4.30.20 PLCO by Plant City Observer

Plant City Observer

y Observer

YO UR HOMETOW N. YO UR NEWSPAP ER .

VOLUME 6, NO. 94

YOUR HOMETOWN. YOUR NEWSPAPER FREE

•

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

YO UR NEWS PAP FLORIDA EXPECTEDER TO. REOPEN IN ‘PHASES.’ WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR EPG? Members of the Emergency Policy Group are waiting to see the detailed plan for reopening Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to release any day now. Once it has a game plan, the group will have to decide how long it will continue to meet.

SEE PAGE 5

#PLANTCITYSTRONG NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES, AND PLANT CITY IS FULL OF THEM.

Courtesy of John Hehn

OBSERVER STAFF

Sometimes our heroes look like Maggie Hehn, who traveled from her home in Plant City to New York City in order to join the fight against COVID-19 at one of the most affected areas in the United States. Hehn has been working as a disaster nurse at the Coney Island Hospital since late March and chronicling her experiences on social media. You can read her thoughts and see her photos on her Facebook page and her Instagram (@maggiehehn). But they’re not always on the front lines of the pandemic. Plenty of heroes are people who have gone above and beyond in their day-to-day lives to make life a little easier or better for the rest of us during these uncertain times.

SEE MORE HEROES ON PAGE 9

NEWS BRIEFS

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

Plant City Y to host blood drive

Second choice window for schools opening

Parents interested in enrolling their children in magnet schools and choice attractor programs in Hillsborough County will have another application window next week. Hillsborough County Public Schools is opening its second choice application window at 5 p.m. May 8, accessible online at hillsboroughschools.org/choice. Families will have until 11:59 p.m. May 17 to apply for magnet schools and Choice Attractor Programs which, according to HCPS, “include everything from medical and Environmental Sciences to IB and Cambridge/AICE programs.” The school district listed the following options in a press release: ELEMENTARY • Lomax Elementary Magnet: Lomax is a Gifted and Talent Development Academy, with activities such as LEGO and VEX Robotics, along with enrichment classes like World Drumming, Violin, and Little Kids Rock band. • Riverwalk STEM Academy at Just Elementary: Students are immersed in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math curriculum with exciting options like EV3 Robotics and coding, along with family STEM nights. MIDDLE • South Tampa Academy at Monroe Magnet: Incoming 6th grade students will be the first class to take part in one of the district’s newest IB programs. South Tampa Academy is an IB Candidate School

that aims to develop active and internationally-minded learners. • Dowdell Middle Magnet: Students focus on an Environmental Studies curriculum with outdoor learning centers along with hydroponics and aquaponics labs. • Greco Middle Magnet: Also one of the newest IB programs in the district, Greco is an IB-Candidate school that also houses a STEM academy with academically rigorous courses and high school credit options. HIGH • Jefferson High: Jefferson is home to several Magnet academies to fit a number of student interests. They include a Business and Finance Leadership Academy, Culinary Arts, Maritime, Law, and Criminal Justice Leadership Academies. • Freedom High: Students can participate in New Tampa Digital Academy where they can prepare for careers in web design, game design and 3D animation. • Chamberlain High: Chamberlain is introducing a new 3DE program, which partners students with the local business community. Students are provided relevant case studies geared toward entrepreneurial thinking and authentic workplace experiences. Families who apply will find out about their potential offers via email between May 29 and June 8.

YOUR HOME COMMUNITY

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County WIC program expands remote offerings The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County WIC program is now offering services over the phone to limit possible COVID-19 exposure. Qualified participants in the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program can get healthy food, nutritional education, counseling, breastfeeding support and referrals for health care and community services for free. Call 813-307-8074 for more information.

Judicial candidates for 2020 ballot named Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer announced last week the following candidates will be on the ballot for Hillsborough County Court Judge, Group 7, in the 2020 Primary Election ballot: Nancy L. Jacobs Monique Scott Rickey “Rick” Silverman Bill Yanger Latimer said candidates in groups 6, 9, 16 and 17 are unopposed and will be elected. All other candidates who will appear on the ballot in other areas, including school board races, will be finalized after the qualifying period from June 8-12. Voters must be registered by July 20 to participate in the election, and this is doable online at votehillsborough.org.

The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA announced the Plant City Family YMCA and others in its network are getting ready to host a blood drive on May 21. Citing a “severe” blood shortage due to the novel coronavirus and subsequent closures and cancelations, the Y and OneBlood are teaming up in Hillsborough, Pinellas and eastern Pasco counties for the blood drive. After registering, you will be able to give blood between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. that day. All donors will get a free wellness check-up including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count and cholesterol screenings, as well as a t-shirt. Register online at https://buff. ly/3bKc4ix. Call 1-888-936-6283 for more information.

Railroad & Industrial Federal Credit Union earns top 200 ranking Railroad & Industrial Federal Credit Union was recently named one of the top 200 credit unions in America, coming in at No. 80 on DepositAccount.com by Lending Tree’s list. “It’s an honor to have earned this recognition on a national level, and we look forward to many more years providing outstanding personal service to our members.” Peter Giorgianni, President/CEO, said. “We work hard for our members, and this honor reflects the passion our team has as they help our member-owners with their financial decisions.” Railroad & Industrial received A+ grades in Lending Tree’s categories of Texas Ratio, Texas Ratio Trend, Deposit Growth, Capitalization and DepositAccount.com’s proprietary formula. Railroad & Industrial is a non-profit with a branch in Plant City as well as others around Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk counties. Visit rifcu.org for more information.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

