4.22.21 PLCO by Plant City Observer

Plant City Observer

y Observer

YO UR HOMETOW N. YO UR NEWSPAP ER .

YOUR HOMETOWN. YOUR NEWSPAPER

VOLUME 6, NO. 142

. YO UR NEWS PAP ER . COMMISH ROUNDUP: STRING OF PUBLIC HEARINGS AHEAD

A series of public hearings regarding various map amendments throughout the community, as well as a modification to the Plant City Code, are on next week’s city commission meeting agenda.

FREE • THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Next Monday night is sure to be a busy one as commissioners have stacked the agenda with a long line of public hearings. One issue scheduled for next week regards a proposed townhome development site at the southeast corner of East Sam Allen Road and North Wilder Road. The site is approximately 32.79 acres and, as a result of annexation, the land needs a future land use designation change to conform with the Imagine 2040: Plant City Comprehensive Plan. The applicant is requesting the land use be listed as Residential-9 in lieu of the current planned land use scenario of Residential-4.

The townhomes the applicant hopes to build on the site would have a primary access point via Sam Allen Road. The Master Plan does envision significant residential growth in the area and the city noted that the site is less than a quarter of a mile to the east of the proposed new home of South Florida Baptist Hospital. Because of the closeness to the hospital, city staff needed to reevaluate the planned residential densities in the area. If approved, the amendment would allow for the consideration of up to 295 dwelling units.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

CHAMBER BUILDING Courtesy of Karen Elizabeth

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce is starting the process of moving to a new location downtown and putting its current home up for sale.

UP FOR BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce has long stood as a welcoming beacon on the corner of Evers and Reynolds streets. The two-story building, which is approximately 12,000 square feet, is a massive chunk of real estate and the chamber has mostly utilized only the bottom floor over the years. The upper rooms have been used as pseudostorage areas, though most remain empty. There’s been a recent shift at the chamber as it has continued to focus increasingly more on acting as a strong resource for businesses in the community. During the pandemic, the chamber stepped up to the plate and became a one-stop-shop where businesses could get the latest updates on

policies, regulations and funding. President Christine Miller said it was time for a change that externally reflected all of the evolution that has blossomed internally over the last several years. “We formed a committee several months ago that took the time to really look at all of our options,” Miller said. “It was time for a refresh and, really, it all came down to the fact that this space is just too large for this organization and its staff. It can be put to a better use by someone else and with the focus on Evers Street, well, I just have such a vision for who could potentially come in and make this space into something special.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

NEWS BRIEFS

The purpose of the program is to fight the “summer slide” kids experience when school is out and kids are less engaged academically, which can put them at a disadvantage when they return to school in August. The group announced registration for the summer camp is now open. The cost is $80 per child and there is an open house at the church at 10 a.m. May 22 that all parents or guardians of registered campers must attend. To register, download and complete the application form from celebration2.homestead.com and contact Sharon Moody at sharonmoody91@yahoo.com or call 813-4537134. Cash, check and money order are accepted for payment.

Hiring employers for Future Career Academy job fair announced

Courtesy of Christine Mansell

Lots of Hugs Summer Reading Camp has been a summer staple at Hope Lutheran Church since 2018.

Registration open for Lots of Hugs summer camp Plant City Black Heritage Celebration Inc.’s annual Lots of Hugs Summer Reading Camp will be back at Hope Lutheran Church, 2001 N. Park Road, for another nine-week session of education, character development and fun for local kids age 6-14. This year’s camp runs from May 31 through July 30. From 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, campers will participate in the “Just Read” literacy program, complete writing exercises and water safety lessons, go on educational field trips and eat healthy snacks and meals for breakfast and lunch. And, of course, the campers will get plenty of chances to play. Lots of Hugs started in 2010 at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church and moved to Hope Lutheran in 2018 due to a steady increase in enrollment.

Future Career Academy announced the list of local employers who will participate in today’s FCA Future Career Fair, which begins at 8:30 a.m. for high school seniors and 3:30 p.m. for all other adults. “Hiring and recruiting at this year’s Future Fair will include entities such as BayCare Health System, U.S. Army Recruiting Command, Stingray Chevrolet, Star Distribution Systems, Inc., The Beck Group, Keel Farms, Moffitt Cancer Center, Hillsborough County Public Schools, Hillsborough Title (Florida Agency Network), National Aviation Academy, Livy O’s Catering Co., Evergreen Packaging, Columbia Restaurant Group, Swim Digital Group, Tri-City Electrical Contractors, Inc., DuCon LLC, Coastal Mechanical Services, LLC, the City of Plant City, Patterson Companies, Inc., QGS Development and International Paper,” the FCA said in a press release. Sponsors for the job fair include Associated Builders and Contractors Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, Sudler Real Estate, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP and the Plant City Economic Development Corporation.

The job fair is completely free and all job seekers can pre-register online at thefuturecareeracademy.com. Employers who are currently hiring and wish to participate can also sign up at the FCA website.

United Way Suncoast, CareerSource assists United Food Bank of Plant City United Way Suncoast’s annual Week of Caring event benefits many residents of its five-county region, Plant Citians included. Staff from UWS teamed up with employees from CareerSource Tampa Bay this week to lend a hand at the United Food Bank of Plant City, volunteering there from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday. “UWS collaborates with its strategic community partners to create a list of projects that could use some volunteer help,” Ernest Hooper, UWS Vice President of Communications, said. “It then matches those projects — more than 120 this year — with corporate partners and community volunteers to fulfill those needs.” Hooper said Week of Caring evolved from the original Day of Caring event into its current state since 1992. The COVID-19 pandemic hit UWS quite hard, resulting in a near-50 percent decrease in volunteering and an approximate loss of $252,846 in “value to the community normally contributed by UWS volunteers” in 2020. Thus, UWS hopes to get those numbers back up as state residents increasingly get vaccinated. “As we move towards a new normal, this will be one of the most important Week of Caring efforts in the history of the outreach,” Hooper said. To learn more about UWS, visit unitedwaysuncoast.org.

CHARLOTTE VARNUM PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

RELEASES SOULFUL DEBUT ALBUM Varnum’s self-titled album was released on all major streaming services on April 16. Plant Citians may remember her acoustic performances around town, and her sound with a full band is a fusion of the blues rock, folk and country music she grew up on. Courtney Ropp/courtesy photo

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The first time Charlotte Varnum heard what her own music sounded like with the backing of a full band, it was like a light bulb flicked on in her head. Varnum was no stranger to her own sound, having written and performed with her acoustic guitar and her voice for years, but her time at the Contemporary Music Center in Brentwood, Tennessee in 2018 challenged her to take her craft to the next level. She had to write, record a demo and perform every week, and that led to her first performances with a band. She was hooked. The bluesy, country-tinged rock she’d long enjoyed suddenly manifested in a way she could call her own, and she suddenly knew she’d found her calling. “It was so fun and exciting,” Varnum said. “I love the rhythm of songwriting. I had never heard my sound played out in a full band before. I’ve played consistently at Krazy Kup but it was just me and my guitar. That was the first time I heard my music and what it could be.” Varnum relocated to Nashville after that and never stopped writing, eventually putting together enough material between her original songs and covers for a series of EPs that have now come together as one album: her self-titled debut, which was released on all major music streaming services on April 16. She’s excited to finally be able to share the biggest, most polished realization of her Americana sound with the world. The seven-track album was put together in a way that calls back to vinyl’s heyday in the 1960s and 70s. Her EPs — titled Side A and Side B for that reason — follow a format typical of the classic records she grew up with, though the current

