5.26.22 PLCO by Plant City Observer

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VOLUME 6, NO. 198

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

RECOGNITION OF MAYOR STEPPING DOWN MAYOR RICK LOTT

RECEIVES PRAISE BEFORE EXITING OFFICE

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

PCPD WELCOMES MORE RECRUITS INTO THEIR FAMILY NEW OFFICERS HELP POLICE DEPARTMENT CARE FOR PLANT CITY BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

The Plant City Police Department’s mission to protect and serve the community has always been top priority. In continuing its efforts, the department is always looking for new recruits to join their family and help push its agenda forward. To increase its candidate pool, the department has now started offering an incentive by sponsoring applicants who are willing to train at the police academy. Plant City Police Chief James Bradford sees this as a plus to help them get through school with fewer obstacles along the way. “Basically, what we do is we hire them as trainees,” he said. “They go to the police academy and they’re getting paid like regular employees to go to school.” However, in order to receive sponsorship and entrance into the academy, applicants need to successfully pass the Florida Department of Law Enforcement – Florida Basic Abilities Test (FBAT). If recruits leave the program early or are unsuccessful in completing their courses, they may have to pay back their tuition. The town’s police department uses social media platforms such as Facebook to encourage applicants, and has been successful to a certain degree, Bradford said. It also relies on the Plant City community to let each other know about openings by word-of-mouth. Applicants are sent to the police academy either at Polk

State College or Hillsborough Community College, where they go through 770 hours of training. Then they do an additional six weeks of in-house training, followed by three to four months of field t aining with a senior officer. “Through the whole duration of the training, the trainee starts off o serving everything,” Bradford said. “As time goes on, they’re taught, (then) they demonstrate that they can do it and more responsibility is given to them. The goal is by the end of the training stage, the trainee is handling everything and the role reverses. The field t ainer is the one that’s observing.” Since Bradford has taken his role as chief at the police department nearly two years ago, he has hired 11 new officers. This year, he has already taken in several more recruits to be a part of the force. “We’ve actually hired fi e (officers),” he said. “The fi st fi e have finished the a ademy and are in the process of going through our in-house training, before they can go into field training.” Those officers are: Maria Ramirez; Oresha West; Michael Pietrusinski; Aaron Bennett; and Michael Sanzone. They became the fi st recruits to be sponsored by the Plant City Police Department. On May 6, there was a graduation ceremony for Basic Law Enforcement Recruit Academy Class Basic Leaders Course 22-01. Sanzone and Bennett were recognized at the ceremony after completing the course.

They are also certified orrections officers. Also, Kevin Lam and Devin Wilson were recently hired. Neither were sponsored but Wilson came aboard as a certified Florida worn officer, and Lam had already gone through a corrections to law enforcement crossover academy. Bennett worked as a corrections - or detention officer four years ago. After being sponsored by the Plant City Police Department he was sent to Polk State College where he received crossover training – going from a corrections officer to a police officer. His prior discipline as a corrections officer helped him make a smooth transition into the police force, the 24-year-old said. “My whole life, ever since I could talk, I wanted to go into law enforcement, and the detention was just a steppingstone,” he said. “Once I got through that, I got a good amount of experience. Then I just continued my career with the crossover.” West said she always had a passion for law enforcement, having taken courses throughout high school that were related to that line of work. She was ready to become a police officer fresh out of school, but a mentor encouraged her to take another path fi st. West was advised to work in correctional institutions and work around inmates so she could build experience that would prepare her for the police force. And so she did. She went through crossover training as well before landing her job at the Plant City Police Department. Bennett is from Ruskin and West is from Lakeland. However, they made a conscious decision to serve Plant City for the same reasons, they said.

“I needed a small-town feel,” Bennett said. “That’s what I was looking for. I was looking for a smaller agency. Everybody knows everybody, and everybody treats you like family.” West also noted that Bradford has always been gracious, welcoming, and he engages in pleasant conversation with them in the department. Overall, the employment of police and detectives nationwide is expected to grow by 7% from 2020 to 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s about as fast as the average for all other occupations. It also states that about 67,100 openings for both police and detectives are projected per year, on average, over the decade. A job on the police force can be rewarding because of the teamwork and comradery that takes place in the department for the good of the citizens, West said. “It’s about the community,” she said. “It’s about making people feel like you’re there for them, not when it’s just time to be there for someone else.”

She learned that earlier on when taking part in a mentorship program called the Police Athletic League. She had opportunities to participate in activities with officers, do charity work such as feeding the homeless, and taking college tours. It’s that partnership with the citizens that helps to strengthen the police department, Bennett said. “Without community support, agencies like this – they don’t have a chance of changing anything,” he said. “What helps a lot with that is the festivals. Of course, everybody loves the Strawberry Festival. I believe that helps a lot with interacting with the community, building that relationship that every agency needs.” The Plant City Police Department is always welcoming, and willing to sponsor applicants as there are vacancies for officers and dispatchers. www.plantcitygov.com/police

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

NEWS BRIEFS

Camp Invention makes its return to Plant City Camp Invention — a nationally recognized summer program focused on creativity, innovation real-work problem solving and the spirit of invention — is making its way back to Plant City for the seventh year this summer. The week-long camp will take place at the Arthur Boring Civic Center the week of June 6, led and facilitated by qualified educators from right here in the Plant City community. Camp Invention challenges children from kindergarten through sixth grade to tap into their natural curiosity and use their creativity to solve problems. Through hands-on activities, the camp promotes STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning; builds confiden e, leadership, perseverance and resourcefulness; and encourages entrepreneurship, all in a fun and engaging environment.

Each year the program features a new curriculum inspired by some of our nation’s most world-changing inventors from the National Inventors Hall of Fame. This year’s Explore program encourages children to be confident in their id as and explore their innovativeness through hands-on activities that include: • Robotic Aquatics: Children will dive into cutting-edge ocean research as they adopt their own aquatic animals, design and patent aquatic plants, and take their new friend home in a mini tank. • NIHF’s The Attic: Campers will combine science and art to build their own robotic artist, engage in design thinking, make spin art and learn how inventions can change the way people create. • Spacecation: Children will discover real space exploration technology when they create Spacepacks and Astro-Arm devices, mine an asteroid and observe erupting ice volcanoes. • Marble Arcade: Campers will experiment with the fun of physics, engineering

and gaming as they design, build and test their own mega marble arcades. Each year, Camp Invention serves 130,000 students and partners with more than 1,800 schools and districts from across the nation. For more information or to register your child, visit www.invent.org/camp

Local animal rescue in need of volunteers, donations Local Plant City animal rescue, Raining Cats and Dogs Shelter and Sactuary, is asking for their community’s help by way of much-needed volunteers and donations. The animal rescue is especially in need of dry cat food and cat litter and donations can be dropped off or shipped di ectly to the shelter, 2708 E. SR 60, Plant City, FL 33567.

