5.4.23 PLCO

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY REMINDS RESIDENTS TO CONSERVE WATER

IF USING AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM, MAKE SURE YOU’RE WATERING ON THE RIGHT DAYS.

below its average rainfall of 10.93 inches.

It may have been a wet weekend but Hillsborough County has only received 4.87 inches of rainfall in the fist four months of the year, well-

With the lack of rainfall, Hillsborough County Water Resources is reminding residents to help conserve water and be mindful of lawn watering days and hours to avoid fins of up to $500.

All water users, whether in unincorporated Hillsborough County or the City of Plant City, are subject to year-round lawn watering restrictions that help to balance the demand and prevent low water pressure.

KYLE ROBINSON

TAKES HELM AS FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL PRESIDENT

THE LONGTIME HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE DEPUTY REPLACES PAUL DAVIS AS PRESIDENT.

Plant City resident Kyle Robinson has replaced former Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis, who retired last week, becoming the twelfth president/general manager in the Festival’s 92–year history.

“The board of directors and I are confident that yle is the right person for the job,” said Davis. “I have worked with Kyle and know fisthand his work ethic and passion to serve.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Robinson (center) poses with Florida Strawberry Festival maintenence staff Sephen Tindel and Delante Jones

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

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

To make an appointment, please call:

• 863.284.5000 for Primary Care or Pediatrics

• 863.284.5115 for

PCPD WELCOMES OFFICER JACOB WADE

Plant City Police Department welcomed Officer Jacob Wade, who was sworn in as its newest officer on April 28. Wade, a 26-year-old Tampa native, served four years in the Marine Corps prior to attending Hillsborough Community College’s Law Enforcement Training Academy, where he served as its class president. He’s excited to begin his career in law enforcement and hopes the skills he learned in the military, including leadership, structure and critical thinking, will help him excel as an officer.

“This feels like the right fit or me, In this career you have to put personal things aside and just go out there and give your all each and every day and have a positive impact on people’s lives,” he said.

Wade is now in the process of completing an intensive 16-week on-the-job Field Training Program where he will learn all facets of the job from seasoned officers.

FIGHT THE BITE ON YOUR PROPERTY

Hillsborough County residents will have 10 chances to pick up free mosquito fish this summer at events across the county to help fight msquitos on their own property. Qualified esidents are Hillsborough County residents with intentional standing water on their property, like koi ponds, fountains, animal troughs and unused swimming pools, that are filled 12 months a ear. Mosquito fish ae small, native freshwater fish that equire no feeding: they eat mosquito larvae. The free giveaway events begin May 6 at the County’s Mosquito Management office, located at 6527 Eureka Springs Road in Tampa. To receive fish you need a photo ID showing you live in Hillsborough County. For more information about the program or for other scheduled events visit HCFLGov.net/Mosquito or call (813) 635-5400.

RELAY FOR LIFE

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Plant City will take place Friday, May 5 from 6 p.m. - midnight at the Florida Strawberry Festival, where cancer survivors are celebrated, loved ones lost to cancer are remembered and funds are raised to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research and patient support. Highlights of the event include an opening ceremony with survivors and caregivers taking the fist lap and a luminary ceremony at 9 .m.“We share a passion to end cancer as we know it, for everyone,” said Linda Herman, Event Lead. “The lifesaving mission of the American Cancer Society can’t be stopped, ensuring we are here for everyone who needs us.” For more information or to make a donation visit www.relayforlife.org/plantcityfl

WINN DIXIE OFFERS “ONE STOP SHOTS”

Winn Dixie is offering $20 in free groceries as a vaccine incentive in all in-store pharmacies to further encourage customers and their families to get up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Its trained pharmacists can administer a wide variety of recommended vaccinations, including pneumonia, meningitis, shingles and Tdap, to help keep communities healthy and safe while traveling during the summer months. Additionally, in accordance with recently updated CDC and FDA guidelines, Winn Dixie is now administering additional COVID-19 bivalent mRNA doses for those who qualify. Customers receiving two vaccines on the same day are eligible to receive a voucher for $20 in free groceries. The offer is available now through June 30.

CONNECT WITH LOCAL LEGISLATORS OVER COFFEE

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Capital Coffee event on Wednesday, May 17 from 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. at the Trinkle Center, located at 1206 North Park Road. Attendees will have the chance to meet and speak with Plant City area elected officials and arn about their accomplishments in the previous legislative session, including Lawrence McClure (R- House District 68), Danny Burgess (R- Senate District 20) and Danny Alvarez (R- House District 69). Admission is free for Chamber members. Tickets for non-members are $10 each.

LOCAL ORATORS WIN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

Plant City Optimist

Club Oratorical Contest representatives Kenley Connell and Kyleigh Elliott placed second and third, respectively, at the North Florida District Oratorical Competition (NFDC) in Bushnell last weekend, marking the fist time the Plant City club had two competitors make it to the NFDC. For their wins, Connell will receive a $1,500 college scholarship and Elliott will receive a $1,000 scholarship. “We are extremely proud of our Plant City representatives, they did a great job against some tough competition,” said Plant City Oratorical Contest Chairman Doris Robbins.

