4.14.22 PLCO by Plant City Observer

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VOLUME 6, NO. 192

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THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022

CITY READY TO BUY ESSENTIAL VEHICLES, EQUIPMENT COMMISSION ALLOWS NEXT YEAR’S FUNDS TO HELP PURCHASE NEW CITY PROPERTY BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

A resolution to increase the likelihood that much-needed city vehicles and equipment can be purchased, was approved by the Plant City City Commission on Monday. As a result, the city can now transfer funds from next fiscal year (2022-2023) to the current one (2021-2022) so these necessities can be bought ahead of time in a highly competitive market.

In March a contractor pulled out of a business deal for the City of Plant City to buy merchandise, stating that “we will not be able to fulfill this purchase due to production constraints, allocation, and supply chain material shortage.” The proposed merchandise to be bought are 22 vehicles and equipment, consisting of 12 police cars, a 100-foot ladder for a fire truck, and an automated side-loading garbage truck – all costing $3,914,650.

CELEBRATING A RENOVATED BRUTON LIBRARY

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

WALK TO FIGHT CANCER

The Plant City Relay for Life returns with fundraiser to combat cancer BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Library staff and suppor ers recognize the new look CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

The Plant City Relay for Life makes its return face to face after having to be distanced for two years due to COVID-19. The fundraiser will occur on May 6, from 6 p.m. to midnight, and for the fi st time will be held at the Strawberry Festival fairground, 303 BerryFest Place. Aside from running many laps, participants can also purchase food from 27 different vendors, made up of 27 teams. And there will be activities all night. At 9 p.m. there will be a slide show honoring those who lost their lives to cancer. So far, the teams have raised over $27,000 toward the goal of $100,000, which will go to the American Cancer Society. Each year, over 2,500 Relay for Life events occur across the country.

The event began in 1998, 13 years after the fi st Relay was held in Tacoma, Washington. Fundraising begins in September each year with the event generally held in April. Donations are usually accepted into August. Many local schools participate with the event and are constantly some of the largest donors for the organization. For more information or to donate online, visit RelayForLife.org/PlantCityFL.

Courtesy of Relay for Life of Plant City Facebook page Relay for Life Pics

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THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022

NEWS BRIEFS

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

Photo courtesy of Moving Hope on Facebook

Plant City Garden Club offers scholarships to graduating students The Plant City Garden Club is pleased to announce that they will be awarding two $1,000 scholarships in May to students who are looking to further their education in one of the following fields

Horticulture Biology Landscape Design Environment Conservation and/or Forestry

Applications are not currently available online but can be found in the guidance counselor’s office at Durant High School, Plant City High School and Strawberry Crest High School. The deadline for application submissions is May 1. The Plant City Garden Club was organized in 1948 with the purpose of bringing together a community and quests to learn and teach horticulture, conservation, fl wer arranging, botany, litter control, pollution and civic beautifi ation. With this mission, the Garden Club is excited to extend these scholarships to local soonto-be graduates.

Hope Lutheran Church welcomes mobile food pantry Hope Lutheran Church will once again host their mobile food pantry in the church parking lot, 2001 N. Park Rd., on Thursday, April 21. This pantry, in association with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lakeland, will begin distributing food to those in need beginning at 6 p.m., running until the supplies are distributed. Anyone in need of grocery assistance is encouraged to join as Hope Lutheran works to help eliminate food insecurities within their local community.

Various goods ranging from vegetables to meats to dairy and bakery goods will all be available. The pantry, “Moving Hope,” takes place at Hope Lutheran Church on the third Thursday of each month, no identifi ation is required to participate and the pantry is open to anyone in the Plant City community who may need an extra hand. For additional information, contact the Hope Lutheran Church office at 813-7524622.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022

CELEBRATING A RENOVATED BRUTON LIBRARY Library staff and suppor ers recognize the new look

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

When stepping inside of Bruton Memorial Library, it is evident that the building has made a transformation since its preCOVID days. The Plant City Library Foundation Inc. invited the community to come out and get a glimpse of its new interior look on April 7. The timing was on point as the event took place during National Library Week. It was also an opportunity to formally introduce the new Library Services Director Paul Shaver. Among those in attendance was the Plant City City Manager Bill McDaniel, who spoke about the fascination of the library. “This is a magical place,” he said. “Where else can you go and from the comfort of a chair, from the pages of a book, travel across the country, go around the world, explore history, become informed, be challenged…explore the cosmos. All of that is out there in one form or another, and if you take the time to come here and avail yourself of a book, of the digital library, and all the other wonderful things that are offered here, you can enjoy that same magic.” That charm is what led some in the community to form an organization to help preserve the library for years to come. The Plant City Library Foundation officially launched on ct. 10, 2019. However, it was in 2018 when the idea was motivated to come to fruition after a Plant City resident passed away, leaving a substantial amount of money toward the library. “The idea of forming our own foundation was bounced around about 10 years ago,” said Chairman Marion Smith of the foundation’s board. “Our mission

was to develop an organization where people could donate funds through charitable giving in order to ensure that our library had a long-term source of funding for the future.” The board also consists of ViceChairman Marsha Passmore, Secretary-Treasurer Gwendolyn Thomas, Director Danny Coton, Director Tina Pike, and Director Ed Verner. In 2020, efforts to maintain the library were momentarily stalled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing many libraries and establishments to close down, although, it was still able to offer some resources online. And then there was the tragic passing of Library Services Director Tonda Morris in March of that same year. After McDaniel and the library’s select committee went about seeking candidates to fill the position, they hired Paul Shaver that following August. Shaver has much experience and credentials under his belt. He attended Farleigh Dickinson University where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Education, and went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science at Rutgers University. Shaver started off with an xtensive career in New Jersey. For 15 years, he worked in the Bergen County Cooperative Library System. At Englewood Public Library, he served as head of circulation and then the supervising librarian at Mahwah Public Library. He continued on becoming the director at both Northvale and Montvale public libraries, before landing his current position at Bruton. Before coming to Plant City, Shaver was already well versed in programming, technology, collection development, human resource management, budgeting and fundraising.

