4.26.18 PLCO by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY

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Service for Grover Wills at Durant. PAGE 8

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 5, NO. 43

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THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2018

Inspiring generations

Dr. Bernard Robinson’s book discusses growing up in the segregated U.S. SEE PAGE 5.

A fur-ever companion

YOUR TOWN

Courtesy of Vicky Saunders

The Corner Store was once again packed for the specialized trivia event.

‘Coffee, please, and a shot of cynicism’ The Corner Store was packed to the brim on April 21 for the Gilmore Girls Trivia event. Hosted by the Corner Store and Instagramers of Plant City, the event tested participants’ knowledge of the highly popular show. Winners received unique Gilmore Girls-themed art from SomethingMajorArt. The event was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Corner Store provided cold brews, mimosas and unique bites. Breanne Williams

Jed is a seven-month old Belgian Malinois.

After a life dedicated toward helping others, Jeremy Snyder is now in the process of training his puppy to become a paw-some service dog. SEE PAGE 4.

Finding hope in darkness This year’s Honorary Survivor for Relay for Life said she hopes her speech and her story will inspire others to know they are not in this fight alone. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Courtesy of the Plant City Photo Archives

The local chapter has has raised approximately $1.87 million for the Relay over the past seven years.

Relay for Life has been reshaping lives in Plant City for 20 years. Teams across the city rally for the cause, loved ones are remembered and survivors are honored.

This year’s honorary survivor is Kim Curran, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer in November of 2016. Her humble attitude and upbeat spirit made her perfect for the role. She said she hopes her story will inspire others to have faith that even when things are darkest, there is still light that can be found. “When they asked me to tell my story I realized my story wasn’t remarkable,” Curran said. “There’s nothing about my story that’s any different from anyone else. Cancer is an ugly, vile disease, but there are some positive things that can come out of it. SEE RELAY PAGE 6

Courtesy of C.L. Townsend

Norm Blanton was presented with a Distinguished Service award.

Local civic leader honored Norm Blanton, leader of Somebody Cares — Plant City was recognized April 20 for his years of work bringing churches together in the local area. Blanton was presented with a Distinguished Service award by Daniel and Kathy Bernard, leaders of Somebody Cares-Tampa Bay at the 9th Annual Gala & Silent Auction at the DoubleTree Hilton in Tampa.

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Hillsborough 100 creates greener tomorrow The second annual Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge united groups throughout Plant City in an effort to better the community. The project is part of initiatives from the Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District, 201 S. Collins St. The event unites area civic clubs, businesses, middle and high schools and government agencies in an effort to create projects that help make each individual community a better place. The Plant City Lions Club had a project from 8:00 a.m. until 12 p.m. Saturday at the Plant City Commons Community Garden, located on Cherry Street on the Plant City HCC/UF campus. They were joined by members of the Leo Clubs from Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest High Schools, as well as the USF Lions Campus Club. The group of approximately 25 adults and students worked on several sections of the community garden, including the butterfly and hummingbird garden.

Plant City’s newest history detectives The Photo Archives and History Center’s new Jr. Archivists Club has graduated its first students in the “Be a History Detective” program’s first course, Be a Photograph Detective, on April 16. The three Jr. Archivists, Jayden Felix from Lincoln Elementary, Taylor Lynch from Robinson Elementary and Dylan Lynch from Durant High School, completed six sessions of the Be a Pho-

tograph Detective course. The group met on six consecutive Mondays from 4 to 5 p.m. in the institution’s exhibit gallery and combed through a 24-page “Be a Photograph Detective” book. Using actual historic photos gathered by the Archives of Plant City, the group was able to put their new historical detective skills to the test and dive into the diverse and deep history of the town. Photo Archives Executive Director Gil Gott said the program will hopefully allow younger generations to learn the value and importance of accurately protecting our history. For further information on the Jr. Archivists Club call the Photo Archives at 813.754.1578 or email gil@plantcityphotoarchives.org. Students age 9 to 14 are invited to join the club.

Bite Squad expands to Plant City Bite Squad, the Minneapolisbased restaurant delivery service, announced it has acquired Lakeland-based restaurant delivery service Takeout Hero to expand into Lakeland, Winter Haven and Plant City and officially launched April 24. Delivery is available within a seven-mile radius of participating restaurant partners. Customers can place orders seven days a week on the Bite Squad app or at www.bitesquad. com. Delivery fees start at $3.99 and to celebrate its launch, the group is offering new customers free delivery, with the code HELLOLKLND at checkout.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2018

Women unite in new Plant City group Aspire Plant City officially launched Tuesday night, drawing more than 100 women to Wishing Well Barn where they learned about the new women’s group. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

