4.15.21 PLCO by Plant City Observer

Plant City Observer

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YO UR HOMETOW N. YO UR NEWSPAP ER .

YOUR HOMETOWN. YOUR NEWSPAPER

VOLUME 6, NO. 141

. YO UR NEWS PAP ER . COMMISH ROUNDUP: COMMISSIONERS CONTINUE CEMETERY IMPROVEMENTS

Monday’s city commission meeting saw commissioners approve purchases and contract amendments to keep improving local cemeteries.

EARTH, WIND & The Plant City Commons Community Garden hosted a new event Saturday to celebrate Earth Day. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

There’s no day like Earth Day at the Plant City Commons Community Garden, and anyone who visited Saturday saw that firsthand at the new Earth, Wind & Garden event. The all-day affair at the garden, 2001 E. Cherry St., invited attendees to come out for free, family-friendly fun and educational activities to help more people become better stewards of our Earth. Kids and adults could check out food, garden and plant demos and learn about water conservation, aquaponics, making tasty treats from your crops, how to make your own little “pond in a jar” ecosystem and much more. The kids could take part in a sensory scavenger hunt and paint whatever they wanted on a mural provided by MAKE Plant City. There were also plenty of vendors on site selling handmade wares, artwork and plants. Visit plantcitycommunitygarden.com to learn more about one of Plant City’s hidden treasures.

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FREE • THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Local cemeteries have gotten a string of upgrades over the course of the last year. City commissioners have been approving projects related to cemeteries throughout the city and they have undergone some major renovations in just a few months. One of the first changes to come was when the city dished out more than $75,000 to use a service called PlotBox that maps and manages cemetery operations. The new technology helps the Cemetery Operations office maintain more than 26,000 spaces in five local cemeteries that cover upwards of 52 acres of land. Up until the switch in August

2020, the office still had some data stored on index cards that dated back to the early 1900s. The maps in the office were pre-digitization and the entire department relied heavily on paper copies. Unsurprisingly, that made things difficult to accurately track spaces and the PlotBox system started a “reset” for the city. The graves cemetery staff have verified are now accurately reported within three inches of their locations.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 Courtesy of Karen Elizabeth

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

NEWS BRIEFS

Florida Strawberry Festival releases 2021 attendance total Though the Florida Strawberry Festival’s overall attendance dipped in 2021, it still hosted hundreds of thousands of attendees. The festival announced Wednesday that nearly 402,000 people attended the 86th annual festival. It also announced that Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Plant City Police Department reported just five total arrests made during the 11-day event. “This year’s attendance was unexpected, and we can attribute our success to the hundreds of volunteers and patrons who come each year to take part in the celebration,” Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis said in a press release. “We are incredibly humbled to be able to share this accomplishment with our exhibitors, concessionaires and community in light of the past year.”

HCSO warns of bank ‘jugging’ crimes Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to be careful when exiting

File photo

a bank after making a large withdrawal, citing a recent uptick in jugging. Bank jugging, HCSO said in a press release, “is a crime in which criminals watch customers walk in and out of banks, in hopes that they come out with some form of bank bag, envelope, or another indication that victims are walking out with a large sum of money. Criminals then attempt to burglarize them and take off with the money.” The Sheriff’s Office said 27 jugging incidents have been reported in Hillsborough County in 2021 and a total of $110,000 has been stolen from the victims. “We must all do our part to protect ourselves and safeguard our money,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a press release. “Even if you’re going to the bank in broad daylight, criminals will watch from their parked cars to see what you’re bringing back with you. Be aware of your surroundings and if you’re returning to your car with money, keep it hidden in your purse or pocket. Remember, if you see something suspicious, say something and call 911.” You can watch a PSA online at youtube. com/watch?v=MZKFWY8C5_k.

Upcoming 5K to support mental, physical well-being The inaugural EPIC 5K Memorial Run/Walk is coming to Plant City this weekend and all are invited to put their running shoes on and join the action. The event, sponsored by BenchCounselor.org and myShape.solutions, is meant to honor the memories of Joshua Miller and Adam Robertson and bring attention to growing problems with addiction and depression exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in August 2020 that symptoms of anxiety and depression skyrocketed among adults compared to 2019. “Educators Joshua Miller and Adam Robertson are fondly remembered today because of their battles lost last year, event organizers said in a press release. “Not only will the EPIC 5K Memorial Run/ Walk make an impact on local communities and fellow educators, but also for the Miller and Robertson families.” All proceeds raised from the event will support the Miller and Robertson families. The 5K will be held at Ellis-Methvin Park, 2601 E. Cherry St., and is set to begin at 8

a.m. Saturday. Start times will be staggered to support social distancing. The cost to register is $40 per person and you can sign up online at myshape.solutions/ epic-5k.

Sign up for Boys and Girls Club summer programming West Plant City Boys and Girls Club and others in the Tampa Bay area are currently accepting registrations for the club’s upcoming Summer Program for youth in elementary school through high school. The program begins June 7 and runs through July 31, though it will be closed from July 2-5 in observance of Independence Day. Hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the program includes lunch, snacks, enrichment programs and more. The costs vary by age: $150 ($19 per week) for elementary school students, $50 ($7 per week) for middle school students and $25 ($4 per week) for high school students. Scholarships are available to those who qualify. Register online at bit.ly/enrollbgc. Visit bgctampa.org for more information.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

SCHOLARSHIPS, AWARDS PRESENTED AT 2021 MLK LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST The 35th annual event was held Sunday at the Trinkle Center at Hillsborough Community College.

