4.28.22 PLCO by Plant City Observer

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VOLUME 6, NO. 194

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THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022

CRIME DROP IN PLANT CITY STATISTICS SHOW A DECLINE IN CRIME RATE FROM 2020 TO 2021 BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

On Monday, Plant City Police Chief James Bradford presented the optimistic and uplifting news that criminal offenses have been on a steady decline from 2020 to 2021. Before the Plant City City Commission, he explained the statistics that were compiled by the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program.

“These stats reported are reliable statistics to where we can figure out administration, operations, and management as to how we move to fight crime,” Bradford said. A chart was on display that looked back from 2012 to see where the summation of serious offenses stood. In 2012, there was a total of 1,549 offenses that rose to 1,751 the following year.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

PLANT CITY

TRACK AND FIELD

READING CAMP TO RETURN

YEARLY LITERACY PROGRAM TEACHES READING IN FUN WAYS

Sharon Moody of Plant City Black Heritage Celebration Inc. helps kids with literacy with the organization’s Lots of Hugs Summer Reading Camp. The event is set to return this year from June 6 to July 29.

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

TAYLOR JENKINS

Photo courtesy of Drew Martucci

STAFF WRITER

The Plant City Track and Field team headed to George Jenkins High School last weekend for the FHSAA 4A District 5 meet, leaving with 14 district championships and 23 regional qualifiers. While only seeing one regional qualifier in jumps, the Raiders came through with a very strong day in throwing events while shining their brightest on the track. With the top four spots in each event qualifying for regionals, Paige Zarecor qualified with a third place finish in girls discus and Madelyn Schmalenberger

qualified with third place finish in girls javelin. Alyssa Stahl qualified for the regional meet with fourth place finishes in both events. Kaden Mizell took home a district championship in boys javelin with Rhet Conyers finishing third and Jovani Torres claimed a championship of his own in boys discus while Javan Futch finished third. In boys shot put, Conyers, Torres and Mizell finished second, third and fourth, respectively.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Plant City Black Heritage Celebration, Inc. will once again host the Lots of Hugs Summer Reading Camp, from June 6 to July 29. The summer camp’s purpose is to increase children’s reading level and character development. The eight-week event will offer the “Just Read” Literacy Program, writing, water safety, educational field trips as well as breakfast, lunch, and snacks. It will operate Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is for ages 6 to 14. Lots of Hugs began in 2010 at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church and relocated to Hope Lutheran Church in 2018 to accommodate the increase in enrollments.

An open house will be held on May 21 at 10 a.m. and is mandatory for children’s parents or guardians. Registration is available now at the Hope Lutheran Church, 2001 N. Park Rd, in Plant City. This will run Mondays to Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fee will be $80 per child and can be accepted by cash, check, or money order. Parents/Guardians are asked to download and fill out the application at www.Celebration2.Homestead.com. For additional information, contact Sharon Moody at (813) 453-7134 or by emailing SharonMoody91@yahoo.com.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022

McIntosh Preserver

NEWS BRIEFS

Cindy Lucey, photo courtesy of SFBH

CFBH celebrates March Team Member of the Month Cindy Lucey has been named the March Team Member of the Month at Plant City’s South Florida Baptist Hospital. Lucey is a clinical nurse in the intensive care unit and was nominated by her colleagues who said, “Cindy works well with her customers and peers. She goes above and beyond and takes the responsibility to find solutions. She’s an asset to our team and to BayCare as a whole.” Lucey received her award during a surprise ceremony on Feb. 21.

Plant City to hold Drug Take-Back Day The Hillsborough Anti-Drug Alliance, in partnership with the Plant City Police Department and Drug Enforcement Agency, will be sponsoring a drug take-back day. The event will take place on Saturday, April 30 and volunteers will be set up on the sidewalk outside of the CVS on the corner of James L. Redman Pkwy. And Alexander St. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event encourages people to safely dispose of any unused, unnecessary or expired prescriptions medications while providing a safe, convenient and responsible means of doing so and educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

For more information on the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day and to find other collection locations, visit https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/ drug_disposal/takeback. To learn more about the HCADA, visit www.hcada.com.

Plant City to host Sunset Hike This is your opportunity to join Plant City’s Parks staff for a guided Sunset Hike at McIntosh Preserve, 775 E. Knights Griffin Rd. Participants will be led on an easy 1.5mile hike from the parking area to the preserve’s observation tower and back as the sun sets over Plant City’s beautiful wildlife.

With any luck, you’ll have a chance to see deer and perhaps some of the preserve’s other inhabitants as they too come out for an evening stroll. The event will be held on Saturday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m. and anyone who wishes to participate must pre-register by Thursday, June 2. Find the link to pre-register at ttps://www.plantcitygov.com/parksrec/ page/sunset-hike. Things to bring: • • • • •

Closed toe shoes Water Sunscreen Bug spray A hat

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THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022