MAKING THE MOST OF

Mother’s Day IN ISOLATION

With Mother’s Day just a little over a week away, there’s a good chance you’re moments away from blowing it. Don’t fret — check out this guide to navigating this one-of-a-kind situation and make sure your mother knows she’s still the queen.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Time may be an illusion as we all try and fail to remember what day it is during isolation, but there’s an event coming up that you can’t let slip through the cracks. Mother’s Day is May 10, just a little more than a week away, and if you want to do something special despite the fact that it recently has felt like we’re living in a dystopian novel, there is still time to make and accomplish a plan. The first question on the list is simple: Do you live with or still continue to visit your mother? If the answer is yes, then you’re in luck. Mother’s Day is still going to be a breeze to pull off. Bring your mom breakfast in bed, watch her favorite movies all day, wrap up a gift you debated over for four days and eventually caved and ordered from Amazon at 2 a.m., then pat yourself on the back for pulling this off. For the rest of society — myself included — we are faced with a new hurdle. No longer do we merely have to agonize over the perfect gift. Now we have to figure out the logistics of getting it to them. And the clock is ticking. Typically on Mother’s Day, I spend at the bare minimum a full month planning a day of activities for us to do together. I grab the prime-time reservation at Oxford Exchange, spend weeks ordering and compiling a thoughtful and useful collection of gifts and hopefully grab tickets at the Tampa Theatre or a local museum for us to spend the afternoon. My mother has since moved out of state. Airline travel is not currently on the table and every excursion or activity we typically do together is canceled. Five weeks ago I entered panic mode and, using a combination of a network of my far more creative friends, the discoveries of my late-night deep dives into online shopping and suggestions from social media, I was able to compile a guideline for what I’m dubbing “Mother’s Day in the Time of Quarantine.” Time is of the essence, so don’t delay getting your final plans in order.

ACTIVITIES Mother’s Day brunch: Every year, restaurants all over the country are booked to capacity as kids fight for a table at their favorite spot to celebrate their mom in the most traditional method known to man: brunch. Hearty, yet daintily plated eggs and hash, sweet maple pancakes, an omelet filled with more cheese than egg and, of course, the cov-

eted mimosa have made this the experience to end all experiences. It’s a tradition for a reason, but with restaurants closed and takeout options limited, it’s going to be far trickier getting the same result. But there’s still hope. If you live near your mom just wake up early, pull up a Bon Appétit cooking video or flip open your Cravings by Chrissy Teigen cookbook and get to work. Make a spread that could feed a small village and carefully plate it in some glass Tupperware. Pick out your nicest tote bag or head to Amazon or Etsy for an adorable picnic basket and load up half of the meal, a bottle of champagne, some cranberry and orange juices and drive to your mom’s. Drop it off at her door — preferably with a Mother’s Day card on top — and dash back home. FaceTime or Skype her and you two can now eat and drink together on her special day. If she lives further away, in another state or even another country, there’s still hope. Get on your phone immediately. Track down a nice restaurant that delivers near her. Order a meal and some drinks and get them to arrive Sunday morning. Whatever you order, try to make or buy something similar for yourself and you’re back in business.

her to get all of the ingredients for your favorite dish of hers, or better yet order them for her and have them delivered to her home. Get the same ingredients for yourself. Dust off an old apron and get on a video call with her in the kitchen. She’ll love spending time sharing her skill with you and you’ll both walk away with a mouth-watering meal.

GIFT GUIDE A queen should be pampered: You know what’s still in business? Tub Treats at 106 NE Drane St. #1. This family-owned business makes everything you need to quickly create a spa basket that will give your mother the relaxation she needs in this stressful time. Go to tubtreat.com and grab some bath bombs or bath salt, pick up some body butter or candles. Buy her some new shampoo or a shower steamer. It’s a gift you literally can’t get anywhere else and you can support a local business while still giving your mother a day at the spa. Both delivery and curbside pickup are available.

Head on over to etsy.com and scroll through the Mother’s Day gift tab. You’ll be surprised at how many “Quarantine Mother’s Day Gift Boxes” are still available. Some have toilet paper and masks inside, others have quarantine and social distancing jokes on t-shirts and wine glasses. A lot also embrace the need for stress relief and come stock full of essential oils and incense. Personalize it: Etsy is also the perfect place to buy personalized gifts. Is your mom a hoarder of photographs? Get her a one-ofa-kind customized portrait with all of your family painted within. Does she still carry around her grandmother’s handwritten recipe card for the family’s famous apple pie? You can purchase a cutting board with their recipe burned into the wood in the exact handwriting on the card you submit. Shop local: Many of the local boutiques including RAOK, shopraok.com, and Tennessee Jane, tennesseejaneco.com, are full of unique finds that are ready to be shipped to you or your mother’s front door. Get her a new outfit or some gorgeous jewelry and show you’re doing your part to support small businesses.

Call me, beep me, if you want to reach me: This is redundant by now, but call or video chat your mom. Whether through Skype, FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, Zoom, Houseparty or any of the countless other apps you can give her the one thing she’ll want the most: your company. Text her a few days before, set up the time and follow through. You’ll be shocked at how quickly the time will pass once you start catching up “face-to-face.” Cook “together:” Let’s face it, we have spent our lives wishing we were as good of a cook as our mother. We may have perfected recipes of our own, but when it comes to her special dish nothing we ever attempt compares. If your mother loves to cook, ask

It’s five o’clock somewhere: We’re two months into non-stop isolation. Odds are, we’re all hitting the bottle a little more than usual. While grocery store wine is great in a pinch, it just isn’t the same as the nicer bottles you would enjoy at your local bar. Luckily, Roots Tap Room and Wine Bar, 101 S. Evers St., is now selling retail bottles to the public. Go grab your mom her favorite brand or pick up a few and let her try something new. Roots also just announced if you buy four bottles you get a special tote bag with the purchase. Now you don’t even have to wrap the gift. Lean into the absurd: No one could have anticipated the role quarantine is playing in all of our lives right now. Luckily, there are retailers with a sense of humor.