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case when the group donated a basketball shooting training machine to the community center last year. He partnered iImpactPC with the Improvement League to donate meals to elderly residents last April through June during pandemic shutdowns and was also a platinum sponsor for the 150th anniversary celebration of Bealsville. McIntyre’s acceptance speech, the longest of the bunch, featured a call to action that built off of Downing’s speech and encouraged more involvement in the community. “We’ve decided to exclude ourselves from the process… we can’t complain about our current state if we do not engage,” McIntyre said. “We can’t get to full inclusiveness without engaging. You can impact P.C. by your actions and, believe it or not, by your inaction.” Hampton George, a graduate of Marshall High School and a United States Army veteran, has dedicated the last 20 years toward making sure his fellow veterans are aware of and are able to receive benefits available to them — many of which are unknown to a great number of veterans, as federal, state and local opportunities are constantly changing. George currently spends every Wednesday at the Bing Rooming House Museum, 205 Allen St., counseling veterans and helping them get the benefits they’re entitled to, completely free of charge. Since he and the Bing House partnered up in October 2020, George has worked with close to 200 veterans. “I’ve dedicated the last 20 years to help those vets with disability,” George said. “I’m a 100 percent disabled vet myself. I want to pass it on.”

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Looking back on one of the most turbulent years in American history, the message at the 35th annual Plant City Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Breakfast was a call for understanding, compassion and unity. The breakfast event, for which the theme was “Let Freedom Ring,” featured retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Dr. Cynthia Downing, who is the Commandant of Summerlin Academy in Bartow. Downing was the event’s keynote speaker and highlighted how major events of 2020 put a spotlight on ongoing civil rights issues in America and showed people how much work needs to be done to get to a point where all Americans can live the dream of having equality and unhindered opportunity. She advocated for empathy toward others and for staying true to faith in God for guidance. “I served over 25 years and I was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice because I believe in this country,” Downing said. “We as a nation must continue to work to make this a better nation. America is the greatest country in the world… I feel confident that all that America’s going through, especially this past year, we will overcome because we are a loving nation that can unite in times of trouble.” King was quoted often during the event and, as former Mayor John Dicks said, the man was passionate about making sure youths got a good education. Five Plant City-area students — Jaylen Wharton,

in 1984, the JCPenney Golden Rule Award in 1986, the Black Heritage Community Service Award in 2015 and was one of the Plant City Observer’s five Wonder Women of 2020. She is also heavily involved with the Girl Scouts of the Plant City area and the Order of the Eastern Star. “When you’re doing things, don’t always think about yourself,” she said. “Think about others.” Michelle Richardson, Student Success Coach at Marshall Middle Magnet School, has spent her 19-year career in education working tirelessly to keep students in school and engaged to have the best chance at success later in life. Richardson is plenty busy off campus between hosting tutoring sessions at her home, making home visits to help her students and making sure Marshall’s students get home safely after school ends each day. She is the school’s Black History Brain Bowl coach and hosts an after-school line dance across the street at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center for teachers. “I took a pay cut to come to Marshall, and it’s been a blessing,” Richardson said. “I just love it and I’m glad to be able to receive this award.” Danny McIntyre, a local entrepreneur and philanthropist, has given back to his hometown in many ways. McIntyre is a co-founder of the Future Career Academy, which started at Plant City High School and now helps high school seniors around Hillsborough County find post-grad career opportunities, as well as the iImpactPC organization that hosts community discussions to find solutions to local issues and gives back to the youth, as was the

Park Rd.

SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Aryana Wright, Jack Brosky, Brendan Rollyson and Riley Buttorff — received $500 scholarships funded by the Dicks family and Wish Farms. Five members of the Plant City community received “Community Champion” awards as well. Tony Bernard Smith, an educator at Sligh Middle School, is well-known around town for his involvement with the M.A.T.E.S. community health initiative that gets people fit physically, mentally and spiritually on Saturday mornings. When the COVID-19 pandemic led to much of Plant City and the world shutting down, Bernard stepped up with iImpact PC and the Improvement League of Plant City and delivered nearly 100 hot meals, hygiene items and newspapers twice weekly to senior citizens who had to isolate away from their families. He is also known for hooking Plant City-area veterans up with barbecue on Veterans Day, advocating for residential area improvements and starting an “Xtreme Hip Hop” initiative. Though Bernard received an individual award, he immediately credited his community partners. “I couldn’t do this without my team, Reginald Gray and Heaven Waddell,” Bernard said. “ They work with me — they do all the heavy lifting.” Essie Dixon Lewis, who in 1973 became the first Black girl to make it onto the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Court as First Maid, is a longtime educator and has dedicated her life to helping anyone in need, young or old, no matter how she can make a positive impact in their lives. She won the Headstart Parent of the Year award

Maryland Ave.

