5.7.20 PLCO by Plant City Observer

Plant City Observer

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YO UR HOMETOW N. YO UR NEWSPAP ER .

VOLUME 6, NO. 95

YOUR HOMETOWN. YOUR NEWSPAPER

YO UR NEWS PAP ER . NOVEL CORONAVIRUS HITS PLANT CITY NURSING HOME HARD

The state has confirmed 82 Community Care Center residents and staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.

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THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

SEE PAGE 5

A PARADE FIT FOR A HERO Plant City residents drove from First Presbyterian Church to the home of Lonnie Davidson on Sunday to say farewell to the retired Army colonel. A line of nearly 30 cars drove through town to see Davidson shortly before he left town, shocking and humbling the colonel. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

When retired Army Col. Lonnie Davidson returned to the United States after serving in World War II, he likely got a hero’s welcome. Shortly before he left for California on Sunday, Plant City gave him a hero’s send-off. Davidson, who has moved to California to stay with his daughter, was surprised to learn he was not only part of a parade, but part of a parade meant for him — to give him the goodbye Plant City residents felt he deserved as a well-known officer and a gentleman.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

NEWS BRIEFS

survivors by adding a loved ones name to a Lights of Hope bag, and we’ll display it at this special ceremony in September as we help fight back against cancer.” To purchase a Lights of Hope bag, visit https://buff.ly/2W5sufT.

American Legion changes Memorial Day plans

Warren warns against stimulus scams Now that $1,200 stimulus checks from the United States government are being printed and distributed, State Attorney Andrew Warren wants to remind residents to be wary of scammers looking to take that money from their hands. “Just think: If you’re excited about stimulus money coming your way, imagine how excited scammers and con artists are right now,” Warren said in a press release. “As your State Attorney for Hillsborough County, I want to warn you that scammers around the world want your stimulus money.” Warren urges the public to keep three things in mind when dealing with potential scammers. First, banks and the IRS do not need you to give them your financial information (like PIN numbers, credit card security codes, etc.) because they already have it. If anyone asks you “out of the blue” for this information, it’s likely to be a scammer. Second, no one can “help” you get a check faster (or get one at all if you didn’t

qualify). You don’t need to pay anyone anything for this to happen, whether with gift cards or your own money, because it can’t happen. Only visit official bank or IRS websites. Third, if you get a suspicious call, text or email, do not respond to it and instead try to contact the bank or the IRS yourself with information you have on your credit cards or other documents. If you believe you’ve been scammed or have been contacted by scammers, call the National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 720-5721.

Lights of Hope bags on sale to help American Cancer Society The American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network volunteers are selling Lights of Hope bags as a way to help the ACS help cancer patients and survivors. “Each year, ACS CAN holds its annual Lights of Hope ceremony in Washington, D.C. to honor and remember people impacted by cancer,” volunteer Dalton Vanderford said. “Cancer advocates like myself from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Guam bring thousands of bags with us, each dedicated with the name and picture of a loved one and their cancer story. During these challenging times, you can provide hope for cancer patients and

American Legion Post 26 announced it can no longer host its May 25 Memorial Day ceremony as originally planned due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, the legion has invited all interested civic clubs, organizations and individuals to participate by bringing floral arrangements to the flag pole at Post 26, 2207 W. Baker St., and placing them at its base. The gate to the post will be open all day May 25.

Schools, mayor earn awards The Hillsborough County Council PTA/ PTSA honored two Plant City schools and Mayor Rick Lott with awards on April 23. Plant City High School won Golden Participation, Student Involvement and Volunteer Hours awards, and the school’s Career Academy Field Trip program won the high school division’s Education Award. Principal Susan Sullivan was named the group’s Principal of the Year. Tomlin Middle School won the middle school division’s Education Award for its annual end-of-year Locks Celebration for straight-A students. Lott was named Volunteer of the Year for his work with local schools, Career Academy, the Great American Teach-In and much more.

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As of Monday, Plant City’s parks are once again open to the public. The Parks and Recreation Department announced parks are reopening to give people more options for “exercise and passive activities” as long as people continue to abide by social distancing requirements and the 10-person group limit. “It is imperative that these social distancing and group size rules continue to be followed to help avoid a spike of COVID-19 cases,” the department said in a press release. “Should there be a significant increase of cases, the governor and EPG may reinstate park closures, so it is up to our park users to continue following the CDC guidelines of social distancing and group size restrictions.” People are able to use parks’ playgrounds, pavilions and walking trails, as well as sports-focused amenities like the volleyball, tennis and basketball courts and the skate park. Organized athletic programming has not been reinstated, per Governor Ron DeSantis’s orders, and will be until further notice. That means no team or league games, practices, tryouts or tournaments in Plant City parks. The Planteen Recreation Center and parks are still closed to programming until further notice. The department said anyone caught violating the CDC guidelines can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor.

“We are taking a big step towards normal life and we are proud of our community for following the rules and allowing us the opportunity to make this change,” the department said.

