5.3.18 PLCO by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY

Observer

Four years, four district titles. PAGE 8

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 5, NO. 44

FREE

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THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018

New health center opens in PC Florida Primary Care Centers of Tampa, LLC has chosen Plant City as its sixth location.. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

YOUR TOWN

Plant City is now home to Florida Primary Care Centers of Tampa, LLC which acts as a family health center that works in collaboration with a patient’s health plan to create a “simple and assessable healthcare experience.” What differentiates Florida Primary Care Centers of Tampa, LLC from so many other healthcare providers is it provides free social services to its patients.

When a new client walks in the door experts are waiting to assist them in applying for a variety of programs like WIC and DCF. On the medical side, the patient is never billed for its services. “Florida Primary Care Centers want to be a part of the community they serve,” Sheila Lopez, web room manager, said. “We offer SEE CARE PAGE 6

RELAY RETURNS

Courtesy of Off Road United.

Off Road United honors police Off Road United raised its 20x30 Thin Blue Line American flag at Gator Ford on April 20. The company has three businesses and all three will be flying the flag in honor of Police Week. Gator Ford is the first location, then Camping World from May 11 to 23 and finaly Stepping Stone AC from May 23 to June 4. Off Road United was assisted by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office honor guard with the inaugural flag-raising. Off Road United is a nonprofit that aids the families of fallen first responders and those injured in the line of duty.

Breanne Williams

Plant City High School was filled with particpants of the 2018 Relay for Life.

This marked the 20th anniversary of Relay in PC. See Page 11.

Tackling plastic pollution

Ringing in ‘Artbor Day’ During the monthly food truck rally held in historic downtown Plant City, artists banded together for a unique celebration of Arbor Day. The tree loving event was called “Artbor Day” and the community was invited to come make tree-themed art in McCall Park during the rally. The streets were lined with the diverse food trucks and United Starz, a faith based Christian step-team in Plant City, performed during the rally. Each month, Plant City Main Street themes the rally to create a unique and inviting atmosphere for the community.

The Plant City Commons Community Garden held a potluck April 26 and spent some time discussing the best ways the city can come together to protect the environment. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER Breanne Williams

Heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh salad and coleslaw were some of the food items brought to the event.

Each year, members of the Plant City Commons Community

Garden come together to honor Earth Day and discuss some of the pressing issues facing our environment. While enjoying a potluck on April 26 comprised of dishes made from produce grown at the community garden, a small gathering of members ate in the waning sun and spring breeze while discussing realistic ways to tackle plastic pollution. In many parts of Europe, plastic bags at grocery stores or even shopping malls are an additional fee. Because of this, shoppers SEE GARDEN PAGE 5

WH AT’S H APPENING

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018

WEEK OF MAY 3, 2018 BY THE NUMBERS

1,000

The number of years it can take for a plastic bag to decompose in a landfill.

“Your body can go a lot further than your mind tells you to. That’s what my coaches have taught me, to never give up and keep going. We have a championship mindset.”

Photo Archives seeks summer interns

— Lexi Moore, Plant City High School softball’s starting left fielder. SEE PAGE 10.

JAVA AND JEANS

SEE PAGE 5.

The average number of patients a day seen by the Plant City Florida Primary Care Centers of Tampa, LLC. SEE PAGE 6.

2,503

The number of pieces in the Star Wars Imperial Shuttle LEGO set found at Brick City Bricks.

Hundreds flock to Job Fair

SEE PAGE 4.

MEETINGS

Breanne Williams

PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS 7:30 to 9 a.m. May 3 at the Community Room in the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St. GROWING HERBS PROGRAM 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 3 at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. The Plant City Garden Club is presenting a program on growing herbs.

The Plant City Photo Archives and History Center is officially opening applications for its summer 2018 internship program. The program provides students with the opportunity to learn museum, archives and history center skills. The program was created in 2010 and has seen high school, undergraduate and graduate students learn about institution operations, accession and documentation procedures, historical research and writing and archiving techniques. Applications may be submitted from now until June 4. Interested students can obtain additional information and an application form by visiting the Photo Archives office.

Attendees enjoyed coffee, donuts, prizes and fun networking games at the inaugural Java & Jeans event.

he Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce has officially kicked off its new networking event, Java & Jeans. The event is held from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on the last Friday of every month at a rotating list of local businesses. Coffee and donuts are provided. Minuteman Press, 1701 S. Alexander St., was the inaugural host for the new networking series. Chamber members were given a tour of the facilities, took part in a giveaway and got to know their fellow business community members.

