4.4.19 PLCO by Plant City Observer

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VOLUME 6, NO. 40

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THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019

DON’T TAKE IT LIGHTLY LED light bars and underglow kits installed on trucks cause many problems for drivers of cars. Plant City Police Department is about to give blinded drivers a helping hand. SEE PAGE 3

PLANT CITY RALLIES FOR RELAY

Breanne Williams

The track at the Plant City Relay For Life was filled as the community came out and showed their support for the annual event.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

This year’s Relay For Life was another massive success as PCHS was filled for the Florida themed event.. SEE PAGE 11

PC’S BIKERS The Dean’s Ride combined with Plant City’s Bike with the Mayor event to promote bicycling and healthy lifestyles. SEE PAGE 8

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Plant City residents tested the city’s bike friendliness early Saturday morning as they hit the streets in the annual Bike with the Mayor and Dean’s Ride event. This is the first time the city has combined the Bike with the Mayor event with the Dean’s

Ride. The Dean’s Ride was created in memory of Dean Snyder, a resident who left a permanent mark on his community and encouraged others to pursue healthy lifestyles. The mayor’s event was created to promote bike safety and offer a unique opportunity for the public to get to know their mayor and comThis year’s Bike with the Mayors attendees. missioners.

Breanne Williams

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019

NEWS BRIEFS

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

Courtesy photo

Several summer camp offerings are on deck for Plant City youth.

Camp Extravaganza coming to PC YMCA Saturday, April 19 at the Plant City Family YMCA looks to be a fun one for the kids. The Y will host its Camp Extravaganza in conjunction with Healthy Kids Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kids and parents are welcome to stop by to learn all about the Y’s summer camp offerings and check out the games music and other fun activities on deck. The event is free. ITINERARY 10 a.m.: Pool relays 10:30 a.m.: Mini Camp on the sports field 11 a.m.: Family Zumba on the pool deck

11:30 a.m.: Sports Activities on the sports field 12 p.m.: Hot dogs and chips served (must pick up food ticket by 10:40 a.m.)

First service at First Call First Call at Sydney Baptist Church, a new house of worship geared toward first responders and their families, is set to officially launch this weekend. The church’s inaugural service begins at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday and is led by Chaplain Dan Middlebrooks. A “blessed brunch” will follow the service at 10:45 a.m. First Call is located at 1510 Cre Road, Dover. For more informa-

Justin Kline

Sydney Baptist Church begins its new life as First Call this Sunday.

tion call 813-767-2082 or visit firstcallsbc.com.

Durant drama program to perform spring musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is due up for a three-night performance at the Durant High School auditorium next week. The musical, a 2005 Tony Award winner, is about a middle school’s spelling bee as told through one woman’s flashback. It has been performed on Broadway and around the world since 2005 and generally includes segments where audience members are invited to join the “spelling bee” competition.

Durant students will perform at 7 p.m. on April 11, 12 and 13. There will also be a 2 p.m. show on April 13. Adult tickets cost $12 per person, student tickets cost $6 per person and children age 5 and under get in for free.

Register for youth summer program The Plant City Recreation and Parks Department’s annual Youth Summer Program starts June 10 and runs for eight weeks through August 2. Local kids age 5 through 15 can learn about the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) field with arts and crafts, games, sports, “discovery” activities, outdoor adventures, field trips and more.

The program costs $375 for eight weeks of activities and trips, adult supervision, shirts, transportation and more. The cost comes out to less than $10 per day per child. The total fee must be paid in full by June 7. Payment plans are available. The program is based out of the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St. Youth must have at least completed kindergarten to be able to participate in the camp. Registration forms and more information are available on the program web page at plantcitygov.com/parksrec/page/ summer-offerings or by e-mail at recinfo@plantcitygov.com or by telephone at 813-659-4256.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019

LIT UP, PULLED OVER PCPD will soon crack down on illegal lighting on vehicles around town. If you own an LED bar or installed underglow to your truck, know the code or be prepared to pay the fine.

A brightly glowing undercarriage of a truck or car is distracting to other drivers.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Plant City police are sending out a warning to drivers: If you have illegal lighting on your vehicle you’re about to get stopped. For years the department has quietly watched as more and more vehicles hit the streets with massive light bars, spotlights and underglows. They’ve pulled over those causing safety concerns, but the problem only continues to grow. Officer Christian Lopez, a traffic homicide investigator, spent two weeks heavily researching Florida law and putting together a guide for local officers. The statutes tend to overlap so while one item may not be mentioned in the first statute, it could be brought up in the fourth. The guide will be distributed to PCPD officers, especially those on night patrol, and soon they will be armed and ready to get violators off the streets. “This isn’t about us being jerks, this is about safety,” Lopez said. “The large LED light bars create a hazard to other vehicles. They’re too bright and they change the eyes of the drivers at night when

they pass or get up behind someone. Even after they go by, the drivers they’ve come in contact with have to take a while to readjust to the darkness, which causes issues while they’re on the road.” Underglow kits are becoming more and more popular on the roads as well. Though you can buy kits online and at local automotive stores, the fine print says “for recreational use.” No underglow lighting is legal on the roadway unless they fit all of the statutes, including having appropriate colors and not exceeding the allowed number of visible lights per side of the car. If it glows brightly enough to be seen, it more than likely won’t pass the test. A brightly glowing undercarriage of a truck or car is distracting to other drivers. Lopez warns that online forums are not usually accurate for Florida law. Just because something is DOTapproved in Kansas or Wyoming doesn’t mean it’s allowed in the sunshine state. One misconception is that any color is allowed to be added to a vehicle as long as it’s not red, blue or black. In fact, the only colors permitted that are considered not distracting are white, amber or reds. The exception comes for private property. If you’re attending

MAKE SURE YOUR LIGHTS ARE LEGAL the front of a vehicle can’t have any more than four lights at a time and that includes the two headlights.

a car show or going off-roading you can have any colors or set ups you want. The catch is you have to have it trailered there. The second its wheels hit a street and the lights remain on, you’re violating the law. If reputable, many local automotive shops will either refuse to add the lights or will make customers sign a waiver indicating they understand the addition will be illegal to use on the street. The height of the lights comes into play as well, so lifted trucks need to make sure their headlights aren’t shining directly into the eyesight of other drivers. Any headlamp on a motor vehicle cannot be located any higher than 54 inches or lower than 24 inches from the ground. The front clearance lamps on the front or side of the vehicle can only be ambercolored, not the neon green and purple that you see in several vehicles cruising through town. Rear clearance lamps can only be red. In fact, all lights on the back of the vehicle should be red except for the stop light or signal device, which can be red, amber or yellow. The license plate illuminator needs to be white and the backup light can be white or amber. The number of lights on display can also cause issues on the road.

