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VOLUME 6, NO. 196
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THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS PRAISING LAW ENFORCEMENT A MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATES THOSE IN BLUE
NATIONAL PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY AND NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
At the latest Plant City City Commission meeting, on May 9, a proclamation was given to the Plant City Police Department in recognition of the National Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week. A proclamation was also given to the East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Association.
Wednesday began the week-long holiday - National Police Week, which honors the lives of the men and women in blue, both living and deceased. May 11 to May 17 will observe officers with various functions, including the 34th Annual Candlelight Vigil at Washington D.C., on May 13. During the vigil, the names of the officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, and who’s names are engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, will be read aloud.
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2022 RELAY FOR LIFE
JUNETEENTH WEEKEND CELEBRATION HOLIDAY’S THREE-DAY EVENT TO BRING PARADE, SPEAKERS, AND CHURCH SERVICE
BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
TAYLOR JENKINS STAFF WRITER
Photos courtesy of Linda Herman
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All are welcome to take part in Plant City’s 2022 Juneteenth Celebration from June 17 to June 19. Under the theme, “We’re Still Here,” the event will start off with “The Praise” Harambee Worship service with the speaker Rev. LaTisha Jones, on June 17. The service begins at 7 p.m. and will be held at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 906 W. Ball Street, in Plant City. The public can enjoy lively, outdoor entertainment with the Inaugural Juneteenth Parade, which will occur on June 18. The event will be at 11 a.m., starting at West Renfro Street and South Wheeler Street, to the Ronald L. Snowden Park on Waller Street. “The Inclusion” will take place after the parade at the park, offering vendors, games, and tournaments, from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. At Plant City High School, “The Gathering” event will
occur with song and dance performances by local groups and the Greek Step-Show. Plant City High School is located at 1 Raider Place. Admission will be $20 per adult, $10 per youth ages 17 to 6, and free for children ages 5 and under. On June 19, the Morning Glory service will be conducted at Courier Field, 703 N. Wheeler St., in Plant City. Afterwards, a Father’s Day Luncheon will be held at the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort. St., in Plant City. The event will begin at 3 p.m. and will honor Capt. Alfred Van Duyne of the Plant City Police Department, and Pastor Randy Humphrey of One Accord Church. Those who attend are asked for a $10 donation as seating is limited. Visit www.1WilsonFoundation.com to register in becoming part of the parade, to be a vendor, or registering, or purchasing tickets for “The Gathering.”
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THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022
NEWS BRIEFS
McIntosh Preserve
Photo courtesy of the Plant City Police Daprtment
PCPD search for vehicle linked to shooting victim A 21-year-old African American victim who suffered a gunshot wound was dropped off at South Florida Baptist Hospital on May 8. The victim was brought to the hospital in a blue Nissan truck around 2:30 p.m., as pictured. Anyone with information regarding the shooting or the Nissan truck, is asked to contact Det. Dunnam by calling (813) 7072233 or by emailing MDunnam@PlantCityPolice.com.
Hillsborough County Tax Collector raises over $33,000 for elementary art programs Hillsborough County Tax Collector, Nancy C. Millan, was honored to present the
results of their first Kids Tag Art Program to the Hillsborough County School Board. The inaugural event raised $33,769 and will provide $1,200 to each participating elementary school — including Plant City’s Cork and Burney Elementary Schools — for art supplies and materials. The Kids Art Program is a creative fundraiser that gives Title I, fifth grade elementary school students the opportunity to showcase their artistic ability by designing front license vanity places in art class. The plate designs are then printed on metal plates and sold to family, friends and others. Proceeds from the plate sales and sponsorships then go back to the participating schools to help support their art programs. The Kids Tag Art Program began in Polk County over 15 years ago and other counties have since joined in, with the programs raising over $1 million for arts programs in Florida. “We know that teachers often pay out of pocket for much-needed art supplies, and our goal is to help alleviate some of this
expense through this program,” Millan said via a press release. “We are excited to be able to bring Kids Tag Art to Hillsborough County. We thank our sponsors for their support and help in making this year’s event successful and are already planning for the next school year.” Suncoast Credit Union was the presenting sponsor for the inaugural event and other sponsors for this year’s event includedDerrick Brooks Charities, PDQ, Florida West Coast Credit Union, Wild Architecture and Ms. Peggy Land. There was a top winner at each participating school, with Ysamar Trejo-Duarte selected as the winner from Cork Elementary and Sariah Montelongo selected as the winner from Burney Elementary
Plant City to host Sunset Hike This is your opportunity to join Plant City’s Parks staff for a guided Sunset Hike
at McIntosh Preserve, 775 E. Knights Griffin Rd. Participants will be led on an easy 1.5mile hike from the parking area to the preserve’s observation tower and back as the sun sets over Plant City’s beautiful wildlife. With any luck, you’ll have a chance to see deer and perhaps some of the preserve’s other inhabitants as they too come out for an evening stroll. The event will be held on Saturday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m. and anyone who wishes to participate must pre-register by Thursday, June 2. Find the link to pre-register at www.plantcitygov.com/parksrec/page/ sunset-hike. THINGS TO BRING: • Closed toe shoes • Water • Sunscreen • Bug spray • A hat
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2022 RELAY FOR LIFE Plant City’s annual event that battles cancer made its return BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Relay for Life of Plant City made its return, on May 6. For the first time, the function was held on the Strawberry Festival grounds and occurred from 6 p.m. to midnight. This year’s event brought out a sizable crowd to support cancer awareness and commemorate those who lost their battle with the disease. “It was actually a great success, we did very well,” said Tammy Schoonover, senior community development manager for the American Cancer Society. “We celebrated our survivors, we remembered our loved ones that we lost to cancer, and we fought back with our donations.” There was a larger turnout than expected this year, Schoonover added. Aside from walking or running laps around the fairgrounds, attendees had the opportunity to partake in multiple activities and visit numerous vendors that were set up by 22 teams. A 9 p.m. slideshow ceremony took place, displaying the pictures of those who had passed away from cancer. Luminaria bags were also lit in commemoration of those individuals. The Plant City function is just one of over 2,500 Relay for Life events across the country. As of May 11, Plant City has helped raise over $80,000 in donations, and is gradually moving closer to its goal $100,000. The proceeds go to the American Cancer Society which has over 1.5 million volunteers nationwide and combats cancer through research, education, advocacy, and family services.