FORMER GREEN BERETS’ REUNION STRENGTHENS BROTHERHOOD

Army veterans enjoy each others company at annual get-together

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Like many veterans, Chris Bell and Darryl Schumacher understand that comradery among soldiers doesn’t end once they retire their uniforms. Both gentlemen served as Army Special Forces soldiers, also known as Green Berets. As veterans, they’ve taken on the mantle to continue a traditional reunion for Green Berets which started in 1969. They held their most recent function at Smokin’ Aces BBQ and Steakhouse – Plant City, on April 9. “What we are – we’re a group of old veterans that gather up here every year, gather up and restore our friendships,” Bell said. “All the guys that come together – we either were together, we operated together, or we were all in the same unit.” There’s about 85 former Green Berets that attended. Many come not only from other regions of Florida, but out-of-state from areas like Washington D.C., Alabama, and North Carolina. “That’s the one thing we share in common,” Schumacher said. “The time we’ve spent in the service, we share that time.” Bell is from Gulfport, having served as a Green Beret for 18 years. Schumacher is from Plant City and served for six years. They initially met in Tampa, serving the 3rd Battalion20th Special Forces for the Florida National Guard. That Special Forces group was established in 1964. It consisted of a 12-man team: two personnel for weapons, two for communications, two for demolition, two for medical, two for operations, and two for assistant intelligence. They are often tasked with disrupting the communications and supply line of the enemy as well as infiltrating their lines. Their missions consist of: • Counterinsurgency: helping to fight terrorism and training the military of other nations. • Unconventional Warfare: allow an insurgency or resistant movement to coerce, overthrow, or disrupt a government or occupying power by using an underground force in a denied area • Direct Action: to seize, capture, or destroy enemy materials or recover personnel by quickly going on the offensive • Foreign Internal Defense: to train and supply allied forces so they can prevent insurgency, subversion, terrorism, and other threats • Special Reconnaissance: Have surveillance for hostile, denied, diplomatic or political

environments, to collect or verify information of strategic significance • Security Force Assistance: helping other nations to train and develop defensive capabilities “That’s what we do,” Bell said. “We go into foreign territory, work with indigenous personnel and fight the bad guys.” Neither men were assigned on the battle field and were “cold war veterans,” Schumacher said. He also noted that he’s still passionate about his time in service, stating that he’s young at heart, but his body tells him otherwise. However, the passion to become a Green Beret is dwindling, Bell said. “There’s fewer Green Berets than there’s ever been,” he said. “It’s just getting harder and harder in the culture that we live in, for people to commit to go become Green Berets. You’ve got to want it more than you’ve ever wanted anything in your entire life.” The annual reunion events are not just for veterans, but are inclusive to young, active soldiers. It’s an opportunity to offer them words of wisdom and advice. Even the retired servicemen need inspiration as many suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Bell said. He himself has dealt with the condition and has often found solace within his group. Schumacher has been a longtime friend and confidant to him. “I tell Darryl things that I can’t even share with my own family,” Bell said. “That’s how close he and I are.” The veterans have a great deal of gratitude toward Robbie Jordan, the owner of Smokin’ Aces, for allowing them to use the restaurant for the Green Beret event. It’s now been their third year using the venue. “We found here good food, good service, good people,” Schumacher said. “Robbie’s been really good to us.” In fact, inside the restaurant is a sign recognizing the group: United States Army Special Forces – B-3-20. It’s a constant reminder of the solidarity and comradery expressed by the former Green Berets. “We’re family, they’re family,” Bell said. “It’s just how we operate. We’re always trying to help other people. We try to lift people up. That’s our whole goal.”

Chris Bell (left) and Darryl Schumacher both served together as Green Berets for the 3rd Battalion 20th Special Forces for the Florida National Guard.

Lydia Lindow (left), Chris Bell, Robbie Jordan, and Darryl Schumacher are all gathered at Smokin’ Aces BBQ and Steakhouse Plant City. Bell and Schumacher have annual reunions with their former comrades from the Army Green Beret B-3-20 group. They have made it tradition to meet at the Plant City establishment.

Darryl Schumacher is a Plant City native who served as a Green Beret for the Florida National Guard as seen in this 1980 photo.

COPS CORNER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022

PLANT CITY

This week in Cops Corner: Plant City Police

Observer

investigate stolen bicycles, a brush fire and a fraudulent rental property. istock

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com

APRIL 15

WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIME

YOU GOTTA GO

1200 block of Goldfinch Dr. Warrant arrest: Officers responded to an apartment complex at the listed location in reference to a verbal dispute. Upon arrival, officers met with an individual that represented one half of the arguing party. An FCIC/NCIC check revealed that the individual had an active HCSO warrant for failure to appear. The warrant was confirmed and the individual was subsequently arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

2200 block of N. Park Rd. Trespass arrest: Officers responded to a business at the listed location in reference to an individual that was trespassing on the property. The individual was subsequently arrested for trespass after warning and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

APRIL 16 THREE WHEEL MOTION 1200 block of W. Risk St. Officers met with the victim who advised that at some point over the three days prior, an unknown individual entered his unenclosed porch, cut off his bicycle cable lock and stole three bicycles.

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

APRIL 17 SECURE THE BAG 1400 block of S. Collins St. Theft: Officers responded to a business at the listed location in reference to the theft of a purse. The purse contained $200 in cash, debit/credit cards, the vic-

tim’s Florida driver’s license and a social security card.

APRIL 19

a traffic stop on a vehicle for throwing a lit cigarette from the window. The individual was then arrested for felony driving with a suspended/revoked license and transported to Orient Road Jail.

FIRE HAZARD 1200 block of W. Risk St. Brush fire / obstructing fire / resist: Officers responded to a wooded area at the listed location in reference to assisting Plant City Fire Department. One individual was subsequently arrested on charges of preventing or obstructing the extinguishment of a fire and resisting/obstructing an officer without violence and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

APRIL 21

APRIL 20

2600 block of N. Adams St. Criminal mischief: An officer met with the victim who advised that she realized that her car was scratched by an unknown object.

