4.27.23

PLANT CITY RESIDENTS TURN UP EN MASSE FOR 1914 HIGH SCHOOL MEETING CITY COMMISSION DISCUSSES FOUR OPTIONS FOR ITS PRESERVATION.

tion by City Manager Bill McDaniel about the status of the city-owned 1914 Plant City High School Community Center and voice their support for restoring the historic structure to its former glory.

The City Commission Chamber was filled almst to capacity on Monday as residents showed up to hear a presenta-

McDaniel, who made it clear that demolition isn’t an option, laid out four proposals for the property’s future, including: 1)

continuing a minimum maintenance approach, 2) conveying building ownership, with or without a reverter clause, to the East Hillsborough Historical Society, 3) developing and releasing an RFP (request for proposal), a process that opens up competition and encourages a variety of alternative proposals from interested parties and

4) allowing the City to actively manage and maintain the property, allowing it to be used as a revenue-generating public event space. In this scenario, the City would have to allocate funds from its budget to staff, restore and maintain the building.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

SINKHOLE STRIKES NEIGHBORHOOD IN WALDEN LAKE

A sinkhole opened up in a residential neighborhood within Walden Lake on Sunday afternoon around 4:30 p.m.

The sinkhole is located in the middle of the street on Carriage Court, measuring roughly 20 by 25 feet wide and 15 feet deep, below public utilities which are not believed to be the cause of the sinkhole, Other segments of the sinkhole have measured deeper. Plant City Streets and Stormwater Department quickly addressed the sinkhole — alongside civil engineering consultant company Madrid CPWG — to assess the current damage and determine the appropriate avenues for repairs.

The initial course of action from the city was to dump 132 cubic yards of sand and dirt into the sinkhole. By Monday morning, all of the previously dumped dirt had been swallowed into the sinkhole and settled

into the bottom when the city continued to dump another 72 cubic yards of dirt at around 2:30 p.m. The city has proceeded to conduct ground penetration radar tests on the area to identify locations for geotechnical boring in an ongoing effort to continually monitor and eventually stabilize the sinkhole as they added more dirt on Tuesday. The sand and dirt is repeatedly added in what has thus far been a successful attempt to keep the hole from continuing to expand horizontally.

The sinkhole is believed to be caused by an ongoing dry period throughout central Florida, where water tables have dropped and the result becomes air-filled avities underground that were previously filled with water. To date, Plant City has received less than one inch of rainfall over the month of April and less than fie inches in total since the start of 2023. Once engineers are able to devise an approach to fully stabilize the area, gravel will likely be utilized along with dirt to fill the sinkhole before it is compacted and repaired in full.

In the meantime, local residents were assured that the sinkhole is not expected to expand outward and that their homes are not in any present danger.

“It was Sunday afternoon and some family members from out of town came over, they walked in and my nephew said, ‘there’s something going on out front,’” said Richard Galloway, a Plant City resident that lives on Carriage Court. “They had just driven in, we walked out and the road is just collapsing as we were standing there and it was a big hole real fast. I have to say that within a half hour or 45 minutes, city workers started showing up. On a late Sunday afternoon, I was very impressed by how many people were able to get there as quickly as they did and immediately start marking things off and blocking the road.”

In what was ultimately a lucky coincidence, Galloway added that all of Carriage Court’s residents who would immediately be impacted by the sinkhole’s presence — those that live further down the dead

end road past the blocked off aea of the street — were at home when the incident took place, affording effected residents the opportunity to relocate their cars and park them along S. Golfview Drive.

“All of the neighbors then came out and started moving their cars out past the sinkhole and to the other end of the street because we knew that the road would totally be blocked,” Galloway said. “So everybody started moving cars one by one and neighbors were nice enough to let neighbors drive through their yards to get around the sinkhole. But I’ve been so impressed with the city. They’ve been out there since Sunday afternoon, they’ve been out there at night dumping dirt in that hole, they had seismologists out there checking how wide the thing was and they’re steady out there working right now.”

As repairs continue, Carriage Court has been blocked off o traffic

THE ISSUE WAS ADDRESSED QUICKLY BY PLANT CITY, WITH THE CITY CONTINUING TO MONITOR AND WORK ON THE EXISTING PROBLEM.

TAYLOR JENKINS STAFF WRITER

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

PLANT CITY ELKS GIFT QUILTS OF VALOR TO TWO VETERANS

Members of Plant City Elks Lodge presented veterans Angel Gonzalez and Fred Lee with handmade custom quilts as part of the Quilts of Valor (QOV) program.