digital-only format means you won’t have to flip the record over to finish it. “Side A is more more folk rock, full band, electric,” Varnum said. “Side B has more of a stripped-down, acoustic feel. Side B is the softer side once you’ve gotten to know me through Side A.” Storytelling is Varnum’s top priority. Whether it’s a look at a diary page from her own life or an account of events through the eyes of a fictional narrator, Varnum writes with the intention of drawing the listener into a compelling tale they can relate to. It’s a quality she always loved about the music of Billy Joel and Bonnie Raitt, and the latter’s music at large was a major influence on the recording of the album. Varnum’s cover of John Prine’s “Angel of Montgomery,” for example, was actually inspired by Raitt’s own cover of the song. Varnum recorded her cover well before work on the album began and it drew the attention of Tennesseebased producer Erika Nalow — who basically cold-called Varnum out of the blue about recording with her. That led to the creation of Varnum’s first EP, and the two continued to work together from there on. “I listen to a lot of Bonnie Raitt and hers was the first version I heard of that song,” Varnum said. “I used it for a senior showcase project I had and one section of it was covers of artists and songs that influenced me. I had to use that song in that project. That was one of the songs that caught Erika’s attention. I just love the writing of that song, and John Prine in general was such a brilliant writer. It’s one of those songs where you can feel what this person’s going through. It’s deeply empathetic and I’m interested in stories like that.” Christianity also influences Varnum’s writing. Her biggest single, “Sam-

son,” uses references from the Biblical story of Samson and Delilah in its telling of a relationship that appears doomed to end when the song’s Samson drives his new “Delilah” to leave him. In a twist, the narrator is later revealed to be a former lover of his. “‘Samson,’ that one is just a story,” Varnum said. “I thought it was an interesting premise and melody, and I built these characters. I started that one in college many years ago and I just had the first couple lines. I moved to Nashville and was trying to get in the habit of writing more consistently. I was into that blues-rock groove at the time and I thought it was a fun twist on the story. I feel like in the story of Samson and Delilah, Delilah is the villain and we sort of forget the role Samson had to play in all of that. In any dysfunctional relationship like that, you have to look at both sides of it. Me, as the speaker in the story, I was wounded by him. The twist came in the end that I was involved with him. At first it was the story of watching it happen to this person, watching Samson’s life fall apart because of his choices, and then at the bridge I thought it would be interesting to make me a part of the story as well.” “Samson” was released as a single on March 5 and has received radio airplay in both the United States and Canada’s Cashbox Radio. The album was recorded in Nashville with the Brooks Hubbard Band, produced by Nalow and engineered by Phillip Smith. You can stream Varnum’s debut, EPs and singles on Apple Music, Spotify and all major services. A physical album release is in the works and Varnum said she expects it to be ready for release “in the near future.” Visit charlottevarnum.com for more information and to follow her on social media.

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

PLANT CITY

This week on Cops Corner:

Observer

Plant City Police investigated car burglary, two women fighting, a damaged car, a Facebook scam

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

and more.

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com By: Juan Alvarez

APRIL 9

UNWANTED FACELIFT

GOTCHA

APRIL 12

SERIOUSLY, STOP LEAVING YOUR CARS UNLOCKED

SUSPICIONS CONFIRMED

CANDID CAMERA

Park Road/Baker Street DUI: Officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the area of Park Road and Baker Street. The driver was found to be intoxicated and was arrested for DUI.

1300 block of North Wheeler Street Theft: This complainant stated that shortly after an Amazon package was delivered by his front door, an unknown female suspect walked up and stole it. The incident happened at approximately 1:30 p.m. and the package contained clothing items valued at $100. The complainant’s Ring doorbell camera caught the incident on video and officers used the stills to help find the female suspect. Officers found her at Rowena Mays Park later that day and, when she was shown the Ring video stills, she confessed to the crime and removed the stolen items from her back pack. The complainant went to the park to meet with the officers and the suspect, and he decided to sign a waiver of prosecution and not press charges.

Whitehall Street/Ferrell Street Multiple charges: Officers received a call about a suspicious person in the area and located the male subject in question on the side of the roadway. They learned he had an outstanding warrant out of Polk County for driving with license suspended/revoked and failure to appear, and they also found him to be in possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken to Orient Road Jail.

STRANGE THINGS ARE AFOOT AT THE CIRCLE K

1900 block of Juniper Drive Vehicle burglary: This complainant stated her unlocked Chevrolet SUV was burglarized overnight.

1210 block of Camarosa Lane Criminal mischief: This complainant stated someone damaged his vehicle’s hood and front windshield by unknown means sometime between 6:15 p.m. April 9 and 10:45 a.m. April 10.

FACEBOOK FRAUDSTER 3800 block of Sugar Creek Court Fraud: This complainant stated someone scammed her out of money on Facebook Marketplace.

APRIL 10 JUST FOR KICKS 1300 block of North Lime Street Criminal mischief: This complainant stated someone kicked her front door and damaged it.

APRIL 11 WHODUNNIT? 2600 block of Waver Street Battery: An officer met with two female subjects who were involved in a fight. Each woman accused the other of instigating the fight, but there was no evidence and no witness account to prove either allegation. Both women declined to press charges and signed waivers of prosecution.

2210 block of North Park Road Battery: Officers met with a complainant who stated he was in an altercation with another male subject. The subject threw a drink on the complainant, who responded by throwing a drink back at the subject. The subject then got a yellow baseball bat from his vehicle and approached the complainant, threatening him. The complainant declined to press charges and signed a waiver of prosecution.

APRIL 14 PAPER TRAIL 2930 block of Lakehouse Isle Cove Warrant: Officers made contact with a male subject who had an active warrant out of Polk County for scheme to defraud, criminal use of personal identification, dealing in stolen property, forgery, two counts of uttering and two counts of grand theft. He was arrested and taken to Orient Road Jail.

Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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MAP AMENDMENT HEARINGS COMING

Photo courtesy of Nitish S. Rele

NITISH S. RELE

STAFF WRITER

The transmittal public hearing will be held on April 26 and the public is invited to attend and take part. There will also be a transmittal public hearing that night for a map amendment located south of Knights Griffin Road, east of North Wilder Road. The applicant is requesting a future land use designation of approximately 30.59 acres to Residential-4. The parcel currently “has a future land use designation (Agricultural Estatel-1/2.5) that reflects the rural residential character of this part of unincorporated Hillsborough County.” However, the site is located near several suburban scale development entitlements including Varrea. City staff said the applicant’s request appears to be reasonable with the intent to bring the property into Plant City. If approved, the total development potential would be approximately 122 dwelling units. A pending annexation has also led to the need for a public hearing on a map amendment for 6.66 acres south of South Frontage Road and west of North Wiggins Road. The area needs a future land use designation from Plant City and the applicant is requesting an industrial future land use designation so that, if approved, the land can be incorporated into the Eastland Industrial Planned Development (Zoning) District. The applicant is also requesting the parcels be included in the I-4 Tech Corridor Overlay like the rest of the Eastland Industrial Planned Development (Zoning) District lands. The purpose for the overlay is “…to designate areas and corridors within the municipality, which have been determined to have qualities that promote development and redevelopment of target industries in and around the City of Plant City. The purpose of this overlay is to diversify and expand the employment base in the municipality in ways that increase median income and high-quality employment opportunities that achieve the economic development, environmental and sustainability objectives…” Staff reviewed the proposal and said no conflicts are expected with the surrounding lands. Access to the site is planned to be along Charlie Taylor Road so the potential development won’t “degrade North Wiggins Road.” This public hearing is also set for April 26. A public hearing will also be held that night to incorporate and rezone 21.29 acres into the existing Eastland Industrial