Norm Nelson, membership director, said the event fills a hole the Chamber recognized it had with its members. Those who worked long hours often couldn’t take part in the monthly afternoon and evening networking events. Java & Jeans completes the circle, allowing any member with the Chamber who is interested in utilizing such a beneficial service to be able to have a time available that works for them. The next Java & Jeans will be held at South Florida Baptist Hospital on May 25.

The Plant City Job Fair drew hundreds to the Trinkle Center on April 26. At 12 p.m. there were approximately 100 people waiting in the lobby with their resumes for the event to begin. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department Deputies Christine Muniz and Rudy Bueno said this was one of the highest turnouts they’ve ever seen at a job fair. Employers in administration, construction, distribution, heath care, manufacturing and sales were all represented at the event.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018

Winn-Dixie gives check to scam victim The Plant City store gave $4,000 to Ralph Hough on April 26. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Like many people these days, Ralph Hough recently found himself the target of a telephone scammer. The Plant City man was out $4,000 because of a scammer pretending to be a government official and nearly lost an additional $4,000. Thanks to Plant City’s WinnDixie store, Hough saved the money and no longer has to worry about the “IRS” threatening him and his family. Not only did the Plant City store come to Hough’s aid by informing him of the scam and calling the police, but on April 26 it presented him with a $4,000 check to make up for the money he lost when he was initially called on March 27. “It doesn’t happen to everybody,” Mendy Feaster, Hough’s daughter, said. “It’s just a God thing, that they chose to do that for him.” After receiving a letter in the mail from someone claiming to be U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which said he had made illegal purchases from China, the phone scammer told Hough in

Justin Kline

Winn-Dixie of Plant City presented Ralph Hough with $4,000 on Thursday afternoon.

March the IRS knew of his activity and he would be arrested if he didn’t comply with their request for Google Play card numbers. So he went to his bank, withdrew the money, purchased the cards and gave the numbers away. “That was a different ball

game,” Hough said. “It made me nervous.” On March 28, he was told to drive to a bank in Tampa the next day to repeat the process, which he did. But when he got to the Plant City Winn-Dixie to buy the cards, claiming they were for his

young grandchild as instructed, store employees sensed something was wrong. “I had him come into the office to tell me the story and I knew right away that it was a scam,” Assistant Manager Peggy Wade said.

Wade contacted his wife to let her know he was safe and called the Plant City Police Department, whose officers made contact with the scammer. “When the police came out, they actually called the number that he was told to call and they gave fake gift card numbers to them,” Wade said. “They finally said, ‘Hey, we’re the Plant City Police,’ and they said click and hung up on him.” Though Hough’s day and money were saved thanks to the store’s efforts, Winn-Dixie management decided to take their efforts one step further and reimburse Hough for the initial $4,000 he lost to the scammer. The move, they said, seemed like the right thing to do to help a member of the Plant City community in need. “We care about our community,” Wade said. “We care about the people here. He shouldn’t have been taken advantage of, so it’s important that we take care of our customers.” Hough is far from the only senior citizen in the area to be targeted by scammers, so he hopes his experience will help people lose their fears and know what to do when the “bad guys” come calling for gift card numbers. “Play hard to hear. You don’t need to hear everything they claim you need to hear,” Hough said. “But you can get out of it. You can back out of it.”

SPONSORED BY HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME

Krazy Kup hosted a Lip Sync Battle 90s vs. 2000s last weekend in an ultimate battle of the decades. We asked: What decade do you think made the best music?

“I really think 80s. It had great dance music. The 70s had good experimental stuff. In the 80s they got into videos and got to start experimenting with that. I feel like the geeks got to jump in on that.”

“The 80s. I was born in the 80s, so 80s music has a lot more meaning to me because it was relatable at that time.” — Jerry Pope, 36

“Classical music, specifically Baroque music. It’s so calming and uplifting at the same time. It makes me focus.” — Anna Alpin, 40

“I’d say probably 60s and 80s. The Beatles and Rolling Stones really became popular in the 60s and then in the 80s you’ve got more hair bands.”

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018

PLANT CITY

‘I find your lack of

‘LEGOs’ disturbing’

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Use your midi-chlorians to tap into the force for a day of celebration at Brick City Bricks entirely dedicated to the Star Wars franchise.