Quilts of Valor- bestowed upon veterans who have been touched by war- says unequivocally “thank you for your service, sacrifie and valor in serving our nation.” The two quilts were made by local quilter and veteran Tammy Arnold and other members of Tangled Threads, a quilting group that supports QOV.

Elks member and veterans chairman Judy Wise wishes every veteran could receive a QOV. “It’s a blessing in my life to do these things, see their smiles and listen to their stories,” she said. “This is all about thanking them.”

TAMPA AREA CAT SHOW COMING TO TOWN

If you love cats, see up to 30 cat breeds at the Tampa Area Cat Show on Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Teco Expo Hall, located at 2301 West Oak Ave. This family-friendly

event will feature a cat show, cat costume contest, vendors and more. Tickets are $6 for children (12 and under) and $12 for everyone else. Seniors (55+), military members, teachers and fist responders can purchase discounted tickets for $8. A family admission (2 adults + 2 or more kids) can be purchased for $30. For more information or to purchase tickets visit https://tampa-cat-show.ticketleap. com/0/dates.

service organization, is crocheting 100 lap quilts to donate to Camp Boggy Creek, a camp for children with serious illnesses. Approximately 20 women, from the Club, St. Clement’s Crafters and Seminole Heights Women’s Club, are donating their time, and hundreds of skeins of yarn, to create the one-of-a-kind masterpieces. The group began crocheting in February and have already finished making 40 quilts.

PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS REGISTER TO VOTE

Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer recognized its VoteHillsborough Voter Registration contest winners at last week’s School Board meeting. Voter registration drives were held at high schools in the fall and spring and the schools with the most successful voter registration drives (based on percentage of senior class) were recognized. Plant City High School won fist place because 174 students, representing 33.5% of the senior class, registered to vote on the day of the drive. Many other students were already registered voters. Social Studies Depart-

PLANT CITY WOMAN’S CLUB CROCHETS BLANKETS FOR CHARITY

To celebrate its 100th anniversary, the Woman’s Club of Plant City, a volunteer

ment Head Vincent D’Acunto represented the school at the meeting and accepted a plaque recognizing its achievement.

RECORD ATTENDANCE AT PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES EVENT

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Approximately 5,000 people attended Planes, Trains & Automobiles last Saturday at the Plant City Airport, according to event organizer and City Commissioner Jason Jones.

“It was a record crowd so I’m very happy with the turnout,” he said.

One hundred and twenty-seven Young Eagle flighs were flwn, offering youth the chance to take to the skies for the fist time. Even those who missed out on the opportunity to take a Young Eagle flight ere pleased with all to see and do at the event, from classic automobiles to military vehicles, RC plane displays to K9 demonstrations.

Jason Depoyster, a JetBlue pilot, saw a Facebook post about the event and brought his children Xander and Belle. “I like planes, my son loves trains and automobiles and my daughter’s just along for the ride,” he said.

Even Belle had an opinion about the event. “I liked the pink airplane,” she said.

Xander was fascinated by all the sights. “I want to be a pilot when I grow up but I like all the planes, trains and car,” he said.

Depoyster said the family-friendly event was priced right. “I enjoy these smaller events, you never know what you’re going to see,” he said. “I had the day off and figed we’d just come check it out.”

While the total net proceeds from the event haven’t been officially alculated, Jones estimates the scholarship fund, established this year to provide scholarships for young people interested in aviation careers, will receive $5,000 to $10,000, which will be dispersed through an application process later this year.

Jones is grateful for all the volunteers that helped make the event a success. “The committee did a great job and in the end we introduced a lot of kids to aviation,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier. Neither could event attendees. While spending time near the exit gates, people offered words of gratitude and high fies for a job well done. “For a community event you can’t ask for anything more,” he said.

BUTTERFLY RELEASE AT MARSHALL MIDDLE MAGNET IB WORLD SCHOOL

In honor of Earth Day, students release 100 butterflies into its Monarch Butterfly Garden.

and other nectar plants that are necessary for the butterflis’ life cycles. The habitat has become an outdoor classroom where students learn how to attract and support local wildlife.

chances, and we’re helping the earth,” she said. “If I find an anmal injured I bring it home, nurse it back to health and release it.”

One hundred butterflis flxed their wings last Friday afternoon as Marshall Middle Magnet IB World School students released them into a certified wildlie habitat on the school’s campus.

Some butterflis flw immediately to their new digs while others lighted on the hands and shoulders of delighted students.