JUSTIN KLINE

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

CEMETERIES RECEIVE FURTHER UPGRADES Commissioners approved several purchases and contract amendments Monday evening to further improve the state of local cemeteries. FROM PAGE 1

Photos courtesy of the City of Plant City

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

For the current fiscal year, commissioners have also been focused on constructing the Oaklawn Cemetery fence. On June 22, commissioners approved construction of the cemetery wall on Wheeler Street and the “scope of work included ornamental fencing which passes through a portion of Oaklawn Cemetery, along the East side of Wheeler Street.” The city said future plans indicate it will match the decorative fencing at Oaklawn and other cemetery locations. To complete the fencing at the Oaklawn Cemetery on the east and west sides of Wheeler Street, City Manager Bill McDaniel will execute a Change Order for $20,652.29 to the contract with Ocala Fence, LLC for

additional cemetery fencing. This comes after the city agreed to start a contract for $42,878.83 with the company for the start of the project on March 12. The additional money is to add fencing along the front of Memorial Park Cemetery, which falls in with the plan to match the decorative fencing at other locations. There was $65,000 set aside for the project in this fiscal year’s budget, so the change still falls within the approved budget. This week commissioner also approved the purchase of one Kubota L47TLB-B Tractor/Backhoe from Gulf Coast Turf & Tractor, LLC for $50,330.70, which will be used in the Cemetery Operations Division. Currently Parks & Recreation has two trac-

tor/backhoes in the division and neither were the right size to work efficiently in cemetery cleanup. The 2014 John Deere is undersized and “requires an extraordinary amount of time to accomplish grave openings, and is not strong enough to lift heavy objects such as vault lids or monuments,” according to the city. The 1995 Ford is oversized and doesn’t fit into many areas in the cemeteries due to their tight layouts. It is also beyond its life expectancy and thus considered “unreliable.” The John Deere will be transferred to the Parks Maintenance crew at Sansone Park and the old Ford will be dispositioned. The Procurement Division published an Invi-

tation for Bid and received a response on Nov. 19, 2020, but upon evaluation it was “determined to be non-responsive to the specifications and requirements of the IFB.” So the Procurement Division decided the city’s best option was to purchase equipment from Gulf Coast Turf & Tractor, LLC, through piggyback of a Sourcewell (formerly known as National Joint Powers Alliance) contract for $50,330.70. Oaklawn and Garden of Peace cemeteries also have had improvements via landscaping. Garden of Peace has a large brick entrance sign now and Oaklawn has a decorative sculpture piece that acts as a sprinkler for the area.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

GENERATIONS RENEWED

CHANGING LIVES IN PLANT CITY The nonprofit is focused on community development and offers mentoring, counseling, career prep, college assistance and more. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

A non-profit in Plant City is focused on community development and, despite the setbacks of COVID-19, is steadily making waves in local children’s lives. Generations Renewed began in 2017 after Kimberly Kitchen and her family realized they shared a passion for pouring back into their community. Kitchen said Generations Renewed became the outlet the family could use to share its testimony, along with its professional training, to help at-risk children and their families end generational poverty. The family has dealt firsthand with domestic violence, homelessness, suicide, divorce, poverty, depression and a variety of other issues. Through it all, it’s come out the other side stronger than ever and eager to help those dealing with similar issues find their own means of freedom. “How do we change this generation of younger people to let them know that there is something beyond poverty and drugs?” Kitchen asked. “Well, for years we have been talking about that as a family and my sons, they really wanted to be able to say, ‘Hey we went through all of that, now it’s time to give back and share what we’ve learned.’” The group is comprised of Kitchen, executive director, her husband Willie, director, Rashard Sureller, director, Dontrey Sureller, director, Aysa Sureller, COO, and Mike Johnson, director. Before COVID they were

in a partnership with Trapnell Elementary School and would come out to spend some time with 10 at-risk kids. They mentored the youth, went to awards ceremonies and events, hosted a special party for the staff and teachers and reminded those kids that they had someone in their corner. Kitchen said one thing that sets Generations Renewed apart from similar groups is the simple fact that they have been in these families’ shoes. Rashard Sureller agreed and said when they would mentor youth they’d often have a kid say, “You just don’t understand what I’m going through.” He’d smile and reply, “Try me.” Though one of their top priorities is working with elementary students, the group works with anyone age 9 to 26 and splits them into two age groups with two different focuses. The younger students are heavily poured into with mentoring and their families are invited to come in to the office. The older teens and young adults are mentored as well, but the group also helps them find work, interview for jobs, learn a trade and prepare for college. If the teens don’t see college in their futures, Generations Renewed helps them identify why. If it’s finances, they do what they can to eliminate that obstacle. If it’s because the teen isn’t interested in pursuing that route, then the group helps prepare them for the workforce. Rashard Sureller owns Mount Man, LLC, a construction and handyman company. He will use his business to teach interested youth life skills