And not to mention that he his multi-lingual, speaking Spanish, French, Russian, and Italian. “Paul has really made himself a part of our Plant City family since his arrival here,” McDaniel said. “I am amazed by what he gets done. Do not put a challenge out to this man that you don’t want seen done.” Upon arriving, one of his priorities was to remodel the building, giving it a fresh start, and the work began in 2021. The flooring as replaced, and repainting was done on the walls as well as the window frames. Bookshelves, panels, and signage were all replaced. Circulation desks were installed and electrical routing was rewired throughout the building with an addition of outlets. Also, improvements were made to both indoor and outdoor cameras, and a new production studio was put in place for the library’s 12 staff members. And more books have been implemented that cater to Spanish-speaking patrons. Refurbishing libraries is something he is quite familiar with. “What they all require to come to fruition is a welcoming, safe environment that is accessible to all regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or the opinions of others,” Shaver said. “This building carries with it the promise that all are free to pursue their own happiness, wisdom, social engagement, and purpose.” Not only were there modifi ations made to the building, but outside, just adjacent to the library, is found the newly designed Imagination Garden. Past the entryway with a sign identifying its name, there is a path made up of pebbles. At the sides of the trail, mulch, stones, and plants are orderly placed to help guide down the pathway as well as wooden foot

bridges. Stones align to create a much smaller pathway that serves as a runoff gut er for heavy rain. On the right, there is the Marcus Waller Memorial Fountain. It is a statue of the late Marcus Waller to commemorate him. The Plant City native was just 6-years-old when he tragically lost his life on a camping trip. He is depicted pumping water from a well into a bucket where a dog is leaning over the bucket and gazing inside. And with the use of a water wheel, the statue runs water down the small man-made path. Further down on the left, there’s the Ring Around the Rosie statue, showing three girls holding hands. The statue was a gift from Art Kirt and Janine Unger who moved out of Plant City. Unger said she was inspired to give it to the Arts Council of Plant City after seeing the random statues around downtown. In turn, the arts council gifted the library with it. “You learn everything from books,” Unger said. “Places you want to go see, things to improve your mind. Books are the best and I feel so grateful that they accepted the three girls of Ring Around the Rosie.”

At the end of the trail is a wooden bench to sit on. “The Imagination Garden, in particular, was the result of collaborative efforts with at least three other city departments: Parks and Recreation, Water Resource Management, and General Services, which serves as a fine display of the skills, passion, and shared sense of service of our city team,” Shaver said. Inside at the event, Smith displayed and explained the logo for the Plant City Library Foundation. The book represents knowledge, and the tree trunk symbolizes a strong community. The leaves represent a flourishing ommunity, and of course a strawberry to represent where the community is from. It’s an accurate description of what Bruton Memorial Library and its patrons are, and will continue to be.

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022

PLANT CITY

This week on Cops Corner: Plant

Observer

City Police investigate a fraudulent tax return, a stolen package and missing golf carts. istock

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Sports Writer / Taylor Jenkins tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com Staff Writer / Brian Fernandes bfernandes@plantcityobserver.com Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

APRIL 1

APRIL 4

COIN COLLECTOR

TAXED SEASON

1100 block of S. Collins St. Theft: Officers met with an employee at the listed location who stated that the Coca-Cola vending machine had been broken into, resulting in a theft of all coins from the machine.

3100 block of Azalea Blossom Dr. Fraud: Officers met with the victim who reported that an unknown subject filed a ax return under her name.

CART TROUBLE 1700 block of N. Park Rd. Burglary conveyance: Officers met with an employee who advised that two golf carts had been stolen from the organization.

previously been trespassed from the property. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to Orient Road Jail before being charged with possession and introduction of contraband into a detention facility.

3600 block of W. Baker St. Trespass warning arrest/possession: Officers met with the complainant at the listed location who advised that several subjects were in tents in the wooded area on the property. Contact was made with a suspect who had

600 block of N. Thomas St. Petit theft: Officers met with the victim who stated that a package was delivered to the front porch and subsequently stolen.

3200 block of S. Frontage Rd. Grand theft: Officers met with a construction company employee at the listed location who advised them that an unknown individual had stolen multiple tools.

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APRIL 5 APRIL TOOLS

CAMPING OUT

PACKAGE DEAL

CLOSE CALL S. Evers St. / W. Lee St. Drug investigation: Officers responded to the listed location in reference to a suspicious subject possibly breaking into the business. A suspect was subsequently transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

APRIL 6 COOL RUNNINGS 3900 block of Capri Coast Dr. Theft: Officers met with a complainant at the listed location who advised them that someone stole an air conditioning unit, valued at $3,000, and an AC condenser, valued at $3,000, from a house currently under construction.

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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THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022

PLANT CITY ENTERS BIDDING MARKET FOR NEW PROPERTY COMMISSION APPROVES QUICK ACTION TO BUY NEW VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Also, large equipment with 13 items for various departments includes two mobile generators of 100KW each which is enough to facilitate 10-single-family homes. And then there are tworeel mowers and a robotic field painter needed. These amount to $758,741, adding up to $4,673,391 in total. Seen as an urgent matter, the Plant City Procurement Division and Plant City City Manager wasted no time in trying to find a solution to the unexpected problem. Although the city, for now, has a sufficient supply of vehicles and equipment for departments to perform at full capacity, the cancellation of the one contractor has raised concerns. “We are faced with a continuing situation of scarcity,” McDaniel

said. “It’s extremely difficult to get these vehicles. This is something that we’re faced with. It’s not improving at this point, and it’s going to make it increasingly difficult for us to get the vehicles and equipment we need to sustain our operations throughout the city, whether it be the police or fire departments, all the way down to our parks, utilities, (and) maintenance operations.” Funds will now be drawn from a fleet budget account. This consists of a checking account the city uses to pay its bills and a savings account. Vehicles and equipment are sourced and priced through what is known as a procurement process. Manufacturers are producing merchandise that has a limited supply and production can stop without advance notice. Currently manufacturers are withholding and cancelling pro-

duction due to contract pricing disputes and negotiations. “So, what we’re trying to do is place our order beforehand so that way we don’t get cancelled,” said Procurement Manager Robert Rosenstein. When quotes were received, they used to be good for 30 or 40 days. Now it has dropped anywhere from 7 to 10 days, he added. And in some instances, the quoted merchandise is sold before the quote expires. Some dealers will not quote merchandise they don’t have in stock and will sell the product to the first buyer that comes along once the product arrives. Other dealers accept orders that exceed their allotment, which leads to cancelled orders for the customers that are not first in line. That’s all the more of a reason for the city to get a head start as early as possible.