PUT SOME THOUGHT INTO IT Write a letter: The good news is, despite the White House rejecting a bailout for the Postal Service, they are at his moment still alive and kicking. Grab a pen, grab that fancy stationery your aunt bought you for Christmas five years ago despite the fact you asked for a video game and give your mother a gift she probably hasn’t seen in years: your words in your own penmanship. Create a playlist: Do you remember those long car rides with your mom when you were a child? You wanted to jam to Spice Girls and Alanis Morissette, but instead Bon Jovi and Earth, Wind & Fire were blasting from the stereo. At the time you dreaded listening to those classic tunes, but now every time you hear them they make you smile. Odds are they’ll make your mom smile too. The traditional mixtape may be outdated, but the concept is still one for the ages. Compile a playlist of her favorite songs, the songs you sang at the top of your lungs growing up and any other tune that makes you think of memories of your time together. Send it to her with a sweet note and set up a time to listen to them together. Don your director’s cap: This is 2020. Odds are, our phones and laptops are filled with videos we’ve snapped of our families over the past several years. Many of us even have access to old VHS tapes our parents made when we were kids. Brush up on your video editing skills on YouTube and get to work making a cinematography project your mother will cherish for years to come. Make it personal, weave in some of your favorite memories and end it with a clip of you speaking straight into the camera while sharing a personal greeting to your mom on her big day. It doesn’t have to be worthy of an Academy Award to win the top spot in her heart.

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

PLANT CITY

Observer

This week on Cops Corner: Plant City Police investigated a car fire, Internet fraud, a stolen push mower, a fight at a

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

blueberry stand and more.

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

BURN BABY BURN

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

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

Advertising / Richard Brame richard@plantcityobserver.com

APRIL 17 BLACK AND BLUE-BERRY 500 block South Maryland Avenue Affray/criminal mischief: The clerk of a blueberry food store called “The Lott” reported a fight occurred at the above listed location. WAYFAIR? MORE LIKE NO FAIR 1200 block of Gordon Oaks Drive Fraud: This victim reported that an unknown suspect fraudulently utilized her credit card to make more than $700 worth of unapproved purchases.

APRIL 18

SOCK IT TO ME 1500 block of Plantation Grove Court Battery/waiver: Officers responded to the above listed address where a man was located with an injury above his right eye. He told them he was struck by another man. The man in question said he was struck by the first man’s vehicle and that the confrontation took place after the first man parked at his apartment building. However, the report from the man claiming to have been struck by the car could not be corroborated and he admitted his involvement in the prosecution. The man with the eye injury signed a waiver of prosecution to the battery and a report was completed.

OH, BROTHER 4500 block of Ethan Way Vehicle burglary: This victim reported an unknown suspect stole her daughter’s driver’s license, $36.00 and a school ID as a result of vehicle burglary occurred to her brother’s vehicle during the night of April 18. PUSH IT REAL GOOD 1400 block of North Palm Drive. Theft: Officers spoke with the victim at the above listed location who advised an unknown suspect stole his Honda push mower from his side yard between 5:30 and 5:40 p.m.

Universal Crossword

SCORCH ON THE PORCH 1500 block of OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND Edited by David Steinberg April 30, 2020 Plantation Grove Court West Washington Street/ Officers met with this victim who South Gibbs Street APRIL 19 advised38 thatKrieger an unknown Flee to elude: Officers attempted46 Hogwarts 10 Pulled from ACROSS of suspect door on fire. to stop a green Dodge FIGHTING SLEEP class about shelves set her apartment 1 ___ upCharger the U.S. with VA plates (common due to its very dark 2400 block of nonmagical 11 Sea creature women’s window tint. The vehicle fled from James L. Redman Parkway beings with no APRIL 21 national palindrome) the stop. 4 Computers A man reported 49Battery-waiver: Fanciful natural soccer team to PCPD that he was kicked and CROOKS thoughts predators CONVERTER with Finder 40 NYC art STAY IN YOUR LANE hit with a stick by another man 800 block of 50 Commu12 ___ sugar 8 Like this museum, Alexander Street/Maki Road while sleeping behind the 7-11. The West Dr. MLK King Jr. Boulevard nicate man confirmed 13 he Gunk answer to the with “The” to DUI: Officers responded accused did on Theft: Officers responded nonverbally a trunk 14 Sound of 41 Employing area listed above in reference to a kick the sleeping man. The man Hood’s Towing, where they found Betty Beatles satisfaction 42 Bent over vehicle that was swerving all over 53who wasof hitold chose to19 waive the cartoons drummer 15 “This can’t 43 Early daily the roadway. A 20-year-old man charges and signed the appropriNeither’s Starr beDUI good!” occurrence was arrested for and NVDL. 55ate forms.

Advertising / Karen Berry kberry@plantcityobserver.com

APRIL 22

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, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103.

BURN BABY BURN 300 block of Hunter Street Criminal mischief: This victim exited his home on the morning of April 22 to discover his vehicle cover and his vehicle were on fire.

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

APRIL 23 ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER East Warren Street/ South Maryland Avenue Fleeing to elude/vehicular homicide: Officers attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a violation in the area of 1100 block of Ohio St. The vehicle fled the area, which resulted in a fatal traffic accident.

