5.18.23 PLCO

TRACI DURRANCE

NAMED NEWEST PRINCIPAL AT PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL AS SUSAN SULLIVAN RETIRES

Following Susan Sullivan’s announcement that she will be retiring at the conclusion of the 2022-2023 school year, her eighth year of ser-

vice as the principal at Plant City High School, the school has announced that Traci Durrance will be named the newest principal at PCHS. Sullivan began her career as an instructor at PCHS and also taught at Marshall Middle School before returning to PCHS as a guidance counselor in 1998, serving as a guidance and

career counselor until 2001 when she departed to join Tomlin Middle School as an administrator. She was promoted to principal at Tomlin in 2008, a role she held until 2015 when she once again made her way back to PCHS as principal.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

PLANT CITY FIRE RESCUE ADDS

NEW FIRE TRUCK

TO DEPARTMENT’S FLEET

THE STATE-OF-THE-ART TRUCK ALSO FEATURES HYDROCARBON-FREE, BATTERYPOWERED TOOLS TO HELP FIREFIGHTERS RESPOND MORE QUICKLY IN EMERGENCIES.

As the community continues to grow, the service life the Department squeezes out of its vehicles is reduced, thanks to the increasing number of emergency calls it responds to and more miles it puts on them. “If we get 15 years out of a vehicle now we’ll be doing good,” said Burnett.

The Department has a new ladder truck on order to replace a 2010 model but Burnett doesn’t expect delivery until 2025 because of supply chain issues and labor shortages.

Another vehicle feature, tucked in its back compartments, are batterypowered tools. From the jaws-of-life to lights, saws to fans, the tools no longer have cords that need to be plugged into generators or tanks requiring gasoline and oil. “The tools are hydrocarbonfree and charge right off the truck it’s instant power,” said Division Chief Dustin Hill.

CELEBRATING MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2023 FROM LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS

It’s got that ‘new car’ smell.

Plant City Fire Rescue’s newest fie engine, a Pierce Saber diesel fie truck, was put in service at Fire Station 2. Fire Chief David Burnett said the truck is part of a staggered plan to replace its aging fleet o make sure the Department continues to provide quick and efficientervice to local residents. “It doesn’t make good business sense to replace all the trucks at the same time so we’re trying to make sure we don’t hit the coffers all at the same

time,” he said.

The fie engine cost a little more than $500,000. From bumper to bumper, the Department’s truck committee customized the vehicle specifially for Plant City Fire Rescue. “The guys running the truck had huge input,” said Burnett. “The committee talked about what works and what doesn’t, what we can improve, even down to the size of the compartments and what tools will go in them.”

The Department’s fleet onsists of two fie engines, a ladder truck and two ambulances along with back-up vehicles in the event its primary vehicles are inoperable. The vehicles being replaced are more than 20 years old.

The battery-powered tools deliver maximum power with more speed, flxibility and control and require less maintenance. They’re also safer to use inside buildings. “When we use the fans to blow smoke out of a building, the gas powered fans produce exhaust whereas the battery-powered fans don’t,” said Hill.

At the end of the day, though, it’s all about the speed at which personnel can respond to an emergency. “Minutes matter because time is life, that goes for medical and fie,” said Hill. “The batteries provide a pretty instantaneous power source and help us do our jobs more quickly.”

TURN TO PAGE 9

AFTER SERVING AS THE PRINCIPAL AT TOMLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL SINCE 2009, DURRANCE WILL RETURN

PCHS AS THEIR NEWEST PRINCIPAL.

HILLPOINTE CONSTRUCTION BREAKS GROUND ON POINTE GRAND

Located at 3020 James. L. Redman Parkway, land is being cleared for the Pointe Grand, an apartment home community. The site is currently approved for 254 multifamily units but is in revision to increase the number of units to 300. According to Alicia Worrell, Director of Marketing for Hillpointe, the project’s real estate development and investment management firm the apartments’ interior finishs will include quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, an eat-in kitchen, an open living floorplan digital keyless front door locks and covered patios and balconies. Community amenities may include a resort-style pool, a 24-hour fitnss center, a picnic area and more. Estimated opening completion date is mid2024.

MEMORIAL UNVEILED FOR FALLEN OFFICER

Worried about fitting an appointment into your busy schedule? Our Plant City location makes booking visits easy for the whole family.

Need an appointment soon? We are accepting new patients and offer same-day appointments.

To make an appointment, please call:

• 863.284.5000 for Primary Care or Pediatrics

• 863.284.5115 for Rheumatology

It was a somber day on Monday, May 15, proclaimed by President Kennedy in 1962 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week that date falls as Police Week, as a marker commemorating the sacrifie of nightwatchman Robert Yates was unveiled at Oaklawn Cemetery.

Plant City Police Department Chief James Bradford served as Master of Ceremony. Guests in attendance included Mayor Nate Kilton, Vice-Mayor Mike Sparkman, city commissioners Jason Jones and Mary Mathis, City Manager Bill McDaniel and State Attorney Susan Lopez.

Descendants of Yates, great-grandsons Chet and Chuck Robertson, were also in attendance.

“We’ve gathered here today out of love and respect for Officer Yates, who gave his last full measure of devotion,” said Police Chief James Bradford.

City Manager Bill McDaniel shared the history of Yates, a 22-year-old night watchman who in 1911 was shot by a suspect while doing his duty in the service of Plant City.

“This story was lost to the shadows of time, this community forgot Yates’ sacrifie and it’s thanks to Chief Boyett, who did research years ago and brought this story back to the light of day and set off a eries of events that have resulted in a lot of effort that has led to this day,” he said. “As a community we will never again forget the sacrifie of Robert Yates.”

Boyett discovered Yates’ story while doing genealogy work. He is related to Annie Boyett, Yates’ wife.

Cemetery superintendent Jeff Black helped coordinate the memorial. The marker, made of flastone and the plaque is made of bronze, was designed by a collaboration of Black and Dawn Klein of Master Craft Memorials. Adjacent to the marker, a QR code on a pole gives visitors directions to Yates’ nearby grave.

“It’s always a great day in Plant City and today is an extra-special day because we have an opportunity to not only honor

Robert Yates and his legacy but the entire law enforcement community,” said Mayor Nate Kilton. “In Plant City we never want to miss an opportunity to show how much we appreciate them.”