Planned Development (Zoning) District. The applicant is requesting to incorporate additional lands into the existing Planned Development and also to “modify the building layouts to better preserve the wetlands on site.” The Eastland Industrial Planned Development (Zoning) District is currently approved as a 209.22 acre large-scale industrial development. The district is approved for 3,000,000 square feet of industrial use at this time and the agenda report read that there are no “changes being proposed to the square feet currently approved, nor modifications being requested to the conditions, development standards, or other elements of the PD.” An interesting public hearing, also to be held April 26, could see more homes brought into an already approved planned development district close to the interchange of North Park Road and I-4. The applicant for the 18.2 acres has an approved PD for 180 dwelling units that has access to both Maryland Avenue and North Park Road. However, the applicant now wants to increase the residential entitlements on the parcels, citing a market analysis as his drive. He is requesting to increase the current land use designation from Commercial and Residential-6 to Residential-20. This would allow for “the consideration of up to 19,819 square feet of commercial/office uses or 364 dwelling units (or some combination thereof).” There is also a public hearing set on April 26 for a modification to the Park Square Planned Development District. The applicant wants to change the name, change the residential use from townhomes to multifamily apartments, increase the number of residential units from 180 to 340, increase the potential commercial square footage from 5,000 square feet to 17,227 square feet and change the site layout to include proposed recreation areas. The applicant also wants commissioners to allow a specific approval that permits 30 feet between buildings, which is 10 feet under what the code requires. Outside of map amendments, commissioners will also sit over a public hearing regarding a section of the Plant City Code that deals with utilities disconnection. The proposed ordinance will create new sections of the code that will essentially provide for the termination of any water or sewer service on properties that have been deemed unsafe and condemned by the Building Department.

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

CORSAIR DESERVEDLY REPLACES MKC IN LINCOLN LINEUP

Commissioners voted last week to set up a series of public hearings regarding various map amendments throughout the community as well as a modification to the Plant City Code. FROM PAGE 1

BREANNE WILLIAMS

The Latin word for Corsair is “cursus,” which means “journey.” And the entrylevel luxury SUV in the Lincoln roster offers just that and more – exceptional handling and balance, quick acceleration and remarkably good body control. Replacing the MKC last year, the compact Corsair is available as a front-wheel or an all-wheel drive, which was our test for a week. The five-passenger SUV comes in a 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled inline-4 cylinder engine that puts out 250 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 280 pounds-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm. That is plenty for the 3,842-pound vehicle to scoot from any speed. The eight-speed auto gear box is effortless. A split-winged grille with the centered Lincoln emblem plays host to floating chrome ovals in a black lattice background. The rear shows off full-width horizontal tail lamps joined by a LED tail lamp strip, roof spoiler and dual-exhaust tips, to convey a powerful stance. But it is in the lavish, modish and beautifully made cabin that the Corsair justly shines. As soon as you take a seat, the floating center stack with knobs for audio and temperature controls catches your attention. The push-button gear selector may take some getting used to, but it saves space on the dash.

CORSAIR (RESERVE) Tires: P225/55R19 Wheelbase: 106.7 inches Length: 180.6 inches Width: 76.2 inches Height: 64.1 inches Suspension: MacPherson strut front, multilink rear Steering: electric power Fuel capacity: 16.2 gallons City: 21 mpg Highway: 29 mpg Base price: $45,090 Price as tested: $56,780 Web site: www.lincoln.com

The user-friendly Sync3, an interface to control audio, phone and navigation systems via voice, touch or both, is easy to use. Passenger and cargo room is plenty with 27.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 57/6 cubic feet behind the first row. Dual-zone auto a/c, three-spoke power leather steering wheel, panoramic roof, Revel audio with 14 speakers, 10-way power front seats, 60/40 flat second-row bench, hands-free lift gate and the Lincoln welcome/farewell light elements when you enter or exit are standard. Dual front and side airbags, front knee airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic stability and traction control, lane-keep and precollision assists, reverse park aid, rearview camera, blind-spot monitor with cross-traffic alert, front and rear threepoint seatbelts, tire pressure monitor and daytime running lights. Undoubtedly, the Corsair is a welcome replacement for the outgoing MKC. Indulge yourself and the passengers in this most affordable, remarkably smooth and exceptionally quiet Lincoln. Plus, it is attractive to the eye inside and out. Nitish S. Rele operates motoringtampabay. com and Khaas Baat, and was an automotive editor/columnist for the Tampa Tribune. Email him at motoringtampabay@gmail.com.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

CHAMBER BUILDING UP FOR SALE The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce will list its two-story building on Evers Street this week after the board and staff decided it was time to relocate. FROM PAGE 1 BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Years ago, the chamber’s foundation bought the building. They looked ahead and knew it would put the chamber in the best spot going forward. Courtney Paat was appointed as chair of the Building Committee and Miller, along with the chamber’s current Chairman of the Board Mike Arndt, Arley Smude, Wesley Joyner and Chuck Gore, served on the committee. They looked at renovating the building and staying, renting out the upper portion and, of course, selling and relocating. Paat said it’s important to the entire board that the chamber remains downtown, so even though the group ultimately decided to sell, it has every intention of relocating somewhere that will remain in walking distance to anywhere in the downtown core. “This is the right financial move for the Chamber,” Paat said. “Staying here and maintaining a 12,000 square-foot building when our purpose as an organization doesn’t require this much space is simply not a wise use of our resources. Moving in a different direction with the space was critical to make sure we were being responsible with the chamber’s finances. Ultimately

the chamber is giving this building back to the downtown community so it can be repurposed for what is happening downtown.” Arndt said the chamber has always been financially sound and wants to take advantage of its unique position to further advance its purpose in the community. He said the chamber has endless options available now, so it would take the sale very seriously and not be “jumping on the first offer they get.” “I’m very excited about this move,” Arndt said. “I’m so proud of the chamber and I want to be proud of our space. I think that the past boards and chairmen who have had the vision for this building have set us up for success. I don’t use the word ‘excited’ much, but that’s exactly how I feel.” The board voted to go ahead with the sale last week and Miller said it will likely be listed by the end of the week via Ace Realty. An appraisal was done for the entire building and it is set to be listed at $825,000. “These are definitely exciting times to be in downtown Plant City and I am looking forward to how this whole process unfolds,”

Gore said. “Being a part of the committee to review and recommend the sale of the current home of the chamber has been a very humbling role for me. As we looked at our options and towards the future of both Plant City and the chamber, I felt it was important to look long-term and not just set the chamber up for right now, but for the long haul. As the committee concluded its work and made its recommendations, I believe that we achieved that goal and have placed ourselves in a place to be solvent and viable for years to come.” Joyner and Smude agreed and said the choice to sell and relocate was an opportunity that they simply couldn’t pass on. Smude called the decision a “win-win” and said that he was hopeful whoever buys the building will continue the “incredible momentum we’re seeing on Evers Street.” Joyner pointed to his long roots in Plant City — he’s a sixth-generation Plant Citian — and said to make Plant City a viable option for his children and grandchildren, they must develop the amenities that the current and future generations are looking for. He believes Plant City is headed in that direction and said he will “work tirelessly”

as a board member to assist the chamber in “keeping the ball rolling while always keeping our small-town charm at the forefront.” Though the decision has just been announced, there is already keen interest in the property. As the entire committee noted, the building is in a coveted location on Evers Street and is sure to draw in some exciting ventures. “This is a very smart move for the chamber,” Miller said. “It will make the most use of the dollars we have at our disposal. For years we have had a significant amount of money invested in this building and now we can use that money to further expand the chamber and what it is able to do for the community. I don’t know if I’ll be in this role for 20 years, but I know I’ll be in this community and I want to be able to look back and say that I financially left this organization in a great place. We don’t take for granted how lucky we are. Not all chambers are as financially sound as we are and we want to make sure we continue to do what is best not just for us and our members, but for the entire community.”