CORRECTION

The Plant City Elks Lodge invited Quilts of Valor- Tangled Threads to its lodge to award two local veterans with quilts. “What Quilts of Valor does for our Veterans is truly amazing and it makes my heart sing to be a part of such a great journey to honor our Veterans,” said Tangled Threads group leader Tammy Arnold, MSgt, USAF, Ret.

PLANT CITY PHOTO ARCHIVES & HISTORY CENTER CONTINUES GROWTH

RESIDENTS SHARE FEEDBACK ABOUT PROPOSED COMMUNITY PARK

Plant City Photo Archives & History Center continues its growth pattern as it prepares for its quarter-century anniversary. Under the leadership of Executive Director Samantha Poirier, who joined the Archives in September 2021, it has focused on implementing inventory reorganization, collection identifiation and storage, computerization and access, and retrieval methodology including updating PastPerfect museum software programming.

Poirier, who will be moving to Massachusetts in her career development, is proud of the work she has accomplished while with the Photo Archives and looks forward to future challenges when she leaves Plant City at the end of August. She expressed gratitude to the people of Plant City who have welcomed her and have extended great friendship and collegiality.

Archives President Ed Verner praised Poirier for her dedication, wishing her well, and has appointed Bill Thomas to lead the search committee for a successor who, as Executive Director, will continue to lead the Photo Archives as it grows toward its 25th year.

The search committee which will be receiving applications from interested candidates includes Bill Thomas, chairman, Ed Verner, Robert Trinkle, Jim Shump, Marion Smith, Felix Haynes, Faychone Durant Newby, and John Haney. Former Executive Director Gil Gott will be facilitating the search for the new Executive Director. Interested individuals should inquire and send correspondence to Gott at his email address: gvgott@gmail.com, or contact the Photo Archives office. Incorporated as Plant City Photo Archives, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization in 2000, the Photo Archives emphasized its history orientation and began doing business as Plant City Photo Archives & History Center in 2010. Collaborating with a major donor, retired pediatrician Dr. Huang, the history center was later named the Dr. Scotty & Hsiu Huang History Center.

Over the past 20 years the Photo Archives has become known for its community participation including working closely with the Bing House African American Museum, Arts Council of Plant City, Florida Strawberry Festival, City of Plant City, and the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the Archives has collaborated with Wilson Elementary, Lincoln Elementary Magnet School, Plant City High School, Bruton Memorial Library, South Florida Hospital, Florida Southern College, Hillsborough Community College, Plant City Observer, In The Field magazine, FOCUS Magazine, Florida Humanities, WUSF, University of South Florida, Hillsborough County Sheriff ’s History Center, and many civic and community organizations.

Among the outstanding events brought to the community is the fist Smithsonian Institution Museum on Main Street Exhibition which was on display at the Archives from May to July 2012. The Archives also brought the J. Seward Johnson sculptures to Plant City with its fist exhibit running for three months in the summer of 2012 and continues annually, now under the leadership of the Arts Council.

Initiating the Jr. Archivist program, the Archives was hailed nationally, by the American Society of Archivists, as a leader in the field f youth development. The Archives has published over 120 articles in publications including In The Field magazine, FOCUS Magazine, The Courier, Plant City Observer, Society of Florida Archivists Newsletter, and contributed to the WUSF TV award winning video production Plant City Goes To War.

Plant City Photo Archives & History Center now seeks its third Executive Director in over 20 years and invites interested community history-oriented individuals to contact the search committee. Please send inquiries or resumes to gvgott@gmail.com.

Three dozen people showed up at a public input meeting last Thursday at City Hall, hosted by the City’s Engineering Department, to learn more about and share their opinions about a new community park that will be constructed on City-owned property at 502 East Young Street. The park will feature a splash pad, playground, skate park, restrooms, picnic shelters, a pond with fountain, walking trails, outdoor fitnss equipment, paved parking lots and sidewalks.

Three conceptual layouts, prepared by WSP Environment and Infrastructure, Inc., were on display and City Manager Bill McDaniel and representatives from the design firm ave presentations about the project.

City officialsere pleased with the turnout. “We value public opinions expressed at the meeting and will use them to develop a suitable plan for the park,” said Assistant City Manager Jack Holland. “This is an exciting project to ultimately provide a new facility to our park inventory and add the City’s fist splash pad within the park.”

It’s not too late to share feedback. Citizens have until May 5 at 5 p.m. to submit their comments/concerns to the City, which will then be reviewed and data

gathered to assist officials inelecting the best design.

“Overall, it went well, we got a lot of good feedback and a few neighbors shared concerns regarding the traffic vel and security of the park,” said Parks and Recreation Director Julie Garretson.

Based on feedback at the meeting, Concept B was the frontrunner.

“It was great to hear the feedback and give our design firm a chane to explain the designs and field qustions the citizens had,” said Garretson. “We look forward to seeing the results and progressing with the best possible design.”

Contact Project Manager Tatyana Austin by email at taustin@plantcitygov.com to share feedback about the conceptual layouts of the park.

Three design options were shared with residents slightly supporting Concept B over the other two plans.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

This week on Cops Corner, Plant City Police investigate: Counterfeit checks, burglarized vehicles and stolen construction materials.

APRIL 21

BANK ROLLED

3100 block of Emerson Pl.

Fraud: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who reported that an unknown individual used his routing number and Suncoast Credit Union Bank account to both create and cash several counterfeit checks.

