENTS SCORE BIG

The amount of grant money won by Plant City High School through the R.I.S.E America grants.

SEE PAGE 3.

10,500

The capacity of the Florida Strawberry Festival’s upgraded main concert venue.

SEE PAGE 8.

47

The number of competitors with Titanium Gymnastics and Cheerleading in 2018.

SEE PAGE 9.

Courtesy Photo

Plant City High School college and Career Counselor Jamie Stephens, Lily Batley, Makayla Johnson, Mackenzie Steele, Sara Demolli, Delaney Flowers, Kanyea Sutton and Plant City Optimist Club President Pat Stottlemyer.

MEETINGS PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. March 15 at The Community Room in the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N Evers St. The meeting is for the Plant City Toastmasters Club #4051.

T

hree local students participated in the annual Plant City Optimist Club Oratorical Contest on Feb. 19 at the Plant City Recreation & Parks Department. The contest asked, “Where are my roots of optimism?” and students presented a four to five-minute oration in front of an audience of more than 30 people.

“This activity helps our young people prepare for their future by developing their public speaking skills,” Optimist Club President Pat Stottlemyer said in a news release.

Lily Batley and Kanyea Sutton placed first,

Mackenzie Steele placed second, Delaney Flowers placed third and Sara Demolli and Makayla Johnson were honorable mentions.

They were scored on poise, content of speech, delivery and presentation and overall effectiveness. The two first place finishers advanced to the Zone Contest, which is held on April 9. Winners there will advance to the North Florida District’s Southwest Regional Contest for the Tampa Bay area on April 21.

The Plant City club will host both the Zone and Southwest Regional competitions this year.

P R O P E R T Y M A N AG E M E N T C O M M E R C I A L R E N TA L S R E S I D E N T I A L R E N TA L S

The Plant City Photo Archives and History Center announced its photojournalism contest is open to students at Plant City High School and adult residents of the greater Plant City area age 18 or older.

Those who enter must use their photographs to tell a story of Plant City or its surrounding area’s history.

Up to four photos may be used and a story must be attached. Students must write a 300 to 600-word story and adults must write a 400 to 800-word story.

The contest is now open and will close April 12. Winners will be announced April 19. Students should submit entries to Jamie Stephens, PCHS college and carer counselor. Adults should send entries to the Photo Archives and History Center, 106 S. Evers St., or email them to Gil Gott at gil@ plantcityphotoarchives.org.

For more information call 813-754-1578.

Land Remembered Tour comes to Plant City

You can see “A Land Remembered” and Patrick Smith’s other popular books come to life at 7 p.m. March 8 at the Bruton Memorial Library.

Call the library at 813-7579215 to reserve your space.

The event is funded by the Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

PCHS drama wins big The school received $10,000 from NBC’s R.I.S.E. America program.

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

3

OTHER GRANT WINNERS n Charles Henderson (Troy, AL) n American Canyon (American

Canyon, CA)

n Henry J. Kaiser (Fontana, CA) n Mariposa County (Mariposa,

CA)

n Vaughn Next Century Learning

Center (San Fernando, CA)

n Seaside (Seaside, CA) n Kunsmiller Creative Arts Acad-

emy (Denver, CO)

n Enfield (Enfield, CT) n School Without Walls

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Tears flowed early Tuesday morning in the Plant City High School auditorium after theater students learned they had won a $10,000 grant from NBC’s R.I.S.E America.

Through R.I.S.E America, which stands for Recognizing and Inspiring Student Expression, 50 schools were selected out of 1,000 applicants to receive $10,000 grants to use for their theater programs. NBC partnered with the Educational Theatre Foundation for the nationwide award.

Plant City High students spent weeks creating a video and writing an essay to explain why they deserved the grant. It was one of only two Florida schools to receive the award.

“I cried and then I laughed,” said drama teacher Audrey Schmidt. “I was just in shock and so humbled and so proud of these kids and the effort they put into being kids deserving of a prize like this. That’s what they are. They’re so deserving and so humble and they care about this community.

Then I just laughed because it’s Plant City. Who in Plant City gets national recognition?”

When Schmidt made the announcement from the auditorium stage Tuesday morning her students reacted in shock, with many reduced to tears at the news. Behind her, a banner from NBC saying “Congratulations PCHS Troupe 1449” hung above a table adorned with a large cake in their honor.

As the students rushed the stage, several walked behind the curtain, tears flowing from their eyes as they called their parents to tell them the news.

“I know this is going to get put to good use, I know we’re going to do incredible things with it,” Lexi Knotts, drama historian, said.

“We just never expected to get this opportunity, but now that we have it we’re not going to waste it…theater teaches kids skills that I don’t think they could learn anywhere else. It teaches them camaraderie, it teaches them how to work together and function in a

(Washington, D.C.)

n Hallandale (Hallandale

Beach, FL)

n The Howard School (Atlanta,

GA)

n Nanakuli High and Intermediate

School (Waianae, HI)

n Jefferson (Cedar Rapids, IA) n Glenbard West (Glen Ellyn, IL) n Scecina Memorial

(Indianapolis, IN)

n Leavenworth (Leavenworth, KS) n Boyle County (Danville, KY) n Alfred Bonnabel Magnet

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(St. Louis, MO)

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trict 148 (Malcolm, NE)

n Belmont (Belmont, NH) n Bound Brook (Bound

Brook, NJ)

group, but also to love the people that you’re with.”

Schmidt said the theater program is the only reason some of her students come to school. She said the experience teaches them how to empathize with other people, which is “something our world desperately needs.”

Principal Susan Sullivan said it was exciting to see the program grow so quickly over the past few years. Theater has only recently been offered as a class at PCHS and, under Schmidt, it is one of the fastest-growing courses available. Sullivan said plugging into a program helps students feel connected and supported, which ultimately helps them do better in classes.

Though budgets across the country are tight for the arts, Jason Katims, creator and executive producer of R.I.S.E., said offering the grants and directly impacting high school drama programs is a “dream come true.”

“It has never been clearer that the future of our country rests on the shoulders of the next gen-

eration of young leaders,” Katims said in a news release. “I am excited about the notion that the R.I.S.E. America grants will help support, inspire and nurture creative young minds throughout the country, especially at a time when arts in education is undervalued and under-funded.”

The money will be used to enhance the program and help them put on more shows that deal with a social issue, Schmidt said.

This year, the group is putting on a dual-language production of “Aladdin,” which she said may have been key in helping them win the grant. She said the group is taking a risk on something no one else is doing, costing “the entire theater budget” to accomplish.

“They found theater and they found a place to belong, they found a home,” Schmidt said.

“Now they don’t want to leave and they’re pulling more and more people in, which is how we’ve gone from one class to five in three and a half, four years.”

n Union Senior (Union, NJ) n Digital Arts & Technology Photos by Breanne Wiliiams

Top: Drama teacher Audrey Schmidt surrounded by her theater students.

Above Left: Lauren Mendoza cut a cake that had been made in the students’ honor.

Above: Drama teacher Audrey Schmidt began to cry while announcing to her students they had won the $10,000 grant.

Academy (Albuquerque, NM)

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gas College Prep (Las Vegas, NV)

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Plant City man flees troopers, kills woman FHP said a 61-year-old woman died after being hit by a Plant City man’s vehicle in Wildwood.

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

Wherever Troy Kinkade was heading Tuesday morning, he was trying to get there fast. He got to jail instead, with a homicide charge added to an already lengthy rap sheet.

Kinkade, 23, of Plant City, was

arrested Tuesday morning for vehicular manslaughter, among other charges, after leading troopers on a chase that resulted in a 61-year-old woman’s death, Florida Highway Patrol said.