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This week’s Crossword PREVIOUS PUZZLEanswers ANSWER

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10 vehicles had their catalytic converters cut off. The value of the stolen property was $3,000.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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FUTURE OF EPG UNCERTAIN AS FLORIDA CONSIDERS ‘STEPS’ FOR REOPENING

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

COMMISH ROUNDUP: CITY CONTINUES TO MOVE FORWARD Though Monday night’s agenda was short, several impactful decisions were made during the city commission meeting.

The Emergency Policy Group will soon have to decide how long it will continue to meet for. It’s just waiting to see the detailed plan for reopening Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to release any day now. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Once the state transitions into recovery mode, the fate of the the area will be left in the hands of the county commissioners. However, it is evident Hillsborough County has not fully crossed that bridge yet. Dr. Douglas Holt, Florida Department of Health director for Hillsborough County, said until the numbers indicated a significant enough portion of the county had been tested it would be hard to know with any certainty whether COVID-19 was truly being handled correctly, or if it was merely hiding. Tim Dudley, Emergency Management Director, reminded everyone gathered that their testing sites were up and running, but there was a larger problem at hand: people simply aren’t coming to be tested. A survey is in the works to hopefully identify just why the public is not taking advantage of the testing kits available in the county. Dudley speculated part of the issue may be that there is confusion on who is eligible to be tested. Unlike at the start of the pandemic, when kits and PPEs were in short supply, the county is now ready to handle a wave of potentially sick residents. Because of that, it has waived the many boxes you had to check before you could become eligible. Essentially, if you’re sick and want a test, reach out to the call center and you will get an appointment. Plant City has a testing site of its own at the Plant City Community Resource Center at 307 N. Michigan Ave. You can get an appointment by calling 813-272-5900 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays. The county is able to administer 4,000 tests a day, according to Dr. Charles Lockwood, dean of the University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine. Yet right now, only 500 to 700 daily tests are completed. He believes Hillsborough County should test approximately 2,250 people a day before it could know if it was safe to reopen. Now all the EPG can do is wait. It’s waiting for more people to get tested, waiting for DeSantis to give some directions and waiting to see if this pandemic will end before a hurricane arrives and slips the group back into its original role. At least if another storm does brew on the horizon, there’s some comfort in knowing there’s tried and true steps waiting to guide the group through another hurricane season.

When it was originally created, Hillsborough County’s Emergency Policy Group never dreamed it would deal with a pandemic. Hurricanes were managed down to a science with a formula that rarely failed. Relentless storms can and have been handled with care while EPG leaders opened shelters and got highways prepared for the possibility of evacuations. A pandemic has thrown the group into an entirely new reality. Instead of meeting storm by storm the group has had to buckle in for a now approximately twomonth session. They’ve closed restaurants, implemented a curfew, retracted said curfew, set up testing sites, worked with hospitals and inadvertently began writing the rulebook on how future crises of this nature are handled. Now President Donald Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis are discussing reopening the country and the state, respectively. So where does the EPG fall now? “Once the Governor’s (order) is detailed my assumption is we would be letting our Emergency Order expire and the three cities would work with the county independently and together in the recovery phase,” Plant City Mayor Rick Lott said. “I am assuming this is not something to where we will have our Declaration of Emergency enforced for a long period of time… Am I accurate in assuming that?” There wasn’t a clear-cut answer. Hillsborough County Administrator Mike Merrill said once DeSantis releases his detailed order, he assumes there will be some local flexibility. That window of uncertainty as to what exactly would be asked of them is what led many to believe they should simply hunker down and wait until they were told what to do. Some, spearheaded by Hillsborough County School Board Chair Melissa Snively, said they hope to start using their twice-a-week meetings as a group to hear from even more experts. She suggested they listen to health experts one day and leaders in the business community or economic experts in the other scheduled weekly meeting so they would be able to focus on how to keep the community’s health safe and still go about getting the economy back on track. The EPG is created to handle the reYou can tune in to this afternoon’s EPG sponse of a crisis, not its recovery, as was meeting at 1:30 p.m. on the Hillsborough repeatedly mentioned Monday afternoon. County Facebook and YouTube pages.

Mr. D is back New Number New Name Same Great Professional Service

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

City leaders and members of the public tuned in from their homes Monday evening to the second-ever virtual commission meeting in Plant City. Though the agenda was brief, the sentiment was clear: Plant City is still moving full steam ahead. One of the big wins for the city this week was an approved purchase of five enclosed trailer mounted generators at a massive discount. These generators provide auxiliary power for the City of Plant City’s sewage lift and well stations. Eight of the trailer-generators for the Utilities Maintenance Department had exceeded their life expectancy and were in need of replacement. The 2019-20 fiscal year’s budget allotted for five of those to be be replaced. While all went according to plan, the final savings amount was far more than anyone expected. Commissioner Bill Dodson had the item removed from the consent agenda to further delve into the specifics of the purchase because while he said he was “really thankful we are able to do so well,” he was curious as to exactly how that was pulled off. City Manager Bill McDaniel explained staff did extensive research and was able to piggyback off an existing contact. “When we establish budgets, things are based upon retail pricing,” McDaniel said. Using our procurement department, we were able to buy the generators under a state contract… because those are state wide contracts, the municipalities and counties and other governmental entities for the state basically get the benefits of that combined buying power.” The total cost for the five generators had been expected to be $401,788, but with the Florida Sheriff’s Association Contract with Tradewinds Power Corp. of Sebring Florida the total ended up coming in at $267,957. The funds are available in the Fleet Replacement Fund.