APRIL 22

CAR TROUBLES

2800 block of James L. Redman Pkwy.

Vehicle burglary: An officer made contact with the victim at the listed location in reference to a vehicle burglary.

STICKY FINGERS

2600 block of James. L. Redman Pkwy. Petit theft/shoplifting: An officer met with a loss prevention employee for a business at the listed location who had stopped a shoplifter and recovered merchandise, valued at $82.68. The suspect fled prior o PCPD arrival.

APRIL 23

KEYLESS ENTRY

1900 block of County Club Ct.

Residential burglary: An offier met with the victim at the listed location who reported that someone unlawfully entered their home.

UNLOCKED AND LOADED

3200 block of S. Northview Rd.

Vehicle burglary: An officer met with the victim at the listed location in reference to a vehicle burglary.

APRIL 24

SHED ACHE

1700 block of Sammonds Rd.

Structure burglary: An officer responded to a business at the listed location and met with the victim who reported that their storage shed was burglarized.

DOOR JAMMED

3500 block of White Dandelion Ct.

Theft: An officer responded to a construction site at the listed location and met with the complainant who reported that three

doors, valued at $1,800, were taken from the homes that are under construction.

SECURE THE BAG

3200 block of Pemberly Park Dr.

Vehicle burglary: An officer responded to the courthouse and met with the victim who reported that their purse was stolen from an unlocked vehicle.

APRIL 25

WHO WOOD DO THIS

3500 block of Golden Wheat Ln.

Theft: An officer responded to a construction site at the listed location and met with the complainant who reported that sometime between April 20 and April 24, an unknown suspect removed $920.47 worth of lumber from the home that is under construction.

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

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CONTACT US

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, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B.

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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Mail: The Plant City Observer, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B, Plant City, FL 33563

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BE WATER CONSCIOUS ESPECIALLY DURING FLORIDA’S DRY MONTHS

KEEP ABREAST OF ALLOWABLE WATERING DAYS/TIMES BASED ON YOUR ADDRESS

In unincorporated Hillsborough County, allowable watering days and hours for most water sources, uses and methods are limited to twice per week between midnight and 8 a.m. or 6 p.m. and midnight, as follows:

„ Street addresses ending in 0, 1, 2 or 3: Watering days are Mondays and/or

Thursdays.

„ Street addresses ending in 4, 5 or 6: Watering days are Tuesdays and/or Fridays.

„ Street addresses ending in 7, 8 or 9: Watering days are Wednesdays and/or Saturdays.

„ Common areas with or without ad-

dresses, locations with no addresses and locations with mixed addresses (such as office complexes and shopping centers): Watering days are Wednesdays and/or

Saturdays.

No watering is allowed on Sundays. Customers using reclaimed water may water on any day of the week, either before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Hillsborough County Code Enforcement Officers are carrying out routine patrols to make sure residents are following the ordinance. Violations can result in a warning and even a fine f up to $500. Violations can be reported by calling Hillsborough County’s water violations reporting hotline at (813) 224-8993.

Within the corporate limits of Plant City, water users have to follow water use regulations. In Plant City, even-numbered addresses can water Thursdays and/or

Sundays and odd-numbered addresses can water Wednesdays and/or Saturdays. Residents can water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Customers using reclaimed water may water on any day, except between 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Violations can be reported by calling 813-757-9200.

The UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Office offers free on-site and telephone irrigation evaluations for Hillsborough County residents. Extension staff can review rain or moisture sensors, irrigation system components and controller settings for property setup and functionality. They can also perform a “wet walk” of the property to identify irrigation inefficiencs, such as broken heads and misdirected sprays. Irrigation evaluations can be scheduled by contacting Paula Staples at (813) 744-5519, ext. 54142.

“We’re at the peak of our dry season

and everyone is trying to keep their lawns in good shape,” said Hillsborough County Public Utilities Sustainable Water Resources Section Manager David Glicksberg. “It puts a lot of stress on the water system and public water supply.”

In addition to following watering restrictions, Glicksberg encourages residents to make adjustments to their irrigation systems based on the weather. “If it just rained and your watering day is the next day, maybe you don’t need to water, you can turn off our irrigation system for that day,” he said.

“It’s up to all of us to help conserve water and make sure we have an adequate water supply for generations to come,” said Glicksberg. “Every drop counts.”

Visit www.HCFLGov.net/WaterRestrictions or call 813- 663-3295 for more information.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

PLANT CITY FIRE STATION 3 SLATED FOR REPAIRS

The 1927 American LaFrance Fire Engine, resting behind tinted glass in a bay at Fire Station 3, located at 1710 North Park Road near the Mike E. Sansone Park, is about to see the light.

The city commission approved a job order at last week’s commission meeting to replace Fire Station 3’s bay windows for $103,877.63. The cost of the project includes $81,316 of General Fund revenue and $24,000 from the city’s Capital Improvement Budget (CIP).

Austin Construction Group, Inc. will remove and replace the antique bay storefront windows, which block the view of the antique truck, leak when it rains and weren’t properly installed, with clear glass windows so the truck will be visible from the road, which was part of the original rendering of the building. In addition, other windows will be caulked and repaired.