The release was coordinated by science teacher and Eco-Action Heroes Club sponsor Ann Berringer, who, along with club members, created the habitat, certified as a choolyard Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation and National Audubon Society. The club’s 62 members, that meet monthly, spent the last year readying the area by planting milkweed

“We’ve seen three generations of Monarch butterflis in the garden,” she said.

Since Monarch butterflis have been designated as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, students released Painted Lady butterflis, purchased from local distributor Clearwater Butterfl.

“They eat the same things and we planted a variety of different butterfly flowers planted purposefully for the butterflis and pollinators,” said Berringer.

Students that participated in the release welcomed the hands-on outdoor learning activity.

Seventh grade student and club member Ashley Orlando enjoys being around animals. “Some animals deserve second

For Heidi Keiser, it’s her passion for gardening that drew her to the club. “I like being able to help living organisms survive in a healthier habitat,” she said. “One day I want to grow plants and sell them.”

Berringer’s passion for environmental responsibility extends beyond the classroom. She also spends her free time volunteering at Owl’s Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife, an organization that provides

rescue, rehabilitation and care for Florida wildlife. “Every little creature of the earth needs our care and respect,” she said.

One hundred and twenty-seven youth took to the skies for the first time on oung Eagles flights.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

PLANT CITY SEES SIGNS

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Plant City residents have taken to Facebook to guess the purpose of the electronic signs installed along portions of US-92, Thonotosassa Road, SR 574/MLK and Park Road.

Nope, they’re not “Go Away” signs.

The Blank Out Signs, white LED on a black background and measuring 48” x 48”, are part of the I-4 Florida Regional Advance Mobility Element (FRAME) project, sponsored by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), to promote safety, mobility and innovation along the I-4 corridor, a vital artery for economic activities in Florida that experiences severe mobility issues due to frequent crashes and recurring congestion.

Plant City Manager of Trafficperations

Fred Baxter said the signs, placed at 22 intersections along primary and secondary diversion routes, will display different messages that, in the event of an incident on I-4, will allow drivers coming offthe highway to safely and efficiently vigate around the city and back onto the interstate. “The big dynamic message signs on I-4 will inform drivers of the incident and the Blank Out Signs will give them a better understanding of which route to take during the diversion,” he said. “It’s a large project that goes all the way from Tampa to Orlando.”

Plant City’s Traffic Division has aeasoned team that’s been using some of this technology for years. Its team mans the Advanced Traffic Manement System (ATMS) that allows the City to access a real-time view of traffic opations to control traffic ligs, communications, traffi cameras, school flashes and more. The Division, whose ATMS is connected with FDOT, has been working with FDOT on the FRAME project for four years. When the signs go live, the City can manage the messaging on the signs.

“Eventually we’ll connect and be able to coordinate routes and other information amongst other agencies,” said Baxter.

According to FDOT District Seven Communications Manager Kristen Carson, the system won’t be functional for approximately 14 months, when all other regional Districts (1,5,7) and Turnpike Enterprise are also up and running.

The Blank Out Signs are just the fist part of the process, said Baxter.

Through Connected Vehicle (CV) and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies, including Advanced Transportation Controllers (ATCs), Roadside Units (RSUs- which are being installed alongside some of the Blank Out Signs), CCTV cameras and Bluetooth detectors, the project will leverage vehicle-to-infrastructure and vehicle-to-vehicle technologies to reduce crashes and improve mobility.

RSU gathers basic safety messages (BSMs) from onboard units (OBUs) and other local trafficystems and communicates that data back to the RTMC. The information is then analyzed, and a Traveler Information Message (TIM) is broadcast from the RSU to a vehicle’s OBU in order to provide information to motorists.

Baxter has been testing the Travel Safely app. At a traffic signal that has theechnology, his phone may alert him if the light is going to change, if he’s driving too fast while approaching a red light, if he’s speeding in a school zone, if a pedestrian is in the crosswalk or if an emergency vehicle is approaching. “The app gives you an awareness,” he said. “We’re not ready to go live with it yet but the technology is coming to FDOT roads because it’s a part of their long-term master plan.”

“This project will bring FDOT closer to its vision of a fatality-free roadway network and a congestionfree transportation system in Florida using emerging technologies,” said Carson.

For more information about the FRAME project visit www.fdot.gov.

PLANT CITY

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com

Sports Writer / Taylor Jenkins tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com

StaffWriter / Michelle Caceres michelle@plantcityobserver.com

Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez

Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

Advertising / Gail Lyons gail@plantcityobserver.com

Advertising / Karen Berry kberry@plantcityobserver.com

CONTACT US

The Plant City Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. The Plant City Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B.