According to FHP, around 6 a.m. Tuesday, a trooper clocked Kinkade driving a 2017 Nissan Altima at 92 mph as he passed the Sumter and Marion county line on southbound Interstate 75.

The chase began.

The trooper, FHP said, attempted to overtake Kinkade as he headed south with a 17-yearold Plant City boy, 33-year-old Lakeland man and 35-year-old

Texas woman in the car. Racing the trooper down the highway just a dozen miles south of Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, Kinkade suddenly turned off the highway at the State Road 44 exit.

Just as Kinkade was blowing through a solid red light at the end of the exit ramp, FHP said, Kristin Reed, 61, of Homosassa Springs was heading east on SR-44 in 2006 Toyota Camry.

Kinkade’s vehicle struck Reed’s as she passed through a solid green light, FHP said. The two vehicles spun and stopped along the grass of the intersections southern shoulder. Reed died at the scene.

Ending life was apparently not enough to end the chase for Kinkade, according to an FHP report. After the crash he led the trooper on a foot chase, but was apprehended.

Kinkade was taken to Sumter County jail and charged with DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, driving while license suspended involving a death, leaving the scene of a crash involving a death and a felony warrant for resisting an officer with violence and misdemeanor warrant for no valid driver license from Hillsborough County.

According to records from the

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Kinkade has been arrested at least 10 times before on charges including drug possession, domestic violence and multiple arrests for armed robbery since he was 15 years old.

As of Wednesday, he is still being held in Sumter County jail.

FHP spokesperson Steve Gaskins said the passengers did not flee and were not charged with anything. All three passengers were treated for minor injuries at Leesburg Regional Medical Center.

Reed was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, FHP said.

4

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

|

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

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Opening day started hours before the sun rose for the new royals. Though they spent the weeks prior to the festival attending every major event in town to draw attention to the upcoming festivities, the girls woke up well before their 2 a.m. alarms on March 1 to prepare for the big day.

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“It was kind of like Christmas morning,” Queen’s Court member Selena Berrios said. “I set my alarm for 2 a.m. but still woke up early. I was just so excited, we all were. It was finally here.”

By 5 a.m. the girls were dressed to the nines, smiling and standing under the flashing lights of the fair rides as they greeted the media and talked about what to expect over the next 11 days. When the gates opened at 10 a.m. they were standing at each turnstile, waving and even occasionally hugging visitors to the festival.

Their itinerary was extensive, but their smiles and enthusiasm never wavered.

“This is really who they are, they’re very genuine and just truly love the festival,” Donna Keel, chairman of the Strawberry Queen committee and co-strawberry mom to the royals, said.

“They never once wavered. It’s a long day. We’re here before the sun is up and stay until late that night, but they never complained and were excited for each new thing we did. They use their titles for the good of the festival, not the good of themselves and that shows.”

Though they’ve had the crown and sashes for months, the girls said they are still caught offguard by the number of people who want to meet them.

"I just think it’s really cool how people come up to us because we all think we’re just normal people, but the love we’re shown is truly humbling,” Queen Ally Burt said. “That first day, a mom just handed her baby to us. They’re all so kind and we’re honored to get to be a part of this.”

The 11 days of the festival have been described by previous queens as a “whirlwind experi-

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

5

Left: Court member Selena Berrios helped First Maid Dallas Baker with her makeup before they left for a concert.

Above: Queen Ally Burt's aunt, Jules Burt, painted these portraits for The Palace.

CFC037149

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ence.” In order to be sure they are all able to remember their experiences, Burt is keeping a journal in which she has each girl write their favorite moment of the day before they all leave for the night.

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While taking a moment to relax in the Palace — a room at the festival where the Queen and Court get ready and rest between events — the girls joked about the influence their strawberry moms, Keel

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and Di Lott, have already had on their lives. Berrios said they’ve already begun to pick up some of their quirks, like calling any purse a “pocketbook.”

Though laced with light teasing, the girls unanimously agreed they would never have been able to “pull this off” without Keel and Lott. From them, the girls said, they continue to learn how to deepen their love of their town and how to serve others.

“That attitude, that’s what the festival is all about,” Burt said.

“Its southern hospitality and Plant City is deep in tradition.

Whoever we meet here, we try to show them that.”

First Maid Dallas Baker and court members Baylee Astin and Zoe Rasmussen all shared moments from the past week that

they know will stay with them forever.

Rasmussen talked about the love she’s seen from the two women who volunteer to help them get ready each day. Baker shared stories of getting to know the people who are in charge of parking who greet them with a smile and kind word each morning. Astin smiled as she reflected on getting to greet and help some of the people who first came in the gate early Thursday morning.

Though they may be tired, the girls all agreed this has been one of the greatest experiences of their lives.

“This is just the beginning,” Berrios said. “I can’t wait to see what we’ll get to do with our community over the next year.”

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

Plant City goes green with new fire station Design work is complete and construction set to begin on city’s third fire station.

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

Plant City’s newest fire station is fully designed, under budget and prepped for continued energy efficiency.

The new fire station, the city’s third, will be built along Park Road near the old Tourist Information Center building at 1702 N. Park Road. The station was originally estimated to cost around $319 per square foot, but was reduced to about $267 square foot at the 30% design phase. The price has dropped even more with design completion, coming in at around $262 per square foot for building construction, giving the total project a price tag of just over $3 million.

“Not only are we getting a fire station that meets our needs, but we’re building this on a very prominent location in one of the gateway streets of our city and that will be quite a statement for the traffic passing by,” City Manager Bill McDaniel said. “I think that, for the fire department, it’s a very fitting addition that we have a nice display area for the antique fire engine. This design incorporates many of the modern features and needs of our fire department.”

Courtesy rendering

The new fire station is expected to open in 2019.

Jeff McDowell of Wannemacher Jensen Architects, the project designer, said the new building was designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Green Building Initiative Green Globe standards, which measure a building’s energy efficiency and

climate impact. It will not, however, receive certification from the organizations because of the costly process, he said.

McDowell said he was able to come in under budget, but include all the requested design elements like a display bay out front for the city’s 1927 American LaFrance

fire engine.

“The people of Plant City are really proud of their heritage,” McDowell said. “We were able to preserve and display it with that bay out front.”

While Plant City’s past was able to be preserved, McDowell said the station still looks to the

future, incorporating modern design elements for ease of maintenance and movement.

“The plan is designed to get firemen from their dorms to the truck as quickly as possible and with no obstacles in the way so they don’t run into anything in the dark,” he said.

The three-bay station is set to be equipped with seven private dorms with individual bathrooms for privacy, making it easier to accommodate mixedgender crews. The building will also feature exposed brick that works structurally as well as aesthetically. The building will also feature polished concrete floors, solid-surface countertops, limited paint and conduits on the roof to add solar panels, which will increase the building’s efficiency.

“Virtually every problem we’ve had has been addressed,” Fire Chief Daniel R. Azzariti said.

“The firefighters are very excited about it. They are thrilled to death to have it move forward.”

Currently, the city is divided into two zones with fire stations at 604 E. Alexander St. and 809 N. Alexander St. The new station will divide the city into three zones, with the third serving the city’s northeast quadrant, where the highest volume of growth is expected to occur.

Construction on the new 8,400-square-foot fire station is expected to be completed by February of 2019.

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PlantCityObserver.com

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DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

Florida Highway Patrol said an 80-year-old woman died following a crash on Interstate 4 Tuesday.

According to FHP, Thomas Stedem, 57, of Lakeland, was driving Gertrude Minneman and Marvin Minneman, both 80 and both of Maryland, east on I-4 in a 2015 Ford Escape. William Grimer Jr., of Plant City, was behind them in a 2017 Ford F-350.