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

DAUGHTER OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION HONORED WITH MEMORIAL MARKER AT GRAVE SITE Members of the Echebucsassa Chapter of DAR, along with the Florida State Regent, honored a woman who made a lasting impact in Plant City due to her years of service with DAR.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The Echebucsassa Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution gathered at Memorial Park Cemetery last week to honor a former member with a memorial marker at her graveside. Florida State Regent of DAR, Kay Yarbrough, was in attendance with the group for the ceremony and detailed the long process they’ve walked to bring this honor to Commie Maguire, who passed away in 1955. Maguire was born in 1881 and had three ancestors who fought in the American Revolution. She was a charter member of the Echebucsassa Chapter and Chapter Regent from 1931 to 1933. She then served as Florida State Regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution from 1939 to 1941. “Commie Maguire’s service to Plant City and the Daughters of the American Revolu-

tion was during the World War II timeline from Germany’s invasions and the beginning of World War II in 1939, through the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941 where she actively led all Florida Daughters in support of the Red Cross efforts,” Marie Wunderlich, Vice Regent Echebucsassa Chapter FSSDAR, said. Maguire is also credited with establishing the first PTA Association in Plant City and in 1940 organized citizenship classes in Tampa for the community. She was the wife of pioneer Plant City physician Dr. Thomas C. Maguire and rests beside him in Memorial Park Cemetery. Yarbrough is nearing the end of her twoyear term and said that when she first came into office, it was brought to her attention that many state regents never received formal commemorations for their years of service. She made it her mission to track down as many former regents as possible to ensure they were all given the honors they

deserve. As of last weekend, they have been able to identify, clean and received permission from surviving family and the cemeteries to adorn 24 graves with the memorial marker. When Yarbrough realized Maguire was on that list, she reached out to the Echebucsassa Chapter with her request. The Echebucsassa Chapter sponsored the marker and began the process of filling out the necessary paperwork and getting permission from remaining family members. It was a collaboration between Yarbrough and the local chapter and when they came together last Friday morning, their mutual dedication to ensuring Maguire received the recognition she deserved was evident in every aspect of the ceremony. “There was a responsibility from both parties. This was a true labor of love that brought us together for such a wonderful cause,” Yarbrough said. “All of this really came together in the past two years. The

one benefit of COVID was that it allowed our packets of applications to the Historian General’s Office in Washington, D.C. to get approved rather quickly. Usually the office is receiving hundreds of requests, but because so much of the world was at a standstill we were able to zoom through and get permission to turn these around.” During the ceremony, the group pledged to the flag, took a moment to pray and then shared the history of Maguire with the group. Two of Maguire’s family members were in attendance as well. They shared the group’s passion for preserving history and reflected on the values Maguire was able to weave into everything she did during her time serving with DAR and with her community. The marker was unveiled and the group lingered respectfully for a moment at the graveside before leaving to share a moment of communion over lunch.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

CATCHING UP WITH KENZIE WHEELER

Last week, Wheeler and teammate J.D. Casper competed in The Voice’s battle round and the Dover native earned the win. Photos courtesy of Tyler Golden/NBC

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Dover’s own Kenzie Wheeler is still going strong on NBC’s The Voice and recently put his pipes to the test in a head-to-head battle. Wheeler and J.D. Casper, who are both on Kelly Clarkson’s team, had a friendly competition in last Monday night’s episode and performed a duet of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s 1987 hit “Fishin’ in the Dark.” Though both men brought their A-games, only one could win — and Clarkson went with Wheeler. “Going into it, I didn’t really know who I was gonna get paired with,” Wheeler said. “I had an idea it might be J.D. He’s really talented. Awesome musician, great guy. We rehearsed every day and it was a really great experience.” Being on the show is an intensive labor of love for Wheeler and the other contestants. He’ll often wake up between 4 and 5 a.m. to start a day of filming or rehearsing his next song. He’ll get his wardrobe sorted out, go through makeup for the cameras and get his signature “triple threat” mullet just right. “I’ve gotta throw some mousse into it, get it edged up on the sides and my barber, John, fixes it to where I can comb it over,” Wheeler said. “And I just got a perm again.” Once he’s got the look nailed down, Wheeler gets a “little break” before he heads to his next destination for filming or rehearsing. The days often run long — sometimes hitting 10 or more hours of work — before he’s finally able to relax and get ready for the next day. “When you’re filming or singing, it’s a long day,” Wheeler said. “It’s an all-day thing. Sometimes I don’t get back until 4 or 5 in the afternoon.” Though Wheeler does have a background in baseball, he doesn’t really have any prefilming superstitions or crazy rituals like many ballplayers are notorious for doing before or during a game. He’s focused on taking care of his voice and body so he can go in front of the cameras and just be himself. “If I’m singing, I run through it three times,” Wheeler said. “I don’t want to over-

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sing. I drink a lot of water and eat some honey before I go on stage. It coats the throat. I try not to eat at all because of nerves, the stomach and all that.” Wheeler knows one of the most popular opinions Voice viewers have of him is that his voice would have made him a country star in the 1980s or 1990s. One needs only to watch his Voice appearances, in which he’s covered songs released in the 80s, for the proof. Wheeler is a devoted fan of that era of country music and would love to cover more songs from that time period. Song selection on the show is generally a collaborative process in which the contestants themselves are involved. If you ask Wheeler what he’d like to perform if he could, it’s tough for him to nail one down — he’s got a list of “like 25 songs” he’d love to sing on the show if possible. “I’d go with a George Strait song because I haven’t done one yet and I’ve always been a big fan,” Wheeler said. “He’s one of my top country singers. I’d have to say ‘Amarillo by Morning.’ I’d like to do a Garth Brooks song, ‘The Dance.’ I’m a big George Jones fan, so I’d do ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today.’ I’ve always been a big fan of Tracy Lawrence, so ‘Texas Tornado.’ And Alan Jackson, ‘Remember When’ is a good one, too.” The list also has modern-day entries, like Luke Combs’ “Dear Today,” and he’d also enjoy performing his original music on the show if he’s able to. If not, it’s no big deal — Wheeler just wants to go out there and give it his all no matter what he’s singing. Since this season of The Voice began and most of the United States was exposed to Wheeler’s sound for the first time, he’s seen a big uptick in his YouTube views and subscriptions, album streams and people sharing his music in general. True to form, the experience has been humbling for him and he said he’s happy to see his music connecting with so many people. “It’s pretty awesome to see that rise and people, I guess you could say becoming fans and supporting me,” Wheeler said. You can listen to Wheeler’s music on all major streaming platforms and pick up a copy of his 2018 debut album “Dover” online. Watch his and Casper’s performance of “Fishin’ in the Dark” at youtube. com/watch?v=ZwwNpset0Xc.