If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

SEND US YOUR NEWS

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

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

Mail: The Plant City Observer, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B, Plant City, FL 33563

FOLLOW US

Facebook: Plant City Observer

TILE & GROUT STEAM CLEANED 50 cents per Sq.Ft. CARPETS STEAM CLEANED 3 ROOMS $90 Includes Hallway cleaned Free Emergency Storm Water, A/C Leaks, Broken Pipes, Toilet Overflow 24-Hour WATER REMOVAL  Carpet Repairs  Carpet Restoration & Dyeing  Minimum Service job $70.00

USHER

They wanted to put George Foreman’s name on a grill, so they thought -OUTSIDE THE BOX

Instagram: @plcobserver Twitter: @PlantObserver Plant City Observer is locally owned by Ed Verner, Karen Berry, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes

The Plant City Observer is published by Plant City Observer LLC.

110 E. Reynolds, Suite 100B Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850

DROOP BANTER EXCITEPlantCityObserver.com

©Copyright

COMMUNITY MEMBERS PLEAD WITH COMMISSIONERS TO RESTORE 1914 HIGH SCHOOL

COMMISSIONERS VOTE TO SEEK RFP PROPOSALS.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Representatives from Universal Engineering Sciences (UES), the engineering firm that assessed the building’s condition in 2021 and revisited the property since, reported their findins to commissioners and offered an updated estimated cost of $30.9 million to make the necessary repairs, a $23.2 million increase from the 2021 report figue.

When Mayor Nate Kilton questioned the sharp increase in cost, UES Project Manager Meagen Gonzalez said, while inflation dove up costs, the original estimate would restore the building to “fair” condition while the new estimate was more comprehensive and would bring the building back to its original condition. “One of the other areas we looked at was mold remediation, taking those items to be restored,” said Gonzalez, who noted that during a visual inspection of the building, mold was seen on museum display items as well as building materials.

“As we go into the rainy season I suspect we’ll continue to see mold growth,” she said. “Water intrusion is going to be a continuing problem in the coming months.”

After UES’s presentation, East Hillsborough Historical Society (EHHS) President Shelby Bender spoke about the funds that have been raised through grants, strawberry shortcake sales at its booth at

the Florida Strawberry Festival and the building’s historical signifiance to the community. She asked the Commission to deed the building to the EHHS.

“I’ve got a gold shovel in the city museum and we’re ready to start the work and take action,” she said. “We’re at a critical juncture and need to come to a decision.”

When members of the pubic were allowed to speak, eighteen concerned citizens shared their thoughts about what should be done with the historic structure. HB Plant Historical Society member Bob Hoeksema is concerned for the train displays in three of the building’s rooms.

Jay Hollenkamp made a plea to commissioners to make the best decision for the future of the building. “The issue before you is a matter of entrustment,” he said. “This will be your legacy, we want our future generations to enjoy this building and it’s vital the person or group entrusted with the task is best equipped to do so.”

After members of the public shared their comments, Mayor Nate Kilton thanked audience members for showing up and sharing their passion about the issue. “We can’t change what’s happened but we need to look forward how we’re going to fix the problem,” he said.

While his preference would be for the city to continue to own the building, he doesn’t

believe it’s a fically responsible option. “Anyone who’s owned an old building home knows you don’t do it because it makes financial ense, it’s a labor of love,” he said. “I can’t justify this at the taxpayer’s expense, we have to think of all the taxpayers in Plant City.”

After each commissioner shared their thoughts, Commissioner Bill Dodson made a motion to develop the RFP process. Commissioner Mary Mathis seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of four to one, with Commissioner Michael Sparkman the lone dissenting vote.

“I disagree, going through this process is just another delay,” he said. “I made a pledge to Paul Buchman that I would support the EHHS and the 1914 building as long as I was up here.”

“We do intend on making some progress with this,” said Kilton. “We’re headed in the right direction.”

McDaniel estimated that the RFP process will take 14 weeks to complete.

“Once we receive the proposals the commission will consider them and they can choose one or reject them all,” he said.

More information will soon be released about the RFP process and can be found at www. plantcitygov.com.

TYNDALE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY TO OPEN FALL 2023

The school, now registering kindergarten students,

l offer a classical Christian education.

Tyndale Christian Academy, a new school and ministry of First Baptist Church of Dover located at 3223 Gallagher Road, will open to kindergarten students this fall. Registration is currently ongoing but space is limited.