CAPITAL COFFEE WELCOMES LOCAL POLITICIANS

More than 100 Plant City business leaders and residents gathered at the Trinkle Center Wednesday for Capital Coffee, a chance to meet Hillsborough County legislative officials and ve post-session conversations about current legislation. Hosted by The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, the event also included a question-and-answer dialogue. Legislators that attended included State Senator Danny Burgess (District 20), Representative Lawrence McClure (District 68) and Representative Danny Alvarez (District 69).

Chamber Membership Director Jerilyn Rumbarger said the event gets more popular every year. “Most people that attend this event have been following session, they’ve been following the bills and getting legislative updates throughout session,” she said. “It’s their opportunity to ask specific qustions about things happening this current session.

PLANT CITY RESIDENTS KILLED IN

CRASH IN MANATEE COUNTY

Longtime Florida Strawberry Festival announcer Randy Scott, his wife Jill and Jill’s sister, Judy Cook, passed away on Monday following a motor vehicle accident in Manatee County.

The Scotts and Cook were in an SUV traveling east on County Road 675 when a dump truck, driving in the opposite direction, struck the SUV in a head-on collision. They were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident but the dump truck driver was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The crash is under investigation.

According to a Facebook post by The Florida Strawberry Festival, Randy was the voice of the Festival, from singing the National Anthem each morning to serenading guests with Happy Trails each night and his song will forever be missed. He was described as a man with a sweet demeanor, steadfast spirit, quiet confidene and a genuine concern for others. His wife Jill would steadfastly work behind the scenes.

FREE CONCEALED CARRY CLASSES FOR HILLSBOROUGH RESIDENTS

Hillsborough County Sheriff ’s Office and Shooters World Tampa have teamed up to offer free concealed carry classes to residents in Hillsborough County. “Firearms safety and education are paramount in reducing accidental discharges, injuries and fatalities, and we must continue to promote responsible gun ownership in our communities,” said Sheriff Chad Chonister. To sign up for a class, visit www.shootersworld.com and use the code ‘HCSO’ for a free safety course.

OFFICERS RECOGNIZED AT 61ST EAST HILLSBOROUGH LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DINNER

FLORIDA COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE

WILTON SIMPSON

SPEAKS AT 41ST ANNUAL AGRITECH TRADE SHOW

The Florida Strawberry Festival Exhibition Hall was the safest place in Plant City on the evening of May 9 as hundreds of law enforcement officers from the Plant City Police Department (PCPD), Florida Highway Patrol, Hillsborough County Sheriff ’s Office and Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission gathered for the 61st Annual East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner.

Hosted by the East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Association (EHLEAA), the event was an evening dedicated to recognizing the Officer of the Year in each department. It was emceed by EHLEAA Chairman Bill McDaniel. Winners received a commemorative plaque, a financial ward of $500, a customized Sig Sauer P226 pistol courtesy of Seattle Engraving and a bouquet of flwers for their signifiant others.

PCPD Senior Officer Joshua Snyder was named PCPD Officer of the Year. Snyder, a Florida native, followed in his father’s footsteps in Law Enforcement when he was hired by the Plant City Police Department in 2007. During his 15-year career with the Department, he’s served in the Uniform Patrol Division and Investigative Service Division’s Street Crimes Unit as a detective, where he worked cases involving narcotics, fiearms violations, prostitution and human trafficking He was also selected to be a member of a special DEA task force. After a successful stint as a detective, he returned to the Patrol Division where he currently serves as a Field Training Officer.

“He was selected as Officer of the Year for several reasons, among them his determination to not only keep the streets of Plant City safe against drugs and armed criminals but because of his ability to transfer his knowledge and training to those new to the department as well,” said Chief James Bradford. “He’s an invaluable asset in the war on crime.”

The program noted a case where Snyder was instrumental in taking a criminal off the treets. In February, he happened upon a vehicle parked at a convenience store. Upon contacting the

female occupant, he noted drug paraphernalia on the front seat. After an investigation, he recovered three loaded handguns, marijuana, ecstasy pills, Oxycodone and cocaine. The suspect was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Firearm and Armed Trafficking inxycodone and other related offenses.

Snyder, whose parents were in attendance at the ceremony, was honored to receive the award. “My dad was named Officer of the Year during his career with the Lakeland Police Department and he’s proud that I’m being recognized for my hard work just like he did,” he said.

He finds atisfaction in his job. “It’s not just a paycheck, this is a calling that you take on,” said Snyder. “You’re not just helping others but you’ll be becoming a better person too.”

In addition to recognizing Snyder and retiring officer Thomas Velez, Bradford spoke about the importance of community support. “We in law enforcement in East Hillsborough County are blessed to serve in a community that genuinely loves, supports and appreciates the work we do,” he said.

Additional departments awarding Officer of the Year awards included:

Florida Highway Patrol: Major Richard Benton recognized Trooper Wesley Kelly as its Officer of the Year. Kelly is assigned to its Criminal Interdiction Unit, a specialized unit that patrols roadways throughout the state.

Hillsborough County Sheriff s Office: Sheriff Chad Chronister recognized Detective Michael Fernandes as its Officer of the Year. As the Gang Detective in District II (the Dover area), he has dedicated himself to combating violent crime in Eastern Hillsborough County.

Fish & Wildlife Conservation: Captain Evan Lakowski recognized Officer Specialist Hunter Caldwell as its Officer of the Year. A Florida native and outdoor lover, he has made numerous cases in recent years, including the apprehension of suspects shooting federally protected birds and illegally harvesting gamefish He also played a leading role I the arrest of individuals commercially gill netting thousands of fish and a juenile dolphin in Tampa Bay.

Commissioner of Agriculture and fifth generation Floridian Wilton Simpson spoke at the 41st Annual AgriTech trade show this week at the Grimes Family Agricultural Center at the Florida Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds.

Sinpson, a lifelong farmer who lived in a mobile home off Charlie Taylor Road in Plant City for several years in his youth, gave a recap of the highlights from the recent Legislative Session, including a bill that restricts foreign countries, including China, from purchasing property in the state, a tax package bill that prohibits a county from levying any special assessments on lands classified as agricultural and a bill that creates a Florida Farm TEAM (Tax Exempt Agricultural Materials) Card for farmers to use for sales tax-exempt purchases.

“This year was a banner year in the legislature, we’ve had quite a few wins,” said Simpson. “These laws are going to make it a lot easier for farmers to operate in this state.”

He also spoke about a $100 million increase to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program that protects agricultural lands through the acquisition of permanent land conservation easements. “There are a lot of generational farmers in this state who want to continue to farm

and want their families to be able to continue to farm in perpetuity,” he said. “This is going to ensure our long-term survivability in having enough land mass to produce the amount of food we need to support the growing population not only here in this state but in the world.”