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City parks reopen

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

THE COLONEL’S CHANGE OF STATION Retired Army colonel Lonnie Davidson recently went to California to be with his daughter, but Plant City gave him an unforgettable send-off on Sunday. FROM PAGE 1 JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

It started in front of First Presbyterian Church, his home church while in Plant City. Davidson’s car arrived around 11:45 a.m. and, while he sat in the passenger seat with a Plant City Police Department cruiser in front of him, he looked behind him and saw a line of cars assemble down North Walker Street. They were adorned with American flags, handmade signs and other decorations, all for him. Escorted by PCPD, the parade line made its way through Plant City and stopped briefly in front of Davidson’s Walden Lake home. He stood on the edge of his driveway flanked by family and neighbors as nearly 30 cars passed by his home, a line that drew many other Walden Lake residents out of their homes and into their yards to see what was going on. Each car in line stopped in front of Davidson so their occupants could chat and share a memory, thank him for his service, say goodbye and wish him well on his next stop in life. The colonel has seen many things in his long, eventful life, but this parade still left him in awe well after the last car looped down the end of his street and left the neighborhood. “This is the most humbling experience of my life,” Davidson said as that car drove off toward Timberlane Road. Coming from Davidson, that’s high praise. This is a man who served overseas from 1942 to 1946, who was there for both the “D-Day” battle at Omaha Beach and the Battle of the Bulge in a span of six months, who was later named a Knight of the French Legion of Honor for his service in that country and whose life story was told in the book “Duty, Honor, Country” by Kelli Tharrington. Davidson, who is a Tennessee native, and his wife Helen moved to Plant City in 1988. He said his 32 years here marked the longest time he’s ever stayed in one place. City commissioner Mike Sparkman, a longtime friend and neighbor of Davidson’s, helped organize the parade

and asked PCPD to provide the escort from the church to Walden Lake. Sparkman said Davidson — whom virtually everyone calls “the colonel” — became such a treasured part of the community that his friends and family couldn’t possibly let him leave quietly. “We put it together just this week,” Sparkman said. “Everybody’s having parades and drive-bys for birthdays and stuff, and I thought this was proper to honor him.” Sparkman himself recorded a string of videos during the parade and is combining them into a package to give to Davidson and his family as a reminder that the small Florida town he called home for more than three decades is grateful he chose to become a part of it. Plant City won’t soon forget Davidson and, especially after the Sunday send-off, the colonel won’t soon forget Plant City.

“God bless,” Davidson said. “I love each and every one of you.”

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

PLANT CITY

Observer

This week on Cops Corner: Plant City Police investigated stolen tools, a fire in an abandoned home, a missing Maxima,

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

stolen AirPods and more.

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

Advertising / Richard Brame richard@plantcityobserver.com

APRIL 24 TRI-ING TIMES 1300 block of North Orange Street Theft: A woman reported to PCPD that her adult tricycle was stolen between Wednesday and Friday. The tricycle was valued at $300.

APRIL 25

plainant stated that an unknown suspect damaged the security cameras by spray painting the lenses with black spray paint at an unknown date and time. FIRED UP 400 block of West Baker Street Structure fire (arson): Officers responds to the above listed location with a structure fire in an abandoned home. Upon investigating, it was determined the fire was deliberately set and the State Fire Marshal was contacted.

MISSING MAXIMA 600 block of Brown Street Vehicle theft: This victim reported to officers that her black 2014 Nissan Maxima was stolen from the above listed location. The car has a Texas tag. CHEATING THE CHURCH 500 block of North Palmer Street Criminal mischief: This complainant reported that a window on the northwest side of the church was broken, which caused $200 in damage.

SMILE! YOU’RE ON CAMERA 1400 block of North Maryland Avenue Burglary: A man reported to PCPD that a man and woman were seen taking a Makita tool APRIL 26 APRIL 28 set, a DeWalt grinder, a Husqvarna chainsaw and a Craftsman toolbox TAKE IT ALL POP A WHEELIE from his front screen porch. The 1000 block of East Ohio Street East Ohio Street/ homeowner posted video from his Burglary: Between 9 p.m. April 25 South Maryland Street Edited David Steinberg May 7, 2020 surveillance system on social meand by 11 a.m. April 26, unknown subReckless driving: Four 4-wheelers dia and learned the man’s identity. jects entered the unlocked front were reported driving recklessly Satellite, e.g. 9 the *Lara Croft,within the 36area. Hall-ofHe and theACROSS woman, who was iden-46door of the residence at above However, officers “True ___!” under newnotably Braeburn Ott tified as his 1 girlfriend, returned the48listed location conwere unableFamer to locate them. stolen items and homeowner struction and removed a Honda (“Amen!”) or the Gala (4 to 8) 39 Chip in signed a waiver of prosecution. (series 3000), a Ryobi ALL ABOUT THAT BEAT 49generator Practiced 6 Mahershala of 10 Wedding 42 Certain generator a Crafts4600 block North of Crimson Court boxing (series 4500), gown “Moonlight” shade African WORKING BLIND LED light, a DeWalt Vehicle44 burglary: 50man Hence 9 Easy 11 electric Bread served H.S. This victim 2000 block of two-pointer Skil electric drill, a with silverbaba reported that a suspect broke into 51drill, Youa may proficiency Greenwood Drive shower show head yoursset and a Craftsman 14Valley Take the ghanoush her vehicle during examsthe night of Criminal mischief: This comelectric andNovelist stole her AirPods. off in ahand grinder.12 A party to April 2847 wheel

Universal Crossword

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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.

APRIL 29 COVID CROOK 3300 block of Sydney Road Theft: Officers responded to DelMonte and met with an employee who reported 32 cases (one pallet) of face masks were stolen between April 24 and 29.

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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.

NOTHING TO GAIN 1400 block of South Collins Street Petit Theft: This complainant reported someone stole four containers of Gain laundry detergent, valued at $65.10, on April 29.

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

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DOOR-TO-DOOR ARSONIST 1500 block of Plantation Grove Court Arson: Officers met with a victim at the above listed apartment complex who advised an unknown subject set her apartment door on fire. The same incident had occurred just last week on another apartment’s door.