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

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, Star Wars fans of all ages united in a day of celebration and revelry. Though the precise origin of May the 4th Be With You is unclear, the day has been celebrated for years by fans and businesses that can’t pass up the appeal of a crafty pun. Plant City’s local LEGO store is getting in on the festivities this year. Brick City Bricks will be offering giveaways, discounts and more in honor of the force-filled day. “I love Star Wars,” Gregory Williams, owner of Brick City Bricks, said. “This isn’t just a business decision. I’ve always been a Star Wars fan. Anytime a Star Wars movie comes out I see it opening night.” LEGO has partnered with fans for the celebration for years. Unique sets and minifigures often are released for the holiday as adults and children alike flock to the stores to get their hands on the latest merchandise. Thanks to Williams, fans will no longer have to drive to Orlando or Tampa to find a phenomenal selection. The first 50 people through the door will receive giveaways and all Star Wars merchandise, both new and retired sets, will be on sale. Star Wars movies will be playing all day long in the store and Williams said he will be offering other incentives like free Star Wars Polybags for customers who spend a certain amount. Those who are in the area at 1 p.m. are invited to take part in the official ribbon-cutting for the store. Williams said several Chamber of Commerce members have mentioned dressing up as their favorite characters like R2-D2. There may even be a costume contest if time permits and he encourages shoppers to embody Han and Leia and come check out his unique inventory. Brick City Bricks offers shoppers a unique selection of products. Many of the sets are retired, meaning they are no longer massproduced and thus incredibly difficult to find. He is bringing in a wide selection of Star Wars products for the day and even has brand new Solo merchandise from the upcoming film. All Star Wars products will be 10% off with certain sets going up to 20% off. One of his most impressive finds is the retired Imperial Shuttle set and the Ewok Village, which features loads of minifigs. The shuttle alone has 2,503 pieces and though neither are normally on sale Williams is making an exception in honor of the day. Starting a collection of LEGOs may seem overwhelming, but Williams said the trick is to start with a character or a topic that you enjoy. He said you “can’t do them all, so pick a theme and stick

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Editorial Designer / C.J. Major CMajor@yourobserver.com Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

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Breanne Williams

Above: Jordan Williams and Greg Williams with two of their favorite Star Wars LEGO sets in the store.

with it.” For first-timers, he recommends the battle packs. Each Star Wars battle pack has four minifigs and a build. Some feature all villains, some all heroes and some are a mix. It is a great way to break into the LEGO world and quickly build up a diverse arsenal of toys. Through it all, Williams said he hopes he is able to offer the Star Wars community a place to pay tribute to the franchise that brings hope to so many lives. Dedicated fans can rest assured their passion and love for Lucas’s universe is reciprocated in Williams. He still waits with his son in line for hours on opening nights and gets excited when new or even slightly updated merchandise, like the new Solo Millennium Falcon, comes out. He also understands the role these films played in shaping many viewers into the people they are today. It was an essential part of his son’s childhood and he said he mourned heavily when the world was suddenly without its space princess. “The day Carrie Fisher died, it was hard,” Williams said. “I know that may sound odd because she was an actress but we loved her. I don’t care what else she was in, that’s who we will forever know her as. She’s our Princess Leia. When we watched ‘The Last Jedi’ that was such an emotional moment, seeing her on screen for the last time.” Williams said his ultimate goal is to make Brick City Bricks a destination for people of all walks of life in Plant City. This summer

they will kick off their Summer Camps, which will feature a mix of educational activities and games. Kids will enjoy a lunch from The Corner Store that will feature a LEGO-themed snack and watch a movie or play on the PlayStation 3. The camps begin May 28 and can only hold 15 students per day. There will be three staff members, all CPR-certified, on hand for the camps, which run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. They are offering daily, weekly or even monthly options for the community. Several churches, schools and organizations have begun doing field trips to the store, birthday parties are being held routinely and adult-themed nights like MAKE Plant City have filled the store to capacity. He is also starting a Breakfast and Build event. On Mothers Day attendees can come and build a LEGO flower to give as a gift for their mother. “We’re just so grateful for the community,” Williams said. “They’ve really welcomed us and we want to be able to give back and interact with them as much as possible. We know how much people love Star Wars so we’re happy to share in that love with May the 4th Be With You.” Don’t be a “stuck-up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf herder.” Grab your Jedi robe or perfectly cylindrical hair buns and find some rare LEGO sets while celebrating with your fellow rebels.

Left: Greg Williams, owner of Brick City Bricks, is shipping in large quantities of Star Wars merchandise for the big day.