they can use to seek full-time employment. Dontrey Sureller owns 5 Kings Barbering Co. and has a shop directly attached to the Generations Renewed office. If someone wants to learn how to be a barber, he will start that training process and use the time to continue mentoring the youth. Generations Renewed is also partnering with other businesses and companies to help further expand what they can offer as learning opportunities to those who come in the door. “We have literally, in some way shape or form, been in a position that a lot of kids that are in those low-income communities are in,” Dontrey Sureller said. “It put us in a better spot for us to be able to talk with these kids. We understand the look on their face where they just don’t feel it today and they’re acting out. We are able to step in at those times when you feel you can’t talk to your family or your teachers or your friends.” The goal is to help the teens and young adults discover their passions and then teach them how to put the work in, get certified and learn all the skills they need so they can one day open businesses of their own and give back to the community. They help with mock interviews, resume building and certification courses, and they also help with completing applications, financial aid, scholarship grants and more. Every year, the members of Generations Renewed take two weeks off work to run Kitchen’s Falling From the Bone Barbeque

between Walgreens and Dollar General across from Tomlin Middle School during the Florida Strawberry Festival. The money they raise is used to help with financial assistance for their youth that are heading to college. The group operates under five key building blocks: education, employment, engagement, encouragement and entrepreneurship. Though it is still relatively new in the community, the impact has already rippled through local families and the group continues to grow at an exponential rate. Soon they hope to be able to take the organization and plant it again in another community, using the same philosophies to make changes in the lives of a whole new set of families. “We are coming to this city and coming to set this city on fire,” Kitchen said. “There is not one person that can tell us that if you start poor, you have to end poor. I just hope that the community sees this and recognizes what we are doing and comes in and supports us. But regardless, this is what God has called us to do.” The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting at Generations Renewed, 702 E. Alsobrook St., at 4 p.m. today. Kitchen said their doors are also open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also contact her at 813-562-4495.

Join us as Abortion Survivor, Gianna Jessen, shares her miraculous LIFE story!

EVERY CHILD DESERVES APro-Life BIRTHDAY Emphasis Sunday April 18, 2021 10:15am @Plant City COG

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY COMING TO PLANT CITY Plant City Police Department will collect prescription drugs at the CVS Pharmacy on James L. Redman Parkway on April 24.

Saturday, April 24 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. DEATakeBack.com

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Once again, the community will have the opportunity to turn in prescription drugs, no questions asked, next weekend during National Prescription Drug Take Back day. The event is held by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Plant City Police Department will sponsor a prescription drug turn-in location from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 24 at CVS Pharmacy, 2302 James L. Redman Parkway. “This is something we think is really a great thing for the community,” PCPD Lieutenant Al Van Duyne said. “We’ll have officers there at CVS ready to take any of the prescription medication people want to drop off. It’s a way for the community to kind of have some peace of mind that their medications will be taken care of safely and disposed of properly.” PCPD is partnering with the Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance to participate in the national event and hopes the experience will help address a “crucial public safety and public health issue.” According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants and 5.9 million people misused pre-

scription tranquilizers or sedatives in 2019. The survey also showed that a majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. When you come by CVS with your prescriptions, a few officers will be on site to safely collect the drugs. The no questions asked policy helps those who have unwanted or outdated drugs to dispose of the pills safely and without fear of doing so incorrectly. Unused medications can lead to potential accidental poisoning, misuse and overdose. Van Duyne said this method is far safer than simply throwing the drugs away in your trash, as you never know who could rifle through the garbage and get their hands on the pills. You also don’t want to leave them around the house as they could later become an issue if you unknowingly take expired medication thinking it is a current prescription, or if someone in your home ends up ingesting the pills. If you have prescription drugs you wish to get rid of but cannot make it to the take back day, you can still get rid of your pills at a public controlled substance disposal location, including two locations in Plant City. You can look up the closest location to you at takebackday.dea.gov.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

APRIL 15, 2021

SPORTS

HEALTHBEAT FITNESS SYSTEMS A FREE FITNESS OPTION FOR RESIDENTS

The City of Plant City encourages the public to use the outdoor fitness systems at Dr. Hal & Lynn Brewer and Samuel W. Cooper parks, which were installed between October 2020 and March 2021.

Photos courtesy of Plant City Parks and Recreation Department

JUSTIN KLINE

Quick Hits PCHS ATHLETES SIGN NLIS Nine Plant City High School athletes made their college choices official Wednesday afternoon, signing their national letters of intent (NLIs) in the auditorium: Ryan Robinson — St. Leo University Jack Brosky — Methodist University Sade’ Green — Warner University Stephanie Bowers — Florida National University Zachary Spivey — Southeastern University Nick Felice — Delta State University Jackson Knotts — Texas Tech University Reagan Ealy — Arkansas State University Toddreon Miller — Missouri Valley College

TRAVEL BASEBALL TOURNAMENTS UPCOMING Plant City ballparks will host a pair of travel baseball tournaments in the coming days. Global Sports Alliance Baseball’s Spring League Playoffs will run from April 16-18 with games to be played in Plant City and the Tampa area. Baseball fans should also keep an eye out for the GSA Spring State Championship to be held May 1-2 in Plant City. Visit gsasports. net for more information. USSSA Baseball’s Suncoast Spring Slam tournament will start April 24 and teams in 11 age groups will battle it out at Ellis-Methvin Park, Mike E. Sansone Park, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fields and the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex. Visit usssa.com/baseball/ event_home/?eventID=346945 for more information.