For example, the front of a vehicle can’t have any more than four lights at a time and that includes the two headlights. Sgt. Al Van Duyne said PCPD never wants to be excessive so while they technically could count every single light bulb out of code, they will instead focus on units. “For what we discussed, even though there’s 24 or 18 bulbs in one light bar, we’ll count it as one unit rather than as more than a dozen offenses,” Van Duyne said. “While we want to create enforcement, we don’t want to be those guys that go out of their way to make things difficult. We want this to be a learning experience so we’re hoping to educate some of our drivers here. Yeah, the lights look cool, but they’re extremely dangerous on the road.” Violators usually already know they’re breaking the law, Lopez said. When they drive by cops nine times out of 10 he said they quickly flick them off. If someone isn’t sure, he encourages them to call law enforcement and find out if they’re up to code. If not the officers will simply explain what’s wrong and then you can go get it fixed. The growing trend has a lot to do with the affordability now of

LED technology. The popularity of trucks, especially in Plant City, also means there are going to be more people trying to “jazz up” their ride. Van Duyne said he knows people are proud of their vehicles in the area and they want to show off their nice rides. He warns the cost of their vanity may be higher than they expect. Show them off at home or save the money and don’t alter the vehicle at all. Lopez said none of these have to be citations, the officers simply want compliance for both the safety of other drivers and the safety of those in the lit up vehicles. Violations are $113 each and those who go out of their way to add lighting to their vehicles can quickly have a massive bill pile up as many of the lights will check off violating multiple statues that overlap. “Chief Duncan’s wishes are for us to have a conversation with those we stop, to further eduction if possible,” Van Duyne said. “If you deserve a ticket, you’re going to get one. If you get a warning and they tell you to do something you should remember that and take care of the deficiencies. They will see you again and they will remember you.”

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019

LIONS CLUB TURNS 90

PLANT CITY

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

Breanne Williams

The Plant City Lions Club turned 90 years old on April 4.

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

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

Advertising / Robert Verner Robert@PlantCityObserver.com

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.

The Plant City Lions Club’s April 2 meeting celebrated the group’s 90th anniversary in town. car washes, picnics, food booths The Lions Auxiliary Club, and more. which consisted of the wives of “We all work very hard with Lions Club members, actively Today is the actual 90th anniver- four fundraisers every year, and helped Plant City’s Lions for 77 sary of the Plant City Lions Club’s we give away almost $100,000 a years before choosing to fold in founding, but the group’s current year,” club president Frank Cum- July 2018. Women have, howmembers celebrated two days mings said. “It’s a really good ever, been able to join Lions clubs early at its regularly scheduled feeling, especially when some- since 1987 and Plant City’s female Tuesday meeting. body calls you up and says ‘thank members have since become cruEdited One of the oldest and most proyou’by or David tells youSteinberg how much April you’ve5, 2019 cial to the club’s ongoing operalific civic groups in Plant City, the improved their life.” tions. 10 Result 40 one Sewing artproudest box Lions areACROSS well-known for their48 Juice They’re also in charge of theof “I think of our commitment to helping others Florida Festival too moments many, many years 42was Cookie 1 “Honey” brand Strawberry standing better their5 lives Pageant local ago when sheets, Lions International quickly say Typein a variety of49Queen’s Stumbles, or and get ways. students active through affil- admitted 11 the Data, 45women Take into the orgaof radio 50-Across’ Plant City’s chapter has devel- iated Leos clubs. The Lions also nization,” longtime member for short advantage of Bob 9 Bronze hand oped numerous fundraising50helped the Florida Strawberry female members 12 Apple TV Fulks said. 47 “Our Inclination medalist’s Manyget Java events over theplace years including an Festival up and its early have been godsend 50a Push in to us.” residents (1,running inalternative annual charity golf tournament, a days and ran the event until it was Though one of the Plant City 13 Bummer a throng 14 Farm team? 2, 3, 4, 7) sporting clays shoot, health fairs, able to go fully independent. group’s biggest annual endeav19 Bronx 51 “I’m a 15 “___ Land” 52 Actor Jared

JUSTIN KLINE

SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

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ors is the Lions International eyeglass recycling program and spends much of its time helping people with their eye health, it will often seek out local causes. The Lions have helped raise funds for numerous cancer treatments for Plant Citians and to help their families get by. One of its more recent projects involved raising money to construct a large sun shade for the playground at the Willis Peters Exceptional Center in Dover. “It’s a great club, a great group of people we have here,” Cummings said. “They’re always giving.”

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

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“Jean-Luc Godard said that cinema is the truth 24 frames a second. I think cinema is lies 24 frames a second.” ~ Stanley Donen

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

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019

WIGGINS AND RICE ROAD PUBLIC HEARING ENTERS SECOND MEETING

A map amendment and rezoning ordinance presented at last week’s public hearing brought up a long conversation at the dais on the quality of the roads near the property.

Courtesy of the City of Plant City

The roads surrounding the outlined section were scrutinized last week when commissioners discussed a proposed map amendment. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Concerns regarding road improvements along the intersection of Wiggins and Rice Roads were the point of heavy discussion last week during the city commission meeting as commissioners considered approving a map amendment for a parcel of land at the location. The nearly 65-acre plot is pending a voluntary annexation and proposed to change from Hillsborough County Residential-1 to Plant City Industrial and to be brought into the I-4 Tech Corridor Overlay. If approved the site, which is currently an active agricultural production, will have a warehouse/distribution facility developed on the property. The same night commissioners also held a public hearing on the location to discuss rezoning the nearly 65 acres into the Wish Logistics Center Planned Development District. The discussion began after a neighbor to the property stepped up to the podium and voiced his concerns for the roadways if mas-

sive trucks began trekking back and forth to the proposed facility. The roads in question are about to undergo improvements anyway due to a separate agreement, but the neighbor was concerned even with the incoming changes there would still be a problem. Planning and Zoning presented the road analysis and didn’t find a need for any further improvements than those already scheduled to occur, however, several of the commissioners began to ask for more information. When the Planning Board voted to send the proposal to commissioners one of the six members voted no and asked for more information regarding Rice Road. The rest felt there was more than adequate data so the decision was passed along. “I’d like more information on traffic for that area,” Commissioner Bill Dodson said. “I’m not sure we do have enough information other than the traffic analysis.” Dodson agreed to wait until the next public hearing on April 8 to make a decision as the hope was more information would be available by then. All of the commis-

sioners voiced their support of the project, however, their concerns for traffic caused nearly all of them to pause during the hearing. The road analysis in question found the soon-to-be incoming truck traffic would not impact nearby roads as all of the traffic would be in and out of Rice Road. The improvement slated to begin shortly would transform that into a three lane road with a designated turning lane, which would help with the massive trucks. Commissioner Mary Mathis said the analysis operated on the

assumption trucks would not be going any direction but the path lined out in the analysis and asked for clarification on how that could be guaranteed. If commissioners continue to be concerned, Attorney Ken Buchman said the city has a section of its code that could be reviewed and used to clarify a designated truck route in the area. One of the roads in question is a county owned roadway so if the commissioners wish to continue this it will have to be passed to Hillsborough County. “I don’t think that street, Rice Road, was designed for this big

of a facility,” Commissioner Mike Sparkman said. “When we start talking about trucks aren’t going to do this or trucks aren’t going to do that, we only need to look at all of these other areas near County Line Road to see that you can’t guess that.” Representatives of the applicant agreed to discuss the arrangement with the city and may agree to later fund another traffic analysis in approximately 18 months if deemed necessary. The results of their conversations will be presented Monday night.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ comes to PCHS The multi-award winning theater troupe at PCHS is putting on a musical soiree next week with the opening of “Little Shop of Horrors.”