Stalker wants someone to play with! How about you?

In addition, the shelter will be be holding a new volunteer orientation on Saturday, June 4 at noon. If you’re looking for a great way to spend your time this summer and help local rescue animals in need, the shelter offers a great opportunity. For more information, visit www.rainingcatsanddogsshelter.com or contact rainingcatsanddogsshelter@gmail.com.

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in Unisen The legacy and lifestyle that’s been created, cultivated and continued here with our $25 million transformation is one where all are included, and actively flourish together as a whole and with the greater community.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

SIMMONS’ STUDENT CHEFS COMPETE NATIONALLY Simmons Career Academy sending two students for cook-off BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

At fi st glance, Simmons Career Acceleration Academy would seem like a typical high school with typical courses. However, it’s also an institution that helps teach its students to become competent cooks and chefs alike. That training has helped build chefs worthy to take part in a national culinary competition. James Bayer and Lacey Walters are the two students from Simmons culinary class to be chosen to compete against other students across the country with the use of pots, pans, and spatulas. They will leave on June 27 for the week-long event, held in San Diego, CA. “It’s crazy,” Walters said. “I didn’t think that we would make it this far honestly. I didn’t think I would make it this far. It’s a very cool experience - to be able to put yourself out there enough to be judged and show people that we can do something great at Simmons.” Walters joined the course last August after being inspired by her sister, who too had taken it. The sophomore decided to focus her attention on pumpkins, their uses, and interesting facts about them. She put together a collage showing pictures of what edibles they can be made into such as: roasted seeds, chips, pancakes, muffi , and ice cream to say the least. She also added facts about how to replant them and how they can become eco-friendly. “Basically, we got a bunch of pumpkins donated from a wedding venue and we’ve grown some in our AG (agricultural class), and we’re trying to educate people on how they can be sustainable with using pumpkins because when they decompose, they release methane and that depletes the Ozone Layer.” The category that she is competing in, is just that – sustainability of foods. Bayer is competing in the culinary category. He started taking the course in August 2019 after switching gears from tech classes. “I actually came here looking for computer programs,” he said. “I came here looking for coding classes because I like working with computers and technology. I like cooking at home, so it was nice to get into that, learn more about what I can make, and now I’m taking it on professionally.” Like his classmates, he took a liking to carving watermelons into names and designs, as well as creating watermelon baskets and centerpieces. He also carved a Buccaneers pirate ship that was displayed at the Super Bowl.

His creations earned him the opportunity to enter a contest. And he has remained busy preparing food for special occasions for the catering company owned by his culinary teacher, Sedd Edgeman. For 11 years, he was the food coordinator and executive chef at Fred’s Market and Johnson Barbeque. Edgeman taught a culinary course for three years at Armwood High School before transferring to Simmons, where he has worked for the past fi e years. His teaching method is what helps him get to know each one of his students better. “I do a lot of one-on-ones, just trying to get in their heads, talk to them from their shoes and my point of view,” Edgeman said. “Once they come here, they realize now they can be the superstars. We just gravitate towards those kids, and we try to put them up there on a pedestal and say ‘listen you can be the best. Don’t ever doubt yourself that you can’t be one of those people who will be successful in life.’” He strives to be more than just a traditional teacher, but also a confidant the tudents can come to whenever they have an issue in or out of school, he said. By observing his students prepare food, he can usually pinpoint each of their skills and encourage them to focus on those. Before being selected to compete countrywide, the two students had to work their way through the district competition which is comprised of 33 other high schools in Hillsborough County. Then the number of contestants narrowed as they went on to make it to the statewide competition, and finally th y were among a smaller number of Florida students chosen to represent and compete on behalf of their state.

At Simmons Career Acceleration Academy, students get the opportunity to be creative when preparing food in their culinary class. Watermelon carving is one common activity, and the name ‘Amber’ is carved on this watermelon.

“Each time they move up a level, it’s just a critique they’ve got to build on, from what their score was,” Edgeman said. “But to get to the nationals, you have to be up in the 90% and above. Once you get up there, you’re with the bigger stars.” Being able to travel by plane to another region of the country will be an eye-opening experience for the students, Edgeman said. Bayer and Walters’ class have had the opportunity to try food from different ethnic backgrounds. Asian cuisines are the common dishes that the class has enjoyed the most, Edgeman said. Walters enjoys sushi and the process of rolling it with raw food and rice. “I like Thai food a lot,” Bayer said. “Thai is probably one of my preferred cuisines. I like making Thai curry. It’s very well-rounded. It’s got some spice and rice to settle it out.” Last week, their class prepared roasted pork that they shared with Plant City Mayor Rick Lott when he dropped by the school. While they’re still contemplating what line of work they would like to go into, Walters and Bayer James Bayer and Lacey Walters are the top contestants that will be represaid that they can see themselves senting Simmons Career Acceleration Academy at the national culinary taking on a career as chefs. competition on June 27, in San Diego, CA. They have already received their ServSafe certifi ations, Bayer and Walters have the opwhich verifi s that they have had portunity to walk away with tens the adequate training needed for of thousands of dollars from the food safety. national competition. They’ll also be able to obtain a However, those funds will go manager and owner certifi ation, directly toward scholarships for so that when they graduate from them. school, there’s a higher likelihood that they can open their restauAny contributions to help asrants. sist with their trip to San Diego, “It’s a community too,” Bayer can be made by check to: said. “When you go into culinary Simmons Culinary or Simmons here, you have your family, you have a bunch of friends. Everyone FCCLA 1202 W. Grant St. around you is supportive of you, Plant City, FL 33563 like what you do. They push you to be a better you and try harder.”

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

PLANT CITY

This week on Cops Corner: Plant City Police

Observer

investigate a broken window, a stolen cell phone and a schoolyard scuffle istock

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Sports Writer / Taylor Jenkins tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com Staff Writer / Brian Fernandes bfernandes@plantcityobserver.com Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez

MAY 13 TOO LATE 2600 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Shoplifting: An officer responded to a business at the listed location in reference to a delayed theft complaint. LITTLE BITS 1 Police Pl. Aff ay (waiver): Officers responded to the police department in reference to possible bullying or fighting aking place at a local elementary school. Two juveniles had been in a mutual fight and both parents declined prosecution and no injuries were observer. The parents had not met with school officials prior o speaking with Plant City Police and both juveniles advised that they would stay away from one another.