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THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

IN PLANT CITY NURSING HOME LEAVES FAMILIES SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS There are now 82 residents and staff members that have tested positive for COVID-19 at the Community Care Center.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

For weeks, Plant City remained relatively unscathed while the county braced itself for the rapid spread of COVID-19. The city’s cases remained in single digits for nearly a month before creeping up slowly into the teens. Then, overnight, everything changed. The state released an updated report that showed residents and staff at the Community Convalescent Center, aka the Community Care Center, at 2202 W. Oak Ave. tested positively for the virus. The numbers swelled. The initial report showed 56 residents and 17 staff members were positive as of Tuesday morning, totaling 73 cases. The residents were transferred out of the facility. By Tuesday afternoon, 65 residents and the same number of staff were infected, increasing the total to 82 coronavirus cases. The facility itself is a not-for-profit that holds 120 beds. Fifty-four percent of its residents were infected as of press time. It’s the county’s worst fear and Dr. Douglas Holt, director of the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County, repeatedly states to members of the Emergency Policy Group that their main focus is on protecting the most vulnerable: those in long-term care facilities. The family members of the 65 positive residents are beginning to speak out. Many turned to social media to share their anxiety and frustration while others have come to the facility’s defense saying they plan to have their loved one return once “all of this is taken care of.” A letter to family members from CCC indicated the first domino in the infection rate fell on April 24. The letter said “all staff members continue to follow public health recommendations to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.” Multiple family members said the emergency contacts for all of the residents received a phone call from the facility notifying them that a resident had tested positive with COVID-19. CCC told the family members it was taking precautions to prevent further spreading and an official notification later was mailed. Three days later, another call came through identifying an additional positive case. The phone rang again the next day, this time saying the numbers had risen to five residents and one staff member. While communication continued on a regular basis, the facility stopped reporting the specific numbers. J.R. Pitts said he was told his 96-yearold grandmother Mavis Cleveland, who has dementia, was going to be moved

downstairs while they sanitized the area she was in. Over the weekend, the family received notice that she tested negative but was still going to be moved. On Monday night, the family received a call that their grandmother’s roommate had tested positive, so they retested Cleveland and found she now tested positive as well. Pitts said she was transferred a few hours later to South Florida Baptist Hospital. Cleveland is currently asymptomatic and her vitals are checked every few hours, so if she does begin developing symptoms they can quickly begin treatment. Pitts said overall their family is “currently satisfied with the level of communication we have received.” The near daily phone calls and letters kept them relatively in the loop, and he believes they transferred Cleveland at a reasonable pace when she tested positive. “We have a generally positive view of Community Convalescent and have been satisfied with them up to this point,” Pitts said. “They did restrict outside visits early and have taken the other recommended actions. It might have been nice to know the numbers were increasing so rapidly, although there’s nothing we could have done, and they were already calling just about daily anyway.” Not everyone shares that sentiment. Julie Hilson and her family are living with questions of “what if?” Hilson’s grandfather-in-law lived in Georgia and nearly a month ago fell and broke his femur. With COVID-19 beginning to sweep through the country, the family had a tough decision to make. They could either move him to a facility in Atlanta where he would be completely alone or move him to a facility in Plant City near his family. They chose to bring him to CCC. When he left Georgia he took a COVID-19 test and it came back negative. When he was ready to enter the facility, the first warning sign arose. Hilson said when the workers came out to get her grandfatherin-law, they were not properly wearing their masks. The items covered their mouths, but not their noses. It wasn’t until her husband said something that they corrected the PPEs and began leading their new patient inside. Patients at CCC have access to many devices that allow them to stay in contact with their loved ones. As the weeks passed they were able to frequently check in with her grandfather-in-law, but something odd was beginning to occur. According to Hilson, as new patients entered the facility they were not quarantined for 14 days, but instead were placed with the other residents.

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Her grandfather-in-law told them his new roommate was not there for long before he was suddenly moved. Another man quickly took his place. Not long after that man was also removed. At the time they didn’t understand what was going on, but Hilson said they later found out both of the new roommates had tested positive for COVID-19. Then he was also tested. The family was told he was positive as well and he was quickly transferred to the hospital. “It’s horrible because these individuals cannot care for themselves,” Hilson said. “Currently my grandfather-in-law is sitting down there at the hospital under a 14 day quarantine because he had a positive test result and there’s other people down there. My sister-in-law’s great aunt is on life support because of the same situation. They were moving people into rooms without knowing if they were positive or not. How do they do something like this to people who are there because they need help? These people aren’t able to fight for themselves, to care for themselves and they trusted that they were being taken care of.” The CCC did not return a call for a request to comment to the above stated comments, but did send a statement about how the facility was now handling the threat of COVID-19. The statement from administrator Donna Rogers said in addition to the fundamental infection control protocols in place, they had set up units to monitor residents. “In addition, our trained professionals have created dedicated units to monitor

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and care for all of our residents,” Rogers said. “This includes a unit for those who have tested positive for COVID-19, as well as a step-down unit and wellness unit for those who are unaffected.” Rogers added the facility remains in close contact with the Florida Department of Health, the Agency for Health Care Administration and other state and federal partners to monitor the virus. Hilson, however, said she believes the outbreak is the result of “blatant negligence.” Though she said they did receive frequent communication, she said the responses were vague and didn’t convey the seriousness of the situation. She said “the numbers don’t lie” and regardless of what safety precautions were in place, something obviously went wrong. At the end of the day, she said, she hopes CCC will come forward and say they handled the situation wrongly but that they have corrected it, then show evidence of the procedures in place to protect the remaining residents who are not yet infected. “We thought we were doing a good thing by moving him down here and here we are, we moved him into the lion’s den,” Hilson said. “They need to own up to what happened and then do everything they can to fix it. We want the people in there who cannot fight for themselves to have someone to fight for them. And if that has to be us, then that’s what we’ll do. We are all just appalled.” CCC did not return a call to comment on any claims from family members.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY ROTARY CLUB TURNS 65 The Plant City Rotary Club is celebrating a milestone next week. In honor of the club’s 65th birthday we take a look back at how it has evolved over the years and discuss everything it’s doing for the community during this unprecedented crisis with President Doug Watson.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