Courtesy of Jennifer Hamilton

Little Shop of Horrors premiers next weekend at Plant City High School.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

f you’re a fan of theater you’ll want to put aside a night next weekend to pop over to Plant City High School and experience the upcoming production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” Those familiar with the show know the rock musical horror comedy pulls out all the stops to create a whimsical tale unlike anything else seen on stage. A man-eating plant, meek floral assistant and soundtrack that nearly everyone knows at least one song from ensures the audience always has a screaming good time when it comes to town. This performance has another layer to its mix as the lead cast and crew are comprised of the seniors that have grown the program into the roaring success it is today. The team has won a plethora of superiors at competitions — including scoring a superior at state just last month — and also won the prestigious national NBC R.I.S.E America grant. They’ve proven Plant City has more than just impressive sports teams and have begun to put the city on the map for its captivating theater program. “I picked Little Shop because of its message of ‘don’t feed the plants,’ that message that Seymour is willing to give everything he has to be successful and in the end he loses himself and

he loses his life for the success,” Audrey Schmidt, drama teacher, said. “It literally swallows him up. When I saw it at USF last year it reminded me just with the climate — whether its political or cultural or social — our kids are growing up in they are often pushed to sacrifice for success and to kind of lose themselves for that. To make allowances in things they know are right to be successful or to get the grade or to get the friends or the date. The show is entertaining and comical, but also very poignant and appropriate.” Dalton Vanderford could have graduated last year after completing all of his credits early. However, his love of theater had him hang on for one more year and he’s helped transform the program into a force to be reckoned with. His skill set is a mile long ranging from costume creation to carpentry to stage management. He’s watched as Schmidt led her students to greatness and worked tirelessly to help make each and every production, whether it be a musical like Aladdin or a straight play like Harvey, be flawless. “Theater shows you an extreme reality and it can help you realize truths about the world we’re living in” Vanderford said. “What’s also so impressive about this production is everything from the sets to the show itself is built and brought together by students.”

Being as it’s the last play for much of the cast, Vanderford said it’s a bittersweet experience, but one they’re all excited to make the best show of their high school career. Chris Dulje, senior, is also bracing himself for their final adieu. “It’s a really entertaining show, very unique,” Duljie said. “This may be the biggest cast we’ve ever had… It’s definitely going to be one of the better shows we’ve done. If people want to see really what we’re doing here, this is the play to do that. We’re giving it our all and for many of us we’re saying goodbye. But we’re leaving it in some very talented hands.” Lexi Knotts, senior, has been in the program since the first month of her freshman year. She said she’s come full circle and cannot imagine who she would be if she hadn’t stumbled into the theater program. “I just learned who I was,” Knotts said. “Theater gave me my thing. Even when I go to college I plan to minor in theater so I can keep it as a part of my day. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without it now, which is weird because four years ago I never thought that.” While the seniors have worked relentlessly over the past four years to revolutionize the program some of the freshmen and sophomores in the cast are earning their chops in the productions ensamble.

Shada Shalabi, freshman, said she was surprised at how welcoming the older students were to their younger classmates. They helped open doors in the performance for the new actors she said they probably wouldn’t have been able to get through on their own. She was nervous at first, but quickly fell in love with the program and said the skills she’s learned have already begun to help her with presentations in many of her other classes. “We’re actually really good here,” Shalabi said. “Who knows, maybe one day I’ll be famous and this will be my very first show. Any of us could be. This isn’t anything you’ve seen before. I’ve certainly never seen a play where the plants eat people.” The community will see some familiar faces as well in the production. One hidden gem is PCHS TV productions teacher Casey Hamilton who is returning to lend a hand in the cast this year. The last time he was in the show was when he was a senior at PCHS in 2013. He said while he’s always loved the play this is one of the most impressive productions he’s ever seen. “There is nothing like this being put out in the area,” Hamilton said. “I tell my students if you like me come out and see it and see me in it and if you don’t like me come out and see it because I’ll be eaten by a plant. It’s a win-win.”

Hamilton echoed the sentiments of the students encouraging the community to come and rally in support of the arts programs at PCHS. There is amazing, award winning work happening inside the school’s doors that most never hear about because there isn’t a cult following for the programs. Tickets for the show are only $10 at the door and he guarantees you’ll be blown away by the talent hidden in the high school cast.

IF YOU GO

Little Shop of Horrors When: 6:30 p.m. April 11-13 with a 2 p.m. matinee on April 13. Cost: $10 at the door

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019

2019 UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY RAFFLE PRIZE AWARDED Teo Kulyk claimed his brand new Chevrolet Corvette last Thursday afternoon.

Justin Kline

Unity in the Community presented the Hurleys with a plaque.

Justin Kline

Teo Kulyk and his family accepted the new Corvette on March 28. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Teo Kulyk couldn’t have been happier when Vice Mayor Nate Kilton handed him the keys to his brand new Corvette on March 28. Kulyk, who won the 2019 Unity in the Community/Stingray Chevrolet raffle having bought just one of more than 40,000 tickets in the hopper, and his two grandsons grinned from ear to ear. None of them could wait to take a ride in the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray he’d just received. “The Corvette is a car that all boys, young and old, dream of owning… my grandsons are just as excited as I am,” Kulyk said. Though he won a Corvette Z06 with a custom Sebring Orange paint job, Kulyk wasn’t so keen on the idea of owning that

particular car. He decided to trade down to an icy white 2019 Stingray, a speed demon in its own right with a smaller price tag. Stingray Chevrolet owner Steve Hurley also handed him a check for $24,404 to cover the difference between the two cars. The Unity/Stingray raffle has a habit of one-upping itself every year and 2019 was no exception. This raffle broke its own record yet again with $228,000 raised. That’s about $21,000 more than in 2018. Hurley credited Unity in the Community members, especially Sharon Moody, for their tireless work with the raffle and also shouted out Tampa Bay-area radio stations for their advertising. Hurley said a spot on Mike Calta’s morning show featuring himself and Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis generated $4,000 in online sales by itself.