Commissioners also agreed to extend a contract for consultant work with KimleyHorn and Associates, Inc. The city began efforts to recruit candidates to fill two management positions within the Engineering Department in early December 2019. In order to help the department maintain its programing duties and necessary assignments, the city partnered with Kimley-Horn for consultant work with a contract in the amount of $35,880.00. “The initial estimated term of the required services was 13 weeks,” the city report said. “The first modification to this contract was requested and approved on March 9, 2020, adding an additional 8 week term in the amount of $22,080.00.” While the City Engineer position was filled on March 30, the Assistant City Engineer job is still vacant. Commissiones agreed to extend the contract with Kimley-Horn for another 13 weeks so the consultant engineer can “transition projects he is currently managing over to the City Engineer and provide time for the City Engineer to orient himself with City operations.” This second extension will cost the city $35,880 and the funds will be transferred from engineering salaries. The City of Plant City also agreed to vacate a portion of Henderson Way following a public hearing Monday evening. The city was asked to abandon a portion of the cul-de-sac located at the east end of Henderson Way. This area isn’t needed because the right of way — Henderson Way — is proposed to be extended eastward by the applicant. The Planning Board unanimously approved the decision on Dec. 11 and forwarded it on to commissioners, who also unanimously agreed with the plan this week.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

READERS SOUND OFF ON FLORIDA REOPENING

We’ve asked our readers to share their thoughts on reopening the county and the state. Here’s what you had to say.

OBSERVER STAFF

With all the talk going on in Hillsborough County, Florida and the country as well, we decided to ask our readers what they thought the state’s reopening process should look like. Governor Ron DeSantis said he plans to use “baby steps” while reopening Florida. The nitty-gritty details of what that guideline will look like has yet to be announced. The reality is the state is weighing two heavy burdens. Only a fraction of the population has been tested so it’s hard to know what the true state of COVID-19 is in Florida. If we reopen and it isn’t under control as much as the data indicates, there will be a strong and sudden second wave. However, the longer we wait to reopen, the more people will face unemployment, the more businesses will close their doors for good and the weaker our economy becomes. Members of the EPG have made it clear up to this point that they value people’s lives over the possible economic repercussions. Recent data has caused the conversation to shift. If COVID-19 is regressing, then perhaps it is time to start reopening. They wait now for the governor’s direction. In Plant City, many residents fall somewhere in the middle: they want to go back to a new normal, but realize it’s a dangerous gamble. Others have strong beliefs both for and against reopening. For the past two weeks, we’ve asked Facebook users to share their thoughts. Here’s what you had to say:

OPEN UP:

FAVOR CAUTION:

PHASE THE OPENINGS:

Beth Lamb Parks: Just open it up. If people want to stay home they can. We can’t afford to keep this up.

Balzer Karla: There was no real shut down here. People are selfish. They don’t care that people die because choose to go out and do their hairs, nails, eating out . Why can people be patient? You’ll see what will happen after things start to open up. It’s going to get worse and they will have to shut down for real and longer

Bill Pollifrone: The medical experts said there’s going to be a resurgence no matter what we do and how big that will be determined on how quickly (or not) we reopen. We’re going to have to venture out, we just need to be safe doing so. From the EPC meeting, it sounds like it’ll depend on what the governor does will impact what is done locally. It sounded like all in charge are in favor of a phased reopening, so it’s probably happening soon.

Princess Torres: Open every thing restaurants separating tables barber shops near places hair salons by appointment only separate the chairs parks limited hours Kelly Ward: Open our state back up!!! This charade needs to end now!! Lance LeBerte: tell government to get out of the way and let Americans handle it Amanda Wynn: Open up! For those that want to continue safer at home so be it! Some of us aren’t afraid to go out! Have you seen the grocery stores?? If I/you were going to get it we’d have gotten it already! I don’t wear a mask or gloves when I go out! I wash and sanitize my hands like I should and always have even prior to this virus! Those that have weak immune systems I can see them wanting to stay at home. Carolyn Cauffman Quaintance: Let us get moving now. We can also set back and watch all of our small business’s go under. Social distancing can continue, small groups OK, but lets keep as safe as we can. Michelle M. Phenicie: The main concern is small businesses but please remember even larger companies like Universal Studios being closed for long periods of time well lead to more unemployment for their employees too.

Jane W. Poppell: My suggestion is to be very cautious in all areas. People have not followed the rules even under Stay at Home. What makes you think they will follow any new rules? Brenda Boyd Anderson: The trouble with going back to work is that the daycares will become full again. They are already a possible cesspool of germs to begin with. But people are getting restless and need something to do. Along with the government not being able to get their money out to the people who need it because they’re not working. It’s a scary thing, even though I am going to continue to stay away and socially distance as much as possible, I do not want to take the chance of getting this virus. I’m pretty healthy, I’m pretty sure I got a good immunity system. But if it’s worse than the flu I don’t want it.

Maggie Beard: I think one thing we need to realize is that this virus is NOT going to dissapear. Until a vaccination is created, and EVERYONE receives it, much like how small pox was eradicated, people are still going to get sick. And yet we cannot close the country down for months. So, yes I agree a re-opening is needed before the economic hardship totally destroyes people’s lives. Cautiously, with as much social distancing as possible, and facemasks. But we MUST get back to work.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

ELKS DONATE MORE THAN $5,000 TO UNITED FOOD BANK

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.

Justin Kline

Members of the Plant City Elks Lodge presented UFBPC executive director Mary Heysek with a check on Tuesday morning.

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

County Line Rd.

Felton’s Market

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Face mask packs are now for sale at the United Food Bank of Plant City, thanks to a bulk donation last week.

DRIVE SAFE & SAVE.

Park Rd.

ASK FOR A MASK

The UFB’s layered masks are light, shaped for the contours of your face and have ear loops thin enough to comfortably fit underneath a pair of glasses or sunglasses. You can get them in packs of three for $24 per pack with 100 percent of proceeds going to the food bank. You can order them for pick-up the next day. All you have to do is email ufbpcmarket@gmail.com with how many packs you’d like. You’ll get an invoice and can either pay by check or credit card at the food bank when you go to pick them up.