The two vehicles passed the Alexander Street exit just after 3 p.m., FHP said. Stedem saw traffic stopped ahead and drove onto the left shoulder to avoid collision. Grimer did the same.

It was then, FHP said, that Grimer’s vehicle crashed into the

DOCTOR’S NOTE

rear of Stedem’s, launching the Ford Escape into the driver’s side of a Cadillac SRX stopped for traffic. The Escape overturned and Gertrude Minneman was ejected from the back seat of the vehicle.

Grimer’s truck rotated and hit the rear driver’s side of the SRX. Gertrude Minneman was transported to South Florida Baptist Hospital, where she died from her injuries. FHP said she was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Stedem and Marvin Minneman were transported to Lakeland Regional Health with minor injuries. Grimer and the driver of the Cadillac did not report any injuries.

FHP said alcohol or speed are not believed to be factors in the crash, but charges are pending.

Tuesday’s crash shut down the two left lanes of I-4 surrounding the accident for about four hours, causing even more congestion than usual during the busy Florida Strawberry Festival season.

LETTER

One dead in Tuesday afternoon I-4 crash Most of eastbound I-4 in Plant City was shut down for several hours.

7

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

Make Plant City great again The out-of-town land speculators, who gambled on a land development scheme within Walden Lake that would have destroyed the essence of the Walden Lake community, have come up “snake eyes” — thank goodness. Their visions of a windfall, from the sweat equity of many, are now nothing but a mirage. Today, the 350-plus acres now sit in receivership with Today’s Bank of Little Rock, Arkansas — now what?

The time has now come for the many talented men and women of Plant City, in government, in civic associations, in academia and in business, to come together to build a meaningful solution — not just for the residents of Walden Lake, but for all the residents of Plant City. I can see a government, civic and private partnership — a consortium —

that could very well become a model for other municipalities facing similar challenges across the country. I am submitting these specific ideas to the Mayor and commissioners of Plant City, WLCA and other interested business interests.

The 350 acres of green space that surround our homes is very much our “community center.”

In fact, I would say it has the potential to impact beyond Walden, and even beyond the City of Plant City. Without going into detail here, if this “consortium” thinks outside the box and acts without haste, this land could become a city asset that pays many dividends.

I encourage others to come forward. More important than money is that we now act together to make Plant City even greater!

DON MARSHALL PLANT CITY

FLORIDA E.N.T. & ALLERGY

Identifying voice and swallowing disorders Don’t wait too long to seek treatment for some of your body’s most important functions.

Y

our voice and your ability to swallow are all things you may take for granted, until you have a problem with one of them.

Because your voice is the best tool for communication, it is important to do everything you can to keep it healthy. While singers, actors and public speakers might be first in line seeking care for their voices, we all depend on our voices either for our profession or for our daily interactions with others.

Swallowing disorders, often referred to as dysphagia, can affect people of any age. Normal swallowing involves the movement of food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach while

protecting the airway.

Ear, Nose and Throat physicians who specialize in disorders of the throat and larynx (“voice box”) are called Laryngologists.

So how do you know when you should visit a Laryngologist?

When voice and swallowing problems start to interfere with daily functioning and persist more than two weeks, it is time to seek treatment.

“We are very fortunate to

be able to offer efficient and comprehensive evaluation for patients with these kinds of concerns here at our facility,” Daniel Vincent, M.D., Laryngologist and Director of the Florida Center for Voice and Swallowing, said. “Depending on the cause of the voice or swallowing disorder, a variety of treatment options exist to help our patients get on the road to better quality of life. Individuals are different, so therapy is customized to each patient’s needs.”

There are many methods for treating disorders of the throat and larynx, depending on the diagnosis. Noninvasive options may include voice or swallowing therapy with our speech pathologists, or medical treatment for common conditions like reflux or allergy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary, and it is most

often through brief outpatient procedures.

The Florida Center for Voice and Swallowing specializes in the diagnosis and management of voice and swallowing disorders, offering the latest technology and a coordinated team approach to patients. It is a dedicated center of excellence at Florida E.N.T. & Allergy, the region’s premier single-specialty ear, nose and throat practice.

With board certified ENT physicians in 11 convenient locations, our experienced team specializes in all aspects of ear, nose and throat care to address your concerns.

For more information about Florida E.N.T. & Allergy, visit www. floridaentandallergy.com.

CHECK-UP SYMPTOMS TO WATCH: n Consistent hoarseness n Persistent sore throat n Voice projection problems n Chronic cough n “Lump” in the throat n Coughing during or after eating n A wet or gurgled sounding voice during or after eating/ drinking n Difficult or painful swallowing n Recurring pneumonia or chest congestion after eating n Weight loss or dehydration COMMON CAUSES OF VOICE DISORDERS: n Overuse and abuse of the voice n Polyps, nodules or cysts of the vocal cords n Reflux n Allergies

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

PLANT CITY

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

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

Greg Buckner of GT Grandstands takes in the Oak Ridge Boys from the grandstands he helped build.

Grand(stand) opening Fans tried out the Florida Strawberry Festival’s new seating for the first time during the Oak Ridge Boys’ March 1 concert. Reba McEntire’s concert was the first sell-out show since the remodel.

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

Thirty-five years in the bleacher and grandstand business can mean a lot of opening days, but March 1 was different for Greg Buckner.

Buckner, vice-president of GT Grandstands, sat with his arms spread across the strawberry-red back of the festival’s new grandstand seating as the Oak Ridge Boys took the stage and broke into their 1984 song, “Everyday.”

“I’ve been to a lot of opening ceremonies, but none like this,” he said, a smile stretching from ear to ear. “This has been fantastic. It far exceeds our expectations.”

Being a part of a project like the $5 million grandstand’s construction is a special experience, but even more so, he said, because he got to do it in his hometown. For anyone in his industry, he said, it’s a rare treat.

The new seating, an upgrade from the steep concrete bleachers of old William Schneider Memorial Stadium that once served as home to Plant City High School’s football team, has been a sore subject for some. It took away the free bleacher seating that drew many to the festival. Some patrons, not used to paying for seats above ground, took exception to being placed in the grandstand.

“It’s terrible,” longtime festival-goer Carolyn Tester said.

“They didn’t ask if we needed handicapped seating. We thought we’d be down there.”

Carolyn and her husband, Lloyd, have been attending the festival for more than 20 years.

While the seats look nice, they said, they wouldn’t have opted to pay for it in lieu of the old free bleacher seating.

Daniel Six, however, disagreed.

A first-time festival-goer who has been looking forward to attending for some time, said he was glad to have finally made the trip over from Clermont. Sitting stage left, he said the seats are good from any vantage and it looks like a venue built for a true

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

Daniel Figueroa IV

The Oak Ridge Boys playing the Wish Farms Soundstage on opening day, March 1.

concert-going experience.

“I love the ramps and handicap spaces,” he said. “I’m more than willing to pay the money. This is a nice facility.”

Six, who uses a wheelchair, said he was especially excited to return Wednesday evening to see Trace Adkins. His only disappointment was not being able to get a ticket for Reba McEntire’s show.

The new grandstand is designed to provide an improved sonic experience, but also offers better viewing and photographic opportunities, Harry Jeffcoat, a longtime festival photographer said.

The back of the new grandstand sits 12 feet closer to the stage than the front of the old bleachers.

“It’s a perfect angle for some of the stage shots,” Jeffcoat said.

“It gives me a chance to get more of a variety. I didn’t have a raised platform before.

As the Tennessee quartet finished up their first song, tenor Joe Bonsall walked to the front of the stage.