Courtesy photo

Unity in the Community received a check for $228,0000 from Stingray Chevrolet.

WEDDING | ENGAGEMENT

ANNOUNCEMENT

The raffle has now raised close to $1.5 million in its 10-year existence. “No matter how much it is, we consider it a great success,” Hurley said of the funds raised. The car presentation also served as a way to praise nearly everyone involved with the raffle. Kilton and City Commissioner Mike Sparkman presented Steve and Susan Hurley with a proclamation on behalf of the city, calling the couple “model citizens and timeless examples of the highest standards of citizenship.” Unity also presented the Hurleys with a plaque. The Hurleys, meanwhile, presented bouquets and plaques to those involved with promoting and volunteering with the raffle, from Unity members and the Florida Strawberry Festival to the radio stations in attendance.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019

Biking Plant City The Plant City Family YMCA hosted its annual Dean’s Ride and locals got to ride with Commissioner Bill Dodson on March 30.

Breanne Williams

This was the first year Bike with the Mayor combined with the annual Dean’s Ride, which raises money for the YMCA’s Livestrong Program.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The beloved Dean’s Ride combined with Bike with the Mayor last weekend, drawing more than a hundred bicyclists to the streets of Plant City. However, despite its name Mayor Rick Lott was not present at this year’s event as he had a prior commitment. Commissioner Bill Dodson stood in his place, encouraging the crowd to continue to get involved with their city’s events and echoing the hope frequently mentioned by Lott at prior events that the city will one day have an accessible bike program and bike trails. “One of the main purposes for Bike with the Mayor is to raise awareness of Florida Bike Month, which is held in March,” Dodson said. “But in Plant City we also want to raise awareness of bikeability and walkability in the community… I’m really proud of the relationship the city has with the YMCA. The proceeds you’re providing for (the Dean’s Ride) goes toward the Livestrong Program, which is a great program coming out of the YMCA for cancer survivors.” It’s the third year the event has been held in Plant City and the promise of connecting bike trails from Tampa to even neighboring Pinellas and Pasco counties have been mentioned nearly every time. Dodson was more vague and

reminded the public such a massive undertaking takes time and thanked everyone for showing up and proving there was a desire in Plant City for biking events. Dodson focused his speech on the importance of recognizing bike-ability in Plant City, a concept not many think of when they think of the strawberry-focused town. Historic downtown has cobblestone, many neighborhoods have extremely narrow streets and the handful of avid biking groups that are local bike shortly after sunrise, long before rush hour traffic makes its way to the city. Normally the Bike with the Mayor event is held on a weekday early in the morning and attracts attendees from all over Hillsborough County. Coordinated by the Plant City Parks & Recreation department as well as Planning & Zoning and Plant City Police Department, the event is relatively short and fosters a sense of camaraderie between the public and city officials. This year, several of the regular local attendees opted to participate in one of the 64-mile, 37-mile or 19-mile waves for the Dean’s Ride rather than do the 3.5-mile stroll through Plant City. After posing for a photo with Dodson, the Bike with the Mayor participants biked from the Trinkle Center and into northeast Plant City with the guidance and assistance of PCPD officers.

Prior to the Bike with the Mayor event, three waves of athletes headed out from the same starting point for the Dean’s Ride. There were 132 riders signed up to participate and the event supports the Plant City Family YMCA’s Livestrong Program for cancer survivors. “This was by many accounts the best Dean’s Ride yet with the help of more sponsors this year,” Bryan Cross, membership director for the ‘Y, said. “We raised more money for our LiveStrong Program than any year prior.” It’s become a staple in the community since its creation in 2013. The first year Snyder himself joined the bikers even though he was battling esophageal cancer. His strength, strong character and humble nature touched the hearts of everyone he met and the event has only continued to grow since his death. Thousands have been raised over the years by the event and Livestrong uses the funds to help its free 12-week wellness programs that supports cancer survivors and helps them achieve a healthy lifestyle flourish. Despite the early start the riders are always in jovial spirits as they sip coffee and enjoy a light breakfast while catching up with friends at the starting line. Regardless of the weather the group never fails to show its support and raise money for the worthy cause.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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Breanne Williams

Three waves of riders went out for the Deanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ride and approximately a dozen riders participated in the Bike with the Mayor event. Local law enforcement helped facillitate the event.

THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019

MEETING MR. DOUGLASS Students at Simmons Career and Exceptional Center had a unique educational experience last week when an actor came to the school and performed a monologue of the life of Frederick Douglass. Breanne Williams

Students at Simmons learned all about Douglass and his life during the monologue. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Students at Simmons Career and Exceptional Center took part in an immersive presentation on Frederick Douglass last week, learning just how high the obstacles the American hero hurdled were as he helped bring an end to the injustice of slavery in the nation. Donald Dowridge of DLD Enterprises is known throughout the country as a motivational guru who empowers others to pursue greatness. One of his most beloved performances is a dramatic retelling of Douglass’s tale, which he does while acting as the abolitionist. He’s told his story in theaters, schools and centers across the country over the last 10 years, keeping the hero alive with the moving work and inspiring new generations of admirers. Dowridge bears a striking resemblance to the social reformer and after intense research was able to add depth to his story few are ever lucky enough to witness. “The whole premises is to create or take the audience on a trip from the 21st century in which we are back to the 19th century as much as possible,” Dowridge said. “In order to do that, quite naturally I don’t speak or talk like they did back then, but I try to paint as much of a vivid picture as possible. The audience can in their own mind kind of envision what it was like for the slaves back then, what it meant for Fredrick Douglass to meet with Abraham Lincoln, what it was like to run from slavery to freedom, to stand up and write his story.” As he delved into his monologue the teens in the room chimed in and afterword several shared their pleasure at having learned so much about a man their textbooks only skimmed. Part of their fascination and respect for the presentation started the second Dowridge first stepped up to the center of the room. Much like Douglass, Dowridge faced his own share of obstacles growing up. He said

he was the victim of five foster homes in which he was mentally, physically, sexually and verbally abused. When he was sent back to his biological father, he suffered even more physical abuse. Despite the living hell at home, Dowridge was a class clown. He remembers seeing James Brown on the Ed Sullivan show as a child and knowing he wanted to one day do something like that. It was a dream, but Dowridge never dared to hope it would become a reality. “To become an adult and to find myself singing and dancing, creating performances that were impacting lives, it was a dream come true,” Dowridge said. “I’ll be honest with you, all these years later it’s still a dream. I want students to know they can work hard and make their dreams a reality. It’s why I share my story before I step into the role of Frederick Douglass. I want them to know they can become whoever they wish to be.” Sonya Reid, program advisor at Simmons, wanted that kind of impact for her students. Originally Dowridge was going to be brought in for Black History Month after being recommended by her fellow teacher. But Reid had a bigger plan in mind. “I wanted to do something that most students have very little knowledge of, even to this day,” Reid said. “I wanted the students to feel like they were there, not to just read it. I wanted someone to do the actual monologue and not just talk about what they did… When you bring in speakers you know within the first few seconds if the students are gong to listen or if they’ll pull out their cell phones. He was able to keep their attention the entire time.” Students at Simmons are given a second opportunity to graduate from high school at an accelerated pace. They’re offered a fresh start and Reid said the staff welcomes them with open arms, showing them love and support throughout their term at the school. She wanted to offer something special for the students and came up with the idea to have a guest speaker or presentation every three months that focuses on a multi-cultural education.