MEETING “MR. MULE”. Kathy Flemister met “Mr. Mule” in a field on Cameron Road, and he was so friendly that she even brought her dog, Molly, out there to meet him.

Maryland Ave.

They say when one door closes, another one opens. Just ask the members of Plant City’s Elks Lodge. The Elks have helped Plant Cityarea students in elementary through high school pay off their lunch debts since 2017 with help from the National Elks Gratitude Grant, as those lunch debts can delay students from getting their reports cards or, worse, getting their diplomas in some cases. This year was shaping up to be just like those before it: the group had cash in hand and knew exactly where to distribute it. Then, COVID-19 happened. Schools shut down and it suddenly didn’t matter that some kids were in debt from the meals they needed: everyone started eating for free with the Grab and Go program, which has changed several times in a month but is still going strong. With no certainty whatsoever about what would become of the rest of the school year, those debts took a backseat for the greater good of keeping kids fed in a pandemic. Elks officer Judy Wise said the schools decided against taking that money right now and sorting out who no longer owes what, so that left the group with a bunch of cash they wanted to go somewhere in the community to make a difference. As the door for school lunch debts closed, the United Food Bank of Plant

City’s door — now outfitted with a bank teller-style window — opened. The Elks are no strangers to helping the food bank, so that was an easy call for them to make. They rounded up $4,000 in the grant money and also asked their members and vendors to chip in a little extra here and there, and together they came up with $5,479 to give to the food bank. Wise, UFBPC executive director Mary Heysek, Elks director Kenny Goodwien and Elks grants officer Shelley Carroll linked up outside the facility Tuesday morning for a small presentation ceremony. It was great timing for the food bank, which has already dipped into its summer and fall budgets to meet a massive uptick in demand for its services. “The Elks have supported the food bank for many years in several capacities,” Heysek said. “Donating food, volunteering and dollars. This donation cannot come at a better time with our current community needs doubling.” It’s just one of many examples of how Plant Citians have stepped up lately to help the food bank help others at a time where panic buying has made it extremely difficult for the UFB to get its hands on necessities. If you wish to help the food bank through monetary or food donations, or if you wish to volunteer, call 813-764-0625 or email Gayle Tindle at gtindle@ufbpc.org.

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SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

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JUSTIN KLINE

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

OUR COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2019

Thanks to the brave people who serve and protect our community.

Heros

We asked you to tell us about the heroes in your lives, and you delivered.

Kevin Harper and Jack Hedrick, both work at Publix store #1212.

Gunner is a survey technician Thomas Wilder, diesel mechanic, keeps the big rigs going and shaved his beloved working for Hillsborough Surveying, locally owned in Plant beard so he can wear a mask. City, and will begin summer classes at HCC in a few weeks.

Lincare Service Representative Scott Rogan provides in-home respiratory care and setups.

Kelsie Corry, Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Kierstan is an ICU nurse at Lakeland Regional Medical Center and a mom to 3, Jaxson, Kinslee and James, all under the age of 4.

Publix #1212, James L. Redman Parkway

Kobee is a full-time student pursuing a career in environmental science and working five days a week behind the meat/seafood counter to serve those who frequent the Fresh Market.

Publix #793, Thonotsassa Road

The Plant City Observer is accepting names/photos of our true â&#x20AC;&#x153;Community Heroesâ&#x20AC;? in order to recognize them for being at risk while serving our basic needs during this Coronavirus pandemic. Medical personnel, drive-thru servers, bank tellers, truck drivers, mechanics, grocery cashiers, food deliverers, etc. Names of heroes can be sent on Facebook or emailed to Sarah Holt at sholt@plantcityobserver.com. Thank you for your help!

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

PLANT CITY CHURCH OF GOD SPREADS LOVE TO HEALTHCARE HEROES

Did you take the Observer with you on vacation? Send your pictures to Courtesy photo

Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

Members of Plant City Church of God headed to South Florida Baptist Hospital Tuesday evening to show their support for the healthcare workers. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Workers at South Florida Baptist Hospital received a surprise Tuesday evening when they entered the parking lot for their shift change. Plant City Church of God’s Head Pastor Jeff Robinson and his wife Carla Robinson, Youth Pastor Jeremy Bendorf and his wife Karen Bendorf, Executive Pastor Gerron Ayento and his wife Tami Ayento and Children’s Pastor Greg Davis and Billie Jo Davis led the charge on the

sidewalks near the hospital and in the employee parking lot near the ER side entrance. Several of their congregation, including much of their youth, arrived with masks and signs to cheer the workers at SFBH on. All in all, more than 60 members arrived at the scene and showed their support for approximately an hour from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The community responded to the spontaneous pep rally as well with car honks and hand waves as they passed by.

NEW YORK CITY: Darryl and Linda Dempsey took the Observer on a trip to New York City in early February and brought the Observer along for this photo of the skyline at night.