Don Duckworth of Enterprise Fleet Management made an assessment: Supplier and production challenges are expected to continue late into the 2023 model year in the U.S. and Canada These supply chain challenges complicate the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) ability to provide accurate order to deliver End of Day Order (OTD) forecasts/estimates OEMs are accepting orders with future need by dates, but stress that they are not guaranteed due to the current environment In most cases it is advised to place orders without a need by date, as future production challenges are unknown Orders placed late in the model year or with a need by date late in the production cycle have historically been more at risk

Municipalities put orders in for

various merchandise and dealers become flooded with those orders, causing more demand than supply. Each year, citywide vehicles and equipment purchases are approved as part of the annual budget process. As each new fiscal year begins, specifications for all approved vehicles and equipment are developed. Approving the recommended acquisitions will now afford the city the best opportunity to purchase vehicles and equipment as they become available. It also allows McDaniel to take the action necessary to purchase this merchandise as soon as they become available. The commission passed the resolution by 5-0.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022

NATIONWIDE RISE IN PRICES FELT IN PC LOCALS GIVE THEIR TAKE ON HOW INFLATION HAS AFFECTED THEIR WALLETS

BRIAN FERNANDES

FOOD PRICES

STAFF WRITER

The steady rise of both gas and grocery prices this year has become a hassle that many Americans can relate to. On Tuesday, the U.S. Labor Department reported that consumer prices had increased by 8.5% since March of last year, the highest it’s been since 1981. This only puts pressure on the Federal Reserve to continue raising interest rates. Economists have pointed out various factors that have led to inflation. With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, gas became less expensive as fewer people were on the road. However, the demand for food and other goods had gone up, with many grocerystore shelves, at that time, being emptied. Over time, more motorists were occupying the roads and there was a greater inventory of store products. Many companies have experienced a drop in their supply chain when they are unable to manufacture their products at an efficient rate which in turn, increases the demand for those products. As a result, companies will then increase the costs of their products. What occurs internationally can play a role in local economics, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine, formerly a part of the Soviet Union, had expressed its desire to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization- an alliance of multiple countries originally created to provide security against the Soviet Union. In retaliation, Russia invaded Ukraine, on Feb. 24, with the sole purpose of taking control of the country. Since then, the cost of crude oil skyrocketed. Why? Along with the U.S., Russia is one of the top countries in global oil production. With the latest war, there has been concern that the oil supply from Russia would be disrupted, resulting in the rise of gas prices. The uptick in prices has had the nation feeling like their wallets are being emptied – especially our locals.

GAS PRICES

Becky George says that she feels the gas hike when at the pump. But budgeting was something she was quite familiar with before seeing astronomical prices. “Save here, so you can spend there,” she said. “That’s always been my philosophy.” However, in this instance, George has felt the need to fill her tank up all the way when she can. It’s her way of keeping ahead, because the following day may see a higher price per gallon. The national average for regular gas is $4.10 per gallon, with California being hit the hardest at $5.75, according to AAA. As of Feb. 12, Florida’s average gas price was $4.07 per gallon - its lowest price in more than a month. The state average is 10 cents less than the week prior. “G as prices are following the downward trend set by falling crude oil prices,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA-The Auto Club Group. “Oil futures are falling because of global demand concerns related to COVID-19 outbreaks in China. The potential of higher U.S. interest rates and a strengthening dollar have also put downward pressure on petroleum prices. “In addition to all that, members of the IEA (International Energy Agency) have joined the United States in an unprecedented release of petroleum reserves to offset the shortfall of Russian crude.” Michael Wilson, however, said he’s not very optimistic as the average cost in Hillsborough County has been sitting at

$4.02 per gallon. He travels back and forth from Riverview to Plant City in his Ford F-150 – what some would call a “gas guzzler.” He may spend anywhere from $800 to $1,000 a month on gas, and it takes up a sizable portion of his paycheck, he said. And he still may have to limit himself depending on where he goes for fuel. “Most pumps have a $75 to $100 cap, so that only lets me get half a tank or three quarters,” Wilson said. While his commute to and from work is a necessity, he said that he may have to be more mindful of where he travels if prices continue to spike. Walking a short distance from home to work is a luxury for Siria Lopez. Her boyfriend drives to Lakeland for work with their only car, which takes up the bulk of fuel. Yet they’re always trying to find discounts and the lowest sales at the pump wherever they can as well as filling the tank in small quantities. “We’re always pumping at Sam’s Club, or I’ll use my Shell card to get like 10 cents off,” Lopez said. “I know that gas prices are high, but to fill our tank of gas on our car is like $40, which isn’t much different from $35 that I was paying last year.” On Tuesday, President Biden announced that his administration would be lifting a summertime ban on a type of fuel known as E15 to help ease prices. And last month Florida lawmakers agreed to temporarily suspend Florida’s gas tax, but that would not occur until October

The Consumer Price Index, which measures economy-wide inflation, saw a rise in food prices from February of last year to February of this year by 7.9%. Economists expect prices to continue to surge during 2022 and many consumers are already making adjustments and sacrifices. “I shy away from a lot of meat,” George said. “I try to stick more with starches and vegetables and proteins from other places.” That reduction may become beneficial in the long term. The cost for meat, poultry, and fish is predicted to rise from 3.5% to upwards of 4.5%, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Although he’s not letting the price at the pump affect his commuting, Wilson has seen the need to budget when it comes to grocery shopping. “Groceries have definitely gone up for sure,” he said. “It’s definitely something that’s starting to affect finances more than it was.” In fact, more simplistic products such as dairy, fruits and vegetables are all expected to become more expensive. Lopez has already started to experience the toll that comes with paying higher prices. “The food inflation is much more than the gas,” she said. “It is affecting us much more than gas. A year or so ago, I was spending like $90 for us a week. Now it’s gone up to $150, and this is milk going up, eggs going up. The food is probably more heavier on my budget than the gas.” As a result, she has had to hold back on buying her favorite name brand foods and going with alternative brands. With the uncertainty of how things will pan out in the long term, many consumers are left in a vulnerable position, having to adapt to a crucial moment in history.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022

