5.16.19 PLCO by Plant City Observer

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VOLUME 6, NO. 46

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

PARKING OUTLAWED ON PROSSER DRIVE

The shoulder of Prosser Drive has frequently been used by parents picking up children from Advantage Academy and residents looking for overflow parking. SEE PAGE 9

EAST HILLSBOROUGH HONORS LAW ENFORCEMENT

Breanne Williams

Officer Christian Lopez was this year’s PCPD recipient of the award. He and his family were presented the plaque by PCPD Chief of Police Ed Duncan.

The East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner honors officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty while performing their service. Four recipients are highlighted each year in the festive event.

SEE PAGE 14

YOUTH EMPLOYABILITY WORKSHOP COMING TO PC BREANNE WILLIAMS

The third annual Youth Employability Skills Workshop will arrive in Plant City this Saturday. Interested youth are asked to register today to attend.

STAFF WRITER

Landing that first job is always a hurdle for youth as they struggle to format a resume with little to no prior experience and land an interview. Building Strong Families, Inc. is hoping to make that process easier by offering an interactive workshop on May 18 from 11

a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This is the third time the Youth Employability Skills Workshop has come to town and Dr. Pauline Rivers, founder and president of Building Strong Families, Inc., said it’s going to be bigger than ever. “We, as an organization, focus on support for the whole family,” Rivers said. “One of the things we were seeing

was some of the high school students in particular were trying to get jobs and weren’t always being successful because they did not know how to navigate that process. We decided to create this workshop to help guide them through that and help them learn the skills they’ll need to be successful.”

SEE PAGE 11

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

NEWS BRIEFS

Courtesy photo

This Jeep Liberty will go to one lucky area family next month.

Operation Paying It Forward giving away Jeep Liberty Operation Paying It Forward is hoping to help a family in need of reliable transportation get just that. The group is giving away a Jeep Liberty to one lucky winner and is now accepting online nominations. The winner must have a valid driver’s license and insurance, and will be responsible for the tax, tag and title transfer. To nominate yourself or someone you know, visit operationpayingitforward. com/recipient-nomination-form/ by May 31.

Six seniors score scholarships The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced May 10 it has awarded six graduating seniors $1,000 scholarships to use for college. Lily Batley, Plant City High School Rebekah Clark, Strawberry Crest

High School

Logan DiCerb, Strawberry Crest High School Miguel Angel Gomez Martinez, Plant City High School Abby Shaw, Durant High School Katelyn Yarbrough, Plant City High School

The annual scholarship program is ran by chamber staff, board members and trustees.

Local SAR chapter installs new officers The Major John Devane Chapter of the Florida Society, Sons of the American Revolution, now has new officers for the 2019-20 year. The newly installed officers are President James R. Armitage, Vice President Jon Courson, Florida Society West Central Regional Vice President and Installing Officer Richard Young, Secretary/Treasurer Donald Humphrey and Chaplain David Knox. The SAR is a national organization of male descendants of those who fought in the Revolutionary War or otherwise helped found the United States of

Courtesy photo

Six area seniors got scholarships through the Chamber of Commerce.

America through material aid. For more information visit SAR.org.

HCSO issues Internet safety warning Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister shared a public service announcement Monday about the dangers posed by predators to kids using the Internet. “People who don’t believe their children could ever become victimized online are living in an unrealistic world,” Chronister said. “We live in a day and age where complete strangers can have direct, immediate and anonymous access to your children through social media, apps and online gaming systems.” Chronister suggests parents teach their children as early as possible not to share their name, address or school name with anyone they meet online and to not agree to meet people from the Internet in person without their permission. He also encouraged parents to let children know everything they post online can stay there forever, so they should be careful with what they choose to post for the world to see. Watch the PSA online at youtube.com/ watch?v=qptTbJB3GO4.

Pet adoptions this weekend The PetSmart store at 211 W. Alexander St. will participate in the national PetSmart Charities National Adoption Weekend event this Friday through Sunday. The Plant City store and Rescue Cats of Florida will host the event from 12 to 5 p.m. Fully vetted cats and dogs will be available for adoption on site. Approved adopters can also spin a prize wheel to possibly win free food, pet supplies or a discounted adoption fee. Pets available at the Plant City store can be seen on Rescue Cats of Florida’s Facebook page, which also has adoption and volunteer applications. All of the group’s animals are spayed or neutered, chipped and vaccinated. The group is also looking for volunteers and wants students to know they can earn community service hours working with it. To volunteer or get more information about Rescue Cats of Florida, visit rescuecatsofflorida.org or email rescuecatsofflorida@gmail.com.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

10 MINUTES OF STARDOM

Courtesy of PCHS Troupe 1449.

The cast and crew of “Billy Duffy and the Devil.”

Plant City Entertainment hosted a 10-minute play festival last weekend, showing off local talent in quite a unique setup. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The devil has a flair for neon. In a move unlike any seen in town before, Plant City Entertainment and the Tampa Bay Alliance of Community Theatres brought a 10-minute play festival to town. Given no plots and no descriptions, the community theater was slowly filled as folks lined up to see what unique gems would be brought to life on stage. The lights went out, a blacklight turned on and suddenly an Irish man named Billy Duffy in glowing neon yellow overalls appeared before us. He was a blacksmith, as was evident by his shining anvil, and while he was a drunkard, he was also quite generous and would spend every cent he had with no hesitation. After one lively night at a nearby pub he found himself once again with empty pockets. “By God, I would sell myself to the Devil if I could get a drink,” Duffy said. Ask and ye shall receive. Another figure emerged from the darkness sporting a neon red hat and a florescent red nose. It was the Devil and he was there for Duffy’s soul. Like so many fairytales “Billy Duffy and the Devil,” adapted and directed by Audrey Schmidt, blended riddles and morality with

humor and wit. The duo struck up a deal and, using his wiles, Duffy was able to escape his fate time after time. Eventually even the Devil called it quits and when Duffy had lived a long life, he found there was no place for him below or above. Instead his soul was turned into a will-o’-the-wisp and he wandered Earth for the rest of time. The entire story played out in the allotted 10 minutes and was narrated and acted by PCHS Troupe 1449’s Theatre 1’s. The lights came back on and the stage was cleared and reset as the next play, “Kintsugi,” was set to begin. This one was written and directed by Janel Stogdill. Grief changes people, but the key to coming through the other side is to “search for the gold.” A woman lost her son. While her husband was ready to move on and finish packing up the boxes of his toys and playthings she found herself unable to let go. They fought, as couples in mourning tend to do. The audience discovered she was attending grief counseling and was looking for a pair of Mickey Ears she had purchased for her son on their first trip as a family to Disney World. It was her happiest memory and she was to bring a token of that moment to the next session to share with the group. The ears were gone. All she could find in its place was a photo of that magical day. With a heavy

heart she went to counseling. Her husband refused to go. While at the session the leader explained the art of Kintsugi. The Japanese repair broken pottery with gold, silver and platinum. Suddenly the broken item is even more valuable than before. He had asked everyone in the group to show up with their cherished items. One woman shared the story of her deceased husband’s passion for fishing. Every chance he had he was on the water and though she hated the thought of bait and waking up before dawn one day she went too. The time she spent with him ended up being more fun than she could have ever expected. Clutching his favorite fishing hat she said she sometimes puts it on to feel closer to him. A young girl fiddled with a music box her father had given her. He had asked her to dance and, in a bout of teen annoyance, she refused. He died shortly after and she lives every day with the regret. The counselor asked if she would give her dad the dance now, standing up and extending his hand. The music box was opened and the soft tunes of “When You Wish Upon A Star” slowly wafted out toward the audience. With shaking hands and hesitant steps she was able to have that last dance with her father, even if it was only with his memory. However, the lilting tune caused our protagonist to jump to

her feet, cherished picture of her son at Disney held tight within her white knuckles. She couldn’t find her gold and with an apology and quite an emotional speech she turned to walk out the door. There, waiting, was her husband. Together they sought to find solace and the stage went dark. The last play, “Antique for Sale,” was written and directed by Isabella Macchione. While shorter in length than the prior two it still offered many comedic bits for the audience. A realtor led a hesitant and increasingly confused potential buyer around an obviously derelict home. A knob fell off a door, her leg plunged through the decaying floorboards and the hole in the roof made a “natural skylight.” As things turned from bad to worse the realtor attempted to spin each issue as a unique aspect of the antique home. The door was a specialty “pop off edition,” the exorcism was successful — which has to stand for something, right?