WHERE THERE’S SMOKE… 2400 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. DWLS arrest: Officers conducted

HOUSE HUNTER 1200 block of Goldfinch Dr. Fraud: An officer met with the victim who was interested in a rental property located in Brandon, Fla., discovering that the rental turned out to be a scam. CAR SCRATCH FEVER

Sports Writer / Taylor Jenkins tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com Staff Writer / Brian Fernandes bfernandes@plantcityobserver.com Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

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THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022

REPORT DETAILS CRIME DECLINE PLANT CITY HAS SEEN IMPROVEMENT WITH LOWER OFFENSES

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

From 2013, the numbers began to decline until 2017 where there was an uptick of 73 offenses compared to the prior year. Since 2017, there has been a steady decline all the way to 2021 the most recent study year, with 857 offenses in all. According to the report, there has been a 22.4% drop in overall offenses in Plant City from 2020 to 2021. The total number of violent offenses in 2020 went from 199 down to 175 in 2021, while the total number of property offenses went from 906 in 2020 to 682 in 2021. VIOLENT CRIMES

The number of reported murders dropped from three to one, while the number of reported rapes dropped from six to three. Reported robberies have also been declining from 36 incidents down to 25, and aggravated assaults reported dropped from 154 to 146. “I’m proud to say that you have a police department that is dedicated and invested in the safety of this community,” Bradford said. “Even though the report of crime is down, this is not to say that we’re going to, for lack of a better term, rest, but we’re going to continue moving forward and try to make the quality of life (for those) that live and work here, the best it can be.”

PROPERTY CRIMES

Reported burglaries went from 95 incidents down to 83. Reported larceny dropped from 724 incidents to 527, while reported motor vehicle thefts dropped from 87 to 72. Whether the pandemic was a factor in the dwindling numbers is uncertain, but there was already a downward trend occurring before the pandemic, Bradford said. Plant City City Manager Bill McDaniel concurred with Bradford’s remarks on the police department striving for the best. “I think one of the differences we have in Plant City is our officers are known in the community,” he said. “They’re not just uniforms, they’re people. I think this is a great report for everyone to hear and this information is indicative of the quality of life in our community.” The news was praised by the city commission who credits the Plant City residents for the downward trend. “Anytime our chief can walk in here and deliver a report where crime is down, that’s an important indicator that all our citizens who care about (this town), want to live in safe communities,” said Plant City Mayor Rick Lott. “All respect to you and all the men and women in blue. We thank you for the hard work you do. We want to make sure that we give you the funding that it takes to deliver results like this on an annual basis.”

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THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022

ASSIST. CITY MANAGER’S CELEBRATORY DINNER

COMMUNITY COMES OUT TO RECOGNIZE JACK HOLLAND BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

An official ceremony was held on April 19, for Assistant City Manager Jack Holland after being named the 2022 Citizen of the Year. The Plant City community came out for the dinner in recognition of him being awarded the title, at the 63rd Annual Awards Luncheon,on Feb. 16. The celebration was also an event highlighting Holland’s career and his contribution to Plant City. It was hosted by the Plant City Optimist Club, which Holland is a member of, and was held at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center. Friends, family, and the community on a whole were present. “It’s hard to express the gratitude that I have,” Holland said. “We’ve made a lot of progress with a lot of people.” Among those in attendance were his fellow Optimist Club members. “I’m delighted that Jack was nominated and selected as Plant City Citizen of the Year, this year,” said Richard Calhoun, former president of the Plant City Optimist Club. “It speaks well of his character. It speaks well of his reputation.” He started to build a name for himself 45 years ago, in 1977, when he began working for what was then referred to as the Recreation Department, before merging with the Parks Department. He served as an athletic assistant for such sports such as soccer and basketball, and was involved in summer camp programs. In 2004, he accepted the position as director of the Plant City Parks and Recreation Department. As director he oversaw sports programs, other recreation programs and the upkeep of Plant City parks. Holland and his staff have not only provided a friendly environment, but have been confidants and mentors for the kids who visit any of the three Plant City recreation buildings. He has been a longtime member of the Optimist Club, having served three terms as President: 1989 to 1990; 2007 to 2008; and 2016 to 2017.

Holland also served on the club’s board of directors and updated club members with upcoming events through the Oracle newsletter. As a soccer referee, he became a local regional administrator, overseeing 5,600 soccer referees throughout Florida, and was named the Florida Boys High School Soccer Coach of the Year. He was a Florida State Referee nominee and served as one during the 1996 Olympics held in Atlanta. What’s more, he attended the World Cup in Mexico in 1986, Italy in 1990, the U.S. in 1990 and 1994, France in 1998. And he has plans to go to the tournament in Qatar this year. Last December, he accepted the position of assistant city manager. Holland now serves alongside Plant City City Manager Bill McDaniel and helps to oversee the city departments: Planning and Zoning, Utilities, Engineering, and Solid Waste as well as Streets and Stormwater. When he transitioned into his new government position, he left the Parks and Recreation Department with a budget of $7 million. At the turn of the new year, he was selected and named as the 2022 Citizen of the Year. Holland’s former Parks and Recreation staff, the town’s youth, and the City Commission are all considered friends and have helped to achieve much for Plant City, he said. He also thanked his fellow Optimist Club members for their support over the years. “My friends at Optimist, because of what you’ve allowed me to do, I’ve been able to reach so many people in this town,” he said. “My work community let me do that…All I can say is thank you.”