AgriTech is hosted by the Florida Strawberry Grower’s Association. Attendees appreciated Simpson’s remarks. “It’s wonderful that the agriculture commissioner will come to Hillsborough County and support the Florida Strawberry Grower’s Association,” said cattle rancher Dennis Carlton, Sr. “He has a farming background and he’s very supportive of Florida farmers.”

While Florida is making strides to preserve Florida’s farming legacy, Carlton hopes the federal government will tackle the industry’s labor issues. The federal government recently increased fees of its H-2A visa program that allows employers to bring foreign nationals to the United States on a temporary basis to fill agricultural jobs.

“The costs are continually going up and we’re being told they’re going to continue to go up,” he said. “The rate is set every year so you never know what that labor rate is going to be.”

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

PCPD Officer Joshua Snyder was named 2023 Officer of the Year.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

PCPDP Police Chief James Bradford recognizes Senior Officer Joshua Snyder (right) as 2023 Officer of the Year.

Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson speaks to a crowd at the 41st Annual AgriTech trade show in Plant City.

COPS CORNER

istock

MAY 5

SHOT IN THE DARK

800 block of W. Madison St. Shooting into an occupied dwelling: An officer responded to the listed location and located six spent shell casings in the street. A white Ford truck was hit once, along with a residence at the location.

GONE GUN

800 block of W. Warrant St.

Vehicle burglary: An officer made contact with the victim at the listed location who advised that two handguns were taken from their vehicle.

MAY 6

CAR TROUBLES

1100 block of N. Shannon Ave.

Criminal mischief: An officer met with the victim at the listed location in reference to intentional damage done to their vehicle. One individual was subsequently placed under arrest for criminal mischief and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

TRAILER TRASHED

4300 block of State Road 574

Grand theft: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who stated that their trailer was stolen.

MAY 7

CASHING OUT

1100 block of W. Dixie St. Vehicle burglary: An officer met with numerous victims at the listed location, with all of them advising that unknown subject(s) entered their unlocked vehicles during the early morning and removed wallets from said vehicles.

BYE-CYCLE

2700 block of Turkey Creek Rd. Theft: An ofier met with the victim at the listed location who reported that their electric bicycle was stolen.

MAY 8

WHAT’S UP, DOC?

Howard St. / W. Mahoney St. Warrant arrest: An officer located an individual in reference to their active Hillsborough County warrant for violation of parole. The individual was subsequently arrested and medically cleared at South Florida Baptist Hospital before being transported to Orient Road Jail.

MAY 9

IT’S NOT DELIVERY, IT’S DESPICABLE

1300 block of E. Alabama St. Robbery: Officers met with a delivery driver at the listed location who advised that they were robbed of $47.83 worth of pizza at gunpoint.

O

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SUSAN SULLIVAN RETIRES AFTER EIGHT YEARS AS PCHS PRINCIPAL

In her time at Plant City as a teacher, an administrator and a principal, Sullivan highlighted the support that the school always received from the local community. And as principal, she says that she’s most proud of their graduation rate, a number that has jumped 10 points in her tenure, the fie state championships that the Raiders have won under her watch, the brand new turf football field that was installed last summer, the establishment of a business advisory board that has helped open the door for students to transition into the work force and the Raider Champions Foundation — an organization that has worked to build a partnership between the school and its community donors.

Sullivan says that it’s a bittersweet feeling to leave Plant City, with the love she has for the students, but that she’s ready to have the opportunity to travel and spend time

with her children and grandchildren that no longer live in Plant City — while still having the opportunity to make it back to campus or to sporting events to cheer on the Raiders at any time.

For Durrance, her new position at Plant City is a bit of a homecoming as well. Durrance originally served as an instructor at Tomlin from 1993 to 2006 before joining Plant City’s staff as a esource teacher in 2007. In 2009 she was named the assistant principal for administration and athletic director at PCHS before taking over as principal at Tomlin in 2014 — a role she has served since.

Durrance’s appointment as principal continues a community-centric approach to Plant City’s administration, with both Sullivan and Durrance being fellow graduates of PCHS themselves — along with Sullivan adding that her parents, her husband and her children all attended PCHS themselves.

“I think that’s something that is unique to Plant City. In fact, four of my fie administrators graduated from Plant City as well,” Sullivan said. “We are probably the only true community school left in the area. In Tampa there are a ton of schools and in Brandon now you’ve got Bloomingdale and Newsome and Riverview and Armwood but they aren’t really in the heart of a community. And even though Durant and Strawberry Crest are in the Plant City area, they aren’t in the center of the city limits like Plant City is. People drive by our school every day on the way to work, or on their way home, or going to the grocery store. In their daily life, they drive by our school. I think it’s unique that we’re the one school within the city limits and I still think that it’s truly considered Plant City’s school. I know the community supports Durant and Strawberry Crest but I think that we get so much support because we’re right here in the middle of everything.”

TAYLOR JENKINS STAFF WRITER

BEFORE TAKING OVER AS PRINCIPAL, SULLIVAN WAS A GRADUATE OF PLANT CITY BEFORE ALSO WORKING AS A TEACHER AND ADMINISTRATOR.

Susan Sullivan stands in the halls of Plant City High School

Local Schools Hold Signing Days For Seniors

More than 60 high school seniors throughout Hillsborough County have scored jobs after graduation thanks to Future Career Academy.

The pens were poised as dozens of high school seniors participated in signing days, a time typically reserved for seniors accepting athletic scholarships.

These weren’t your typical signing days. The students holding the pens weren’t star athletes promising allegiance to a far-flung university. They were students who were accepting job offers from local businesses.

Plant City High School senior Alyssa Hubbard, who accepted a position with BayCare as a nurse’s helper, always had her sights set on a career in the healthcare industry. “Ever since my grandpa passed from cancer, it’s been my dream,” she said. During her high school years, she took several healthcare classes, earning several certifiations, including Basic Life Saving (BLS) and CertifiedMedical Administrative Assistant (CMAA).

After a lengthy interview process, she was offered the position which she readily

accepted. “I was thrilled, I’m very excited to get my foot in the door,” she said. Hubbard won’t have a long break between graduation and her fist day on the job on June 5. She also plans to attend USF. BayCare Director of Talent Acquisition Angel Brown said they’re just as excited to have Hubbard joining the team. “We’re excited to help people in their career path,” she said. “We’ll build upon those skills she’s learned and support her as she grows with us, as fast as she wants to grow.”