Photos courtesy of Linda Herman
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COPS CORNER
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THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022
PLANT CITY
This week in Cops Corner: Plant City Police
Observer
investigate a missing semi-trailer, a stolen propane tank and an impaired driver. istock
Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Sports Writer / Taylor Jenkins tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com
APRIL 29
APRIL 30
WHEELIN’ AND STEALIN’
NIGHT PATROL
700 block of Kingsley Cr. Burglary: Officers made contact with the service manager/complainant with a company at the listed location. The complainant reported that the property had been entered, resulting in five catalytic converters that were stolen.
1500 block of Plantation Grove Ct. Trespass / L&P: Officers responded to an apartment complex at the listed location in reference to a burglary in progress complaint. An individual was arrested for trespass and loitering and prowling and later transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.
GASSED UP 900 block of E. Baker St. Theft: An officer met with a complainant who reported a propane tank valued at $350 missing from the property. LOUD CROWD 200 block of W. Alexander St. Trespass arrest: Officers responded to a business at the listed location in reference to two individuals who were in a verbal argument. The two individuals were subsequently arrested and later released with a court date/ notice to appear.
Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com
MAY 1 DINE AND DASH 2000 block of S. Frontage Rd. Theft: An officer responded to a restaurant at the listed location in reference to a couple that consumed food at the restaurant before leaving without paying.
MAY 2 CAUGHT RED HANDED 2600 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Retail theft: An officer met with a loss prevention employee at a business at the listed location who advised that they witnessed an individual, via store surveil-
lance, concealing items into a shopping bag after removing the security device. The officer and employee made contact with the individual who then admitted to concealing clothing totaling a value of $18.98. A computer check revealed that the individual had no criminal history and met the adult pre-arrest diversion criteria. The individual then agreed to enter the program and completed the form.
MAY 3 A LONG WAY FROM HOME 300 block of N. Frontage Rd. Stolen semi-trailer recovery: An officer responded to the listed location in reference to a located stolen semi-trailer. The trailer was stolen from Fresno, Cali. on March 24 and was confirmed by the Fresno Police Department.
MONEY PROBLEMS
MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
2300 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Fraud: An officermet with the complainant in the front lobby of a business at the listed location and took a report in reference to a complaint of fraud where the victim was missing $600 from their bank account.
E. Cherry St. / N. Wilder Rd. DUI: An officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for stopping in the middle of an intersection. The driver was arrested for DUI and was turned over to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office without incident.
SENT PACKING E. Renfroe St. / S. Maryland Ave Recover stolen gun / carry concealed firearm: An officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with one working headline. The driver was subsequently arrested for carrying a concealed firearm without a license and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.
MAY 4 A HOT ITEM 1700 block of Turkey Creek Rd. Theft: An officer made contact with an assistant manager at a business at the listed location who advised that construction/ welding equipment was discovered stolen on May 4.
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The Plant City Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. The Plant City Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.
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We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, send your information via: Email: Sarah Holt, SHolt@ PlantCityObserver.com. Mail: The Plant City Observer, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B, Plant City, FL 33563
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THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022
POLICE OFFICERS RECOGNIZED DURING WEEK-LONG EVENT
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EVENING DINNER AND MEMORIAL DAY FOR THOSE IN BLUE Photos courtesy of Yvonne Fry
(Back row) Ray Young, Commissioner Nate Kilton, and Vice-Mayor Michael Sparkman (From left to right) Commissioner Bill Dodson, Coleman Davis, Marsha Passmore, Mayor Rick Lott, City Manager Bill McDaniel, Jodi Stevens, Brian West, Bill Davis, Darryl Schumacher, Police Chief James Bradford and Mary Mathis.
BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
In 1962, National Police Week was established by a joint resolution of Congress. That same year, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed National Peace Officers Memorial Day to be held annually on May 15 – during National Police Week. The memorial day pays tribute to law enforcement officers on the local, county, state and federal levels, who lost their lives or who have been left with a disability. Plant City commemorates the life of the fallen Plant City Police Officer Robert Yates who was killed in 1911. While on Patrol on Nov. 10, 1911, Yates spotted a suspicious man near the train depot. When he tried to question the man, he refused to cooper-
ate, pulled out a gun, and fled the scene. As Yates pursued the man with assistanec from a guard at a stockade, two local residents, and two bloodhounds. The suspect went into a swamp, where he shot and killed one of the bloodhounds. Yates and the civilians entered the swamp and the suspect opened fire hitting both the officer and the stockade guard. The guard recovered from his wounds, but Yates was left paralyzed and died over a month later. The suspect was apprehended the day of the incident and charged with murder. He was sentenced to one year in prison. Yates had served with the Plant City Police Department for several months, and was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
(From left to right) Commissioner Nate Kilton, Vice-Mayor Michael Sparkman, Lt. Matt Lawson, Cpl. Chad Carpenter, Police Chief James Bradford, Mayor Rick Lott, Commissioner Mary Mathis, Commissioner Bill Dodson, and City Manager Bill McDaniel.
EAST HILLSBOROUGH LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION ASSOCIATION
Plant City City Manager Bill McDaniel is the chairman of the East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Association. He and the other board members were present at the commission meeting to accept the proclamation. On Tuesday, the board held its 60th Annual East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner, at the Florida Strawberry Festival Exhibition Hall. “Each year we recognize the officers that serve our community in four different agencies: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Plant City Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Con-
servation Commission,” McDaniel said. In 1962, Sgt. Ben Wilder and Deputy Perry Young of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, were called to a home where there was a domestic dispute between a family. They were joined by several other deputies. A suspect from the home shot at both men. Wilder was killed and Young lost an arm after sustaining an injury. The suspect was eventually killed by law enforcement after engaging in a shootout. In the aftermath of the incident, five businessmen wanted to honor the officers and formed the East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Association, in 1962. That same year, the association provided an appreciation dinner
for officers in the Robinson Elementary School auditorium. The event does not receive government funds, but is currently sponsored and funded by the community. “That began the tradition that has sustained for the last 60 years, through the support and the generosity of this community,” McDaniel said. “It’s truly our honor to work on behalf of this association, and see this proud tradition is continued.”
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THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022
UNITY ORGANIZATION EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO SUPPORTERS
UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY HOLDS DINNER CELEBRATING ITS VOLUNTEERS
(From left to right) Ted Alex, Dean Pfeffer, Rich Gloriso, Steve Hurley, Jake Austin, Sharon Moody, and Marsha Passmore were all in attendance
Regional Manager Keith Newbury of Winn-Dixie (left) is awarded a plaque by Steve
for the Unity in the Community Appreciation Dinner, on May 6.