A new women’s group received overwhelming support during its official launch Tuesday evening. Aspire Plant City is hoping to create a space for women empowerment to flourish. Spearheaded by Courtney Paat and Sophia Hyde, the group blossomed from a desire to have a women’s group that would encourage relationships both professionally and personally between women in Plant City. “We started the idea of a women’s group about a year ago and Sophia and myself had a conversation one day after yoga class about how it felt like there was a need for a women’s group in Plant City and that many of the women here were not being served,” Paat said. The group is open for women of all ages and at the launch event, held at Wishing Well Barn, the attendees ranged from high schoolers to retirees. Paat said the beauty of the group was it was there for any and all women, whether they were just starting

Breanne Williams

Guests were treated to a catered meal, bar, dessert and more at the launch.

in their careers, stay-at-home moms, retirees or still in school. Aspire plans to have a variety of events each month to foster connections between its members. Paat said there will be a lunch meeting, which will feature a speaker, a coffee networking session and an after hours evening social. The next three months for the group have already been planned and will include events like a thank you card gathering and a sunset social. Eventually, Paat said the hope is there will be book clubs, mentoring and volunteer opportunities and potentially even a charitable

arm of the organization. She said it was important to both Hyde and herself that they create a culture and space where women can come and “not be judged or torn down” for where they are or what they’ve accomplished. “Women have a tendency to tear each other down rather than build each other up and all women, either in the business world or in our personal lives, we all will be more successful and more thriving if we’re supporting each other and encouraging each other,” Paat said. At the launch, Michelle Welch, owner of Wishing Well Barn, dis-

cussed how important it was that women know they are loved and supported. As a board member for Aspire, she went over the morals and motto of the new group and encouraged attendees to share with each other stories of women who have encouraged them throughout their lives. Angelica Ibarra, founder of Plant City-based Learn Tampa Bay, stood up and told the story of learning to overcome her insecurity and self-doubt with the help of a loving teacher. She said it was crucial women in Plant City get connected via a group like Aspire and love on

their community so they can help young girls and their fellow women know that they are strong and that anything is possible. The first few events with Aspire will heavily focus on networking and building that undercurrent of camaraderie throughout the group, while still providing educational and inspirational lectures. On May 2 the group will offer an educational lunch at the Chamber of Commerce Meeting Room, on May 14 there will be a Networking Social at the Corner Store and May 22 is the coffee connection event at Krazy Kup. Aspire plans to unite not only local women but also businesses throughout Plant City. Paat said the evening socials and coffee connections will hopefully be held throughout the town so women can get to know the city that they all live in. Interested businesses can reach out to Paat or Hyde to host an event. All of the events will be on the group’s Facebook page and on aspireplantcity.org. During the launch, more than 100 women flocked to Wishing Well, which Paat said testifies to the need for such a group. “Curiosity, to me that’s just a sign that women want something more, they’re looking for something more because the invitation doesn’t give you a whole lot of information,” Paat said. “It’s intentionally vague so to have this much energy and curiosity, I feel justifies and proves our thought that the women are looking for something different.”

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THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2018

Training to serve

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

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Jeremy Snyder is training his Belgian Malinois named Jed to be a serivce dog. After being medically retired from the military, he spent 12 years in law enforcement.

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Jeremy Snyder always knew he was going to pursue a career in the military. He joined the Navy, but the day before he was to be deployed his life forever changed. His bunkmate, whom he had just met hours prior, decided he did not want to be sent overseas, Snyder said. Instead, he decided to assault Snyder, “suckerpunching” him then stomping on the side of his face and crushing half his skull. Snyder said that a portion of his face is now all metal and he has no feeling in his lower eyelid. His assaulter went AWOL and was finally caught after nearly a year. Snyder, however, could not be deployed due to his injuries. “As you can imagine, something that’s as traumatic as that you can end up with some PTSD so they medically retired me and I got out in 2004, the incident occurred in 2001,” Snyder said. He immediately transitioned into law enforcement where he worked for 12 years. He worked as a narcotics detective where he said he worked a lot with canine units on raids. He was task forced with the DEA and was a part of HIDTA, a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Agency. Over his career, he said he probably purchased millions of dollars of drugs and was involved with federal cases where they took out massive drug rings. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous,” Snyder said. “I’ve had guns held against my head. I’ve bought meth from places that are very dirty that you don’t want to even be in or sit down or touch it because you know that the likelihood of you getting contaminated or even overdosing just from the contact from the drugs is highly probable.” But despite the risk, he loved his job. It wasn’t until he settled down and started a family that he began to look for a career that would ensure he would be able to come home every night. Now he is a vice president of a software company. While it is definitely a more relaxing job, he admits there are moments where he genuinely misses his career in law enforcement. His family recently just got a little larger after he added a young Belgian Malinois named Jed, a typical police dog, to the mix. “I worked with a lot of dogs and recently it was suggested to me that I start looking into emotional support and service animals,” Snyder said. “I have a friend who breeds these. His dad and mom are some of the Westminster champions.” Snyder has had Jed for approximately one month and he has already mastered many basic commands. He said it takes approximately a two years to get through all the necessary train-