In addition to Hubbard, six other Plant City High seniors accepted four-year apprenticeships to become electricians.

Nolan Buckingham took several Electricity classes while in school and quickly realized he enjoyed learning how to wire panels, boxes and lights. “To me, it’s fun and you need to enjoy your career,” he said. “It’s also good money.”

For Electricity teacher Fernando Guillen, seeing his students get excited about the things they were learning in his class was fulfilling “The electrical field is o broad,” he said. “I’m extremely proud of these

students, they’re on their way to having an excellent career where you’ll be able to provide for your families.”

Principal Susan Sullivan said the program gives kids hope for their future and a pathway to be able to live, work and play in the community. “They’re moving into careers where they’ll have benefis, be able to further their education and have long-term plans,” she said. “It’s exciting for us because they’re going to be successful, to have a job before they graduate is amazing.”

Simmons Career Academy senior Josiah Garcia accepted a job at Consolidated Pest Control. At school he earned his Landscape Maintenance and Agriculture Technology certifiations. “I like working outside, I like wildlife, I like using insecticides, so why not work for a company like Consolidated,” he said. “I couldn’t work in an office and this fis me perfectly.”

Consolidated Pest Control owner Jai Buttram looks forward to Garcia and senior Mitchell McClamma, whom he hired on signing day, joining his company. “The good part is they’ve gone through

some training and they’ve realized they like working outside and they like working with green things,” he said. “My hope is the energy and time won’t be wasted because they already know they at least enjoy something about the field and thats a big advantage.”

Future Career Academy CEO Yvonne Fry said the students attending the signing days are just a few of the students who will ultimately be hired for jobs with local businesses. “We’re celebrating our very early returns on student successes in jobs and training opportunities all across the county,” she said. “The bulk of our hirings come after graduation just due to the logistics involved on both sides.”

She said the signing events show other students that the opportunities available to them are real and can happen to them as well. “It’s a scary time of change for our seniors and we want to help ensure they know what’s possible for their futurethere are many opportunities and they can make it happen for themselves given the preparation and connections they’ve made,” she said.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Simmons Career Academy seniors Mitchell McClamma and Josiah Garcia accept jobs at Consolidated Pest Control.

Plant City High senior Alyssa Hubbard is going to be a nurses helper with BayCare.

Plant City High seniors accept paid electrical apprenticeships.

Tomlin Middle School Gets Facelift Thanks To Sales Tax Referendum

More than $25 million will be spent to make improvements to its HVAC system, roof and gymnasium.

City Works To Complete Sinkhole Repairs In Walden Lake

The work is expected to be completed within the next three weeks.

Amidst a flury of construction activity at Tomlin Middle School, Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Addison Davis held a press conference in its media center to highlight summer Education Referendum projects happening in schools throughout the county.

One of the schools reaping the benefis of the tax dollars is Tomlin, where more than $25 million is being used to replace the roof, bring in new insulation, repair floos and windows, overhaul the HVAC units and renovate its gymnasium. The project contractors are Core-Horus Construction and Wilder Architecture, Inc.

To date, the county has invested more than a half a billion dollars and completed 600 projects, thanks to the half-penny sales tax that voters passed in 2018.

“Coming into Hillsborough County over three years ago, one of the things I had the luxury of inheriting was a community that truly cared about education, truly understood about the millions of dollars of deferred maintenance that had to be addressed within our facilities,” said Superintendent Addison Davis.

Plant City resident Rick Lott is a member of the Citizen Oversight Committee, a group of seven members (six independent citizens and one school principal) that oversees the spending on school improvement projects funded by the Education Referendum.

“I want to thank the voters for the confidene in the school district to pass this referendum to make the investment in our schools,” he said. “If it wasn’t for the referendum there’s no way what we’re celebrating here could have been accom-

plished.”

The school, located at 501 North Woodrow Wilson Street, was built in 1955 and housed Plant City High School until 1972, when Tomlin Junior High School moved to the building. It was renamed Tomlin Middle School in 1995. The building hasn’t had any major renovations completed since 2001.

Principal Traci Durrance, who attended the school in her youth, said she’s grateful for the renovations that have been needed for a long time. “First of all, it says a lot to the community and to the task force that said Tomlin needs some love over here,” she said. “This is a community school and it’s got a lot of history and it feels like people care.”

Lott said the renovations will foster a sense of pride. “We can walk into a school that has been remodeled and brought up to standards and it gives our children a chance of being the best they can be in our community,” he said.

For more information about Hillsborough County Public Schools visit www. hillsboroughschools.org.

The City of Plant City is one step closer to completing repairs to the sinkhole that opened April 23 on Carriage Court in the Walden Lake subdivision.

While a section of the street is open for residents living on the street to have vehicular access to their homes, a section of the roadway, where the sinkhole formed and is filled with dir, is still taped off

The City retained Madrid Engineering Group on the day the sinkhole formed to conduct site inspections, provide initial recommendations and conduct an investigation to provide stabilization recommendations. Their findins were submitted to city officials lt week.

The sinkhole, which at the time of its inspection on April 23 measured at least 20 feet in depth and roughly 10 feet in diameter, also damaged an existing 8-inch sewer line. Following Madrid’s initial recommendations, the city backfilled the sinkhole with 200 cubic yards of dirt the day of the collapse.

According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, sinkholes form

from the collapse of surface sediments into underground voids and cavities in the limestone bedrock.

The estimated cost for the stabilization is $250,000, which doesn’t include roadway and sewer line repairs.

The City is on the hook for the repair costs. Thanks, Mother Nature.

City Manager Bill McDaniel said initial stabilization of the sinkhole continues to appear successful and there hasn’t been any discernible settling activity since the sinkhole was filled

Residents who live on the street will be pleased to know that repairs to their street will be completed in a timely manner. “The City is finalizing the pocess for contracting the recommended repairs and additional stabilization measures,” he said.

“We anticipate having the sinkhole site completely repaired within the next three weeks.”

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT SCHEDULED TO BEGIN AT INTERSECTION OF JAMES L. REDMAN PARKWAY AND ALEXANDER STREET

James L. Redman Parkway.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced it will begin preliminary construction activities as part of its $3.3 million project to repave a .6 mile portion of James L. Redman Parkway between Charlie Griffinoad and Alexander Street. Additional improvements will include adding a right turn lane from southbound James L. Redman Parkway onto westbound Alexander Street and widening the existing right turn lane from Alexander Street onto southbound James L. Redman Parkway.

“The roadway is being resurfaced to keep the road in good condition for drivers,” said FDOT District Seven Communications Manager Kris Carson.

