PLANT CITY
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 5, NO. 48
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Strawberry Crest baseball goes to states. ONLINE
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THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2018
100 deadliest days For many teens, the freedom of summer months is what they’ve been dreaming of for the entire school year. However, AAA has found that that freedom can often come with a deadly price. SEE PAGE 7.
Plant City fights sexual harassment Business owners flocked to the monthly Chamber of Commerce’s Lunch & Learn series, which featured the topic of “Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: Understand. Prevent. Respond.” BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
With the #MeToo movement reshaping public conversation on sexual harassment many businesses are combing through their policies and familiarizing staff on the plans in place. At the May Lunch & Learn Series hosted by the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, the room was filled to near-capacity with business owners and chamber members who wished to learn how to better understand, prevent and respond to sexual harassment in the workplace. Tina Howard, manager for team relations at the South Florida Baptist Hospital, and Steve Bonnell, human resource manager for James Hardie, delved into the complex issue and offered steps for each business to take to ensure their staff is safe at work. “This is not a new topic, I know most of you have probably heard it many times,” Howard said. “Sexual harassment has never not been a problem. It is at the forefront of conversation lately thanks to social media.” Many companies already have policies in place to prohibit discrimination. One of the major questions any businesses or staff may have is how to report harassment appropriately. It’s crucial to handle the issue with care. Failure to do so can result in not only shattered lives, but also colossal financial repercussions for the company at fault. SEE HARASSMENT PAGE 5
KEEPING AN EYE
YOUR TOWN
ON THE SKY The 2018 hurricane season officially begins tomorrow. Are you prepared? SEE PAGE 3.
File Photo
Gil Gott, executive director of the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center, has announced his intent to retire from his current position.
Gil Gott announces retirement Gil Gott, the executive director of the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center, has announced his intent to retire from his current position to move to a reduced schedule as the director of the History Center. He began work with the Photo Archives at its inception in 2000 and has served the last 18 years as executive director. The move is set to take place on Oct. 1. Gott has published two books and authored more than 100 articles on local history in the greater Plant City area.
Royal Tea Springhead Baptist Church of Plant City kicked off its inaugural tea soiree. The ladies group hosted the first tea party for their church on the day of the royal wedding. Young women were taught dining etiquette and tea manners. Their sponsor was Mary Jane Padgett. Mothers, daughters, grandmothers and friends all joined the event. Sarah Davidson and Louise Studstill provided music and entertainment. Future tea parties are being planned.