The Plant City Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. The Plant City Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

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We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, send your information via: Email: Sarah Holt, SHolt@ PlantCityObserver.com. Mail: The Plant City Observer, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33563

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018

Growing realistic policies Members of the Community Garden discussed ending plastic pollution.

plant, has the opportunity to do so regardless of if they have the resources at home. The community garden rents out plots of land for just that purpose and members care for both the free garden and the botanical plants as well. “There’s nothing more satisfying than growing your own food,” Laurie McRae, secretarytreasurer of the community gardens, said. “Even if you go out and just have one single tomato plant and you just pick that one thing you will really treasure them. You know the seeds, how it was grown and cared for and you truly enjoy what you’re eating.” Much of what is grown at the community garden is donated to either local churches, organizations or the food bank. Bornstine said there are several projects underway to improve the garden and allow it to offer even more resources for the community. Currently, McRae said the new CFC037149 seed library at the garden is open the second and fourth Saturday of CFC037149 every month and the community volunteer day is the second Saturday as well. While some companies will take one day a year to “be mindful” toward the environment that is what the garden is all about. “We’re always wanting to get the community more involved with the garden,” Bornstine said. “It’s such a great cause. We’d love to do more and give back more but we’re shorthanded and we can only grow so much. The more we have the more we can grow and the more we can give.”

FROM GARDEN PAGE 1

bring reusable totes from home to carry their items back with them. In Kenya, plastic bags are banned and anyone found selling, manufacturing or even carrying them could face fines up to $38,000 or a prison sentence of up to four years. “We don’t need to throw people in prison, but we obviously need to change something,” Betty Jo Tompkins, executive director for Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District, said. “So much of it is just education. Every time I go to Publix I talk to the young kids that work there about using a tote. Now when I go they proudly show me their reusable bags and will call each other out if they use plastic.” Karen Bornstine, president of the community garden, said she plans to approach the City Commission soon about finding a way to reduce the negative plastic impact our community has on the environment. “By the year 2050 the amount of plastic in the ocean will outweigh the fish,” Bornstine said. “Recycling companies don’t really want the plastic. It takes years for plastic to decompose. Paper isn’t perfect either.” According to the Earth Policy Institute, the plastic bags used in everyday life take up to 1,000

Photos by Breanne Williams

Above: Laurie McRae, Betty Jo Tompkins, Karen Bornstine and Lisa Thibodeaux. Right: One of the attendees made a jam from fruit grown in the garden.

years to decompose in a landfill. Plastic water bottles can take more than 450 years. Unfortunately, if not sorted or cared for correctly, the plastic that is put in a recycling bin may end up in a landfill anyway if it does not meet the strict qualifications held by recycling companies. She said the hope is city commissioners will consider coming up with ways to tackle the immense amount of plastic Plant City alone disposes of. That may come in the form of partnering with local businesses like boutiques and antique stores or

chains like Lowe’s or Winn-Dixie to limit the number of plastic bags used by the stores. Simply being aware of the realities facing the environment goes a long way toward increasing empathy, which allows societies to enact strict pollution laws. The community garden constantly attempts to reconnect residents with the earth and has multiple projects throughout the year to make the community better. Any member of the community who wishes to grow their own vegetation, whether it be produce, flowers or any other

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018

Care FROM PAGE 1

social events that are completely free for the community. We do a kids month in December that has a toy drive and pictures with Santa and senior events to help bring the community together.” The social center is open now Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and welcomes both those with an appointment and walk-ins. The medial center will be open later this summer. Lopez said the beauty of having a center like this so close to home is it allows people to go to one location to submit all of their paperwork. The entire staff is bilingual and can speak English, Spanish, Creole, Arabic and Swahili, according to Community Liaison Manager Richard Abreu. Abreu said ultimately the medical center will work as a “one stop shop” for patients. It will offer aid for Medicare, Medicaid and low income clients. Some of its services include physicals and sports physicals, free transportation to the center and specialists, in-house laboratory services, in-house diagnostics and more. Services like visual exams, labs, ultrasounds and pap smears can all be done via the center. It also offers a rewards program called “Gateway to Health” that allows patients who practice a preventative attitude and lifestyle to receive incentives like a $25 gift card to Publix or Walmart. Patients can freely take part in a medical lecture series if they desire as well to become better informed about their health and learn ways to increase healthy living.

At the social center, Lopez said it is their mission to provide the best and friendliest services available in the area. While the center does not approve or deny any claims it does help answer client’s questions and aid them in the submitting process. It also will follow up with phone calls or in person to talk about their eligibility. “We’re here for everyone,” Lopez said. “If you are willing to submit paperwork we are willing to help.” The center is partnered with many local organizations like Bruton Memorial Library, the United Food Bank of Plant City, Liberty Church and more. Because of those connections, Lopez said it is able to help connect its clients with the aid they need. She said it also plans to give back and partner with the organizations it works with, which could include hosting a food drive or supporting the summer reading event at the library. When looking at locations to establish a new center, the team found that Plant City truly had a need for its services. It has been open for two weeks and already has approximately 20 clients a day with the number continuously growing. “Essentially Florida Family looks to have a social impact in the community,” Lopez said. “We are open to the general public, whether they walk in or call and set an appointment. All the services are for free. If there’s a service we cannot assist them with they will not leave the office without the information on where to go.”