Jack Holland served in the Parks and Recreation Department for 45 years, before accepting his current role as assistant city manager in December 2021. This year he was named the 2022 Citizen of the Year.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022

Open House Details Healthcare Options

Plant City Community Resource Center informs of health benefits

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

The Hillsborough County Healthy Living Center held an open house on April 16 to show county residents what healthcare advantages are available. It was held at one of its three branches – the Plant City Community Resource Center. There, visitors were able to take the opportunity to get free health screenings, vaccinations, giveaways, kids’ activities, and more. After being stalled by COVID-19, it opened back up last July but this is its first open house since the shutdown. However, virtual educational and exercise classes were still offered. Paulett Davis is the manager for the county’s living center. She assists in providing timely, innovative, and cost-effective delivery of services. “We’re so happy to be back and able to have our open house again,” Davis said. “We were somewhat delayed because of COVID of course, but we’re able to come back and do these full open-house programs. This is a way to reach out to the community.” The two other community resource centers are located in Tampa and Ruskin. The classes and programs it offers are: • Heart healthy classes • Diabetes prevention and management program • Cancer education/prevention classes • Weight loss programs • Healthy cooking classes • Group walking classes • Quarterly health screenings Hillsborough County residents as well as members of the Hillsborough County Health Care Plan, are eligible to join the Healthy Living Program and it’s free of charge. The Feeding Tampa Bay organization has teamed up with the living center in providing food to those in the community who are disadvantaged. Last year, over 95 million meals were served within 10 counties, and 98% of donations go toward its programs. It also partners with BayCare Health System and the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County. BayCare has 15 hospitals in Florida including South Florida Baptist Hospital in Plant City. It offers primary care such as family, child, and internal medicine. As it relates to specialty care, it hones in on behavioral health, can-

cer, diabetes, heart and vascular services, maternity, neurosciences, and orthopedics. And there’s also immediate care, imaging and labs, follow-up care, as well as affinity care. The Florida Department of Health has a host of programs for aging, elderly resources, breast and the cervical cancer early detection program, and more. Representatives for the Children’s Board Family Resource Center in Plant City were also present. While its name suggests that it caters exclusively to kids, its demographics are much wider. “We offer services and activities for all ages…arts and craft activities, a movie day, and some type of family activity,” said Juli Day, manager for the children’s resource center. “We also have many partners that bring educational classes for us.” What’s more, the services are free of cost. Non-insured or Medicaid-insured families are eligible for their kids to receive physicals, immunizations, visual, hearing, and development screenings. Mobile medical clinics are stationed at resource centers, CPR, and car seat safety classes are also offered. With the latter, class participants will receive a free car seat for their child. The children’s resource center partners with the Suncoast Community Health Centers which brings a mobile dental clinic on site and offers cleanings and x-rays among other services. ReDefiners World Languages offers classes to teach English, Mandarin, Spanish, and Arabic. “We have a wide variety of things, and if we don’t currently have it, we may have it in the future,” Day said. “We have a rotating calendar. They can check out any calendar of any seven centers.” The Plant City Community Resource Center is located at 307 N. Michigan Ave. For more information on the resource center, call (813) 752-8700 or visit www. FamilySupportHC.org. The Children’s Board Family Resource Center in Plant City is located at 301 N. Palmer St. For more information, on the children’s resource center, call (813) 757-3871 or visit www.HillsboroughCounty.org/en/residents/social-services/health-care-plan. To receive service, come to the offices with a photo ID or driver’s license.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022

Longtime Marshall Middle Teacher Says Goodbye

Martha Justice is retiring as a history teacher after serving for almost four decades

(From left to right) Clem Wilson, Kalvonda Boyd, Sabrina Wright, Martha Justice, Guadalupe Rios, Roshanda Copeland, and Ashonti Copeland are all staff members at Marshall Middle Magnet School. During her 37-year career, Justice has taught each one of the other faculty members when they were students at the school.

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

For 37 years, Martha Justice has walked the hallways of Marshall Middle Magnet School as a history teacher. She has always been known by staff and students alike for her smile, witty sense of humor, and a personality to brighten anyone’s day. For that reason, many at Marshall Middle are sad to see her depart as she plans on retiring after the school year ends. Principal Dennis Mayo has had the opportunity to get to know Justice within the short two years he has been on campus. “There are a lot of peoples’ lives that she has touched, and she really cares deeply for the students, and the community, and mostly the school too,” he said. In the mornings, she takes the time to greet staff and make sure that they feel recognized, Mayo said. She also shows her consideration when presenting staff with her framed mosaic artwork.

“That’s her love for Marshall shown through her actions and her gifts as well as what she’s doing in her classrooms,” Mayo said. Working at a school for almost 40 years has granted Justice the privilege of watching her students excel and move on, while seeing a new set of students to educate in a fun way. She’s also taught former students who have had their kids in her classes, and in some instances grandkids. “When dealing with multiple generations, that trust becomes a valuable commodity when you’re trying to change students’ lives,” Mayo said Several faculty members at Marshall Middle were students of hers and say that she’s still the same fun teacher they remember growing up with, such as Sabrina Wright. “She always had a sense of humor,” Wright said, the school’s bookkeeper. “She made learning in there fun. She’s never changed. Even if you see her out in the

street, she’s the same way – loving, friendly.” She recalled Justice giving her the name Jasmine because she reminded her of an actress who played on the sitcom A Different World. “My biggest downfall of retiring is I’m going to miss my people very much,” Justice said. “It’s not my job, it’s my home, and I love my kids.” The Plant City native was also a student herself, at Marshall Middle. She was initially a psychology major and was several courses away from graduating with her B.A., when she was put on class probation. She recalls there being barely any openings for graduate school and that it would be a struggle finding work with only a B.A. in psychology. Her guidance counselor suggested that she steer herself toward education. In 1981 she found herself now working at the same school that

she attended, and eventually received a full-time staff position in 1985. She said that her love for the school and her students are what has kept her grounded there after all these years. “The idea is to make sure that when they come into my room, that they feel safe,” Justice said. “They don’t have to worry about all the negativity in the world.” One of her students who feels comfortable in her class is Isabella Pantoja. “Before, I was always interested in history,” the sixth-grader said. “When I came here…I went into Ms. Justice’ class and I said to my mom, ‘I want to be in her class,’ and that happened. She makes things interesting. She wants us to learn a lot. She makes things in a positive way.” Cordell Walsh said that Ms. Justice class actually helped him have an interest in the subject. “When I was in elementary school, I said ‘history sucks’… but

since I got here and I had her I was like ‘okay, maybe history is cool.” Justice is currently writing a book based on three women who survived the Holocaust and plans to devote more time toward it. Although she’s clearing her office little by little, she reassures her students that they will see her around, and that her memories will still be left there. And she tells them what she has always told her students when leaving her class: I love you.