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push-ups station, an ab crunch/leg lifts station, and a pull up/dips station. Each station has a sign displaying usage and safety information as well as suggested exercises, though seasoned workout warriors will undoubtedly find other creative ways to use the equipment. All stations are fully ADA compliant and a layer of rubber surfacing on the ground will help protect anyone who falls while working out. The first HealthBeat system was installed at Dr. Hal & Lynn Brewer Park, 1491 Hunter St., in October 2020. The department recently completed its second HealthBeat system installation at Samuel W. Cooper Park, 900 E. Dr. MLK Boulevard, in March. Both were completed by Rep Services, Inc. under a $165,000 CRA budget via piggyback contracts with Clay County, which the City of Plant City has also done for previous playground equipment. HealthBeat systems are a product from Landscape Structures, a manufacturer of playground equipment and outdoor fit-

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Getting fit doesn’t have a one-size-fitsall process. When it comes to getting in shape, settings that work well for one person may not work at all for another. And the COVID-19 pandemic forced many people to change the way they exercise with gyms and fitness classes shut down for extended periods of time. Making the most of the great outdoors became a popular option as it was promoted as a safer way to enjoy group activities. Though the gyms are back open and fitness classes have resumed, it’s still a great idea to enjoy the Florida sunshine (before the inevitable afternoon summer storms hit) when you’re working out. One of the City of Plant City’s latest ventures, installing a pair of HealthBeat Outdoor Fitness Systems, will help residents to that for the low cost of $0 up front per person. “The health of the public is a primary concern and we thought this was a good way to help the community exercise, work out, to raise the overall fitness level of the community,” Parks and Recreation Department director Jack Holland said. “Not everyone participates in team-type activity, so this is something they can do individually to increase their health.” Each HealthBeat system consists of 14 equipment stations anyone age 13 and up can use for a full-body workout targeting the areas of balance, flexibility, overall strength and cardiovascular health. Both of Plant City’s systems have an elliptical, parallel bars, a hand cycler, a mobility ramp, balance steps, a stretching station, a cardio stepper, a squat press station, a plyometrics station, tai chi wheels, a chest/back press station, an assisted row/

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ness equipment suitable for people of a wide range of skill levels. The HealthBeat system is the most beginner-friendly outdoor fitness system the company offers. “We researched several different companies and came across HealthBeat,” Holland said. “It’s provided through a vendor we’ve used in the past for our playgrounds and we thought we’d give it a shot. We went to various sites where systems like this are already installed and looked at how they hold up through weather, after heavy use and we thought it would be a very good fit for us.” Though the city has no immediate plans to add more HealthBeat systems in other parks — Holland said the department has pivoted to focus on other areas of need for the time being — the door is open to bring more outdoor fitness systems to Plant City in the future. For now, all residents who meet the minimum age requirement are encouraged to go get a free workout in at any time during daylight hours.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

DURANT FLAG FOOTBALL ON VERGE OF UNDEFEATED SEASON

The Cougars will host Newsome tonight in an attempt to finish the regular season with a perfect record. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Durant Cougars are in great shape heading into their district tournament, but there is one more thing they can do that would make this season, one of the best in recent years, even more special. With a win tonight, Durant would finish its regular season with a 9-0 record and enter the playoffs with as much momentum as anyone in Hillsborough County. The Cougars have been excellent on both sides of the ball, outscoring opponents 190-33, and thus far only Wharton (5-4) has been able to finish a game within one score of Durant (the Cougars fended off a late Wildcats rally to win, 20-18, on March 11). Though the offense started April with the team’s two lowest-scoring games of the season — putting up 13 points against Bloomingdale on April 1 and Spoto on April 5 — it returned to form April 8 with a 26-6 win over Plant City in the regular-season district play finale. The Raiders held a 6-0 lead over the Cougars after one quarter, but Durant found its rhythm and pulled away with 14 points in the second quarter and 12 in the fourth. Quarterbacks Morgan Brill and Maggie Lauber combined to complete 17 of 28 passes for 159 yards and three touchdowns (two of which were completions to each other). Alexis Swantek had a team-high 45 receiving yards and the other receiving touchdown in that game, and the fourth score came on a run by Ashanti Quiambao. Brill, the team’s primary quarterback, has completed 72 percent of her pass attempts for 1,212 yards (173.1 per game) and 13 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. Lauber has completed 72 percent of her pass attempts for 303 yards and three touchdowns against one interception. Six

different Cougars have double-digit catch totals and the quarterbacks have had no problem sharing the wealth. Casey Lane leads the team with 45 catches and has 312 receiving yards. Lauber leads the team with 324 receiving yards and has three touchdowns. Brooklyn Kash has a teamhigh five touchdown catches with 245 yards to her name. Behind her in scoring is Hannah Kittrell with four touchdowns and 296 yards. On the ground, Lauber’s 34 touches, 275 yards (34.4 per game) and six touchdowns are all team-high totals. Right behind her is Quiambao with 207 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries. The bread and butter of this defense, which shut out half of the team’s opponents thus far, is snagging interceptions. The Cougars have combined for a total of 26 interceptions through eight games. Six different players have recorded at least one pick and Kash has been money with 10 on the season. Behind her with five each are Kittrell and Lauber, whom you may as well consider the team’s Swiss Army knife at this point. It helps that Quiambao’s speed up front has forced many opposing quarterbacks to either throw passes they’d like to have back or lose yards getting sacked (she has eight through eight games played). But tonight’s matchup should be one of the toughest tests the Cougars have faced all season. Newsome (13-1) heads into this contest at Cougar Path averaging 31.85 points per game (versus Durant’s average of 23.75 points per) with no losses on the road. The Wolves have looked strong in regular-season and tournament play all spring, though three of their last four games have been decided by one score and the team is coming off of a 22-18 loss to undefeated powerhouse Robinson at Newsome on April 9. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start.