“Encouraging these educational experiences, it has to be a movement, a torch that is held by everyone, not only educators,” Reid said. “This isn’t just about black history or white history. America is the melting pot of the world, it wasn’t founded on just one race. We want to teach children the stories of everyone who made an impact on our nation.” Reid said one of the students after the presentation came up to her and said Dowridge’s energy and passion throughout the monologue made her want to strive to become more engaged and motivated and work even harder to accomplish the things she wants after graduation. Dowridge said he hears similar sentiments nearly everywhere he goes. It’s something that makes him proud, knowing he’s helping people have the courage to fight their own battles while also helping

new generations fall in love with Douglass. The stories keep him motivated to continue his performances. “I’ve had students contact me after because they end up doing reports for school on Frederick Douglass because of the play,” Dowridge said. “It’s making an impact on our youth and it’s giving them something to look forward to. Even just the skills of being an actor, just my story, they can see ‘wow he is like me.’ It also put some hope and aspiration and motivation for them to be able to conquer whatever dream they have. It’s an avenue for them to say, ‘Hey I can do this. All hope is not lost.’”

Breanne Williams

Dowridge has been portraying Frederick Douglass for more than 10 years.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019

PC RALLIES FOR RELAY Plant City High School was packed Friday night as the community gathered to participate in the annual Relay For Life event. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

You never know what you’ll find when you walk onto the track at Relay For Life. The changing themes and energetic teams completely redesign the event each and every year. This time around, the theme was “Florida Fights for a Cure” and booths ranged from Disney to Margaritaville. Many attendees donned Hawaiian shirts and fanny packs and walked the track, cheering on survivors and raising money for the cause. The luminaria ceremony was held at 9 p.m. and tributes to loved ones were lit around the stadium as the gathered crowd took a moment to remember those they’ve lost. As much of the crowd dispersed several dedicated teams camped out and took turns strolling there track all night long in honor of those who tirelessly fight the long battle against cancer. At 6 a.m. the celebration came to a close. As the sun rose the group closed the ceremony and wrapped up another successful year.

Breanne Williams

Relay For Life was once again a big hit as guests participated in the Fairy Princess Makeovers, played games for items like live goldfish, filled the track for the survivor’s lap and honored loved ones in the luminaria ceremony that evening.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019

SLITHER ON OVER TO BRUTON

Local youth are invited to participate in a Reptile Discovery Program at Bruton Memorial Library on April 17 that will feature a live snake, alligator and more.

Breanne Williams

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

ruton Memorial Library is hoping to teach children to respect and not fear the reptiles that live among us in an educational Reptile Discovery Program on April 17. Bruce Shwedick is bringing some of his cold-blooded friends to his hometown library to teach about conservation, share details on the unique reptiles and discuss the circle of life. One of his beloved animals, an albino reticulated python, along with a juvenile alligator and a snapping turtle will join him for the adventure. “Students should know how reptiles impact the community positively and get hands on experience with the animals,” Amanda Preece, youth services associate, said. “This unique experience

introduces them to different types of reptiles and hopefully sparks a curiosity in them that will make them want to do more research about the environment.” The event will be held in the library’s meeting room, which can hold up to 60 people per Fire Marshal code. The children will have a meet-and-greet with the creatures under the watchful eye of Shwedick and parents will be able to take photos of the experience. Preece said she’d been looking for another unique program to offer to local youth when she stumbled upon Shwedick, a Bruton patron who has raised his family right here in Plant City. While former library staff have had a minor fear of snakes, Preece has no such hesitations and invited him to present his living show and tell to Plant City’s children.

Bruton Memorial is offering a hands-on learning experience featuring local reptiles on April 17.

“What I think is most noteworthy is that I have been a part of the Bruton Memorial Library ‘family’ for many years now and have presented my Reptile Discovery program there a number of times,” Shwedick said in an email. Coincidently the event on April 17 is held on Shwedick’s 60th birthday. All the attendees will join Preece in celebrating with Shwedick on his big day and there will be light refreshments available in honor of the festive event. Shwedick created Reptile Discovery to help introduce people to the reptiles, many of which call Florida home, in a safe, gentle manner. The programs hopefully “promote understanding of these often misunderstood creatures for the purposes of both conservation and public safety.”

Schools, birthday celebrations, libraries, theme parks, zoological parks, aquariums and other recreational organizations have all had the pleasure of witnessing Shwedick’s program since its creation in 1994. He’s visited more than 1,000 schools across 45 states featuring animals from around the globe. His passion for reptiles began as a child when he and his older brother Michael first raised the creatures. His brother is also a reptile specialist and the founder of Reptile World, Inc. in Maryland. In 1974, Shwedick began helping with Reptile World’s summer program and one year later he struck out on his own. He’s traveled the world learning more about the creatures that captured his heart and uses his wide berth of knowledge to

inspire the generations following in his footsteps. The unique experience will last around one hour and there will be reptile books available for check out if any children walk away with an urge to learn more. Preece is hoping the room will be filled with Plant City youth wanting to take part in the free event.

IF YOU GO Reptile Discovery When: April 17 at 6:30 p.m. Where: Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St. Cost: Free. No registration required

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THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019

BLUEBERRY FEST ON ITS WAY

The Tampa Bay Blueberry Festival is held right here in Plant City at Keel & Curley Winery and it kicks off this weekend. STAFF WRITER