“I’ve always tried to let them understand and know, if nobody else in this world loves you, Ms. Justice does.”

SPORTS AROUND THE DIAMOND TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

PLANT CITY SWEEPS SEASON SERIES OVER RIVAL DURANT

The Raiders won both games in the back-to-back series between district and cross-town rivals.

Plant City and Durant faced off in back-to-back contests last week, seeing the Raiders come away with a 10-1 win on Wednesday and a 2-0 win on Thursday to sweep the season series and take a commanding lead in the district standings at 5-1 in league play on the year. After the previously scheduled matchup between the two schools had been rescheduled due to rain, it set up a two game series on consecutive days and a three-game week for both teams. To make things even tougher on the Raiders’ pitching staff, sophomore starter Chase Mobley was unavailable to pitch due to arm soreness. After three consecutive losses, Plant City jumped back into the win column with a 2-0 victory over 15-4 Lennard on Monday, April 18. Tanner Rollyson, Preston Rogers and Adan Longoria split up the contest, allowing just four hits and three walks while striking out 10 over the course of the shutout performance. For Durant, they conversely brought an unofficial sevengame win streak into the midweek series — with one victory over Riverview retroactively forfeited due to an ineligible pitcher exceeding his maximum pitch count — after a big 12-1 victory over Spoto on Tuesday, April 19, ending the game early via mercy rule after five innings and allowing bullpen pitchers Pete Oderio, Grant Greenwell and Dylan Hotz to handle the entirety of the contest, saving starters Torin Byrnes and Blaine Rowland for Wednesday and Thursday. Byrnes took the mound for Durant on Wednesday as they played host to Plant City for the first matchup, facing Rogers. Avery Cherry started the action in the bottom of the first with a base hit, followed by a

single from Dylan LaPointe to put runners on the corners with one out before senior Oscar Fernandez singled to left, giving the Cougars an early 1-0 lead. Rogers would escape the jam and ultimately settle in as he and Byrnes cruised through the middle innings. Both teams threatened offensively throughout the evening, but were unable to capitalize. In the top of the second, Plant City put runners on first and third with one out but Byrnes was able to induce a shallow fly ball and a ground out to second to end the inning. In the bottom of the fourth, with two on and two outs, Durant’s Devin Suero roped a line drive deep into center but a leaping grab from center fielder Ray Cowen kept the deficit at just 1-0. In the top of the fifth, Plant City finally broke through. Anthony Grasso reached first with a base hit to lead off the inning, stealing second after a fly out from Devin Gonzalez to put himself in scoring position with just one out. Colin Shultz then legged out a high chopper to the shortstop for an infield single, putting runners on the corners briefly before senior Jackson VanDerZee tied the game at 1-1 with a line drive single to left. As the night ended for the two starters, Byrnes finished with seven innings pitched for Durant, allowing just four hits and one earned run while striking out five. For Plant City, Rogers threw six innings, allowing nine hits, one walk and one earned run while striking out five of his own. In the bottom of the seventh, Rollyson took the mound out of the pen for the Raiders, still without a single earned run allowed on the year. After walking the first batter he faced and hitting the second, he turned

around to retire the next three Durant hitters as the game headed to extras. After three scoreless frames in extra innings, with Rollyson and Durant’s Gavin Florio dueling it out in relief, the floodgates opened for Plant City in the top of the 11th. Coming up huge again, VanDerZee led off the inning with a solo home run to center, his sixth home run of the season, giving the Raiders a 2-01lead. “It was fun,” VanDerZee said. “Right from the bat, we all knew it was gone.” Mobley then roped a double into left center and moved to third on a passed ball before scoring on a single from Wyatt Fordham, making it 3-1. Two walks loaded the bases, a shallow flair from Grasso fell in to make it 4-1, a bases loaded walk from Gonzalez made it 5-1 and a monster grand slam to left field off the bat of Shultz made it 9-1 in what felt like an instant. Plant City would ultimately add one more run before Rollyson shut the door and sealed the 10-1 victory. “That was one of those games we needed,” head coach Mike Fryrear said. “We had a threegame losing streak and came back to beat Lennard, a very, very good team, and then came out like this against Durant… And Durant had their chances, they could have put us away early but our pitchers kept us in the ballgame.” The win moved Plant City to 14-6 and put Durant at 13-7, while the Raiders sat alone at the top of the district standings with a 4-1 record and the Cougars fell just behind at 3-2. “It feels like a little college series, that’s what it’s all about,” Fryrear said. “Guys came to play. We had this circled as our battle for first place. We circle this game every year and it’s