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

PREPS SCOREBOARD BASEBALL

SOFTBALL

FLAG FOOTBALL

APR. 8 Durant 12, Riverview 3 Strawberry Crest 11, Plant City 6

APR. 8 Durant 18, Plant City 0 Strawberry Crest 10, Chamberlain 2

APR. 8 Durant 26, Plant City 6 Lennard 45, Strawberry Crest 7

APR. 9 Plant 8, Plant City 2

APR. 9 Gaither 5, Strawberry Crest 4

APR. 12 Middleton 8, Strawberry Crest 7

APR. 13 Durant 1, Newsome 0 Plant City 10, Armwood 0 Strawberry Crest 8, Tampa Bay Tech 0

APR. 12 Durant 8, Strawberry Crest 1 APR. 13 Newsome 8, Durant 0 Plant City 16, Armwood 6

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

PlantCityObserver.com

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR We asked Plant City:

Dover’s own Kenzie Wheeler is wowing the judges on NBC’s The Voice with his skillful, soulful singing. Which song would you like to hear him perform on the show one day? “‘Girl Got Her Goodbye On’ — his own music!” — Kelly Wilson “He’s doing great, a winner for sure” — Ava Nell Surrency Lumley “‘Tennessee Whiskey’” — Jodi Kyle “‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’” — Faye Rhoades “‘Dear Today’ by Luke Combs” — Nikki Hare

Photo courtesy of Tyler Golden/NBC

Marie Boatwright

Marie Boatwright, 58, of Lithia, passed away on April 8, 2021. She was the daughter of the late Robert and Marilyn Pope Cody. Survivors include, children, Elizabeth Verde, Raymond Verde, Hope, Nasworthy, Wilson Conner, brother, Tony Cody, grandchildren, Aleah, Kaylee, Harper, Skylar, Lauren. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, gardening, she cherished her grandchildren, and loved listening to music with pops. The family will receive friends Saturday, April 17, 2021

from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 PM Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.

OBITUARIES

AROUND TOWN

289704-1

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Lynn P. Henderson, 74, of Sun City Center, born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina on March 21, 1947, entered into eternal rest on April 7, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Roger Lee Howard

Virginia ‘Ginny’ Tindle

Virginia “Ginny” Tindle, 66, of Plant City, passed away on April 6, 2021. Funeral services were held April 12, 2021 at Plant City Church of God, 2103 Mud Lake Road, Plant City, FL 33566. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

Roger Lee Howard, of Dover, passed away on April 7, 2021. He was the son of Morgan and Pearl Hall Howard. Services will be held privately. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Eddie ‘Paul’ Richter

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Eddie “Paul” Richter, 62, of Mulberry, born in Plant City on October 22, 1958, entered into eternal rest an April 9, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Roy Dean Gaither Sr.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Jose Abel Lugo

Doriscare Jean Taking ofPolk Jose Abel Lugo, 44, of BentoneachDoris Jean is Polk, 92, of Plant City, other what Harbor, MI, passed away on April 7, 2021. Services will be held at a later date in Michigan. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

entered into eternal rest on April community 7, 2021. She was born in Plant on November isCityall about. 24, 1928. A

funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at Wells dedicated to helping families a W E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E our community Memorialwe’re Funeral Home at 5create p.m. unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. with visitation prior celebratesone the lifehour it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, > 100% Service Guarantee > National Planmemories Transferability to service. Fond and > Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® expressions of sympathy may be HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM shared at www.WellsMemorial. R Proudly supporting the Plantthe City Strawberry Festival. com for Polk family. ®

Taking care of each Richard other is what Lee

Roy Dean Gaither Sr., 83, of Plant City, born in Sikeston, Missouri on July 29, 1937, entered into eternal rest on April 10, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Fulwood community

isRichard all about. Lee Fulwood, 64, of

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM Plant City, passed away on Wells MeMorial & event Center Tuesday, April 6, 2021. Richard PlanT CiTy we’re dedicated to helping families create a WE’ R E PR OU D TO SE RV E our community was bornunique May 10, 1956 in Plant 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, City. > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability Fond memories andHelpline® expres> Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM sions of sympathy may be R at www.WellsMemorial. Michael EdwardProudly supportingshared the Plant City Festival. com for theStrawberry Fulwood family. ®

