4.29.21 PLCO

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Plant City Observer

y Observer

YO UR HOMETOW N. YO UR NEWSPAP ER .

YOUR HOMETOWN. YOUR NEWSPAPER

VOLUME 6, NO. 143

. YO UR NEWS PAP ER . COMMISH ROUNDUP:

BUILDING OFFICIAL CALLS IT A CAREER AFTER THREE DECADES

Jesse Carr’s retirement celebration will be held at 2 p.m. Friday. The entire community is invited to City Hall to wish him well.

FREE • THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Building Official Jesse Carr received a special proclamation Monday evening when Mayor Rick Lott and his fellow commissioners took a moment to thank Carr for his more than 30 years of service. Carr is set to retire tomorrow and the mayor invited the entire community out to take part in the unique celebration. There will be a retirement party hosted in Carr’s honor at City Hall, 302 W. Reynolds St., at 2 p.m. where a ceremony will commence. After the ceremony ends at approximately 2:30 p.m., the festivities will continue

and those who can’t make it to the program are invited to drop in and say goodbye to the man who has long been a staple in the City of Plant City. “After a long and storied and almost legendary career, not to mention life in and around Plant City, Jesse has decided to hang up his building spurs and retire out to the ranch,” City Manager Bill McDaniel said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

CARING FOR PLANT CITY

Courtesy of Karen Elizabeth

United Way Suncoast partnered with CareerSource Tampa Bay last week to help the United Food Bank of Plant City prepare weekend bags for local students. The effort was part of the annual UWS Week of Caring event.

SEE PAGE 8


PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

Stop signs installed at Evers, MLK intersection

NEWS BRIEFS

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The City of Plant City has made a change to the intersection of Evers Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, converting it into an all-way stop with two new signs along the MLK side. The two new stop signs have been equipped with flashing beacons as a reminder to drivers who may otherwise forget the signs were installed and run them out of habit. According to a Plant City Police Department post on Facebook, the beacons were installed with the intent of remaining for 30 days before being removed.

Trae Patton/NBC

Wheeler advances to Voice live round

Plant City Police Department/Facebook

Kenzie Wheeler’s cover of Luke Combs’ “Beer Never Broke My Heart” on Monday night’s episode of The Voice was strong enough to get him through the show’s final Knockout Round. Wheeler went head to head with teammate Avery Roberson, who sang Chris Young’s “Tomorrow,” and team captain Kelly Clarkson declared the Dover native’s spot on the show safe afterward. The win propels Wheeler into the show’s next phase, in which the competitions go live for the first time this season. You can watch Wheeler’s latest performance online at youtube.com/ watch?v=Gy0cz0CfYZA.

PCPD reports Drug Take Back Day success Plant City Police Department participated in the annual DEA Drug Take Back Day event over the weekend and reported getting its biggest haul yet. The annual event, typically held on a Saturday, allows people with unwanted, unused or expired prescription drugs and medicines to dispose of them safely with no questions asked. PCPD’s site at the CVS at 2302 James L. Redman Parkway collected 353 pounds of drugs this past Saturday — an all-time high for the department. Plant City Police Department/Facebook

Courtesy of Cleo L. Townsend

Earth Day dedication at PC Commons Community Garden The Plant City Area Democratic Club hosted its Earth Day Dedication on Sunday afternoon in a small ceremony at the Plant City Commons Community Garden. The event, in which the club donated and planted a lula avocado tree in the Food Garden, featured a keynote speech from Dr. Sonja Brookins, a board member of the Soil and Water Conservation District of Hillsborough County.


STAR WARS

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

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CELEBRATION,

MAIN STREET WILL HAVE In honor of May the 4th, aka Star Wars Day, Main Street Plant City is theming this week’s Last Friday in Downtown as a celebration to the beloved adventures in a galaxy far, far away.

File photos

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Whether you’re a padawan in training or have dreamed of belonging to the Nightsisters on Dathomir, Plant City is once again offering a unique Star Wars event for the masses. Plant City Main Street hosts Last Friday in Downtown every month and its mission in 2021 is to theme each event. This month, in honor of May the 4th being right around the corner, it’s not surprise that droids and Jedi alike are being welcomed back to downtown. The annual event blossoms as more businesses sign up to be a part of the galaxy-renowned spectacle. “The event has been growing each month and doing these pop-themed events like Star Wars and Harry Potter really attract visitors from all over the state,” Jerilyn Rumbarger, executive director of Plant City Main Street, said. “Our more original ideas that we have on other months really celebrate the local community as well, so it’s kind of been a great mix as we have expanded and really grown what these events can do for downtown.” Any who wish to attend are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite Star Wars costumes. In prior years, guests have come as everyone from Darth Maul to Ahsoka Tano. Tiny droids have walked hand-in-hand with “Han” and “Leia” toward The Kandy Shoppe and “Captain Rex” has patiently waited to get a drink at Krazy Kup before marching toward the park to meet up with “Skyguy” himself. While Mos Eisley’s Cantina is still a galaxy away and Oga has yet to build a traveling food barge, there will be plenty of opportunities for hungry palates to get their fill at Friday’s event. A variety of food trucks will be on site, including The Bacon Boss Food Truck and The Melt Machine Gourmet Grilled Cheese Food Truck. Head over to the event’s link on the Plant City Main Street Facebook page to get a full list. Some of the most legendary adventurers in the Star Wars universe have volunteered to swing by Plant City and take photos with local fans. More than a dozen members of the 501st Legion will be on site to snap photos and interact with the community. A special car wrapped like a beloved Star Wars ship will be parked downtown as well. Many local businesses are going all-out and will create Star Wars-themed items for the event, including items like light and dark side teas, themed drinks, Star Wars soaps, LEGO Star Wars builds and more. Get there early to make sure the local shops don’t run out of the unique goodies they’ve created or brought in for the special event. “It’s definitely through the merchant partnership that we’ve joined forces and been able to have so many successful events like this one in downtown,” Rumbarger