“Is this the first show in the new amphitheater,” he asked the crowd to a response of cheers.

“Give it up for the new amphitheater,” he responded back, getting more cheers in return.

A festival mainstay, Bonsall said the boys will be back in town next year.

“All we have to do is keep breathing,” he said, “and we’ll be here.”

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

Mail: The Plant City Observer, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33563

Plant City Observer

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

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

SUNDAY KIND OF LOVE The Oak Ridge Boys may have had the honor of being the first to play for the new grandstands, but it was Reba McEntire's March 4 show that was the first to sell out the redesigned venue.

The Florida Strawberry Festival's concert grounds reached its 10,500-person capacity for the first time during her Sunday night performance. Festival President Paul Davis said responses from the community have been positive, but his crews are still working out kinks with the new seating.

Davis said sound engineers are tweaking the mixes for different crowd sizes to achieve the perfect balance as concerts go on. He also said the Festival is looking at adding numbered gates to the tickets so patrons can know which side of the arena to enter for quicker seating.

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MARCH 8, 2018

HIGH

SPORTS 1

5

Trenton White recently won two billiards championships in three weeks. He won the Billiard Education Foundation’s 14U 9-Ball state championship in Jacksonville on Feb. 17, then won the BEF’s state 10-Ball championship in Tampa on Sunday.

Justin Kline

2

Fire Fist Boxing Promotions fighters William Silva and Ricky Tomlinson won their March 3 fights in Clearwater. Silva’s win over Rogelio Casarez earned him the IBO Continental North American Lightweight and National Boxing Association World Lightweight championships. Tomlinson beat Ernest Hall in four rounds.

Tomlinson picked up a win in his March 3 boxing match.SEE PAGE 11

Remembering Terry Thomas Sr. The former Negro Leagues baseball player and Plant City resident died Feb. 16.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Terry Thomas Sr.’s two greatest loves in life were his family and his favorite sport, baseball. The Plant City native, who played in the Negro Leagues and semiprofessional baseball leagues in the 1940s and part of the 1950s, died Feb. 16. He was 89.

Terry Thomas Sr., born in the Coronet Quarters, always loved playing sports. He found his calling in baseball after a stint in

semi-professional football with the Plant City Trojans and played for the Plant City Aces and Pepsi-Cola Giants between 1944 and 1950. Though he primarily played in the outfield, he was known locally for being able to pitch with either arm — a trait passed on to his son, Terry Thomas Jr. In 1947, Terry Thomas Sr. was recruited by the Atlanta Black Crackers of the Negro Leagues and spent time playing for them, the Homestead Grays and the New Orleans Black Pelicans. He crossed paths with hall-of-famer Jackie Robinson — whom Terry Thomas Sr. called “the fastest guy I’ve ever seen” in 2016 — and other legends of the game including Josh Gibson and Satchel Paige.

SEE THOMAS PAGE 11

File photo

Terry Thomas Sr. was proud of his baseball playing days and never lost his love for the sport.

They’ve got spirit

Titanium Gymnastics and Cheerleading’s teams are performing well in the 2018 competition season.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

3

Carlson Gracie Plant City/CrossGuard Fitness moved to downtown Plant City, 109 E. Reynolds St., on March 3. Approximately 60 people came out to the grand opening event, which featured black belt seminars and catering from Norma’s Plant City Cuban Sandwich Shop and Dunkin’ Donuts.

4

Durant and Plant City’s baseball teams played a close game at Cougar Path on March 2 that ended with the Raiders picking up a 2-1 win. Parker Messick pitched a complete game with eight strikeouts and five hits and one walk allowed to get the win for Plant City. On the softball field, the Raiders picked up an 8-1 win over the hosting Cougars. Ashley Blessin also pitched a complete game to earn the win, striking out six and allowing four hits and two walks.

Titanium’s Level 1 Mini team may be young, but the girls have confidence and sass in spades.

5

Five local wrestlers competed in the FHSAA 3A state championship tournament over the weekend. Strawberry Crest’s Chas Waller was the only one to place, finishing sixth overall in the 152-pound bracket.

Crest teammates Jake Spray (126), Trenton Davidson (170) and Joe Hatfield (182), along with Durant’s Daniel “Reese” Haley (152), also wrestled in the tournament.

Titanium’s Level 2 Juniors team loves performing in front of cheering crowds, big or small.

Sometimes, two heads work better than one.

Titanium Gymnastics and Cheerleading can vouch for that, as its Plant City and Lithia locations are working together to win lots of hardware at competitions this season. The all-stars cheer teams have been to five competitions and consistently performed well — especially the Level 1 Mini team, which has placed in the top three in each event. Most recently, on Feb. 25, the Level 1 and 2 allstars teams took first and second place, respectively, in the JAM Bash Kissimmee competition, held at Silver Spurs Arena.

The move to consolidate the gyms’ rosters helped bring Titanium’s total number of competitive athletes in the program up to 47 for 2018, which coach Gina Pribil said is an increase from last year’s total.

“We’re hoping to keep building that and see where we can go,” Pribil said.

The Level 1 and 2 teams have been the center of attention thanks to their winning ways.

Pribil said the Mini team, made up of kids age 5 through 8, quickly got over any nerves they had early in their first competitive all-stars season. The group built up its confidence over time and is now the “sassiest” in the program.

“They’re a really sassy team,” Pribil said. “There’s only six of them, but you would think there’s 20 of them with the amount of sass that they have. Their sass keeps you on your toes and they SEE TITANIUM PAGE 10

10

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

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Not doing what we know is best for us can leave us with the feeling of being out of touch or disconnected from ourselves. We can feel unmotivated or overwhelmed, shut down or even hopeless. This lack of “fire in the belly” is frequently attributed to why we stopped going to the gym or never started in the first place. Let’s explore how procrastination and lack of motivation go hand in hand and what can be done about it.

Time is the number one reason cited for not going to the gym, talking a walk or meditating every day, yet we all have the exact same amount of time.

There are 24 hours in every day for everyone. The difference is where we put our priorities and how we spend our time. A sense of failure or frustration is challenging to overcome, especially when your self-care list grows longer and longer.

YOUTH PASTOR

needed in the Plant City area.

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “As for my style, for my vision of the cinema, editing is not simply one aspect, it’s THE aspect.”

– Orson Welles Puzzle Two Solution: “From the time I was twelve I was dancing for bread and butter, but in my heart I was always an actress.”

– Rita Hayworth

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2018 NEA, Inc.

This week’s Crossword answers

Pick one personal goal that would truly be just for you. Keep the goal simple and one you really want. Select a goal directly related to your well-being. If you know you need to exercise, maybe working with a personal trainer once a week can get you on the right path. Going to bed 30 minutes earlier every night can start the catch-up on sleep.

Remember diet, exercise and sleep are the biggest three things required for healthy living. Start with just one thing for you.

ELIMINATE ‘I MUST’ PRESSURE

Take a step back to examine how true some of the “I must” feelings really are. Must you exercise every day or is once a week OK to get going? The fact is, working out once a week is better than not working out at all. Must you take care of everyone else ahead of yourself? Taking care of “number one” is critical to your ability to be able to take care of others as well. Must you answer that text the second it comes in?

Only if you give your cell phone more control than you have.

Maybe checking the cell phone at designated times will let you get more done in the bigger picture, rather than stopping what you are doing to respond.

Self-care and boundaries are not self-indulgent. They are essential for healthy, happy living. Avoid burnout by recognizing your limits and taking action to honor your needs and preferences. The stress and tension we feel from not taking care of ourselves lurk in the background like a constant nagging reminder. Taking that first step provides unimaginable stress relief. Like a breath of fresh air, feelings of being in control brings a sense of calm and composure. It is a breakthrough.