The 8,400 square foot, three-bay station was constructed by West Construction

Group for approximately $3 million. Plant City Fire Rescue has been operating out of the building since January 2021. When city leaders identified onstruction issues prior to completion, they took financial action “The windows were problematic due to a combination of design, manufacturing and installation issues,” said City Manager Bill McDaniel. “This problem was identified prior to completion of construction and appropriate financial etention was applied to help address the correction of these issues.”

A majority of the funds used to make the repairs is coming from money the city held back from the original contractor.

Fire Chief David Burnett is eager for the repairs of the new fist station to be completed quickly.

“We look forward to not having water intrusion into the antique bay area,” he said. “Additionally, the new windows will allow for better visibility of the 1927 antique fie truck on display.”

The anticipated completion date is August 2023.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

New clear windows will afford a better view of the antique fie truck.

Florida Strawberry Festival Welcomes

New President Kyle Robinson

ROBINSON HOPES TO CONTINUE TO UPHOLD THE FESTIVAL’S VALUES AND TRADITIONS.

Robinson has been working as president-elect since August of 2022. In his new role as president, he will directly oversee all of the Festival’s day-to-day operations while working alongside its board of directors and associate directors. Prior to his employment with the Festival, Robinson served 27 years with the Hillsborough County Sheriff s Office from which he retired as colonel of patrol operations.

“The Festival has been a large part of my life, some of my fondest memories were made here,” said Robinson. “It’s an incredible opportunity to serve the festival and this great community.”

His journey to president started in a parking lot far, far away. Shortly after being hired by the Sheriff s Office in 1995, he accepted the assignment to work at the festival. “I was assigned to work in the gray parking lot, one of the most remote parking lots at the festival,” he said.

After a number of years he worked a gate then later the midway. By 2015, he was event commander, overseeing other deputies and security operations during the festival. As he met the board of directors and other staff membes, his love for the festival grew. “My grandfather was a red coat and it signifis service, someone who works hard as a volunteer to put on a very special event for the community,” he said.

Robinson retired from the HCSO July 17, 2022 and began his second career with the Festival as president-elect on August 1, 2022, working with Davis and learning the ropes of the festival business.

“The insight I’ve gained from my experience in working the Festival with the Hillsborough County Sheriff ’s Office has prepared me to offer festival guests with quality customer service interactions,” he said. “I am confident mving into this new position because the Festival has an engaged, experienced, and knowledgeable board of directors and associate directors to rely upon for guidance.”

Robinson recognizes it’s not a one-man show (festival) and he gives credit where credit is due. In addition to board members, he’s grateful for all the staff, many of them full-time, that work hard throughout the year to put on the 11-day event. “The maintenance staff is out hee every day fiing, painting, rewiring, they’re the unsung heroes of the festival,” he said. “If I’m seen in public I get a pat on the back, but they deserve all of the credit.”

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Maintenance employees Justin Meyer and Woody Nicholson keep the festival grounds tidy.

JOB FAIR CONNECTS HUNDREDS OF HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS TO LOCAL EMPLOYERS

Future Career Academy Future Fair Hiring Event helps students get a jump start on their careers.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Durant High School senior and Plant City resident Kamari Grimsley is planning to attend Hillsborough Community College’s (HCC) dental hygiene program after graduation so she can reach her goal of becoming a dental hygienist and teaching people about their oral health.

She visited HCC’s Trinkle Center last week, not to apply to college, but to look for jobs at Future Career Academy’s annual Future Fair Hiring Event, where hundreds of high school seniors connected with dozens of local employers looking to hire motivated and eager-to-learn workers.

“I’m here to find a ood job so I can work in college,” said Grimsley, who dressed to impress the businesses in attendance. “I want to make a good fist impression.”

As she introduced herself to employers stationed at booths around the large room, firmly shaking hands and looking emplyers in the eyes, she realized how many jobs are available in her hometown. “I didn’t know there were this many employers in Plant City, this event has shown me how many opportunities are out there,” she said.

Plant City High School senior Gilberto Medina also talked with several employers. He is eager to land a full-time job right out of school, somewhere he can use his math skills. He spoke to a manager at the TD Bank booth, who’ll be opening a branch in Plant City in July. “I’m trying to make sure I have money, I want to jump right into the workforce,” he said.

In addition to the hiring fair, students also rotated through two classes, Life 101 Crash Course and How To Make More Money, where seasoned professionals offered real-

world advice and lessons from their own lives.

Hillsborough County Public Schools Chief of Schools Sue Burkett has attended fie of the six Future Fair Hiring Events throughout the county and recognizes the importance of helping students make connections to the workforce. “So many students don’t know what they want to do, college has become so expensive and the cost-of-living in our area has impacted families to a level that we’ve not seen before,” she said. “A lot of these kids can’t afford to go to college, don’t want to go to college or need to get a job to help support their families.”

She said students are learning that companies offer competitive wages, will pay for them to go to school, will pay to train them and they’ll be able to continue to live in their communities. “What a win-win for everyone,” she said.

Plant City Economic Development Council President Steve Morey agrees. “The number one factor companies are looking at when choosing a place to relocate to or grow is its workforce,” he said. “The companies are supplying these careers and to be able to have an organization like Future Career Academy to make that connection between businesses and the workforce is so important.”

For more information about Future Career Academy visit www.thefuturecareeracademy.com.

PCH senior Kamari Grimsley meets employers at Future Career Academy’s annual Future Fair Hiring event.