said. “Ultimately Main Street is an economic driver for downtown, but what keeps people downtown is our merchants. It makes sense to partner up. And I think these partnerships have really opened the door to what we are able to offer to the community.” Every month, the number of participating business for Last Friday in Downtown continues to grow and this month is no exception. Now there are businesses on both sides of McCall Park, reaching through nearly every corner of downtown, participating. Be willing to stretch your limbs and explore, and you will be shocked at the unique items you can discover. For many, the ability to have a May 4th celebration a few days early comes as relief. While most Star Wars fans are typically ecstatic to hit the streets in their best cosplay apparel, this year adds a new temptation that will cause many to stay home. Disney+ is dropping “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” on May 4 in celebration of Star Wars Day. The new show will follow the beloved and quirky elite force of experimental clones that were introduced in “The Clone Wars.” Plant City Main Street is offering a way to get the best of both worlds by bringing the fun a few days early. However, Friday’s party is just the kickoff of festive celebrations downtown. Participating merchants will continue the Star Wars-themed festivities on Saturday and again on Tuesday. Keep an eye on individual businesses’ social media pages to discover which deals and celebratory offerings they plan to have over the course of the next several days.

IF YOU GO Last Friday in Downtown: Star Wars When: 5 to 9 p.m. April 30 Where: McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St. Cost: Free to attend. For more information: Visit Plant City Main Street’s Facebook page

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COPS CORNER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

PLANT CITY

This week on Cops Corner:

Observer

Plant City Police investigated a shed fire, vandalism, stolen shoes, an unwanted

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

houseguest and more.

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com

APRIL 16

NICE TRY

LONG WAY FROM HOME

SLASH AND DASH

SHEDDING NO SUSPICIONS

1200 block of North Park Road Criminal mischief: This complainant stated they found a door lock mechanism at Hillsborough Community College was damaged overnight due to vandalism.

110 block of West Ball Street Recovered stolen vehicle: Officers responded to the area in reference to an abandoned vehicle in the roadway and learned the vehicle in question was reported stolen out of Collier County.

2300 block of James L. Redman Parkway Criminal mischief: This complainant stated someone cut a tire on his vehicle.

100 block of East Alsobrook Street Suspicious fire: Officers responded to a report of a shed that was on fire and found it unoccupied when they got there.

APRIL 17 SCAM-A-LOT 1 Police Place Fraud: This complainant stated he sent $6,000 to an unknown subject and later learned he was the victim of a scam.

APRIL 18 TAG TROUBLE 2700 block of Thonotosassa Road Stolen license plate: This complainant stated someone stole his vehicle’s license plate sometime after April 17, though he didn’t have an exact time frame for when the incident happened.

APRIL 19 AIRING IT OUT

JUST FOR KICKS

600 block of East Laura Street Criminal mischief: This complainant stated someone smashed out the rear windshield of her Saturn SUV.

1200 block of West Reynolds Street Theft: This complainant told officers someone stole a pair of shoes on April 18.

HOME ISN’T WHERE YOU LAY YOUR HEAD

APRIL 22

4700 block of Bloom Drive Unlawful trespass: Officers responded to a residence and met with this complainant, who stated she found a person sleeping in her new home.

WINDOW PAINS 300 block of North Alexander Street Criminal mischief: This complainant told officers someone broke out her vehicle’s front passenger window while she was at work. The incident occurred sometime between 6 a.m. and 7:20 p.m.

Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

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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.

SOMETHING’S NOT RIGHT 1400 block of Collins Street Fraud: This complainant told officers she noticed additional entries on her bank statement in excess of $250.

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

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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

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This week’s Crossword answers This week’s answers Jumbles:

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UNFIT SENSE COUSIN IODINE Answer: The conversation betwen the prison inmates was made possible because of -- SENTENCES

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FLORIDA WOMAN ON PROBATION FOR DUI MANSLAUGHTER INVOLVED IN FATAL CRASH Jennifer Carvajal, 24, of Tampa, was behind the wheel when the vehicle went airborne and crashed into a car dealership along I-4, killing one Plant City man and injuring three others.

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CUTEST CRITTER

Do you want Plant City to see how cute your favorite pets are? Send your pictures to Staff Writer Breanne Williams at bwilliams@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

Crash photo courtesy of Florida Highway Patrol. Mugshot courtesy of HCSO

OBSERVER STAFF

Jennifer Carvajal, 24, was driving 111 miles per hour just before 2 a.m. on Sunday when her vehicle went airborne and crashed into a car dealership along I-4, killing one and injuring three, according to Florida Highway Patrol. Carvajal, of Tampa, served nearly four years in prison for a 2014 DUI manslaughter death in Plant City and is currently on probation for the case. She was released in Oct. 2019 for probation. According to Hillsborough Circuit Court Clerk records, she was then arrested in May for violating her probation with a drug-related charge and was sentenced to five more years probation. FHP said a sergeant was traveling east on I-4 when he clocked a silver Hyundai Elantra going 111 miles per hour west along I-4. FHP said the sergeant pulled into the median and checked her speed again. It read 111 miles per hour. Then the car passed the sergeant and he once more saw it was 111 miles per hour. He began pursuit of the car and as he caught up, the driver took a quick right turn and approached the shoulder where it hit the embankment and became airborne. It flew above the highway fence and collided

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SKY: Of all the days for people to wear their “Sunday best” outfits, Easter Sunday beats them all. And no one in Plant City looked as fly as Sky, Chris Black’s lab, who totally rocked this custom bandana.