Plant City may be famous for its strawberries, but another sweet fruit is slowly carving its way into the foundation of the community. The 12th annual Tampa Bay Blueberry Festival is hosted by Plant City’s own Keel Farms at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. The event is free to attend and parking is $10 per vehicle. It’s a four day event spread out over two weekends that’s sure to bring some sweet fun to your family’s outings. For those who have never gone before, timing is everything. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each of the four days and there are pockets of fun for everyone. More than 30,000 people are expected to attend so plan your trip accordingly to get the most out of your day. If you’re interested in the farm’s u-pick, come as close to 8 a.m. as you can. Florida weather is temperamental at best and stifling hot at worst so the earlier in the day you go, the better. Though berries grow quickly, they don’t exactly replenish in an afternoon so if you want the

cream of the crop for your baskets you need to beat the crowd and comb through the bushes. If you bring cash you also get a slightly better deal as the berries will run you $6 per pound, but if you forget then the cost goes up to $6.50 with a credit card. The rows of berries are longer than they appear. If you’re coming a little later in the day head as deep into the farm as you can get and you may stumble upon fresh, juicy berries no one has found yet. Once you’ve finished picking to your heart’s content, enjoy a hot meal at Keel & Curley or wander the aisles to check out some of the unique food vendors that show up in honor of the event. There is live entertainment spread throughout the festival and a kids farm zone for energetic little ones. Parents can take a moment to enjoy a crisp glass of wine or a refreshing glass of lemonade while their youth zip around the playground. The winery will be open throughout the event and attendees can sample the homemade wine, beer and ciders housed at the location during the scheduled tastings. The wine tasting school is $10

per person and you must be 21 or older to participate. For avid collectors, there are also limited edition bottles of wine sold each year at the winery. One of the highlights of the festival is the abundance of unique homemade craft and food items available from the vendors. Everything from homemade jams to handcarved art and furniture can be found sprawled throughout the farm’s property so bring lots of cash for easy exchanges. The Tampa Bay Blueberry Festival also sets itself apart by being a pet-friendly event. If you go around lunch there will hardly be a table on the patio that doesn’t have a furry friend catching a snooze underneath.

For detailed information on the set list of performers and to find out more about the festival visit keelfarms.com/ bbfest19.

IF YOU GO Tampa Bay Blueberry Festival When: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 6-7 and April 13-14 Where: Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road Cost: Free to attend. Parking is $10.

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BREANNE WILLIAMS

Breanne Williams

Berry picking is just one of the many activities offered at the festival.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE Did you take the Observer with you on vacation? Send your pictures to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

WYOMING: Jayme Harris visited popular tourist destination Jackson Hole, Wyoming, last year and made sure to bring a copy of the Observer along for the trip.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019

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HOST ARTS COUNCIL SOIREE Members of the Plant City Arts Council enjoyed an evening of live music on March 31.

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The Plant City Arts Council members treated themselves to a fun evening at the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center on March 31. The group hosted a soiree that evening with dinner and drinks for everyone and a pair of musical performances to delight the audience. Dr. Teo Kulyk, who recently won the Unity in the Community and Stingray Chevrolet Corvette raffle (and parked his new ride right outside), got to show off his piano skills with a musical medley of classical pieces, popular songs and movie themes.

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Between some songs, Kulyk quizzed the audience members about the pieces and also told stories and shared musical fun facts. Mollie Anderson, a veteran of Plant City Entertainment’s productions and past member of USO tours, sang a series of oldies and also provided lead vocals on a Kulyk-backed performance of “America the Beautiful” that the entire audience sang along to. Dodie White also took part in the performances with a reading of Bette Midler’s “The Rose” as Kulyk backed her on the keys.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019

This week on Cops Corner: a missing iPad, flying Budweisers, a stolen Dodge

COPS CORNER

1500 Ram, tool bandits, Redbox rage, a boozy getaway, Paintball problems and more.

MARCH 22 IN SEARCH OF IPAD 900 block of Loganderry Lane Vehicle burglary: This victim reported during the night of March 21 an unknown suspect entered her vehicle and stole an iPad, which was valued at $410. FLYING BUDWEISERS 1 Police Place Criminal mischief/waiver: Officers came out to the department in reference to a disturbance in the parking lot. As they arrived two vehicles were seen leaving the area. They were stopped and they found out one of the drivers followed the victim to the parking lot and threw a beer bottle at the vehicle, causing damage to the car. However, the victim didn’t wish to prosecute.

MARCH 23 RAIDERS FAN RAIDED 700 block of West Renfro Street Stolen and recovered vehicle: A 2013 gray Dodge Ram 1500 with black aftermarket rims and a teal PCHS Raiders flag decal on the back glass was stolen during the night of March 22. The vehicle was later located in Zephyrhills.

MARCH 24 BLAZIN’ IN THE PARKING LOT 3000 block of Sutton Woods Drive Drug possession: Officers made contact with several subjects who were parked in front of a residence. One of them was charged with possession of marijuana less than 20 grams and was released with a court date.

MARCH 25 WALLET WOES 900 block of East Laura Street Vehicle burglary: Sometime in the early morning of March 25, someone broke

the front passenger window out of the complainant’s vehicle and stole a pink wallet, which contained miscellaneous credit and debit cards. EMPTY HANDED 600 block of Wiggins Court Criminal mischief: While officers were patrolling the area they noticed the front driver’s window was busted out of a blue Oldsmobile Cutlass, which was backed into a driveway. They made contact with the owner who checked the vehicle just to find nothing had been removed. TOOL BANDITS 1300 block of Larrick Lane Vehicle burglary: The maintenance supervisor from Plant City Housing Authority told officers an unidentified subject entered one of the two work truck tool boxes at the location and removed multiple power tools valued at approximately $700.

MARCH 26 REDBOX RAGE 2200 block of North Park Road Criminal mischief: A complainant and representative of Redbox contacted the police department and reported the front glass view screen of the machine was cracked. The damage needed to be documented so they could have it repaired.

PAINTBALL PAINTJOB 1600 block of East Warren Street Criminal mischief: This victim told police in the last few days an unknown suspect damaged the paint and doors of the residence with a paintball gun. EASY PICKINGS 600 block of East Alexander Street Vehicle burglary: An unlocked vehicle was burglarized and $700 was taken from the center console.

BOOZY GETAWAY 1700 block of James L. Redman Parkway Petit theft: The complainant told officers an unknown man entered the store and selected a beer from the cooler. Instead of paying for it, he stuck it in his pants and walked out of the store.

GRAFFITI GRIPES 3400 block of West Baker Street Criminal mischief: This complainant reported gang graffiti on three of the four sides of their building. FASHIONISTA 2800 block of James L. Redman Parkway Theft arrest: This woman attempted to steal $54 worth of clothes from the store and was apprehended past all points of sale. She was arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail. OVERSTEPPING THE BOUNDS 300 block of North Alexander Street Information report: An 11-year-old girl was bit by a neighbor’s dog and sustained a very minor injury after she attempted to pet the dog. The dog did not appear aggressive and the owner had all the paperwork and up-to-date shots. Animal control was contacted.

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Katherine Ruppert has the second-ranked javelin throw distance in the state.

See Page 19

SPORTS

DURANT BASEBALL WINS,

SOFTBALL LOSES TO FREEDOM Quick Hits

Record-breaking Raiders at Vernon Korhn county championships meet

The Patriots visited Cougar Path this week for a pair of Tuesday evening games.

Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest athletes competed in Tuesday’s Vernon Korhn County Championships. Full results for the meet were not available at press time, but the Plant City Raiders broke three records in both school and Hillsborough County record books. The 4x400 meter relay team of Dalton Raines, Josh Dunbar, Marwan Gilmore and Antron Robinson set a new school record when they finished in 3:28.49. Another school record went down when Rachel Stevens finished her day in the pole vault with a clear of 8.75 feet. Katherine Ruppert, this week’s Plant City Observer Athlete of the Week, set a county championships record with a javelin throw of 32.30 meters.

GSA baseball tournaments ongoing Justin Kline

Sean Hermann hurls a pitch in the first inning against Freedom.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

uesday night saw baseball and softball action at Durant High School and the two Cougars teams had very different evenings. The softball team took a 4-3 loss to the Freedom Patriots.

Justin Kline

Javy Quintana is greeted by happy teammates after scoring a run.

Durant quickly saw a 4-0 deficit in the third inning as the Patriots kept finding ways to get the better of pitcher Kayla Swinson. The Cougars scored two runs in the bottom of the third and one in the sixth to make things interesting, but the Patriots prevented any further damage. Durant came into the game having won seven of its previous

10 and will now look to get back on track Friday night against Plant City. The baseball team, on the other hand, picked up a 9-1 win over the Patriots after getting up to their own 4-0 lead early in the third. The Cougars had a field day early on with two runs coming on the board in the first and second

innings, four more in the third and one in the fourth. Durant has now won eight of its last 10 games and three in a row. The Cougars will need all the momentum they can get for Friday night’s home game against Plant City, as the Raiders will still have the outcome of the Saladino Tournament final fresh in their minds.

Though the tournament frenzy of the past few weeks has slowed down, Global Sports Alliance Baseball is still going strong in Plant City’s parks. This weekend, GSA will host its Grand Slam VII Super Regional tournament at Mike Sansone Park, Ellis-Methvin Park and the big MLK ball field. Play runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Next weekend, GSA Florida Gulf Coast League playoff action heats up at Sansone and Ellis-Methvin parks. League play runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 13 and 14. Two GSA events will be held entirely or partly in Plant City next month: the GSA Spring State Championship from May 3-5 (which also has games to take place in Winter Haven) and the Stars & Stripes Slugfest on May 18 and 19. For more info on GSA Baseball, visit baseball.sincsports.com/ TTContent.aspx?tid=GSAFLB.

Justin Kline

Emily Smith makes contact at the plate.

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

Justin Kline

Kayla Swinson winds up for a pitch.

JUSTIN KLINE

PLAYING BY THE RULES

L Plant City baseball’s forced forfeiture of the Saladino Tournament championship game win is a bummer for its players, but the rules are the rules.

ast week wasn’t the best time to be a fan of Plant City High School’s baseball team, as evidenced by Raider Nation’s social media activity. The FHSAA-mandated forfeit of the team’s Saladino Tournament championship win — the school’s first ever title in the long-running tournament — burned many fuses online. I totally get it. If you’re a PCHS fan, it must seem like the smallest possible thing to nitpick. Jarod Wingo went over his FHSAA-mandated pitch count with the last batter of the

game and threw just four more pitches to him than he was supposed to. Head coach Mike Fryrear told me he forgot Wingo is 16 and not 17, meaning the previous batter put him over the 95-pitch limit (though the FHSAA does allow a pitcher to finish an at-bat if they go over the mark during it) and he should have been taken out of the game immediately before facing what would be Durant’s final batter. Raider Nation has every right to be disappointed that this happened.

SEE KLINE, PAGE 18

The Plant City Family YMCA is accepting registrations for its new and improved summer camp program. All Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA locations have undergone changes to their summer camp programs, bringing more fun and educational activities to the table and offering before-care and after-care activities. Activities include swimming, science, outdoor education, nature encounters, visual arts and more. Hillsborough County Public Schools will provide free breakfast and lunch as part of the Summer Food Program. The program runs from June 3 – August 2 and is open to all kids in the community ages 18 and under, including Y campers. To register, visit tampaymca.org/letscamp.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

JUSTIN KLINE

SCORES AND MORE

PLAYING BY THE RULES FROM KLINE, PAGE 17

But that’s about where it ends in my book. Though I believe it wasn’t the grossest possible violation of the rule, it’s still a violation of a rule that’s been around for two and a half seasons. I’d say both the violation being reported and the FHSAA’s handling of the situation were justified. While it’s fair to argue the violation was pretty minor since Wingo only threw four more pitches than he was supposed to and that’s what the final box score reflects, you also have to acknowledge it wasn’t guaranteed he’d only face that one last batter. What if he gave up a base hit or a walk on pitch 101 and had to keep going? Then one batter too many turns into two batters too many and then the odds of even going over 17-year-olds’ 105-pitch limit go way up. Longtime readers of this column know I’m not the biggest fan of the FHSAA and have criticized its rules and policies many times over the years, but this is one where I have no bones to pick. They got it right. As far as the Saladino Tournament’s upcoming decision on whether to let PCHS keep its win status in its own record books goes, I understand the arguments for and against it and won’t criticize their decision. The tournament officials have every right to decide whether to recognize FHSAA protocol there or go with their own, as a tourney run independently of the FHSAA. Whether the Raiders get struck from the Saladino record book or stay in there, perhaps with an asterisk next to the championship win entry, it is what it is and it sounds like we’ll know more next week. This particular rule took effect beginning in the 2017 season and was designed specifically to preserve pitchers’ arm health. Though not all kids grow at the same rate, the rule does make sense and I don’t think it was drawn up with an absence of logic like I do with the “Choice in Sports” bill. Arm health is a real concern in baseball and any coach with their head screwed on properly will tell you exactly why pitch counts matter and why kids shouldn’t even think of throwing curveballs until they’re teenagers, among other things. There are risks involved and the last thing you want is career-altering (or ending) damage done. Even at the highest level, we’re seeing Major League Baseball managers pull pitchers earlier and more often than they were even just a few years ago for arm preservation reasons. I talked to Fryrear several times last week and he maintained he takes “full ownership” of the situation. The school was fined $100, the win was revoked, Fryrear didn’t coach in the March 26 game at Riverview and Wingo was placed on a mandatory rest period I’m told he would have been on anyway for having thrown so many pitches in that game. What’s done is done, whether it stings or not, and all the PCHS coaching staff can do now is learn from it. No one needs to worry about hearsay or look for a straw man because there is