Dr. Thomas W. Francis Jr., Esq., Tyndale Christian Academy Chancellor and Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Dover, said the school won’t teach its students what to think but how to think, as it cultivates wisdom and knowledge while integrating Biblical truth, at a cost that is accessible to most families. “Students will receive an elite education but it’s not for

elites,” he said. “We want everyday working families to have access to this type of education.”

Plant City resident Felipe Ruiz enrolled his son Roman for the fall term, grateful for the economical tuition rates and the Governor’s newly signed House Bill 1 which expands school choice funding options to more families. “My wife and I wanted our son to go to a school that would teach values of our faith, we didn’t want to struggle with the public school system,” he said. “Tyndale was that opportunity for us and we decided to make that choice for our son.”

As Tyndale adds one grade level each year, he hopes his son will grow with the school. “I want him to get a good grasp of his faith, of the things that his mom and

dad hold dear which is Christ, since all education belongs to Him,” he said. “We believe that at Tyndale he’ll have the best opportunity to receive the education he needs to succeed.”

Principal Rachael Bowen said the school is associated with the Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS). In its school seal are the Latin words Veritas (Truth), Virtus (Goodness) and Venustas (Beauty), which is incorporated into its curriculum to train students to reason, discern and lead through classical Christian education.

“Our school will help students find what is true, good and beautiful within our culture, within our lives,” she said. “Each of our subjects will tie back to God’s word, we want students to think holistically.”

Eighteen students will be enrolled in the kindergarten class, taught by teacher Araby Brussard. The school day, which starts August 10, will run Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. After-care will be available at an additional cost. Students will wear uniforms. Parents will provide transportation and lunch. Recess will be provided every day, with music, art, chapel and media center time one day a week and PE twice a week.

Tuition is $7,250 annually in addition to a $300 student fee and $100 activity fee.

For more information about Tyndale Christian Academy visit www.tyndalechristianacademy.com. For a tour of the school call 813-719-2273.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

wil

Photo courtesy of Felipe Ruiz

SPORTS

STRAWBERRY CREST BEATS DURANT IN EPIC PITCHER’S DUEL

In a game that took nine innings to find a winne, the Chargers ultimately came out on top to extend their lengthy win streak.

As Strawberry Crest made their way to Durant last Thursday night, both teams entered the contest with lengthy win streaks on the line. For Durant, their six-game win streak — and winners in 12 of their last 13 games coming into Thursday’s matchup — had them sitting at 16-3 on the year. For the Chargers, their five-game win streak signified a major mid-season turnaround as they had climbed to an impressive 13-6 after entering the month of April at just 8-6 on the year.

But in a game that ultimately took nine innings to find a winner, seeing a pair of scoreless appearances of eight innings from both starters, the Chargers were able to outlast the Cougars to extend their hot streak and move to 14-6 on the season.

With the Chargers gearing up to hit in the top of the first, Durant sent their ace in junior Blaine Rowland to the mound. After a strikeout opened the contest and a ground out marked the first two outs of the inning, senior Arjun Nimmala marked the first baserunner of the game for Crest as he reached on a hit by pitch. But Rowland would lock back in with a strikeout to end the inning. And for the Chargers, it was senior Luke Richardson on the bump to face the strong Durant lineup. After Richardson notched the first out of the inning by coaxing a fly out to second base, a base hit through the left side from Durant’s senior catcher Dylan LaPointe gave the Cougars their first hit of the game. But much like Rowland in the top of the first, Richardson put a halt to any potential threat by inducing a 4-6-3 double play to get out of the inning in an instant.

Crest saw another runner reach with one out in the top of the second, another hit by pitch to put freshman Dillon Knight on first with one out, but that would be it for the Chargers as a fielder’s choice at second

signified the second out and a pickoff at first ended the top half. And in the bottom of the second, Richardson showed that he had completely found his groove with a pair of groundouts and a strikeout to work through a perfect bottom of the second. Both pitchers continued to dominate throughout the third, with both offenses managing just one baserunner but failing to break through.

And in the top of the fourth it appeared as though Crest had finally found a way to jump out in front, but a terrific response from the Cougars defense shut down the threat. After Crest freshman Reuben Vasquez reached safely with a walk to open the inning, Nimmala came up huge as he roped a double down the left field line. Durant left fielder Gavin Florio raced to the wall to get the ball in quickly while Vasquez was racing around the base paths looking to score all the way from first. But a strong throw in, cut off by third baseman Aidan Welsh and fired home to LaPointe, nabbed Vasquez at the plate to keep the potential go-ahead run off the board and mark the first out of the inning. Rowland responded with a strikeout and while Nimmala was able to move up to third on a ball in the dirt and senior Zach Redner drew a walk, a groundout to short would end the scoring opportunity.