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with a Ford F-250 pickup truck that was parked at Gator Ford, 1780 Tampa Gateway Blvd. The blow didn’t bring the vehicle to a full stop and it kept moving, striking a concrete light pole and then a palm tree before it overturned in the parking lot. The crash occurred at approximately 1:40 a.m. Sunday. The Florida Highway Patrol captured the crash on camera. Highway Patrol said Carvajal wore a seatbelt, but the other four occupants of the vehicle did not. She received minor injuries. A 20-year-old Plant City woman was ejected from the rear seat and received serious injuries. A 22-year-old Plant City man was also ejected from the rear seat and was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Troopers said he died Sunday night. A 19-year-old Plant City woman was thrown from the front passenger seat into the rear passenger seat and was seriously injured. Following the incident, Carvajal was arrested on charges of DUI-serious injury, reckless driving-serious injury, multiple counts of DUI property damage, driving without a license-serious injury and violating probation of the DUI manslaughter case from 2014. Troopers said her charges will be upgraded since the 22-year-old man died from his injuries.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

COMMUNITY INVITED TO SAY FAREWELL TO BUILDING OFFICIAL Jesse Carr has served Plant City for more than 30 years. His retirement celebration will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at City Hall. The entire community is invited to come out and wish Carr farewell. FROM PAGE 1

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

McDaniel called him a “tireless servant” to the city and his community and said that while serving as building official, Carr has built a resolute reputation of always being the one to go through when they need to “get things done.” Carr attended the commission meeting with his wife Brenda and received a slew of praise and thanks for his dedication to always going above and beyond for the city. Now, Carr joked, he is ready to focus on cattle ranching and spending time with his grandchildren. “I can tell you that this commission, the city manager that’s here tonight, those before, always had 100 percent trust and faith that you always made a decision that was right for everyone involved,” Lott said. “I just wanted to say that we respect you, but I can tell you that everyone here loves

you. You are deeply loved in this city. Congratulations and on behalf of this commission and on behalf of our city, we would like to present this proclamation in your honor and we can’t wait to celebrate with you on Friday.” After Carr and his wife posed with commissioners following the proclamation, Carr took a moment to collect his thoughts before giving his heartfelt thanks to those at the dais. “I appreciate it and I’m not going anywhere. So as long as I’m breathing and this town needs me and I’m walking, I’m here,” Carr said. Ray Proctor will take Carr’s place following his retirement. He joked at the proclamation that he knew he had big shoes to fill and hoped he could live up to the bar Carr set. Carr was quick to reassure him he would excel in the position. “It’s amazing to see the type of tenure you’ve had for 34 years and it’s just not a

common thing anymore,” Vice Mayor Nate Kilton said. “It speaks a lot to you and your commitment to our community and I think a lot of times people have said, ‘tough but fair,’ in what you do and that’s the way we would have expected it. You never bent or broke any rules, but you always tried to find a way to move things forward the best we can and I think the mayor said that very well. I caught him at the gas station a couple weeks ago and told him there’s a new rule we have, and it’s called “The Hotel California Rule.” He can check out, but he can never leave. We appreciate you sticking around for us as best you can. But you are loved and appreciated and thank you for your 34 years of service.” Commissioner Mike Sparkman called Carr his “brother” and said when he reflects back to when he was Chairman of the CRA and had a variety of projects he needed done, he never took for granted the fact that all he had to do was call Carr and

they would find a way to bring the city’s vision to life. “I always said the sign of a successful man was to find somebody that could do the job, hire him and give him a chance to do it. And when they come back having done a better job than you anticipated, you’ve got a good deal,” Sparkman said. “And that’s what happened with you with every job you ever did.” Commissioner Mary Mathis echoed Sparkman’s sentiment and said she knew Carr was planning on retiring several years ago, but stuck around to make sure he was involved in finishing several ongoing projects with the city, including the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center. She gave him her unwavering thanks. Commissioner Bill Dodson called Carr “unprecedented” in his role as Building Official. He simply added that they wish him all the best and hope that retirement serves him well.

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HELPING HANDS MAKE WEEKEND BAGS FOR UNITED FOOD BANK OF PLANT CITY

Members of United Way Suncoast and CareerSource Tampa Bay visited the food bank last week to put together hundreds of food packs for local kids. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Culver’s of Plant City 2103 N Park Rd Plant City, FL 33563