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ing to have a truly qualified service dog. “This isn’t a replacement for traditional therapies and medications, but dogs have a way of calming people and they also have a way of being relentless and not giving up until you’re 110% done with, let’s say an anxiety attack or things like that,” Snyder said. “They work to allow you to basically calmly remove yourself from situations where it might be more awkward to try to leave something like say a party or a business or a restaurant.” Snyder has always loved animals. Prior to Jed, he had a German Shepherd for 12 years. In a way, he said Jed is helping fill that void. Jed’s breeding and intelligence are already shining through. He learns quickly and has boundless energy, but has retained a focused and calm spirit. Unfortunately, people will sometimes abuse the privilege of having a service dog. When people fail to train the animal correctly, Snyder said, it gives the therapy a bad reputation. However, if properly trained, therapy dogs offer a great service for those in need. They can be trained to help snap people out of anxiety attacks by providing soft nudges or pawing at their owner. They can deliver medication,

wake their owner up from night terrors, provide a sense of comfort in crowded areas and offer an excuse to get their owners out of situations when they begin to feel overwhelmed. PTSD and emotional support animals are not simply for veterans. Many children and adults who have suffered through intense experiences seek solace in the pets. Snyder said it’s crucial to remember that just because someone appears to be normal, it doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling. As for Jed, the puppy is currently being socialized with other dogs and people during his daily visits to the Walden Lake dog park. His temperament and zeal for life make him a perfect addition to Snyder’s family. After a life of service, Snyder is well on the way to training his loyal companion. “I’ve always been very positive in nature, the military was my career choice, it was always something that I had wholeheartedly intended to do,” Snyder said. “I would say that deep down inside I have always been a public servant. Going into the military was natural. Getting out and going into law enforcement and helping people was the same.”

Breanne Williams

Jeremy Snyder has had Jed for approximately one month and is currently running him through the basics of training.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2018

‘Two Ropes,’ one message Plant City native Dr. Bernard Robinson shares his story of achieving both academic and professional triumph despite a seemingly never-ending wave of obstacles in his book ‘Two Ropes.’

STAFF WRITER

Growing up on the streets of Plant City during the height of segregation, Bernard Robinson was no stranger to breaking glass ceilings. Now a highly-acclaimed doctor, Robinson attributes much of his success to the support of his true love and childhood sweetheart Shirley Perry, now Shirley Robinson. Through the decades the Robinsons ascended to academic and professional success. Together they accomplished the seemingly impossible and paved the way for generations to follow. Bernard Robinson was one of the first African-American students at the University of South Florida, the first African-American to join the military neurosurgical training program at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and one of the first AfricanAmerican doctors at many of the hospitals he worked in during the following years. His struggle toward equality and success is chronicled in his book “Two Ropes,” which he personally signed at an event Sat-

urday at the Bing Rooming House Museum, 205 S. Allen St. It was the first time he’s held such an event and he said there’s nowhere else he would rather kickstart his book promotion than in the town he grew up in. “You can end up doing a lot of first things when you’re black in America,” Bernard Robinson said. “It’s unfortunate that race still carries such a prominent characteristic in our national history. But I do think it needs to be looked at for how do we make that not a problem here? I should just be an American, and one day we won't be African-American this or Chinese-American this or a Caucasian’s only that, and that would make it a much, much nicer world. I think we are still a work in progress.” His story is phenomenal and his obstacles were many. He overcame being severely burned and facing a threat of amputation, being constantly misjudged due to his race and having to constantly fight for the change he knew the world was desperately ready for. His shrewd analysis of race relations, not only in Plant City but

Breanne Williams

Shirley and Bernard Robinson signed copies of "Two Ropes" at the Bing Rooming House Museum on Saturday.

also in the world at large, paints a lesson readers won’t readily forget. The title of the book alone holds such weight that many in attendance at the book signing were dumbstruck as they digested the lessons the Robinsons learned throughout their lives. “Two Ropes” references two different but equally impactful memories in Bernard Robinson’s

Revitalization and a cup of joe A new Hot Coffee Series, hosted by Plant City Main Street, will help local businesses prosper in the revitalization of downtown. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Plant City Main Street has kicked off its new Hot Coffee Series, which will allow businesses the opportunity to learn how to make the most out of their prime real estate and blossom along with the shifting community. The new series is held the fourth Tuesday of every month at Krazy Kup from 7:45 to 9 a.m. Jane Waters, executive director of Historic Plant City Main Street, said part of her group’s responsibility is to offer development programming, like retail marketing or small business finance, to local businesses. The coffee series will feature a new topic each month. Each has been specifically tailored to what Waters has learned are some of the more pressing issues regarding local businesses. She said it will help both new businesses and long-standing establishments adapt to the changing Plant City community. “Most of our stores open at 10 a.m. and when they are done at the end of the day they are finished,” Waters said. “This was a convenient time of the day to get enough information to get them started. This is a topic, not a full lesson. It’s not a full workshop. It’s a snapshot of where we are