BIKE BACK

WINDOW PAINS

LOOK WHAT WE FOUND

Langford Cr. / E. Langford Dr. Recovered stolen motorcycle arrest: Officers responded to the listed location in reference to a stolen motorcycle GPS pinging in the area. A motorcycle that was previously reported stolen out of Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office on May 12 was located and recovered. One individual was subsequently charged with possession of a controlled substance and paraphernalia and transported to Orient Road Jail.

300 block of Park Springs Cr. Criminal mischief: Officers responded to an apartment complex at the listed location in reference to a suspicious persons complaint. Upon arrival, an officer discovered that a window had been broken.

800 block of W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Stolen vehicle recovery: An offi er was conducting a business check at a nearby location and was flag ed down by a woman who advised that her vehicle was damaged. A vehicle discovered at the scene was found to have been stolen from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Jurisdiction and one individual was subsequently arrested and charged with grand theft auto.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE 502 block of Langford Cr. Warrant arrest: While conducting an investigation of the complaint above, an FCIC/NCIC check of the arrestee revealed that the individual had seven active warrants out of Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The warrants were confirmed all with no bond.

MAY 14 NO SERVICE 900 block of E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Theft: Officers responded to the listed location in reference to an individual stealing a cell phone.

MAY 17 TOO FAST, TOO FURIOUS S. Park Rd. / E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Fleeing to elude: An officer was patrolling the listed area and attempted a traffic top on a motorcycle before the vehicle subsequently fled f om the traffi stop.

MAY 18 W. Reynolds St. / N. Evers St. DWLSR: An officer observed a vehicle traveling the wrong way on a one-way street before running a steady red light. The driver was subsequently arrested for driving with a suspended/revoked license and later transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

LITTLE MISS PLANT CITY

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

Georgia Hunter was named as a court

Rylan Ham was named as another

Sutton Duncan was named as another

Rylie Morris was named as the fi st

Shyla Stanaland was named as

member at the 2022 Little Miss Plant

court member at the 2022 Little Miss

maid at the 2022 Little Miss Plant

queen at the 2022 Little Miss Plant

City pageant.

Plant City pageant.

City pageant.

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

This year has seen both the Strawberry Queen and Junior Royalty pageants take place. It brought not only new queens, but first maids, courts, a princess, a duchess, and baroness. However, the competitions were far from over, as another set of young ladies were named the top five in the 2022 Little Miss Plant City. The event was held at Plant City High School on April 30. A special congratulations to the new: Queen: Shyla Stanaland First Maid: Rylie Morris Court Member: Sutton Duncan Court Member: Rylan Ham Court Member: Georgia Sue-Ann Hunter COURT GEORGIA SUE-ANN HUNTER

1. Q. How much fun was it to prepare for the pageant? A. I was scared but it was super fun because when I was practicing with my sister, she helped me with a lot of things. She told me I needed to be spunky and smile more, and to have more personality. 2. Q. What was your favorite part of the pageant? A. Mine was when I was doing my walk, the beauty walk, and I got to see the judges. 3. Q. How did you feel when you were named in the Top 5? A. It felt good. I was super excited because when I got to see who was going to be there this year with me, I knew that we were going to have fun.

4. Q. Would you like to try out for another pageant in the future? A. I think I would like to do Junior Royalty. 5. Q. What has the response been from the community after the pageant? A. My teacher saw it on Facebook and she said ‘Oh my god. I can’t believe you got in.’ I was shocked. I was excited that I got to be court and everyone knew. 6. Q. How do you feel about doing charity work like the Annual Shoe Project? A. My sister – she got in court for Little Miss Plant City and she told me that it is a big deal and she kept telling me that ‘if you get in, it’s a big, big deal, and that they help the community and help the people that need things.’ I’m excited to do it with my strawberry sisters. 7. Q. As a court member, what are you looking forward to doing? A. Mine is doing the food bowl for the people. I’m excited to make the bowls for them and do it with my strawberry sisters.

when you were named in the Top 5? A.When I heard my name called, everything stopped. Time stopped, everything. It was my first pageant, so I was like ‘oh gosh’ and it was really exciting. 4. Q. Would you like to try out for another pageant in the future? A. I would like to do Junior Royalty and Strawberry Queen. 5. Q. What has the response been like from the community after the pageant? A. When I walked into my classroom, my teacher told me ‘Congratulations, I heard what was on Facebook. 6. Q. How does it feel to do charity work like the Annual Shoe Project? A. I’ve lived in this community my whole life and I’m super happy that I get to give back to it, for all it’s done for me. 7. Q. As a court member, what are you looking forward to doing? A. I’m looking forward to Relay for Life if we’re doing that.

COURT RYLAN HAM

1. Q. How much fun was it to prepare for the pageant? A I love to get dolled up! 2. Q. What was your favorite part of the pageant? A. I love being backstage, so we can be with our friends and make new friends, and have a lot of fun, and also watch the girls and congratulate them when they get off of stage. 3. Q. How did you feel when you were named in the Top 5? A. For me it was very

1. Q. How much fun was it to prepare for the pageant? A. It was really fun also because my sister also did it, so it felt like I was actually getting to work with someone that was actually in the pageant. 2. Q. What was your favorite part of the pageant? A.If we made the Top 10 question – that was probably my favorite, because my Top 10 answer let me tell the judges who I was. 3. Q. How did you feel

COURT SUTTON DUNCAN

shocking. They were counting down the numbers and I didn’t expect to hear my name. 4. Q. Would you like to try out for another pageant in the future? A. I’ve been doing pageants since I was very little. I would definitely do Junior Royalty again. That was fun. When I get older, I want to become Strawberry Queen. 5. Q. What has the response been like from the community after the pageant? A. One of my teachers from school was actually there and when I got to school, they were like ‘Oh my God. You did so good.’ All of my friends were congratulating me. 6. Q. How do you feel about doing charity work like the Annual Shoe Project? A. I’m proud that we’re helping the community and giving back. 7. Q. As a court member, what are you looking forward to doing? A. I’m definitely looking forward to the parades so we can see how many people support us and love us. FIRST MAID RYLIE MORRIS

1. Q. How much fun was it to prepare for the pageant? A. It was a lot of fun. It was a lot of hard work we had to put in to get ready and cooperate correctly, so we could get it done right. 2. Q. What was your favorite part of the pageant? A. I felt like meeting with the girls when we were waiting for the pageant was nice. You get to meet them

and interact with them. 3. Q. How did you feel when you were named in the Top 5? A. For me it was very shocking…but also, I was nervous and it was very emotional. 4. Q. Would you like to try out for another pageant in the future? A. What I would be looking forward to doing next is Junior Royalty. 5. Q. What has the response been like from the community after the pageant? A. For me, when I walked into school it was like a normal day, but most of the teachers around the school and the safety patrols were like ‘Congratulations. I’m so proud that you got on the court.’ 6. Q. How do you feel about doing charity work like the Annual Shoe Project? A. We’re giving back to the community which I think is very special. 7. Q. As first maid, what are you looking forward to doing? A. I’m excited for all the events, but I’m also excited about representing this community and setting a good example for other kids. QUEEN SHYLA STANALAND