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THURSDAY, APRIL14, 2022

Scout works toward new rank, honoring family member

Alexy Chazares recognizes the woman he calls his grandmother

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

When Alexy Chazares was ready to complete a project that drew him one step closer to becoming an Eagle Scout, he decided to make that special day complete by dedicating his work to his adoptive grandmother, Dorothy Bell. With the help of his high school crosscountry team, he installed new markers alongside the trails of the Sydney Dover Trails park on Saturday. “I was a little stuck on which ideas to go for,” Alexy said. “My dad did bring up the idea of the Sydney Dover Trail because I used to come here with my cross-country team, and we would always get lost. We didn’t know exactly where we were going. We thought we were on one trail but would end up somewhere else, so my father presented the idea.” It was a crowning achievement that he wanted to share with Bell. She was always an inspiration to him, and he had a plaque that he presented to her after the project was completed. It reads as follows: The markers on these trails are honoring a special educator, advocate & friend on this date: “April 9, 2022, Mrs. Dorothy Bell” “My father went on to become a collegiate runner thanks to your encourage-

ment, guidance and support. May these trails encourage people to live healthy and pursue their dreams.” From his son Alexy Chazares and proud Eagle Scout Troop 89 Valrico, Florida Bell is a motherly figu e to two generations of the Chazares family. It fi st started with her encounter with Alexy’s father, Cleto ‘Sundy’ Chazares. She had an even more profound impact on his father, Alexy said, stating that “in his darkest time, she was the only light that he had.” Sundy’s dad was a single father who migrated his family from their native Mexico to Texas, which was a rough and tiresome journey. From there, they moved on to Florida and settled in Wauchula, where they worked the fields f tomatoes, cucumbers, and citrus. Because Sundy could only speak Spanish, he had to start school on the thirdgrade level instead of fifth g ade, which would have been more suited for his age. Bell, who was a guidance counselor at his school, made sure he was well accommodated in class with the help of a Spanish-speaking aide. Over the years she continued to encourage Sundy to not give up in school. However, he had succumbed to the pressure of both working as a migrant and going to school and dropped out at the end of junior high school.

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Sundy eventually joined a gang, and seeing the downward spiral he was going, Bell asked his father to let him stay with her and her family. So he returned to school. In high school he was a successful runner in track and cross country. In turn, he was accepted to St. Edward’s University in Texas, on a full cross-country scholarship. Sundy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and went on to obtain a Master’s Degree in Education Leadership at the University of South Florida. He is currently the principal at Simmons Career Acceleration Academy. “He just feels like where he is, that he’s serving a purpose by serving those students and helping them,” Bell said. “He’s just like one of my own children.” And how Bell accepted Alexy as a grandson, he has accepted her as a grandmother. She said that she felt “very humbled and very honored” to receive his token of appreciation. Alexy’s older brother Eryk also praised Bell when he was working on his Eagle Scout project in 2019. He created the “Shelf of Knowledge” bookcase that was placed in the Redlands Christian Migrant Association Plant City Infant Center. Its purpose is to help the youth of migrants to be able to expand their knowledge. On the side of the bookcase, there is a plaque dedicated to Bell that reads: “My father would have never made it without your guidance, love, and

patience.” She is still consistently a part of their lives as they are in hers. “She’s always been there for the birthdays, Thanksgivings, Christmas, to the point where she will tell the boys, ‘If your father fails to invite me to one of your activities, you invite me,’” Sundy said. “She’s always been active in their activities.” Alexy is not only a scout member but an author as well. In the seventh grade, he had his fi st book published, “Tickets to Disaster,” a fictionali ed story about the Titanic. His second book is on the brink of completion, Alexy said. Working with the younger scouts, seeing them having fun, and participating in their duties, are other things that are rewarding in his troop, he said. In the long-term, he would like to go into medical school and become a neurosurgeon. It’s another chapter in his life where Bell will support him. “I defini ely know that without her help, I more than likely wouldn’t be here,” Alexy said. “I think she still has had an impact on me.”

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022

Easter Celebration Visit these churches and houses of worship

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022

Plant City Church of God

EXPERIENCE LIFE THIS EASTER PLANT CITY CHURCH OF GOD

d o o G day i r F Sunrise

April 15th Noon - 1pm Passion Demonstration with Holy Communion

service

April 17th @ 7 AM Walden Lake Community Park Bring Your Own Chair or Cart

Sunday Easter celebration

April 17th - 10:15am Plant City Church of God

KIDS Church EASTER Egg Hunt with Prizes and Live Bunny Give-Away 10:15am

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022

PCHS THEATER TO PERFORM MUSICAL The school theater club is set for a return

Pregnancy Center to Have a Walk Fundraiser

Pregnancy Care Center of PC celebrates 30 years with good cause

Courtesy of the Plant City High School – Raid the Stage Facebook page

Courtesy of the Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City Facebook page The Plant City High School theater club will be staging its fi st large-scale musical performance after being stalled by the pandemic. It will be held at the campus at 1 Raider Pl., in Plant City and will be a show called “Bright Star” written by actor and comedian Steve Martin. The performance will run from April 21 to April 23, at 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. every night. Tickets are available at Our.Show/PCHSBrightStar. Online, tickets are $8 for students and $10 for adults. At the door, tickets will be $10 for students and $12 for adults. Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony®-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s “Bright Star” tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and 1940s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to

understand her past—and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. With beautiful melodies and powerfully moving characters, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tightly in its grasp, “Bright Star” is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful. The recommended audience is age 10 and up. In 2019, the theater troupe was selected as one of the top teams to compete in the Florida State Thespian Festival competition, its second year in a row. The group won a superior – the highest score for a play and walked away with the title of Best Play at the District 9 One Act Festival. It also did something unprecedented in Plant City by winning the NBC R.I.S.E. America Grant.

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

The Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City will be hosting Walk for Life 2022, on April 23. The walk, which is a fundraiser, will recognize the organization’s 30 years of service. Free registration can be done online or the day of the walk at 8:30 a.m. The walk will occur from 9 a.m. to noon and will begin at the Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City, at 304 N. Collins St. From there, the route will take a left on Baker Street, then a left on Wheeler Street, then a left on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and then another left back onto Collins Street, to the care center. The route will be walked two times. Parking will be located at City Pointe Church, 503 N. Palmer St. Afterwards, a tour of the care center will be offered as well as its mobile unit.

This year the goal is to have 300 walkers and raise $90,000. Each walker is challenged to raise $300 to meet the goal. The top team, top youth team, and top individual walker who raises the most funds will receive an award. A silent auction will also take place at the event but will begin online at the care center’s Facebook page, from April 18 to April 21. The high bids from Facebook will be the starting bids the morning of the walk. Bids will continue to be accepted until 10 a.m. The faith-based organization offers counseling as well as information on pregnancy options. It also provides free services such as pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, infant materials to take home, adoption referrals, parental training, and fatherhood classes. To register and make a donation, visit Support.PlantCityPregnancyCenter.org/ Events.

For more information, call (813) 759-0886 or email Sandi Nelson at SNelson@PCCPC.net.

Celebrate Easter week with First Baptist Church. Join us on Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and for one of three Easter worship services as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Experience uplifting music, powerful prayer and a life-changing message from the truth of God’s Word. Each Sunday we also offer Bible-centered Small Groups where you can learn to live out your faith with others. Classes meet at 8:00, 9:00, and 10:30 am. Move one step further in your relationship with Christ and others.