— and the lack of stairs meant you could practice your parkour skills to get to the second floor. Unsurprisingly the buyer was not convinced and ultimately fled the scene, leaving the audience with a chuckle as the night came to a close. With their entrance ticket each audience member was given one vote for their favorite play. Additional votes could be purchased for $1 each and were tallied in the following days. The concept of 10-minute plays is a great way to allow local theater enthusiasts to try their hand at bringing their own creation to life. Actors and writers of all ages and walks of life were on the stage Friday and Saturday night, showing that passion never truly wavers. Hopefully, with the success of the inaugural event, PCE will consider bringing the experience back for audiences to enjoy time and again. For more information on PCE shows, visit pceshows. com.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

FACEBOOK FEEDBACK

Some stories the Observer has published over the past few weeks have created quite a conversation online. Here are your thoughts on what’s happening in the city.

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

Commissioners don’t want to waste an opportunity — The city is looking into several different options for solid waste collection and disposal to ensure it stays ahead of any major population and rate changes.

Mac Smith: A friend of the world — Bryan McCain “Mac” Smith Jr. never met a stranger. His sincerity toward others and his deep love of his community forever cemented his legacy as one of the greatest men to come out of Plant City.

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

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

COMMENTS Megan Perez: The city is growing, I’m surprised we haven’t already moved to automated pick up. Larger recycling bins would be great also. I use three of those tiny blue bins every week and they still aren’t enough.

Advertising / Karen Berry kberry@plantcityobserver.com

Jason Byron: Just another way to justify a rate increase… Barbara Skaggs Ward: I’m all for the side load, had it for years in Illinois with no problems, I feel so sorry for the guys here picking up the trash in 90 degree weather, the sad thing is it might limit some jobs I’m not crazy about the growth but it is going to happen no stopping it

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.

PCHS baseball ends district title drought — Plant City High School’s baseball team picked up a milestone win this morning and is the new 8A-District 6 champ.

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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Steinberg May 17, 2019 COMMENTS

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MARTIN’S PLACE

ON CUTTING EDGE

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

KEEPS PLANT CITY

The salon has been a downtown fixture for nearly 21 years.

OF HAIR STYLE

Justin Kline

The grandmother-granddaughter duo of Barbara Martin and Jessica Welch help keep a family tradition alive downtown. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Barbara Martin knows what it’s like to have hair you’re not happy with. Growing up with what she calls “crappy hair” helped motivate her to make sure no one she can get her hands on will ever know that feeling, whether it’s her family or her clients. Martin’s Place for Hair, Skin & Nails was the first business to open its doors in the Lee Building after its 1998 renovation and has kept Plant City residents’ hair looking good ever since. “December 15 of last year was 20 years,” Martin said. “We love it downtown. I’ve always said if you were downtown, you could be anything you wanted to be.” Martin and the rest of the staff are always keeping up to speed

on all the latest styles and industry trends for men’s and women’s hair. Martin herself picked up esthetics after learning to do hair, so the salon could offer facials and other skincare services, and it also grew to add some services for nails to its repertoire. There are currently five stylists working in the salon and Martin said the entire group tries to attend any industry show it can whenever it can to learn as much as possible. “We have a good bunch of girls in here,” Martin said. “They’re all seasoned hairdressers.” Running a salon had been Martin’s dream job since she was in the second grade and she’s not the only one in her family to have caught the bug. She inspired her granddaughter, Jessica Welch, to learn the ropes as a stylist from

an early age and Welch eventually became a part of the staff, also hoping to learn enough to one day run her own place. “I grew up here, in the salon,” Welch said. “My grandparents had it pretty much all of my life, so I would make any excuse to come up here and hang out and be in the salon environment… it was in my blood to do hair.” Several generations of Plant Citians have gone to Martin’s Place for their haircare needs because Martin and the stylists go out of their way to make everyone who walks through the door feel welcomed. Some clients have been with the salon long enough

that their kids practically grew up in there. “What’s really neat, in the 20 years we’ve been here, we’ve watched our ladies have their kids,” Martin said. “We’ve changed their diapers in the back room. And now we’re watching these kids graduate from college. The same kids. And they say if they’ve learned one thing, they’ve learned how to drink coffee from Miss Barbara.” Though Martin has styled hair for several decades now, she has no plans of slowing down. Her coffee intake definitely helps there, but the main thing is her love for the work hasn’t faded

at all and her love of Plant City means Martin’s Place will likely keep going strong in the heart of the Historic Downtown district for several more decades to come. “As long as I’ve got the passion, I’m going to stay working,” Martin said. “I’ve been at it a while and I hope I’ve got a whole lot longer to go.”

IF YOU GO Martin’s Place is located at 110 E. Reynolds St. Suite 400. The salon is open Monday through Saturday and the stylists are available by appointment. Call 813-759-1023 for booking. Walk-ins are accepted when the stylists are able to accommodate them.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

THE FEW AND THE PROUD SEEK RECRUITS IN PC Plant City has its very own U.S. Marines recruiting office. While some students are planning to go to college or into a career following graduation, others may be considering military service.

Breanne Williams

Sgt. Joseph G. Pabon Perez is a local Marine recruiter.

STAFF WRITER

s high school students look toward summer vacation, many are beginning to contemplate what they plan to do following graduation day. Plant City is fortunate to have career programs in place at its high schools that help students find their passion. When the tassels are turned some pack up their bags and head to college. Others roll up their sleeves and head toward the career they have lined up thanks to the connections and help they received from their school. Others still are eyeing another path: one of military service. Sgt. Joseph G. Pabon Perez, a Marine Corps recruiter in Plant City, said he has had the pleasure of watching many local students find their own while preparing for basic training. The military office is nestled near Esposito Pizza and Lowes and it’s quietly forming a family of future Marines from predominately older high school

students who want to make a career in the armed forces. “The Marine Corps recruits as we go,” Pabon Perez said. “We’re very selective of who we let in. When people are going out we pull people in. Rising seniors can begin talking to the recruiters now if they’re interested in learning more.” For many, joining the military is something they’ve longed to do for several years. For others, it’s a Plan B. Regardless, if they decide to take on the risks and benefits of becoming a part of the military, Pabon Perez said they should do their research and not hesitate to ask questions before they fully dive in. It’s something he takes very seriously. When someone is interested in joining, he has them come into the office for a meeting and lays out the many benefits, as well as an honest expectation of what they’ll be doing day to day. If they decide the Marines is the branch they want to become a part of, they begin learning what training is like to get a feel for if they’ll fit in. Not everyone will and he tries to be realistic about that up front.

No recruit fends for themself before they head to boot camp. Pabon Perez trains with the young recruits, ensuring their bodies are where they need to be before he ever sends them to the official training. He said by the time his groups are ready to go to Parris Island, they’ve formed a bond unlike any other. They head over with deep-rooted friendships many of them never had before even though they may have been in school together for years. They must then pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test and pass a Military Entrance Processing Station medical exam. Once you head to boot camp the true trials begin. It’s rough, the toughest of all of the branches, according to Pabon Perez. But once you come out the other side, you’re a Marine, part of the Corps family. “Boot camp is very rough,” Pabon Perez said. “It’s just as much — if not more — mentally than physically. It’s the longest training in all the branches, 13 weeks without a phone, just letters to keep you connected to the outside world. It’s 4 a.m. to 8 p.m.

drills with a sergeant in your face. They break you down and build you back up to be a Marine. It’s a brotherhood. When you finish, you made it. You chose the hardest branch of the military and now you’re ready for anything because you’ve trained for everything. It’s an accomplishment like no other.” Pabon Perez said the benefits that come with enlisting often surprise new recruits. It’s a way to be self sufficient, he said, and that’s tempting for many young students who aren’t sure what their plan is following graduation. On top of their starting pay, Marines have their meals and lodging taken care of while actively serving, as well as free medical and dental. There’s tuition assistance and endless possibilities to explore while you are active. There’s a misconception about Marines simply being infantry, Pabon Perez said. In reality, recruits have more than 350 different tech fields they can choose from when they enlist. If you have a passion and a skill, there’s room for it in the Marines. “You spend four years in service and at the end you can decide if

you want to continue,” Pabon Perez said. “There are many of us that make careers out of this. Twenty years is 50 percent retirement, 30 years is 75 percent and 40 is 100 percent.”

IF YOU’RE INTERESTED in learning more about the Marines you can contact Pabon Perez by texting or calling at 813-267-5924. You can also follow and message the office’s Instagram page @ pcsplantcity.

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

DURANT, PLANT CITY, SIMMONS

STUDENTS CELEBRATE POST-GRAD HIRINGS Students at the three area schools participated in Plant City Career Academy signing day ceremonies on May 9.