Jennifer Closshey is a doctor of integrative health and a Plant City YMCA yoga instructor.

Titanium FROM PAGE 9

have no filter whatsoever.”

The Level 2 Junior team, Pribil said, looked more confident than ever before at JAM Bash.

“They were nailing their stuff five times harder and better,” Pribil said. “They were pushing themselves even more and really encouraging each other.”

When practicing in the Plant City gym, the Juniors always have their own “audience” — drawings of fans made by the athletes that hang on the back wall of the training room. Pribil said the team thrives off of crowd noise and competing in front of an audience, so they pretend the pictures are real people and get encouraged to do their best.

The Level 1 and 2 teams spend three and four hours a week, respectively, honing their craft in the gym. Proper stretching and strength and flexibility training are prioritized early in practice sessions before the gymnasts hit the floor to work on their routines.

Pribil and the Titanium coaches often have the athletes practice their tumbling skills 10 times in a row, then show the coaches they can do their techniques properly.

If mistakes are made, the gymnasts have to start over again until their technique is perfect.

The Titanium teams have two events left on the schedule. For now, their eyes are set on the American Open at the Orange

STEP BY STEP Want to know how to do the perfect cartwheel?

Titanium gymnastics coach Gina Pribil broke it down into four steps.

1. Square your hips and reach your arms all the way up. Keep your chin up.

2. Bend forward into a “T” position, and then go to 2018

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Titanium’s competitive teams now practic exclusively in the Ball Street gym in Plant City.

County Convention Center, which will take place March 24 through 25. Everyone in the program wants to win first-place trophies, but Pribil said the ultimate goal of this season is to help every gymnast walk away with more self-confidence than when they started.

The Plant City gym will host intermediate and pre-team gymnastics tryouts at 10 a.m. April 14 for $10 per athlete. It will also host cheer tryouts May 15 and 17. The Lithia gym’s cheer tryouts will be held May 19.

a “lever” position where your back leg is straight up in the air, your hands are placed sideways on the floor and your head is tucked in.

3. Kick with your “lever” leg while your bottom leg pushes at the same time.

This is the “windmill effect.”

We tell kids it’s a 4 step thing: hand, hand, foot, foot. You can’t put both

For more information, visit facebook.com/TitaniumNorth.

hands down at the same time.

4. Land in exact same position as you started.

Finish in a lunge with your toes planted, because it’s pretty.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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SPONSORED BY SPORT CLIPS

Local boxing pro Ricky Tomlinson, a Plant City native and Strawberry Crest alumnus, picked up a four-round win by unanimous decision over previously undefeated Ernest Hall in Clearwater on March 3. It was Tomlinson’s second consecutive win and, according to trainer Jose Rodriguez, the “Cowboy” looked better than ever in the ring.

How are you feeling now that this fight’s done?

I’m feeling great. I’m feeling real good. I’m happy with my performance. I did what I had to do to win the fight…making another step up the ladder.

You’re sometimes sparring 20 to 30 rounds to prepare for four-round fights like these.

That probably seems insane to people who don’t train.

It seems like a big deal, but at Plant City Boxing Gym it’s not really a big deal because it’s a mental thing. Your mind will tell your body you’re tired before you really are. It’s all in your head. You’ve just got to keep pushing and keep doing it.

This was the first time since you’ve gone pro that your opponent hasn’t tried to take off your hat at the weigh-ins?

Yeah, this was the first time.

Ernie Hall, I give him a lot of props, man. One of the most humble guys I’ve ever met in boxing. Didn’t have one problem with him. He was even giving me props in the ring, like “Man, you’re fast.” It was cool to fight someone that was like that when you’re not used to fighting people that are like that.

Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at JKline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.

fans. They push me. My coaching. Everyone together, they always push me to do harder and it’s nice to have that behind you.

If you don’t have that, it’s harder to move forward.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Ricky Tomlinson

Irish Pu

What helped you beat Hall in the ring?

We’ve been working on footwork a lot. You don’t fight with your hands, you know — you fight with your feet. You make to where they don’t have a chance to throw on you. I went out there and threw my punches, did my slipping and got out, and he couldn’t find me.

& Grill

Daniel Sprouse Band - outside from 6p - 10p Mama’s Kin - inside from 9p - 1a

What’s next on your schedule?

June 16, Fire Fist Promotions, our next fight.

Saturday 17th

Do you have an opponent yet?

No. They don’t know yet and I don’t care who they bring to the table. I’m gonna be ready for whoever they bring.

DJ - 12p to 6p outside Irish Acoustic from Bill Peed 3p - 6p inside Skyler Clark - outside from 6p - 10p Special Apperance by The City of Dunedin Pipe Band - 7p Este Loves with Ben Tonite - 9p - 1a inside Irish Fare - Beer and drink specials Corned beef and cabbage served all day

Sunday 18th Family fun day and pups day event DJ 1p - 4p Painting with Loretta Burns Magician/balloon artist Face painting Prizes for best dressed pets!

Brunch 10a - 12p tickets purchased in advance

Terry Thomas Sr.’s funeral services were held at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church on Feb. 24. There, he received posthumous proclamations from the city and state.

William Thomas Jr. is determined to further preserve his grandfather’s legacy in his hometown. He maintains an exhibit area in the Bing Rooming House museum for local black baseball players, whether they made it to the Negro Leagues or just played locally. Terry Thomas Sr. donated some items from his personal collection to the museum while alive, and the family is arranging for more items to go there in the near future.

“I do what I could to make sure his legacy was etched in what he did, how it related to baseball,” William Thomas Jr. said.

He encourages anyone wishing to donate to the museum, or even looking for information on past players, to reach out to him at ilpc@tampabay.rr.com.

ST. PUPPY'S DAY

1701 South Alexander St., Plant City, FL 268797

He last played in a 1953 all-star exhibition game and tried out for the Detroit Tigers that same year.

He is named in the rosters at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri.

When Terry Thomas Sr. was playing for Atlanta in the Negro Leagues, before his marriage, he always made sure to send money home to Ruby Williams and their first son. After marrying Williams and learning the couple was expecting another child, he gave up professional baseball to focus on the family. The couple had five children together. He often used the game as an example when teaching life lessons to his children and grandchildren.

Terry Thomas Sr. worked for Lykes Packaging Company for 40 years and also worked for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

b

Friday 16th

Going pro right out of high school is not easy. What helped you make it work?

My family. My mom, my dad. My

FROM PAGE 9

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

E ID L S T L OUAR AYS B DA 3

Are you gonna stick with “Cowboy” as your nickname or go with “Pretty Ricky” like he said on Facebook?

I’m gonna stick with “Cowboy.”

I’m from Plant City, you know I’m homegrown.

Thomas

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813 -764 - 8818

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MARCH 8, 2018

Calendar 16 Games 19 Obituaries 17 Weather 19

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Photos by Observer Staff

Commissioner Mary Mathis during the parade.

PRIDE OF PLANT CITY T

he Florida Strawberry Festival officially began “Building New Memories” on March 1, kicking off the 2018 event in style. Along with the festival’s abundance of food, family-friendly fun and entertainment, festival-goers have been treated to a series of lively parades throughout Plant City and those from out of town got a taste of what the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World is all about.

The festival will continue on through Sunday, with headliner Brad Paisley closing out the festivities with his 7:30 p.m. concert at the Wish Farms Soundstage.

Top: Commissioner Nate Kilton walked the parade and interacted with viewers.

Above: This large mascot was encouraging guests to visit the Renaissance Fair.