Hurley, the owner of Stingray Chevrolet. Winn-Dixie has been a longtime sponsor of the Unity for the Community organization which aims to better the livelihood of Plant City residents.
BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
Plant City’s Unity in the Community organization held its Annual Appreciation Dinner for its committed volunteers, on May 6. Held inside the Trinkle Center at Hillsborough Community College – Plant City, the organization also recognized sponsors, partners, and community supporters. “This was just our way of saying ‘thank you’ to so many that not only give up their time, but give up their money,” said Marsha Passmore, current board member and former chair of the organization. This year has been a successful one for Unity in the Community, with the amount of proceeds collected from the Corvette raffle during the Florida Strawberry Festival in March. The ticket sales amounted to a record-breaking $360,000 – the most collected since the raffle drawing began 13 years ago. In that time, almost $3 million has been raised during festival time and donated to Unity in the Community. This year Stacy Spivey was the raffle winner who took home
a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette from Stingray Chevrolet. Steve and Susan Hurley are the owners of the local dealership, which donates a brand-new Corvette to give away each year. Steve is the current chairman of the organization’s board. During the dinner, the Hurley’s were among several recipients to receive a plaque, recognizing them for their service to the community. “They just have such big hearts for this community as a whole,” said Sharon Moody, the current treasurer and former chair of Unity in the Community. Also awarded were Keith Newberry, the regional manager of Winn-Dixie; Laura Meil; Karla Annable; the Stingray Chevrolet employees; and Felton’s Meat & Produce Market employees. The staff at Stingray and Felton’s donate their own funds to the organization through a payroll deduction every year. “It’s just the generosity of the dollars,” Passmore said. “All of these different people who give, that makes a huge difference. That’s why this organization is truly what I feel like Plant City is all
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about, and it’s just love and caring for your neighbors.” Unity in the Community was founded in 1999 by Joyce Jordan Hooke, with the purpose of helping provide sufficient needs to other organizations and the locals of Plant City. Along with Hurley, Passmore, and Moody, the board of directors also consist of Vice-Chairman Matt Stone, Ted Alex, Jake Austin, Paul Davis, Danny Coton, Rich Gloriso, Joyce Jordan Hooke, Bill Hughes, and Brian West. The organization distributes 10 scholarships - $1,000 each toward selected students from Plant City high schools who meet the Unity in the Community’s criteria. It also partners with schools, providing them with funds that can go toward disadvantaged students. As part of the budget, emergency funds are set aside for anyone who is in dire need of help. Another annual fundraiser includes the Henry Falcon Memorial Golf Tournament which will be held on Oct. 7. The event is named after Henry Falcon, a board member who passed away last year due to COVID-19. There will be a clay shoot event taking place later this year as well.
In 2010, the Unity in the Community Park was opened in downtown Plant City on Collins Street. The “pocket park” was renovated last year with a new brick pathway, LED lighting, a new entryway, upgraded landscaping, and more bench seating. Another eye-catching addition is a mural painted on the south wall of the Whistle Stop Gourmet Coffee and Eatery. It depicts prominent figures of Plant City, both past and present, as well as well-known locations in town. With the betterment of Plant City as its central focus, the organization continues to show gratitude to those who help push that agenda forward. “I guess that’s why it’s called Unity in the Community - because it’s a community organization, and when we help the community, it makes you feel good that you can help someone in your own backyard,” Moody said.
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THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022
IT’S READ EVERYWHERE
Did you take the Observer with you on vacation? Send your pictures to Associate Editor Taylor Jenkins at tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.
Parks & Rec hosts Kids vs. Cops kickball game
Last week the Plant City Police Department took to the field to face off against some of the area’s local after-school students in kickball. Photos courtesy of Plant City Parks & Recreation
TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER
ALASKA: George Domedion and Gail Lyons took a copy of the Plant City Observer with them all the way to Alaska.
CUTEST CRITTER
Do you want Plant City to see how cute your favorite pets are? Send your pictures to Staff Writer Brian Fernandes at bfernandes@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.
APOLLO: Ellen Raisbeck submitted this photo of her three year old brindle boxer Apollo, who loves to run free in the back yard and chase lizards.
Last Thursday several members of the Plant City Police Department made their way to the Sadie Gibbs Martin Community Center to face off against some of the Parks & Recreation department’s afterschool students in a game of kickball. Two games were played, with the police department facing off against kids from kindergarten, first grade and second grade in the first contest while the second game included kids from third, fourth and fifth grade. Around 50 after-school students were able to participate in the games and despite the department’s efforts, Plant City Police Chief James Bradford noted that the kids were able to come away victorious in both contests. In addition, the Parks & Rec department provided snow cones for all those in attendance. “It was a good time to get out of the office, mingle with the kids, let them do something different and just create some positive interactions,” Bradford said. “They loved it and they took it very seriously, especially the older kids, they were in it to win it. The younger kids had fun too and unfortunately we got beat by both teams, but that’s ok. They had a lot of fun.” The kickball games are part of an ongoing effort from Bradford and the rest of the department to build lasting connections between themselves and kids throughout the Plant City area, providing them with an opportunity to have a little fun outdoors and spend time with the officers while they’re not on duty. Last July the police department took part in their first Cops & Kids Chili Cookoff at the Planteen Rec. Center before Bradford met with Julie Garretson – now the director of Plant City’s Parks & Recreation Department – to find more ways for the department to organize more kid-centered community events. This ultimately led to their Kids vs. Cops dodgeball game held later in the month. “When we do things like this, it gives the kids the opportunity to see us in a different light,” Bradford said. “And what better way to engage with people in general than doing it over food or doing it over sports, those are usually some common denominators. I think this was a good time and when they laugh and smile, we laugh and smile, we all have a good time, it means much more than seeing us around town or driving around in our cars. It provides a
bridge between us and them so that in the future, they can remember what a good time it was.” The Plant City Police Department plans to hold more events with the Parks & Recreation Department in the future and is currently in the process of planning an after school reading program with students at the Bruton Memorial Library – taking place once per month, starting this upcoming fall – in partnership with the Rotary Club of Plant City. “They definitely enjoyed each other’s company and having that community connection,” Garretson said. “We’re looking forward to doing more. We’ll do some sort of game this summer with the summer camp kids and also incorporate the fire department in the future, maybe a Police vs. Fire game that we come and watch or something like that just to get that fun community feel. The ultimate goal is for the kids to see that our law enforcement and first our responders are real people that care about them, not to just keep them safe, but that they also care about their school work and their athletics and things of that nature. Chief Bradford has done an awesome job of coming in and making sure that his staff understands the need for that community involvement.