1. Q. How much fun was it to prepare for the pageant? A. It was a lot of fun. It was also a lot of hard work, but in the end, it all paid off. 2. Q. What was your favorite part of the pageant? A. I liked the bio walk because you really get to express yourself to the judges. It’s like a longer

time to express yourself. 3. Q. How did you feel when you were named in the Top 5? A. I was shocked. If you saw my picture, you would have seen my facial expression. I could not believe it for a few days. I thought it was a dream, until I realized that I was awake the next day. 4. Q. Would you like to try out for another pageant in the future? A. For me, I love pageants. I’ve done them for a while. I would love to try out for Little Miss Hillsborough County and my clogging pageant that I do that is hosted by my directors. I would like to do Junior Royalty. 5. Q. What has the response been like from the community after the pageant? A. The funny thing about it is that my teacher from third grade to kindergarten was there and I got back to school the next day and they were all shocked. My teacher texted my mom and said make Shyla bring her crown and sash and she’ll go on the morning show. 6. Q. How do you feel about doing charity work like the Annual Shoe Project? A. It makes me feel happy that we can give back to the community and that we can definitely represent this community very well. 7. Q. As queen, what are you look forward to doing? A. I’m looking forward to the Strawberry Festival, because I love all the fresh strawberries that they have and my grandpa works there. I’m very excited to see him in action.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

MAYOR RICK LOTT AWARDED BEFORE DEPARTURE THIS PAST MONDAY WAS A BITTERSWEET DAY AS PLANT CITY MAYOR RICK LOTT CELEBRATED HIS BIRTHDAY AND CONDUCTED HIS LAST MEETING AS MAYOR AND AS A PART OF THE CITY COMMISSION. BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

City Hall was densely populated with those who wanted to give Mayor Rick Lott a proper send off, including his friends, government officials, and of course his family. Alongside his wife Di, were Lott’s three sons: Chase, Trent, and Rex, as well as his daughter Ericka. Lott has set a precedent as being the longest serving Plant City mayor with a total of 11 years. He began his service to the city on June 1, 2004,as a city commissioner and was selected as mayor – a position he held from 2007 to 2010. Lott was once again selected as mayor in 2014 and stayed on the seat up until this year when he announced he was stepping down as mayor and a part of the city commission. He fought back tears as he thanked the Plant City community for their support and the impact, they’ve made on him as mayor. “In 18 years…you’ve touched me, our marriage, our family, and I hope that we have at least touched you as much, or in some way,” Lott said. “We’re definitely a stronger family and we all love this city so much and that’s why we’re here fighting for it every single day.” He was presented with numerous accolades for his service. Mayor Andy Ross of Temple Terrace was in attendance and told stories about Lott that brought laughter into the room. He presented Lott with a proclamation and declared May 23 as Mayor Rick Lott Day in Temple Terrace. Vice-Mayor Michael Sparkman presented a framed proclamation to Lott. He also received a plaque from the city commission. “This man deserves this and what’s more, he deserves the praise of our community,” Sparkman said. Also, the four other members of the city commission unanimously voted to nominate Lott for the Harris Drew Lifetime Municipal Achievement Award – which is presented to one who has

made considerable contributions to their municipal government. “I thank you for your leadership,” said Plant City Commissioner Nate Kilton. “You’re a tremendous leader. I really respect and appreciate everything you’ve done in this community.” He continued to receive praise from the rest of the city commission as well as City Attorney Kenneth Buchman and City Manager Bill McDaniel. “Plant City is indebted to you for your service,” Buchman said. “You’ve been an outstanding mayor (and) city commissioner. A lot of the progress we’ve had is because of your service.” Jason Jones, of the Plant City Planning Board, will be filling the vacant seat on the city commission, on June 6. John Haney, president of Ace Realty & Auction will be taking Jones seat on the planning board. He was voted in unanimously by the city commission at the May 23 meeting. AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDING

The city commission also approved a revised spending plan with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Last December, the commission approved the use of $19.9 million for city projects which was allocated from the ARPA. Under previous rules, the city could use $3 million that would go toward governmental services. Now, the city can invest $10 million into this category. “We’ve come up with a new proposal to revise our ARPA spending plan,” McDaniel said. “It starts with funding the construction of a tournament management facility that’s been in the planning stages for a while now.”

1. TOURNAMENT MANAGEMENT FACILITY

An estimated $2.9 million going toward the construction of the facility. It would be a two-story building that provides a concession stand and restrooms on the first floor. The second floor would be

Lott Family Courtesy of Yvonne Fry Plant City Mayor Rick Lott and his wife Di, take a pose with their children (from left) Chase, Ericka, Trent and Rex.

constructed as tournament administration.

mission main parallel to the existing 12” force main. It would cost $1.3 million.

2. TENNIS CENTER

3. PARK ROAD FROM NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD TO SAM ALLEN ROAD

A proposed tennis center would receive $3.6 million in funds to design and construct a two-story building with restrooms, showers, and an administration area with an observation deck and storage space. 3. ROWENA MAYS ATHLETIC PARK

An estimated $1.5 million would be allocated toward the renovation of the Rowena Mays Athletic Park. This would include rebuilding the Dort Street courts, constructing pickleball courts, adding a bridge between the two facilities, and enhancing the parking areas. 4. SPLASH PARK

A proposed splash park would receive the same $2 million ARPA funds as initially planned in December. It would go toward designing and installing the amenity with aquatic play features and play components that are used in a complete water play environment. Another category are the infrastructure improvements that will cost an estimated $9.9 million. 1. A LIFT STATION 2

This lift station remains a top priority and would have the same $1.5 million price tag. It would upgrade and upsize the current lift station that serves the northeast basin.

2. WILDER ROAD

This would be the installation of approximately 4,500 linear feet of 12” force mains to connect to a 20” trans-

This would include installing approximately 1,300 linear feet of force mains and a lift station to serve the North Park Road corridor. It would also require purchasing property to install a new lift station. This would have a $2 million price tag.

4. STATE ROAD 39 FROM COLSON ROAD TO STATE ROAD 60.

This $3.2 million project would include installing approximately 5,300 linear feet of water and force mains without any major road crossing. There would also be a recirculation pump station for water.