Left: Strawberry Queen Ally Burt.

Above: Eastside Baptist Church featured a "train" full of young riders and puppets.

Right: FBC Midway used the “Building New Memories” theme to influence the church’s float.

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

13

King of the Baby Parade Mason Wade Goff and Queen Addisyn Danielle Wise.

Top: Ladies Quest of Marshall Middle School was excited for the parade.

Marshall Middle School's band performed in the parade.

Left: Sue Harrell aka "Strawberry Sue," is FSGA’s director of marketing. She is standing in the midst of the FSGA's exhibit of live strawberry plants at the festival.

Caiden, the young winner of the Decorated Diaper contest, used a bulldozer themed outfit to score big with the "Building New Memories" theme.

Pastor Calvin "Pee Wee" Callins played on the Wish Farms Soundstage March 3.

Court Member Selena Berrios and Baylee Astin practiced their dance moves minutes before the gates officially opened for the 2018 Florida Strawberry Festival.

Attendees waited outside the main gate for the festival to officially open early March 1.

Chris Welbon Karate Clubs of Plant City literally held a mobile karate demonstration on the streets.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

GOT PESTS?

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Photos by Daniel Figueroa IV

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A victorious Team Canada shows of the spoils of confectioned conquest with Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis, the Peacheys and Mr. Berry, the Strawberry Fest mascot.

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Visit Feltonsmarket.com for weekly specials

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ew name, new contest, same face-sized fluff pillows. Sarasota's Peachey Baking Co., formerly known as the Amish Baking Co., brought its old-world take on doughy goodness to a packed Stingray Chevrolet tent Friday for the Florida Strawberry Festival's first-ever Amish Doughnut Eating Contest.

Four teams of four powered their way through the doughnuts in a relay-style snack-off, but it was the men of Team Canada who emerged victorious.

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The ladies of Team Crazies didn't make it to their final doughnut before Canada cleared house, but that didn't stop Breanna Williams from taking on the last doughnut.

Nancy Williams powers through her team's first doughnut.

O

The Children's Board of Hillsborough County has re-released a Request For Proposals (RFP) Pro 2018-08 Summer Services Funding Workshop 10:30 a.m. March 12, 2018 1002 E. Palm Avenue Tampa, FL Proposals Due Date: 4:00 p.m. March 30, 2018 For more information visit: www.ChildrensBoard.org, click on Funding Opportunities.

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Insurance Agency When you don’t have car accidents, you cost less to insure.

813-752-2556 I can help you save up to 14% premium.

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15

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

The “Grave Digger” monster truck carved up some dirt in the arena.

Photos by Breanne Williams

Cruella de Vil and her "Dalmatian" strutted around the arena for the contest.

Barnyard belles of the ball

M

oo-ve aside, Halloween: Plant City has its very own iconic costume contests that blend three things that are sure to bring joy to all who attend: animals, children and fabulous outfits.

The annual Dairy Costume Ball and Sheep Costume Contest were held March 4 and 5, respectively, and allowed local youths to show off their creative sides by allowing them to pick out themed outfits for both them and their barnyard sidekicks.

— BREANNE WILLIAMS

"Willy Wonka and his Oompa Loompas" placed third for Best Overall and first for Most Creative.

The cow who jumped over the moon and Mother Goose made an appearance at the Dairy Costume Ball.

Proving they simply wanted to be part of our world, the "Under the Sea" team won first place in the Most Colorful category.

SPONSORED BY HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME

“The animals. I love the livestock. That’s all I go to when I come here.”

— Casey Wilkinson, 27

“Definitely the rides. They’re not that intense, but they’re still pretty intense and you still get the thrill. I love that music express, rock-n-roll one.”

— Kayley Kahmer, 19

“This is my first time and, to be honest, I like quite a bit of it. The rides are fun, the food is good, the clown is real funny, he’s a cool guy. I think my favorite is the clown.”

“I haven’t done everything yet, but the strawberry shortcake is probably going to be my favorite one.”

“Food. The chocolate-covered strawberries are pretty legit this year. Delicious.”

AROUND TOWN

What is your favorite thing to do at the Florida Strawberry Festival?

— Red Scott, 30

— Kristian Thrasher, 18

— Faith Roberts, 18

HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS www.HopewellFuneraI.com FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971 267967

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

SPONSORED BY YMCA

YOUR CALENDAR

We are your independent insurance agent in Plant City, Florida LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

A LAND REMEMBERED TOUR 7 p.m. See “A Land Remembered” and Patrick Smith’s other books come to life through a truly unique multimedia show produced by his son Rick (Patrick Jr.). The presentation will be held at Bruton Memorial Library and explores the author’s colorful life as a writer and how he came to write his books. Please call 813-757-9215 to reserve a seat.

Funded by the Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library.

SATURDAY, MARCH 10

BABY PARADE 10:15 a.m. The Florida Strawberry Festival’s annual Baby Parade is back. Join the little contestants in the GT Grandstands and be prepared for a large dose of cuteness. Babies will crawl, walk and stagger by the judges to compete in categories like “Best Personality,” “Most Handsome” and “Most Beautiful.”

Call for your quote: 813-752-5225 204 N. Collins St., Plant City, FL 33563 | blacksinsurance.com

OPEN MIC NIGHT 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Krazy Kup, 101 East J Arden Mays Blvd, is featuring its Open Mic Night in the music loft. For more information call Krazy Kup at 813-752-1220 or follow them on Facebook.

Saturday April 7, 2018 10:00AM - 2:00PM

TUESDAY, MARCH 13

MAKE PLANT CITY 7 to 9 p.m. This month’s MAKE Plant City event will be held at The Corner Store, 121 E. Reynolds St. MAKE Plant City is a group of creatives and makers in our community. They meet monthly to learn and share with fellow makers in the community.

905 W Terrace Dr Plant City, Fl 33563

THURSDAY, MARCH 15

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 5:15 to 7 p.m. This month’s Business After Hours is presented

by Advantage Restoration & Contracting. The event will be at

Home Decor | Clothing Crafts | Furniture Vintage Finds | Jewelry Homemade Goods

COPS CORNER

Classic Cars RISEN BMX Stunt Team Trophies

Car and Vendor Registration at ShilohPC.org

FREE ADMISSION TO THE PUBLIC

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8

FEB. 25

UNCOOL UBER 510 block of South Maryland Avenue.

Strong-armed robbery: Officers found a shirtless, injured male subject wandering around the area. Subject stated he was robbed of $200 and attacked by unknown suspects after an Uber driver dropped him off at an unknown location. The subject couldn’t tell officers where he was going, where he was dropped off, where he came from or what his attackers looked like. He received medical treatment at the hospital and signed a waiver of prosecution.

BEST BET SUNDAY, MARCH 11

BRAD PAISLEY CONCERT 7:30 p.m. Brad Paisley is closing out the Florida Strawberry Festival with a performance on the Wish Farms Soundstage. Tickets are available at flstrawberryfestival.com.

607 Hitchcock Street, Suite 105.

Do you have what it takes to be a boxer jock? The sparring match at the Plant City boxing gym will begin at 6:15 p.m. Starring Middleweight Yamaguchi “Yama” Falcao and Super Bantamweight Ricky “Cowboy” Tomlinson. The event is “Jonesie” Jason Jones vs.

“The Minute Man” Mike Arndt.

For more information contact Norm Nelson, 813-754-3707.

CUT AND RUN 2400 block of James L. Redman Parkway.

Theft: Complainant stated a male subject received a haircut but left the business when asked to pay. An officer was able to locate the subject, who was arrested for theft of services.