Come worship with us! FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH PLANT CITY 3309 James L. Redman Pkwy., Plant City | 813.752.4104 | www.fbcpc.com Dr. Brian Stowe, Senior Pastor

Worship Services Palm Sunday, 4/10

9:00 am & 10:30 am

Good Friday, 4/15 7:00 pm

Easter Saturday, 4/16 5:00 pm

Easter Sunday, 4/17 9:00 am & 10:30 am Can’t join us in person? Watch ONLINE at:

fbcpc.com/live

SPORTS

STRAWBERRY CREST HEAD COACH ERIC BEATTIE EARNS NEW COACHING OPPORTUNITY

Beattie has been named interim head coach for the Hyannis Harbor Hawks, a collegiate summer league team in Massachusetts. TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Last month, the Hyannis Harbor Hawks of the Cape Cod League announced that Strawberry Crest baseball’s head coach Eric Beattie would be serving as the team’s interim head coach this summer. The Cape Cod League is a collegiate summer baseball wooden bat league, and one of – if not the – premier summer leagues in collegiate baseball. Beginning in 1885, the Cape Cod League boasts over 1,000 former players who have gone on to play at the Major League level and features 10 teams with a 40-game season that runs between June and August. But this is far from Beattie’s first experience with the league. Beattie spent one year in the Cape Cod League with the Bourne Braves while pitching at the University of Tampa in 2003. In his lone season, Beattie amassed

a 4-0 record and allowed just two earned runs en route to a league-leading 0.39 earned run average, the third-lowest in league history, while striking out 51 batters over 46 innings. His stellar season earned him a spot on the All-League team and he was presented with the league’s annual Outstanding Pitcher of the Year award. “I remember a lot from that season,” Beattie said. “It was a different town, my first time living on my own, facing different hitters. I went up there with the goal of throwing a better changeup so I remember specifically doing that. Just taking in new scenery, competing against new players and having fun.” Beattie would later be inducted into the Cape Cod League’s Hall of Fame in 2014, the same year he was inducted into UT’s Hall of Fame. “It was special,” Beattie said. “It was a really special year for

me and my family, my boys were able to go. The UT and Cape Cod inductions were right there within two months of each other so it was a really special year. Both of those things meant a lot to me and our life.” Beattie mentioned reconnecting with his former coach from the Bourne Braves at his Cape Cod League Hall of Fame induction ceremony, keeping in contact and ultimately leading to this new opportunity. “The coach that coached me came to my Hall of Fame induction in 2014,” Beattie said. “We reconnected and stayed in touch, I’ve seen him at some of the national coaches clinics. We’ve kept in touch and conversations just kind of led to other conversations and connections and like anything else, you try to develop and maintain good relationships and usually positive things happen.” After his stellar career at the University of Tampa, Beat-

tie was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the second round of the 2004 MLB Draft and played across multiple levels in the Tigers’ and Boston Red Sox’ minor league systems through the 2007 season. Following his playing career, Beattie has served as the head coach at Strawberry Crest since the school opened in 2009, with back-to-back FHSAA Final Four appearances in 2018 and 2019 and a State Championship appearance in 2019. And with the Chargers’ season in full swing, that’s where much of Beattie’s focus has been. He says that he really hasn’t had a chance to think about what the summer in Hyannis will bring, but that he’s excited for the new opportunity. “I’ve thought about it a little bit but right now I’m so focused on Strawberry Crest that I haven’t quite gotten to that part yet,” Beattie said about how his

experiences in Cape Cod can help the players that he’ll be coaching this year. “I’ve thought about it a little bit. I just want to give them a fun environment to play in and try to give them some little pointers here and there that my coaches gave me while I was there that helped me out.”

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

KEY SENIOR MAKES RETURN FOR DURANT SOFTBALL After falling one game short of the State Final Four in 2021, the Cougars look to make another run this year. TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Durant softball fell 4-1 in surprising fashion against Riverview earlier this week, snapping the Cougars’ four-game winning streak and putting them at 13-6 on the year. After an 18-3 season in 2021, one that included a trip to the regional finals where Durant fell just one game shy of a 6A State Final Four appearance, expectations remained high entering the 2022 season despite the loss of experience across the roster. The Cougars are a much younger lineup this year as three of their four RBI leaders and four of their five hits leaders from last season graduated in 2021, along with some injuries impacting this year’s squad. With that, Durant’s offensive production has predictably not been able to keep pace with their astounding .402 batting average and .602 slugging percentage as a team last year, both good for the third best marks in Florida’s 6A division. Durant has averaged just under 4.7 runs per game

through 19 games this season, anchored by senior leadoff hitter Shelby Allen, a Southern Mississippi commit who leads the Cougars in nearly every offensive category including a team-high .449 batting average, .534 on base percentage, 22 hits, 24 runs, eight doubles and three triples. Behind Allen is junior Emma Chisholm, commited to Warner University, who boasts a .328 batting average, 21 hits, five doubles and a team-high 11 RBIs. But while the Cougars look to find their groove offensively down the stretch, a strong stable of talented pitchers have kept Durant among the topranked teams in Hillsborough County — most recently voted fifth in a coaches poll conducted by baymadefastpitch.com. “We started off the season pretty strong,” head coach Olivia Cuellar said. “We’re in a very tough district with Newsome being at the top of the district. I feel like we were off to a fast start, we had a couple of injuries that set us back but we’re also a very young team. So we’re still

molding, improving our communication and trying to gel as a team.” Haleigh Thomas threw 69.2 of the Cougars’ 118.1 innings in 2021, striking out 105 hitters en route to a 2.01 earned run average and an 8-2 record. She was primed to carry the torch for Durant’s staff once again in 2022, pitching in each of the Cougars’ first six contests before missing over three weeks due to injury. In her place, junior Amy Bak has been a staple in the pitcher’s circle with a 7-2 record and 1.42 ERA over her team-high 64 innings pitched. Behind Bak, senior Allie Hughes has amassed a 3.07 ERA over 27.1 innings of her own. “We’re super lucky to have a healthy and lengthy staff behind Haleigh,” Cuellar said. “So having Allie Hughes and Amy Bak really step up, they proved that they can do it just like Haleigh can do it and that we’re not just a one-man show.” Since making her return to the lineup, Thomas has yet to allow an earned run over her seven innings pitched in Durant’s past

two contests. And the addition couldn’t come at a better time as Durant prepares for a grueling final stretch of the season where they will face 8-9 Plant, 9-7 Sickles, 12-4 Bloomingdale, 9-4 Sumner and 15-3 Newsome over their final six regular season matchups.