Photos courtesy of Yvonne Fry

DURANT Jimmy Hodges (Stingray Chevrolet) PLANT CITY Janaecia Moore (Network Transaction Solutions) Brisa Rodriguez (Network Transaction Solutions) Jorge Alvarez (Apprenticeship with International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 915) Jesus Bustamante (Apprenticeship with IBEW Local 915) Antonio Chavez (Apprenticeship with IBEW Local 915) Rigoberto Rosales (Apprenticeship with IBEW Local 915) Josue Montellano-Moreno (Apprenticeship with IBEW Local 915)

Justin Kline

Plant City High School students signed at 11:30 a.m. May 9. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

High school athletes are often celebrated for signing national letters of intent to play college sports, but Plant City also celebrates high school seniors who are entering the workforce right after graduation. May 9 brought something new to the table for Durant High School, Plant City High School and Simmons Career Center as 16 students participated in a new ceremony inspired by National Signing Day and hosted by

Plant City Career Academy. Rep- that the influx of corporations movresentatives from each business or ing to the Winter Strawberry Capital organization that hired the students of the World means hundreds of jobs joined Mayor Rick Lott, members of at a time are or will be opening up. He the Plant City Economic Develop- congratulated the signees for taking ment Corporation and those involved the initiative to leave high school with Plant City Career Academy at with a solid plan and encouraged each school to watch and cheer the those who have not yet found work students on as they signed ceremo- to stay strong and keep putting their nial certificates. 5/2/19 and 5/16 resumes out there. Lakeland Lott addressed Keiserthe students and “You’re graduating with a plan, 231-1805-PCO-ExpectMoreGeneral-5x6 audience members at each school and you might be graduating with a Plant City the Observer and spoke positively of both work job,” Lott told the audience at Plant 5 x 6 and of Plant City High School. “This is all about of the Career Academy SJBgrowth, noting starting the next phase of your life.” City’s own economic 4/26/19

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SIMMONS Jose Sanchez (College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving) Austin Simmons (Sensenich Propellers) Alexandra Pereira-Baez (Hard Rock) Eduardo Lara (Hard Rock) JaQuan Peoples (Hard Rock) Diana Garcia (Hard Rock) Artemio Ramirez (Hard Rock) Paola Ramirez (Hard Rock)

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

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

JOHN BRIGGS HOSTS MAKE PLANT CITY EVENT

The group of creatives toured Briggs’ downtown art studio and listened as the veteran painter spoke and answered questions. THIRA: While all animals are adorable, Thira may be one of Tampa Bay’s most photogenic pets. This adventure loving pup is the star of the @Tribe_Called_Quinn Instagram account. With nearly 7,000 followers Thira’s sharing her love of the beach, flying and cuddles with her parents with the entire community.

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JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Thousands of paintings and other works of art have come into existence by John Briggs’ hand, and members of MAKE Plant City got a special look into the painter’s creative process on Tuesday night. Briggs opened his entire Collins Street studio to the group for its monthly meeting and also served as guest speaker. He shared details of his journey as a painter and creator in a Q&A format, fielding questions from the audience and also answering prompts prepared in advance. His candid, almost self-deprecating perspective captivated the MAKE members as he covered topics including his start in Plant City, painting the railroad mural before its building was torn down, how he works and the transitioning from theme to theme throughout his career. He also encouraged the audience not to get discouraged by competition opened up by the Internet and to keep striving to make their work the best it can be. “Whatever you do, aim for the moon,” Briggs told the audience. “Not the outhouse.” After the Q&A session wrapped up, MAKE members mingled with Briggs and each other and admired the painter’s vast body of work displayed throughout each floor of his studio. The next MAKE Plant City event will be held June 11.

Photos by Justin Kline

John Briggs’s Collins Street studio was opened up to MAKE members Tuesday night.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

PARKING BANNED NEAR ADVANTAGE ACADEMY

In an effort to keep local children that attend Advantage Academy safe and prevent nearby residents from using Prosser Drive as overflow parking, the city has extended the prohibition of parking along the entirely of the roadway. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Parents of students at Advantage Academy, and all nearby residents, will soon notice a difference along Prosser Drive. Parking along a large portion of the road has long been prohibited, but commissioners agreed Monday night to extend that prohibition to the area between South Collins Street and South Evers Street, effectively stopping any roadway parking for the entirety of Prosser Drive. “It has gotten progressively worse over the last few months,” Tray Towles, Code Enforcement manager, said. “Most of the students who attend the school walk

or are dropped off by car. Not many use a bus.” If you go to the school around the drop-off and pick-up times, you’ll find cars up and down the street angled toward the school. Children from kindergarten through eighth grade attend the charter school and students of all ages walk across the street to get in their parents’ waiting vehicles. Several months ago, a parent from Advantage Academy came to a city commission meeting to share her concerns with commissioners. She said she watched the influx of traffic each day and was worried for the very young children that were attempting to cross the street to get either to their homes or to their parents’ vehicles. The mass of young pedestrian traffic mixed with the cars trying

to beat the pick up line can create a dangerous situation. Towles said when he discussed the proposed alteration to Principal Keith Miller and the school’s resource officer they were “both thrilled” to hear the issue could soon be addressed. Pick-up lines can be monotonous and take some time to get through, but they exist for a reason. To keep the children safe the city agreed it was time for action. Plant City Police Department will now have the ability to cite any illegally parked cars and, for nearby residents who use the side of the road as overflow parking, have them towed. Lately, Towles said, Code Enforcement has even seen commercial vehicles parked overnight at the area, including large hauling trucks. These have caused sight-

Courtesy photo

Parking on Prosser Drive is now prohibited.

line hazards and are routinely filling the shoulder space, which is reserved for traffic-related emergencies such as breakdowns or accidents. The ordinance took effect immediately upon its passage and the city said it will have members of Code Enforcement as well as PCPD officers on site to educate residents and parents of the change. The school will more than likely send out a notice as well. City Manager Bill McDaniel said it has been an ongoing issue that recently compounded once the commercial vehicles began using the shoulder as free parking. That concern, paired with the public complaints, helped let the city know the clock was ticking on coming up with a solution. Educating the public of the change is

the city’s first priority. There will be “No Parking” signage on display at the location and several warnings to let people know it will now be strongly prohibited. If you’re convicted of violating the ordinance you could be punished by a fine of up to $500. If the issue continues with no change, the citations will quickly follow.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

BUCHMAN HONORED FOR EXEMPLARY SERVICE

Breanne Williams

Vice Mayor Nate Kilton, Commissioner Mike Sparkman, Mayor Rick Lott, City Attorney Ken Buchman, Commissioner Mary Mathis, Commissioner Bill Dodson and City Manager Bill McDaniel.

City Attorney Ken Buchman received the Ralph A. Marsicano Award and a city proclamation following years of model service for the city of Plant City. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Kenneth Buchman, the City of Plant City attorney, received a prestigious award from his peers last week for his significant contributions to local government’s practice of law. Buchman was awarded the Ralph A. Marsicano Award by the City, County, and Local Government Section of The Florida Bar at the 38th annual section seminar in Orlando. It took him entirely by surprise and his praise continued Monday evening when the Mayor of Plant City and the city commissioners shared their congratulations and gave Buchman a proclamation for his hard work. Buchman has served as the city attorney since 1991 when he followed in his father’s, Paul Buchman’s, footsteps. Paul had been the city attorney from 1949 until 1991. His son has proven over the years that he is making just as positive an impact on the future of Plant City law as his father did before him.

“As soon as I heard last week of the City Attorney’s award, I immediately called him to congratulate him and I told him how much I knew his father would have been proud of him,” Commissioner Mike Sparkman said. “His dad, even before I came on the commission, was my personal and corporate attorney. He was a part-time city attorney for Plant City and served in that capacity for years…To be around him and learn from him and listen to him was a God-given gift to me.” Sparkman commended Buchman for the “well-deserved” award and reiterated how proud he knew everyone was for his accomplishment. That sentiment was echoed by all at the dais. When Mayor Rick Lott read the proclamation in Buchman’s honor to the audience, all of the commissioners gathered around Buchman for a photo. Commissioner Bill Dodson even enveloped him in a hug before heading back to the dais to continue the meeting where he said he was honored to consider Buchman both a friend and a colleague and to have had the oppor-

tunity to serve together with him for so many years. The award was named after Marsicano, who was a Tampa city attorney for 28 years and a general counsel for the Florida League of Cities for 30 years. The Ralph A. Marsicano Award is the oldest and most coveted award given by the section and Buchman will now add it to the long list of accomplishments he’s acquired over his years of service to the city. Vice Mayor Nate Kilton said Buchman’s humble nature was on full display throughout this process. He doesn’t seek the limelight and has quietly played a crucial role behind the scenes as the city leaders have steered Plant City toward new horizons and new goals. Without his guidance much of what has been accomplished over the years would have been impossible. When asked if he had any words, Buchman merely said he was very humbled by the recognition from both the city and by receiving the Ralph A. Marsicano Award. “It was really a great honor just to be associated with him and on behalf of the city, this is more than

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I could ever thank you for,” Buchman said. Buchman is just one of many city employees to have received major recognition over the past few years, as was brought up by Commissioner Mary Mathis. She said Buchman just proved that Plant City is full of talented individuals and thanked him once again for helping them be able to so efficiently do their jobs. “I can tell you, Mr. City Attorney, we are so proud and honored to be able to recognize you,” Lott said. “Your job is to always make sure that we do things the proper way and on the legal side of the way and you take our thoughts and ideas and working with staff and so forth and you make a bill or resolution out of it that we’re able to approve and feel good about that we did what’s right for our community. We definitely appreciate you always sticking to making sure we do the right thing. Obviously your peers throughout the state of Florida recognize you with absolutely the highest honor you could ever receive in your profession.”