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Thanks to an assist from United Way Suncoast and CareerSource Tampa Bay, hundreds of Plant City-area kids won’t have to go hungry over the weekend. Members of the two organizations used their lunch break time on April 21 to visit the United Food Bank of Plant City and help UFBPC staff assemble “weekend bags” for students. The team blew past its goal of 400 bags — one week’s worth — and ended up making more than double what they initially set out to do in about an hour and a half. “This energetic and hardworking group made 816 bags that will help feed local students on the weekends when they do not have access to free/reduced meals through our Weekend Backpack Program,” the food bank said in an April 22 Facebook post. These weekend bags are given to students in Plant City schools to take home over the weekend and contain enough food for two meals, a snack and a juice box to last two days. The bags include two packets of ramen, two oatmeal packets or granola bars, two juice boxes and two snack packets of fruit snacks or crackers. The bags are delivered to students discreetly. The volunteer effort came during United Way Suncoast’s annual Week of Caring event, in which the organization ramps up its volunteer efforts throughout its fivecounty network and tackles specific projects. Ernest Hooper, UWS Vice President of Communications, said this year’s Week of Caring featured 120 projects that were assisted with by corporate partners and community volunteers. “Everybody’s doing this on our lunch break and everybody’s having a good time,” Jonathan Terry, UWS Corporate and Com-

munity Engagement Manager, said. “The energy is high and we’re gonna try to knock out as much work as we can… this energy is good and what (UFBPC) is doing is a really great cause for the community and for our kids.” That’s where CareerSource came in. The group is no stranger to working with both the food bank and UWS, so joining forces for that Wednesday volunteering project was a no-brainer. CareerSource works with UFBPC annually in the form of a program that places an intern in the food bank to help the food bank do its thing and to help the intern get the experience and hours they need. The organization also works with UWS in CareerSource’s Summer Job Program for people age 16-24. Though the team of four volunteers was small, its work that Wednesday was mighty for the community. “They have been amazing,” Gayle Tindle, Operations Manager for the UFB, said. “Our goal was to do one week’s worth… they are serious workers. The last time we had this competitive spirit was when the (Tampa Bay) Vipers were here. It’s the same energy.”


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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

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PLANT CITY SINGS THE BLUES The new Blues, BBQ & Berries event came to downtown Plant City on Saturday. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Strawberry desserts were served in the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center, which also opened up its exhibits for anyone to check out if they needed some air conditioning. The event also featured prize giveaways. Several businesses on Evers Street also opened their doors for the event. In addition to the Photo Archives, The Tipsy Bookworm, My Town Barber Shop and Roots Tap Room and Wine Bar, the event also saw Three Hands Mead Company open its doors for the first time with a limited menu as attendees got to get a good look at the new meadery. Three Hands is expected to officially open sometime in May.

Photos by Justin Kline

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There’s much ado about Evers Street these days, and a pair of Plant City organizations put that in the spotlight with a new block party event over the weekend. Blues, BBQ & Berries brought something fresh to downtown on Saturday. Hosted by the Improvement League of Plant City and Plant City Main Street, it made good on its three big draws. Music — both live and recorded — echoed throughout all of downtown as attendees were invited to bring their lawn chairs, picnic blankets or dancing shoes to the street. Kitchen’s Falling From the Bone BBQ cooked up ribs that lived up to the name and plenty more delicious food for everyone who brought their appetite.


APRIL 29, 2021

SPORTS Quick Hits PCHS ATHLETES SHINE AT TRACK AND FIELD DISTRICTS Several Plant City High School Raiders stood out from the field (and the track) over the weekend in the 2021 Class 4A-District 7 championships, in which the PCHS boys placed second and the girls placed fifth out of nine teams. A total of 23 Raiders are moving on to the 4A Region 2 championships this Saturday at George Jenkins High School, 6000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland. Individual event winners include Jackson Knotts (boys javelin), who won with a mark of 47.39m and still holds the state record for longest throw (57.23m on March 6), and Ian Jolly, who set a new PR with his 6.83m long jump. The boys 4x400m relay team also set a new school record with a first-place time of 3:26.98. A pair of other school records were broken by runner-ups who will also advance to regionals. Mattilynn Hill’s 10.25m triple jump and Jae Sawyer’s 400m time of 50.69 rewrote the PCHS record books. Admission for the Region 2 meet is $7 per person. The Class 4A state championships will be held May 8 at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. A complete schedule of events is viewable online at fhsaa. com/sports/2021/4/1/TRACK_Event%20 Schedule.aspx, though all of the action starts at 4 p.m. and ends shortly after 9:20 p.m., with team awards to be handed out at 9:50 p.m. Admission is $12 in advance or $15 at the gate. Both fees cover the cost of parking and all attendees are asked to use Parking Lot 18.

THOMPSON MAKES SCHS TENNIS HISTORY

DURANT FLAG FOOTBALL RUN ENDS IN DISTRICT TOURNEY FINALE

The Bloomingdale Bulls upset the top-seeded Cougars, 19-0, in last week’s 2A-District 6 championship game.

File photo

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

For the first time in Strawberry Crest High School’s history, the Chargers sent an athlete to the FHSAA boys tennis state championship tournament. Jaden Thompson, who was one of four Chargers to win a singles championship at districts, made the cut for this week’s state championship series and will represent Crest in the highest level of play. Also joining Thompson from the Plant City area are four athletes from Plant City High School. The doubles team of Ryan Smith and Tanner Rollyson qualified for the boys tournament and the duo of Jalayah Shaw and Vlada Pike made it into the girls tournament. Shaw also qualified for the individual tournament. The Class 4A state championship tournament ends tomorrow.