“We’ve got to step up,” Cuellar said. “Our younger girls have to step up into their roles and we need people to be vocal leaders. Once we get right with our communication, I think we’ll be good.”

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022

INCLIMATE WEATHER SETS UP EXCITING LATE-SEASON SERIES

Due to a cancelled matchup, Durant and Plant City will now play back-to-back games later in the year.

AROUND THE DIAMOND TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Plant City and Durant were scheduled to meet for the first time this season last Thursday, with both teams currently sitting atop the district standings with Plant City at 3-1 and Durant at 2-1 in league play on the year. It was initially good timing for the matchup as sophomore right-hander Blaine Rowland returned from injury, gearing back up into shape with his first inning of work against Riverview on April 4, but thunderstorms rolling through the area and cancelled the contest. It may have served as a slight disappointment for those that were looking forward to the local rivalry matchup, but to make things even more exciting, the game was rescheduled for April 20 and sets up a twogame series on back-to-back days with their second meeting scheduled for April 21. Earlier this week, Durant headed to Riverview for their second matchup of the year where the Cougars got hot early

and rode their strong offensive showing to a 10-5 victory. After jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the first, Riverview punched right back with three quick runs in the bottom of the frame before Durant could secure an out. Rowland came out of the bullpen in relief and was able to throw two scoreless innings to settle the Sharks’ bats down. Durant added two more runs in the second on a home run from Dylan LaPointe — his team-leading fourth of the season — to give the Cougars some breathing room and a 6-3 lead before cruising the rest of the way to a big district win. Durant will return to action at home against Newsome on Thursday night in another district contest. The Cougars beat the Wolves 5-2 in their first meeting of the year on March 31. Plant City returned this week to host East Bay for their senior night on Tuesday, falling in disappointing fashion by a 7-3 final. Seniors Logan Scott, Jack-

son VanDerZee and Jace Stines each notched a run batted in for the Raiders on Tuesday and Plant City allowed just two runs to come across for East Bay after the first inning, but a strong outing from their bullpen arms weren’t enough to overcome the early 5-0 deficit. Plant City will look to bounce back in a big way on Thursday as they host a tough 17-3 Sickles team. Strawberry Crest was able to avoid the poor weather last week and play their game against Sickles as scheduled on Friday, falling 6-0 in just their second game of the season in which they failed to score a run. But Crest wasn’t down for long, kicking off a three-game week against Tampa Bay Tech on Monday and coming away with a resounding 13-1 win. Senior Zach Vincent got the start for the Chargers, allowing just three hits and one unearned run over 4.2 innings before junior Cooper McDonald closed the door with just one hit surrendered over his 1.1-inning

appearance. Offensively, junior Zach Redner led the charge with two hits, four runs batted in and his first home run of the season. Damien Bennett had three RBIs and Alex Philpott drove in two of his own as six different Charger hitters tallied RBIS in on the night. Tuesday’s contest against Robinson didn’t come nearly as easy, however, going to extra innings before the Chargers eventually escaped with a 3-2 victory in the nine-inning affair. Lance Highsmith opened the scoring in the second with an RBI single up the middle to give Crest a 1-0 lead and in the second, after Ethan Pues roped a double down the left field line and swiped third, he came around for the Chargers’ second run as he was driven home by junior infielder Ray Allen Vasquez. Luke Richardson took a strong outing into the sixth inning before Philpott entered the game in relief, taking over with one out

and two runners on. Robinson was able to take advantage of some passed balls to knot the game up at 2-2 but after escaping the sixth, Philpott would throw three scoreless innings before Crest was able to walk it off with a line drive down the first base line from Redner, driving in the game-winning run and pushing the Chargers to 13-6 on the year. Strawberry Crest will take on 15-4 Plant for the second time this season on Thursday, previously falling 6-1 to the Panthers in the Saladino Tournament semifinal over Spring Break.

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

Countless Kids Benefit from Your Support

South Florida Baptist Hospital’s Community Health Department provides health services to thousands of your friends, neighbors and coworkers. This invaluable community resource wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Children’s Classic and these important donors.

Thank you for your invaluable support of the 2022 Children’s Classic Golf Tournament Platinum Sponsor

Dean and Nancy Nourie Trust

Gold Sponsors

Barton Malow Builders Charles and Jennifer Closshey Publix Super Markets Stingray Chevrolet

Silver Sponsors

APG BayCare Health System McEnany Roofing Suncoast Community Health Center Trane

Bronze Sponsors

AmeriCare Ambulance Service Architectural Aluminum Techniques The Bank of Tampa Futura Healthcare HKS, Inc. 22-2116525-0322

Jarrett Scott Ford Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company MD-VIP, Steve W. Smith, MD Stahl & Associates Insurance, Inc. VHB White Sands Treatment Center

Foursome Sponsors

Advantage Restoration & Contracting Bartow Regional Medical Center Dental Associates of Florida Plant City Dixie Maintenance Energy Vision, LLC Florida Strawberry Festival Glen Smith – Kimball Midwest McEnany Roofing Memory of Floyd Hall National Firestopping Solutions Rotary Club of Plant City Trax Credit Union

Golf Cart Sponsor

Rotary Club of Plant City

Golf Ball Sponsor Jarrett Scott Ford

Putting Contest Sponsors Epic Affect Trane

Chipping Contest Sponsor International Fire Protection

Hole Sign Sponsors Fryed Egg Productions Hillsborough Title Dub and Pec McGinnes

Pediatric Care - Dr. John Aime Plant City Black Heritage Plant City Photo Archives Prosser Verner Foundation, Inc. Sunny Florida Dairy Trane Walden Lake Car Wash & Service Center

Door Prizes / Donations

The Bank of Tampa Backbone Roofing Beef O’Brady’s Plant City Bruton’s Cigar Shop Chick-fil-A Children’s Board Family Resource Center

The Club at Eaglebrooke Dixon Golf Golf Etc. Gilly’s Vending Hillsborough Title Intertek-PSI Jamco, Inc. Kiwanis Club of Plant City Pepsi-Cola Andy Register, Infinity Sales South Florida Baptist Hospital Strong Tower Insurance Tooth Caboose Toufayan Bakeries Your CBD Store