For more than six decades, an ever-growing group of local community leaders has gathered together under one title: Plant City Rotarians. Like so many of the clubs that began in the 1950s, the Plant City Rotary Club acted much like a “good ol’ boys club.” A handful of men got together and decided to bring a chapter of the international organization to town in hopes of further networking and community engagement. The club, however, quickly evolved into one of the most civic and service-minded groups in town and now is home to more than 85 members. Men and women ranging from their 20s to their 80s meet once a week for a club lunch and brainstorm ways to give back to the many other organizations and causes they hold dear. They provide nearly silent backup — unless you’re really looking, you may not even notice they’re there. But they humbly make waves everywhere they go. “For me, Rotary is a service club, it’s as simple as that,” Rotary President Doug Watson said. “There’s a lot of networking clubs around and they’re great and do great things, but that’s one thing we aren’t. Rotary International may have been founded with that as a part of its roots, but it’s evolved to a service club. It’s service above self and that’s really our big slogan. It’s all about taking care of others. We are a service club that gets together — we’re a fun group, a smart group — and we find ways to generate funds to help other charities and give locally and internationally.” Watson said the local chapter’s focus is predominantly in Plant City, though they still have several international projects they support. They pour much of their collective brainstorming into two large fundrais-

ers every year — Rotary Wild Game Cook Out and Dancing with the Locals — and then spend the rest of the year giving back with the money those two events raised. You’ll often find Rotarians with a spatula and barbecue tongs in hand. It has become their trademark around town and their energetic and friendly volunteers will often be found at many community events. Whether they’re grilling hotdogs and passing out drinks and chips for all of the participants of the Plant City Christmas Parade thanks to a partnership with Lee Williams from Felton’s, cooking up meals for attendees of Plant City Little League’s Opening Day or even supplying the American cookout staple for local schools to raise money for their corresponding PTAs, the group never fails to make an appearance. Each year during the Dancing with the Locals event, they have a massive check presentation for the United Food Bank of Plant City and they also support a local dentist’s annual service trip to the Philippines. One of their trademark programs entails them giving thousands in scholarships to local students. Needless to say, COVID-19’s sudden and raging emergence threw quite a wrench into the group’s plans. The annual cookout was postponed. The community suddenly faced more needs than ever before. So, once again, Rotary adapted. Part of the club’s strength lies in its ability to adapt thanks to the diversity of its members. Watson called it the perfect blend of the old and new. They have the wisdom, the heritage and history of some of its long-time members as will as the innovative spirit of its younger teammates. Together they are able to push the envelope and move the club forward. The members now meet for a virtual video conference once a week. When UFB of Plant City voiced its need for donations

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and volunteers, Rotary stepped up. They there is a healthy reserve available to tap donated $5,000 and several members have into during this trying time. been volunteering to help wherever there is a need. The Class of 2020 was faced with an unpredictable future, so Rotary upped its game and expanded its scholarship program. Watson said they’re giving students $38,000 in scholarship money this year. What’s unique about the group’s program is it isn’t just for high school seniors. Yes, the majority of the funds go toward Plant City High School and Simmons Career Center for students who want to attend college or go to a technical school. However, the club has expanded to continue helping recipients as they wade through their education. “All in all, we’re giving away $38,000 in scholarships and what we started doing recently to add to the program is to continue helping students that are going into their second year,” Watson said. “So if they get one of our scholarships Anyone interested in getting involved with Rotary in high school and then keep their is welcome to email Watson at fire2305@msn. grades up their first year, they can com. They can also follow the club’s Facebook reapply. So we’ve got 10 scholar- @PlantCityRotary or visit plantcityrotary.org. ships set aside for the second year and five for the third year. We love helping our seniors, but then we starting thinking instead of just giving these kids money to get them started we should continue with it to help keep them in school and help them after their first year when their money starts to run out.” Rotary will continue to give back regardless of what hurdles COVID-19 causes, Watson said. Thanks to the careful planning of the club’s board of directors over the years

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THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

DOCTOR’S NOTE:

BETTER HEARING & SPEECH MONTH ALLERGY & ASTHMA AWARENESS MONTH Florida E.N.T. & Allergy provides comprehensive ear, nose, throat and allergy care for people of all ages. In honor of Better Hearing & Speech Month and Allergy & Asthma Awareness Month this May, they are helping raise awareness for these conditions. Hearing & Speech Awareness More people than ever are talking on the phone, video conferencing, and participating in virtual meetings — which makes this the perfect time to check in on your hearing and speech health. Did you know that 48 million Americans (one in five) experience hearing loss severe enough to affect communication? Better Hearing & Speech Month aims to raise awareness about communication disorders, such as hearing loss, in addition to problems like speaking and understanding. These challenges oftentimes compromise physical and emotional health — as well as affect social, educational, vocational, and recreational aspects of everyday life. Complete the hearing self-check below to see if you or a loved one could benefit from a consultation with an audiologist: Answer YES or NO to each item:

1. Do you ask others to repeat them-

selves or speak up? 2. Do you sometimes feel people are mumbling or not speaking clearly? 3. Do you experience difficulty understanding soft or whispered speech?

4. Do you have trouble understanding conversation in noisy places? 5. Do you have trouble understanding women’s and children’s voices? 6. Do you have trouble hearing over the telephone? 7. Do you have trouble understanding a speaker at a public meeting or religious service? 8. Do you hear better with one ear than the other? 9. Have you had significant noise exposure at work, recreation or in military service? 10. Do you experience ringing or noises in your ears?

If you answered YES to two or more questions, a consultation with an audiologist at Florida E.N.T. & Allergy is recommended. In addition to hearing, many communication issues derive from the throat. If you experience hoarseness, chronic cough, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or problems with voice projection, you may benefit from seeing a laryngologist or speech language pathologist. Providers at The Florida Center for Voice & Swallowing, an extension of Florida E.N.T. & Allergy, have certifications of clinical competence in speech-pathology through the American Speech- Language-Hearing Association and are trained to diagnose and treat underlying causes.