All good things must come to an end one day. Unfortunately for the Durant Cougars, last Thursday was when their strong season came to its end. Durant entered the Class 2A-District 6 flag football championship tournament as the top-seeded squad with a full head of steam after perhaps the program’s best-ever regular season. With just one loss on the record and half of their wins coming by shutout, the Cougars looked very hard to stop on paper. On the field, that held up through much of the tournament. The team started with a 52-6 blowout win over eighth-seeded Leto on April 20. Morgan Brill completed 25 of 31 pass attempts for 297 yards and four touchdowns against three interceptions. Maggie Lauber led the receiving corps with 115 yards and two touchdown catches,

and joining her in the end zone with one receiving touchdown apiece were Brooklyn Kash, Alexis Swantek and Casey Lane. Swantek and Ashanti Quiambao each chipped in on the ground with one rushing touchdown. Defensively, Kash (two) and Lauber (one) combined for three interceptions. Wharton put up a tougher fight on April 21, responding to a 12-0 Durant lead after the first quarter with a touchdown in each of the next three quarters and by shutting the Cougars out in the second quarter. But Durant generated enough offense in the second half to maintain its lead when it mattered most and win, 25-19. Kash led the Cougars with two total touchdowns (one receiving, one rushing). Lauber and Lane caught Brill’s other two touchdown passes as the senior quarterback threw for 217 yards and three picks while completing 24 of 30 pass attempts. Bloomingdale, which entered the tournament as the second-seeded team,

wanted revenge after taking a 13-2 loss to the Cougars in Bloomingdale on April 1. The Bulls got it in the form of a 19-0 shutout win for the 2A-District 6 title on April 22. Durant generated 242 total yards of offense (189 receiving, 53 rushing) and recorded two sacks (by Emma Harnage and Regan Williams) and one interception (Swantek) on defense. But the Cougars couldn’t overcome six turnovers and the Bulls capitalized on that all night. The Cougars finished the season with a 10-2 overall record. Brill finished her senior season with the third-highest total of completions (239) and the sixth-highest total of passing yards (2,130) in the state. Kash finished her last season with the third-highest total of interceptions (12) in the state.

PREPS SCOREBOARD BASEBALL APR. 21 Durant 4, East Bay 3 Plant City 3, Newsome 0 APR. 22

FLAG FOOTBALL

APR. 27

Strawberry Crest 3, Wharton 2

(2) Plant City 5, (3) Leto 0 (1) Strawberry Crest 11, (4) Armwood 1

APR. 23

APR. 22

Durant 9, Wharton 3

Bloomingdale 19, Durant 0

SOFTBALL

APR. 26 (4) Plant City 15, (5) Kathleen 0

Wharton 5, Strawberry Crest 4

APR. 21

APR. 23

Durant 7, East Bay 4

APR. 27

Plant City 7, Robinson 3

APR. 22

(1) Durant 15, (4) Plant City 0 (2) Strawberry Crest 15, (3) Lakeland 0

Durant 15, Chamberlain 2 Newsome 15, Plant City 0

UPCOMING GAMES BASEBALL APR. 28 (3) Lakewood Ranch vs. (2) Durant, 7 p.m.

APR. 29 (1) Strawberry Crest vs. (2) Plant City, 7 p.m.

SOFTBALL APR. 29 (1) Durant vs. (2) Strawberry Crest, 7 p.m.


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GOOD APPEAL: BUSINESS, PROFESSIONAL, AND RECREATIONAL LICENSE SUSPENSIONS FOR NON-PAYMENT OF CHILD SUPPORT — AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

SHIOBHAN OLIVERO

ment), the parent has only 30 days to take one of the following options:

In Florida, the non-payment of child support comes with many consequences. Not only do you face contempt issues with the court and the many sanctions the court can impose for contempt, you can also face suspension of your driver’s license and any business, professional or recreational licenses you have. These include licenses issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Florida Department of Health, the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Bar, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. If you hold a business, professional or recreational license with any state agency, that license can be suspended for nonpayment of child support.

• Pay the past-due amount in full and stay current with all future payments • Sign a written agreement with the DOR office to make payments on the past-due amount owed • Contest the suspension action by filing a petition in the circuit court

HOW IS THE LICENSE SUSPENDED?

Under Florida Statute 409.2598, the child support program, or Department of Revenue (DOR), first mails the parent that is behind on payments a notice of intent to suspend their license and requests the parent to visit a local office to discuss the options for paying the child support. The notice must comply with the statute and must notify the parent of the following:

• The parent is not in compliance with a child support order • Whether the non-compliance is due to non-payment of current support, delinquent or arrears payments, or the failure to provide health care coverage or medical support • The kind of license that will be suspended • The options the parent has to avoid the suspension, which must be complied with within 30 days of the notice of the mailing of the notice Once the letter is mailed (not received by the parent, but mailed by the depart-

If none of these actions are taken by the parent owing child support within 30 days, the Child Support agency then notifies the licensing agency to suspend the parent’s business, professional or recreational license. HOW TO AVOID YOUR LICENSE BEING SUSPENDED

You can avoid your license being suspended by complying with one of the three options mentioned above. If you pay the amount owed in full, the proceeding ends and your license will not be suspended. However, you must stay current with your support order or the process to suspend your license will begin again. If you go to a local Child Support (DOR) office and enter into a written agreement or payment plan for the amount owed, the proceeding ends and your license will not be suspended. If you enter into a written agreement with the department, you must stay in compliance with the written agreement and stay current with your ordered support or the DOR will notify the licensing agency to suspend your license for noncompliance with the written agreement. To avoid the suspension, you must advise the department you are no longer able to comply with the written agreement. If you do not tell the department you are unable to comply, it will notify the licensing agency to suspend your license. If you do notify the department that you are unable to comply with your writ-