M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

Monica, Justin, Logan and Daniel; brother, Paul Messenger; and many nieces and nephews. Ima was preceded in death by her parents; biological father, Stanley Messenger; sister, Geraldine Bolyard; and granddaughter, Grace Porter. Ima raised her family in Bowling Green, Ohio, where she worked as a legal secretary. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. She was very active and loved Ima L. to play golf and bowl with her many friends. She lived (Messenger) in Plant City for 35 years and Storts was a member of the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club. Ima L. (Messenger) Storts, 85, A private family service of Plant City, died Saturday, was held at Wells Memorial April 3, 2021 at her home Funeral Home and burial at surrounded by loving family Florida National Cemetery in members. Bushnell, Florida, officiated She was born June 7, 1935 by Rev. Stephen Hartsfield. In in Rowlesburg, West Virginia, lieu of flowers, contributions a daughter of Ray and Thelma we’re dedicated to helping families create a W E ’ RE P RO U D TO S E RV E our community and to meaningful memorial that truly withValedictopersonal, compassionate care since 1896.be unique may made the American Watkins. She was celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, Heart Association. rian and Buckwheat Festival > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability Fond memories and expresBereavement > The Compassion Helpline® Princess of her 1953>class at Travel Assistance sions of sympathy may be Rowlesburg High School. She R shared at www.WellsMemowas a member of the FirstProudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. rial.com. United Methodist Church of Plant City, Florida. Ima is survived by her husband of 62 years, Rod Storts; WELLSMEMORIAL.COM three sons, Craig (Marybeth), Gary (Karen), Ryan (Paula); Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy daughter, Karen Porter (Ross); 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com grandchildren, Shawn, Eric,

Taking care of each other is what

community

is all about.

10/27/15 10:42 AM

M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

Wingate Sr.

Michael Edward Wingate Sr., 52, of Ft. Meade, born in Plant City WELLSMEMORIAL.COM on September 19, 1968, entered into eternal rest on April 9, 2021. Wells MeMorial & event Center Expressions of condolence at PlanT CiTy 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com HopewellFuneral.com. M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES 10/27/15 10:42 AM

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

OBITUARIES

Lynn P. Henderson

10/27/15 10:42 AM

YOUR CALENDAR

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

BEST BET SATURDAY, APRIL 17 STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 15 PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS

RE:IGNITE 2021

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

BATON TWIRLING CLASSES

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

BIG HANDS, LITTLE HANDS: BUG NET

A pair of big hands (adult) and a pair of little hands (children age 4 and up) will fashion a bug net together. Bruton Memorial Library will provide take-home kits for this craft while supplies last.

FRIDAY, APRIL 16

Join Kelly with this virtual tutorial, hosted by Bruton Memorial Library, to reduce, re-

Strawberry Square Dance Center. From 6 to 6:30 p.m., there will be ballroom music for ballroom dancers. The regular dance goes from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The cost to dance is $7 per person and attendance is limited to 50 people with reservations. Call DJ Ken Miller at 863-409-7714 to reserve your spot and visit djkenmiller.com to look at sample playlists and get more information.

IMPROV NIGHT use and recycle your plastic shopping bags with this simple and handy project!

ESSEWNTIALS: RECYCLE BAG KEEPER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

6:30 p.m. at GraceWay Church, 3106 S. Wiggins Road. re:ignite 2021 is an expression of love from GraceWay Church to bring hope, love, grace and encouragement to the people of Hillsborough and surrounding counties from April 16-18. Each night (and the 10:30 a.m. Sunday event) will feature lots of laughter, worship, and a message of hope for all. The three-day series will feature evangelist and comedian Jamey Ragle. Childcare is provided for birth-PreK. Door prizes will be given away nightly. Services are offered in person and online at GraceWay365.com. Call 813-752-4879 or email office@graceway365.com for more information.

RETRO MOVIE NIGHT

7 to 8:30 p.m. Visit the loft at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., every third Friday each month for Retro Movie Night. Bring the family, grab a treat from downstairs, relax and watch a new movie selection each month. This month’s feature is the 1952 classic Singin’ in the Rain starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor.

SATURDAY, APRIL 17 PLANT CITY SOCIAL DANCE

6 to 9:30 p.m. at Strawberry Square Dance Center, 4401 Promenade Blvd. Plant City Social Dance will have dances every Saturday night in the month of April at the

7 to 8:30 p.m. Join Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., for a hilarious night of interactive, side-splitting comedy hosted by Swan City Improv. It’s free familyfriendly fun for all.

TUESDAY, APRIL 20 FAMILY BOREDOM BUSTERS WEEK 3: ‘EARTH DAY’

Bruton Memorial library will be offering take-home activity kits for families to enjoy together. This week’s theme will be “Earth Day” and will include puzzles, literacy activities, crafts and more. Kits will be available while supplies last.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21 FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Federal, state and local opportunities are constantly changing. If you’ve served any time in the military, retired or non-retention, and would like to review your benefits, please take advantage of free assistance at the Bing House Museum, 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walk-ins welcomed or call 813-704-5800 to set a specific time. Masks are required and temperatures will be taken at the door.

MASTER GARDENER: SOIL TESTING BASICS

UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Extension. Register early via Bruton Memorial Library’s social media.

THURSDAY, APRIL 22 PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS

BATON TWIRLING CLASSES

GRAND CRU ON COLLINS

6 to 8:30 p.m. Plant City Main Street invites anyone age 21 and up for an evening of international fine wine supporting the heart of Plant City. This wine tasting event features a tour around the Historic District with stops at the Kilton home, the Klein home, the Sparkman House Luxury Bed & Breakfast and the Young home. Each stop will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres and selected wines from regions around the world. Proceeds from the event benefit Plant City Main Street. General admission is $75 per person and sponsorship opportunities are available. Visit plantcitymainstreet.org to purchase your ticket and get more information.