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

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APRIL 30, 2020

SPORTS WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? JUSTIN KLINE AN OPEN LETTER TO AREA SENIOR ATHLETES

Though the 2019-20 spring season is now lost, hope isn’t. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

You’re right to think you didn’t deserve this. None of you did. The FHSAA may have acted in the interest of safety for everyone by shutting the spring season down last week, but it still sucks. Sometimes the right decision to make is also the hardest one to take. You’re right to feel sorry for yourself and your teams right now. All that hard work you put in this school year to be the best you can be on the field might seem like it’s going to waste now that we’re not getting any district, regional or state champions this semester, and that’s perfectly fair. Are you angry at having your last year ripped out of your hands? Sad about not being able to accomplish your goals or enjoy some of the best things about being a high school senior? Afraid of how the novel coronavirus might affect your athletic future? Embrace it. Let it out. Bottling up those emotions doesn’t do anyone any good right now. It’s OK to not be OK. Just remember: COVID-19 could take away the present, but it can’t take your past away and it might not be able to stop you from having a future. You worked so hard on your craft while juggling all the other responsibilities of high school and being a teenager. Your sports definitely helped you grow as an athlete. Hopefully, they also helped you grow as a student and a person. Maybe it’s happened in ways you haven’t yet realized, but will think about later when some moment of clarity hits you. Think about the good things that have happened because you got into your sports. How many of your goals did you actually meet? How much progress can you say you’ve made? How many positive reinforcements have come into your life because you chose to play these sports? Even if you weren’t able to meet the goals you set for yourself in your last year, there are probably still good things you can take from your career and be proud of. Whether you were able to get an athletic scholarship, an academic scholarship or even if you didn’t plan on attending college but have other dreams, playing your sports was a way to help you channel your determination into something positive — or maybe that was what helped you become a more determined person. I’m not gonna sugarcoat things: this year’s not looking so hot for us all right now. It’ll be some time before we have vaccines and treatments that actually work, help us get to legitimate herd immunity and truly get back to normal life. But even with so much adversity ahead, you still have the potential to do something in life that makes you feel happy and accomplished. It doesn’t matter if you already know what that is or if you need to find it first, however long that may take and wherever unexpected places it may take you. It doesn’t matter if you’re getting into a super exclusive college because of great grades and/or connections, or if you already know college isn’t for you and that you can still make a good living doing something that doesn’t require a piece of fancy paper and a mountain of debt. If you’re still living and breathing, no matter how bleak your situation looks, you still have a chance. You still have worth beyond what you can do on the playing field. You still have reasons to be hopeful about where you can go in life. Your spirit got you this far in life and it can still keep you going, Class of 2020. Stay safe and stay grounded.

Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Observer. Email: jkline@plantcityobserver. com.

QUICK HITS PCHS BASEBALL TEAM PLANNING SENIOR SEND-OFF

Plant City High School’s senior baseball players had to turn in all their team-issued equipment one last time and officially give up hope of playing prep sports again, but the seniors are not about to go out on such a downer. Several Raiders have coordinated a drive-by parade next Wednesday, May 6, to give the seniors an unforgettable send-off and thank them for their unmatched contributions to program history. Friends, families and supporters of the senior class of 2020 are asked to drive by the Walden Lake polo field that evening and deck out their cars — which they can’t leave, by the way — with signs, balloons and other decorations. Drivers are asked to meet at the Walden Lake clubhouse between 5:30 and 5:45 p.m. to get ready to drive past the polo field and all of the team’s 10 seniors at 6 p.m.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR We asked Facebook: Governor Ron DeSantis said he plans to re-open Florida in “baby steps.” What should the first “steps” be? “Beauty shops and barber shops, “Beauty and barber shops! Enough is enough. We need to work and one customer allowed at a time. we are trained in sanitation.” Nobody has cleaner hands than — Crystal Creel Butler hairdressers who wash hair all day. And he/she can wear a little mask if they like. I can, too. It’s a small thing to do if it keeps others safe.”

“Open all businesses! It’s time to recover and rebuild what has been lost. Prayers for everyone.”

““People have had weeks of coaching on how to protect themselves and others. It is time to open businesses.”

— Amanda Pierce

— Lisa Ussery

“It doesn’t need to be ‘baby steps,’ the quicker the better.”

“The Florida Governor’s Mansion.”

— Stephanie Renner Holbrook

— Terrie Guthrie Alderman

— Meg Scott

“Opening camp grounds.” — Crystal Johnson

“My suggestion is to be very cautious in all areas. People have not followed the rules even under Stay at Home. What makes you think they will follow any new rules?” — Jane W. Poppell

“You guys go first. I’ll stay home.” — Alexandra Forrest

“Our state should have different ‘opening’ plans for different cities depending on the number of cases in those cities. If Lakeland has over a hundred cases, they should delay their opening plans. Smaller cities, like Plant City, which do not have high numbers of COVID-19 patients, should broaden the types of businesses able to operate while using social distancing measures. Citizens within those cities should stick to their home areas and not venture into high-risk city zones.” — Mara Samantha Bourque

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AROUND TOWN

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OBITUARIES

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

Carl Wallace Porter Sr.

Carl Wallace Porter Sr., 85, of Plant City, born in Durant on Jan. 25, 1935, entered into eternal rest on April 21, 2020. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, and a member of Pleasant Grove Assembly of God, where he was Senior Commander of the Royal Rangers. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ann Porter; children, Wally Porter of Keysville, and his son Dallas and family, and Rhenda Porter Booth (Carmen) of Blueridge, Georgia, and their son Heath and family; sisters, Dorothy Rudd of Durant, and Carol Mayes of Durant; and many loving extended family, and friends. Interment at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Plant City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Grove Assembly of God, 7051 Turkey Creek Rd., Plant City, 33567, ATTN: Carl’s Well, in our effort to grant Carl’s final wish of bringing safe drinking water to an underdeveloped country through the James and Betty Robinson Water for Life. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Daron Lee Hutchinson

Uleric Eugene “Gene” Cowart

Daron Lee Hutchinson, 54, of Plant City, born in Huntington, West Virginia on Nov. 16, 1965, entered into eternal rest on April 20, 2020. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Uleric Eugene “Gene” Cowart, 81, of Seffner, born in Plant City on October 16, 1938, entered into eternal rest on April 25, 2020. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Joe T. Morris