5. TRAPNELL ROAD

There would be installation of 5,200 linear feet of a 12” water main to loop the system on Trapnell Road. This project would have $1.3 million available for its construction.

6. ALEXANDER STREET FROM SAM ALLEN ROAD TO KNIGHTS GRIFFIN ROAD

Design only for approximately 13,000 linear feet of water (including 2,000 linear feet to connect to Sam Allen Road) and 18,000 linear feet of force mains, with one Interstate 4 crossing. Approximately $605,927 will go toward this project. Original estimation was at $7.8 million. It will be funded on a pay-as-you-go basis with wastewater development fees.

Celebrating 54 years of Southern Gospel Music In Concert Saturday, June 4th at 6pm Free Admission

Life Journey Baptist Church 110 N. Forbes Rd. Plant City

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

Simmons Graduation - May 21, 2022

Joe Couch was a part of the 2022 graduating class from Simmons Career Acceleration Academy. Pictured with Simmons Principal Sundy Chazares.

Abraham Lopez-Aquino was a part of the 2022 graduating class from Simmons Career Acceleration Academy. Pictured with Simmons Principal Sundy Chazares.

Perla Castro was a part of the 2022 graduating class from Simmons Career Acceleration Academy. Pictured with Simmons Principal Sundy Chazares.

Grayson Everidge Long was a part of the 2022 graduating class from Simmons Career Acceleration Academy. Pictured with Simmons Principal Sundy Chazares.

Odalis Lucas Garcia was a part of the 2022 graduating class from Simmons Career Acceleration Academy. Pictured with Simmons Principal Sundy Chazares.

Yesvic Reyes and Maurilio Carrizales are 2022 graduates from Simmons Career Acceleration Academy.

Patrick Price (left) and Kain Torres are 2022 graduates from Simmons Career Acceleration Academy.

Lester Ottinger (left) and James Bayer are 2022 graduates from Simmons Career Acceleration Academy.

Jesus Nieves Tirado is a 2022 graduate from Simmons Career Acceleration Academy. Here he is accompanied by his mother, Sheila Andujar.

Jeremy Locklear is a 2022 graduate from Simmons Career Acceleration Academy.

CONGRATS

CLASS OF 2022! TIME TO CELEBRATE!

10 % OFF YOUR GRADUATION PARTY ORDER OF OVER $100

DOWNLOAD OUR APP

Place your online order by 6/20/22 Use Code: C93017

PLANT CITY: 238 West Alexander One coupon per customer/visit. No substitutions. Not valid with any other offer. Cannot be copied or sold. Internet distribution prohibited. Must surrender coupon at redemption. One coupon per transaction. Valid only at participating locations. Expires 6/20/22 Coupon Code: C93017 Price and participation may vary by location. Fazoli’s and logo are federally registered trademarks of Fazoli’s System Management, LLC, Lexington, KY

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022

SPORTS

NEW HEAD COACH MICHAEL CLAYTON LEADS PLANT CITY TO SPRING VICTORY With a new head coach and a young roster, Plant City narrowly edged out a victory over Strawberry Crest last week.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Michael Clayton, the newest head coach for Plant City football, got his first taste of game action last week as the Raiders headed to Armwood High School for their spring football game against Strawberry Crest. After Strawberry Crest marched right down the field on their opening possession, taking a 7-0 lead by way of a touchdown pass from Jordan Lewis, they took over again after Plant City failed to convert on a fourth down pass in Chargers territory. Plant City gave the ball back to Crest on a failed fourth down conversion in Chargers territory, but their defense stood strong and the Raiders were able to strike on their ensuing punt return. Plant City junior wide receiver Eden Williams fielded the punt and after making several tacklers miss, darted down the left sideline for a touchdown. Junior Zykee Joyce hauled in the two-point conversion to give the Raiders an 8-6 lead and they would hold on for the spring victory. “Life is good,” Clayton said about his first few months as a head coach. “It’s always good to win. We got off to a late start so we were a bit behind the gun for a lot of guys suiting up in pads today. So we knew that we were going to be in for a tough challenge against a strong football team that’s been together for a long time. We’ve installed a new offense and I’m extremely proud of the guys who came out, worked hard for one month, put in what we needed to put in and came out and got the win today.”

Spring football is always limited for what it is. The game consists of just two quarters, time to prepare is limited and your roster is rarely finalized as it doesn’t yet feature any of the following fall’s incoming freshman or transfer players. But spring football is a chance to set a tone and begin building the foundation for the following year’s fall season. “We’ve got a really, really young team,” Clayton said. “I’ve only got five seniors but that’s a good thing to have. We’ve got a nice freshman class hopefully that’s coming in to Plant City, some guys that are going to compete for starting jobs. We’re going to look completely different in the fall and to say that the guys we have — to come out here and win in high school, with a team full of freshman and sophomores and a few juniors — that says a lot. In the next three or four years I feel like we can build this program to a championship caliber team. We’re not there yet, we’ve got a ways to go, but little by little, each and every day, as long as these guys buy into the process we’re going to get there and I have full confidence that we will.” A young team indeed as Plant City lost a number of extremely talented and impactful seniors from the 2021 season, several of which will be going on to play at the college level next season. The Raiders’ four leading receivers were all seniors in 2021, including Jae Sawyer signed to Colgate University, Jaylen Gadson signed to Florida Memorial University and Romello Jones signed to the United States Naval Academy. Their top rusher, Reggie Bush Jr., is signed to Alderson Broaddus. Defensive

backs Jermarian Jackson and Ian Jolly are signed to Robert Morris University and Southeastern University, respectively. Their sack leader, defensive end D.J. Haynes, is committed to Tennessee Tech University. They’re starting quarterback from 2021, Clint Danzey, is entering his senior season this fall but will be doing so at Stranahan High School in Fort Lauderdale. So Clayton understands that the Raiders are in a re-building process, but he’s confident in the future of the program and what it will look like in the years to come. “Usually there’s a lot of big guys and there’s always a lot of talent in Plant City,” Clayton said. “Today, when we took the field, we’re a little bit undersized compared to most Plant City teams that have taken the field in past years. That’s one thing that we deal with but the players that I’ve really gotten excited about, guys like Cole Highsmith, I literally took the job because of him. He was in my interview process and the questions that he was asking me just lit a fire in me and I said, if we’ve got one or two guys like that, we’re going to win and we’re going to be competitive. So when you’ve got guys like that, guys like Eden Williams, they make football fun. Zykee Joyce is a young star player in the making, he and Jaylen Smith are both high-caliber receivers on the side and I coach the receivers, so it makes me feel good the way they play the game of football. Having those young players who are leaders on the team and can make big plays in the game, like Eden Williams did today, it’s always exciting to have those type of players because they’re going