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022

REAL ESTATE

March 2022 Real Estate Transactions

Local March 2022 sales and trend information courtesy of The Crawford Group. Hair Styles and Real Estate … What do they have in common? Constant flux f change for one. Oh, let’s just look at the hair styles of the 80’s and 90’s versus today, I bet you can conjure up many images, but I would gander a guess that you would leave those styles in the past. On the contrary with real estate, those as buyers would all love to go back a couple of years, six months, even last month to change their contract offer price they missed out on. If we only knew the future. Change is inevitable and the real estate market continues to move upwards. What does the future have in store for real estate? Low housing inventory levels. I believe I have dwelled on this facet for many months now. For the past 15 months we have had less than one month’s supply of inventory. Some experts don’t expect these levels to get back to normalcy (3+ months) until 2024, which means sellers will still have a slight upper hand for at least 12 to 15 months. As someone who continues to look at statistical data, the future is an educated guess considering the many variables, but the past is a certainty. As we look at the Plant City housing data, we just concluded the fi st quarter for the year, Q1-2022. Our market area saw 105 homes sold this month, an increase from the previous month with 71 homes sold. The average selling price per square foot was $187.68 Q1, that’s a 27 percent increase over last year. The average selling price was $339,592 Q1 or a 24 percent increase over last year. When we look at the current Q1-2022 data compared to Q1-2019 before the pandemic, we are up

61 percent and 66 percent respectfully, that’s over a 20 percent increase annualized from 2019. While looking at the month over month data, March finished with a Median sales price of $336,000 or $196.40 per square foot which was a 5.2 percent increase over February and a 12 percent increase over January. Will the real estate values continue to rise? Yes, more likely than not at slower rising percentage rates. There are many elements that influen e into the potential buying/selling power of the consumer. I mentioned in the opening the low inventory levels, but other considerations like mortgage interest rates, inflation and eneral economy effect the overall data as well. Mortgage rates have climbed 50 percent in the last three months, cost of fuel escalated up 32 percent while the value of the stock market has decreased 5 percent in this quarter. Talks of recession and higher inflation a e in the news, which may slow or depress market prices in the future, but we are a long way from ample inventory supply, and we still have more buyers than sellers. As always, if you are in the market to buy or sell your home … seek out an experienced professional realtor to assist you in this transaction process. There are too many pitfalls to go it alone without representation. If you have any questions, please reach out. M Crawford Crawford Group

SALES SNAPSHOT The following residential properties were a sample listed as sold on the Greater Tampa Realtors Association MLS in Mar 2022 for the Plant City Market Area. The home at 1604 N Ferrell St sold Mar 11 for $200,000. Built in 1950, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1602 square feet of living area. The home at 902 N Johnson St sold Mar 4 for $225,000. Built in 1937, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1658 square feet of living area. The home at 1902 Greenwood Valley Dr sold Mar 31 for $243,500. Built in 2014, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1572 square feet of living area. The home at 1907 Poplar Ct sold Mar 31 for $290,000. Built in 1977 it has 2 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1503 square feet of living area. The home at 2716 Golf Lake Dr sold Mar 22 for $302,000. Built in 1996, it has 2 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1503 square feet of living area. The home at 606 N Merrin St sold Mar 20 for $325,000. Built in 1900, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and 2782 square feet of living area. The home at 506 W Mahoney St sold Mar 15 for $330,000. Built in 1918, it has 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bath and 1706 square feet of living area. The home at 3448 Silver Meadow Way sold Mar 7 for $335,000. Built in 1994, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1899 square feet of living area.

The home at 7504 Kinard Rd sold Mar 4 for $350,000. Built in 1980, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1508 square feet of living area. The home 1101 N Clark St sold Mar 1 for $355,000. Built in 1919, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1858 square feet of living area. The home at 6906 Thonotosassa Rd sold Mar 1 for $385,000. Built in 1982, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1623 square feet of living area. The home at 1706 Mcleod Dr sold Mar 1 for $413,000. Built in 2005, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2197 square feet of living area. The home at 2102 Strawberry Dr sold Mar 31 for $445,000. Built in 1983, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2197 square feet of living area. The home at 4104 Concord Way sold Mar 21 for $475,000. Built in 1989, it has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2350 square feet of living area. The home at 2906 Clubhouse Dr sold Mar 31 for $500,000. Built in 1992, it has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2490 square feet of living area. The home at 3521 Sam Allen Oaks Cir sold Mar 31 for $610,000. Built in 2002, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 bath and 3021 square feet of living area. The home at 3717 Quail Nesting Pl sold Mar 31 for $899,900. Built in 2004, it has 4 bedrooms, 5 baths and 3854 square feet of living area.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022

PlantCityObserver.com

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

289704-1

We asked Plant City: Do you speak a second language? If not, what language would you most like to learn and why? “As a proud US born citizen, I speak American English. As a proud daughter of a Ukrainian born immigrant, I also speak Ukrainian!” - Eva Noble “I would love to learn more French so I can travel in France and converse easily/fluentl .” - Shannon Layne “Renew and upgrade my Spanish.” - Kathleen Clore Neely

“English and American Sign Language.” - Ariel Vega “I don’t speak a second language. I would like to learn to speak German because ancestory on my father’s side is German.” - Tim Harman “Defini ely Spanish.” - Bobby Raines “Spanish and German. - Lacey Robbins

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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Eduardo Cabrales Sr.

Clinton Scott Johnson, 84, of Riverview, Fla., born in Berea, Ky., on June 9, 1937, entered into eternal rest on March 28, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Eduardo Cabrales Sr., 51, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on April 9, 2022. The family will receive friends April 14, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. Funeral services will follow at 12 p.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Yvetta Darlene Harrold, 83, of Plant City, Fla., born Dwight ‘Roddy’ in Clinton, Ill., on Sept. 21, Roger Crosby, Jr. 1938, passed from this life and took up her residence Dwight “Roddy” Roger in Heaven on April 10, 2022. Crosby, Jr., 47, of Lakeland, She was a Christian, and Florida, born in Tampa on a member of One Accord February 12, 1975, entered Church, Plant City. She into eternal rest on April 6, retired from Lykes Brothers 2022. after 22 years. She loved Expressions of condolence her Lord, family, and friends. at HopewellFuneral.com. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred E. Harrold; and children, Deanna Harrold, and Decie Harrold. HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM She is survived by children, Denice Hill (Arthur) of Adel, Heidi Simi Hisel Georgia, Debbie Gilmore (Frank) of Dover, Fred HarrHeidi Simi Hisel, 62, of old, Jr. (Cindy) of Plant City, Plant City, Fla., passed Jerry Harrold (Sonja Evelyn) away on April 4, 2022. Serof Plant City, and daughtervices will be held privately. in-law, Vaiana Harrold of Online condolences may Plant City; 13 grandchildren; be left for the family at 17 great-grandchildren; and haught.care. 2 great-great-grandchildren. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022

OBITUARIES

Yvetta Darlene Harrold

Clinton Scott Johnson

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Steven Lawrence Wood Steven Lawrence Wood, 63, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on April 10, 2022. He was United States Marine Corps Veteran. The family will receive friends April 16, 2022 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Church on the Rock, 301 E Alsobrook St, Plant City, FL 33563. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

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

YOUR CALENDAR

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022

BEST BET SATURDAY, APRIL 16 STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

3 to 6:30 at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Classic Cruise-In is back on Saturday, Jan. 15, rain or shine. Cars and trucks manufactured in or before 1996 can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music will be provided by DJ John Paul Gasca.