NOTHING BETTER TO DO 1220 block of Goldfinch Drive.

Harassing communications: A male subject was arrested for making multiple vulgar calls to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s 911 emergency line and PCPD’s nonemergency lines.

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

268313

16

is all about.

HOPEWELL

A. Raynell Baird, 67, of Valrico, born on Jan. 19, 1951 in Plant City, entered into eternal rest on March 4.

HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

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

FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

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

Betty Jean Hester

Betty Jean Hester, 71, of Mulberry, born on Oct. 5, 1946, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 27.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

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

James Edward Duke James Edward Duke, age 93, of Plant City, passed away on Feb. 21, 2018.

If so desired, donations may be made to the Eastside Baptist Church Family Life Center.

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

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Thomas Alva Colding 239042

Thomas Alva Colding, 80, of Lithia, born on Oct. 5, 1937, passed away on March 3.

HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

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

Geraldine ‘Geri’ McComas 239042

Geraldine “Geri” McComas, 72, of Plant City, born in Ray City, Georgia, entered into eternal rest on March 1.

HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

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

James Chisgar

®

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

Carol Edward

James Chisgar, age ofEDowe’re dedicated to helping families create a WE’R E P RO UD TO80, STransferability E RV our community > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Williams unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, care since 1896. >away The compassionate Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Assistance ver, passed peacefully on

Edgar Johnson

celebrates the lifeage it represents.

Dignity Memorial professionals, Feb. As 25,your 2018.

Carol Edward Williams, 72, Services were held at Lebaof Plant City, died on March.

1, Edgar “Ed” Johnson, 83, of > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® non Baptist> Church on Friday, 2018.

Plant City, born Sept. 20, 1935 Proudly supportingMarch the Plant City Strawberry Festival.

2, 2018.

Visitation was on March 6 in Columbia County, entered from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. with into eternal rest on Feb. 28. funeral service at 11 a.m. at Mr. Johnson was a lifelong Proudly supportingaWells the Plant City Strawberry Festival.

Memorial Funeral Home. resident of Florida and served in the U.S. Army.

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM Services to take place at a later date. ®

R Taking care of each other is what

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is all about.

239042

Melvin ‘Dink’ Eugene Wanner III

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy we’re dedicated to helping families create a our community unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896.

813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com celebrates the life it represents.

As your Dignity Memorial® professionals, Melvin "Dink" Eugene Wanner Wells MeMorial & event Center WE’R E PR OU D TO SERVE

Gladys E. Andrews III, age 43, of Plant City, died Joe Vernon Barger PlanT CiTy > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability

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Joe Vernon>Barger, 85, passed Gladys E. Andrews, 84, of Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com Visitation was March 6 from away on Feb. 25, 2018. Joe was Durant, born in Sycamore, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The service born on Jan. 7, 1933 in Idlewild, Georgia, entered into eternal M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1 was March 7 at 11 a.m. at Wells Tennessee. He lived in Tennesrest on Feb. 27. the Plant City Strawberry Funeral Home.Festival. see and Florida. Proudly supportingMemorial Expressions of condolence at Burial services will be held www.HopewellFuneral.com. privately at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell.

Online condolences may FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS be left for the family at www.

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM www.HopewellFuneraI.com HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM haught.care.

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10/27/15 10:42

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SPONSORED BY DIGNITY WELLS MEMORIAL

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

10/27/15 10:42 AM

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

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Florist

John Coleman Whitmire John Coleman Whitmire, 77, of Plant City, born in Jackson County, North Carolina, entered into eternal rest Feb. 27.

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

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Willard "Bill" Gillman, 84, of Plant City, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 25.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

A. Raynell Baird

|

OBITUARIES

our community with personal, compassionate care since 1896.

As your Dignity Memorial professionals, WE’R E PR OU D TO SERVE

17

is all about.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Willard ‘Bill’ Gillman

community

18

REAL ESTATE

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

|

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

February 2018 real estate transactions in Plant City

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

FEBRUARY 1-16, 2018

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

COLLINS PARK The home at 117 W. Strickland St. sold Feb. 16, for $155,000.

Built in 1919, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,450 square feet of living area.

COUNTRY HILLS The home at 4643 W. Eastwind Drive sold Feb. 7, for $139,000.

Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,247 square feet of living area.

The home at 501 Lindsay Anne Court sold Feb. 7, for $114,900.

Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,285 square feet of living area.

rooms, one bath and 1,288 square feet of living area.

rooms, one bath and 875 square feet of living area.

DEVANE The home at 603 W. Cherry St. sold Feb. 16, for $193,200. Built in 1927, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 963 square feet of living area.

GILCHRIST The home at 707 N. Pennsylvania Ave. sold Feb. 5, for $67,500. Built in 1927, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,375 square feet of living area.

The home at 4611 W. Sam Allen Road sold Feb. 2, for $330,000.

Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,350 square feet of living area.

DOVER The home at 4837 Edmund Court sold Feb. 9, for $90,000.

Built in 1975, it has two bed-

HILLSBOROUGH The home at 1108 W. Granfield Ave. sold Feb. 16, for $193,200.

Built in 1925, it has two bed-

The home at 4902 Turkey Creek Road sold Feb. 12, for $180,000.

Built in 1952, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,605 square feet of living area.

The home at 2307 N. Warnell Loop sold Feb. 5, for $140,000.

Built in 1980, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,066 square feet of living area.

ONLINE See more transactions at PlantCityObserver.com

LINCOLN PARK The home at 505 S. Johnson St. sold Feb. 5, for $55,000. Built in 1954, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 840 square feet of living area.

WALDEN LAKE The home at 2305 S. Fairway Drive sold Feb. 5, for $155,000.

Built in 1983, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,874 square feet of living area.

OAKWOOD ESTATES The home at 1735 Oakwood Estates Drive sold Feb. 16, for $215,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,186 square feet of living area.

WALDEN WOODS The home at 2756 Walden Woods Drive sold Feb. 2, for $240,000. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,867 square feet of living area.

SOUTHERN ESTATES The home at 2719 Southern Estates Drive sold Feb. 5, for $275,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,776 square feet of living area.

WILLIS The home at 102 Myrtle Lane sold Feb. 16, for $193,200. Built in 1958, it has one bedroom, one bath and 726 square feet of living area.

CRAWFORD & ASSOCIATES CRAWFORD & ASSOCIATES

Outstanding Agents.

Outstan Outstanding Agents. Outstanding Results.

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CRAWFORD & ASSOCIATES

(813)967-0168 or (813)305-1616

2803-4 James L. Redman Parkway, Plant City Florida 33566 (813)967-0168 or (813)305-161 (813) 967-0168 or (813) 549-9412 (813)967-0168 or (813)305-1616 (813)967-0168 or (813)305-1616 Office: (813) 305-1616 | Fax: (813) 754-8099 Email: Malissa.Crawford@Gmail.com

James L.Plant Redman Parkway, Plant 33566 City Flor 2803-4James James2803-4 L. Redman Parkway, City Florida 33566 2803-4 L. Redman Parkway, Plant City Florida Office: (813) 305-1616 |Office: Fax: (813)(813) 754-8099 Email: Malissa.Crawford@Gmail.com RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE 305-1616 | Fax: (813) 754-8099 Email: Malissa.Crawford@G

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RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

Office: (813) 305-1616 | Fax: (813) 754-8099 Email: Malissa.Crawford@Gmail.com

J.D. SUPER HAULERS

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28

813-281-01

STARTING AT $49

New owner with Joe Grimes still doing repairs

Back to her roots, Jayme Harris, Plant City native, PCHS graduate c/o 1990 and USAF veteran has officially opened her new boutique in Downtown Plant City.