The project contractor, CW Roberts Contracting, Inc., will begin work Tuesday,

May 30. Construction activities involving workers, vehicles, trucks and equipment will require lane closures, which will occur nightly between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. “Drivers can expect lane closures but only in the late evenings so as not to disrupt traffic during the avy peak times,” said Karson.

City officialsemind motorists to wear safety belts and drive with caution, courtesy, common sense and patience as they travel through work zones. “Hopefully drivers will be prepared and give themselves a little extra time and have patience getting through the congested area,” said City Manager Bill McDaniel. Drivers should also be aware of posted speed limit signs. Speeding fins are doubled in work zones.

The project has an expected completion date of early 2024.

For more information about the project visit www.fdot.gov.

Tammy Shamblen

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

The FDOT project will add a right turn lane on

GO OFF-ROADING WITH ALL-NEW 2023 RAV4 HYBRID WOODLAND!

And now you can go off the baten path in an RAV4. That’s right. Toyota has introduced the all-wheel-drive Woodland Edition – its fist hybrid off-road special edition SUV! With coil springs and twin-tube shocks borrowed from a TRD-tuned (Toyota Racing Development) suspension to back it up, this is another winner for the innovative Japanese carmaker.

A 2.5-liter DOHC inline-4 cylinder gas engine cranks out 176 horsepower @ 5700 rpm and 163 pounds-feet of torque @ 5200 rpm. Two electric motors boast hp up to 219 hp. A 244.8-volt lithium-ion battery is recharged by energy captured as the driver applies the brakes or coasts. Also, the electronically controlled continuous variable transmission-equipped sedan boasts a regenerative braking system. The TRD-inspired independent MacPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension with stabilizer bars does a particularly good job of soaking bumps and potholes. And the all-wheel-drive crossover also is equipped with a rackmounted electric power steering for ease at higher speeds or pulling into a parking lot.

XT4 PREMIUM LUXURY (AWD)

Tires: P225/60R19

Wheelbase: 105.9 inches

Length: 180.9 inches

Height: 67 inches

Width: 73 inches

Fuel capacity: 14.5 gallons

Mileage: city 38, highway 35

Weight: 3,775 pounds

Base price: $33,025

Price as tested: $34,360

Web site: www.toyota.com

The RAV4 operates in three modes: EV, which is electric at lower speeds of up to 25 mph; ECO, an efficien mode where the driver can control the throttle opening; and sport for some feisty driving. The rounded instrument display showing charge, power and eco readings will come in handy for drivers who like to eke out every gallon of gas.

Projector-beam LED headlights flank a dark gray, metallic-colored hexagonal grille hosting a blue-tinted Toyota emblem. Badges, mudguards and roof rails/crossbars, all in black, are unmistakable. There is plenty of room in the cabin and the 60/40-split second row seat can be folded to obtain 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Storage

areas are scattered throughout the cabin, including an open bin atop the glovebox, center console box, eight cup/bottle holders, fie USB ports and overhead sunglass holder. Other perks are a power driver seat and tilt/slide moon roof, dual auto a/c, leather tilt/ telescopic steering column and shifter, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and a hands-free lift gate.

Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag and driver knee airbag, blind-spot monitor, rear-cross traffic aler, side-impact door beams, four-wheel antilock brakes, electronic brake distribution and brake assist, vehicle stability and traction control, backup camera and front/rear crumple zones. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 brings in a pre-collision system that detects pedestrians, lane departure/tracing assists and dynamic cruise control. The Woodland version, which will appeal to the off-road buffs, further enhances the varied lineup of this No. 1 seller for Toyota. Plus, the hybrid SUV boasts sizable passenger/cargo room. And as the stop at the pump continues to hurt the wallet, who doesn’t want a gas sipper for a ride? (we earned a combined 39 mpg).

Nitish S. Rele operates motoringtampabay.com and Khaas Baat, and was an automotive editor/columnist for the Tampa Tribune. Email him at motoringtampabay@gmail.com.

813.707.6506

Member FDIC

Committed to Plant City.

Staffed with bankers who have deep roots in the Plant City area, our bank’s focus for over 38 years has been to serve owner-managed businesses, professional firms, and families that want a strong, local connection with their bank and banker. Come grow with us.

SPORTS

DURANT BEATS ALONSO IN THRILLING PLAYOFF MATCHUP

In a game that took 10 innings to find a winne, the Cougars were ultimately able to claim the regional quarterfinal vicory over the Ravens.

After claiming their second consecutive district championship with a narrow 2-1 win over Newsome the week before, Durant advanced to the regional quarterfinals where they played host to a fellow district champion in 18-8 Alonso — with the Cougars ultimately outlasting the Ravens in a 10-inning contest to take the 2-1 victory in walk-off fashion.

To open the game, Durant sent their ace to the mound in junior Blaine Rowland. Entering the evening on an incredible run, Rowland had allowed just one earned run over his last 33.2 innings across eight appearances dating back to March 21. After inducing a slow ground ball to shortstop for the first out of the game, Rowland allowed his first baserunner of the game with a walk to Alonso’s second hitter before bouncing right back with a strikeout and a fly out to left to end the top of the first.

In the bottom of the first, Durant’s first two hitters were quickly retired on a pair of ground outs to the Alonso middle infielders before senior catcher Dylan LaPointe ripped a double down the left field line. Junior Tyler MacPheron entered the game as LaPointe’s courtesy runner but would move no further as the Ravens notched a strikeout to end the two-out threat.

Both sides were put away in order in the second before Alonso mounted their first scoring opportunity in the third. After a strikeout opened the inning, the Ravens quickly found themselves with runners on first and second with just one out following a pair of base hits to right field. A slow ground ball to senior Aidan Welsh at third was fielded and thrown on to second for the fielder’s

choice out there, but Alonso was still in business with runners on the corners and two down. But with the go-ahead run just 90 feet away, Alonso was unable to capitalize as Rowland notched his third strikeout in as many innings with an off speed pitch in the dirt that baited a desperate swing and ended the top of the third.

Durant put their leadoff hitter aboard in the bottom of the frame as sophomore Brantley Hayward turned on a hard ground ball back up the middle and off of the Ravens’ pitcher. On an attempted hit-and-run in the next at bat, it came on a pitch that was low and outside – swung on and missed, subsequently leading to Hayward being thrown out trying to steal second for the first out of the inning. The next two Durant hitters were retired in order and the game remained scoreless heading into the fourth, where Alonso broke through first.