A two-out base hit from senior designated hitter Jeremy Ortiz would amount to very little in the bottom of the fourth as Richardson came right back with a strikeout to end the frame and both starters would enter a flawless run for the rest of their nights.

As the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth innings rolled on, both pitchers were able to work through each inning without surrendering a single baserunner over their final four innings of work. And in the ninth, both teams would turn to their bullpen in relief.

For Rowland, he finished the night with eight scoreless innings pitched, two hits allowed, two walks allowed and 12 strikeouts. On the other side, Richardson left the

contest after eight scoreless innings of his own, allowing only three hits, surrendering no walks and totaling eight strikeouts — miraculously doing so on just 89 pitches.

“I think everyone saw it,” Strawberry Crest head coach Eric Beattie said. “Richardson had everything working, he was dialed in and he executed pretty much every pitch that he needed to execute all game so it’s one of those games that you just love to have as a pitcher.”

In the top of the ninth, the Cougars turned to Florio in relief. After a strikeout opened the inning, Crest put back-to-back baserunners on with a base hit from Vasquez and a walk from Nimmala. A ball in the dirt moved the runners up to second and third but a fly out to LaPointe behind the plate left the Cougars just one out away from escaping the jam. With a chance to give the Chargers the lead, Redner poked a high chopper to the left side — what seemed like an opportunity to get Durant out of the inning — but the ball was misplayed, allowing both runs to score unearned from second and third to give Crest the first runs of the ballgame and a 2-0 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth.

In the final frame, just moments after putting the Chargers on top, Redner took the mound and quickly induced three consecutive ground ball outs to seal the 2-0 victory, elevating the Chargers to 14-6 on the year while simultaneously ending the Cougars’ second six-game win streak of the season as they fell to 16-4.

“I felt good tonight,” Richardson said. “The main thing for me was being efficient, trying to get quick innings to get my offense back up to the plate. I had a lot of short innings, just trying to get contact and let my defense work — which they did. They made a bunch of great plays, especially Jace (Raburn), he had a couple of great snags on deep balls in the outfield. I was just trying to be efficient. I felt like my main pitch that I was comfort-

able with that was working tonight was my changeup, I got a bunch of strikeouts with that and a lot of weak contact which is what I look for, making it easy on my defense while getting some quick innings. It was great, it was a fun win, I think that was the first game we’ve had all season where both teams went seven innings without scoring runs, it’s intense. Redner pulled through big time with that hit, then closing it out. And my catcher Damien Bennett, he called the entire game, I love that man. I’ve been throwing to him for so long and we just have that pitchercatcher connection that just works.”

After their win over Durant, Strawberry Crest returned to action with a 10-0 win over Sumner before falling 2-0 to Bloomingdale, ending their season-high seven-game win streak and moving them to 15-7 on the year. Crest will wrap up their regular season against Newsome on Thursday before playoffs open next week where they will chase their fifth consecutive district championship.

“There’s a lot of energy in these games,” Beattie said. “Durant’s a heck of a team. They’ve got great pitching, a great defense, they’ve got some very dangerous hitters and a lot of really good hitters around them so it’s a really big win for Luke, it’s a big win for our team and I’m definitely proud of Luke. Luke’s a winner.”

Durant also got back into the win column after their game against Crest with a 7-0 victory over Chamberlain on Saturday before falling to Sickles 9-4 in their regular season finale on Tuesday, now gearing up to enter the district playoffs at 17-5.

PLANT CITY KEEPS SECOND HALF WIN STREAK ROLLING WITH VICTORY OVER LETO

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

After a tough schedule to open the year, the Raiders entered the month of April with a 5-8 record and in dire need of a second half turnaround as district playoffs drew closer. Since a 3-2 loss at the hands of Lakeland Christian on April 4 dropped Plant City’s record to 6-9, a major turnaround is exactly what they’ve seen.

After back-to-back wins over Sumner and Brandon, followed by losses to strong Alonso and Sickles squads, the Raiders have bounced back with four consecutive wins — their most recent coming in the form of an 8-4 victory over Leto on Monday to elevate Plant City above .500 at 12-11 on the year.