A PEACE of Plant City offers an array of boutique style retail items to include locally made strawberry-themed shirts, hats, jewelry, organic soaps, lip balm and lotions. Veteran-made pens and man cave stuff. Repurposed, refurbished and original state antique furniture and household decor.

This UNIQUE BOUTIQUE is located at 120 North Collins Street, Suite 101 in the heart of downtown Plant City.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 8 High: 67 Low: 44 Chance of rain: 10%

FRIDAY, MARCH 9 High: 71 Low: 45 Chance of rain: 10%

SATURDAY, MARCH 10 High: 79 Low: 58 Chance of rain: 0%

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, March 8

6:47a

6:34p

Friday, March 9

6:45a

6:35p

Saturday, March 10

6:44a

6:35p

Sunday, March 11

7:43a

7:36p

Monday, March 12

7:42a

7:36p

Tuesday, March 13

7:41a

7:37p

Wednesday, March 14 7:40a

7:37p

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

FORECAST

|

MOON PHASES

March 24 March 31 March 9 Last Full First

March 17 New

SUNDAY, MARCH 11 High: 79 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 80%

STRAWBERRIES Kathy Flemister recently stopped on Cowart Road to admire the blooming azaleas. Flemister wins this week’s I Love Plant City photo contest.

ONLINE

Monday, Feb. 26

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Tuesday, Feb. 27

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Wednesday, Feb. 28

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Thursday, March 1

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Friday, March 2

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Saturday, March 3

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Sunday, March 5

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Follow us on social media: @PCObserver on Instgram, @PlantObserver on Twitter and Plant City Observer on

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

Facebook.

2018 5.19 in.

2018 0.00 in.

2017 2.65 in.

2017 0.00 in.

CROSSWORD

AN ILL FITTING by Timothy B. Parker

©2018 Universal Uclick

1 Suppresses 8 Musky, catlike animal 13 Zodiac ram 18 Sink a putt 19 Two pills every four hours, e.g.

20 C.S. Lewis land 22 Hay fever drug brand 23 Not given careful thought 25 Gig fraction 26 Dissolved compound 28Brooklyn b-ballers 29“Long, long ___ ...”

30Bustling commotions 32 Beautiful, graceful birds 33 General Mills cereal 35 Pantomimist 36 Reporter’s jottings 38 Absorbed, as losses 39 Beefy farm animals 42 Gets narrower at the ends 44 Uses a lot?

45 China’s Zhou En-___ 46 Sidewalk material 47 Loudly, in music 48 Kind of impression

52 Model Dickinson 53 Maladies 55 Thai language 56 Compel 57 Aussie greeting 58 “___ always something!”

59 Chorus member 60 Days in Spain 61 Writers that rhyme 62 Hard to swallow, as a story 64 Ticket part 65 “This won’t hurt ___!”

66 Initials on a tooth-

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

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

paste box 67 “What ___ is there?”

68 Pop in a barnyard 69 Elementary particle 70 In an unlawful way 74 City of Texas or Germany 76 Guardianship 79 Employee’s reward 80 Beet with a yellowish root 81 ___ Claire, Wisc.

82 Parts of a full house 83 Partner of above 84 Yam kin

88 School transport 89 Worsted wool 92 Lighter ___ air 93 Some lap dogs, for short 94 Hallmark items 96 Foragers in the forest 97 Lung filler 98 Plant support 100 Examine by touch 102 Reply to a milker 103 Any lights 107 President Fillmore 109 Straighten up 110 Blunt-ended cigar 111 Increase the size of 112 Issues volcanically 113 Old and gray 114 Piled up

40 Refined and stylish 41 ___ in apple 43 Arizona-to-Kansas dir.

44 Tech and graph beginnings 46 North American reindeer 47 Like a useless tire 48 River in Hades 49 It’s better left unsaid 50 Not man-made 51 Mayberry man 52 Jewish 53 Most suitable 54 Spacek with an Oscar 57 Divine 59 Like some seating 61 All square 62 Embryo no more DOWN 63 Societal woes 1 Mystical healer 71 Common construction 2 Holy city? girder 3 Pilfered stuff 72 Dutch Boy layers 4 Word with admission or 73 Word that divides doctor’s 74 “The ___ We Were” 5 Fire fuelers 75 Hall of Famer Slaughter 6 Currency as of 1999 77 Like some idols 7 Steadfast supporter 78 Horse’s snack 8 Babes in stables 80 Refined French ladies 9 Bali, for one 82 Tolerate 10 Wet-dry ___ 83 Pat a baby’s back 11 Maniacal leader?

84 Cleaners’ target 12 Sawbucks 85 Passes time (with 13 Have ___ to pick “away”) 14 X-ray units 86 Winter cap attachment 15 Anger 87 Like a good receiver 16 Glued to the tube 88 Kon-Tiki wood 17 Gangster Bugsy 90 One-spot first name 19 Fashion’s von Fursten- 91 Decayed berg 94 Astute and shrewd 21 Love like crazy 95 Period of work Like a fox 98 Small duck 27 Chocolate or wine 99 Cannery row? containers 100 Far from wealthy 31 Most sordid 101 Jazz singer Fitzgerald 33 A la ___ 104 Beehive State athlete 34 Treks through woods 105 “I want some ___!”

35 Fighting tooth and nail 106 Savings vehicle, 37 Architect’s detail briefly 39 Make socks unholey 108 Fond du ___, Wisc.

CELEBRITY CIPHER

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present.

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“MJ PIL KB JYBXW, PIL KB ZTJTIR IP YFW DTRWKM, WATYTRO TJ RIY JTKCXB IRW MJCWDY, TY’J YFW MJCWDY.”

– ILJIR HWXXWJ

“GWPA CFM CYAM Y BNK CBMVLM Y BNK INHSYHX GPW OWMNI NHI OTCCMW, OTC YH AU FMNWC Y BNK NVBNUK NH NSCWMKK.” – WYCN FNUBPWCF Puzzle Two Clue: L equals V

Observer

PHOTO CONTEST SUBMISSIONS

Puzzle One Clue: A equals D

PLANT CITY

ACROSS

Shipping point: Orlando $7.90 to $8.90

RAINFALL

©2018 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2018 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

3-8-18

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

Why go to an emergency center that’s connected to a hospital?

What if you need the rest of the hospital?

When it comes to your health, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Which is why during an emergency such as a stroke or heart attack, every second counts. We don’t want to risk our patients’ lives by transferring them to a different hospital for emergency surgery. Here, if you need to be rushed to surgery, it’s down the hall, not down the road. We also have access to cutting-edge equipment and some of the best doctors, nurses and specialists in the region are only a few feet away. If you need a pint of blood, no problem, we’re connected to a blood bank. Not to mention that our rehabilitation, orthopedic, oncology and maternity departments are only a wheelchair ride away. The best place to go during your emergency is a facility designed to handle any emergency. And that’s right here at BayCare’s South Florida Baptist Hospital.

OUR NETWORK:

BayCare Behavioral Health • BayCare HomeCare • BayCare Laboratories • BayCare Medical Group BayCare Outpatient Imaging • BayCare Surgery Centers • BayCare Urgent Care OUR HOSPITALS:

Bartow Regional Medical Center • BayCare Alliant Hospital • Mease Countryside Hospital • Mease Dunedin Hospital • Morton Plant Hospital Morton Plant North Bay Hospital • St. Anthony’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital St. Joseph’s Hospital-North • St. Joseph’s Hospital-South • South Florida Baptist Hospital • Winter Haven Hospital • Winter Haven Women’s Hospital BAYCARE.ORG 18-339297-0218

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