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Mayor Rick Lott presented Buchman with a proclomation Monday night.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

HELPING LOCAL YOUTH FIND SUCESS IN BUSINESS CONTINUED FROM COVER

The Youth Employability Skills Workshop has successfully helped local youth find and land jobs thanks to the essential tips and hands on techniques featured in the course.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The workshop will feature topics like cleaning up social media before you ever apply for a job, how to make a good first impression, how to fill out a job application, tips on building a resume with little prior experience, how to appropriately dress for the interview, how to seal the deal during the interview and then how to keep your job once you land one. Lectures are boring and most youth, and people in general, learn better with hands on approaches. Rivers said the workshop is high energy and highly interactive, with everything from role playing, to fun activities and real life practice on filling out and completing applications and resumes. The two years prior the event had been held at the Plant City Housing Authority’s conference room and a local church, respec-

tively. This year the workshop is held at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Hillsborough Safe and Sound and the Improvement League of Plant City are also partnering with the organization this year to help further develop the event. A small team from each group will be on site and the new partners will help facilitate the Dress for Success aspect of the workshop. “After the prior events the participants reached back out and let us know they really enjoyed it,” Rivers said. “A couple folks even reported back that they did in fact go on and get jobs thanks to the tips they learned at the workshop. We even had a parent attend with a student that called us later and asked for help with her resume. It’s an intimate setting and we’re

teaching real skills that they can walk out that door and use immediately.” They plan to keep attendance around 20 students so there is plenty of time for mock interviews and one-on-one guidance. They want to be able to answer any specific questions the attendees have and help them do everything from create smart resumes to helping them fill out a sample application. Rivers said many of the local high schools are doing great work at helping juniors and seniors learn the career strategies they need to be prepared for employment following graduation day. However, the younger students who are going out to find their first or second job may not have learned those skills yet. They are who Rivers hopes will take

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the time to attend the workshop. Anyone age 15 up to college students in their first year are welcome to attend. She asks parents at least come and sign their student in if they don’t plan to stay with them so they have a chance to meet them and get a feel for the workshop, especially if they have a 15-yearold student. “We are very excited, we think it will be informative and very practical and hands on and we think they’ll have some fun while they’re learning,” Rivers said. “It’s very important for us that it’s fun and hands on and they learn things they can immediately take home and use… This is where I live, this is my home so this is the area I really wanted to target. I think there are a lot of things that happen in Tampa, Brandon and

the Eastern part of Hillsborough County doesn’t always get the same resources and services that the Western part gets.”

Building Strong Families, Inc. plans to continue this workshop for years to come and is always looking for community partners. To learn more about how you can get involved or to register for the event contact Rivers at 813-759-0260 or email her at pmrivers@aol. com. Registration is required and you can learn more about the organization at buildingstrongfamiliesofflorida.com.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

PCPD OFFICER HEIST NAMED OPTIMIST OFFICER OF THE YEAR Officer Adam Heist has been with PCPD since 2010 and received the Optimist Officer of the Year award on May 6.

Breanne Williams

The Plant City Optimist Club named Heist Officer of the Year for 2019.

Breanne Williams

Officer Adam Heist with his family at the Optimist Respect for Law dinner. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

dam Heist, 42, received the Officer of the Year award from the Plant City Optimist Club for his studious and meticulous handling of a fatal hit-and-run in January. Heist joined Plant City Police Department in May 2010 and has worked in the Uniformed Patrol Division and currently serves on the Traffic Management Unit. He has more than 250 hours of advanced crash investigation training and has served as the lead investigator for several crashes involving serious injuries or fatalities. Each year the Optimist Club hosts a Respect for Law dinner. This year local students joined the Optimist members in a tour of the Police Department and then were able to learn more about Heist and what he does on a day to day basis at work. Following a moti-

vational speech by guest speaker James Cole and the presentation of the award from Sgt. Al Van Duyne, they enjoyed a dinner at the department. Van Duyne spent some time detailing what the TMU has to handle on the job. He explained that when there are serious accidents his officers are called out to use their extensive training and intellect to piece together what took place at the scene. Using pieces of debris, skid marks, the angle of the resting cars and other tiny clues, they are able to fully flesh out the chain of events leading up to the accident. On the scene they often face difficult situations. Walking up on fatalities or serious injuries and having to care for the victim while also handling the investigation can take may unexpected turns. The more intricate the scene the longer the officers have to spend on site, sometimes working long into the night in the middle of the pouring rain to ensure every detail available is dutifully captured.

“Officer Heist was able to distinguish himself while serving as lead investigator on a hit and run traffic crash fatality that occurred Jan. 17 of this year,” Van Duyne said. “On this date Officer Heist was dispatched to serve in the capacity of a traffic homicide investigator to the crash that occurred on East Baker Street just west of Charlie Taylor Road.” At the time, all they knew was a mysterious vehicle had struck a man that was walking northbound across Baker Street. Using their investigative skills they were able to determine he had been struck by an eastbound vehicle. The pedestrian, who was later identified as Arturo Martinez Ramirez, died at the scene. Based on his primary investigation, as well as evidence collected at the scene, Heist was able to determine the suspect’s vehicle was a small, dark Hyundai SUV. The vehicle had stopped briefly after hitting Ramirez and then fled the scene, traveling north on Charlie Taylor Road.

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duo to return and speak to police. Mercado ultimately was charged with leaving the scene of a crash without rendering aid/involving death, driving with a suspended license/causing death and tampering with evidence. Heist, a man of few words, simply said he was honored to have received this award. He said he tries to be fair and treat everyone the same regardless of where they are coming from or what they were doing. “As Officer Heist’s supervisor I am very pleased with the enthusiasm and vigor with which he has conducted his investigations,” Van Duyne said. “He is extremely cognizant of the importance of compiling good leads, strong evidence and concise reporting and how they all must work in unison to secure a conviction. He understands the importance of seeking justice for the deceased and their families and he is a valued member of the traffic unit. I’m pleased to have him as an officer under my charge.”

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PCPD sent a local bulletin out to all nearby law enforcement and the media and the vehicle was quickly found in Lakeland in a mobile home community. Heist went out to the location and identified the vehicle. It was taken into police custody as evidence and the investigation continued. Thanks to multiple calls and tips from anonymous callers Heist learned the suspects, a male and a female, were attempting to flee to New York on a Greyhound bus they would board in Orlando. Continued investigation helped them find the business where the woman worked, and also helped them track down further witnesses, phone numbers and other crucial tips. Van Duyne said Heist went above and beyond to unearth all of this depth of information and ultimately was able to identify the Hyundai was driven by a man named Emmanuel Mercado and also identify his passenger. By speaking to the passenger’s family they were able to convince the

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

SUMMER CAMP REVAMPED AT YMCA

The Plant City Family YMCA’s newly “enhanced” summer camp puts more emphasis on team building and leadership, but still brings plenty of fun and learning to the table. SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Plant City Family YMCA has never hosted a summer camp quite like what’s coming to its facility next month. Along with the other locations in the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA network, Plant City’s Y has made tweaks to its traditional summer camp formula to make the experience better for both the campers and their families. Registrations for the 10-week camp, which begins June 3, are now open online and the Plant City staff encourages members and non-members alike to check it out.

“We want to ensure kids stay engaged socially and academically this summer, so our day camp curriculum is designed to do just that,” Camp Director Elizabeth Patton said. For the kids, fun and education go hand-in-hand when it comes to planned activities. Campers will learn STEM topics, learn to make arts and crafts and work on leadership and team-building skills while playing games, participating in sports, swimming and more. Each YMCA in the Tampa Metropolitan network is introducing “activity specialists” to focus on specific parts of its curriculum and Plant City’s specialists are staff members Ally Kummelman (science, arts and

crafts) and Angel Aguilar (sports, team building). Mondays are heavily focused on team building lessons and exercises with some carry-over through the rest of the week. Campers will be taught the importance of the YMCA’s four core values: caring, honesty, respect and accountability. “We’re starting strong with those core values and keeping that going throughout the week,” Patton said. Its LIT (Leaders in Training) specialty camp will be available for rising seventh and eighth graders in weeks three, six and nine. This camp includes leadership, development and mentoring

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opportunities within the Y, guest speakers and more. The Plant City YMCA is getting new equipment in time for the camp, which will let kids play frisbee golf and cornhole, climb on new structures, tackle a ropes course and more. Swimming schedules have changed so that campers now participate in mid-morning pool sessions, thus avoiding the typical afternoon thunderstorms of the summer. Campers who are signed up for the Y’s new precamp care feature can also get an early-morning swim lesson in before joining the campers in regular hours. Each day of camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and pre-camp care begins at 7 a.m. Hillsborough County Public Schools will provide all campers with free breakfast and lunch as part of its summer food program, which the Plant City YMCA has also opened to anyone 18 and under in the community regardless of YMCA membership status. The base cost for members is $119 per camper and $169 per camper for

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JUSTIN KLINE

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

PCPD OFFICER LOPEZ HONORED

Each year four law enforcement agencies honor their Officer of the Year at the East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner. PCPD’s Officer Christian Lopez was this year’s recipient.