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

APRIL 22, 2021

SPORTS

BASEBALL, SOFTBALL ABOUT TO WRAP UP REGULAR SEASON PLAY

After non-district play comes to an end this week, Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest’s teams will enter the postseason with hopes of making a big run. JUSTIN KLINE

Quick Hits

SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

REGISTER FOR BASKETBALL, CHEERLEADING SUMMER CAMPS Plant City High School’s annual basketball and cheerleading summer camps are returning for 2021 and parents can get their children signed up now. Coach Billy Teeden’s basketball camp will once again feature two sessions: one from June 14-18 and one from July 12-16. The camp is open to all hoopers from kindergarten through 12th grade. Grades K-5 will train each day from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and grades 6-12 from 1 to 4 p.m. This year’s PC Hoops Basketball Camp will be held at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center, 302 S. Maryland Ave. COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place. Registration is $100 per camper per weekly session and must be completed in advance — there will be no on-site registration this time. Contact Teeden at 813-967-7551 or email recinfo@plantcitygov.com to register or get more information. Coach Karen Snapp’s cheerleading camp will be held form 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 20 and 21 in the school gymnasium, 1 Raider Place, and campers are divided into three age groups: ages 4-6, ages 7-10 and ages 11-13. All campers are asked to bring their own lunch in a Ziplock bag and their own bottled water. Required attire includes a t-shirt, shorts, sneakers and a hair tie to keep long hair out of the face. No jewelry allowed. COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place and campers are asked to bring a mask. The cost is $100 per camper and there will be no on-site registration this year. Contact Snapp at 813-757-9370 or kfsnapp@aol.com, or the Plant City Parks and Recreation Department at recinfo@plantcitygov.com, to register or get more information.

This has been a solid season for most Plant City-area high school baseball and softball teams. But in the immortal words of Michael Jordan and the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, regular-season success “don’t mean a thing without the ring.” The road to those rings gets trickier to navigate next week with the start of postseason play for both sports. Although the regular season isn’t over just yet — April 24 is the last day of the regular season and several teams still had one game left to play as of press time — we still have a pretty good idea of how everyone looks heading into the next phase of the spring 2021 season. BASEBALL

Durant entered the season with a good amount of hype and, thus far, has lived up to it. The Cougars were an impressive 17-4 (5-1 7A-District 8) on the season and, before Wednesday’s home game against East Bay (results weren’t available at press time), went unbeaten at home with 11 of their 17 total wins. They were a good deal closer to .500 away from home, having gone 6-4, but here’s the kicker: only one of their four losses came by more than one run, and that was to a powerhouse Jesuit team they won’t have to play again. Durant does plenty of things well on the field. The Cougars can hit (.282 team batting average), swipe bases (72 total) and play defense (.944 fielding percentage). But perhaps the team’s biggest strength heading into the postseason is its seniorheavy pitching staff, which features three starters with an ERA under 1.00 and only two underclassmen — junior Weston Sanchez and freshman Blaine Rowland, who have both been solid through five appearances. The rotation is led by ace Sean Hermann (0.28 ERA, 97 K, 2 ER in 49.1 innings pitched), who was also named

to the all-tournament team following the 2021 Saladino Tournament. Zander Fisk (0.54 ERA, 27 K, 3 ER in 39 innings pitched) and Ronnie Galletti (0.67 ERA, 27 K, 2 ER in 21 innings pitched) are also strong options for the Cougars to start games with. Durant has only given up 46 runs on the season and just eight in district play. The Cougars have been great in district play this year, but there is an intriguing tournament matchup potentially in the works: Newsome (12-9; 4-2 7A-District 8) has found a way to keep things close with Durant in both 2021 meetings, and the two teams split the series with an even 3-3 scoring differential. Neither game was decided by more than one run. But on paper, this Cougars team has what it takes to make a serious playoff run. The young Plant City Raiders (13-8; 5-3 6A-District 8) have been hot and cold in 2021, but that’s to be expected of a team that has to rely on freshmen and sophomores in key roles. When this team gets on a hot streak, it can put up big numbers. Eight of its 13 wins have come by four or more runs, including a pair of blowout shutouts at home last week against Armwood (10-0 on April 13) and Tampa Bay Tech (16-0 on April 15). The team’s upperclassmen play the biggest role in dealing damage from the batter’s box as Kelein Johnson, Collin Shultz, Carson Mohler, Ryan Robinson and Jack Brosky lead the way with no batting average lower than Brosky’s .294, all seven of the team’s home runs (Shultz and Robinson have each smacked three and Johnson has sent one over the fence), 26 doubles, 60 RBI, 58 runs and 94 hits. Teams must also keep an eye on speedy junior Anthony Grasso, who leads the team with 11 stolen bases and has scored 13 runs. The district tourney will put Plant City’s young pitching core (three sopho-

mores and one freshman lead the team in innings pitched) to the test. There’s plenty of potential here, and sophomore Preston Rogers (1.12 ERA, 40 K, 6 ER in 37.2 innings pitched) in particular has built a strong case to earn the title of “ace” for next season. But Strawberry Crest and Leto are tough outs for anybody, and the Raiders have only picked up one win (4-3 over Leto in nine innings on April 6) against either squad this season. March wasn’t so kind to Strawberry Crest (15-8; 7-1 6A-District 8), as the team lost six of its seven games played between March 16 and April 5. But the thing about the Chargers is that they always seem to find a way to get hot at the right time. Don’t forget that the last time there was a postseason, an SCHS team that finished the regular season with a 13-10 record flipped a switch in late April 2019 and went all the way to the state championship game. It sure looks like Crest flipped the switch again, recapturing the offensive magic it had earlier in 2021, winning four of its five games since April 6 and outscoring those last five opponents 45-13. The Chargers are armed with one of the best batters in the state: Colby Fanning is in a three-way tie for first place among all batters in all classifications with 36 hits in 22 games (.468 BA), leads all Chargers with 26 runs scored and has also racked up four doubles and two triples. They’ve also enjoyed a breakout season for a pair of sophomores: there’s Arjun Nimmala, who is batting .435 with a team-high 27 RBI and 11 doubles, 27 hits and 22 runs scored in 81 plate appearances, and twoway player Zach Redner, who has a .315 average with 12 RBI and 12 runs scored, as well as a 1.02 ERA and 24 strikeouts on the mound in 13.2 innings of work. CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

PREPS SCOREBOARD BASEBALL

SOFTBALL

FLAG FOOTBALL

UPCOMING GAMES

SOFTBALL

APR. 15 Durant 10, Armwood 1 Plant City 16, Tampa Bay Tech 0 Alonso 3, Strawberry Crest 1

APR. 15 Durant 10, Armwood 1 Plant City 16, Tampa Bay Tech 6 Strawberry Crest 9, Alonso 3

APR. 15 Newsome 31, Durant 6 East Bay 14, Plant City 6

BASEBALL

APR. 22 Durant at Chamberlain, 7 p.m. Plant City at Newsome, 7 p.m.

APR. 17 Durant 2, Steinbrenner 0 Strawberry Crest 8, Hillsborough 3

APR. 16 George Jenkins 15, Plant City 0 Strawberry Crest 15, Middleton 0 APR. 17 Durant 2, Steinbrenner 0

APR. 19 Leto 19, Strawberry Crest 0 APR. 20 Durant 52, Leto 6 Bloomingdale 20, Plant City 0

APR. 22 Strawberry Crest at Wharton, 7 p.m. APR. 23 Plant City at Robinson, 7 p.m. APR. 26-30 District tournaments

APR. 23 Durant at Wharton, 7 p.m. APR. 26-30 District tournaments

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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BASEBALL, SOFTBALL ABOUT TO WRAP UP REGULAR SEASON PLAY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Crest is batting .294 as a team and six batters with at least 20 at-bats are batting at least .293 (senior Alex Mussenden, winner of the Saladino Tournament’s 813Preps Iron Man award). There will be tough competition in the 6A-8 tournament, but if any ball club knows a thing or two about overcoming the odds in the postseason and finding ways to win those high-stakes games, it’s this one. Don’t sleep. SOFTBALL