Allergy/Asthma Awareness Allergy and asthma symptoms are often confused with symptoms of COVID-19 and/or the flu, and asthma can put individuals at higher risk. Relief is attainable and now is the time to see a board-certified physician. With approximately 26 million people in the U.S. living with asthma and millions more who suffer from allergies, it’s important to shine a spotlight on these conditions. Due to season change, May is often thought of as a peak month for asthma sufferers. In Florida, allergy season lasts approximately 10 months and flare ups can be caused by dust, mold, animal dander, and pollen. These allergy flare-ups can wreak havoc for someone who also suffers from asthma. Asthma is the condition in which a person’s airways become inflamed, producing extra mucus and making it difficult to breathe. Allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, or itchy eyes can worsen symptoms of asthma in the lungs and airways. Other asthma triggers include smoke, cold or humid air, infections, strong emotions, strong odors, some medicines, and even exercise. Keep in mind that allergy and asthma symptoms can change and evolve over time. Whether you require short-term or long-term treatment, treatment options are available.

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

If you or someone you know suffers from allergy and asthma symptoms and/ or has issues with hearing or speech, be sure to reach out to Florida E.N.T. & Allergy. With 13 locations across Tampa Bay and same day/next day appointments available, their providers can help you feel better fast.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call 813-879-8045 or visit Florida E.N.T. & Allergy online at www.FloridaENTandAllergy.com.

OMG IT’S WEDNESDAY! PLANT CITY FARM AND FLEA MARKET

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

SOUTH FLORIDA BAPTIST HOSPITAL GOING STRONG DURING TIME OF COVID-19

The Plant City hospital has adapted to treat the novel coronavirus and has had the good fortune of not being overwhelmed by it.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

With several of Hillsborough County’s COVID-19 positive cases hailing from Plant City, the area hasn’t been immune from the virus’s effects. But South Florida Baptist Hospital, which has experienced it firsthand, was armed with a plan and has been able to weather the storm thus far. “We did a lot of preparation during the early weeks of COVID preparing the hospital and our team members in case we got the large numbers we’d been seeing in other states,” hospital president Karen Kerr said. On a team level, the hospital left no stone unturned. SFBH doubled down on training procedures in March to make sure all hands on deck could help if needed. Whether they were trained in the past or had none, staff members were trained on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to make sure “everybody was comfortable” if they needed to use the equipment. Seating in the cafeteria

has been spread far apart as one way to practice social distancing in an area where people can’t wear their masks — which, obviously, would make eating food difficult if not impossible. It loaded up on hand sanitizers and antiseptics and increased their availability throughout the hospital. “You hear a lot about the doctors and nurses, but there’s a larger team in the hospital,” Kerr said. “Our respiratory therapists, radiology and imaging folks as well as our environmental services team, facility team, the whole team has really come together to provide the care to all our patients whether they have COVID-19 or if they’re other patients. I think something that I like to stress is it really is a team effort. We’ve had a great team response within our organization during the last six weeks.” Anyone who comes to the hospital will get their temperature checked, even if they’re not displaying any symptoms. If a person at the door & 5/21/20 has a5/7 temperature, everyone comKeiser - Lakeland 231-1889-CareerCaring-Nurs-5x6 ing in is given a mask to wear. SFBH Plant City Observer 5x6 SB 5/6/20

has also shut down nearly all kinds of visitation, only making an exception for families with children present. As testing availability grows and access expands, Kerr said, she expects the hospital to see increases there. Though Kerr declined to give many details about how many COVID-19 cases the hospital has treated and how many COVID-19 patients have been discharged, SFBH did recently celebrate one patient’s success story. The man was discharged April 24 and the hospital filmed his exit, in which dozens of staff members lined both sides of the hallway to give him a “clap-out” as he was wheeled out to a family member. The video is on the hospital’s Facebook page. The hospital has also had to treat at least 11 patients with COVID-19, all hailing from the Community Care Center nursing facility — where the state confirmed 82 cases this week. “We’ve been able to handle it,” Kerr said. “We have plenty of beds available in the system to take care of patients who come into our organization.”

The next big thing at the hospital is the return to being able to perform elective surgeries. After six weeks of putting them on the shelf, Governor Ron DeSantis brought them back as part of the first phase of his “Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step.” plan for Florida’s reopening, which began Monday. Kerr said the six-week hiatus impacted the organization and the team, but that they were prepared to jump back in and handle the situation as needed. “I think it’s certainly an evolving learning experience,” Kerr said. “As we go back into the business of elective procedures, we’re going to continue some of the measures we’ve already put in place. It will probably change over time, but as we start doing elective procedures again we’re going to continue to check anybody in that’s coming into the organization to make sure they haven’t had any symptoms.”

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

MEALS ON WHEELS |

STILL SERVING COMMUNITY DESPITE COVID-19

The volunteer-run food delivery service is as determined as ever to help Plant Citians in need get fed when they can’t leave their homes. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

LEND A HAND

Anyone who wishes to volunteer their time, become a client, set up meals for medical workers in need or donate money to Meals on Wheels can start the process by calling the office at 813-754-9932. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday through Friday. Donations can also be mailed to the office, located at 1304 E. Baker St.