and will help give businesses the tools they need to take those next steps.” Unlike many of the endeavors of Main Street, Waters said the Hot Coffee Series is not technically about unifying the downtown merchants. Instead, she hopes it will give all local shops the tools they need to catapult their business to success. The first meeting was April 24, where experts discussed Success in Downtown Retail: A Vision of our Future. Carol Minor, center director for the Small Business Development Center of Hillsborough County, talked about the resources available to local businesses and discussed the classes and workshops coming up that would feature experts on specialized subjects. Plant City Community Services Director Karen Collins, Krazy Kup owner Frank Trunzo and more formed a panel that answered questions from attendees. After the hour was up, all stuck around to answer any other questions from those wishing to delve deeper into the subject. The events are planned out through January and will feature topics like the benefits of creating an online store, how to engage customers with a storefront, how to access grants and manage cash flow and how to best accomplish target marketing. Members of Main Street and the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce can attend for free and non-members are asked to consider a $5 donation for the event.

life. When he and his siblings used to go fishing with their father as children he would often point out a rope hanging from a nearby tree. A black man had been hung there for wolf whistling at a white woman. His father made sure they looked at the rope and understood the lesson behind its warning. His father had a unique friendship with a man by the name of

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

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BREANNE WILLIAMS

Russell Brown. Brown was white, but the respect and camaraderie between the two was undeniable. Bernard Robinson’s father would often go help Brown at his service station. One night, he had tossed a rope over a tree to use to pull an engine out of a vehicle. He had a prior engagement so he left before they could finish the extraction, promising Brown he would return in the morning. He died that night. Brown left that rope tied to the tree for years in memory of his beloved friend. “That’s the two ropes in my story. It starts with how awful it was and ends with hope of how it can be,” Bernard Robinson said. He and Brown kept in touch over the years and Brown proudly joined him Saturday at the book signing, where he was swarmed with fans who wanted to hear his story. Though the book has only been out for a handful of months, four movie companies are currently looking into potentially adapting it for the big screen, according to Bernard Robinson. “Having been born and raised in Plant City and coming back here and seeing things as they have evolved is enlightening and encouraging, and just makes me feel like I’m running out of time as an old guy to help move the process further,” he said. “The only thing I can do is tell the story as I did in ‘Two Ropes.’”

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THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2018

Relay

IF YOU GO RELAY FOR LIFE When: 6 p.m. April 27 to 10 a.m. April 28. Event check-in at 4 p.m. Survivor check-in at 5 p.m. Opening ceremony at 6 p.m. Survivor and Caregiver Lap at 6:30 p.m. Survivor Dinner from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Luminaria ceremony at 9 p.m. Closing ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Where: Plant City High School Stadium, 1 Raider Place, Plant City

FROM PAGE 1

That’s what I’m going to focus my speech on.” Curran is a single parent whose daughter, Jade, has Down Syndrome and currently attends Plant City High School. When she was diagnosed, she said her entire community and even strangers she interacted with showed such support for her that she couldn’t help but find their attitude infectious. Whether it was her brother volunteering to stay with her and her daughter to take her to her appointments, her Curves family cooking her dinner and helping her around the house or even strangers smiling at her in the supermarket when they saw her walk by, she said she noticed everyone was rooting for her to succeed. Routine was a major part of Curran’s life. Her daughter is heavily involved in Special Olympics and the two of them frequent the local YMCA nearly every day. Through the groups they are involved with, she said she quickly fostered meaningful relationships with people all over town. However, when she was diagnosed she was still shocked at how many people went out of their way to lend a helping hand. Her love for Relay runs deep and she said it is crucial society continues to raise funds to help with the research on this disease and to help those who are diagnosed to be able to receive the best care available, regardless of their financial status. “We have come a long way with medicine, but there’s still so much more that needs to be done,” Curran said. “It’s so important to get the help that people need. I’m fortunate. I have a good job and I have healthcare. How does somebody do this if they don’t have the funds or a brother that can drive them every day? Everyone deserves the same type of care.”

The local Relay for Life chapter formed in 1988, 13 years after the first event was held in Tacoma, Washington. In the past seven years the group has raised approximately $1.87 million for the cause and Laurie Curtis, 2018 event co-lead, estimates the total for the past 20 years is more than $3 million. For 2018, the 57 teams with 747 volunteers, along with the sponsors of the event, have already raised more than $95,000. Curtis said each year the group picks an Honorary Survivor who helps the community personalize the purpose of the Relay experience and then show their support for Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society. “The message (from the survivor) is generally one of hope, courage and strength and often includes a message on how the American Cancer Society or the Relay For Life community helped make a difference for the survivor,” Curtis said. Curran said she hopes her speech will bring a sense of hope and peace to those in attendance. When she was diagnosed she said she cried throughout the first few days, but then simply felt peace. She said she knew she wasn’t being handed a death sentence so she got to work and threw herself into doing everything the doctors recommended.