a rivalry game and we know that they’re a really good team. Hopefully we can carry this over to the next game and keep on hitting. We’ll have our ace going and they’ll have their ace going so it’ll be a fun matchup tomorrow.” The following day the two teams met at Plant City, with Longoria taking the mound for the Raiders and Rowland for the Cougars. In an all-out dogfight between two of the area’s top pitchers, both threw complete games. Through five full innings, the contest remained scoreless when Plant City once again took the lead on some late-game heroics. In the bottom of the sixth, Mobley and Zane Wright finally put the Raiders in position to open the scoring with back-toback base hits, putting runners on first and second with one out for Grasso. Grasso began the at-bat by trying to bunt the runners over, but was forced to swing away after falling into an 0-2 count and lined a single to left that scored Mobley and gave Plant City a 1-0 lead. Runners moved to second and third on the throw home and one more run came across for the Raiders as Wright scored on a passed ball, giving Longoria all of the run support he would need as he closed out the complete game shutout and a 2-0 victory. Rowland had a spectacular outing in his own right, allowing just the one earned run and six hits while striking out 10 over his six innings of work, but Longoria was nearly flawless to put Plant City in position to win. Longoria finished the evening with just three hits allowed and seven strikeouts over his seven innings. “That’s probably the

best that I’ve ever seen him pitch,” Fryrear said. “He’s had some great games here but they just had no clue what was coming at them. We had a gameplan — fastballs in, fastballs away, elevate when we need to — but all-in-all, Longo wanted this game more than anyone in all of Plant City.” In Mobley’s absence, the Raiders junior pitching trio of Rogers, Rollyson and Longoria combined to allow just 20 hits, seven walks and one total run while striking out 26 over 25 innings in their three wins this week. “We have three aces now, maybe even four aces,” Fryrear said. “Our pitching is going to carry us a long way. We just have to continue doing the little things right and our pitching will keep us right there.” Plant City and Durant both wrap up their regular seasons this week. The Raiders beat Blake 15-4 on Tuesday and will host Hillsborough in their season finale on Friday. The Cougars beat Gaither 3-1 on Tuesday and will head to Steinbrenner on Thursday. With district tournament seeds already set in stone — Plant City finishing as the No. 2 seed and Durant finishing as the No. 3 seed — the two teams will meet once again at Plant City for the district semifinals. The winner of that game will advance to the district championship. Top-seeded Newsome will play the winner of Riverview and Lakewood Ranch for a chance to host the winner of Plant City and Durant in the championship game.

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

MIKE FRYREAR PRESENTED WITH ANNUAL AWARD The Artie Vasquez Memorial Coaches Award is presented each year by the West Coast Umpires Association TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Prior to Plant City and Durant’s matchup on Thursday, the Raiders’ head coach Mike Fryrear was presented with the annual Artie Vazquez Memorial Coaches Award on behalf of the West Coast Umpires Association and its president Steve Zsiga. The award is given to honor sportsmanship from the recipient and is typically presented along with several other awards at the conclusion of each year’s Saladino Tournament. “Out of all the awards that we’ve won here as a team and a group, a state title and

all that, this one does stand out to me,” Fryrear said. “Winning states, winning the first district title in school history, that’s great. That’s the bucket list and that’s the checklist. When you start achieving goals, the personal goals just happen for you. But I don’t look for personal goals, I want our team to do well. We’re ranked third now in the county, exactly where we wanted to be heading into the playoffs, that’s where we thought we were going to be. We’re first place in the district in a really tough district. But if you do the right things on and off the field and in school, you do right by the kids, listen to their heart and do things

with your heart, good things are going to happen for you. This is a very special award.” A graduate of Durant High School and a former player at the University of North Florida, Fryrear served as an assistant coach with high school and collegiate programs that include UNF, Flagler College and Windermere Prep prior to taking over as head coach of Plant City. Now in his 10th year at the helm for Plant City, he has compiled a record of 149-83-1 with the Raiders. In 2019 he led the Raiders to a 30-2 record — finishing as the second-ranked team in the state and the 18th-ranked team nationally — while notching the pro-

gram’s first district, regional and state championships. In addition, the Raiders won the 2018 George M. Steinbrenner Wood Bat Classic in the fall and the 39th Annual Saladino Tournament in the spring. Following the 2019 season, Fryrear was named AllWestern Conference Federal Division Coach of the Year, the Florida Dairy Farmers Class 8A Coach of the Year and the Florida Dairy Farmers Overall Coach of the Year, All-813Preps High School Coach of the Year, and the Tampa Bay Times’ Coach of the Year for both their All-Hillsborough County team and their All-Tampa Bay team.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022

PLANT CITY TRACK AND FIELD WINS BIG AT DISTRICT MEET The Raiders finished the meet with 14 district championships and 23 regional qualifiers.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

In the girls triple jump, Makenzie Holmes finished second to qualify for regionals as the only member of Plant City’s team to qualify in a jumping event. In girls track, Erica Holloman was the district runner-up in both the girls 100 meter finals and 200 meter finals and Kiana Kropp finished third in the 800 meters. The team of Makenzie Holmes, Jalayah Shaw, Makayla Holmes and Holloman won a district championship in the 4 x 100 relay while the team of Destiny Headley, Heaven Davis, Briann Hawthorne and Kropp won a district championship in the 4 x 800 meter and qualified for regionals with an fourth place finish in the 4 x 400 meters. In boys track, the Raiders qualified for regionals in each relay event. In the 4 x

100, Plant City won the district championship behind a team of four Plant City football players in Ian Jolly, Jae Sawyer, Reggie Bush and Romello Jones. In the 4x 400, the team of Adam Fix, Avery Coons, Sawyer and Jones finished third and in the 4 x 800, the team of Coons, Jaxon Byers, Kooper Yacinich and Fix finished fourth. Plant City then nearly swept the qualifying field in the boys 100 meters as Bush won the district championship, followed by Jones and Sawyer in third and fourth place. Sawyer won the district championship in the 200 meter while Bush qualified with a third place finish. “We got two guys out in the 200 and got Holloman out in the 100 and 200, then district champs with three guys out

in the 100, that was a really nice surprise actually,” coach Drew Martucci said. “Reggie Bush was probably the MVP of the meet as far as I’m concerned, he had a heck of a day. Then Jae Sawyer, he’s out in four events so he’s quadrupling at regionals so that’s big time for him, I’m really excited for him. There were some big time performances, we’re coming down to a crucial part of the season and showing up. We tend to really come on strong at the right time and hopefully this year’s no different, but we’ll see.” As a team, Plant City’s boys finished with the second-highest cumulative point total at the district meet behind George Jenkins and their girls finished with the third-highest behind George Jenkins and Celebration.