After a strikeout opened the contest, senior Landen Robert drew a walk to give the Raiders their first baserunner of the game — quickly moving into scoring position on a passed ball. As senior Anthony Palestrini drew a walk of his own in the following at bat, a ball in the dirt on ball four then allowed Robert to move up to third to give Plant City runners on the corners with just one out. A base hit from senior Deven Gonzalez drove home Robert and the Raiders took a 1-0 lead into the bottom of the first.

Outside of Plant City’s typical 1-2 starters in senior Adan Longoria and Chase Mob-

ley, senior Zane Wright took the mound for the Raiders in his second start of the year, coming off of back-to-back scoreless relief appearances in wins over Spoto and Wharton earlier in the month. With a fly out and a pair of ground outs, Wright opened the contest with a perfect bottom of the first. A walk from Wright in the top of the second and a bunt base hit from senior Ray Cowen ultimately put runners on first and third with one out, but a double play ended the Raiders threat before Wright worked through another scoreless inning in the bottom half of the frame.

Plant City managed just one baserunner in the top of the third with a walk from Gonzalez, but were unable to extend their lead before Leto knotted the contest up. After a one-out single up the middle, Leto’s baserunner moved up to second on a passed ball. A slow ground ball was then fielded quickly and thrown high, over the outstretched glove to Palestrini at first, allowing Leto’s first run of the contest to score and the trail runner to move up to second — tying the game at 1-1. Another misplayed ground ball put runners on first and third with one out, but the Raiders were able to escape the jam as a line drive was caught at second base and thrown on to first for the inning-ending double play. After a quiet fourth, the Raiders jumped back out in front in the top of

the fifth. Despite two quick outs to open the inning, Palestrini reached safely with a base hit through the left side and Gonzalez subsequently reached on a walk in the next at bat. Both runners moved up on a wild pitch and Longoria loaded the bases with a walk. Senior Wyatt Fordham then looped a base hit into left, just out of reach for the diving Leto left fielder, to drive in two and give the Raiders a 3-1 lead with runners still manning first and second. A passed ball allowed the runners to advance to second and third and another quick passed ball pushed Longoria across the plate, giving Plant City a 4-1 lead, but Leto wasn’t done. After putting runners on second and third in the bottom of the fifth, a huge two-run double to right center cut the lead to 4-3 heading into the sixth.

In the top of the sixth, the Raiders continued to add insurance. After leadoff hitter Colin Pellicer reached first safely with an infield base hit, he appeared to be hung out to dry between first and second as he took off for second base as Leto’s pitcher picked off to first, but the ensuing throw to second was low and bounced into the outfield allowing Pellicer to additionally make his way to third. Robert was hit by a pitch and then stole second before Palestrini was intentionally walked to load the bases. Gonzalez was then hit by a pitch allowing Pellicer to score, Longoria drew a walk allowing

Robert to score and a double to left center from Mobley pushed two more runs across as Plant City extended their lead to 8-3.

Wright allowed one baserunner in the bottom of the sixth but notched two outs before Plant City made a move to the bullpen, marking the end of his night.

Wright’s final line included 5.2 innings pitched, three hits and two walks allowed, zero earned runs allowed and four strikeouts as his earned run average dipped to 1.63 on the year.

Tanner Rollyson entered the game in relief, conceding just one unearned run on a base hit through the left side in the bottom of the sixth before striking out three Leto batters in the bottom of the seventh to seal the 8-4 victory for Plant City. Now sitting at 12-11, Plant City will finish their regular season against 15-5 Plant on Thursday.

The Raiders moved above .500 for the first time this ear with an 8-4 win over Leto on Monday.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

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

We asked Plant City: What’s the best book/books you’ve ever read?

“Blood Memories by Greg Isles, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, Northern Lights by Nora Roberts.” - Linda Jenkins

“The Glass Castle and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Best two ever!”

- Carolyn Stanley

“And The Angels Were Silent. I don’t really like to reread books but I love this book. The Shack is a very strong second!” - Michelle Benjamin

“Oh so many favorites! This one is definitely a read when living in Florida: ‘A Land Remembered’ by Patrick D. Smith.”