CUTEST CRITTER Want your pet(s) to be featured? Send entries to staff writer Breanne Williams at BWilliams@plantcityobserver.com. Marley is an unconventional Christmas present. While his parents weren’t expecting to have Santa deliver a wriggling Pom-Chi they quickly fell in love with the mischievous pup. It didn’t take long for his inner flair for the dramatic to shine. He goes by the nickname “Cujo” because he wants the world to know he’s the baddest pup in town.

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The Plant City FC Lancers are hosting free open tryouts to boys and girls born between the years 2000 and 2012 from May 7-12. Tryouts will be held at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex, 2602 E. Cherry St.. For exact dates and times, visit the Lancers’ website at PlantCityFC.com.

Courtesy of St. Johns River State College

Durant High School alumna Selena Bezares (above) was named an All Mid-Florida Conference first-team softball player on April 27. Bezares, a sophomore at St. Johns River State College, batted .361 with 61 hits, 54 RBI, 26 runs scored, 15 home runs and 11 doubles. Bezares was an all-conference second-team selection last season.

Plant City High School basketball guard Matt Simmons added another accomplishment to his list last week, receiving Florida Association of Basketball Coaches and Source Hoops Class 8A third team all-state honors.

The Raiders beat East Bay, 4-1, for the championship Thursday night. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Six Plant City High School athletes will represent our area at the 2018 FHSAA Class 4A state championships in Jacksonville this weekend. The relay team of Eric Wilson, Jordan Wiggins, Xavier King, Tyreke Harrison, Antwain Joyce, Dalton Raines and Antron Robinson qualified for the 4x100 relay race, as did Matt Simpson in the long jump. King also qualified individually in the high jump. The championship events will be broadcast live online at the NFHS Network’s website, buff.ly/2FCgC9H.

Plant City High School’s softball team began the first round of regional play last night with a home game against Steinbrenner. Results from the game were not available at press time but a recap and photos are viewable at plantcityobserver.com. Also keep an eye on the website after tonight’s 8A-District 4 championship baseball game at Wharton High School, in which Strawberry Crest will face the hosting Wildcats.

Photos by Justin Kline

From top to Bottom: Pitcher Ashley Blessin meets with her teammates at the pitcher’s circle for encouragement; The Raiders won the 8A-6 title with a 4-1 final over East Bay; The Raiders nearly scored early, but East Bay’s defense kept them at bay; The Raiders were thrilled their rally to win worked.

It was fitting that Plant City’s fourth consecutive district championship win came from a four-run inning. On April 26, facing a 1-0 deficit against the East Bay Indians, the Raiders rallied to a 4-1 win at 1 Raider Place that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. Having not played as well against district competition as last year, the Raiders were not seen as tournament favorites. They proved throughout the week, especially that night, that seeding didn’t matter. “I just told them that they have to stay up and they have to believe,” head coach Ashley Bullion said. “When we went into the district tournament, we started a ‘we can and we will.’ We just have to think that we can, and we will.” The Raiders looked solid after a perfect first inning from pitcher Ashley Blessin, but East Bay got on the board in the second when the junior gave up a home run to deep left off of Haley Murphy’s bat. Plant City nearly tied things up in the top of the third inning, getting courtesy runner Rachel Arnold as far as third base, but the Indians defense prevented the score. Blessin got into a jam in the fourth inning with one out, as the Indians loaded the bases, but she

retired Lauryn Newson and Brianna Carlisle to escape the jam. East Bay got into a jam of its own in the top fifth, but the Raiders were able to do what the Indians could not. Haley Frangioni, Lexi Moore and Emily Longoria were able to load the bases with two outs and an Abbie DeWeese single scored Frangioni to tie the game at 1-1. In the next at-bat, Beka Schulte made contact and scored all three baserunners. “It feels great,” Schulte said. “I don’t really know how to say it in words. I’m excited. I’m so proud of my team.” Schulte’s shot energized Plant City for the rest of the game. Only one East Bay batter reached base in the next two innings, thanks to Blessin’s strong pitching and a solid defensive effort highlighted by a Lexi Moore diving grab in the fifth. The Indians broke out of their short slump in the final frame, reaching base on Newson’s leadoff double and Sophia Kotopka’s walk, but Jocelin Beltran hit into a double play and Rachel Kingery hit a shallow pop fly that landed neatly in Blessin’s glove in the next at-bat. The four-peat was most special for Schulte, Moore and Taylor Bennett, as three seniors with four title wins. “We’ve definitely put in the work to earn it, and I’m proud of us,” Schulte said.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