The Ravens wasted no time putting a threat aboard in the top of the fifth with a leadoff double roped to the fence in left. Rowland remained composed and nearly escaped the jam with a pair of fly outs to left field from the next two Alonso batters, keeping the runner at second and leaving himself just one out away from escaping the inning unscathed, but a base hit to left field scored the run from second and gave the Ravens a 1-0 lead.

A weak fly out to first then marked the first out in the bottom of the fourth for Durant before LaPointe rolled over a hard ground ball to second base that allowed him to reach safely on an errant throw to first, but a 5-4-3 double play ended the inning. Rowland then worked through the top of the fifth, allowing a leadoff base hit before leaving him stranded at first with three straight outs, and the Cougars were finally able to

answer in the bottom half. Rowland opened the bottom of the fifth with a base hit up the middle and sophomore Dylan Hotz entered in his place as a courtesy runner. A sacrifice bunt from junior Pete Oderio moved Hotz up to second and a rocket of a ground ball off the bat of senior Gavin Florio knotted up the contest at 1-1 as it took a wicked hop past the Alonso shortstop and into left field, allowing Hotz to come around and score from second.

Alonso put their leadoff runner aboard with a looping base hit to right in the top of the sixth before Rowland made a heads up play for the first out, fielding the ensuing bunt and firing to second to nab the lead runner at second. A pair of strikeouts ended the frame and brought Durant back in to hit, looking to take their first lead of the contest. The Cougars were able to put just one runner on with a walk from LaPointe but were unable to bring him around and both pitchers worked a perfect seventh to take the contest into extra innings.

Alonso worked one runner on in the eighth with a two-out walk, but Rowland’s 11th strikeout of the game ended the top of the frame. And in the bottom of the ninth, after a long at bat to lead off the bottom of the inning, junior Nick April-Gath ripped a line drive up the right field line and was off to the races – dashing around first base and toward second for what would have been a sure triple to lead off the inning if not for a ruling from the first base umpire that declared his would-be extra base hit a foul ball. April-Gath was then retired with a fly ball to shortstop and Alonso was able to retire the side with two more fly outs.

Florio took the mound for Durant in the top of the ninth and immediately faced adversity as a base hit to left field put the

leadoff hitter aboard for Alonso. A sacrifice bunt, fielded and taken on to first by Florio himself, moved the runner up to second and a walk put runners on first and second with just one out. But despite the threat, Florio escaped the jam with a strikeout and a fly out to LaPointe behind the plate.

A high fly ball down the left field line from junior Noah Morales fell between three converging Alonso defenders in the bottom of the ninth, allowing him to lead off the inning with a single, but he would be left stranded. And in the top of the 10th, Florio would notch two quick outs before putting a runner aboard with a hit by pitch – but that would be all as a fly out to shortstop moved the contest to the bottom of the 10th.

After Florio took the count full to lead off the Cougars’ half of the 10th, he would reach safely on a hit by pitch – with Hotz once again entering as a pinch runner. Hotz would move up to second on a sacrifice bunt from Hayward and the winning run was now in scoring position with just one out. With a two strike count in the next at bat Hotz took off to steal third. A swing and a miss at the plate marked the second out of the inning but the ensuing throw down to third sailed high and over the glove of Alonso’s leaping third baseman, allowing Hotz to come all the way around to score and move Durant on to the regional semifinals with a walk-off victory.

On the same night, Plant City fell to 14-13 on the year as they saw their season end in the regional quarterfinals with a 7-0 loss to Sickles. And with a win over Alonso, Durant advanced to the regional semifinals this past weekend where a 10-4 loss at the hands of Windermere marked an end to their playoff run — officially finishing their season with a record of 20-6.

PLANT CITY TRACK & FIELD SENDING SEVERAL ATHLETES TO STATE MEET

Both of the Raiders 4x100 relay teams, along with sprinter Trae’Veon Smith, qualified ollowing the regional meet.

After their participation at the FHSAA 4A Region 2 meet, several of Plant City’s Track & Field athletes have qualified for the state meet.

Both of the Raiders’ boys and girls 4x100 relay teams qualified, with the guys team of Amauri Jackson, Jason Davis, Roderick Jackson and Trae’Veon Smith finishing fifth at the regional meet with a time of 42.22 seconds and the girls team of Makenzie Holmes, Jalayah Shaw, Makayla Holmes and

Erica Holloman finishing fourth with a time of 48.37 seconds. Additionally, after setting Plant City High School records in both the 100 meter and 200 meter this season, Smith qualified for states in the 200 meter as he finished fourth with a time of 21.59 seconds. Smith also medaled in the 100 meter, earning a third place finish with a time of 10.79 seconds, but just missed qualifying for the state meet by 1/100 of a second.

Other notable top-10 finishes at the regional meet include a ninth place finish in the 200 meter from Erica Hol-

loman with a time of 25.59 seconds, a ninth place finish from Makenzie Holmes in the triple jump with a distance of 10.63 meters and a fifth place finish from Alyssa Stahl in javelin with a distance of 31.80 meters.

The 4A Track & Field State Championships will be held at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville on Saturday, May 20.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

PLANT CITY AND DURANT FACE OFF IN SPRING FOOTBALL MATCHUP

With a late touchdown, the Raiders came away with a 7-0 victory in the shortened scrimmage game.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Durant and Plant City faced off on Tuesday for their spring football game, with the Raiders coming away victorious with a 7-0 win on the heels of a late go-ahead score.

For Durant, there is quite a bit of continuity within the program as several key skill players are set to return this fall as the Cougars head into their third season under head coach Claybo Varnum — a strong run in which the Cougars have put together backto-back 8-3 campaigns, with highlights that include their first win over rival Newsome since 2017 and their first district championship since 2014. But for the Raiders, the program has seen a storm of change blow through since their five-year run under former head coach James Booth ended with Booth resigning after the end of the 2021 season. The first wave came in the form of a highly-anticipated hiring of Michael Clayton last spring — a BC National Champion at LSU before becoming a first-round draft pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2004 and a Super Bowl Champion in 2012. Despite the notoriety of the hiring, Clayton’s tenure with Plant City lasted just one season before the two sides parted ways and firstyear defensive coordinator Terrance Hicks was promoted to head coach.

“I wouldn’t say that’s been a whirlwind but I also wouldn’t say that it’s been easy,” Hicks said. “It’s just learning things on the fly, making sure that I keep in touch with the same guys that got to this point, talking to my mentors on a daily basis and being confident in myself, what I know and believing in the system.”