Courtesy photo

Chief Ed Duncan presented the award to Officer Lopez. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Plant City Police Department’s Officer Christian Lopez was honored Tuesday night at the 57th annual East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner. PCPD, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol and Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were present and each honored their own Officer of the Year winners at the event. “Tonight, the Plant City Police Department is honored to recog-

nize Officer Christian Lopez as our 2019 East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Officer of the Year,” Chief Ed Duncan said. “Christian began his career with the Plant City Police Department in 2012 as a patrol officer. He quickly identified himself as one that liked to work traffic crashes — I have no idea why he’d want to do that — and his interest in traffic enforcement. He quickly identified his abilities and wanted to improve.” And improve he did. In 2016 Lopez was assigned to the Traffic Management Unit where he became one of four motorcycle officers tasked with working all traffic accidents that result in

serious bodily injuries or death. Duncan said Lopez’s attitude toward seeking information and evolving his skills was “impeccable.” He would go out of his way to work with other agencies and learn from their advanced knowledge. Rather than simply turning in his finalized report he would personally reach out to the State Attorney’s office to ensure the cases he sent to them “would not fail in court and would survive the challenges of a trail.” Within the past year, Lopez has been the lead investigator on two of the most difficult traffic fatalities in Plant City. In December of

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Officer Lopez was joined by his family and fellow PCPD officers at the event.

2017 he covered a crash on James L. Redman Pkwy. where a northbound pickup truck, driven by Bradley McTaggart, veered off the road, crossed the median and struck a southbound Ford. The impact killed the passenger of the Ford and seriously injured the driver. Then the vehicle deflected into another southbound vehicle that was occupied by a family of four, before it finally came to a rest on its side. PCPD’s officers were there immediately and, based on his preliminary interviews and the evidence he uncovered, Lopez suspected McTaggart was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

The plot only continued to thicken and the investigation ended up taking approximately a year. In the end Lopez determined McTaggart suffered from alcohol related withdrawal seizures and had been involved in several prior accidents due to the issue. But instead of staying away from a car he continued to throw himself behind the wheel. Lopez attempted to prove he was endangering motorists within both Plant City and Hillsborough County. He brought the case before a Traffic Homicide Committee, worked with HCSO to coordinate surveillance of the driver and eventually was able to make the

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

Photos by Breanne Williams

Officer Adam Heist, Sgt. Al Van Duyne, Assistant State Attorney Aaron Hubbard and Officer Christain Lopez.

arrest. Instead of calling it a day, he continued to work with the Assistant State Attorney, Aaron Hubbard, as trial preparations began. Hubbard said he was “unaware that if anyone has ever filed a similar case in the State of Florida or anywhere in the United States. I believe the charges and investigation of the driver is the first of its kind. This is a highly unique case and it would not have been possible to file charges without the tremendous investigation that was conducted by officer Lopez.” In January 2019, Lopez continued to show his prowess when he tackled a case where a female hitand-run suspect struck three men who were walking across State Road 574. One man died as a result of the crash and the driver fled the scene. Lopez was able to investigate the scene, locate the vehicle shortly after and continue to col-

lect evidence. He discovered the driver had fled to Mexico to avoid prosecution so he took extra time to discuss options and strategies with the State Attorney’s Office to secure an arrest warrant. He then placed an alert with U.S. Customs in the event she attempted to ever cross the border. “His passion for excellence and his tenacity in his investigations have served this community extremely well,” Duncan said. Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission honored Officer Garret Fields, FHP honored Trooper Joseph Angelicchi and HCSO honored Plant City native Master Deputy Kathleen Garrison, who worked the tragic shooting in December near Plant City High School where an off-duty deputy announced on the HCSO radio he had murdered three family members and was suicidal.

The event began in 1962 to honor the late Sgt. Ben Wilder, a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Officer who was shot and killed on duty at a home located southeast of Plant City while responding to an arrest warrant. Its motto, “Founded in tragedy, continued in honor,” reflects its humble roots. All those in attendance were treated to a catered dinner from Johnson’s Barbeque and there were door prizes following the awards ceremony for members of each agency. Brewington’s Towing & Recovery was the title sponsor of the event and used its equipment to hang a giant American flag outside the entrance, welcoming all of the officers and their families as they walked into the event.

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

This week on Cops Corner Plant City Police investigated missing passports, Facebook harassers, stolen wedding rings, BB bullies and more.

MAY 4 PELICANS AND PASSPORTS 3900 block of Creek Woods Drive Vehicle burglary: This victim told officers an unknown suspect entered his vehicle on the night of May 3 and stole a Dell 7510 laptop computer, a Pelican hard case with $1,000 worth of hand tools and his passport. MYSTERY SHOPPER 2900 block of Forest Hammock Drive Fraud: An unknown suspect charged $895.05 at a Walmart after utilizing this victim’s banking information.

MAY 5 PLASTIC PROBLEMS 1000 block of Fairwinds Circle Fraud: This victim was checking her Credit Karma account and discovered someone had opened a credit card under her name without her permission.

FACEBOOK FRIGHTS 300 block of North Alexander Street Information: PCPD met with a man who said another man was harassing him due to a relationship with a mutual friend. This other man repeatedly contacted him via Facebook Messenger and made hostile comments toward him and his children.

MAY 6 SWIPED WEDDING RINGS 800 block of Whitehurst Road Residential burglary: This victim told officers someone entered their residence and went into several rooms, leaving them all in complete disarray. After conducting a search, the victim realized a wedding ring, an engagement ring, a black iPhone and a set of keys were missing.

MAY 7 THE CASE OF THE EMPTY BOX 1500 block of Plantation Grove Court Theft: This victim came home

to discover a Zeki brand tablet, which was valued at $200, had been delivered by UPS to the front of the apartment. However, when they picked up the box they realized someone had opened it and removed the item before they were able to get home.

MAY 8 GOOD SAMARITAN 2200 block of James L. Redman Parkway Found property: The manager of this business stated a large sum of cash was found near the produce section on May 7. No one claimed the money so the manger wanted to have it turned in to the police department. A SUSPICIOUS ACCOUNT 3900 block of Reynolds Creek Drive Fraud: This victim told officers they realized an unknown subject had opened a credit account in their name through Cash Net USA.

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COPS CORNER

SHATTERED SHENANIGANS 4000 block of Jensen Drive Criminal mischief: Officers met with this victim who told them the windows on his vehicle had been broken sometime on May 8 while he was at work.

MAY 9 WINDOW PAINS 100 block of E. Dr. King Blvd. Criminal mischief: The Power Shop’s storefront window was shot several times with a BB gun by an unknown person on May 2. CATCHING A SNOOZE 2300 block of James L. Redman Parkway Information/possible trespass: This man reported he witnessed on his video surveillance that vehicles that were in his custody waiting to be repaired were entered by an unknown person. However, it didn’t appear as if the subject was taking any items. Instead they fell asleep inside the vehicles. As a result the vehicle owners hadn’t been contacted and they

wanted the information report completed. PLAYING WITH POWER 1300 block of Louisiana Street Theft to a structure: This victim told officers that during the night of May 8 someone broke the locks off of his sheds, entered them and then stole a gasoline generator, which was valued at $250. WIRED UP 2000 block of South County Line Road Theft: Materials Life Management Company reported to officers that someone had stolen two pallets of copper wire from the loading docks. LOST POT 2000 South Frontage Road Found property: Officers located a small bag of marijuana in a parking lot. The weed was taken to PCPD for destruction.

MAY 16, 2019

Hunter Emerine sparked Plant City’s offense in its May 11 district title win. See Page 18

SPORTS

PCHS BASEBALL ENDS DISTRICT TITLE DROUGHT A 6-3 win over Bloomingdale made Saturday morning special at 1 Raider Place.

Quick Hits

SPECIAL OLYMPICS STATE SUMMER GAMES Local athletes are getting ready to compete in the Special Olympics State Summer Games in Orlando over the weekend. Hillsborough County’s teams, which primarily train at and around Plant City High School, will head to Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports complex on Saturday and will finish by Sunday. This summer’s featured sports include bocce, cycling, soccer, volleyball and cheerleading, as well as a soccer skills competition and a softball toss competition.