Photos courtesy of the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center

Crowds flock each year to the Plant City Relay for Life located at Plant City High School.

“I just knew I was going to be OK, I can’t explain it,” Curran said. “Maybe it’s because of the fact that I have Jade and I just felt like God would never take me away from her.” In addition to the speech, the Honorary Survivor will lead all of the survivors in the opening lap for Relay. Curran said even though she had gone to Relay so many times over the years she was still caught off-guard when her friend asked her to do the survivors walk last year. At that point in time Curran hadn’t yet finished her treatment and she said she wasn’t sure if she should participate. Her friend looked at her and said “You’re alive right?” and the two took off toward the track. Her last chemo treatment was in July 2017 and three months later the scan showed she was officially cancer-free. Curran said she cannot wait to lead the

The Plant City Relay for Life is currently held at Plant City High School.

strong group of survivors around the track this year. “I hope that for anyone that is either going through this or gets diagnosed in the future, I want

them to have hope that there’s all these people out there that want to help them,” Curran said. “You don’t have to die with this disease anymore.”

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THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2018

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make a big splash right away. “I just want this family to be taken care of,” he said. “I really want them to be taken care of because as a father and a husband, I couldn’t imagine what they’re going through. I want them to be taken care of in any fashion that they can be.” Though this fundraiser came to an end Sunday evening, anyone wishing to donate to the Riley family can do so on JimmysFight. com.

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blastoma multiforme (GBM), a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, in March and has been undergoing treatment for roughly three weeks. Rodriguez said he complained of a headache one day as he left work, ended up in the emergency room that night and was diagnosed with GBM. Rodriguez said PCFR vowed to help Riley win one of the biggest fights of his life as soon as they heard of his diagnosis and that the fire department felt Sunday’s fundraiser was the best way to

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Jimmy Riley has spent 14 years helping save lives in Plant City as both a firefighter and a paramedic. Now that he’s undergoing treatment for brain cancer, Plant City is coming together to return the favor. Many local businesses, individuals and first responders in town are pitching in to help cover the costs of Riley’s treatment and to take care of his family during their trying time. Though the Plant City Fire Rescue-led fundraising efforts have been going on for several weeks, the most visible event was held Sunday morning at several locations on Alexander Street. The Jimmy’s Fight fundraiser was a two-part event that utilized both the Walden Lake Car Wash and the parking lot at the nearby Alexander Oaks Plaza. At Walden Lake Car Wash, volunteers washed and detailed cars from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and collected $25 donations for Riley. Because the car wash is normally closed on Sundays, owner Frank Cummings turned the business over to the volunteers for the whole day and was on hand with his fellow Plant City Lions Club members to help. “They literally said, ‘Here’s the key to our business, y’all make it happen,’” PCFR Captain Chris Rodriguez said. There were food, games and music for everyone at the plaza parking lot and donations were also collected all day. Dozens of local sponsors — “too many to name,” Rodriguez said — set up tents, came to hang out and did whatever they could to help. Fire departments from Tampa, Temple Terrace, Lakeland and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue brought trucks and came out to support the cause. “In the 18 years I’ve been here, I’ve never seen all these units get together,” Rodriguez said. “Ever. The brotherhood is just amazing.” The event was entirely volunteer-run and all of the money raised that day will go to the Riley family. Riley was diagnosed with glio-

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www.inthefieldmagazine.com

APRIL 26, 2018

HIGH

SPORTS

Tyreke Harrison won three district track and field titles last week. SEE PAGE 10.

Plant City High School soccer forward Eric Ugarte was recently named the Swope Rodante Vanguard Student-Athlete of the Month winner for April. The award is given monthly to Hillsborough County high school students who perform well in the classroom, on the playing field and in the community. A $1,000 contribution is made to each school’s athletic department on the player’s behalf.

The Class 4A-Region 2 track and field championships are set to kick off at 8 a.m. today at George Jenkins High School. Events will be held all day from 8 a.m. until 6:40 p.m. and team awards will be given out at 7 p.m. Check plantcityobserver.com for meet results.

Plant City Raiders star Matt Simpson is taking his talents to Temple Terrace. Simpson, a senior guard for the school’s basketball team, signed his letter of intent to play at Florida College in the fall on Thursday at the school’s media center. The signing came less than a week after he announced his commitment to play for the Falcons on his Twitter account. In his final season, Simpson was awarded Tampa Bay Basketball Coaches Association Player of the Year and Hillsborough County Public Schools Mac McGahagin Academic Athletic Basketball honors and made the FACA South Boys All-Star team. He also played in the Hillsborough County vs. Pinellas County All-Star Game on March 22.

Plant City High School’s junior varsity baseball team capped off an undefeated season by winning at the season-end JV tournament at Lennard High School, held April 21 and 22. It was the first undefeated season in program history.