SPORTS
DURANT, STRAWBERRY CREST BASEBALL CLAIM DISTRICT TITLES Both teams won district championships before advancing through to the regional semifinals. TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER
District tournaments began for Plant City area baseball teams last week, with Durant and Strawberry Crest claiming district titles. Both teams began their district semifinal matchups on Tuesday as scheduled, before weather forced the games to be halted and moved to Wednesday evening. In the 7A District 6 semifinal, Durant headed to Plant City looking to clinch their spot in the district final after suffering two losses at the hands of the Raiders earlier in the month. Despite narrow previous results not falling in their favor, the Cougars were able to secure a comeback 6-5 victory over Plant City to advance. “It’s huge,” Durant head coach Butch Valdes said. “It’s bigger than any other rivalry. You could say that Newsome is our rival, Bloomingdale, whoever. But when it comes to here and it’s a Plant City rivalry, this is the biggest and it always will be.” On Tuesday, Plant City started junior Adan Longoria against Durant senior Torin Byrnes and the Cougars jumped out in front early as Nick April-Gath led off the contest with a double before being bunted over to third by Avery Cherry and ultimately driven home on a two-out single to left from Noah Morales. But Plant City answered right back in the bottom half of the inning. After junior Deven Gonzalez reached on an error, a single from Colin Shultz left runners on first and third before a double from Jackson VanDerZee knotted the game up at one. A passed ball allowed another run to score, giving Plant City a 2-1 lead, and a sacrifice fly from Wyatt Fordham tacked on one more as the Raiders took a 3-1 lead. Both teams were held scoreless in the second before lightning in the area, and eventually heavy rain, delayed the contest. As the two teams returned on Wednesday for their 5 p.m. start, Plant City rolled with Longoria on the mound while Durant opted to make a move to sophomore Blaine Rowland. “That was a simple decision,” Durant head coach Butch Valdes said about the move to Rowland. “When a pitcher’s in a game and they have an adrenaline rush and they throw, that same adrenaline rush isn’t there the same the next day, I don’t care who you are.”
The game remained calm through the third until Durant jumped back on the board in the top of the fourth. Morales started the inning with a base hit, followed by a walk from Gavin Florio to put two runners on. A bunt moved the runners over to second and third when a base hit to right from Rowland scored them both to tie the game at 3-3. Aidan Welsh then reached on an error, leaving runners on first and third, and Devin Suero rolled over a slow ground ball to second that forced Plant City to take the out at first and allow the go-ahead run to score from third. In the top of the fifth, catcher Dylan LaPointe added one more for Durant with a solo home run to straightaway center, giving the Cougars a 5-3 lead. But Plant City wasn’t done. In the bottom of the sixth, following a leadoff single from Chase Mobley, Longoria came up huge for the Raiders with a massive tworun home run to left center to tie the game once again at 5-5. After posting two quick outs in the top of the seventh, Durant was able to string together three consecutive base hits to load the bases. Then, with the bases loaded, the go-ahead run just 90 feet away at third, on a full count, Brett Martin was able to draw the walk and push the eventual game-winning run home and give the Cougars the lead back at 6-5. Across town, Strawberry Crest was already cruising on their way to a district championship appearance in their semifinal matchup against Armwood, holding on to a 6-0 lead in the bottom of the second on Tuesday before it was delayed and ultimately scored in four consecutive innings — with three or more runs coming across in three of them — to clinch a 16-6 victory in five innings. Six different Chargers hitters posted RBIs on the night, with five of them driving in multiple RBIs, but the charge was led by three each from juniors Alex Philpott and Arjun Nimmala. On the mound, junior Luke Richardson worked three innings and senior Zach Vincent handled the other two. On Thursday, Durant sealed their third win of the season over another local rival in Newsome to claim their district championship with a 7-5 victory. After Newsome took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first, Durant exploded in the third inning with five runs to take a
commanding lead. Durant added to their lead with one run in the top of the fifth, making it 6-1, but Newsome battled back with two runs each in the fifth and sixth to keep it a one-run game at 6-5 heading into the seventh. Durant tacked on one more insurance run in the top of the final inning but it wouldn’t be needed as the Cougars sealed the win. Martin and Morales stayed hot for Durant, with both hitters driving in two runs and scoring one as Martin also went threefor-four on the evening. The same night, Strawberry Crest hosted Bloomingdale where they won their fourth consecutive district championship in walkoff fashion with a 3-2 win over Bloomingdale. “When I think about our district titles, and we have eight or nine alumni here tonight, they started it and now they’re here to watch it continue on,” head coach Eric Beattie said. Zach Redner got the start for Crest and Bloomingdale was able to push one run across in the first. The Bulls reached base with a leadoff single and the runner moved to second on a ground ball and over to third on a pickoff move that bounced away before scoring on a slow roller in the infield. After the lone run, Redner settled in and the Chargers bounced right back with two runs of their own in the bottom of the first. After two walks to open the inning, Nimmala grounded into a fielder’s choice before stealing second to put runners on second and third. With two outs, Eli Vickers roped a single to right field, scoring both runs and giving Crest a 2-1 lead that they would hold until the fifth inning. Redner would pitch three innings, allowing just two walks, one hit and the lone unearned run in the first before the Chargers made the move to Philpott out of the bullpen. Philpott was strong throughout the evening, escaping each and every threat that Bloomingdale presented with the exception of one. In the top of the fifth, a leadoff double immediately put a runner in scoring position for the Bulls, moving to third on a base hit and scoring on a ground out to short to tie the game at 2-2. Through the seventh inning the two teams remained even and the game headed to extra innings, but the Chargers would only need one more.