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Justin Kline

The Plant City Raiders ended a 51-year district title drought on May 11. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

hanks in large part to a perfect pull off the bat of Hunter Emerine, the Plant City Raiders are now district champs for the first time ever. Emerine’s solo shot snuck past the foul pole in the bottom of the sixth inning to give the Raiders a shot of adrenaline and fuel what became the team’s 6-3 win in the 8A-District 6 final against Bloomingdale. The win was a long time coming not only because the Raiders had never previously won a district title, but also because several weather delays forced what was supposed to be a Thursday night game to wrap up shortly after 10 a.m. May 11. The Bulls and Raiders began play Friday night and were able to get through two full innings before heavy rains and some lightning forced a second postponement despite much effort on Plant City’s part to get the field in playable condition. The Raiders ended Friday night with a 1-0 lead thanks to Emerine’s RBI single in the bottom of the first inning that scored Chris Rodriguez. The FHSAA rules forced both teams to put new pitchers on the mound Saturday morning. For Plant City, Tyler Dowdy came in for Jarod Wingo. For Bloomingdale, Myles Caba took over for Nico Saladino. Caba pitched well through two innings of work, striking out five batters, but was pulled for Bryce Hazzard in the fifth. Dowdy finished the game and kept things largely under control for Plant City. Bloomingdale made things interesting in the top of the sixth when Antonio De Jesus smacked an RBI single to drive in courtesy runner Noah Saladino (running for Jackson Hobbs) and tie the game at 1-1. The Raiders’ overall

mood suddenly changed, but it wouldn’t last long. Emerine led off the bottom of the sixth inning and his solo shot brought the Raiders onto the field to celebrate as he leapt onto home plate, emotion running high after kicking off the rally that put his team ahead for good. “It was about four feet from the pole and I was praying it would go over,” head coach Mike Fryrear said. “It was awesome. Hunter was sitting back on that fastball and he gave it right to him. I love it.” Casey Mawhinney, Wingo, Cade Shissler and Rodriguez all reached base and eventually scored in the bottom of the sixth and Cole Cothren made the Raiders’ final scoring play of the day with a two-RBI single to give PCHS a 6-1 lead. “Our dugout goes a little wild,” Messick said. “We feast off of each other. When someone does something like that, we eat off of it… that’s what gets us a lot of our wins, honestly.” The Bulls did try to make something happen in the top of the seventh as Garrett Borgen led off with a double and Brock Wilken drove him in with an RBI double of his own. Hobbs later hit an RBI single that scored courtesy runner Drake Harman to cut the deficit to 6-3, but Dowdy and the Plant City defense then forced a quick pair of outs to seal the deal. “Kudos to Bloomingdale, man, (Kris Wilken) is a great coach and this is a great team. Hopefully we get to see them again in the regional semifinal because these games are just nail-biters,” Fryrear said. “I’m very proud of these boys… first win and hopefully there’s more to come.” Plant City hosted Steinbrenner Wednesday night and Fryrear hoped the team could get a little friendly payback for the teams’ last postseason meeting, the April 27, 2016 regional quarterfinal in Lutz that ended with

a 3-2 win for the Warriors. After Saturday’s big win, the Raiders were confident they can keep on trucking as long as they keep doing what they’re doing now. “We’re tired of people thinking we can’t win,” Messick said after the district win. “We’re ready to prove them wrong. We’ve been doing it all season and that’s not enough for us. We want to go as far as we can and that’s states for us. We’re gonna take it one game at a time but we’re ready for whoever wants to play us.”

The Plant City Tennis Center will have plenty to offer in the coming summer months. Sessions of youth tennis lessons for all skill levels will start June 3, June 24 and July 19. Tots (age 4-7) meet at 8:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays while beginners through advanced students (age 8-12) meet at 9 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Tots lessons cost $30 per session and the others cost $60 per session. The Ladies Summer Doubles Tennis League runs from June 5 through July 31 and will have matches at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays. The doubles format is two out of three matched with a 10-point third set match tie breaker if needed. Twelve teams will be able to register and pass holders at the tennis center can sign up for $20. Non-member teams can join the league for $60. Register by 5 p.m. May 29. On the second Friday of each month, the tennis center will host its Monthly Mixed Mixer at 6 p.m. Pass holders can attend for $5 and nonmembers for $15. Registration forms can be found online at plantcitygov.com/parksrec/page/plant-city-tennis-centeractivities. For more information call 813-707-7485 or email C. Shane Johnson at sjohnson@plantcitygov. com.

BASEBALL TOURNEYS ON DECK Global Sports Alliance’s Stars and Stripes Slugfest VI tournament will come to Plant City this weekend. The tourney runs from Saturday through Sunday at Ellis-Methvin Park, Mike Sansone Park, Snowden Park, Plant City Stadium, the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex and the MLK complex. Games run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Florida USSSA Baseball’s Ultimate Florida Championship III tournament will use multiple fields at Plant City Stadium, Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex, Mike Sansone Park, Ellis-Methvin Park and the MLK Complex May 25 and 26. The tourney runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

Justin Kline

Hunter Emerine hugs Tyler Dowdy just after the Raiders recorded the final defensive play of the game and won the 8A-6 title.

Durant High School will host the ninth annual Mike Gottman Youth Football Camp this June and registration is now open. This year’s camp runs from June 3 through 6 at the Ron Frost Athletic Complex on campus, 4748 Cougar Path. To register, view the itinerary and get more information visit durantfootballcamps.com.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

SPONSORED BY SPORT CLIPS

Hunter Emerine When Plant City High School’s baseball team needed a lead in its May 11 district championship game against Bloomingdale, Hunter Emerine stepped up. Plant City’s senior catcher gave the Raiders both of their leads during the game, first with the RBI single to put the team ahead 1-0 on May 10 and then with the gamewinning solo home run the next morning to get the 2-1 lead PCHS went on to keep. Emerine leads the Raiders with 24 RBI and 10 doubles and will play at Polk State College after high school. I could tell you were stoked after that home run when I saw you running the bases for it, but what was going through your head when you hit that ball and were watching it go over the fence? It was an adrenaline rush. I was very excited that we could pull ahead there and get a safety net. You’re typically a doubles guy and that was a deep shot, so was that what you were expecting that hit to be? Or did you know right off the pop it was going out? No, I knew it was hit pretty well. I thought it might get out. I didn’t know if it was gonna get fair or not — obviously it did — and I was really excited. I knew I had a double all day long, but to see it go out, that was good.

CREST BASEBALL REPEATS AS DISTRICT CHAMP

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

Strawberry Crest picked up an 8-0 win over Wiregrass Ranch on May 9.

ing a sophomore and getting thrown right in there… and learning my way. Now I feel comfortable out here. I can go and play with anyone out here on the field. What do you know now that you wish you knew your sophomore year when you were thrown into the fire? That mistakes happen. Go out there and play your best game. Do things for your team and not for yourself. What’s your proudest moment as a Raider? Hitting that home run the other day. What’s the most fun you’ve had with this group of guys? Being in the dugout every game. They’re hilarious and they always like to talk. It’s always loud. There’s the little jokes that go on all game, every game. Last game, we got really fired up and it was really fun. It’s probably the rowdiest dugout in Hillsborough County, to be honest with you.

Strawberry Crest High School/Twitter

The Chargers have posted back-to-back championship wins for the first time ever.

What advice would you give to someone joining the team next year?

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Work hard, hit the weights, focus on the team and have fun.

On April 24, 2018, Strawberry Crest’s baseball team took its last loss of the regular season and went on to start a winning streak that carried them all the way to Fort Myers for the FHSAA state semifinals. On April 25, 2019, the Chargers took their last regular-season loss and went on to start another winning streak, most recently staying red-hot Thursday night and posting their second 8-0 win in as many games — this time against Wiregrass Ranch for the 8A-4 championship. Heating up at virtually the same time as last season, the most successful in program history, is a good look for this Chargers team as it attempts to get back to states and try to top last year’s semifinal appearance. If history really does repeat itself then this Chargers team has a real shot at getting back to Hammond Stadium later this month. That was the perfect time for Crest’s offense to heat up, as its next opponent was the Lake Minneola Hawks. Lake Minneola had scored four or more runs in each of its previous three games, including a six-run effort in a 7-6 dis-

You’ve been working for that moment for the last four years and you all finally got it, so does it feel different now going into regionals than in the past? Really, I don’t think it feels any different. We’ve still got to go win and go ahead and move on, keep going all the way to states. What’s been the difference between this PCHS team and others in the past? The heart to win. Everyone’s here together and we’re ready to win. We blend real well together. We all understand what we need to do to win. How have you seen yourself grow as a player in four years here? I’ve grown a lot from coming in as a freshman and not playing a lot to be-

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trict finale loss to Ocoee that saw the Hawks score all six of their runs in the last two innings, nearly pulling off a wild comeback win. The Hawks went into Wednesday’s game with an 18-9 (3-6 district) overall record and had little trouble getting on base this season, reaching about 41 percent of the time. The offense was capable of doing some serious damage at the plate (Lake Minneola has scored 13 or more runs in seven games in 2019, two of which were 20 and 22-run efforts), but the team also gave up a lot of runs: their 139 runs allowed trailed only Forest (153) in regular-season action, but in 8A-3 play they gave up a district-high 86 runs. The team ERA was 4.47 and, of the team’s workhorse pitchers, only sophomore Parker Fenton had an ERA below 3.59. The Hawks-Chargers regional quarterfinal was played at SCHS at 7 p.m. Wednesday with the winner of that game set to play the winner of Wiregrass Ranch-Ocoee at 7 p.m. Saturday. Results from the Wednesday evening quarterfinal at Crest were not available for press time.