The 8A-4 and 8A-6 district baseball tournaments will kick off next week at Wharton and Durant high schools, respectively. The hosting Cougars and Plant City Raiders’ 8A-6 tournament starts first, with the first round starting at 6 p.m. April 30, and the Chargers’ 8A-4 bracket action will start at 4 p.m. May 1. Both championship games are scheduled for 7 p.m. May 3.

Photos by Justin Kline

Everyone in Durant’s bleachers lit candles just after 8 p.m.

Durant community holds service for

Grover Wills A candlelight service was held at Durant High School’s football stadium on April 18. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Grover Wills used to look at the fans filling the Durant High School football stadium’s bleachers on Friday nights and smile. On April 18, the Cougars community packed the bleachers to remember Wills and his trademark grin. The school hosted a candlelight service for Wills, who was set to graduate in May, to let his family, friends, teammates, coaches and teachers grieve together and honor his memory. Wills was shot Sunday night and later died from the injury, and the Durant community was quick to set up a special service for the popular senior. People spoke about Wills’ life and his effect on them, read scriptures from the Holy Bible, walked around the track for five minutes — representing the number he wore on the football field — and sang songs, just as Wills was wellknown for doing. Many wore white shirts that read “Fly High Number 5” on the front and had Wills’ last name and jersey number on the back. Wills’ senior football poster was displayed near the middle of the track, which was lined with candles. At midfield, candles were

placed in the ground in the shape of the number 5 and the initials “GW.” Everyone who spoke talked about Wills’ happy-go-lucky personality and his tendency to pick other people up when they were feeling down. A two-sport athlete, Wills was perhaps best known for his three years on Durant’s varsity football team, for which he played defensive back. Head coach Mike Gottman said Wills was determined to play college football and considered joining the team at the University of Pikeville in Kentucky. The Durant football team plans to frame Wills’ jersey, hang it in the field house and retire the number 5 for good, Gottman said. Wills was also a member of the school’s AVID program and

teacher Constance Mitchell said he consistently brought a positive, uplifting attitude to school. Mitchell said Wills, like his peers, kept a list of weekly goals. He wanted to do well in school and athletics, but he also always wrote that he wanted to make his family proud, week after week. The night ended with a prayer by football chaplain Kerry Beaty, the walk around the track, a stop at the Ron Frost memorial rock and a luminary ceremony. The message of the evening was clear: though it is sad to see a life cut so short, the impact Wills had on the Durant community will not be forgotten. “Once a Cougar, always a Cougar,” Gottman said. “Grover Wills, number 5, rest in peace.”

Students in the Durant AVID program joined Constance Mitchell on the track as she spoke about her time knowing Grover Wills.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Area teams compete in district softball tourneys Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest started postseason play this week.

THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2018

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Three area softball teams competed in the FHSAA’s district tournaments this week and squared off against familiar faces. After Wharton dispatched Wiregrass Ranch, 5-0, in the 4 p.m. 8A-4 semifinal game at Strawberry Crest High School, the hosting Chargers and Freedom played a close one for the right to fight the Wildcats. Unfortunately for the Chargers, the Patriots were able to clinch the championship game spot with a 4-3 win in extra innings. Freedom got up on Crest in the bottom of the second inning with two bases-loaded walks, giving the Patriots a 2-0 lead, but the Chargers were able to tie things up in the top of the third inning. Freedom had a chance to walk off in the bottom of the seventh with a runner on third base and only one out, but Crest reliever Alyssa Grimes struck out Shaniyah Pope looking on a full count and induced a flyout to end the inning. In the top of the ninth, Crest pulled ahead after Skylar Biswas reached first on an error at first base and was driven in by Grimes. But in the bottom of the inning, with one out, Freedom reached first base on a one-out bunt, tied the game with an RBI triple and scored the go-home run with a single in the next at-bat. 8A-6

In the quarterfinal round of the tournament, Plant City showed the home crowd it meant busi-

Justin Kline

Samantha Hampton winds up for a pitch against the East Bay offense.

ness this week with a 6-0 win over Riverview. Ashley Blessin, Lexi Moore, Beka Schulte and Abbie DeWeese picked up eight of the Raiders’ 11 hits and the team took advantage of the Sharks’ four fielding errors on the basepaths. Blessin was dominant in the pitcher’s circle, throwing a complete game no-hitter with two walks and 13 strikeouts to help the team reach Tuesday’s semifinal round against Bloomingdale. The next day, Durant and East Bay opened the semifinal round with a 4 p.m. game. Though the Cougars played hard, they couldn’t create any offense against the Indians and were eliminated in a 2-0 final. In the 6 p.m. semifinal game, Plant City made another state-

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

ment with a 12-3 win over the Bloomingdale Bulls. The Raiders and Bulls played to a 2-2 tie after one inning, but a two-run second inning gave Plant City the lead for good and a six-run explosion in the fifth inning gave the team a big cushion over Bloomingdale. Plant City picked up 10 hits throughout the game and Schulte (3-for-5, two RBI), Emily Longoria (2-for-4, three RBI, one run) and Moore (1-for-2, four runs, two RBI) were particularly effective on offense. Blessin struck out nine batters and was not credited with any earned runs. At 7 p.m. tonight, Plant City and East Bay will battle for the series win, the district crown and the higher seed in the upcoming regional tournament.