SATURDAY, APRIL 16

THURSDAY, MAY 5

BILLY MCKNIGHT LIVE

MAIN STREET TOP GOLF TOURNAMENT

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Musician Billy McKnight is bringing his talent to the Loft at Krazy Kup. The winner of the ‘People’s Choice’ Talent Award at the 2021 Florida Strawberry Festival, McKnight is ready to put on a show that will entertain audiences of all ages and you surely won’t want to miss. The event will have no cover and no charge, but donations are encouraged.

FRIDAY, APRIL 22 GREG FUENTES UNPLUGGED

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. It’s Krazy Kup’s pleasure to welcome the talented musical artist Greg Fuentes to perform live at the Loft, bringing a unique and special acoustic interpretation of classic folk, rock and country music. Krazy Kup is sure you’ll be impressed. Admission is free and donations to the bucket of love are encouraged.

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY

4 to 6 p.m. at 2001 E. Cherry St.Head down to the Plant City Commons Community Garden and celebrate Earth Day 2022. The Plant City Commons Community Garden is located on Hillsborough Community College’s Plant City campus and the fun-for-all event, celebrating the anniversary of the modern environmental movement, will feature speakers and refreshments, hosted by the Plant City Dems.

FRIDAY, APRIL 29 LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN

5 to 9 p.m. at McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St. The Last Friday in Downtown Food Truck Rally is held with a new theme each month. There will be live music, market vendors and food trucks. The event is family and pet friendly and all are recommended to bring chairs and blankets. This month’s theme will be May The 4th Be With You (Star Wars).

5 to 8 p.m. at 10690 Palm River Rd. Head to Top Golf for this fun networking event, sponsored by Plant City Main Street. Top Golf is a high-tech, state-of-the-art interactive driving range and entertainment complex that features climate-controlled hitting bays and fun for golfers of all skill levels, including novices. In addition to the tournament, you’ll have to opportunity to take in a mouthwatering dinner buffet and open bar served in a private VIP room. With sponsorship packages ranging from $100 to $500, you can register now or get more information at www.plantcitymainstreet.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 7 RVR HORSE RESCUE SUMMER FEST

11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1710 W. State Road 60. RVR Horse Rescue is swinging the barn doors open for their Summer Fest fundraising event next month. The event will take place at their ranch and feature tons of family-friendly fun, including three live bands, food provided by 3C’s Catering, games, raffles, face painting, horse trivia, wheel of fortune, local vendors and artisans and more. But of course, the main attraction is a chance to tour the ranch and meet with all of their rescued horses. Parking and admission is free and with RVR Horse Rescue being 100 percent volunteer-owned and operated, every penny raised will go directly to the care of horses in need. For more information, visit www.rvrhorserescue.com.

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FORECAST

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 14 High: 89 Low: 68 Chance of rain: 24%

FRIDAY, APRIL 15 High: 89 Low: 66 Chance of rain: 24%

THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022

SUNRISE/SUNSET Sunrise Sunset Thursday, April 14

7:04a

7:53p

Friday, April 15

7:03a

7:54p

Saturday, April 16

7:02a

7:54p

Sunday, April 17

7:01a

7:55p

Monday, April 18

7:00a

7:56p

Tuesday, April 19

6:59a

7:56p

Wednesday, April 20

6:58a

7:56p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, APRIL 16 High: 91 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 24%

SUNDAY, APRIL 17 High: 89 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 24%

MONDAY, APRIL 18 Mark Corso submitted this photo of a little raccoon hanging out in a tree on his property in Plant City.

ONLINE

High: 85 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 38%

Across 1 Distressed cry 5 Capture, in Westerns 10 Pond fil 14 Singer Brickell 15 Rap sheet entry 16 __ Linda, Calif. 17 Noble fish 19 Arthur Ashe Courage Award, e.g. 20 Radio tuning shortcut 21 Longtime “American Top 40” host 23 They’re sold in bars 26 Force out 29 Goes along with 32 Come again? 33 Oldest Musketeer

34 Keyboard goofs 36 Campaigned 37 Flute feature 38 Management opening 39 Protest, in a way 40 Argentine aunt 41 Caffè __: chocolatefl vored drink 42 Reach via jet 43 Oliver Twist, for one 45 Not farmed out 47 Spruce up the lawn 48 Jim of “Wide World of Sports” 49 Buddy 51 Much more than a mere fan 56 Word of lament

58 Elastic fish 61 Singer with The Blackhearts 62 Typical 63 Caffeine-rich seed 64 Graph lines 65 Chaps 66 Kind of folder Down 1 Online site whose reviews are reviewed 2 Fragrance 3 Certain partner 4 Frees, with “out” 5 Common carry-on item 6 Pub order 7 What Marcie calls Pep-

permint Patty 8 Fires 9 Fed. workplace monitor 10 Short item on many a tee 11 Massive fish 12 Diamond authority 13 Possibly will 18 Many RSVP responses, hopefully 22 Notices 24 Top story 25 Medium 27 Pure 28 Scout rider 29 What you have on 30 Stingy fish 31 Dot follower, at times 32 Piglet’s pal 33 Tycoon who is an Oregon city namesake 35 Play a joke on 38 Day named for a satellite: Abbr. 39 Winter bug 41 Anti-DUI org. 42 Entrance area 44 Raises 46 Variable eye colors 48 Touchpad alternative 50 Pharmacy item 52 Sets as a price 53 Circuit 54 Earthenware pot 55 Bears or Lions 56 1977 Steely Dan album 57 Latin law 59 Dog holder 60 Diamond tool

April 30 New

May 8 First

April 18 Full

April 23 Last

RAINFALL LAST WEEK:

MONTH TO DATE:

1.14 in.

2.31 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

APRIL AVERAGE:

9.90 in.

2.88 in.

STRAWBERRIES Shipping point: Central Florida $14.00-$16.00

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022

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