Of all the disappointments created when the 2020 spring sports season was abruptly cancelled, ending Durant’s ridiculously good run and creating a “what if?” scenario for the team was arguably the biggest one. Fortunately for Cougar fans, the 2021 team picked up right where last year’s squad left off. As of press time, the Cougars were 10-2 overall with a 130-29 scoring differential and won two consecutive games — and seven of their last eight since March 26. Seven of their 10 wins were shutouts, five were by double-digit margins and the losing opponents who did score on Durant combined for a total of five runs (three of which were scored by Bloomingdale on April 6). Fifteen of the 18 Cougars with at least one at-bat are over the .300 mark for hitting and the team has a combined .419 batting with a .514 on-base percentage. They can hit for power, as evidenced in its nine homers (four from freshman Bricelyn Bedenbaugh). They can tear up the base paths with 35 stolen bases (junior Shelby Allen leads the way with 18). They can count on the arm of workhorse pitcher Haleigh Thomas, who has pitched 43.1 of 61.1 innings with a 1.94 ERA and 69 strikeouts against just six walks. Although both Durant losses thus far were blowouts (16-6 against Robinson on March 25, then 8-0 against Newsome on April 13), the Cougars are undefeated in 6A-5 play and have outscored those opponents 49-1. No one on either the softball or baseball diamond looks as strong heading into district play as these Cougars. Plant City (4-11; 1-4 6A-District 8) has not had such success this season. The Raiders have allowed nearly 100 more runs than they’ve scored (79 for, 160 against) in 2021 and opened the season with seven consecutive losses — which led to nine losses in 10 games played. But that’s the same Raiders team that has won three of five games played between

March 31 and April 16 and got really comfortable at the plate in those wins, outscoring those opponents 59-12. Plant City tallied just nine hits between 10 batters in a 27-0 win at Kathleen on March 31, but also drew 20 walks. In 16-6 wins over Armwood on April 13 and Tampa Bay Tech on April 15, Brea Simmons went 10-for-10 with eight runs scored, Kelli McAvoy went 8-for-9 with three runs and Lindsey Randall went 8-for-10 with six runs scored as the team combined to bat over .600 in each. The Raiders’ two losses during this span were 18-0 and 15-0 scores against Durant and George Jenkins, respectively. But now that PCHS has figured out what it takes to get its offense going, perhaps it can score an upset in the tournament. Strawberry Crest has put together a solid season under first-year head coach Ashton Sparkman, herself a veteran of the program. The 2021 Chargers are 13-5 (2-2 6A-District 5) heading into tonight’s game at Wharton and have been especially good at home, where they’ve outscored opponents 65-19 en route to an 8-1 record in Dover. This team is great at getting on base (.408 on-base percentage; .318 team batting average) and getting in scoring position from there (40 stolen bases; five players have recorded four or more steals). As with the baseball team, Crest has a sophomore making a big impact on the field: Alexa Ringuette currently leads the Chargers with 25 hits and 24 runs scored in 65 plate appearances, as well as 11 stolen bases. Senior Sydney Watson has also had a great year, batting .435 with 20 hits and team highs in RBI (17) and extra base hits (three doubles, five triples). Opposing teams have also had their hands full with batters like juniors Lauren Ray (.372 BA, 16 H, 10 RBI, 13 R, 2 HR, 3 steals) and Ariana Murillo (.367 BA, 18 H, 15 R, 8 RBI, 2 triples, 4 steals). And on the pitcher’s mound, Crest can count on Watson (53 K), Alyssa Grimes (team-high 89 K) and Hayley Lynch (14 K in 12.1 IP) to strike batters out. Crest may not be the team most favored to win the district tournament, but it does have enough offensive and defensive skill to threaten the Cougars at a time where virtually every coach ever will tell their teams everyone’s record is 0-0 before every game from there on out.

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

PLANT CITY, CREST SPLITS BOYS, GIRLS TENNIS DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS Both schools secured the Class 4A-District 6 championship and runner-up spots in last week’s tournaments in Winter Haven.

Strawberry Crest Athletics/Twitter

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Plant City and Strawberry Crest’s tennis programs started the 2021 postseason on a high note last week, each capturing the top two spots in the Class 4A-District 6 championships in Winter Haven. In the boys tournament, Crest made program history with its first-ever title win and PCHS finished as runner-up. All five Chargers made it to the singles finals. Jaden Thompson (1), Axay Raval (2), Kevin Avaiya (4) and Nico Bambach (5) all won singles championships and the duo of Raval and Avaiya (2) won their doubles championship. Plant City’s Tanner Rollyson (3) won a singles championship and teamed with Ryan Smith to win their doubles (1) championship. In the girls tournament, Plant City took the top spot at the end of the week and

Crest placed second overall. Jelayah Shaw (1) and Kelli McAvoy (5) won singles championships for PCHS and the team of Shaw and Vlada Pike (1) won their doubles championship. The Class 4A regional semifinals began Tuesday with Crest hosting Wiregrass Ranch in Plant City and PCHS visiting Steinbrenner in the boys tournament. Plant City hosted Steinbrenner and Crest visited East Lake in the girls tournament. The regional finals will be held today. Class 4A state tournaments for team and individual championships will run from April 28-30 at Sanlando Park, 401 W. Highland St., Altamonte Springs. Visit fhsaa.com/index.aspx?path=tennis for more information.

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We asked Plant City:

What’s a local cause or issue you’d like to raise awareness for? “A cause/issue that should be raised for awareness is labor workers. The reason we even have strawberries picked in Plant City is them. Without their help, who would pick the strawberries? They should be appreciated for their hard work and extra time they put in to make the festival possible. Their story should be heard of how it affects them and their families, working hot Florida days and long hours.” — Jessimar Quintana

“Raising awareness for mental health and to end the stigma is crucial. From depression, anxiety and eating disorders to OCD and schizophrenia, mental health touches each of us in some way. Mental health issues are also a significant contributor to suicide, which claims the lives of nearly 50,000 people per year in the United States alone.” — Ashley Brewington

“I’d like to see more awareness on social justice and inequality issues. I feel like Plant City has made progress, but there is still a large population who are unaware of or just refuse to acknowledge some of the struggles minorities have faced and still face.” — Vanessa Borges

“The need for organ donations or organ donors means a lot to us. They refer to it as ‘Giving the Gift of Life.’” — Mary Lou Hewett

“Traffic is a local issue I’d like to raise awareness for. Teach people how to drive.” — Kaylee Perkins “Definitely racism. I think unity and understanding and acceptance of other cultures is something we could all educate ourselves on more. Our small town is so diverse but also divided at the same time. I think showing kindness goes a long way and if we all started working together instead of against each other it would change the whole dynamic of this community.” — Michele Cross

“Why aren’t changing tables mandatory in every restroom? That needs to be addressed.” — Eric Randall “Pour into your local community. Whether that is through supporting Plant City-owned businesses, mentoring Plant City youth or attending Plant City-based events.” — Alex Rhoades

Taking care of each other is what

PlantCityObserver.com

Joseph Allen McIntosh

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

Mary Frances Sweterlitsch Buzza

Wildred A. Martin Kany Michelle Geraldine ‘Gerry’community Taking care of Hernandez Buschbacher Wildred A. Martin, 100, of Plant each other is what is all about.