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This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “As a teenager I was so insecure... I was convinced I had... no talent. ... That thought took away all my ambition.” – Johnny Depp Puzzle Two Solution: “Our generation has the ability... to make our ever-more connected world a more hopeful... and peaceful place.” – Natalie Portman

This week’s Sudoku answers

JUSTIN KLINE

Better to sign late than never

f you’re a student-athlete planning to sign a collegiate letter of intent, you know you’re about to complete a big milestone in your life. Athletic scholarships are not easy to come by and, for the most part, choosing a program to join is tough, too. But no matter what anyone says about National Signing Day, no matter how big a deal it is to sign on the first Wednesday of February, one thing you don’t have to do is rush to meet that timeline. Seriously, don’t feel bad if your decision isn’t as easy as that of the five-star, all-state athlete who got an offer from their dream school and caught the early February spotlight. There’s a reason our schools have no problem putting on similar signing parties every April for groups of kids that want or have to wait until later in the school year. Take the time to get to know

the coaches and programs better if you feel like you have to. Something that looks like a safe bet early on might totally change within a month for all you know. A coach could leave the program or you may learn something about it you don’t like. Some recruiters will continue to ride with you as you weigh your options, but others who talk a good game early on may lose interest a little too quickly for your liking and pull a fast one on you (I can confirm that does happen and has happened to athletes in our area). Maybe you just have a change of heart for no clear rhyme or reason. Sometimes you’ll even get an offer later in the game that totally works for you. Your decision is ultimately your own and you should only make the move when you’re ready to. If you’re making your choice with someone else in mind (family, for example), be

sure that program is one you’d pick for yourself even in a hypothetical situation where you’re not trying to be closer to someone or something. It’s always fair to ask yourself if you’d really want to be there should things in your life take an unexpected turn. I’m not trying to discourage athletes from participating in National Signing Day by any means. It’s a fine goal to have. I’m just here to say there’s no shame in playing the waiting game if you have any uncertainties about your future within a program.

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Justin Kline is the Plant City Observer Associate Editor. Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com. 2018

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2018

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

SPONSORED BY SPORT CLIPS

Tyreke Harrison April 17 was one of the best days of Plant City High School twosport athlete Tyreke Harrison’s sports career. At the 4A-District 7 track and field championships, Harrison placed first in the 100 and 200-meter dashes and was anchor leg in the boys 4x100 relay. The junior is also one of the football team’s top defensive players and plans to continue with the sport in college. I’m sure you knew you ran well at districts, but how did you feel when you found out you ran well enough for three district championships? Coach (Drew Martucci) asked me how I think I ran (in the 200). Seeing that I ran a 22.4 really brought tears to my eyes. I’ve never run like a 22.4. Just looking at my times and everything, all the hard work out here on the track, it was like it was starting to pay off. What are your goals for the rest of the postseason? Come in top four at regionals. Basically, take one step at a time. The ultimate goal is to get to states.

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A lot of your track teammates also play football with you in the fall. How does having that extra chemistry with the guys help you all out here? We’ve already had that family bond, so it makes us push each other harder. Everybody’s got a different answer to this question, but what are you looking for in a college program before you sign anywhere? Nine times out of 10 at the major-

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ity of schools I want to go to, they try to tell me stuff like what I want to hear from their campus. (I’m looking) for the coaches to ask me questions and stuff like without being school-related. When I went to Georgia State, the coach was talking to me about life after college and everything. He was asking me if I really see myself living in the Atlanta area and everything after school. It just had me open my mind. So you’re looking for coaches and programs that will keep it real with you all the way. Yes, sir. What do you want to study in college? It’s like a little coin toss between physical therapy and sports management. What’s the coolest thing you’ve done in your athletic career? I’m saying winning districts. Crossing the finish line in first place and getting my times back, it was basically a little shock to me, actually seeing I’m approaching the school records. I’m almost there. I’d like if, by the end of next year, we’re having this same conversation and I actually broke the school records. What’s been your proudest moment as an athlete? Freshman year, moving up to varsity (football). My first game was against Durant. The atmosphere with the Durant vibe and everything, that’s our rivalry, from the coin toss you felt the intensity of the area going through the roof. Right there, that’s one of my proudest moments. What advice would you give to some young athlete coming up who has the same goals as you? Hard work beats talent if talent fails to work hard. I grew up with my coaches always telling me that.