With two outs in the bottom of the eighth, runners on first and second, Redner came up huge as he went with a pitch down and away to poke a soft single into left field and drive home the winning run. “They want to win, they’re competitive kids,” Beattie said. “They want to win and in situations like these sometimes it’s better to be competitive than to be good and they’ve got both. Bloomingdale is a heck of team over there, they beat us twice pretty good this year but we stuck with it and the guys really wanted to win.” Returning for their regional quarterfinal matchups on Tuesday, Strawberry Crest was able to knock off visiting Land O’ Lakes with a 4-3 victory while Durant shut out Sarasota with a 4-0 win of their own. Redner once again got the start for Crest as the Chargers were able to put up one run in four consecutive innings to outlast the visiting Gators. Crest got the offense going in the second as Ethan Pues singled, followed by a double from Vickers to put runners on second and third before Damien Bennett drove home the game’s first run with a sacrifice fly to left. In the third, Crest was the beneficiary of a little good luck as Pues roped a two out line drive to left, with runners on first and second, that was dropped, allowing pinch runner Lance Highsmith to come around and push the lead to 2-0. In the top of the fourth, Land O’ Lakes fired back. Back-toback singles put two runners on, moving to second and third on a passed ball with no outs. An infield single scored one — leaving runners at the corners in what was now a 2-1 ballgame — and during the next at bat Nimmala broke to second as the runner took off looking to steal second and a base hit went through the vacated left side to tie the contest at 2-2 and put runners on first and third.
To push one more run across, Land O’ Lakes sent their runner from first and the throw down from catcher Bennett was cut off early and thrown home to try and catch the runner from third looking to score, but the throw was off line and the Gators took their first lead of the night at 3-2. In the bottom of the fourth, Ray Allen Vasquez led off the inning with a base hit, was bunted over to second by Bennett and driven home Philpott on a single to left field. Then in the fifth, Nimmala reached with a two-out single, stole second and Pues got his second RBI of the contest with a single to right, giving the Chargers a 4-3 lead that they would hold on to. Redner pitched into the fourth inning, Richardson took over and pitched into the sixth inning and after back-to-back two-out hits from Land O’ Lakes, they pushed Crest to make another move to Philpott out of the bullpen. Philpott ended the threat with a strikeout and closed the door in the seventh to end the contest and secure the championship victory. For Durant, the result was never in much doubt. Martin once again proved clutch with a two-RBI triple in the first and the Cougars added one run in both the third and fourth by way of RBIs from Florio and Cherry. On the mound, Rowland threw 6.2 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while striking out 10, while Florio retired the lone batter he faced on three straight pitches. On Friday, Durant will head to Windermere for their regional semifinal matchup at 4:30 p.m. and Strawberry Crest will head to Wharton for their own at 7 p.m.
Taylor Jenkins is the Sports Writer at the Plant City Observer. Email: tjenkins@ plantcityobserver.com.
STRAWBERRY CREST SOFTBALL WINS DISTRICT TITLE, DURANT ADVANCES TO REGIONALS
Despite two different paths to get there, both Strawberry Crest and Durant softball will begin their journey through regionals this week. TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER
Just as baseball began their district tournaments last week, softball’s district tournaments got rolling right alongside them. Durant opened their tournament against Riverview in the district semifinals, falling to the Sharks for the second time this season by a final score of 3-1. Durant totaled four hits in the contest and their lone run was driven in by
junior Emma Chisholm, scoring senior Shelby Allen. Despite the tough loss, the Cougars will still have a shot to redeem themselves in regionals as they head to Newsome to face a 22-3 Wolves team in the quarterfinals. Durant has played Newsome extremely tough in both of their matchups this season — falling just short in both contests by the slimmest of margins — with a 3-2 final on March 11 and a 4-3 final on April 26. Durant will look for their revenge on Thursday at 7 p.m. Crest opened their district tournament against Wharton, winning by way
of a big comeback in extra innings. After opening up the scoring in the first with a 1-0 lead, Wharton posted two runs in both the third and sixth innings to build a 4-1 advantage. But three runs in the seventh and the game-winning run in the eighth clinched a 5-4 victory and a spot in the district championship. Despite just five runs crossing the plate, the Chargers totaled 14 hits and the offense was led by a two-RBI contest from senior Lauren Ray. In the district finals, Crest scored early and often as they posted runs in five different innings en route to a 10-7 victory
over Wiregrass Ranch, led by multi-RBI days from junior Kylee Dodson with two and freshman Kennedy Shea with three. Per usual, pitcher Ariana Rego threw all 15 innings over the two contests for Crest, striking out 14 hitters while allowing nine earned runs. Strawberry Crest will host 17-10 Land O’ Lakes in their regional quarterfinal matchup on Thursday at 7 p.m.
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PLANT CITY OBSERVER
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THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022
PLANT CITY TRACK & FIELD PREPARES FOR STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS Photos courtesy of Plant City Track & Field
TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER
Coming off of their district meet where Plant City’s Track and Field team left with 14 district champions and 23 regional qualifiers, they took to Alonso High School for the FHSAA’s 4A Region 2 championships. Both the boys and girls 4 x 100 meter relay teams from Plant City qualified for the state championships while Kaden Mizell was the lone individual qualifier for states. The boys’ 4 x 100 meter relay team is composed of four Plant City football players – Ian Jolly, Jae Sawyer, Reggie Bush and Romello Jones – who have all signed to play football at the collegiate level this coming fall. With a time of 42.33 seconds, they finished fourth at the regional meet to qualify for states. The girls’ 4 x 100 meter relay team – Makenzie Holmes, Makayla Holmes, Jalayah Shaw and Erica Holloman – are all either sophomores or juniors, poised to return for another potentially strong run with Plant City’s team next year. With a time of 48.57 seconds, the girls set a new school record in the event and finished second in the region to qualify for states.
Mizell – a senior and yet another Plant City football player – finished fourth in the region for javelin on his final throw, despite suffering an ankle injury on his first attempt, with a mark of 45.44 meters. In addition to Plant City’s state qualifiers, they had a number of athletes put together impressive days that fell just short of the mark to qualify themselves. Sawyer finished sixth in the boys 200 meters with a time of 22.35 seconds, the boys 4 x 400 relay team – Sawyer, Jones, Jolly and Adam Fix – finished seventh with a time of 3:27.10, Rhet Conyers finished sixth in shot put with a mark of 13.63 meters, Javan Futch and Jovani Torres finished sixth and ninth in discus with marks of 38.19 meters and 36.44 meters, respectively, and Conyers finished ninth in javelin with a mark of 41.3 meters. Holloman finished 10th in the girls 100 meters with a time of 12.57 seconds and fifth in the girls 200 meters with a time of 25.65 seconds, Makenzie Holmes finished sixth in the girls triple jump with a mark of 10.59 meters, Paige Zeracor finished 10th in discus with a mark of 27.08 meters and Alyssa Stahl finished eighth in javelin with a mark of 29.70 meters. The FHSAA 4A State Championships will take place at the University of Florida on Saturday, May 14.
Kaden Mizell
Taylor Jenkins is the Sports Writer at the Plant City Observer. Email: tjenkins@ plantcityobserver.com.