DELIVERING DELI VERING SO SOMU MUCH CH MO MORE RE THAN T HANJUST JUSTAAME MEAL AL Plant City

For many people in Plant City, a stay-athome order meant next to nothing for their day-to-day lives. They already had to stay at home nearly every day — and not by choice. As long as those situations aren’t changing and people are still unable to go out and get food when they need to eat, the local Meals on Wheels chapter will try to be there for them. This is the 30th year since Meals on Wheels was first chartered in Plant City. It’s also already shaping up to be one of the the most difficult years, if not the toughest one, the group has ever had. George Newman, Chairman of the Board, said Meals on Wheels needs two things now as much as ever: volunteers and donations. Both have been difficult to come by as COVID-19 has affected this part of Hillsborough County, but both are crucial to keep Meals on Wheels going when they need it most. As people are concerned about the spread of the virus and opting to spend more time indoors, the group is tasked with delivering food with a much smaller crew of drivers than it would like. “We definitely are hurting for drivers,” Newman said. “Most of us are over 60. Some are winter visitors. Getting 10 more would be great, but if we got five I would be ecstatic. No one involved in the group — which covers seven zones of the Plant City area for two hours a day, five days a week, serving a fluctuating base of around 42 clients — gets paid for the two hours a day they spend picking up food at Winn-Dixie and driving to each of their stops. But the work itself, volunteers say, is rewarding enough. “I’ve had the same people for a long time,” Judy Wise, who has been a driver for six years, said. “You really get close to them. One of the gentlemen calls me his ‘angel.’ They are so grateful. I get more out of it than they do. I truly enjoy talking to them, meeting them and listening to their stories… I will do this as long as I am physically and mentally able.” Of course, due to the virus, Meals on Wheels has had to alter its procedures beyond having drivers wear masks and gloves. “Under normal circumstances, before the coronavirus struck, part of our charge is to make a ‘welfare check’ to see how the person is doing,” Newman said. “Talk to them, make sure everything’s OK, make sure they don’t need any emergency care. We do that by simply talking with them, spending a few minutes with each client. If you’re well ahead of schedule, you might spend 10 or 15 minutes talking with them. If they were down a little bit, it perks them back up. That’s part of what we do. Now, we can’t do that. The arrangement we’ve had for a month is

they’ll have a cooler with ice outside their door and we’ll let them know we’re there. The food is in the cooler. They can come out and get the food out of the cooler.” Though many clients are able to come to the door to pick up their food after a driver leaves it, there are some who can’t do that and need the driver to enter their homes. In one stop on Wise’s route, for example, the client leaves his front door unlocked so Wise can walk in and announce herself after first knocking, put the food where the client can get it and then leave. “I’m very careful about him, but he does not want to leave that cooler outside,” Wise said. Meals on Wheels also needs donations, which Newman acknowledges may have to wait until the state furthers its reopening and more people become financially stable. The group is heavily reliant on donations, which do come in but aren’t always so frequent. Last year, Newman said, the group had to use $11,000 from its savings account to make its budget. The money is to be used for food for clients, which for the most part comes from Winn-Dixie. Chefs at the Plant City store prepare all of the regular clients’ food every morning, Monday through Friday, for drivers to pick up between 10 and 10:30 a.m. The store lets Meals on Wheels purchase all of the meals at cost, which works out to about $6.25 apiece. “Winn-Dixie’s really been great to us,” Newman said. “Henry Falcon is one of the great charitable men in the city. He just does everything he can do to help us out.” The meals that don’t come from WinnDixie are part of a new movement the group is undertaking. Newman said Meals on Wheels has begun the process of supporting area medical workers in need by buying and delivering meals from local vendors, restaurants and more to give to them when they need it. Medical workers who have been laid off, have had their hours cut and are generally strapped for cash are eligible. Other community groups help out where they can, too. For example, the GFWC Woman’s Club of Plant City gets Christmas gifts and makes birthday bags for Meals on Wheels clients, and the Federated Republican Women’s Club puts together Thanksgiving gift bags for the clients. Trying times may be ahead for Meals on Wheels, but the group is going to keep on trucking against the odds. “We still get the job done,” Newman said. “We’ve got to help them. We feel obligated to do what we do.”

Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Observer. Email: jkline@plantcityobserver. com.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

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We asked Facebook: Despite all the negative COVID-19 news in the daily cycle, what has given you hope or inspired you during this time? “My daughter Chelsea, she had a very hard delivery 4/24 and with no family members allowed in the hospital during this Covid-19 and a 2 day ICU stay she gave me the most beautiful grand baby I could ever ask for! She inspires me daily!” — Deanna Shaw

“Less crime, a reversal of the effects of climate change and a return to prayer.” — Alan Jackson

“I’ve been inspired by the way people are caring for each other, and I have hope that as time goes by we will continue this kinder treatment of each other.” — Laura VanLandingham

“The way people came together and took care of one another. Companies that made hand sanitizer or ventilators so quickly. Good cheer like Disney doing the sing along. Churches having sing alongs like Church on the Rock did. Drive in Church, Drive by greetings, parents showing their kids-this is how you handle the hard times- stores looking out for our elderly and medical personnel. The attitude and gratitude of so many!!!” — Brenda Rice

“The community support extended to local restaurants in the way of To Go orders has been heartwarming.” — Susan Fairchild Gray

“The stimulus check.” — Edwin Alexander Mejia

“Spending more time with family, and E-Learning with the grandchild. This has really made people think what is important, and what is NOT. If this virus doesn’t segregate us, it will be a better Plant City. Let’s get to living and loving again.” — Amanda Pierce

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Eugene P. Mosco Eugene P. Mosco, 81, of Riverview, born in Brooklyn, New York on Jan. 6, 1939, entered into eternal rest on May 1, 2020. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Jean Fulford

Angelo “Al” Lopresto Jr.