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WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

RAIDERS’ REGIONAL RUN COMES TO END AT SICKLES

JUSTIN KLINE

POSTSEASON BASEBALL, SOFTBALL BRINGING THE EXCITEMENT With the way things have been going, upcoming FHSAA playoff games are must-see occasions.

Justin Kline

Ashley Blessin recorded her 1,000th career strikeout Tuesday evening.

Justin Kline

Strawberry Crest’s Ben Pues beats a pickoff attempt during the Chargers’ 8-0 district semifinal win over Freedom on May 7.

Plant City’s softball season ended after a whopping 19 innings with a 2-1 loss in Tampa. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

As much as ever, this baseball/softball postseason makes me wish I could be in two places at once. There’s been a smattering of cool storylines this time around. There’s Ashley Blessin notching her thousandth career strikeout against East Bay in the 8A-6 softball semifinal and the comeback rally the Raiders pulled off after she got it. With them, there’s also the rebound 8-0 win over a really good Steinbrenner team last week, shortly after losing the district final in a nail-biter against Bloomingdale. While we’re talking Plant City High School, there was that district championship win from the weekend that was a long time coming — 51 years, you know — and the rollercoaster of emotions that was the sixth inning at 1 Raider Place. There’s Strawberry Crest’s baseball team doing what it did last year, getting hot at the perfect time, with even better results in a pair of 8-0 routs in the 8A-4 tournament to repeat as kings of the district. I don’t know what the state of this column will be by the time you read it in the paper, as it’s going to press shortly before Wednesday night’s baseball regional quarterfinals, but it’s been a great ride thus far. If you’re reading this and we’ve still got local teams left alive, go see them. The blessing and curse of baseball and softball is that both sports operate independent of time. There’s no buzzer to beat, no clock to run down, no time limit to do what needs to be done (unless you’re trying to start a high school inning after 11 p.m., apparently). An at-bat can be as quick as a three-pitch strikeout or a first-pitch home run, but when the stakes are high even those moments can seem like forever. It’s more suspenseful when you don’t have a clock to glance at to see when it’s going to end. It’s all in the players’ hands and we can only hope the ones we’re cheering on do the right thing when they have to act or react.

I’m thinking about the bottom of the sixth inning of last Saturday’s baseball game. Hunter Emerine’s leading off. He’s a much greater threat to hit a double than a home run (he leads the team with 10 doubles in 2019, as well as 24 RBI, and had one homer before the 8A-6 finale). Everyone in the stadium craned their necks toward left field when that ball came off his bat to see where it would end up and the place erupted when it snuck over the fence to the right of the foul pole. I don’t think anyone saw that coming and even he, as a guy who doesn’t always wear his emotions on his sleeve, was energized enough to jump onto home plate when he finished his trot. That was a certified game-changer of a play and I think everyone in a Raiders uniform would agree it completely set the tone for the remainder of play and enabled the rest of the offense to step it up. Moments like that can make pretty much any game worth watching. Anyone who made the trek to Sickles on Tuesday night basically got two games, nearly three, for the ticket price of one. Staying up until 12:50 a.m. and then having to drive back to Plant City is no simple task, but for a 19-inning pitchers’ duel between Blessin and the Sickles pitching staff, you could do a whole lot worse. The Raiders’ postseason may be over now that the team took a 2-1 loss, but the team certainly gave the PCHS faithful plenty of compelling action to see during its run in the regional bracket. Take advantage while you can, because I think we’ve got some of the most watchable teams in Tampa Bay.

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

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Plant City High School’s latest FHSAA regional tournament appearance had two very different experiences. In the May 8 quarterfinal at Steinbrenner, the Raiders cruised to an 8-0 win over the Warriors in Lutz. Ashley Blessin threw a complete game nohitter with 14 strikeouts and gave up just one walk on 106 pitches, and also went 4-for-5 at the plate with two RBI to lead the team offensively. Plant City also got big performances at the plate from Rylee Shaffer (3-for-4, one run scored) and Emily Longoria (1-for-3, two RBI, one run scored) and on the base paths with two runs apiece from Rylee Moorman and Brea Simmons. Abbie DeWeese and Brittany Mercedes also crossed home plate for Plant City in the big win. Tuesday’s regional semifinal at Sickles, on the other hand, was as close a game as you’ll ever see on the softball field. Really, though, it was almost like three close games in one: the Raiders and Gryphons battled for 19 innings until Sickles scored with a walk-off RBI single just before 1 a.m. Wednesday. The Raiders took an early 1-0 lead on a fielder’s choice play hit by Kelli McAvoy that drove in DeWeese. The Gryphons answered in the fourth by taking advantage of a PCHS error immediately following a triple.

Blessin again went the distance for Plant City, this time throwing 249 pitches — well over twice her workload at Steinbrenner — with no earned runs allowed. She struck out 29 (incredibly, that wasn’t even her season-high for a game) and walked three while giving up 12 hits. Though this wasn’t how she hoped to end her high school career, her 2019 stats (179.1 innings pitched, 0.12 ERA, 20-5 record, 15 shutouts, four nohitters, one perfect game, 379 strikeouts) combined with the fact she’s leaving with 1,059 career strikeouts should lock her in for the county’s highest honors and guarantees her status as one of the most accomplished athletes to ever walk the halls of PCHS. Plant City is set to lose four of its most important players to graduation, but a roster of one junior, eight sophomores and two freshmen making it this far should lead to PCHS fielding a battletested squad in 2020.

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

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

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“Since this is a historic downtown place, I would play hits “The playlist they play at from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Hollywood Studios. I feel like Different things at different that’s the downtown vibe.” — Adri Bravo, 22 times. I like all of it from classical to country to bluegrass.” — Dr. Danny Morris, 73

“I think classical would work. Nobody dislikes classical and if it’s gonna be something everybody’s gonna listen to, that sounds like a reasonable compromise.”

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Glenn W. Hart

Kay Smith Ballard, 66, of Plant City, born on Sept. 12, 1952 in Plant City, entered into eternal rest on May 11, 2019. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Robert Kovalsky, Sr., 96, of Sun City Center, born on December 23, 1922 in Staten Island, New York, entered into eternal rest on May 11, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com

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Glenn W. Hart, 72, of Plant City, born on Aug.2, 1946 in Plant City, entered into eternal rest on May 11, 2019. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Willa Dean Grooms Willa Dean Grooms, 91, of Plant City, passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2019. Born March 14, 1928 in Opp, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late Alexandra Jackson Hall and Annie Bell Jordon. Survivors include her loving children, Carl R. (DeeDee) Grooms, Timothy Lynn (Debbie) Grooms, Sylvia Diann Tate, Joy Melinda (Jesse) Sims; as well as her grandchildren, Carrie Habgood, Kristi Grooms, Emily Grooms, Timmy Dickens, Darrin Grooms, Dustin Grooms, Stacey Mattair; her eight great- grandchildren, and her seven greatgreat-grandchildren. Willa was also preceded in death by her loving husband, Clarence T. Grooms; her son, David Grooms, and her two brothers and seven sisters. Funeral Services will be held at Sunset Funeral Home, 11005 N Highway 301, Thonotosassa, FL 33592 on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 11 a.m. Visitation 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Graveside Service will follow chapel service at 12 p.m. Flowers are welcome, or Memorial Donations can be made in Willa’s memory to Lifepath Hospice, www.chaptershealth.org.

Joan Gomez Nelson Joan Gomez Nelson, 56, of Thonotosassa, passed away on May 6, 2019. Services were held May 13, 2019 at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.