DOCTOR’S NOTE:
CONNECTING PEOPLE IN HONOR OF BETTER HEARING & SPEECH MONTH
May is national Better Hearing & hoarseness, or difficulty swallowSpeech Month (BHSM), an observance ing. Many of these symptoms could be founded by the American Speech-Lancaused by internal or environmental guage-Hearing Association (ASHA) to issues such as allergies, illnesses, overraise awareness about communication use of vocal cords or acid reflux disease. disorders and encourage individuals to The Florida Center for Voice & Swalhave their hearing tested and take action lowing, another extension of Florida if they are experiencing vocal concerns. E.N.T. & Allergy, has physicians and This year, the theme for BHSM is “Con- speech pathologists with years of necting People”! educational and field experience who Hearing loss is one of the most comare able to diagnose a range of voice mon, chronic conditions in the United problems and are dedicated to helpStates today. In fact, nearly 48 million ing patients understand more about Americans experience some form of voice function and health. They are also hearing loss, and 1 in 5 individuals above able to provide the best treatment and the age of 11 experience hearing loss management plans for any underlying severe enough to hinder their communi- causes such as voice disorders and swalcation. Common causes for hearing loss lowing disorders. are damages to the ear, ear infections, The way we utilize technology allows and abnormal bone growths. While us to communicate with one another at most of these are caused by outside any given moment, without hearing or forces, such as excessive noise exposure speaking. However, we can’t deny that or illnesses that disrupt the ear funcspeaking and listening are still two of tion, some causes are genetic. Hearing the most common and efficient forms loss can occur at any age, this is why of communication used daily. Florida early detection is important! E.N.T. & Allergy’s goal is to help raise The physicians and doctors of audiol- awareness and provide treatment for ogy at The Florida Center for Hearing those experiencing hearing and/or Health, an extension of Florida E.N.T. speech disorders. & Allergy, work together to identify the range of the patient’s hearing and provide a plan for preventative care, restorative treatments, and/or hearing aid options. In addition to hearing, vocal health is another aspect of communication that can compromise your quality of life if you’re experiencing speech issues. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, there are about 17.9 million adults in the United States who currently report problems with their voice. It For additional information or to schedule is important to talk to a specialist about an appointment, please call 813-879-8045 or visit Florida E.N.T. & Allergy online at any uncomfortable symptoms www.FloridaENTandAllergy.com. you may be feeling in your voice or throat area such as a sore throat,
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THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022
REAL ESTATE
April 2022 Real Estate Transactions
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Local April 2022 sales and trend information courtesy of The Crawford Group. Which narrative do you ascribe too… Real Estate Bubble or Supply-Demand Economics? The mainstream media prey on the emotions of people to direct their story line. The naysayers typically select an event, drop in the stock market, Russian/Ukraine or something else which doesn’t have a direct causation effect to the housing market. I err on the side of the economics model. As these words are penned together, the latest CPI numbers haven’t been released yet. Many economists believe that last month’s CPI numbers had peaked, meaning that many of the supply constraints are stabilizing. Why bring up the CPI numbers? It’s all relative to the consumer’s purchasing power in the individual supply-demand models. When you have more buyers for the available supply, prices go up, when buyers slow purchases due to perceived value or desired need, the supply tends to increase, or prices will stabilize. The FED has initiated rate increases to slow the economy, which in turn triggers mortgage rates to rise, that leads to slowing down purchases, which is what the FED wanted to happen, but it doesn’t materialize overnight. What does the future in real estate look like? Low housing inventory levels are here for the next six to 12 months. Buyer’s mortgage expenses are on the rise which leads to less buying power. This may start to negate
the Seller’s upper hand in pricing models. The need for professional representation is more indispensable now than ever before. As for the Bubble theory, our real estate market is on very stable ground, slight corrections will ensue, but a major reversal in valuations – crash, is very unlikely. As we look at the Plant City housing data, we just completed the fourth month of the year, April, 2022. Our market area saw 92 homes sold this month, a decline from the previous month with 105 homes sold. The average selling price per square foot was $198.95, that’s a 3.1 percent increase over last month. The average selling price was $355,732 or a 0.8 percent increase over last month. The active inventory was skewed last month largely due to one seller’s portfolio of properties being listed simultaneous. The active inventory supply jumped from 0.73 to 1.09 month’s supply, but we are a long way from the normalcy of three to six month’s supply. While comparing the median prices month over month data, April finished with a median sales price of $333,500 which was a slight decline of 0.7 percent from March and a 3.5 percent increase over the 2022 year-todate average. Will the real estate values continue to rise? Yes, more likely than not at slower rising percentage rates. There are many fundamentals that influence the
potential power of the consumer. Over the next few months, we shall see how these fundamentals adjust to the different circumstances, CPI numbers, mortgage rates, etc. as we enter the primarily housing selling season. As always, if you are in the market to buy or sell your home… seek out an experienced professional realtor to assist you in this transaction process. There are too many pitfalls to go it alone without representation. If you have any questions, please reach out. M Crawford Crawford Group SALES SNAPSHOT The following residential properties were a sample listed as sold on the Greater Tampa Realtors Association MLS in Apr 2022 for the Plant City Market Area. The home at 2602 Jim Johnson sold Apr 8 for $160,000. Built in 1959, it has 3 bedrooms, 1 bath and 1286 square feet of living area. The home at 703 W Cherry St sold Apr 8 for $215,000. Built in 1953, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1398 square feet of living area. The home at 2817 Lawrence Rd sold Apr 11 for $230,000. Built in 2006, it has 4 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1674 square feet of living area.