If anyone knows a thing or two about chasing fish, it’s Strawberry Crest High School’s own “Team Chase and Chase.” In the first year the Chases — Givens and Hubble — have teamed up, the duo has become one of 16 teams from Florida and the only group from Hillsborough County to qualify for the Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series National Championship, which will be held in Paris, Tennessee from Aug. 2-4. The boys’ season has had its share of ups and downs, but they said the ups have been good enough to help propel the boys to one of the biggest stages in high school fishing. Before their sophomore season began, both Givens and Hubble wanted a fresh start with a new partner. They linked up in the offseason, began fishing the ponds at Walden Lake together and formed a partnership that’s worked better than either expected at the time. The Chases take a similar approach to fishing and said that’s helped them make quick, smart decisions before going out on the water. “We both agree with each

Courtesy of Christa Hubble

Chase Hubble and Chase Givens are headed to Kentucky Lake in August.

other, listen to each other’s ideas instead of arguing what we should do,” Givens said. This year, the boys fished in tournaments on eight lakes or chain systems around the state and were one of only two teams that weighed in fish in every tournament in the Florida High School series. The Chases were also runners-up for the state’s Anglers of the Year award, a prize more than 150 high school teams were eligible for. Givens and Hubble said fishing Lake Okeechobee in December

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was by far their best experience of the season, as they caught roughly 40 bass and placed third in the tournament. After Okeechobee, they said, the boys began to pay more attention to the statewide standings and points totals. Though there were tournaments where the fish simply didn’t want to bite, or others went overboard — Givens accidentally dropped a fish in the St. Johns River while attempting to measure it — multiple top-10 finishes and early-season success created enough insurance for the boys to be able to qualify for nationals. “Previous tournaments helped us out…all the points came together to give us the points that got us over the other kids,” Givens said. Team Chase and Chase will soon tackle Kentucky Lake, which is far deeper than any in Florida and allows fish to be more mobile. Brush and ledges that don’t exist in Florida lakes will also make things trickier. Though they’re at least hoping to hit their limits each day and place in the top 50, winning in Tennessee is the ultimate goal. Though the duo and Crest’s fishing club already has several sponsors, the Chases are always looking for any additional help they can get for covering the costs to go to the tournament. Anyone interested in a sponsorship can contact Christa Hubble at christa.d.hubble@citi.com.

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eeling sleepy? Reaching for energy drinks or coffee for that mid-day pick-me-up? Don’t have enough energy to get everything done? A cup of coffee in the morning is a great way to increase alertness, but it can lead to insomnia later in the day. No sleep equals no energy. Head to the gym instead. Believe it or not, a daily dose of exercise can help you feel more energized. Working out releases endorphins. When we are doing something that requires a burst of energy, our body releases endorphins. It’s these endorphins that produce a natural “high.”

Not only does this give you the energy to get through your day, but it also improves your mood. Exercise improves the quality of your sleep. When you get a better night’s rest, you are sure to feel more refreshed in the morning. A good workout leads to sharper focus. This means you are mentally ready to tackle the day. What kind of exercise is best? Any kind of physical activity that gets your blood flowing and your heart rate up is going to up your energy level. Find something that you enjoy doing and that will make it much easier to stick to. A good cardio workout is going to strengthen your

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heart, giving you more stamina. If you prefer being outdoors, go for a jog, walk or bike ride. If you prefer lower-intensity activities, try a yoga class. All in all, eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, reducing stress and sticking to an exercise regimen are all key ingredients to stay mentally alert and full of the energy you need to get through the day. Angela Fulgieri is the Wellness Experience Director at the Plant City YMCA. Contact her at observerfitness@gmail.com.

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Strawberry Crest duo preparing for Bassmaster national championships Chase Givens and Chase Hubble are the only Hillsborough County duo to make the cut.

2018

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Lexi Moore Lexi Moore, Plant City High School softball’s starting left fielder, has been one of the Raiders’ most consistent players of the 2018 season. She was also quite effective in last week’s district tournament, batting 4-for-8 with seven runs scored, five walks, two RBI and perfect fielding percentage in the Raiders’ three-game championship run. Moore is one of three Raiders that have been with the team throughout its four-year, four-title run in the district with coach Ashley Bullion. She will play for Florida Southwestern State College in the fall. Winning the tourney last week was huge for you all. How did it feel to come out of that title game with the win? It was amazing. It felt like the greatest accomplishment ever. I was really happy and excited for my team that we won districts for my senior year plus four years in a row. It was exciting.