ten agreement, then you must provide to the department a full financial disclosure, including a list of your income, assets and employment. After you provide your disclosure, you and the department will negotiate a new written agreement. If, however, a new agreement cannot be negotiated, you or the department may petition the court to determine the matter. The final option is to file a petition in the court contesting the license suspension. If you file a valid petition contesting the suspension, the suspension of your license is stayed (or paused) while the action is handled with the court. You can contest the suspension of your license for the following reasons: • A mistake of fact concerning your compliance with the support order • The reasonableness of a payment agreement offered by the department • The identity of the person ordered to pay If the petition is timely (filed within 30 days of the mailing of the notice) and contests one of the above stated reasons, the court must have a hearing on the petition with 15 days after the petition is filed. The court must then enter an order, or rule on the petition and the suspension of the license, within 10 days of the hearing. If the court finds your petition valid, the proceeding ends and your license will not be suspended. However, if the court does not find your petition valid, it will order the suspension of your license and the department will resume notification to the licensing agency to suspend your license. HOW TO REINSTATE YOUR LICENSE AFTER SUSPENSION FOR NON-PAYMENT

If you pay the amount owed in full, or enter into and comply with a written, negotiated agreement with the department after your license has been suspended, the department must provide you with

a reinstatement notice of your license and the licensing agency must reinstate your license at no charge to you. If your license is reinstated by court order after petitioning the court, the licensing agency must promptly reinstate your license after receiving a copy of the court order. It may be up to you to ensure the licensing agency receives a copy of the court order reinstating your license. If you are facing a suspension of your business, professional, or recreational license due to your child support obligations, contact Olivero Law as soon as possible for a consultation. Our compassionate and knowledgeable family law attorneys will stand by your side and protect your best interests throughout the proceedings. Olivero Law can help you when you need it most. Our firm also handles criminal, misdemeanor, and felony cases on the state and federal level. Contact our office by calling us at (813) 654-5777 or email us at info@oliverolaw.com to schedule your consultation.

Shiobhan Olivero was born and raised in Plant City. She has been practicing as an attorney since 2010 and has a local office in Brandon.


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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

PlantCityObserver.com

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

289704-1

We asked Plant City:

The City of Plant City recently created an all-way stop at the intersection of Evers Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Which roadways or intersections should be addressed next? “Not sure if it is city of county, but Trapnell between Turkey Creek and Mud Lake has become a very loud drag race zone. Has dramatically increased over the last 6-8 months. If it is county, could the city help us get some relief?” — Laurie Reidinger-Hofts “I know it isn’t stop sign or signal related. But we could really use some sidewalks on Maryland and Gordon. Having to walk my dog in the road and constantly look over my shoulder for cars that always speed down those roads doesn’t make for an enjoyable walk.” — Brooke Rhoades “East Alexander St at Jim Johnson Rd. Currently the left lane turns left and the right lane turns right. In the afternoon, traffic in the left lane (turning north onto

Jim Johnson towards Park Rd) can back up significantly. Consider making the right lane able to turn left as well. It seems very little work would be needed, mainly signage and striping.” — John Haney “Turn signal at Collins and Reynolds headed south. Lots of people turn there & it takes an entire cycle for 1 car to go thru lots of times.. intersection where Lark printing & Tennessee Jane is.” — Heather Wise “I know it’s not an intersection but how about Alexander and Suncoast Credit Union?” — Nancy Cappello Wernicki “Ideally Airport & Turkey Creek, but it may be too close to MLK & TC.” — Julie Marie

“Eventually, there will be a light at this intersection. It’s the next phase after the light at Turkey Creek Rd & Sydney. The city has purchased the land on the south side of Airport Rd, so the road intersection will move further south away from MLK. Just when will it happen?” — Nadine Hill

“Nesmith Road in front of Springhead Elementary is terrible and has been for years.” — Margaret Green Horne

“Turkey Creek and Baker needs a left turn arrow.” — Candice Phillips LeClerc

“Frontage and Charlie Taylor! Too many fatal accidents there!” — Megan Nichols

“Frontage and Charlie Taylor!! I am actively working with the city for change!” — Morgan Mullis

“Prosser & Redman. Grant & Redman. YMCA & Alexander St.” — Jana Kirkland Butler

“How about closing the median so people going north on Collins between Prosser and Grant can’t turn left into the Plant City Plaza parking lot?” — Gary Geiger

“Jim Redman Pkwy and Prosser Drive.” — Jane W. Poppell

“Alexander and Mud lake Rd! The intersection of death, literally” — Joey Tomasina

“Need a light at 574 and Woodrow Wilson.” — Julian Hernandez


PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Barbara F. Dempsey, 84, of Plant City, formerly of Rowley, Massachusetts, born in Brooklyn, New York on April 27, 1936, entered into eternal rest on April 15, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Linda Faye Daughtry

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

Linda Faye Daughtry, 78, Taking care of away on of Dover, passed HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM Monday, April 19, 2021. She each other is what was born in Hartsville, community Colquitt County, Georgia

Joe Ramthun

is all about.

on September 18, 1942. A Joe Ramthun, 61, of Lakefuneral service was held land, passed away on April 23, 2021 at CountryApril 23, 2021. A memorial we’re dedicated to helping families create a E ’R E P R OU D TO S E RV E our community side Baptist Church. service willWwith be held on May unique and meaningful memorial that truly personal, compassionate care since 1896. celebrates the life it represents. your Dignity Memorial obituary may 15, 2021 at As2:00pm at Fullprofessionals, Complete > 100% Service Guarantee National Plan be >viewed andTransferability condolences Gospel Tabernacle. > Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® may be left at www.WellsOnline condolences may R Memorial.com. be left for the family at www.haught.care. Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. ®