absolutely no question Wingo was kept in the game for too long. Nothing is going to change that because there is no gray area there. Not one person I’ve spoken to who was involved with the game has challenged the fact the pitch limit was passed. Yes, I do feel bad for Wingo and the PCHS players. It’s not their fault this happened and that their hard-earned milestone Saladino win was taken from them in some capacity. Wingo pitched an incredible game — hence his Athlete of the Week feature in last week’s issue — and has been praised heavily at both Raider Place and Cougar Path for that gem. Now it’s got some baggage associated with it that he probably didn’t want. I also feel bad for Durant here. It’s hard not to. Had the Raiders taken Wingo out of the game when they were supposed to, there’s a chance — note that I didn’t say “guarantee” — the Cougars could have worked their way into another seventhinning comeback like they did against Armwood and Strawberry Crest. They’ll never get to find out how they would have fared in fair play against a PCHS reliever. Much like the end result of the game, no one wins now. These two teams are going to play each other again Friday night and there’s no way the crowd energy won’t be escalated to a 10. Before anyone goes and does anything regrettable on or off of social media, know that I’ve had conversations about this game and the subsequent ruling with both Fryrear and Butch Valdes of Durant and they told me, separately, they’re not looking for any bad blood between the programs. That includes the fanbases. Let me make clear exactly why this isn’t worth anyone getting angry and starting stuff over: it could have been so much worse for Plant City. Other than one win and one set of trophies, this changed nothing about Plant City’s season. It’s still true that PCHS is having one of its best seasons in a long time, if not ever. Its FHSAA postseason goals — definitely the most important ones, in my opinion — are still very much in play. This didn’t take away a district title win, which would also be the school’s first ever. This didn’t take away a win in regionals or states and completely knock a good team out of the bracket. This didn’t end the season early. It could have been so much worse. Keep your heads up, Raider fans. The team’s not done yet.

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

BASEBALL

Apr. 11

Apr. 9

Mar. 28

Riverview at Plant City, 7 p.m. Wiregrass Ranch at Strawberry Crest, 7 p.m.

Strawberry Crest at Newsome, 7 p.m.

Apr. 12

Apr. 5

Bloomingdale at Durant, 7 p.m.

Sickles at Durant, 5/7 p.m.

Apr. 13

TENNIS

Strawberry Crest at Lennard, 10 a.m.

Apr. 4

Durant 7, East Bay 0 Wharton 9, Strawberry Crest 1 Mar. 29 Bloomingdale 6, Plant City 2 Mar. 30

LACROSSE

Durant vs. Brandon, 3 p.m. Plant City vs. Steinbrenner, 3 p.m. Strawberry Crest vs. King, 3 p.m.

Durant 3, Alonso 0

SOFTBALL

Apr. 2

Mar. 28

Durant 9, Freedom 1 Steinbrenner 3, Strawberry Crest 1

Durant 3, East Bay 1 Wharton 6, Strawberry Crest 0

Apr. 3

Mar. 29

Plant City at East Bay, 7 p.m.

Plant City 1, Bloomingdale 0

Durant, Plant City, Crest: at District championships, 9 a.m.

Apr. 4

Apr. 2

FLAG FOOTBALL

Strawberry Crest at Freedom, 7 p.m.

Freedom 4, Durant 3 Steinbrenner 5, Strawberry Crest 4

Apr. 4

TRACK AND FIELD Apr. 8

Apr. 5 Plant City at Durant, 7 p.m. Apr. 6 Plant at Plant City, 10 a.m. Apr. 9 Strawberry Crest at Newsome, 7 p.m. Apr. 10 Durant at Riverview, 7 p.m.

Apr. 3 Plant City at East Bay, 7 p.m.

Durant at Tampa Bay Tech, 7:30 p.m. Bloomingdale at Plant City, 7:30 p.m. Strawberry Crest at Newsome, 7:30 p.m. Apr. 8

Apr. 4 Strawberry Crest at Freedom, 7 p.m.

Armwood at Strawberry Crest, 7:30 p.m. Apr. 11

Apr. 5 Plant City at Durant, 7 p.m. Apr. 8 Plant City at Sebring, 6 p.m.

Plant City at Strawberry Crest, 7:30 p.m.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

ANOTHER BUSY SPORTS WEEKEND FOR PLANT CITY PARKS Florida Premiership soccer, Global Sports Alliance Florida and Make a Play 7v7 football kept Plant City’s biggest sports parks busy over the weekend with a series of youth sports tournaments on March 30 and 31.

Katherine Ruppert

Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at JKline@ plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.

Tell me about that throw.

Photos by Justin Kline

JUSTIN KLINE

Florida Premiership’s Showcase League for youth travel soccer clubs kicked off March 23 at the park and last weekend’s action focused entirely on the girls. The action in Plant City highlighted NPL and FPL U15-U19 players hoping to get noticed by college programs and take part in some meaningful game action on two of Ellis-Methvin’s soccer fields. The boys, who played last weekend, and the girls will next play in Clay County on April 13 and 14. Global Sports Alliance Baseball’s Florida Gulf Coast league play continued at the Sansone and Ellis-Methvin ball fields with perfect weather shining down on the intense hardball action. Last weekend’s slate of games was the last of regular season spring league play and the playoffs for the Rec Advance League, AA and AAA championships will start on April 12. Make a Play 7v7 made good use of EllisMethvin’s football fields over the weekend with a series of tournaments in 14U, 15U and Varsity divisions. In the end it was just one team, 411 Pain, that leave Plant City with all of the trophies and all of the bragging rights after putting together a clean sweep of the divisions. This style of football, which doesn’t require pads, typically lets skill position players shine brightest as the smaller man count on the field gives athleticism a huge advantage with one-on-one matchups.

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

When I first went out there, my previous record was around 25 meters and at first I was only aiming for 30 meters to even get in the top eight for states. Then on my very last throw, I kept technique in mind, strength and power and posture in mind. I put all my strength and speed into it… my coaches helped me and it was just amazing. A great experience. How far is the gap between you and the first-place thrower? I think it’s around three feet. I threw 115 feet and she threw about 118 feet. I’m, like, a stride away.

SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

What’s the key for making big throws like that? Keeping your technique in mind, but not overthinking it. The one thing I tell myself is, “Just do it.” Sometimes I overcomplicate things. How long have you been throwing? About a month. GSA Florida Baseball held a league play series.

You just started? Very recently. It just became legal to start it, so I’ve only been doing it for a short amount of time. When I first started track I didn’t think I would ever do something like javelin. I started with hurdles and now I’m completely focused on javelin. It’s such an amazing sport I barely even knew about, and now I’m second in the state. What made you interested in even trying javelin once it became legal? My coaches were like, “You’re going to be doing javelin. We’re going to try you out in that.” I didn’t learn any technique and I was throwing with the boys’ javelin. They saw I was throwing as far as the boys and that I had so much power with it. It was kind of an exhilarating experience, I guess. Something really fun to work with. Now I love it. I’m just glad I have really great coaches.

Make a Play 7v7 brought its exciting brand of football to Ellis-Methvin Park.

The ball fields at Ellis-Methvin Park have seen plenty of action over the last two weekends.

THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019