While many members of Plant City football’s staff will look similar to year’s past, there have been some notable changes. The first includes the promotion of Will Blankenbaker to offensive coordinator — a long-time staple with the Raiders’ program.

“Everybody around the Plant City area knows Blankenbaker,” Hicks said. “He’s a

brilliant offensive mind but he’s not only an offensive guy, he also helps me keep the program running. He’s just so smart, so helpful, so resourceful. I can’t say enough about Blankenbaker.”

Additionally, Plant City added Fred Reid as their new offensive line coach and run game specialist. A Tampa native, Reid played four years as a running back at Mississippi State before signing with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2005. After his release that summer, Reid went on to play one season with the Mississippi MudCats of the American Indoor Football League and four seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League. As a coach, Reid served as the head coach for Middleton High School in Tampa from 2014 to 2018 before making his way back to Canada and working as the running backs coach for the Toronto Argonauts in 2020 and 2021 and the Ottawa Redblacks in 2022.

In the shortened scrimmage, a contest in which the two teams face off for just two 15-minute quarters, Plant City lined up to receive the opening kickoff and started their first drive at their own 30-yard line. In transfer quarterback Chris Denson’s first appearance with the Raiders, the drive lasted just two plays — both runs — before a fumble turned the ball over to Durant at the 36.

A short completion opened the drive for the Cougars but a Plant City sack immediately pushed them back behind the sticks. Durant was able to find another short completion on third but it would leave them short of a first, resulting a in a punt that allowed the Raiders to take back over at their own 21-yard line.

Denson opened the drive with a quarterback keeper up the middle for a 10-yard gain and a first down, followed by a big run up the left side by Jaden McCants… only for the play to be called back on a holding penalty. After an incomplete pass on first down, Denson was able to find a first-down completion across midfield and up to the Durant 40-yard line. A bad snap wasted the ensuing first down for Plant City and Denson was

immediately pressured by linebacker Hale Sollmann on second, spinning out of the initial tackle before being sacked by a team of Cougars to set up third and long. The Raiders were unable to convert and their punt on fourth set up Durant at their own 25.

With quarterback Michael Ryan now in under center for Durant, the Cougars made their way down the field and up to the 23-yard line, just outside of the red zone, where they were faced with a third-andeight. A dropped pass on third set up fourth and Ryan’s fourth down pass was right on the money, a deep pass up the right sideline and into the end zone, but what initially appeared to be a touchdown connection in the corner of the end zone was crucially broken up at the last moment by the Raiders’ secondary.

Much of the remaining contest was a defensive battle, with neither offense able to put points on the scoreboard until the final minute of the game. While Durant’s defense continually kept the Raiders in check, a few narrow downfield misses kept the Cougars off of the board. And after a decent punt return from inside their own 20 looked to set Plant City up with great field position around their own 40-yard line, with time winding down, a penalty on the return

ultimately pushed the Raiders back to their own 16. A loss of two on a first down run left Plant City facing second-and-12, but a sixyard completion followed by a quarterback run from Denson moved the Raiders up to the 35 for a first down. A snap over Denson’s head on the next play resulted in a big loss on first down but Denson bounced right back with a 75-yard touchdown pass over the middle to Trae’veon Smith — giving the Raiders a 7-0 lead with exactly one minute left, a lead that they would hold to claim Hicks’ first win as head coach.

“It feels really good,” Hicks said. “We’ve been grinding, we’ve been working, it’s a journey. The scoreboard shows the score but it doesn’t show all of the work that we’ve been putting in throughout the spring. I’m proud of the boys, I’m proud of the coaches and I’m proud of the community for buying in to the reboot.”

Taylor Jenkins is the Sports Writer at the Plant City Observer. Email: tjenkins@ plantcityobserver.com.

We asked Plant City: What is your favorite place to grab dinner in Plant City?

“ABC Pizza or Olde Town Pizzeria.”

- Desierae Alisha

“For dinner my favorite is Mi Casa then Outback, Johnson’s, Chili’s and Culver’s for a burger. We need Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse and a few more restaurants. We need Chipotle also.”

- Barbara Skaggs Ward

“Not dinner, but everything strawberries at Parksdale. Norma’s is good for lunch.” - Natsukashii A. Reyes

“Kyoto Palace is one of our favorite restaurants in Plant City.” - Clarisa Sanchez Acosta

“Deep dish at Old Town Pizzeria, or Fred’s.” - Patrick Weldy

“Maryland Fried Chicken!” - Paula Asbury

“Strawberry Hut cubans, Mr. and Mrs. Crab, Esposito’s calzones, soup from Norma’s, sushi at Wasabi.” - Jennifer McPherson Stuart

“Strawberry hut for Cubans. Tacos Piki for tacos. Olde Town Pizzeria for salads. Beefs o Brady’s for wings.” - Maria Hernandez

“1916! The Irish lamb jam is *chef’s kiss*.” - Katie Lombardo

“Mr & Mrs Crab.” - Douglas Garrett

“Fred’s, Johnson Brothers, Keel Winery, Smokin Aces! Esposito’s for pizza.”Tammy Williamson Scavo

“Fred’s and Maryland’s Chicken!”Candy Diaz-Santiago

“So many good ones! Umami Smoke if they are out and about! Everything on their menu is so yummy… lots of flavor and if you pick your selection right, you can get a different flavor profie every time and it’s still top notch! Wooden Spoon for a quick breakfast, Tacos Piki if you are looking for yummy food for a great deal!” - Stacy Denise Johnson

“O’Brien’s.” - Susan Fairchild Gray

“Outback and Fred’s.” - Carol Leonard Tickel

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR

“Fred’s, Outback Steakhouse and Old Town Pizzeria.” - Bobby Raines

“Waffle House.” - Scott Gicker

“Fred’s, Grandpa Johnson’s, Outback, Chick Fil A, Firehouse Subs and Arby’s.” - Tom Riethmaier

“Chili’s.” - Edwin Alexander Mejia

“Marylands or ABC Pizza. I miss my home town.” - Stacy Alford

“Lot of great ones mentioned but don’t forget Sweet Missions.” - Tammy Alfonso Chancey

“Fred’s or Smoking Aces.” - Melody Reeser Cundiff

“Everyone needs to try Mikey’s Place for the wing’s and their half-pound burgers.” - Michael Mofied

“Jersey Mike’s.” - Deena Geiger Holbrook

“The Strawberry Hut.” - Ed Little

“Toretto’s market. I always get the tuna on white, no crust.” - Cameron Eccles

“Brick House.” - Sharon Williams

“Snellgroves.” - Michael Manee

Oscar Azariel Ramirez

Baby Oscar Azariel Ramirez, of Plant City, born on March 17, 2023, in Brandon, entered into eternal rest on May 9, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Robert ‘Mike’