Joey Lunsford

Joe T. Morris, 94, of Plant City, born in Daisy, Georgia on Sept. 12, 1925, entered into eternal rest on April 23, 2020. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Joey Lunsford (Joe E. Lunsford, Jr.) was born in Plant City on April 20, 1963. He departed this life in Pinecrest on April 9, 2020 after a ferocious yet courageous battle with cancer. Joey was preceded in death by his father, Joe E. Lunsford, Sr. and by grandson, Kameron Futch. Joey leaves behind three daughters: Kayla Lunsford (Josh Williams), Kindle Lunsford and Nikki Futch, and a son Jake Futch (Mandy). He also leaves seven beloved grandchildren: June Sunshine Williams, Kloee and Liam Springfield, Kelsey Brown, Keyara Yerby, Keelan Futch, and Kyla Futch.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Deborah Kulisz Keene McClain Deborah Kulisz Keene McClain, 63, of Valrico, born in Tampa on February 6, 1957, entered into eternal rest on April 26, 2020. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com

He is survived by his mother, Sue Lunsford, sisters Susan Giguere (Bill) and Millie Rushlow (David), his brother Steve Lunsford (Angie), and numerous nieces and nephews. Joey loved the water. He loved fishing wherever he could, and maybe even where he could not. He also loved to sing along with his music every place he ventured. His green thumb cannot be left unmentioned, either. The family sends a very special thank you to his Aunt Amy Dixon, CJ Johnson, Evelyn Milton, and Carl Hunter for the continual love and care they gave to him in his time of need. Rest easy, Joey Lunsford.

Lloyd Donald Carlisle, 91, of Plant City, passed away on April 23, 2020. He was a United States Army Veteran of the Korean War. Services were held Tuesday April 28, 2020 at Haught Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Jimmy Staggs

Jimmy Staggs, 76, of Dover, passed away on April 25, 2020. In accordance with the COVID-19 restrictions the services will be private for family only, but will be live streamed at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 30, 2020 on the Haught Funeral Home Facebook page and at www.haught.care. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught. care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

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

Lloyd Donald Carlisle

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

Universal Crossword Edited by David Steinberg April 29, 2020 PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

4/29

FORECAST THURSDAY, APRIL 30

34 Took a load off 35 Person you look up to 36 Overtake 39 Musical repetition 41 James who wrote “A Death in the Family” 42 Job listing letters 44 Finishes ahead of 45 *Hats for wildlife photographers? 49 Super Bowl spot seller 50 Dover’s state: Abbr. 51 Indian honorific 54 Perfectly qualified, or like the people in the starred clues? 59 Landers of advice 61 “Eighth Grade” star

Fisher 62 Push 63 Cleaning cloth 64 Groups of gamers or families 65 Jabs playfully 66 “Angie Tribeca” channel 67 Word you may have tattooed opposite “love” 68 Wheat in some health foods DOWN 1 Pet welfare org. 2 Quick on the uptake 3 They’re over angels’ heads 4 Stately shade trees 5 Loch ___ Monster

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, April 30

6:48a

8:02p

Friday, May 1

6:48a

8:03p

Saturday, May 2

6:47a

8:03p

Sunday, May 3

6:46a

8:04p

FRIDAY, MAY 1

Monday, May 4

6:45a

8:05p

Tuesday, May 5

6:44a

8:05p

Wednesday, May 6

6:44a

8:06p

High: 80 Low: 55 Chance of rain: 10%

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MAY 2 High: 86 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 10%

SUNDAY, MAY 3 High: 90 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 10%

TOMATOES

Shipping point: Central Florida $19.95-$21.95

6 Sidetracks, like plans 7 Malek who played Freddie Mercury 8 File folder or recycle bin 9 Floppy caps 10 Journalism, collectively 11 Filmmaker Lupino 12 Play on words 14 Italian cheese city 20 Little bit 21 Brings back on staff 25 German’s “Cheers!” 26 Spots in the ocean 27 Decorated, as a wall 28 Notable period 29 72, on many golf courses 30 Colorado tribe member 31 Carne ___ 32 Sledded supinely 33 Age indicators in a forest 37 Movie filming area 38 “... two if by ___” 40 Inexpensive beer, for short 43 Well- established 46 Valedictorian’s talk 47 Apt surname for a locksmith? 48 Loopy cursive letters 51 Add fuel to 52 Eat, drink and be merry 53 That is, in Latin 55 Ragu ___ Bolognese 56 Exam for a future D.A. 57 Mail carrier’s grp. 58 It uses 1.5 million gallons of maple syrup per year 59 Objects of appreciation? 60 Catch red-handed

SUNRISE/SUNSET

High: 77 Low: 58 Chance of rain: 80%

Dress for Success by Enrique Henestroza Anguiano

ACROSS 1 Drained of color 6 Smidgen 10 Bit of bourbon 13 Oil-producing rock 14 What a V-sign symbolizes 15 www.dartmouth.___ 16 Oasis trees 17 Knight’s protection 18 Drained of color 19 *Shoes for seminarians? 22 Hard H.S. courses 23 Pierre’s pal 24 Adagio and allegro 27 *Pants for pianists? 31 Place for two brides, perhaps

May 22 New

May. 27 First

May 6 Full

May 18 Last

RAINFALL Monday, April 20

0.63

Tuesday, April 21 0.00 Wednesday, April 22

0.00

Thursday, April 23 0.00 Friday, April 24

2.22

Saturday, April 25 0.00 Sunday, April 26

0.00

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2020 07.10 in.

2020 4.25 in.

2019 04.61 in.

2019 1.00 in.

WEATHER

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