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

epic speech my teammate, my outfielder Abbie (DeWeese), gave. “GRYND Time.” GRYND Time? Oh yeah. “There’s no ‘I’ in ‘grind’ because there’s no ‘I’ in ‘team.’ GR-Y-N-D…she came up with it on the bus. It was the best speech ever. It got us pumped. What’s some advice you’d give to someone joining the team next year? What can someone new expect to get into? To come out and play hard. They are not easy coaches. They will push you until the end. Your body can go a lot further than your mind tells you to. That’s what my coaches have taught me, to never give up and keep going. We have a championship mindset. We want to win everything.

Where are you most comfortable playing? Left field. I can play center field, too — that’s where I started out, but then I got moved to left field.

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MAY 3, 2018

Calendar 14 Games 15 Obituaries 13 Weather 15

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Photos by Breanne Williams

Plant City Royalty, including the 2018 Strawberry Queen and court and Little Miss Plant City, held the banners during the Survivor/Caregiver Lap.

Ringing in the

20th anniversary P

lant City High School was flooded on April 27 as people flocked to take part in the 20th annual Relay for Life in Plant City. The local event originally began in 1998, 13 years after the first Relay was held in Tacoma, Washington. Fundraising begins in September each year with the event generally held in April. Donations are usually accepted into August of each year. Many local schools participate in the event and are constantly some of the largest donors for the organization. In the past seven years alone, Plant City’s Relay for Life has raised more than $1.874 million and as a whole has given more than $3 million to the American Cancer Society since 1998. This year’s honorary survivor was Kim Curran, who used her speech to talk about finding hope in the little moments of life we experience every day.

Over the past seven years, Plant City’s Relay for Life has raised more than $1.874 million.

Flowers were given out throughout the event.

Around the track bags filled with candles that bore the names of loved ones were set out in preparation of the Luminaria Ceremony.

— BREANNE WILLIAMS

Relay for Life Plant City was held at 6 p.m. on April 27 to 10 a.m on April 28.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018

Lip Sync’s back, alright K

razy Kup hosted an ultimate challenge of the decades in its first Lip Sync Battle, held April 28. The music loft was packed as attendees of all ages showed off their dance moves and faux singing skills in a 90s vs. 2000s music riff-off. Six official contestants selected their favorite song that they felt encapsulated the novelty of their preferred decade and performed to a set of judges and the enthusiastic audience. NSYNC, Mary J. Blige, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift and more were brought to the floor. In between sets, audience members were pulled front and center to compete in decade-themed games like trivia, finish the lyrics and more. Ultimately, Stephen won the audience and the judge’s heart with his energetic rendition of “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus and was crowned winner of the inaugural event. Frank Trunzo, owner of Krazy Kup, said this is only the first of many Lip Sync Battles to come. For future events, he recommends those who wish to participate RSVP in advance so they will be able to be slotted for the competition.

In between sets, the audience was pulled into decade themed contests.

Photos by Breanne Williams

Stephen used costume changes and props to win over the judges and audience. While singing and acting along to “Hakuna Matata,” they simulated eating grubs by chowing down on some gummy worms.

— BREANNE WILLIAMS

Jeremy kicked off the evening by singing “Tearin’ up my heart” by NSYNC. He came in third overall.

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OBITUARIES

POWERED DOWN 700 block of East Warren Street. Residential fire/electricity theft: Officers responded to a location where Plant City Fire Rescue was putting out a residential fire and conducted an investigation about the possibility of the theft of electricity.

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Alex Leslie, age 87, of Plant City, passed away on April 25, 2018. He leaves behind his wife, Evelyn; two daughters, Carole (Christ) Doulos of Grosse Ile, MI, Dorothy (Steve) Wzontek of Buffalo, NY; one son, Don FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS (Corky) of Truckee, CA; five www.HopewellFuneraI.com grandchildren and five great APRIL 22 HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM grandchildren. WELLSMEMORIAL.COM CAR OWNER’S WORST Mr. Leslie was born in MemNIGHTMARE phis, TN and spent 40 years 1700 block of East Alabama with the AC-Delco division Street. Wells MeMorial & event Center of General Motors. He was a Stolen vehicle/recovery: Lois Parrish Lewis PlanT CiTy member of First Baptist Church Complainant stated unknown RoyWellsMemorial.com Charles Riner 813-752-1111 of Plant City and any donations suspect(s) had stolen his 2011 Lois Parrish Lewis, 85, of Plant should go to the church buildChevrolet Camaro overnight. City, born on Sept. 21, 1932 in Roy Charles Riner, 65, of M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1 ing fund. Just before 9 a.m., the vehicle Trenton, entered into eternal Tampa, born in Ruskin on Dec. A Memorial Service will be was found in Sumter County, rest on April 25. 15, 1952 entered into eternal 11 a.m. May 12 at Wells Memofive miles north of Polk County. Expressions of condolence at rest on April 23. rial Funeral Home. The family The Camaro was on blocks and www.HopewellFuneral.com. Expressions of condolence at will receive friends 30 minutes had been set on fire. HopewellFuneral.com prior to the service. A recepwe’re dedicated to helping families create a W E ’ RE PRO UD TO S E RVE our community uniqueHe and meaningful that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. tion will follow. was buried memorial in APRIL 23 the life it represents. FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS Memphis, celebrates TN. BACK TO SQUARE ONE As your Dignity Memorial professionals, www.HopewellFuneraI.com FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS offers their sincere 1020 block of Ashentree Drive. > 100% Service GuaranteeThe HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM > family National Plan Transferability www.HopewellFuneraI.com > The Compassion thanks to the staff at Commu-Helpline® Burglary: Complainant stated > Bereavement Travel Assistance HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM nity Care Center for all of their unknown suspect(s) broke a care and compassion over the window of a newly-built home and stole all of the appliances Proudly supportinglast the two Plantyears. City Strawberry Festival. inside over the weekend.

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10/27/15 10:42 AM

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New beginnings New beginnings LIFT is a social support program that helps widows and widowers New beginnings for for widows widows and and widowers. widowers. ®

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Wells Memorial and Event Center 1903 W. Reynolds Street Plant City, FL 33563

Dignity Memorial LIFT Please RSVP to: Verna McKelvin at Sunday, 813-752-1111May 20, 3:00 P.M.

We had a GREAT Meeting on April 29th - More FUN to come - Join us on May 20th!

Wells Memorial and Event Center 1903 W. Reynolds Street Plant City, FL 33563

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018

FRIDAY, MAY 4

FIRST FRIDAYS 6:33 p.m. Come sing your praises with Krazy Kup the first Friday of every month. The Christian Music Jam is open to anyone and everyone with a love of music and Jesus Christ. The event is held in the music loft at Krazy Kup. Follow the coffee shop on Facebook for more information.

SATURDAY, MAY 5

NRG HOSTS 4TH ANNUAL VOCAL TALENT SHOW 7:30 p.m. NRG is hosting its 4th annual Sing Out Loud Talent Show at Plant City Entertainment. The regional vocal talent show for all school-age singers will be hosted by the

members of NRG. A portion of the proceeds will benefit PCE. Elementary, middle and high school students will be divided in to age-based categories to compete for prizes like a music video shoot or two hour recording session. Tickets for the talent show are available at www. NRG.TicketLeap.com/NRG. BLUEGRASS JAM 7:33 to 10:33 p.m. Krazy Kup hosts its Bluegrass Jam the first Saturday of every month. All local Bluegrass musicians and fans are welcome to come out to the music loft at Krazy Kup and jam, clap their hands, stomp their feet and enjoy the music.

SUNDAY, MAY 6

EASTSIDE BAPTIST HONORS SENIORS 10:45 a.m. Eastside Baptist Church is honoring all Senior Adults during the morning service. Gary Shepherd will preach the sermon and the senior adults will fill the choir. The church is serving a complimentary lunch after the service. NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL PROGRAM 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Native American Cultural Program is held at Grace United Methodist Church, 1801 E. Cherry St. This is a free educational program. Refreshments will be served. For more information call 813763-3718.

MONDAY, MAY 7

PLANT CITY AREA DEMOCRATIC CLUB 6 p.m. at the Bruton Memorial Library. The speaker will be Susan Smith, the Chair of the Florida Democratic Progressive Caucus. In addition, the club will review a number of proposed amendments to its bylaws.

TUESDAY, MAY 8

EAST HILLSBOROUGH LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION ASSOCIATION BANQUET 7 p.m. at the Exhibition Hall located on the grounds of the Florida Strawberry Festival.

BEST BET SATURDAY, MAY 5

PLANT CITY BIKE FEST 5 to 9 p.m. The Bike Fest is back with an eight-class bike show. First and second place will be awarded. There are three special top prizes. Registration is $10. The event will feature food and vendors and is held in historic downtown Plant City at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum.

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PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA 1507 YMCA Pl., Plant City 813 757 6677 tampaymca.org

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UNDER CALENDAR YMCA OF PLANT CITY 162337

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