Mr. Angelo “Al” Lopresto Jr., of Hal D. Thompson Plant City, died peacefully on Jean Fulford, 92, passed away April 25, 2020 at the age of 76 peacefully at home early Monday Hal D. Thompson, 77, of Plant morning, April 27, 2020. City, formerly of Chicago, Illinois, of natural causes. Expressions of condolence She was born Emogene Pear in born in Chicago on May 26, 1942, at HopewellFuneral.com. Malone, Florida, on Nov. 28, 1927. entered into eternal rest on April She moved to Plant City with her 28, 2020. husband, Charlie S. Fulford, in 1946. Expressions of condolence at She earned her B.S. from Florida HopewellFuneral.com. Southern College and her M.S. and Ed.S. from Appalachian State HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM University. She taught at Jackson Elementary in Plant City for 25 HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM years. Mrs. Fulford was a Christian Diane and enjoyed attending Knights Elaine Collier Baptist Church with her family. She Dorothy Reichert also liked to garden, read, cook, Diane Elaine Collier, 76, of shop and be with her family. Tampa, born in York, PennsylDorothy Reichert, 81, of Plant She was preceded in death by vania on July 7, 1943, entered City, born in Mount Kisco, New her husband, three sisters,and two York on Oct. 10, 1938, entered into eternal rest on May 1, brothers. 2020. into eternal rest on April 30, She is survived by one sister in 2020. Arkansas and her two daughters, Expressions of condolence at Faye Boone (Floyd, dec’d) and HopewellFuneral.com. Barbara Dykes (Terry, dec’d). She is also survived by three grandchildren — Julie Daech (Douglas), Charlie Boone (Lynette), and Sam Dykes, HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM (Joy). Her six great-grandchildren and numerous relatives were dearly loved by her. ALL OBITUARIES ARE Due to the Coronavirus and imSUBMITTED AND EDITED BY posed restrictions, there will be no immediate services as she is laid to

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Peggy Maxine Boyles

Irene Rose Farmer Irene Rose Farmer, 93, of Plant City, passed away on May 4, 2020. She is survived by a loving family. Services will be held privately Saturday, May 9, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., the live stream can be viewed via the link found below. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.

Peggy Maxine Boyles, 88, of Lakeland, passed away on May 1, 2020. She is survived by a loving family. Services will be held privately Thursday May 7, 2020 at 4 p.m. HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM and can be viewed via livestream accessible by the link below. Delores Ann Calkins Online condolences may be left for the family at www. Delores Ann Calkins, 72, of Plant haught.care. City, passed away on May 4, 2020. Services will be held privately. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care. HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Jan Eaton

Jan Eaton, 68, of Plant City, passed away on May 4, 2020. Services will be held privately. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

YOUR COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY. FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971 HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

OBITUARIES

rest in Memorial Park Cemetery. A future, private family celebration-of-life will be held to honor her. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

OBITUARIES

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

Robbie Ann Edwards Lea

Robbie Ann Edwards Lea, 64, of Plant City, unexpectedly entered her eternal rest on May 1, 2020. Born October 17, 1955, to Robert and Carrie Edwards, she was the oldest of six children and grew up in Plant City. She graduated from Plant City High School in 1973 and from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 1977, where she was also a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. She worked for many years in the real estate industry as a title agent and lived most of her adult life in Polk County, Florida. Robbie Ann was a wonderful cook who loved sharing a great meal with family and friends. She was a kind and generous spirit with an innate ability to comfort those in need. She’ll be remembered for her great sense of humor and she will be dearly missed by family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Sidney and Carrie Ann Edwards. She is survived by her siblings Lynn Simeone (Damon), Clare Hicks (Tim), Kay Brown (Jim), Bobby and Brian (Annmarie) Edwards, her step-mother, Patt Edwards, step-sisters Barbara Morris, Lynne Ann Bisceglia (Craig) and Nancy Slagle (Bill). She is also survived by 24 nieces and nephews. A private funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 9 at Hopewell Funeral Home, Plant City (Due to COVID-19, the service will be limited to immediate family, but it will be live-streamed for extended family and friends. To participate, email office@hopewellfuneral.com for an invite). Interment at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City. Memorial

$85

ed free

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

FOOTSTEPS OF FAITH: WHEN THE PAST RE-ENTERS THE PRESENT Are we going to go back to normal after COVID-19, or are we going to make the best of a possible “new normal?”

So, how many times have you looked at the calendar to see what day it is, only to remember you did that three hours earlier? The “dog days of summer” have now been replaced with the “100 days of April.” The “Stay Home/Stay Safe” motto was and is a needed and protective measure to help our city and community weather the storm of contributions may be made a pandemic. Yet there are only so to the First United Methodist many times you can clean your Church of Plant City at firsthouse, go through old drawers churchplantcity.com/giving/. and papers, plant (and re-plant) Expressions of condolence shrubs and potted plants and at HopewellFuneral.com. look at your calendar for the end of April. My question is, now that May has arrived, what will you do now? Will you try to jump back into the old normal ways of doHOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM ing things, or could this be the opportunity to start something new? Mr. Kenneth Denard The country and the world have forever changed since the Davis pandemic and I know that we, as a community, have changed. Mr. Kenneth Denard Davis went Some say the change is for the to be with the Lord April 29. worst, but I feel very differently. Graveside services at 1 p.m. I am reminded of an old poem I Saturday, May 9 at Bealsville Community Cemetery. A Winslow grew up with that has taught me the power of my perspective. It Honors Funeral Chapel Service. goes, “Two men looked through prison bars. One saw mud, the other saw stars. What are you Elizabeth N. willing to see?” Williams As I worked in our community, caring for our incredible first Elizabeth N. Williams 06/07/1933-04/30/2020. Buri- responders, I saw some wondrous sights of decades past al: Garden of Peace Cemetery, that are now back in the present. 1 pm Thursday, May 7. Charlow Funeral Home. Jonnye B. Charlow Kids riding bikes and sitting out on the front sidewalks of their LFD & EMBALMER homes with chalk in hand and masterpieces to display. Drive-in movies are now today’s news instead of yesterday’s news.