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Harold ‘Gene’ Beall

Harold “Gene” Beall, 79, of Plant City, born in Dade City HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM WELLSMEMORIAL.COM on February 7, 1942, entered into eternal rest on March Gerald ‘Keith’ Wells MeMorial & event Center 29, 2021. He had a long career PlanT CiTy Near 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com in the automotive industry as a body mechanic, and enjoyed Gerald “Keith” Near, 57, of hunting, fishing and farming. Valrico, passed away on He is survived by children, April 19, 2021. Services will Tracy S. Todd (Donny), Angela be held privately. Frierson (Joe) and Allan Beall Online condolences may (Chris), all of Plant City; four be left for the family at grandchildren; and many www.haught.care. other family and friends. The family will receive friends Friday, April 30 from 6-8:00 P.M. HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 South County Road Jane Ruth Lyman 39, Plant City. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFu- Ray Anthony Swinney neral.com. Mr. Ray Anthony, 51, went to be with the Lord April 19, Jane Ruth Lyman Swinney, 2021 in Lakeland. Grave98, entered peacefully into side Ceremonies will be eternal rest on Wednesday, HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM Thursday, April 29, 2021, April 21, 2021. 11 a.m. at Garden of Peace An almost-native Floridian, Arthur “Art” Ray Cemetery. Jane resided in Tampa for Winslow Honors Funeral 80 years before moving to Bradshaw Chapel. Lakeland. She is predeceased by her beloved husband of Arthur ‘Art’ Ray Bradshaw, 84, of Plant City, born in Sweetwater, Tennessee on ALL OBITUARIES ARE June 12, 1936, entered into SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY eternal rest an April 22, 2021. M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

53 years, Leonard A. Swinney; and daughter Carol Donovan. She is survived by her daughter, Jean Brady (Lakeland); grandsons, David Brady (Plant City) and Jeff Brady (Plant City); granddaughter Susan Carr (Ft. Lauderdale); six greatgrandchildren; and greatgreat grandchildren. Jane was an Auxillary Volunteer at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, ending her 30-year dedication to veterans in 2003. Jane loved her family, her country, her cats, and Disney World. A private family service was held on April 27, 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in Jane’s memory to James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, or the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

10/27/15 10:42 AM

Thaddeus (Thad) Beam Nifong Thaddeus (Thad) Beam Nifong, Lead Instructor of Speech & Communication at Gwinnett Technical College and lifelong advocate, actor, and director of community theatre, died

Tuesday, April 20. He was 58. Born in Lakeland, Florida, Thad’s hometown was Plant City, Florida with residency later established in Tallahassee, Florida; Bainbridge, Atlanta and Tucker, Georgia. Thad earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Florida State University and his Master of Communication Arts from Valdosta State University. He was a member of Toastmasters International and the Golden Key International Honor Society. Thad had a lifelong passion for theater and music. He was a founding board member for the Plant City Community Theatre (now called Plant City Entertainment, Inc.), he sang with

FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

13

the Warren Willis Singers and he served in numerous church choirs in the cities where he has lived. Eventually, his passion for theater led him to the Bainbridge Little Theatre in Bainbridge, Georgia, where he served as Theatre Manager, director of numerous plays and musicals, and as an unforgettable performer in several acclaimed productions. Most recently, his acting skills were showcased at the Main Street Theatre in Tucker, Georgia. Thad is preceded in death by his parents, Wanda Beam and Dwight Moody Nifong, Jr., both of Plant City, Florida. He is survived by his sister, Krysta Diehl of Auburn, Alabama; and brother, Simeon Nifong of Lake Placid, Florida; as well as three nephews, two nieces, and numerous great-nephews and nieces. A Memorial Service with a Celebration of Life Gathering will be announced at a later date.

OBITUARIES

Barbara F. Dempsey

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YOUR CALENDAR

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

BEST BET FRIDAY, APRIL 30 LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 29 PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS 7:30 to 9 a.m. Join the Plant City Toastmasters for breakfast, laughs, and fun; there's no better way to start your Thursday mornings. Bring a chair and a mask. The Toastmasters also offer Zoom meetings for those who can’t make it in person. Visit the Facebook page, facebook. com/PlantCityToastmasters/, for meeting locations and information.

BATON TWIRLING CLASSES

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 30 CHILDREN’S CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT 11:30 a.m. at Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club, 12900 Lake Jovita Blvd., Dade City. The Greater Plant City Chamber of

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

OXFORD NOLAND

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

gospel tunes. Tickets are $10 on Eventbrite.

SATURDAY, MAY 1 YOGA IN THE PARK

10 a.m. Plant City Main Street and Plant City Yoga present Yoga in the Park at McCall Park, a free monthly event open to people of all skill levels. Bring your own mat, towel and water bottle. Social distancing will be practiced. Spots are limited, so register online at bit.ly/3o3O403.

KENTUCKY DERBY FUNDRAISER

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Visit the Tipsy Bookworm, 115 S. Evers St., to celebrate Aspire Plant City’s third anniversary Kentucky Derby style. Proceeds will benefit this year's non-profit partner, the Boys and Girls Club of Plant City. Derby attire encouraged. Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served and prizes will be awarded. Tickets are $50 for members and non-members. Buy yours online at aspireplantcity. org.