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James Atkinson James Atkinson, 86, of Thonotosassa, passed away on May 9, 2019. James was a Marine Corps veteran who served in the Korean Conflict. Services were held May 14, 2019 at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

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Eunice Carroll Eunice Carroll, 90, of Plant City, passed away on May 11, 2019. Memorial Services were held Wednesday, May 15 at Eastside Baptist Church, Plant City, FL. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Lifepath Hospice. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

Ron Francis Sikorski Ron Francis Sikorski, 75, of Plant City, passed away on May 11, 2019. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.

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Charles Brent Simmons Charles Brent Simmons, 58, of Plant City, born on Dec. 31, 1960 in Plant City, entered into eternal rest on May 8, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

Carmen Luz Sanabria, 74, of Plant City, passed away on May 12, 2019. The family will receive friends Friday, May 17, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. Funeral services will follow at 6:00 p.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught. care.

THURSDAY, MAY 16

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Ricky Heber Chancey, 63, of Dover, passed away on April 18, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Catherine Chancey of Dover, HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM FL, sister Lucille Bryant, and brother Terry Chancey. He is survived by two sisters Rosalie Wynn (Bill) of Dover, FL, Lucile Shirley Bryant (Paul) of Dover, FL, a brother Joseph Chancey Winifred McRae (Diana) of Plant City, FL. Also his companion, Dorothy Blevins (Dottie) and several nieces and Lucile Winifred McRae, 89, of nephews. Plant City, passed away on A private memorial will be May 11, 2019. held at a later date. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 16, 2019 at St. Clement Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught. care.

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PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS

7:30 to 9 a.m. Plant City Toastmasters is held every Thursday. Guests are always welcome to come join the free meeting at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St.

SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB

10:30 a.m. Come on out to the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St., each Thursday to find out more about a new Shuffleboard Club. Topics being discussed are days of the week, times, skill levels and anything else you may want to know. The club is hosted by Anita Balch and she can be contacted at 808-722-5821 for more information.

BLUEGRASS NIGHT

6:33 p.m. Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., is hosting Duck Wallow Lane for its monthly Bluegrass Night. Tickets are $10 and available in-house and on Eventbrite. Seating is limited so come early to secure a spot.

FRIDAY, MAY 17 SPECIAL NIGHT OUT

6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place. The free event is designed for persons with intellectual disabilities and their parents or caretakers to enjoy new experiences, meet new people, and have fun. This month the event will feature arts and crafts. June 21 will be a swimming event.

SATURDAY, MAY 18 STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

3 to 8 p.m. The monthly Plant City Strawberry Classic CruiseIn is back. The free car registration begins at 3 p.m. in downtown Plant City, 102 N. Palmer St. There will be classic cars and trucks of all years on site. A live DJ will spin your favorite hits and many local shops and vendors will be open and on site for a day of fun.

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6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Plant City Social Dance is kicking off its summer schedule with dances at Strawberry Square MHP, 4401 Promenade Blvd. The cost is $6 and will include slow dances, waltzes, line dances, cha-cha and more.

BEST BET SATURDAY, MAY 18 YOUTH EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS WORKSHOP

11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Building Strong Families, Inc. will host its third annual youth employability skills workshop at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. The workshop is for those as young as age 15 up to college freshmen. This year’s theme is “Getting a Job and Keeping It.” Speakers will discuss cleaning up social media, how to make a good first impression, the job application, resume building and more. The event is free but registration is required.

MONDAY, MAY 20 PLANT CITY DAYBREAK ROTARY CLUB

7 to 8 a.m. The Plant City Daybreak Rotary Club holds a meeting every Monday in the conference room next to the cafeteria at South Florida Baptist Hospital, 301 N. Alexander St. Guests are welcome to come and enjoy a free breakfast.

LEARNING ALL ABOUT FOOT HEALTH

6 to 8 p.m. Part of the South Florida Baptist Hospital’s Ladies Night Out series, come join their physician expert and learn about general foot health from your heels to your toenails. A light dinner will be provided. The seminar is in the Administrative Conference Room at the hospital, 301 N. Alexander St. Registration is free and required. Call 813-443-2075.

TUESDAY, MAY 21 MORNING BOOK CLUB

11 a.m. Join Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., for its adult morning book club. They meet once a month to discuss the club’s book selection for that month. Share your thoughts on the book and help select future titles! Get copies of next month’s club pick at this discussion. This month’s book is “A Murder in Time,” by Julie McElwain.

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB

12 to 1 p.m. The Plant City Lions Club holds a meeting every Tuesday at Buddy Freddy’s, 1101 Goldfinch Dr. For more information on membership call 813924-3829.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY INFO MEETING

6:30 p.m. Free Rider Fellowship, 2207 Mud Lake Road, will soon start its Christ-centered 12

step program that addresses all hurts, habits and hangups. The information meeting is primarily for those who would like to volunteer their time to serve in this community outreach. Contact Loyal Ritter, ministry leader, at 813-770-1748 or at loyal@ritterrealtyllc.com for more information.

EVENING BOOK CLUB

7 p.m. Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., hosts an adult evening book club event each month. Share your thoughts on this month’s book and pick up a copy of next month’s selection. This month’s book is, “A Double Life,” by Flynn Berry.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22 CAPITOL COFFEE

8:30 to 10 a.m. The Chamber’s Government Advisory Committee is hosting Capitol Coffee, a post-session conversation with Plant City area elected officials. Come out to the Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Road, and meet your elected leaders at 8:30 a.m. The program begins at 9 a.m. Chamber members are free and non members are $10. Tickets are required for entry. Register now and your ticket will be emailed to you. Email sophia@ PlantCity.org or call 813-7543707 for more information.

READ WITH BONNIE THE THERAPY DOG

4 to 5 p.m. Bonnie the Therapy Dog comes to Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., every week for children to have the opportunity to share a book and some soft pats on the head. You can find her on the couch in the children’s area. Reading with Bonnie can help children improve reading, communication skills and build confidence.

tampaymca.org/LetsCamp

Universal Crossword

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

Edited by David Steinberg May 16, 2019

5/16

FORECAST THURSDAY, MAY 16 High: 88 Low: 66 Chance of rain: 10%

FRIDAY, MAY 17 High: 90 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 10%

High: 90 Low: 69 Chance of rain: 20%

SUNDAY, MAY 19 High: 88 Low: 70 Chance of rain: 20%

BLUEBERRIES Shipping point: Central Florida $13-$16

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54 Loving or leaving? 58 Buddhist branch 60 Paul, Italian-style 63 Musical with a redhead 64 Opera singer’s highlight 66 Perfect place in a Scandinavian country? 68 Main point 69 Take root 70 Religious group 71 Appear 72 Terse denial 73 Three, to Tomas DOWN 1 Jabs teasingly 2 Ticket price category

3 Hide in fear 4 Lost shipment inquiry 5 A lot of times, to poets 6 They’re taken on stage 7 Popular berry 8 Cocktail often served with an orchid 9 Midsize Nissan 10 Cigar dropping 11 Certain whiz kid 12 Use a Xerox machine 13 ___ cell research 18 “Let’s do this!” 22 Having no feeling 25 Self-satisfied 27 Caramel seasoning 29 Wanted poster letters 30 Transformed self 31 “ ___ It Romantic” (2019 Rebel Wilson film) 32 “Now!” acronym 33 Holsteins’ sounds 34 Mountaintop figure, perhaps 35 Chinese spice named for its shape 39 Lost traction 41 Cousins and such 42 Glitch 45 Cinch 47 “That is to say ...” 50 Andre of tennis 51 Sounded like a kitty 52 Frank & ___ (comic strip) 55 Beneath 56 Sister’s daughter 57 Body shop concerns 58 Zigs’ counterparts 59 Pennsylvania port city 61 Jared of “Dallas Buyers Club” 62 Wise Norse god 65 Convenience store sight, briefly 67 Congestion doc

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, May 16

6:38a

8:11p

Friday, May 17

6:37a

8:12p

Saturday, May 18

6:37a

8:12p

Sunday, May 19

6:36a

8:13p

Monday, May 20

6:36a

8:14p

Tuesday, May 21

6:35a

8:14p

Wednesday, May 22

6:35a

8:15p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MAY 18

Countryside by Matt Skoczen

ACROSS 1 Agreement 5 “Becoming” author Michelle 10 Awfully basic concepts 14 Stink 15 ___ point (center of attention) 16 Chimney gunk 17 Delay in a Middle Eastern country? 19 Promote plentifully 20 Vote in 21 Kind of demonstration 23 Jungle ___ 24 Worry (over)

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

June 2 New

June 7 First

May 18 Full

May 30 Last

RAINFALL Monday, May 6

0.00

Tuesday, May 7 0.00 Wednesday, May 8

0.00

Thursday, May 9 0.04 Friday, May 10

0.10

Saturday, May 11 0.00 Sunday, May 12

0.01

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2019 4.98 in.

2019 0.59 in.

2018

2018 0.24 in.

7.28 in.

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

PlantCityObserver.com