- Shirley M. Steele

“Out of my Mind.” - Blanca Romero

“Influence Is Your Superpower by Zoe Chance.” - Andrea Dolfi

“Jubilee Trail.” - Peggy Gibbs

“Same Kind of Different As Me.” - Stephenie Shepherd Lane

“Jitterbug Perfume.” - Andrew Young

“The Bible.” - Brad Nagel

“The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, a historical fiction” - Cynthia Davis Van Camp

“Ava’s Man by Rick Bragg. Not the ‘best’ but one of my favorites and definiely worth rereading.” - Chris Johns

“I can’t choose just one.” - Martha Dixon

“Pollyanna.” - Linda Pittinger Bevis

“The Shack.” - Chris Black

“The Adventures of Travis Magee, John McDonald.” - Renee Mayernik

“A Land Remembered by Patrick D. Smith.” - Linda Everidge Thomas

“Gone With The Wind, hands down.” - Judy Martin

“Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry.” - Dana Polk Deliguori

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR

“Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The Christie Affair.” - Katherine Wolf Gordon

“Shakespeare’s best works, they all are cautionary tales.” - Pamela Mills

“Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey. It’s best when you listen to it because he reads it.” - Kimberly Oleskiewicz

“The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy.” - Celia Rose Puskas

“Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery.” - Peggy Heaton Carr

“To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I saw the movie first and oved it. Yet the book is better. I have read it many times.” - Vera Bounds

“Atlas Shrugged. Boundaries.” - Alicia May

“Dream Quest of Unknown Kadeth.” - David W. Cannon

“Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett.” - Earl Truman

“All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.” - Clyde Nelson

Donna Ann Lewis

Donna Ann Lewis, 59, of Plant City, born on July 4, 1963, in Bradenton, entered into eternal rest on April 20, 2023. Expressions of condolences at www. HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Benjamin Hardy Smith, Jr.

Benjamin Hardy Smith, Jr., 61, of Plant City, Fla., born Oct. 27, 1961, entered into eternal rest on April 21, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

BEST BET

SATURDAY, APRIL 29 - SUNDAY, APRIL 30

CAT SHOW

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2301 W. Oak Ave. New Vision Cat Club will be presenting their Tampa Area Cat Show at the TECO Expo Hall on the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds. With more than 100 cats across 30 different breeds, attendees will be able to meet all new furry friends while shopping for themselves and their own pets at booths that will be in attendance throughout the Expo Hall. In addition, the fist 100 kids in attendance each day will receive a free coloring book and a cat costume contest will take place around lunchtime on both Saturday and Sunday.

FRIDAY, APRIL 28

LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN

5 to 9 p.m. at 110 N. Collins St. The Last Friday in Downtown Food Truck Rally is held with a new theme each month. There will be live music, an expanded exhibitor market, a bounce house, a scavenger hunt, food trucks and more. The event is family and pet friendly and all are recommended to bring chairs and blankets. April’s theme is Star Wars!

SATURDAY, APRIL 29

MY SKIN: FREE MENTAL HEALTH FORUM

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave in Lakeland. Beautifully Unblemished will be presenting a free public mental health forum for those with various skin diagnosis. Featuring a clinical psychologist, school guidance counselors, mental health counselors, local and state government officials and both adult and pediatri dermatologists, Beautifully Unblemished’s event will also have workshops that focus on mental health, art in medicine and a question and answer panel. Activities for children will include fitnss presentations, a presentation on positive affirmation and an opportunity for kids to create their own visor. The event is free for all to attend and if interested, you can RSVP at www. beautifullyunblemished.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 3

SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS WITH ESTRANGED FAMILY

6:30 to 8 p.m. at 1107 Charlie Griffind. Join other parents who are estranged from their adult children. PEAK (Parents of Estranged Adult Kids) group provides a

safe place to listen, share and support others going through the hurt of adult family abandonment. Meetings will include group discussions, self-care and positive inflenced activities to help cope with the situation. PEAK is not appropriate for abusive relationships or mental illness. Meetings are the fist Wednesday of each month at GracePoint Church. For more information, visit www.peaksupportgroup.com

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 benefis 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 tim.

SATURDAY, MAY 6

BLUEGRASS JAM

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. This is an open invitation for local Bluegrass musicians and fans to come to the Krazy Kup loft and jam, clap hands, stomp feet and enjoy! Krazy Kup holds

their Bluegrass JAM on the fist Saturday of every month.

SATURDAY, MAY 13

OPEN MIC NIGHT

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Open Mic Night is back at Krazy Kup. Join them for a fun night where you get to be the star of the show. Come out, strut your stuff and shw everyone what you’ve got.

I LOVE PLANT CITY

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

FORECAST

THURSDAY, APRIL 27

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, APRIL 29

RAINFALL

BLUEBERRY

ONLINE Follow us on social media: @PCObserver on

@PlantObserver on Twitter and Plant City Observer on Facebook.

Terry Murphy took this photo of the sun setting over Walden Lake in Plant City.

(C) 2023 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.