“I was very pleased with what we did on the track after the jumps but the throwing really kind of helped balance out the negatives,” Martucci said. “Overall the team, specifically the jumpers, came back and lit up the track. I feel like they obviously were frustrated with those performances and not getting out so they showed up and did what the expectation was for them.”

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

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THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

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We asked Plant City: If you had the chance to meet any person, living or dead, who would it be and why? “My father’s father. I’m told he was a real hoot.” - Ed Verner “My grandfather Eugene Campbell. He was known in Plant City (border patrol, moonshine, detective.) I’ve read articles my mema had. From my understanding he was hit by an electric company truck on his way back from a case… I imagine he was the coolest guy. I learned later I got my interest in crime and photography from him.” - Jeanna Stephens “Lady Jane Grey. A grand-niece of Henry VIII, Queen of England for nine days, beheaded at 16 years old, speaker of several languages, and a renowned intellectual in her time, she’s always been a fascinating historical figure for me, and one of my personal

heroines (along with my great-aunt Nettie Draughon, but I already know her.) I’ve long dreamed of meeting Lady Jane.” - Stephanie McKenzie “Jesus, because he gave his life for me so that I could have eternal life.” - Barbara Skaggs Ward “Tim Conway.” - DeeDee Hawthorne Mathes “Anyone that had a lower water bill.” - Ben Daniel “Since you said meet, I take you don’t mean family. So, I would say Merle Haggard or the writers of the constitution. Why, Merle would be fun to fish with and just have a good time. The writers, well, just to show them what America has become.” - T.D. Dempsey

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Janice Carnley Taylor Janice Carnley Taylor, 83, of Plant City, Fla., born in Phenix City, Ala., on July 20, 1938, entered into eternal rest on April 23, 2022. She was a member of Deliverance Tabernacle. She loved her family dearly, and enjoyed praising Jesus and spreading his Love. She was preceded in death by husband, Ivy Dean Taylor, Sr.; and son, Ivy Dean Taylor, Jr. She is survived by children, Sheldon K. Taylor, Sr. of Plant City, Deborah Benjamin of Seffner, Karen Fleming (Frank) of Plant City, and Samuel Taylor (Christina) of Plant City; 9 grandchildren; 16 great- grandchildren; and siblings, Daniel Carnley (Maida), Belinda Allen (Steve), Diane Williamson (George), and Tony Carnley. A funeral service will be held Thursday, April 28 at 11:00 a.m. at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 South County Road 39, Plant City, where the family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 A.M. Graveside committal to follow at Hopewell Memorial Gardens. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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David Laverne Clark, 76, of Spring Hill, Fla., born in Hazelhurst, Georgia on March 19, 1946, entered into eternal rest on April 19, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

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Kenneth Ray Richwine Kenneth Ray Richwine, 72, of Plant City, Florida born in Tampa, Florida on December 30, 1949, entered into his eternal home with Jesus on April 16, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

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Geneva Ruth Bishop Bailey Geneva Ruth Bishop Bailey, 86, of Lakeland, Fla., born in Walterboro, S.C., on Sept. 13, 1935, entered into eternal rest on April 22, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

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Velma Glaros

Theron

community

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022

Thouin, Asa, 96 of Plant Janet Custer, 87, of Plant Bryant City entered into eternal City, Fla., passed away on Bostick April 23, 2022. The family rest on April 8, 2022. She was born in Japan on Nowill receive friends April Theron Bryvember 4, 1925. 28, 2022W Efrom 10 to 11 a.m. ant Bostick, 83, we’re dedicated to helping families create a ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E our community and meaningful memorial that truly of Plant City, Fla., with Funeral personal, compassionate Fondunique memories and at Haught Homecare since 1896. celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, expressions of sympathy Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin passed away on > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability Travel Assistance The Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement may be> shared at www. Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant Thursday, April 14, for the City, FL 33563. Funeral ser- WellsMemorial.com 2022. Theron was Rfamily. vices will follow atProudly 11 a.m. born Sept. 7, 1938. supporting Thouin the Plant City Strawberry Festival. Online condolences may Fondwe’re memories dedicated to helping families create a W E ’ RE P RO U D TO S E RV E our community unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. be left for the family at and expressions celebrates the life itof represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, www.haught.care. sympathy be > 100% Service Guarantee > National may Plan Transferability > Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® shared at www.WellsMemoWELLSMEMORIAL.COM rial.com R for the Bostick HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM the Plant City Strawberry Festival. Wells MeMorial & event Center Proudly supporting family. Velma Glaros, 87, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on April 11, 2022. The family will receive friends May 2, 2022, from 10 to 11 a.m. at New Hope @ Cornerstone, 315 N. Collins Street, Plant City, FL 33567. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.

is all about.

Taking care of each other is what

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Emmanuel Glaros

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Emmanuel Glaros, 87, of Plant City passed away on January 29, 2021. He was a U.S. Army Veteran. A Memorial service will be held along with Velma Glaros, May 2, 2022, from 10 to 11 a.m. at New Hope @ Cornerstone, 315 N. Collins St., Plant City, FL 33567. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care

community Randy James Polk, 62,

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WELLSMEMORIAL.COM was born in Plant City on Wells MeMorial & event Center April 28th, 1959. He passed PlanT CiTy away in his home on April 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com we’re dedicated to helping families create a W E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E our community 13th, 2022. unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. memories and celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, Fond expressions ofTransferability sympathy > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan > Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® may be shared at www. WellsMemorial.com for the R Proudly supporting Polk the Plantfamily. City Strawberry Festival.