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church scattered. These weeks of the church without walls have opened more horizons for pastors and members to see outside the sanctuary of seclusion into the panoramic picture of people and needs. Although a challenging time of fellowship together, it has been a special time of service for each other, especially for the community. So, going back to the original question, when the green light is given and we as a nation begin to open back up for business, will it be business as usual? Or will it be better business, better community and better family because we have decided to make a new normal? I want to challenge me and you to make a public proclamation. Not so much one from City Hall as one from the hallways of our hearts — to outwardly declare, “As for me and my house, we will eat more dinners together, play more together, pray more together and be more together.” You get the idea. Write it out, post it up and live it out. I believe it will begin to build or rebuild a stronger foundation of the family that will not be shaken, no matter what comes next. Even if we never get a ChickFil-A here in Plant City, we will be OK.

Dr. Daniel Middlebrooks is the Senior Chaplain of First Call Church and the CEO/President of Chaplaincy Care, Inc.

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Couples are walking together, families are playing together and, most importantly, eating together. I believe the last one has been my favorite. The time of sitting down at the table as a family with my two incredible daughters and amazing wife has been a special present. We talk about the day, no matter how boring it was, we laugh at dumb jokes (usually mine) and we begin dreaming about what will be once the green light is given to move out and forward. This season of the virus, although difficult with loss and grief, has also been a time of pause that has allowed us as a nation to stop and dream again. It is hard to take the time to think and dream about a better way of doing things when the treadmill of life and work keeps getting faster and faster. If there is one lesson that the virus has taught us, it’s that we can be still when we need to. This theme of “don’t go out” has energized more creativity in helping others by mask-making, finding ingredients for creating hand sanitizer and taking steps to keep businesses going. It was a surge in connections by sending mail, making phone calls and the Facebook clarion calls of “I found toilet paper.” Our productivity increased in saving time by tele-working and not wasting time on a long commute, video meetings or, better yet, not having some meetings at all. It was a stretching time for grandparents to learn how to use a computer, for parents with home schooling and for kids in learning how to wash clothes, cook, clean and do other lost arts. It has also been a critical time to move from the holy huddle of the church gathered to running the plays of God’s love, grace, hope and help as the

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FRED. While most of the world is practicing self-isolation in their homes, Fred the rooster is spending his R&R time soaking in the bright Florida sun at his home on Thonotosassa Road. It’s an egg-cellent way to get some vitamin D and he’s determined to keep his fabulous plumage shining for all to see.

Universal Crossword Edited by David Steinberg May 6, 2020 PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

5/6

FORECAST THURSDAY, MAY 7 High: 79 Low: 54 Chance of rain: 0%

FRIDAY, MAY 8 High: 86 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 0%

27 Twilight time 30 *Well-wisher’s words 33 Clumsy character 36 Like a film about a film 37 Couldn’t help but 38 In the dark 40 “Tell me already!” 42 Ancient Peruvian 43 Was shy 44 Brian of ambient music 45 *Simple drink mix direction 49 Came to earth 50 Sty cries 51 “I goofed!” 55 Coffee ___ (break room appliance) 57 Bird on Mexico’s flag

58 Friend, in Panama 60 *Take off after a quick meal 64 Cotton-compressing machine 65 Guitarist’s combo 66 Lion’s tail? 67 Pungent salad green 68 Old boom boxes played them 69 “___ sells seashells ...” DOWN 1 Amelia Earhart, e.g. 2 Performance often viewed through special glasses 3 Complete 4 Statistician Silver

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

High: 88 Low: 68 Chance of rain: 20%

SUNDAY, MAY 10 High: 73 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 70%

TOMATOES

Shipping point: Central Florida $23.95-$25.95

5 Egyptian snake 6 By way of 7 Magazine revenue sources 8 Diminish 9 Bygone Russian bigwig 10 “You’re on!” 11 Small, dirty pool 12 Environmental prefix 13 Type of winter boot 18 Tough-to-ignore feeling 22 Quadri-minus one 24 End of a walkie-talkie message 25 Big bash 26 Org. that regulates airports 28 Luxurious sheet fabric 29 City whose name anagrams to “Tokyo” 31 Refrigerator brand 32 Say “No, no, no!” to 33 Spiritual board 34 Make void 35 Word that “fax” derives from 39 Lightbulb figures 40 Love letter acronym 41 Cats and dogs 43 “Mind your ___ business!” 46 Buck’s mate 47 Lead in a movie? 48 Part of a city grid 52 Shrek and the like 53 Like some soft toys 54 Word after “common” or “sixth” 56 Fashion designer Michael 57 Finish lines, e.g. 58 “Mixed-ish” network 59 Damage 61 “I solved the mystery!” 62 Bunk that may require a ladder 63 “How ___ you?”

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, May 7

6:43a

8:06p

Friday, May 8

6:42a

8:07p

Saturday, May 9

6:42a

8:07p

Sunday, May 10

6:41a

8:08p

Monday, May 11

6:40a

8:09p

Tuesday, May 12

6:40a

8:09p

Wednesday, May 13

6:39a

8:10p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MAY 9

Initial Part by Greg Johnson

ACROSS 1 Cream of Wheat cooker 4 Warship-related 9 Uses a stopwatch 14 Wall St. debut 15 Remark to an audience 16 Caught on, as a nickname 17 *Not react to something (note each starred answer’s “initials”!) 19 “Same here” 20 Speak to an audience 21 Spaghetti ___ (thin dress support) 23 Powdery mineral 24 A seller may counter one

May 22 New

May. 27 First

June 5 Full

May 18 Last

RAINFALL Monday, April 27

0.00

Tuesday, April 28 0.00 Wednesday, April 29

0.00

Thursday, April 30 1.41 Friday, May 1

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Saturday, May 2 0.00 Sunday, May 3

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YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2020 08.51 in.

2020 0.00 in.

2019 05.05 in.

2019 0.44 in.

WEATHER

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

PlantCityObserver.com