PAIR OF INSEPARABLE DOGS UP FOR ADOPTION IN PLANT CITY

PRECIOUS GIRL AND SNOWBALL ARE A BONDED PAIR AND IN NEED OF A LOVING HOME.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Precious Girl, an eightyear-old, 12-pound female chihuahua mix, and Snowball, a three-and-ahalf-year-old, 12-pound male poodle mix, need a forever home, a difficul task because the pooches are a package deal.

“They’re a bonded pair and even sleep curled up next to each other,” said 4 Lucky Dogs volunteer and their foster mom Kelli Foote. “They’ve been through so much together and we hope they’ll get adopted together.”

Precious Girl and Snowball, who’ve lived together for the last several years, were surrendered by their former owner, a Tampa resident, after living in lessthan-ideal conditions. Their hair was matted. They were filty. Their nails were too long. Fleas covered their small bodies. One of them had an eye infection.

The folks at 4 Lucky Dogs took them to a local veterinarian, where they were given medication to kill the flas. They were groomed. “They’re completely different dogs,” said Foote. “They’re the best dogs you can imagine but

I can’t wait to get them adopted and given a second chance.”

According to the organization’s website, adopting both dogs together would benefit an adoper who wants to be a multipet family because they already get along together. They can also be left alone (together) without experiencing separation anxiety. They also follow the same bathroom, sleeping and feeding schedule.

“If you’re thinking about eventually having two dogs, why not adopt two

dogs now that are already attached and love each other,” said Foote. “Adopting them at the same time will make the transition into a new home easier for you and them.”

The adoption fee is $500 for both dogs, which includes microchipping, spaying/neutering, testing for heartworms/de-worming, up-to-date vaccinations and rabies shot.

For more information about the adoption process or to learn more about Precious Girl and Snowball visit www.4luckydogs.org.

SPORTS

STRAWBERRY CREST ROLLS OVER NEWSOME IN REGULAR SEASON FINALE

The Chargers rattled off eight wins ver their final nine ames to finish the egular season at 16-7.

After entering April at 8-6, Strawberry Crest rattled off a seven-game win streak throughout the month — crushing Newsome in an 11-0 victory on Thursday to end the season at 16-7 with eight wins in their final nine contests.

Making their way over to Lithia, Crest opened the game with a leadoff base hit from freshman Reuben Vasquez before fellow freshman Dillon Knight punched a single of his own to center — putting two on for the Chargers with no outs. But despite a pair of baserunners fighting their way on early for the Chargers, two strikeouts and an infield fly out ended the threat.

In the bottom of the first, senior Luke Richardson took the mound for Crest, his first appearance since tallying eight scoreless innings in the Chargers’ nine-inning win over Durant the week before. In similar fashion to Crest, Newsome put their first two hitters of the contest aboard via a bunt base hit and a walk. After a shallow fly out to left field marked the first out of the inning, what appeared to be a routine fly ball to center ended the inning on a strange double play.

After the popup from Newsome’s next hitter sailed into right center, bringing a pair of Chargers’ outfielders together, the ball was dropped, thrown to second for the force out

and on to third where the Wolves’ lead runner was hung out to dry trying to advance — ending the first inning.

In the top of the second, Crest once again put the pressure on Newsome as a leadoff single from senior Jace Raburn and a bunt single from senior Damien Bennett put the first two hitters of the inning on, but a strikeout and a line out to second — taken to the bag for a double play — ended the frame. And a leadoff walk for Newsome in the bottom of the second quickly resulted in a one-out opportunity as a sac bunt moved him into scoring position, but Richardson responded with a pair of strikeouts to keep the game scoreless after two.

Back at the top of the order in the third, Vasquez and Knight once again led off with a pair of singles for the Chargers and eventually moved up to second and third on a double steal. Two strikeouts left the Wolves just one out away from escaping yet another jam but Crest was able to cash in on a bit of luck as junior Akhil Nimmala ripped a deep fly ball into the left center gap that ended up falling as Newsome’s left fielder couldn’t make the play cleanly on the run, allowing both runs to cross and Nimmala to reach second safely as the Chargers took a 2-0 lead into the bottom half of the frame.

After a 1-2-3 inning for Richardson, the Chargers tacked on another run in the fourth as Bennett opened the inning with a single before courtesy runner Ray Llanes moved into scoring position by stealing second. A base hit from senior Alex Philpott put runners on first and third before Newsome nabbed the first out of the inning at the plate as Ray Allen Vasquez attempted to push Reuben Vasquez home from third on a sacrifice squeeze attempt, leaving runners on first and second. Philpott and Ray Allen Vasquez moved up to second and third on a ground out to second and Knight once again reached safely on an infield hit to the right side — driving Philpott home and putting the Chargers up 3-0.

Another quick inning from Richardson in the bottom of the fourth kept Newsome off the board before Nimmala came up huge again in the top of the fifth. With Redner on first after a leadoff single, Nimmala broke the contest open with a massive home run to left to give Crest a 5-0 lead.