community

OBITUARIES

She is preceded in death by her son, Mark Andrew Buzza; and twins, Paula City, passed away on Thursday, Kany Michelle HernanJoseph Allen McIntosh, 46, of Geraldine ”Gerry” BuschApril 8, 2021. Wildred was born dez, 7 months, of Plant Plant City, born in Cincinnati, bacher, 71, of Plant City, Mary Frances Sweterlitsch and Christine. She is survived by her chilJanuarywe’re 10,dedicated 1921toin Brooklet, City, passed away on Tues- Buzza, 83, of Plant City, Ohio on November 24, 1974, passed away April helping families create a W E ’Ron E P R OU D TO S14, E RV E our community unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. dren, Karen Scheffer, Georgia. day, April 13, 2021. Kany entered into eternal rest on 2021. A Celebration of Lifeprofessionals, went to be with our Lord celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial memories and expres- was born August 14, 2020 April 10, 2021. will be held on May 2021 and Savior on 4/18/2021. Suzanne King (Bryan > 100%25, Service GuaranteeFond > National Plan Transferability Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Assistance > The WCompassion we’re dedicated to helping families create a Services will be held at E ’ R E P R O Umay D TO S Ebe RV E our community King), Matthew Buzsions of sympathy in Tampa. Expressions of condolence at City Pointe Church at and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. za (Mary W. Buzza) shared at www.WellsMemorial. memories and at HopewellFuneral.com. 2pm. Wells Memorial Funeral celebrates the life it represents. R As your Dignity Memorial professionals, Fondunique >Festival. 100% Service Guarantee > National PlanofTransferability and Katie Sparkman the Martin family. expressions sympathy Online condolences may Home, 1903 W. Reynolds Proudly supportingcom for the Plant City Strawberry > Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® (Tom Sparkman); may be shared at www. be left for the family at www. St., Plant City, Florida on R her faithful dog, WellsMemorial.com for the haught.care. 4/24/2021. There will be a HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. Charlie; her grandHernandez family. visitation with family and Charles ‘Bobby’ friends with catering from children, Laura Scheffer, WELLSMEMORIAL.COM 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. There will Amy Scheffer, Ian Scheffer, Robert Wiggins Wells MeMorial & event Center Emily Buzza, Erin Buzza, then be a funeral mass HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM Mary Jo PlanT CiTy WELLSMEMORIAL.COM Jack Sparkman and Sara after the visitation. Charles “Bobby” Robert Wig813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com Campbell Mary was born on Octo- Grace Sparkman; her sibgins, 80, of Lakeland, born in Leonel Benitz & event Center ber 26, 1937 in Coraopolis, lings, Dr Paul Sweterlitsch Springhead on January 16, Mary Jo Campbell, 84,Wells MeMorial PlanT CiTy Faye Linda Moreno PA to Dr. Louis H. Sweter- (Geri), Dr Louis Sweter1941, entered into eternal rest passed away in her home813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com Daughtry litsch Jr. (Rachel), Richard litsch and Pauline R. on April 15, 2021. surrounded by family on Leonel Benitz Moreno, 35, Sweterlitsch and Ann Sweterlitsch. She graduExpressions of condolence of Lakeland, passed away April 13, 2021. She was Linda Faye Daughtry, 78, of at HopewellFuneral.com. born on December 12, 1936 Dover, passed away on Mon- ated with a bachelor of sci- Lasota (Richard). Lastly, on April 14, 2021. Funeral ence in nursing from Villa her amazing caregivers in Plant City to Pete and services were held April day, April 19, 2021. She was who were with her until the Maria School of Nursing. Helen Crum. 20, 2021 atWHaught Funeral born in Hartsville, Colquitt we’re dedicated to helping families create a E ’R E P R OU D TO S E RV E our community unique and meaningful memorial that truly County, Georgia on Septemwith personal, compassionate care since 1896. end include Daisy Rivera, She began her career workFond memories and Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM expressions ofTransferability sympathy Martin Luther King Jr.Service Blvd., ber 18, 1942. A funeral service ing in the neonatal services Shanice Eliacin and Ashley > 100% Guarantee > National Plan The Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Assistance Wooley. and ended it with more may be> shared at www. Plant City, FL 33563. will be held at 11am Friday, Donna Becton Donations in her honor WellsMemorial.com for the Online condolences may April 23, 2021 with visitation than 25 years of service R can bewe’re made toto St. Jude’s as a director ofU Dnurses for family.Festival. be left for the familyProudly at www. one hour prior to service Donna Becton, 71, of Plant dedicated helping families create a W E ’ RE P RO TO S E RV E our community supporting Campbell the Plant City Strawberry unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. Children’s Research HospiseveralAs nursing homes. She at Wells Memorial Funeral City, passed away on April 13, haught.care. celebrates the life it represents. your Dignity Memorial professionals, tal>(stjude.org). became an amazing waHome. 2021. Funeral services were > 100% Service Guarantee National Plan Transferability we’re dedicated to helping families create a W E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E our community > Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® unique and meaningful memorial that truly tercolorist after retirement with personal, compassionate care since 1896. Condolences may be Fond memories and expresheld April 20, 2021 at Haught celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, and was always working on made sions of sympathy may be Funeral Home Chapel, 708 Rat www.wellsmemoWELLSMEMORIAL.COM > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Assistance rial.com. her gardening. Mary shared> The at www.WellsMemoW. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Proudlywas supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM Wells MeMorial & event Center an amazing mother and rial.com for the Daughtry Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. R PlanT CiTy grandmother and will be family. Online condolences may 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. Hannelore Twiss deeply missed. be left for the family at www. haught.care. Hannelore Twiss, 83, of WELLSMEMORIAL.COM Plant City, passed away Wells MeMorial & event Center on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. PlanT CiTy WELLSMEMORIAL.COM Hannelore was born Sep813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM tember 6, 1937 in Mainz, Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy Germany. we’re dedicated to helping families create a WE’ R E PR O UD TO S ERV E our community 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com unique and meaningfuland memorial with personal, compassionate care since 1896. Fond memories ex-that truly celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, pressions of sympathy may ALL OBITUARIES > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability > The at www.WellsMeCompassion Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Assistance be shared ARE SUBMITTED the Twiss morial.com for AND EDITED BY R family. FAMILIES OR Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival.

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Alan Craig Smith Alan Craig Smith, 71, of Tampa, passed away on April 17, 2021. Alan was a United States Marine Corps Veteran. Services will be held privately. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught. care.

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6:30 p.m. Blues, BBQ & Berries is a new event bringing a block party to downtown Plant City. Walk on over to Evers Street for an evening of live blues music, tasty food from Falling Off the Bone BBQ, art exhibits at the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center and more. You can also check out some of the brand new businesses that have recently opened on Evers, like the Tipsy Bookworm and Crumbles & Cream Kaffeehaus.

THURSDAY, APRIL 22 PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS

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

BATON TWIRLING CLASSES

Plant City Recreation presents Baton Twirling Classes at the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St. Classes are held every Thursday. Beginner classes are from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Intermediate classes are from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Your first class will be free. If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Barbara Patrick at 813626-4554.

BBQ

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.

KOMEDY NIGHT

7 to 8:30 p.m. Krazy Kup’s monthly Komedy Night is back in the loft, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., with headliner J.J. Curry, Donnie Stopa, special guest Rashad Baker and host Tara Zimmerman. Tickets for this evening of familyfriendly comedy are $10.

SUNDAY, APRIL 25 EARTH DAY 2021 CELEBRATION

2 p.m. Join the Plant City Area Democrats and Celebrate Earth Day 2021 at the Plant City Commons Community Garden, 2001 E. Cherry St. Everyone is welcome. Dr. Sonja Brookins, Board member of the county’s Soil and Water Conservation District, will dedicate the planting of an avocado tree in the Fruit Forest of the Community Garden. Refreshments will be served afterward. Register to attend at bit.ly/ EarthDayPCADems.

FRIDAY, APRIL 23 BLUEGRASS NIGHT

7 to 8:30 p.m. Visit the loft at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., for this month’s Bluegrass Night featuring Beaumont. The Central Florida-based band of Beaumont family members and friends has performed bluegrass and family entertainment for years. Tickets are $15 and available in-house or on Eventbrite.