PLANT CITY SOCIAL DANCE 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Strawberry Square Dance Center, 4401 Promenade Blvd. Plant City Social Dance will have dances

every Saturday night in the month of May at the Strawberry Square Dance Center. From 6 to 6:30 p.m., there will be ballroom music for ballroom dancers. The regular dance goes from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The cost to dance is $7 per person and attendance is no longer limited. Visit djkenmiller. com to look at sample playlists and get more information.

BLUEGRASS JAM

6:30 at 8:30 p.m. This is an open invitation for local Bluegrass musicians and fans to come to the Krazy Kup loft, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., and jam, clap hands, stomp feet and enjoy. They have their Bluegrass Jam the first Saturday of every month.

TUESDAY, MAY 4 TEENS TEACH TECH FOR 21ST-CENTURY SENIORS

4 to 5 p.m. Who knows the latest technology better than teenagers? All seniors looking to learn how to navigate the Internet and keep up with an ever-changing digital world can learn from the best every Tuesday afternoon at the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St. Call 813-659-4256 for more information.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 5 FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS

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

SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS WITH ESTRANGED FAMILY

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


PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FORECAST

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 29 High: 92 Low: 68 Chance of rain: 8%

FRIDAY, APRIL 30 High: 90 Low: 70 Chance of rain: 19%

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, April 29

6:50a

8:02p

Friday, April 30

6:49a

8:02p

Saturday, May 1

6:48a

8:03p

Sunday, May 2

6:47a

8:03p

Monday, May 3

6:46a

8:04p

Tuesday, May 4

6:46a

8:04p

Wednesday, May 5

6:45a

8:05p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MAY 1 High: 89 Low: 69 Chance of rain: 20%

SUNDAY, MAY 2 High: 91 Low: 71 Chance of rain: 23%

MONDAY, MAY 3 “Nothing like sitting on your front porch with a tall glass of tea, watching the Blue Angels doing flyovers during the recent Sun ‘n Fun Expo,” Stephanie Hrenchir wrote.

ONLINE

Follow us on social media: @PCObserver on Instagram, @PlantObserver on Twitter and Plant City Observer on Facebook.

High: 93 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 31%

(C) 2021 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

Across 1 Potentially insensitive, briefly 5 Police 9 ABBA’s “__ Mia!” 14 Vidal’s Breckinridge 15 Pequod captain 16 Native Nebraskans 17 Plenty 18 Islamic branch 19 Transports by truck 20 Winding, hilly thoroughfares 23 Gandhi’s land 24 Like oysters on the half shell 25 French water 28 Not kid around

33 IV amounts 36 List-shortening abbr. 37 Italics feature 38 Walter White shaved his off 40 In contention (for) 43 On the house 44 AimŽe of “La Dolce Vita” 46 Dmitri’s dissent 48 In low spirits 49 Traitorous spies 53 Driver’s license info 54 Wayside stop 55 One-up 59 Halloween discards, and what the three sets of circles represent? 64 “Dallas” surname

66 Solid precipitation 67 Backside in a fall? 68 Long-shot rags-toriches enabler 69 Ices, mob-style 70 Girl in a Salinger story 71 Enter on a laptop 72 Italian eight 73 Sweetheart Down 1 Savory taste first identified in Tokyo 2 Carpet synthetic 3 __ as a peacock 4 Tabby stimulant 5 JosŽ’s house 6 “Fancy meeting you

here!” 7 “No __, no gain” 8 Mall pizza chain 9 Goth hairstyles 10 Opposite of 17-Across 11 Headpiece for kids in Mickey’s TV club 12 Filmmaker Brooks 13 Biblical beast of burden 21 Yarn 22 Boating blade 26 Sleep concern 27 “ÀC—mo est‡ __?” 29 Dune buggy, briefly 30 “We did it!” 31 Throw wildly 32 North Pole toymaker 33 “Hanging” problems in the 2000 election 34 Algonquin transport 35 Iowa port on the Lewis and Clark Trail 39 Coax (out), as a genie 41 “Science Guy” Bill 42 Title for DDE 45 Fictional language spoken by Sheldon and Leonard on “The Big Bang Theory” 47 Sporty car roof 50 Wind up 51 Slangy “Movin’ right along ... “ 52 Had a late meal 56 Not long-winded 57 Daytime soap, e.g. 58 Big name in blenders 60 Opposed to 61 Float like a feather in the breeze 62 Breakup 63 “Let me add ... “ 64 Yellowstone grazers 65 Misery

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May 11 New

May 16 First

May 26 Full

May 7 Last

RAINFALL LAST WEEK:

MONTH TO DATE:

0.01 in.

4.26 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

APR. AVERAGE:

06.40 in.

SQUASH Shipping point: Central Florida $4.35-$5.85

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

2.69 in.

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

CHEST PRESSURE

CAUTION NARROWED ARTERIES AHEAD

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

OUR NETWORK BayCare Behavioral Health • BayCare HomeCare • BayCare Laboratories • BayCare Medical Group BayCare Outpatient Imaging • BayCare Surgery Centers • BayCare Urgent Care

OUR HOSPITALS Bartow Regional Medical Center • BayCare Alliant Hospital • Mease Countryside Hospital • Mease Dunedin Hospital • Morton Plant Hospital Morton Plant North Bay Hospital • St. Anthony’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital St. Joseph’s Hospital-North • St. Joseph’s Hospital-South • South Florida Baptist Hospital • Winter Haven Hospital • Winter Haven Women’s Hospital

BAYCARE.ORG

21-1392893-0221


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