Michael O’Neal

Robert “Mike” Michael O’Neal, 76, of Plant City, born on May 25, 1946, entered into eternal rest on May 10, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Robert ‘Bob’ Messier

Robert “Bob” Messier, 84, of Plant City, born on July 15, 1938, in Providence, Rhode Island, entered into eternal rest on May 10, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Frank C. Howard

Our dear Loved One, Frank C. Howard, of Plant City, born on Aug. 21, 1955, in Westchester, Penn., sadly passed away on May 12, 2023 at the age of 67.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

John Wayne Creamer

John Wayne Creamer, 84, of Plant City, born on March 8, 1939, in Hazelhurst, Ga., entered into eternal rest on May 12, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Jimmy L. Davis

Jimmy L. Davis, 79, of Plant City, born on March 17, 1944, in Dade City, entered into eternal rest on May 12, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Ronald Albright

Ronald Albright, 79, passed away on May 11, 2023. Services will be held privately.

Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

Judy Cook

Judy Cook, 80, passed away on May 15, 2023.

Friends and family will be received May 22, 2023, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Festival Teco Building, 2301 W. Oak Avenue Plant City, Fl 33565.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Martha Montoyo

Martha Montoya, 59, of Plant City, born on Jan. 13, 1964, in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, entered into eternal rest on May 14, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Jeremy Joseph Johnson

Jeremy Joseph Johnson, 48, passed away on May 1, 2023. There will be a Celebration of Lifeon May 20, 2023, at 2 p.m. at 5701 Pless Road Plant City, FL, 33565.

Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

A funeral service will be held on May 23,2023 at 11 a.m. First Baptist Church of Plant City, 3309 James L. Redman Pkwy, Plant City, FL 33566. Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Randy and Jill Scott

Randy and Jill Scott 71, passed away on May 15, 2023.

He served during the Vietnam Conflict in the Unied States Navy.

The family will receive friends on May 22,2023 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Festival TECO Building, 2301 W. Oak Avenue Plant City, FL 33565. A funeral service will be held on May 23, 2023 at 11 a.m., First Baptist Church of Plant City, 3309 James L. Redman Pkwy, Plant City, FL 33566.

Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

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ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

SATURDAY, MAY 20

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

3 to 6:30 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is back on Saturday, May 20, rain or shine. Cars and trucks of all makes, models and years can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music by DJ John Paul Gasca

THURSDAY, MAY 18

BLIND DINNER EXPERIENCE

6 p.m. at 3005 Thonotosassa Rd. The Plant City Lions Club will be hosting a Blind Dinner Experience at Mt. Zion Church, with proceeds going toward helping the sight impaired. The event will feature a fun and interactive dinner experience where guests will break out blindfolds as they enjoy a meal of spaghetti, salad and bread. Tickets are $15 per individual or $25 per couple and space is limited. For more information, call 813-763-3661.

FRIDAY, MAY 19

IMPROV NIGHT

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Head down to Krazy Kup for a hilarious night full of side-splitting comedy with Nate & Darren — two KRAZY guys that offer silly, slap-stick family fun for all to enjoy. Admission is free.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24

FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY

VETERANS

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

FRIDAY, MAY 26

LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN

5 to 9 p.m. at 110 N. Collins St. The Last Friday in Downtown Food Truck Rally is held with a new theme each month. There will be live music, an expanded exhibitor market, a bounce house, a scavenger hunt, food trucks and more. The event is family and pet friendly and all are recommended to bring chairs and blankets. May’s theme is Anime!

SATURDAY, MAY 27

MORGAN BRAKE & DUCK WALLOW LANE

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Duck Wallow Lane is a small-town bluegrass band and Krazy Kup is thrilled to welcome Morgan Brake and the whole band back to their stage for the fourth year in a row. Brake is part of the next

generation of up and coming bluegrass musicians that is taking fligh, a talented singer-songwriter that is already making waves in bluegrass and Americana across the county. Fresh off f the band performance at the Florida Bluegrass Summit, this is a show that you surely won’t want to miss. Admission is $15 and tickets can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com.

MONDAY, MAY 29

MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION

11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 703 N. Wheeler St. The Plant City Area Democratic Club will host a Memorial Day celebration at the Veterans Monument at Courier Field in Plant City. All are welcome to join as all branches of the United States Military will be represented alongside Strawberry Crest’s JROTC color guard. For more information, contact Brandon Langley at plantcityareadems@ gmail.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

DOWNTOWN DUCK DERBY

11 a.m. at www.facebook.com/wearemainstreetplantcityfl Plant City Main Street will be live streaming their latest Duck Derby on Facebook! Anyone in the United States who wishes to participate can “adopt” a duck for $5 and there is no limit to how many ducks you can adopt. The races are then streamed live on Plant City Main Streets Facebook page with the owner of the fist place duck winning a $1,000 cash prize. All proceeds from the Downtown Duck Derby will go to Plant City Main Street as they work to revitalize Plant City’s historic downtown. For full details and to officially adoptour duck(s), visit

www.plantcitymainstreet.org/downtownduckderby.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7

SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS WITH ESTRANGED FAMILY

6:30 to 8 p.m. at 1107 Charlie Griffind. Join other parents who are estranged from their adult children. PEAK (Parents of Estranged Adult Kids) group provides a safe place to listen, share and support others going through the hurt of adult family abandonment. Meetings will include group discussions, self-care and positive inflenced activities to help cope with the situation. PEAK is not appropriate for abusive relationships or mental illness. Meetings are the fist Wednesday of each month at GracePoint Church. For more information, visit www.peaksupportgroup.com

To have your event included in our calendar, visit the calendar section of our website at www.PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

Send your photo submissions to staff writer Taylor Jenkins at tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com or hashtag #iloveplantcity on Instagram for @igersplantcity to feature.

FORECAST

THURSDAY, MAY 18

High: 92

Low: 70

Chance of rain: 24%

FRIDAY, MAY 19

High: 91

Low: 71

Chance of rain: 24%

SATURDAY, MAY 20

of rain: 49%

SUNDAY, MAY 21

SUNRISE/SUNSET

MOON PHASES

RAINFALL

of rain: 50% MONDAY, MAY 22

of rain: 58%

BLUEBERRY

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

Kathy Flemister took this photo of a plumeria blooming in her front yard.