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YOUR CALENDAR

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022

BEST BET FRIDAY, APRIL 29 LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN 5 to 9 p.m. at McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St. The Last Friday in Downtown Food Truck Rally is held with a new theme each month. There will be live music, market vendors and food trucks. The event is family and pet friendly and all are recommended to bring chairs and blankets. This month’s theme will be May The 4th Be With You (Star Wars).

SATURDAY, APRIL 30

THURSDAY, MAY 5

BILLY MCKNIGHT LIVE

MAIN STREET TOP GOLF TOURNAMENT

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4 SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS WITH ESTRANGED FAMILIES

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

main attraction is a chance to tour the ranch and meet with all of their rescued horses. Parking and admission is free and with RVR Horse Rescue being 100 percent volunteer-owned and operated, every penny raised will go directly to the care of horses in need. For more information, visit www.rvrhorserescue.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 7

6:30 to 8 p.m. at GracePoint Church, 1107 Charlie Griffin Rd. 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 positively-influenced activities to help cope with the situation. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month. For more information, visit www.peaksupportgroup.com.

RVR HORSE RESCUE SUMMER FEST

11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1710 W. State Road 60. RVR Horse Rescue is swinging the barn doors open for their Summer Fest fundraising event next month. The event will take place at their ranch and feature tons of family-friendly fun, including three live bands, food provided by 3C’s Catering, games, raffles, face painting, horse trivia, wheel of fortune, local vendors and artisans and more. But of course, the

If you would like your event featured in the Plant City Observer’s calendar section, submit it at www.plantcityobserver.com/calendar or contact Sarah Holt at sholt@plantcityobserver.com.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 28 High: 85 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 40%

FRIDAY, APRIL 29 High: 883 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 44%

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022

SUNRISE/SUNSET Sunrise Sunset Thursday, April 28

6:50a

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Friday, April 29

6:49a

8:01p

Saturday, April 30

6:49a

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Sunday, May 1

6:48a

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Monday, May 2

6:47a

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Tuesday, May 3

6:46a

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Wednesday, May 4

6:45a

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MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, APRIL 30 High: 84 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 75%

SUNDAY, MAY 1 High: 86 Low: 66 Chance of rain: 40%

MONDAY, MAY 2 Jose Gonzalez sent us this picture of an alligator floating around in Plant City’s Edward Medard Conservation Park.

ONLINE

High: 88 Low: 68 Chance of rain: 24%

Across 1 Logo of The Hartford 5 Less noble 10 Pueblo people 14 Thick book 15 Amazon assistant 16 Spoonbill kin 17 Circuitous 19 Daily vitamin, e.g. 20 Puzzled 21 Some German imports 23 PreCheck org. 24 Plump 26 Unfilled, as a schedule slot 28 Many MIT grads 29 Roleo surface 31 “Expand on that,” in

improv comedy 32 Lummox 35 Quite a stretch 36 No-frills card game 40 Emperor after Galba 41 State bordering Arizona 42 Like a quarter’s edge 45 Podcast interruptions 46 “LOTR” menace 49 Short nightgown 52 Turin title 54 “__ have what she’s having”: quip from “When Harry Met Sally...” 55 Super sexy 57 “I’ll pass” 58 “On the double!” 60 In person ... and like 17-,

26-, 36- and 49-Across? 62 “Howdy ... you just get here?” 63 “Looking 4 Myself” R&B singer 64 Each 65 Wall St. index 66 Fresh 67 __ Martin Cognac Down 1 Attack from above 2 Mosey 3 Tickles 4 Parental units? 5 Ewes do it 6 “L.A.’s Finest” actress Jessica

7 Gangnam District city 8 Ooze with 9 Formally approve 10 Trendy 11 Where to find departure info? 12 Beer named for a Czech city 13 Christmas and Easter 18 Mexico’s national flower 22 Office address abbr. 25 “You can observe a lot by watching” speaker 27 2020 US Open winner Naomi 30 Pranks 32 “The Pianist” Oscar winner Adrien 33 Beef broth soup 34 Italian volcano 36 Like ninjas 37 Ennui 38 Sci-fi vehicles 39 “Twelfth Night” duke 40 “Only the Lonely” crooner 43 Slate slate, briefly 44 Inept one 46 Saved, in a way 47 Hallmark Channel fare 48 Goosebumps-inducing 50 Potala Palace city 51 Scottish vacation sites 53 Accomplish much 56 Golf course areas 59 Draw 61 Sample

April 30 New

May 8 First

May 16 Full

May 22 Last

RAINFALL LAST WEEK:

MONTH TO DATE:

0.00 in.

2.31 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

APRIL AVERAGE:

9.90 in.

2.88 in.

BLUEBERRIES Shipping point: Central & North Florida $14.00-$26.00 Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

WEATHER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022

Don’t let fear stop you from getting the care you need. Don’t delay getting essential medical care. We’ve put enhanced safety measures in place to help keep you safe. COVID-19 has stopped people from doing many things. But we can’t let it stop us from getting what we need most: medical care. BayCare is helping to keep our patients safe by following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for safety processes and cleaning procedures. This makes sure that everyone can feel secure getting the care they need. Don’t let fear of this pandemic make other health conditions worse. Learn more about how we’re keeping you safe: BayCare.org/Safety

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