TUESDAY, APRIL 27 FAMILY BOREDOM BUSTERS WEEK 4: ‘ERIC CARLE’

SATURDAY, APRIL 24 PLANT CITY SOCIAL DANCE

Blues

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 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

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28 ONEBLOOD DONATION DRIVE 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Giving begins with you. Save up to three lives by visiting the OneBlood bus at Bruton Memorial Library. Each donor will receive a

Berries

$10 e-gift card, a tie-dye shirt and a mini physical including COVID-19 antibody tests.

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.

THURSDAY, APRIL 29 PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS

BATON TWIRLING CLASSES

FRIDAY, APRIL 30 CHILDREN’S CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT

11:30 a.m. at Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club, 12900 Lake Jovita

Blvd., Dade City. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce joins South Florida Baptist Hospital and the Plant City Kiwanis Club in hosting this annual event. The proceeds benefit children’s activities through these organizations as well as the operations of the SFBH Community Health program. This program supports local schools and organizations in providing health and wellness programs throughout our region. The tournament is a fun filled day of activities: four-person scramble, shotgun start, lunch and dinner and an award ceremony. Corporate sponsorships and team sponsorships are available. Register online at sfbhfoundation.org/ index.cfm?fuseaction=events. main.

LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN

5 to 9 p.m. at McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St. The Last Friday In Downtown Food Truck Rally with a new theme each month. There will be live music, market vendors and food trucks. The event is family and pet-friendly. All are recommended to bring chairs and blankets. This month’s theme is Star Wars and you can bring the whole family out for photo ops with your favorite characters. Participating businesses will have Star Warsthemed items and food available.

OXFORD NOLAND

7 to 8:30 p.m. Plant City-based indie rockers oxford noland will perform in the loft at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Cousins Shua Harrell and Aaron ‘Bucky’ Buckingham grew up skateboarding, playing golf and wandering their grandparents’ strawberry farm around their native Plant City. Their musical connection was influenced early on through weekend gatherings at the farm, listening to their family swap classic folk and gospel tunes. Tickets are $10 on Eventbrite.

FRESHEST MEAT & LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN! VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR THIS WEEK’S SAVINGS Mon-Sat 7am - 9pm | Sundays 7am - 8pm At Felton’s we offer a complete line of fresh meat and produce. You’ll ﬁnd only the best quality meats at bargain prices. Whether it be that special occasion dinner, or you are planning a large party, call or stop by today. No matter what your needs, Felton’s is sure to have the ﬁnest, most tender meat and tasty produce anywhere.

CARPETS Steam Cleaned

3 Rooms $85

includes Hallway cleaned free

Felton’s Market CHOICE MEATS • PRODUCE • GROCERIES

Visit FeltonsMarket.com

Emergency TILE & GROUT Emergency Steam Cleaned

50c per sq.ft.

Water 24-HR. 24-HR. Water Extractions Extractions Storm, Broken Pipes, Storm, Broken Pipes, etc. etc.

Sam Allen Rd.

PLANT CITY Baker St. olds

Reyn

St.

Lakeland

CARPETS

TILE

3 Rooms $85

Steam Cleaned

includes Hallway cleaned free

Water Extraction 24-Hr Service | Carpet Dyeing & Repairs

www.AllSaintscc.com 813-986-1266 813-986-1266 www.AllSaintscc.com 813-986-1266 www.AllSaintscc.com

Water Extraction 24-Hr Service | Carpet Dyeing & Repairs

www.AllSaintscc.com

WALKER PLAZA 617 N. Maryland Ave., Plant City (813) 752-1548

County Line Rd.

Rosemary Johns, 84, of Plant City, passed away on April 18, 2021. The family will receive friends Friday, April 23, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught. care.

BLUES, BBQ & BERRIES

287396-1

Rosemary Johns

SATURDAY, APRIL 24

Park Rd.

John A. Cerny Sr., 66, of Plant City, died April 13, 2021 at Brandon Regional Hospital. Mr. Cerny was born August 19, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois to John and Joann Cerny. He graduated from High School and was a diesel mechanic at WW Trucking for more than 20 years. His interests included fishing, his dogs, watching hockey and NASCAR. He is survived by his son, John A. Cerny, Jr.; and his brothers, Mark and Glen. At his request, no service will be held. A Professional Service of Comfort by Washington Funeral Home, 909 W. Madison St. Plant City, FL. (813)7529540.

BEST BET

Maryland Ave.

John A. Cerny Sr

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THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

289695-1

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 22 High: 83 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 3%

FRIDAY, APRIL 23 High: 86 Low: 68 Chance of rain: 7%

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, April 22

6:56a

7:58p

Friday, April 23

6:55a

7:58p

Saturday, April 24

6:54a

7:59p

Sunday, April 25

6:53a

7:59p

Monday, April 26

6:52a

8:00p

Tuesday, April 27

6:51a

8:01p

Wednesday, April 28

6:50a

8:01p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, APRIL 24 High: 89 Low: 71 Chance of rain: 7%

SUNDAY, APRIL 25 High: 84 Low: 62 Chance of rain: 63%

MONDAY, APRIL 26 Kelly Slevin got a great view of this butterfly shortly after emerging from its cocoon.

ONLINE

High: 88 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 7%

Across 1 Egyptian god with an ibis head 6 One who crosses the line 10 Blight-stricken tree 13 “Donnie Brasco” actress Anne 14 Flap 15 Corp. leaders 17 Lay to rest 18 With 42-Across, part of a psychologist’s battery 20 Seven-time Wimbledon winner 21 Wisconsin city on the Mississippi 22 HDTV part, for short 24 They may be civil

25 Singing stars 27 “60 Minutes” regular 31 Strong brew 34 Deadly 37 West Point team 38 Prom adornment 40 Hear about 42 See 18-Across 43 Stella __: Belgian beer 45 Düsseldorf direction 46 Hard work 48 Bridge seats 50 __ Zee: Hudson River area 53 Divine fluid 57 Laszlo Kreizler, in a Caleb Carr novel 60 Nylons

61 Scream-evoking horror film technique ... and a hint to what’s hiding in five puzzle rows 63 Broadway orphan 64 US Open stadium namesake 65 Surrealist Paul 66 Paragon 67 It may be gross 68 Barrie pirate 69 Leaders of industry Down 1 Fried chicken choice 2 Painter __ de ToulouseLautrec 3 Two quartets

4 Jay Powell chairs it 5 That girl 6 Orchestra sect. 7 Not very friendly 8 “What __”: “Ho-hum” 9 Amazon crime series based on Michael Connelly novels 10 Satellite communications giant 11 Grazing sites 12 Soft shoes 16 That girl 19 Old PC monitors 23 Adidas rival 24 Yelp user, say 26 Brightest star in Lyra 28 River of Pisa 29 Gps. with copays 30 Ride-sharing option 31 Ballet divisions 32 Early movie mogul 33 Gaelic language 35 Take out __ 36 Island rings 39 Fox River, in TV’s “Prison Break” 41 Spot of wine? 44 Source of a homeopathic oil 47 They may be fake 49 Slangy nose 51 Chooses 52 Church song 54 Passport producer 55 Willow twig 56 Lively dances 57 “The Birth of a Nation” actress __ Naomi King 58 A deadly sin 59 “If u ask me” 62 Shoebox letters 63 “Breaking Bad” network

May 11 New

May 16 First

Apr. 25 Full

May 7 Last

RAINFALL LAST WEEK:

MONTH TO DATE:

1.32 in.

4.25 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

APR. AVERAGE:

06.39 in.

SQUASH Shipping point: Central Florida $4.35-$5.85

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

2.69 in.

WEATHER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

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