The home at 123 Alexander Woods Dr sold Apr 28 for $245,000. Built in 2018 it has 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bath and 1466 square feet of living area. The home at 908 E Gilchrist St sold Apr 15 for $260,000. Built in 1911, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1633 square feet of living area. The home at 706 N Vermont St sold Apr 18 for $300,000. Built in 1950, it has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1432 square feet of living area. The home at 1417 Sandal Wood Dr sold Apr 29 for $315,000. Built in 1979, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 bath and 1915 square feet of living area. The home at 1441 Walden Oaks PL sold Apr 7 for $320,000. Built in 1987, it has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1305 square feet of living area. The home at 3407 Pearl Dove Ln sold Apr 4 for $332,000. Built in 2007, it has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1754 square feet of living area. The home 3110 Emerson Pl sold Apr 29for $350,000. Built in 1992, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1635 square feet of living area. The home at 912 Roux St sold Apr 14 for $375,000. Built in 1909, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1850 square feet of living area. The home at 4115 Barret Ave sold Apr 14 for $430,000. Built in 1989, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 baths
and 2015 square feet of living area. The home at 2605 Holly Bluff Ct sold Apr 1 for $453,000. Built in 2012, it has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 2748 square feet of living area. The home at 4916 Booth Rd sold Apr 1 for $470,000. Built in 1932, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2370 square feet of living area. The home at 606 W Reynolds St sold Apr 14 for $506,000. Built in 1904, it has 5 bedrooms, 3 baths and 2932 square feet of living area. The home at 3629 Smith Ryals Rd sold Apr 29 for $625,000. Built in 1987, it has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath and 2465 square feet of living area. The home at 3706 Heathcoe Rd sold Apr 20 for $720,000. Built in 1955, it has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 2808 square feet of living area.
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THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022
YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN
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We asked Plant City: If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? “For me it would be salad!! Caesar, tossed, chef, cobb, potato, macaroni, Greek and oh so many more!! I have salad every day and it’s always something different!!” - Polly Moore Simpson
“Potatoes, because there’s so many ways to eat them. French fries, mashed potatoes, fried, hash browns, au gratin, scallop, baked, boiled, potato salad, potato chips.” - Tina Yarbrough
“Tacos. They’re delicious and cover the five food groups.” - Cody Lenz
“Pizza, you can put a variety of toppings.” - Eduardo Jose Paredes
“Sushi! A good roll can cover all food groups.....grains/carbs, meat, fruit/veggie, and dairy if it’s got a little cream cheese. But there are so many different combinations and choices. And fairly healthy.” - Stephanie Hinson
“Cereal, because it’s easy, quick and delicious.” - Dana Polk Deliguori “My wife’s recipe for paprika chicken.” - Dave Patterson
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
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Jim Hunter
Jim Hunter went to be with his heavenly father on April 29, 2022. He passed due to postoperative complications after a colon procedure. James Robert Hunter was born in Columbus, Ohio on August 6 1950. He moved to Ft. Lauderdale in 1955 and remained there through his high school years. He graduated from Nova High in 1969 and attended college at Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, Ky. Jimmy enjoyed all things water and had one hell of a pool game. His career brought him to Plant City, Fla.where he retired as a Produce Broker with Patterson Companies after 36 years. He is survived by three children James Alden Hunter, Sally Lorayne Hunter, and John Hoover Hunter, one grandchild Aspen Lorayne Hunter, and his sister Kathy Wine and husband Brad. Proceeded by his wife Lorayne Corcoran Hunter and his brother Dan William Hunter. There will be a celebration of life held at Heath Funeral Chapel in Lakeland at 2 p.m. on April 13, 2022. The family asks that tropical flowers to be sent to Heath Funeral Chapel for the memorial and those attending to wear colorful comfortable attire. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.heathfuneralchapel.com.
Paul “P.T.” Thomas Swain, 77, of Lithia, Fla., born in Tampa on July 26, 1944, entered into eternal rest on May 3, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.
Randy Lundt
Bruce Harvey
Gerald Meares
Randy Lundt, 57, of Plant City, Fla., born in Somerville, N.J. on Nov. 1, 1964, entered into eternal rest on May 5, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.
Bruce Harvey, 80, of Seffner, Fla., passed away on May 6, 2022. Memorial service will be held May 14, 2022 at 4 p.m. at First Freewill Baptist Church of Tampa, 11605 East US 92, Seffner, 33584. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.
Gerald Meares, age 66, of Lake Panasoffkee, FL passed away on May 4, 2022. Services will be held privately by the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care
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Jim Maxwell
John ‘Johnny’ C. Adams
Jim Maxwell, 81, of Lithia, Fla., born in Bainbridge, Ga. on Dec. 23, 1940, entered into eternal rest on April 29, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.
John “Johnny” C. Adams, 70, of Lithia, Fla., born in Tampa on Sept. 29, 1951, entered into eternal rest on May 6, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.
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THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022
OBITUARIES
Paul ‘P.T.’ Thomas Swain
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Grace Dunlap Simmons
David Frankovich
Grace Dunlap Simmons, 90, of Plant City, Fla., formerly of Tallahassee, born in Hooker, Ga. on June 27, 1931, entered into eternal rest on May 5, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.
David Frankovich, 77, of WELLSMEMORIAL.COM WELLSMEMORIAL.COM passed away on May 10, HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM 2022. Services are being Wells MeMorial & event Center Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy PlanT CiTy held privately by the family. 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.
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OBITUARIES
PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022
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YOUR CALENDAR
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FRIDAY, MAY 13 MOVIE TRIVIA NIGHT 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E J. Arden Mays Blvd. May’s Movie Trivia Night theme is the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Bring your friends and family to grab a cup of coffee and head up to the loft to show off your movie knowledge, or just to cheer on your loved ones with a chance to win a prize. As always, the event is family-friendly and free.
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10/27/15 10:42 AM
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STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN
WELLSMEMORIAL.COM
813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com
3 to 6:30 at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Classic Cruise-In is back
WELLSMEMORIAL.COM
PlanT CiTy
RETRO MOVIE NIGHT 7 to 8:30 at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Head to the loft at Krazy Kup on the third Friday of each month for Retro Movie Night. Bring the family, grab a treat from downstairs, relax and watch a new movie selection each month.
SATURDAY, MAY 21
Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival.
Wells MeMorial & event Center
8 to 9 a.m. at 1601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Connect & Grow provides opportunities for Greater Plant City Chamber members to connect with other businesses and business leaders within the community. If you attend, be ready to share best business practices, build business relationships and generate referrals. This group meets bi-monthly on the first and third Tuesday of the month and is limited to two members from each business category. Admission is free for all Chamber members. If you are interested in joining Connect & Grow, contact Jerilyn Rumbarger at 813-754-3707 ext 102 to check for openings.
FRIDAY MAY 20
10/27/15 10:42 AM
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7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Open Mic Night is back at Krazy Kup. Join them for a fun night where you get to be the star of the show. Come out, strut your stuff and show everyone what you’ve got.
TUESDAY, MAY 17
10/27/15 10:42 AM
WE’ R E PR O UD TO S ERV E
OPEN MIC NIGHT
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1
on Saturday, May 21, rain or shine. Cars and trucks manufactured in or before 1996 can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music will be provided by DJ John Paul Gasca.
SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS WITH ESTRANGED FAMILIES
FRIDAY, MAY 27 LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN
5 to 9 p.m. at McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St. The Last Friday in Downtown Food Truck Rally is held with a new theme each month. There will be live music, market vendors and food trucks. The event is family and pet friendly and all are recommended to bring chairs and blankets. This month’s theme will be School’s Out For Summer.
MONDAY, MAY 30
6:30 to 8 p.m. at GracePoint Church, 1107 Charlie Griffin Rd. Join other parents who are estranged from their adult children. PEAK (Parents of Estranged Adult Kids) group provides a safe place to listen, share and support others going through the hurt of adult family abandonment. Meetings will include group discussions, self-care and positivelyinfluenced activities to help cope with the situation. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month. For more information, visit www. peaksupportgroup.com.
MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Norman McLeod American Legion Post #26, 2207 W. Baker St. After a two-year hiatus, Norman McLeod Legion Post #26 will resume hosting Plant City’s Annual Memorial Day Ceremony to honor and pay respect to the men and women that paid the ultimate price for the defense of our country. All are invited to attend and participate in the ceremony by placing a wreath or floral offering at the American Legion’s Flag Pole during the roll call of clubs, organizations and/or businesses. Lunch will be provided after the ceremony. If you desire to participate, contact alpost26@gmail.com or past Commander Ron MacDonald at 813376-8740. When replying, please list the person, club, organization or business sposoring the wreath or floral offering and the name of ther person that will be making the presentation during the ceremony.
Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy 10/27/15 10:42 AM 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com
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JOIANY!
TOD
FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE.
FIND YOUR Y.
PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA 1507 YMCA Pl., Plant City | 813 757 6677 | tampaymca.org
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NEW MEMBER SPECIAL OFFER:
$
JOIN FEE
Offer valid thru 5/17/22
PLANT CITY OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
FORECAST
Send your photo submissions to staff writer Taylor Jenkins at tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com or hashtag #iloveplantcity on Instagram for @igersplantcity to feature.
THURSDAY, MAY 12 High: 86 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 15%
FRIDAY, MAY 13 High: 88 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 39%
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022
SUNRISE/SUNSET Sunrise Sunset Thursday, May 12
6:40a
8:09p
Friday, May 13
6:39a
8:00p
Saturday, May 14
6:39a
8:10p
Sunday, May 15
6:38a
8:11p
Monday, May 16
6:38a
8:11p
Tuesday, May 17
6:37a
8:12p
Wednesday, May 18
6:37a
8:12p
MOON PHASES
SATURDAY, MAY 14 High: 92 Low: 69 Chance of rain: 15%
SUNDAY, MAY 15 High: 92 Low: 70 Chance of rain: 24%
MONDAY, MAY 16 Carol Ann Mathis sent in these photos of the Falcon 9 launch before dawn on Friday from her view in Plant City.
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High: 92 Low: 70 Chance of rain: 19%
(C) 2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
Across 1 Aussie birds with drumbeat-like mating calls 5 Get in a row 10 Regarding 14 Lucy Lawless title role 15 “Take a look” 16 Hit the brakes 17 Once-common childhood ailment 19 Nomadic quarters 20 Giant whose #4 was retired 21 Rock’s Pop 22 Figures of speech 24 Saffron-flavored Spanish dish 26 Embellish
27 Reporting live 30 The eastern half of a frozen food brand 33 Writers’ workplaces 36 Move, in realty ads 37 Anjou, e.g. 38 24-Across ingredient 39 Garson of “Mrs. Miniver” 40 Summit 41 A lot of time, in Spain 42 Wild party 43 Speculate 44 Corporate VIP 45 Hereditary information for a species 47 Having glass sections 49 Incan wool sources 53 Race with no real losers
55 Cruising the Arctic, say 57 Fish served in poke 58 Butter substitute 59 Five-pointed stars ... or, in two words, what the sets of circles represent? 62 Family nicknames 63 Tribal leader 64 Maine, to Macron 65 The Dead Sea, actually 66 Cordial dealings 67 “I did it!” Down 1 Many a bodyguard 2 Maestro Zubin 3 Make one out of many 4 __ fly: RBI producer
5 What separates the men from the boys? 6 Like the mind’s “i” 7 Guessing game 8 Former Prizm maker 9 Living very close by 10 Big name in furs 11 Blended family relative 12 Vocal quality 13 Gets involved, with “in” 18 Potters’ needs 23 Oscar-winning director Howard 25 YouTube clicks 26 Like Van Winkle, for 20 years 28 Trip to the market, say 29 “Still Me” memoirist 31 Water containers? 32 Greek war god 33 Storied bloodsucker, for short 34 Mozart’s “__ Kleine Nachtmusik” 35 Somewhat revealing T-shirt option 37 Journalist Zahn 39 Pot pie veggie 43 __ Heights: Mideast region 45 Wildebeest 46 Cate with a falsely accused cow 48 Sprang up 50 Island near Sicily 51 Winning 52 Slangy sibling 53 Ump’s call 54 Forearm bone 55 The Beatles’ “__ Love Her” 56 Editor’s “Let it be” 60 Title tree in six horror films 61 Understand
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May 30 New
June 7 First
May 16 Full
May 22 Last
RAINFALL LAST WEEK:
MONTH TO DATE:
0.24 in.
1.32 in.
YEAR TO DATE:
MAY AVERAGE:
10.85 in.
4.04 in.
BLUEBERRIES Shipping point: Central & North Florida $13.50-$26.00 Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
WEATHER
I LOVE PLANT CITY
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PLANT CITY OBSERVER
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THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022
Great health care is closer than you think. South Florida Baptist Hospital is more than just a small community hospital. We’ve got a wide array of specialty care and surgical services that you don’t have to travel far to get. Our surgeons are experts in minimally invasive robotic surgical procedures that provide lots of benefits, including shorter hospital stays, decreased blood loss and smaller incisions that reduce the risk of infection. Plus, faster recovery times that mean you can get back to your normal activities sooner. You’ll find comprehensive orthopedic care—whether you’re an athlete who needs sports medicine services or you’re someone who needs a total joint replacement. Our all-inclusive gynecology program offers high-quality care to the women and mothers in our community with a variety of women’s care services. We’ve even been designated as a Center of Excellence for our weight loss surgery program, meeting nationally recognized standards and providing outstanding care to our patients. And all of this extraordinary care exists right here in Plant City. Learn more: SouthFloridaBaptistSurgery.org
21-1493769-0521
PlantCityObserver.com