After Redner entered the game in relief, working through a harmless bottom of the fifth, both offenses were quiet in the sixth before Crest exploded for a half-dozen runs in the top of the seventh. Starting with a pair of walks from Arjun Nimmala and Redner,

Akhil Nimmala sent his second home run of the game sailing past the left field fence to give the Chargers an 8-0 lead on his third, fourth and fifth run batted in. The next two Crest hitters were retired, but the Chargers’ offense kept rolling. A single up the middle from Philpott allowed him to reach safely before moving up to second on a passed ball and a looping base hit to right from Ray Allen Vasquez drove him home — giving the Chargers a 9-0 lead. Ray Allen Vasquez moved up to second and subsequently advanced to third on back-to-back passed balls before scoring on an RBI triple from Reuben Vasquez. Reuben Vasquez then made his way across to score on a passed ball, giving Crest an 11-0 lead before Redner struck out the side in a perfect bottom of the seventh to secure the Chargers’ victory and move them to 16-7 heading into their district tournament this week.

DURANT OUTLASTS STRAWBERRY CREST IN DISTRICT SEMIFINAL

Two weeks after the two teams battled it out in a nine-inning affair, it was another pitching duel as the Cougars escaped with a 1-0 victory.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Two weeks ago Durant and Strawberry

Crest faced off at Durant as starting pitchers Blaine Rowland and Luke Richardson battling late into the spring evening — with both pitchers notching eight scoreless innings before the Chargers ultimately came away with a 2-0 victory in nine innings.

On Tuesday night, with the Cougars entering the contest off of a first round bye after finishing the regular season with a 17-5 record and the Chargers fresh off of a 16-0 quarterfinal victory over Ridge Community, the two pitchers met again as Durant ultimately came away on top when it mattered most — advancing to the district final with a 1-0 win over Crest.

With Rowland taking the mound in the top of the first, Crest quickly put their first baserunner of the contest aboard as freshman Reuben Vasquez drew a leadoff walk but Rowland bounced back quickly by notching the first out of the inning on a fly ball to center before inducing a ground ball double play to Nick April-Gath at shortstop. And as Richardson took the mound in the bottom of the first, he made quick work of the first three Durant batters with a ground out and a pair of fly outs. The dueling duo worked through the second and third without conceding a

baserunner and Durant came up with their first hit of the contest in the fourth on a slow ground ball up the middle from April-Gath, reached by Crest shortstop Arjun Nimmala but thrown on to first first too late to secure the out. Despite the hit, it was quickly wiped out as Crest catcher Damien Bennett rifled a throw down to second to catch AprilGath’s stolen base attempt before Richardson worked through the rest of the inning with a pair of ground outs.

And in the top of the fifth, Zach Redner notched the first hit of the game for Crest with a single through the left side, but much like Richardson, Rowland escaped the inning unscathed with a pair of strikeouts and some help from catcher Dylan LaPointe who tallied a caught stealing of his own as he gunned down Redner at second to end the frame.

In the bottom of the fifth, Durant junior Noah Morales opened up the inning for the Cougars with a base hit through the left side, quickly moving up to second on a wild pitch. A sacrifice bunt from Rowland marked the first out of the inning but moved Morales up to third successfully — putting the go ahead run just 90 feet from home. Richardson proceeded to get the second out with a clutch strikeout in the Cougars’ next at bat, but junior Pete Oderio followed it up with the biggest swing of the game as he roped a line

drive single into left to drive in Morales and give Durant a 1-0 lead.

The Chargers were sat down in order in the top of the sixth and Crest subsequently turned to Redner in relief in the bottom half of the inning — entering the game with runners on first and second with one out. A hit by pitch put LaPointe on first and loaded the bases for the Cougars, but Redner responded with a strikeout and a ground out to short to end the threat without allowing Durant to add any insurance heading into the top of the seventh.

Down to their last breath, Nimmala represented the game-tying run as he reached first safely by lining a one-out single to right field. A fly out to center left the Cougars’ just one out away but a single through the right side from Akhil Nimmala extended the affair and put runners on the first and third. Despite the pressure rising, Rowland was able to clinch the 1-0 victory as he induced a line out to left field to end the contest.

In another razor thin battle, it was another stellar competition between Crest and Durant — most notably coming in the form of excellent outings from Richardson and Rowland. Richardson finished the contest with two strikeouts, no walks, four hits allowed and just one earned run allowed across 5.1 innings. On the other side, Rowland totaled six strikeouts while allowing just one walk

and four hits across seven shutout innings in his complete game effort.

As the district tournament’s second seed, Durant will host rival Newsome in the 7A District 6 finals on Thursday at 7 p.m. after the fourth-seeded Wolves knocked off fifth seed Haines City in a 10-0 quarterfinal matchup before toppling top seed Winter Haven in an 11-0 semifinal this week. Durant and Newsome have split their season series this year, with Newsome taking a 9-4 win over the Cougars on March 28 before Durant came away with a 3-1 victory over the Wolves on April 14.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

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

PLANT CITY BASEBALL ADVANCES TO DISTRICT SEMIFINAL

After a tough opening stretch that resulted in a disappointing 2-5 start through seven games, Plant City would turn a corner late in the season to finish the year with a 13-11 record entering district tournament play. Winners in seven of their final nine contests — including a five game win streak that featured a strong 8-3 win over 15-5 Plant to end the Raiders’ regular season schedule — Plant City kept rolling with a definitive 15-5 victory in mercy rule fashion over East Bay in the 6A District 11 quarterfinals on Monday.