11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join Bruton Memorial Library for this live webinar and Q&A teaching ecological awareness and how to nurture your own corner of the natural world. This session’s topic is “Soil Testing Basics” and it is hosted in conjunction with

Combine & Save. Good things happen when you combine your home and auto insurance with State Farm . Like saving an average of $894.* Plus, you’ll have a good neighbor like me to help life go right. CALL ME TODAY. ®

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FORECAST

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 15 High: 86 Low: 68 Chance of rain: 11%

FRIDAY, APRIL 16 High: 84 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 24%

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, April 15

7:03a

7:54p

Friday, April 16

7:02a

7:54p

Saturday, April 17

7:01a

7:55p

Sunday, April 18

7:00a

7:55p

Monday, April 19

6:59a

7:56p

Tuesday, April 20

6:58a

7:56p

Wednesday, April 21

6:57a

7:57p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, APRIL 17 High: 86 Low: 69 Chance of rain: 21%

SUNDAY, APRIL 18 High: 81 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 39%

MONDAY, APRIL 19 Yvette Diguer found this majestic red-tailed hawk in Plant City and snapped a photo.

ONLINE

High: 74 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 50%

Across 1 On a peg, as a golf ball 5 Panda Express kitchen items 9 Aerospace giant __ & Whitney 14 Pre-deal payment 15 Rapper/actor with a cool name? 16 Talk show host in the National Women’s Hall of Fame 17 Keyboard chamber work 19 Pending state 20 Go off-script 21 Indian royal 23 Very long time 24 Shih Tzu or Chihuahua

28 Wet just a bit 31 Airer of old films 32 Kindle download 33 Norse royal name 36 Was shown on TV 40 Authorize someone to represent you at the shareholder meeting 44 Tea biscuit 45 Sank, with “down” 46 Fellows 47 Pontiac muscle car 49 Financed like many fleet cars 52 Personal unrest 57 __ Paulo 58 Bruins star Phil, to fans 59 Eye surgery acronym

63 Singer Ronstadt 65 Command to bypass a recap of prior episodes ... and what the puzzle circles do 68 Make sure not to see 69 “Electric” fish 70 Product preview 71 Like a bad breakup 72 Deuce topper 73 Smoochy love letter letters Down 1 Cantina snack 2 Oklahoma city 3 And others: Abbr. 4 Jeans

5 Quipster 6 Text digitization meth. 7 Knightley of “Love, Actually” 8 Brown ermine 9 Frigid zone ice formation 10 N.Y. tech school 11 Carrying a weapon 12 It’s forbidden 13 Skimpy swimsuit 18 Column that aptly includes the letters BIO 22 Stick (out) 25 Sign gas 26 Relative via marriage 27 Mideast bigwig 28 Magazines with Alfred E. Neuman 29 Intl. oil group 30 __ facto 34 Had lunch 35 Snake’s poison 37 Capital of Italia 38 They aren’t together anymore 39 Unit of force 41 “Picnic” dramatist 42 Prepare (for) 43 __ extra cost 48 Tense NBA periods 50 Taylor of “Mystic Pizza” 51 Largest living antelopes 52 Muslim religion 53 Hardly worldly 54 They’re forbidden 55 Unexpected win 56 “Today” weather anchor 60 Crock-Pot dinner 61 Hogwarts librarian __ Pince 62 Screwball 64 Prefix with card or count 66 Land in l’eau 67 Future therapist’s maj.

May 11 New

Apr. 16 First

Apr. 25 Full

May 7 Last

RAINFALL LAST WEEK:

MONTH TO DATE:

0.01 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

APR. AVERAGE:

05.07 in.

SQUASH Shipping point: Central Florida $6.35-$8.85

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

2.69 in.

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

WARNING FATIGUE AND RESTRICTED BLOOD FLOW PROCEED WITH CAUTION

Chest pressure, a squeezing sensation or chest pain. These feelings may be angina, a symptom of heart disease. Your heart comes with a warning system called angina, which happens when part of the heart doesn’t get enough blood and oxygen. Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), a type of heart disease that occurs when arteries that carry blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. Although angina often feels like a pinching sensation in the chest, it can also be accompanied by sluggishness, fatigue and chest tightness. If you experience any of these symptoms, the heart experts at BayCare’s South Florida Baptist Hospital can quickly get to the cause and treat it with a procedure that’s right for you. Diagnosing and treating CAD is just one area of our expertise in heart care. Using state-of-the-art technology, our compassionate and multidisciplinary team of experts provides a suite of other advanced heart care services. From treatment options for rhythm disorders like AFib and heart attacks, care for advanced heart failure through our Heart Function Clinic, to helping you recover with cardiac rehab, South Florida Baptist Hospital is here when you and your heart need us. And we have enhanced safety measures to help keep you protected, so you can feel secure getting the care you need. Learn more and get a cardiology referral: SouthFloridaBaptistHeart.org

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

21-1399902-0321