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hirty members of the Florida National Guard’s 3rd Battalion of the 116th Field Artillery Regiment were sent off to deployment from Plant City Wednesday morning. The men and women of the state’s National Guard left for South-Central Asia after a ceremony featuring Governor Rick Scott at the Historic Milton E. Hull Armory, located at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds. The guardsmen were then escorted from the grounds to Tampa International Airport by members of the Plant City Police Department. They are being deployed for approximately a year in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel.

At a recent stop at the Parkesdale Farm Market, Amber Jurgensen captured a shot of a beautiful cactus flower in bloom. Jurgensen wins this week’s I Love Plant City photo contest.

tions Congratula k’s e e w to this inner. I Love PC Wur FREE yo Stop in for ash. W r a C

THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2018

Florida National Guardsmen deploy from Plant City

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

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2018

FRUSTRATED WITH THE RISING COST OF INSURANCE RATES…

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Four Tomlin Tigers won top honors at the pageant.

NOTICE

Should you have any questions you may contact the housing office at (813) 752-0569.

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Plant City Housing Authority is encouraging property owners and or managers to list any available properties under the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Interested persons may pick up a landlord application at 1306 Larrick Lane in Plant City, Florida. Once applications are received, our rental listing will be updated. The rental listing will be given to voucher holders searching for suitable housing.

omlin Middle School's firstever pageant lived up to its name as two Tigers got tiaras. The Tigers and Tiaras pageant, a production of the school's yearbook class, had 24 participants between the sixth grade division and the seventh and eighth grade division. Kaylee Watson was crowned queen of the sixth grade division and Hannah Garrett was named runner-up. Katie Hamilton won the seventh and eighth grade division and Hannah Holm won runner-up. Dallas Baker, Selena Berrios, Baylee Astin and Ariel Navarrete served as judges and

Caroline Brummer and Ashtyn Steele were emcees for the event. All funds raised at the pageant were donated to Relay for Life. TOP FIVE — SIXTH GRADE

Averi Casselman Hannah Garrett Chassidy Middleton Chloe Shinneman Kaylee Watson TOP FIVE — SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADE

Alyvia Amaro Kenley Connell Katie Hamilton Hannah Holm Matildee Posada — JUSTIN KLINE

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Robert Edward Haas

Darlene Frances Campbell

Kathryn Ann Bryant, 70, of Plant City, born in Plant City on April 22, 1948, entered into eternal rest on April 22. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Robert Edward Haas, 66, of Seffner, born on June 3, 1951 in Lackawanna, New York, entered into eternal rest on April 19. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Darlene Frances Campbell, 73, of Plant City passed away April 16, 2018. Her family will be having private services. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught. care.

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True Thao, 40, of Plant City, born on April 17, 1978 in Thailand, entered into eternal rest on April 20. Preston E. Crider Expressions of condolence at Preston E. Crider, age 82, www.HopewellFuneral.com. passed away ondedicated April 21, we’re to 2018 helping families create a R O U D TO SERV E our community unique and meaningful memorial that truly onal, compassionate care since at 1896. his home in Plant City. theUnited life it represents. Dignity Memorial professionals,Preston celebrates joined the States Marine Corps > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan after Transferability FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS Bereavement Travel Assistance Theschool. Compassion Helpline® graduating >high www.HopewellFuneraI.com Burial will be private. HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM Condolences may be made online at www.wellsmemorial. Proudly supportingcom. the Plant City Strawberry Festival.

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is a social support program that helps widows and widowers Sponsored by the Dignity Memorial network of funeral, cremation and Sponsored bycemetery the Dignity Memorial network of isfuneral, cremation cemetery providers, t providers, the LIFT program both educational andand entertaining. adjust to the loss of a spouse providing hopeprogram to reinforce a sense of ® is aby LIFT social support that helps widows widowers LIFT program isand both and entertaining. are no or dues There are noeducational fees or dues to participate. DignityThere Memorial LIFTfees members areto participate wholeness and adjust purposetointhe those who may be feeling lost or isolated. Dignity Memorial LIFT members are only responsible for their own meals or personal expens only responsible for their own meals or personal expenses. Participation is loss of a spouse by providing hope to reinforce a sense of

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Leon Moulton, known to many as “Pops,” passed away on April 10, 2018, at the age of 66 years. A native of Plant City, Florida, Leon graduated from Turkey Creek High School. He worked as a welder with the Boilermakers Union and later with IMC Fertilizer maintaining draglines. He served for years coaching youth football with both the Plant City Dolphins and the Turkey Creek Trojans. He is survived by his wife Shirley, his daughter Candice (Brett), his son Justin and his two grandsons Cooper (16) and Maddox (6). He is also survived by his wife’s children Miranda, Bryan and Stacy and seven grandchildren. A Celebration of Leon’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, at the Ahava Baptist Church, 6015 W. Farkas Road, Plant City. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Leon can be made to the Turkey Creek Trojans, PO Box 153, Oxford, FL 34484. 239042

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THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2018

OBITUARIES

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2018

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