As the district’s third seed, the Indians made their way to Plant City and junior Chase Mobley took the mound in the top of the first for the Raiders — working through the frame with ease as he notched a pair of strikeouts and a ground out to end the inning quickly. In the bottom of the first, Plant City wasted no time jumping out in front. After a

pair of walks from junior Colin Pellicer and Landon Robert put the Raiders first two hitters of the game aboard, senior Anthony Palestrini appeared to give the Indians a picture-perfect double play opportunity on a ground ball to shortstop, but the throw to second was dropped by East Bay’s middle infielder and all runners reached base safely — loading the bases with no outs. And in the next at bat, senior captain Adan Longoria made East Bay pay for the mistake as he sent a towering grand slam over the left field wall to give the Raiders a 4-0 lead in an instant. Two hitters later, Plant City was right back in action with a double to right center from Wyatt Fordham put a runner back in scoring position. A single through the left side of the infield from senior Deven Gonzalez put runners on the corners before Gonzalez stole second. A single to right field from senior Zane Wright drove Fordham and Gonzalez home as the Raiders took a 6-0 lead into the second.

Two consecutive walks to open the second gave East Bay a chance to battle back, but a strikeout from Mobley sandwiched

between a pair of strong defensive plays from Longoria and Gonzalez got the Raiders out of the inning unscathed.

Longoria opened the bottom of the second with a line drive deep to right center, reaching second safely as East Bay’s right fielder nearly made the play on a dead sprint but couldn’t come up with the catch cleanly. A strikeout marked the first out of the inning but another RBI knock from Fordham drove Longoria home on a single to right field — giving Plant City a 7-0 lead for the moment. Gonzalez then roped a double of his own down the left field line to leave runners at second and third before Wright drove home Fordham on a sac fly to the wall in centerfield and Gonzalez scored on a passed ball. At the end of two, Plant City seemed to be making quick work of the 4-16 Indians as they built a 9-0 lead.

East Bay cut the Raiders’ lead down to 9-2 in the top of the third but Plant City got one back in the bottom half of the inning with an RBI double from Landon Robert. Three more runs in the bottom of the fourth left Plant City with a 13-2 lead — just one run

short of ending the game then and there via mercy rule — but the Indians were able to escape the jam and tack on three runs of their own in the top of the fifth to make it 13-5.

A bases loaded sacrifice fly from Gonzalez in the fifth and a game-winning single from Palestrini in the sixth, driving home senior Ray Cowen from third, sealed the 15-5 victory for the Raiders, moving them to 14-11 on the year and earning them a rematch against Bloomingdale in the district semifinal the next night.

Looking for revenge after Bloomingdale claimed the lone regular season matchup between the two teams in a 4-3 final on March 23, the Raiders came up just short as they fell 6-5 to the Bulls on Tuesday.

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

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

We asked Plant City: What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

“Went to Ireland in January 2023. Beside that, Switzerland in 2007. Just beautiful countries.” - Cynthia Davis Van Camp

“We went to St. Augustine to see the oldest city lit up with lights for Christmas. I thought it was just going to be a weekend vacation getaway… my boyfriend instead asked me to marry him!! We got engaged at Harry’s in a beautiful, historical city in front of strangers who are now friends! The memories made on that vacation will always be special!” - Shirley M. Steele

“My husband took me to Graceland and Ripley’s Aquarium.” - Sandi Harris

“Alaska Cruise to the inside passage! It was beautiful and so much fun!” - Barbara Sellers

“Believe it or not it was last year when I went to TN and saw snow for Christmas, the best time ever.” - Betty Messick

“Venice, Italy.” - Janie Knight

“Greece. So much to see and the food was so good.” - Ev Ploense

“Israel.” - Natasha Malpeli

“Going to Walt Disney World for the Disney princess half marathon race with my three daughters and then staying for the rest of the week. It was amazing!”Valerie Scotton

“Lots of them when I was little. We didn’t have a lot of money but would always go to my grandparents cabin in the Mountains (NC). My parents always found amazing hiking trails we could hike for free or super cheap. It was the best time hiking and talking, joking, laughing.” - Cathy Sink Nicolette

“Too many to pick one. But I am sure the one coming next month to Big Sky Montana will be in the running.” - Angela Glass

“Well I have been lucky enough to go on long family vacations to every state except Alaska and Hawaii but I guess my favorite was to Europe (France, England and Spain.) But everywhere was beauti-

ful and fun with family and friends. Been blessed.” - Joanna Sink

“Las Vegas/Grand Canyon” - Matthew Gaither

“Each year at the beach, it doesnt get any better. We’ve been getting the same resort for years now and they can’t be beat. Nice rooms and the staff is wesome. Got our reservations for July and excited. Silver Surf is the place to go.” - Sandy Blanton Easters

“Rafting the Grand Canyon for three days.” - Carey Burnside

“Key West.” - Jennifer Genco McGuire

“Gatlinburg, Tennessee.” - Danny Harrod

“Seattle with my sons was fun.” - Jennifer McPherson Stuart

“In the mountains of Wyoming with no phones, no stores, just mountains, cows and only fie people.” - Chris Black