to bring more excitement to your football program. Young kids are showing up, watching these guys show up big on Friday night and it keeps the championship culture alive in Plant City.” One thing that may kickstart the road to building a championship program came the following day as eighth grade quarterback Dereon Coleman announced that he will be attending Plant City High School this fall as an incoming freshman. A Plant City native, Coleman was named an Under Armour Next All-American in 2021, also on the roster for Under Armour Next’s 8th G rade G ame. Each year for the 8th G rade G ame, 75 of the best eighth grade football players from across the nation converge in Orlando to train and compete during All-America G ame Week, with Coleman featured among that selective group. As an eighth-grade student, Coleman was the starting quarterback for Fort Meade High School’s varsity football team this past fall, leading the Miners to a 5-5 record while completing 59.5 percent of his passes for 1,180 yards and 12 touchdowns. But as Clayton made clear when he took over as head coach, he fully intends to make his presence felt in the Plant City community far beyond the white lines and Friday night lights that bring the Raiders’ football field to life in the fall. “I didn’t expect to be at the school all day to make sure that kids are going to class, but I did know that if I took the job that I would need to buy in 100 percent, that my demeanor and my presence

needed to be felt throughout the day,” Clayton said. “So I went and got my substitute teaching license so that I could be on campus all day, monitoring the kids walking to class and their tempo, because the moment I took this job I said that you’re a representation of our football team everywhere you go. In class, when you’re at home, you’re a representation of Plant City football. So it was important for me to get involved in that and I didn’t know how difficult of a challenge that was at first, but at Plant City we have tremendous support. Every teacher in the school has my number, they utilize our program to make our athletes better student athletes and I’ve gotten to know a lot of teachers. It didn’t last long before our guys were in order because they don’t want to pay that price. We shoot for academics first. I was taught by the best in Coach Saban, I told the guys that I will not deviate and it’s been a great challenge for me but I love every minute of it.”

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

PLANT CITY OBSERVER’S 2022 ALL-CITY TEAMS

Here are the Observer’s selection for the 2022 All-Plant City Area teams for baseball and softball.

BASEBALL EBALL & SOFTBALL BAS

ALL - CITY 2022

PLAN

CITY

HONORABLE MENTION

Catcher: Colin Shultz, Plant City First Base: Noah Morales, Durant Infielder: Eli Vickers, Strawberry Crest Infielder: Nick April-Gath, Durant Infielder: Arjun Nimmala, Strawberry Crest Outfielder: Jackson VanDerZee, Plant City Outfielder: Ethan Pues, Strawberry Crest Outfielder: Alex Philpott, Strawberry Crest Starting Pitcher: Adan Longoria, Plant City Starting Pitcher: Zach Redner, Strawberry Crest Utility/DH: Dylan LaPointe, Durant Relief Pitcher: Tanner Rollyson, Plant City Relief Pitcher: Preston Rogers, Plant City

SP Blaine Rowland, Durant SP Torin Byrnes, Durant IF Ray Allen Vasquez, Strawberry Crest OF Devin Suero, Durant OF Oscar Fernandez, Durant

SOFTBALL

Catcher: Kylee Dodson, Strawberry Crest Infielder: Kennedy Shea, Strawberry Crest Infielder: Hannah Booth, Strawberry Crest Infielder: Ari Murillo, Strawberry Crest Infielder: Keelyn Johnson, Strawberry Crest Outfielder: Shelby Allen, Durant Outfielder: Emma Chisholm, Durant Outfielder: Lola Coole, Strawberry Crest Utility/DH: Katelyn Jordan, Plant City Pitcher: Ariana Rego, Strawberry Crest Pitcher: Amy Bak, Durant Pitcher: Haleigh Thomas, Durant

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

PLANT CITY AREA BASEBALL RECAP With the 2022 season now in the rearview mirror, here is a look back at the seasons from Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

DURANT The Cougars entered the season with a very different look than the team that made a run to the State Final Four in 2021, with 14 seniors from that team lost to graduation. Most notably Sean Hermann, a 14th round draft pick to the New York Yankees. But that’s the nature of high school sports, and Durant responded. The addition of senior Torin Byrnes bolstered the pitching staff and upon the eturn of sophomore Blaine Rowland after suffering a preseason injury to his non-throwing arm, he struck out 34 hitters over his 29.2 innings while allowing just four earned runs en route to a 0.94 ERA. With juniors Ian Bast serving as a third starter and Gavin Florio as the primary arm in relief, Durant posted a team ERA of just 2.60. And despite a relatively young lineup, Durant’s offense was strong this season with just over six runs scored per game behind a team batting average of .300. The offense was led by junior catcher Dylan LaPointe, posting a team-high .425 average, fi e home runs and 23 runs batted in. Behind LaPointe, sophomore Noah Morales drove in 16 runs, senior Oscar Fernandez drove in 15 – both with one home run each – and the sophomore duo of Nick April-Gath and Devin Suero became on-base machines with batting averages of .349 and .325, respectively. While the Cougars couldn’t match their 22-6 record from 2021 and a trip back to the Final Four, they finished the eason

with a strong 18-9 record, a district championship victory over rival Newsome and one win in the regional tournament. PLANT CITY In 2022 the Raiders looked largely similar to the team they had in 2021. Plant City lost a couple of strong bats in their lineup to 2021’s senior class, but 2022 featured most of the lineup and nearly the exact same pitching staff that led them o a 1610 record the year before, with a little bit more experience under their belt. Their offense was inconsistent at times – hitting .251 as a team with 5.29 runs per game – but the Raiders stellar pitching staff ave them a chance to battle in every single game as they compiled a team earned run average of just 1.42. The unit was largely reliant on just four arms in starters Adan Longoria and Chase Mobley, followed by relievers Preston Rogers and Tanner Rollyson. Longoria led the unit with 57.2 innings pitched, striking out 76 hitters and allowing just nine earned runs for an ERA of 1.09. Mobley wasn’t far off, striking out 62 batters over 41.1 innings with an ERA of 2.03. Coming out of the bullpen, Rogers finished the ear with a 1.37 ERA and three saves over 35.2 innings and Rollyson was one of just three qualified pitchers in the state of Florida to finish his season with a 0.00 ERA, allowing no earned runs over his 24 innings of work. Offensively the team was led by senior catcher Colin Shultz and senior outfielder

Combine & Save.

Jackson VanDerZee, a new addition to the roster in 2022. VanDerZee led the district with seven home runs while driving in 15 RBI and hitting .362, while Shultz finished the year with six home runs, a district-high 26 RBI and hit .368. Behind the senior duo, Mobley cleared the .300 mark with a .303 batting average, 11 runs batted in and two home runs. And while Plant City wasn’t able to advance to the regional tournament following a razor thin loss in the district semifinal to Durant, their 17-7 record marked their highest win total since their 30-2 State Championship team in 2019. STRAWBERRY CREST The Chargers have been a model of consistency since the school fi st opened their doors in 2009, winning no fewer than 14 games since going 9-13 in their second season, and 2022 was no different. With a productive lineup from top to bottom – hitting .269 as a team while scoring just north of six runs per game – and a consistent pitching staff, Strawberry Crest was able to secure their fourth consecutive district title in 2022 en route to an appearance in the regional final . The Chargers pitching finished the ear with a 2.80 ERA as a team behind starters Zach Redner and Luke Richardson and relievers Alex Philpott and Zach Vincent. Redner highlighted the staff with an 8-1 record and a 1.39 ERA while Philpott racked up six saves on the year. But Richardson

was notably strong as well, winning a number of big games en route to a 6-2 record and 2.48 ERA. In what may have been a pleasant surprise for 2022, their relievers were strong despite the fact that Philpott didn’t register a single appearance in the 2021 season while Vincent totaled just 5.1 innings pitched. Eight different players in the Chargers’ lineup drove in double-digit runs this season, led by senior Ethan Pues with a team-high .349 batting average, 26 RBI, nine doubles and fi e home runs. Behind Pues, Philpott drove in 19 runs of his own with two home runs, Redner drove in 18 with two home runs and Vickers drove in 18 behind a .309 batting average and eight doubles. While junior shortstop Arjun Nimmala was out of the lineup for nearly half of the season due to a wrist injury, he bounced right back with 14 runs batted in and three home runs by season’s end. With a final ecord of 20-9, Strawberry Crest posted their highest single-season win total in school history, beating out their previous marks of 19 wins in both 2018 and 2019.

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

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

289704-1

We asked Plant City: What is your favorite historic building in downtown Plant City? “For sheer external beauty, the old Hillsboro Bank Building For utility, there are several contenders, appreciate them all. The old Sinclair station is going to be nice when we are allowed to showcase it.” - Ed Verner

“While I dream of being able to watch a movie at the theater one day, I have to say the 1914 High School is my favorite. I’m blessed to live where I can see the all of the special milestones photographed there. On any given day I can see engagements , birthdays, families gathered, proms, graduations, baby announcements… all in front of our gorgeous building.” - Angie Hill Klein

“I love the 1914 High School, the old theater and the old Hillsboro Bank building.” - Doresa Wise Young

“The Post Office! I think it would make a really nice restaurant!” - Sonia BrunsonJenkins

“The theatre and the high school! We’re lucky to still have those buildings.” - Erin Hollenkamp

“The 1914 High School and The Mercantile building.” - Wesley Joyner

“The 1914 High School, followed by the train depot.” - Cody Lenz

“One, 1914 High School. Two, Hillsboro Bank. Three, Lee Building.” - Jay Hollenkamp

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Roberto ‘Don Beto’ Robles Ramirez

William ‘Bill’ Lorenzo Swindal, Jr.

Monte Jean Butler Bosserman, 86, of Plant City, Fla., born in Turkey Creek on Aug. 15, 1935, entered into eternal rest on May 18, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

Roberto “Don Beto” Robles Ramirez, 69, of Plant City, Fla., born on May 18, 1952 in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico entered into eternal rest on May 16, 2022. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

William “Bill” Lorenzo Swindal, Jr., 89, of Dover, Fla., born on Nov. 7, 1932, entered into eternal rest on May 22, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

Lois ‘Lynn’ Helen Jeanette Taking care of Sweat Chandler Sawyer

each other is what

Helen Jeanette Sawyer, Lois “Lynn” Chandler 61 of Tampa passed away Sweat, 56, of Plant City, May 14, 2022. Services Fla., passed away on were held May 23, 2022, Wednesday, May 18, 2022. at Haught Funeral Home Lois was born Jan. 28, 1966 Chapel, Plant City. in Tampa, Fla. dedicated to helping families create a W E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E our community Online condolences maycare since 1896. Fondwe’re memories and unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate celebrates the it represents. your family Dignity Memorial be left forAsthe at professionals, expressions oflifesympathy 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability haught.care. > >Bereavement may be> shared at www. Travel Assistance The Compassion Helpline® WellsMemorial.com for the R Sweat family. Chandler

community

is all about.

OBITUARIES

Monte Jean Butler Bosserman

Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Santos Rubio Garay Santos Rubio Garay, 82, of Plant City, Fla., born on July 7, 1940 in Matamoros, Queretaro, Mexico entered into eternal rest on May 14, 2022. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Leonarda Rios

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM

Wells MeMorial & event Center

Alice Caroline Goff Christenberry Alice Caroline Goff Chri tenberry, 83, of Plant City, Fla., born on Feb. 26, 1939, entered into eternal rest on May 21, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

Marty Garmon Marty Garmon, 72, of Plant City, Fla., born in Concord, N.C. on June 14, 1949, entered into eternal rest on May 18, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

Leonarda Rios, 58, of PlanT CiTy 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com Houston, Tex., passed away on May 20, 2022. A Mass service will be held May 28, 2022, 10 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church, 1104 N Alexander St, Plant City, FL 33563. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

10/27/15 10:42 AM

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ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

116 North Collins Street Plant City, FL 33563 ph: (813) 567-5735 allabloomtampa.com

YOUR CALENDAR

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

BEST BET

Rally

FRIDAY, MAY 27 LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN 5 to 9 p.m. at McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St. The Last Friday in Downtown Food Truck Rally is held with a new theme each month. There will be live music, market vendors and food trucks. The event is family and pet friendly and all are recommended to bring chairs and blankets. This month’s theme will be School’s Out For Summer.

SATURDAY, MAY 28

TUESDAY, JUNE 7

THE FLORIDA STATE BLUEGRASS BAND

CONNECT & GROW

7 to 8:30 at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Head down to the Loft at Krazy Kup for an evening of hard-driving bluegrass music. The Florida State Bluegrass Band represents what fans expect from bluegrass music today, an ability to bridge the gap between contemporary and traditional bluegrass styles. Known for strong lead vocals, classic hits and the ability to entertain all audiences, the Florida State Bluegrass Band is rapidly growing their fanbase all over. Admission will cost $15.

8 to 9 a.m. at 1601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Connect & Grow provides opportunities for Greater Plant City Chamber members to connect with other businesses and business leaders within the community. If you attend, be ready to share best business practices, build business relationships and generate referrals. This group meets bimonthly on the fi st and third Tuesday of the month and is limited to two members from each business category. Admission is free for all Chamber members. If you are interested in joining Connect & Grow, contact Jerilyn Rumbarger at 813-754-3707 ext 102 to check for openings.

MONDAY, MAY 30 MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Norman McLeod American Legion Post #26, 2207 W. Baker St. After a two-year hiatus, Norman McLeod Legion Post #26 will resume hosting Plant City’s Annual Memorial Day Ceremony to honor and pay respect to the men and women that paid the ultimate price for the defense of our country. All are invited to attend and participate in the ceremony by placing a wreath or flo al offering at the American Legion’s Flag Pole during the roll call of clubs, organizations and/or businesses. Lunch will be provided after the ceremony. If you desire to participate, contact alpost26@gmail.com or past Commander Ron MacDonald at 813-376-8740. When replying, please list the person, club, organization or business sponsoring the wreath or flo al offering and the name of their person that will be making the presentation during the ceremony.

FRIDAY, JUNE 10 MOVIE TRIVIA NIGHT

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E J. Arden Mays Blvd. Bring your friends and family to grab a cup of coffee and head up to the loft to show off our movie knowledge, or just to cheer on your loved ones, with a chance to win a prize at this month’s Movie Trivia Night. As always, the event is familyfriendly and free.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1

SATURDAY, JUNE 11

SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS WITH ESTRANGED FAMILIES

6:30 to 8 p.m. at GracePoint Church, 1107 Charlie Griffin d. 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 positively-influen ed activities to help cope with the situation. Meetings are held the fi st Wednesday of each month. For more information, visit www.peaksupportgroup.com.

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 benefi s please take advantage of free assistance at

OPEN MIC NIGHT the Bing House Museum, 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walk-ins are welcomed, or call 813-706-5800 to set a specific tim .

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Open Mic Night is back at Krazy Kup. Join them for a fun night where you get to be the star of the show. Come out, strut your stuff and sh w everyone what you’ve got.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4

SATURDAY, JUNE 18

BLUEGRASS JAM!

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. This is an open invitation for local Bluegrass musicians and fans to come to the Krazy Kup loft and jam, clap hands, stomp feet and enjoy! Krazy Kup holds their Bluegrass JAM on the fi st Saturday of every month.

3 to 6:30 at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Classic Cruise-In is back on Saturday, June 18, rain or shine. Cars and trucks manufactured in or before 1996 can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music will be provided by DJ John Paul Gasca.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FORECAST

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

THURSDAY, MAY 26 High: 95 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 19%

FRIDAY, MAY 27 High: 91 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 38%

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

SUNRISE/SUNSET Sunrise Sunset Thursday, May 26

6:33a

8:17p

Friday, May 27

6:33a

8:17p

Saturday, May 28

6:33a

8:18p

Sunday, May 29

6:32a

8:18p

Monday, May 30

6:32a

8:19p

Tuesday, May 31

6:32a

8:19p

Wednesday, June 1

6:32a

8:20p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MAY 28 High: 90 Low: 70 Chance of rain: 24%

SUNDAY, MAY 29 High: 91 Low: 71 Chance of rain: 38%

MONDAY, MAY 30 Barbara Tetro submitted this photo she took of the full moon from Plant City.

ONLINE

High: 91 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 44%

Across 1 Arthur with Emmys 4 DVR copying button 7 Futuristic TV family 14 Reply to “Excuse me, you’re in my seat” 16 Modified o fi 17 Reacted to shearing 18 Fitness regimen 19 *Tour de France participant 21 Manage moguls 22 Rhinitis docs 23 Thumb drive port 26 Pinochle combos 30 Meticulous to a fault 31 __ vez: Rosa’s “once” 34 *Lo-cal tea brand

38 Islamic holy month 40 Scam targets 41 *Singer who’s the namesake of the high school in “Grease” 43 Rapper Lil __ X 44 Poirot’s pals 45 “To recap ... “ 47 Small point 48 Pedestal or plinth 51 Wedding vow 54 One who might use one of the ends of the answers to starred clues 59 SeaWorld tanks 62 Collectibles from afar 63 Happening now 64 Med. imaging procedure

65 Bob and weave 66 Medical ins. plan 67 Denver-to-Wichita dir. Down 1 Lettuce variety 2 “The Name Game” singer Shirley 3 Smart __: wiseacre 4 Campus mil. group 5 First name in stunt driving 6 Formally transfer 7 “Shogun” setting 8 Decree 9 Stories 10 Practice boxing 11 Giants legend Mel

12 Bridal bio word 13 ‘60s antiwar gp. 15 “The Big Bang Theory” actress __ Bialik who is also a scheduled 2021 “Jeopardy!” guest host 20 Remainder 23 Remove, as a brooch 24 Actress Hayek 25 Grace verb 27 Stream swirl 28 “You made that up!” 29 Claim to be untrue 30 Well-suited 31 Not at all bucolic 32 Judd of country 33 Scope 35 “Frozen” reindeer 36 Guitarist Lofgren 37 Org. in many civil rights cases 39 Short muscles? 42 God, in Grenoble 46 Tic Tacs, e.g. 48 Yawning, perhaps 49 Essential acid 50 Minor arguments 52 Prepare for takeoff, as a frosty windshield 53 Aquatic predators 54 “The Alienist” author Caleb 55 Field for this puzzle’s theme 56 Possible cause of student nervousness 57 Revolution prefi 58 Hamlet, by birth 59 Allentown : “Alas!” :: Altenburg : “__!” 60 Sine __ non 61 Ocean State sch.

May 30 New

June 7 First

June 14 Full

June 20 Last

RAINFALL LAST WEEK:

MONTH TO DATE:

3.26 in.

6.66 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

MAY AVERAGE:

16.19 in.

4.04 in.

BLUEBERRIES Shipping point: Central & North Florida $14.00-$26.00 Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

Great health care is closer than you think. South Florida Baptist Hospital is more than just a small community hospital. We’ve got a wide array of specialty care and surgical services that you don’t have to travel far to get. Our surgeons are experts in minimally invasive robotic surgical procedures that provide lots of benefits, including shorter hospital stays, decreased blood loss and smaller incisions that reduce the risk of infection. Plus, faster recovery times that mean you can get back to your normal activities sooner. You’ll find comprehensive orthopedic care—whether you’re an athlete who needs sports medicine services or you’re someone who needs a total joint replacement. Our all-inclusive gynecology program offers high-quality care to the women and mothers in our community with a variety of women’s care services. We’ve even been designated as a Center of Excellence for our weight loss surgery program, meeting nationally recognized standards and providing outstanding care to our patients. And all of this extraordinary care exists right here in Plant City. Learn more: SouthFloridaBaptistSurgery.org

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PlantCityObserver.com