“Portugal.” - Carolyn Stanley

“Alaskan Cruise.” - Raymond Bryan

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR

“When the kids were young (late 80’s, early 90’s) we used to do long weekend mystery trips. One parent would select a location within about a day’s drive and no one else would know where we were going. One particular trip my husband decided we would go to South of the Border (cheesy I know, but the kids always thought it was great) and for some reason he thought it was at the GA/SC border instead of NC/SC. When we got to the GA/ SC border he couldn’t fiure out where it went! I don’t remember where we ended up but it was so funny it didn’t matter.” - Donna Varano

“Australia. Friendly people, beautiful country.” - Sharon Marie Elizabeth

“Switzerland.” - Kathy Gilmartin

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“Visiting family in Etters, PA.” - Nancy Pistili-Hurst

“Yellowstone.” - Chad Harris

In lieu of flwers, memorial contributions may be made to Gulfside Hospice at www.gulfside.org/make-agift or First Baptist Church of Brandon at https://pushpay.com/g/fistbaptistb randon?src=hpp.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Elizabeth Cock

Elizabeth Cock, 88, of Brandon, Fla., born on Jan. 10, 1935, in Plant City, Florida, entered into eternal rest on April 25, 2023. She was an active member of First Baptist Church Brandon, and worked at the Strawberry Festival for many years. She loved her family dearly, was an avid reader, and enjoyed “life at the lake”.

She is survived by husband of 68 years, Glendel Cock; children, David Cock (Chris) of Spring Lake, Robert Taylor Cock (Kimberly) of Rockwall, Texas, Jean White (Joe) of Spring Lake; granddaughter, Kaley Cock; and sister, Sarah Mott.

A funeral service will be held May 4, 2023 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church Brandon, 216 North Parsons Avenue, where the family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. Committal to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Plant City.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Kayra Bailey Connell

Kayra Bailey Connell, 54, of Plant City, born on September 3, 1968, in Lakeland, entered into eternal rest on May 1, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

G.C. Stanaland

G.C. Stanaland, 95, of Plant City, born on Sept. 10, 1927 in Tallahassee, entered into eternal rest on April 30, 2023. He retired from the Hillsborough County Road Department after 45 years of service, and was a member of Plant City Church of God. He loved his family dearly, and enjoyed fishing

He is survived by wife of 75 years, Lois A. Stanaland; daughters, Janice Albritton (Rick), and Carolyn Wilson (Ron); grandchildren, Jill

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

BEST BET

FRIDAY, MAY 5

RELAY FOR LIFE

6 p.m. to 12 a.m. at 303 Berryfest Pl. Relay For Life is making its way back to Plant City, taking place at the Strawberry Festival Grounds. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Plant City invites members of the community to join the movement to honor and remember loved ones and fight ack for lifesaving change. This year’s theme is “Curing Cancer Would Be Relay Sweet,” and the event begins with opening Ceremonies at 6 p.m., with the Survivors and Caregivers taking the fist lap, followed by a survivor’s reception. To help plan for the reception and order the survivor shirt, Survivors are asked to register for the event at www.relayforlife.org/ plantcityfl The Luminaria ceremony will then be held at 9 p.m. If you want to be a sponsor for the event, contact Tammy Schooner at Tammy.schooner@cancer.org. And for more information on Plant City’s event, visit www.relayforlife.org or www.relayforlife.org/plantcityfl

THURSDAY, MAY 4

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

10:30 at 3309 James L. Redman Pkwy. Come out for the Plant City National Day of Prayer event in the parking lot of First Baptist Church. Beginning with an opening prayer, the event will feature several different pastors from the local area as well as special music from Victoria Schumaker. The National 2023 theme is, “the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” It will be a brief outdoor event with no seating or restroom facilities.

FRIDAY, MAY 5

STORY TIME ON THE GO

9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at 1501 YMCA Pl. Achieve Plant City is excited to launch literacy into their community with this free event held at the Plant City YMCA. Story Time on the Go is an vent for preschoolage children and parents/guardians to gather around a good book and enjoy an activity together. Discover a new theme and story each month at different destinations around Plant City, with May’s event featuring a read along about Water Safety and Under the Sea. For more information, visit www.achieveplantcity.orh.

SATURDAY, MAY 6

BLUEGRASS JAM

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 fist Saturday of every month.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10

FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS

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

SATURDAY, MAY 13

OPEN MIC NIGHT

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 shw everyone what you’ve got.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17

CAPITOL COFFEE

8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 1206 N. Park Rd. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce will be hosting another Capitol Coffee event in May, taking place at the John R. Trinkle Center at Hillsborough Community College’s Plant City campus. The event will offer citizens an opportunity to meet with their local elected officia, with a coffee meet and greet beginning at 8:30 and the official ogram beginning at 9. Confirmed epresentatives for May’s event include Lawrence McClure (R - House District 58), Danny Burgess (R - Senate District 20), Michael Beltran (RHouse District 57) and Andrew Learned (D - House District 59).

SATURDAY, MAY 20

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

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

FRIDAY, MAY 26

LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN

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

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

I LOVE PLANT CITY

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

FORECAST

THURSDAY, MAY 4 High: 90 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 5% FRIDAY, MAY 5 High: 94

68

SUNRISE/SUNSET

4%

93

MOON PHASES

13%

42%

24%

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Carol Ann Mathis snapped this photo of birds flying ver the lake on a foggy morning at Brewer Park in Plant City

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture