6.1.23 PLCO

HURRICANE SEASON IS UPON US….AGAIN

As the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to November 30, kicks off this week, and the lessons of last year’s Hurricanes Ian and Nicole fresh in the minds of Floridians, its always a good idea for residents to prepare now to protect their health and property heading into the season.

According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasters with the Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, near-normal Atlantic hurricane activity is predicted this year, in part due to potential for El Nino to develop this summer. NOAA is forecasting between 12

and 17 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, fie to nine could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including one to four major hurricanes (with winds of 111 mph or higher).

PLANT CITY MEMORIAL DAY EVENT

THE EVENT SHOWCASED PLANT CITY RESIDENTS’ PATRIOTISM AND GRATITUDE FOR THOSE WHO SERVED THEIR COUNTRY.

who died in service to their country since the Civil War began in 1861 and Plant City residents took time to recognize its hometown heroes.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 READ

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 Rheumatology

Residents interested in learning more about the latest plan before the City of Plant City to redevelop the former golf course acreage throughout the Walden Lake community can attend an open house on Thursday, June 8 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Walden Lake Elementary School, located at 2800 Turkey Creek Road. Representatives of the Walden Lake development team including engineers, land planners and environmental, traffic andtormwater experts will be available to answer questions about the most recent revisions to the plan, which includes new recreational amenities, new buffering commitments, additional architectural design requirements, limited building heights and additional development restrictions for new homes adjacent to existing homes.

The open house precedes a hearing before the City Commission, scheduled for June 15 from 5:30 p.m. - 10:45 p.m. at Hillsborough Community College’s Trinkle Center, located at 1206 North Park Road. If a continuance is needed, a second hearing will be held on June 22.

GET IN ON THE PYTHON HUNT

County Public Library, complete with interactive events, reading challenges and prizes for all ages. Participants log reading and activities to unlock digital badges and fun prizes like Apple Air Pods and tickets to ZooTampa. The registration portal, www. hcplc.beanstack.org, includes themedreading suggestions for kids, tweens, teens and adults.

Children can participate simultaneously in the Reading with the Rays program this summer. Pick up your Reading with the Rays game card at the Bruton Memorial Library to be eligible for more prizes. Youth keep track of their hours read on the Rays card. After it’s completed, it can be returned to the library for a chance to win Tampa Bay Rays prizes, including tickets to a Rays home game. Last summer, approximately 2,500 tickets went to Hillsborough County readers.

OPERATION SAFE AND SOBER SEES PLENTY OF RESULTS

Operation Safe and Sober, a collaboration between Hillsborough County Sheriff ’s Office and the Tampa Police, Temple Terrace Police, Plant City Police and the Florida Highway Patrol, made plenty of stops and arrests during Memorial Day weekend in an effort to protect the community from impaired drivers. In total, participating agencies made 1,130 traffictops, issued 137 citations and 1,001 warning, made 61 DUI arrests and 35 additional arrests.

BONDED PAIR OF DOGS ADOPTED

The 2023 Florida Python Challenge, allowing folks to participate fisthand in Everglades restoration efforts, is now open. Participants this year will have a chance to win a share of more than $30,000 in prizes while removing invasive Burmese pythons from the wild. Novice and professional participants must complete the required online training to compete in the 10-day competition which runs August 4 - 13.

“Since day one, we’ve prioritized Everglades restoration by investing record funding for conservation projects and increasing resources for the removal of invasive Burmese pythons that harm this treasured ecosystem,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Because of this focused commitment, my tenure in office has accounted for more than half of the 18,000 pythons removed from the Everglades since 2000.”

Burmese pythons are not native to Florida and they negatively impact native wildlife. The invasive species is found primarily in and around the Everglades ecosystem where they prey on birds, mammals and other reptiles. A female Burmese python can lay 50 to 100 eggs at a time. Register for the competition at www. flythonchallenge.org.

GET KIDS READING THIS SUMMER

Summer isn’t just a time for sleeping in and binge-watching TikTok videos. Summer reading is critical for a child’s development because, according to the Northwest Evaluation Association, schoolyear gains in reading may decrease by 20 to 50% during the summer months. Join the Reading Challenge, a summer reading program, hosted by Tampa-Hillsborough

Precious and Snowball, a bonded pair of dogs fostered by a local Plant City woman, have been adopted by Richard and Charlene Murphy. The Murphys were specifially seeking a bonded pair, two dogs that’ve formed an inseparable connection.

PLANT CITY AREA DEMOCRATIC CLUB SPONSORS MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

It was a somber moment on Monday at Plant City’s Veteran’s Memorial Park as Plant City Area Democrats hosted a Memorial Day event, a time to remember those who paid the ultimate price for freedom. The mottos of each of the six branches of the service were read, a reading of the poem “America the Beautiful” was spoken and a wreath was laid at the foot of the park’s monument by Henry Johnson followed by the playing of “Taps”. The event ended with participants joining in by singing a rousing performance of “America the Beautiful”.

WALDEN LAKE REZONING OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULED BY DEVELOPMENT TEAM

MAY 19

A LONG STORY

4600 block of Turkey Creek Rd.

Aggravated assault waiver / recovered fiearm: An officer responded to the listed location in reference to a disturbance, meeting with two individuals who stated that they were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated into a physical confrontation with two other individuals — all employees at the same company. One mentioned that the initial incident occurred at a local gas station, which falls under the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County Sheriff ’s Office. HCSO arrived and began conducting their investigation when it was learned that after the fist altercation, another began with the same group once they returned to work. It was advised that handguns were pulled out during this altercation as well, with two of the individuals brandishing fiearms and one claiming that he was struck in the head by a fiearm. The responding offier found no visible injuries or marks during the investigation. The officer requested to inspect the fiearms in question and completed an FCIC/NCIC check which showed one of the guns to be legally owned by one individual who had a valid Concealed Carry License, and another fiearm that was reported stolen in 2020 out of Pasco County — which was confirmed The fiearm was seized for evidence and removed from the FCIC/NCIC database but no charges were filed or the stolen fiearm due to time-lapse. At the completion of

the investigation, it was determined that all parties involved did not want to prosecute and waivers of prosecution were signed.

TRAILER TRASHED

800 block of Douglas St.

Grand theft: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who reported that a black utility trailer was stolen from their yard.

BAGGED AND TAGGED

1500 block of YMCA Pl.

Theft: Officers met with the complainant at the listed location who advised that miscellaneous clothing was stolen from their gym bag.

WINDOW PAINS

2600 block of Thonotosassa Rd.

Criminal mischief: An officer met with the complainant at the listed location who reported that a front window at a business at the location had been shattered.

MAY 20

BOTTLE SERVICE

3600 block of W. Baker St. Aggravated battery: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who reported being struck by a beer bottle.

MAY 22

SHED ACHE

1700 block of Turkey Creed Rd.

Structure burglary: An officer met with an employee of a business at the listed location who reported that a shed was broken into, resulting in multiple tools stolen.

UNLOCKED AND LOADED

1500 block of Baker St. Vehicle burglary: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who reported that their purse had been stolen from their unlocked vehicle.

MAY 24

BYE-CYCLE

1100 block of S. Collins Rd. Stolen/recovered bicycle: An officer met with the complainant at the listed location who reported the theft of an electric bicycle. The bicycle was later found and recovered.

FAKE IT ’TIL YOU TAKE IT

2800 block of Thonotosassa Rd. Uttering forged instrument: An officer met with the complainant at the listed location who stated that an unknown subject attempted to purchase merchandise with a fake $100 bill.

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

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CONTACT US

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This week on Cops Corner, Plant City Police investigate: A potentially dangerous altercation, a shattered window and a stolen bicycle.

FORECASTERS PREDICT A NEAR-NORMAL HURRICANE SEASON

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TAX FREE HOLIDAY TO PURCHASE HURRICANE SUPPLIES.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

“As we saw with Hurricane Ian, it only takes one hurricane to cause widespread devastation and upend lives so regardless of the number of storms predicted this season, it is critical that everyone understand their risk and heed the warnings of state and local officia,” said FEMA Administrator Deanna Criswell. “Whether you live on the coast or further inland, hurricanes can cause serious impacts to everybody in their path.”

City Manager Bill McDaniel encourages residents to have a plan in place in advance to successfully manage a storm. “It’s important to plan and prepare in advance,” said McDaniel. “By doing so, you avoid being caught up in the rush to obtain supplies or take other actions to prepare your home and your loved ones for the storm.”

He said many sources of information about hurricane preparation and planning are available to guide residents through their planning efforts including online resources as well as an annual hurricane guide published by Hillsborough County in both English and Spanish. Have a plan in place for storm approach, passage of the storm, and the aftermath. There are many sources of information on hurricane preparation and planning available to guide your planning efforts. Preparations can include: Keeping Track of Your Medications: After a storm, you may have limited supplies of prescription medications and your local pharmacy may be closed. You need a list of each prescription medication you take, its dosing instructions and the name and contact information of the prescribing doctor. Keep this information updated and with you should a storm threaten and be sure to bring your medications with you if you must evacuate. By Florida law, if you live in a county under a hurricane warning or in a declared state of emergency, you can get a 30-day refill f your prescription even if it’s too

early to get one.

Updating Your Contact List: Ensure you have an updated list of all important contacts, including doctors, friends and relatives. If possible, identify an out-of-state friend or relative who can relay to others about your evacuation and health status and can serve as a point-ofcontact for others trying to reach you.

Compiling a Disaster Supply Kit: The contents of disaster supply kits vary, depending whether a family has children, pets or members with disabilities. Generally, everyone’s kit should include: water for drinking and bathing (at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least seven days), food that does not need refrigeration for three to seven days, personal hygiene items, important documents, a fist-aid kit and cash and coins.

Knowing Your Equipment: After a storm, many people are hurt or killed by carbon monoxide poisoning from unsafe generator usage, dangerous large tools such as chainsaws or other unfamiliar equipment. Learning how to use these tools in the chaos after a storm can lead to accidents. Now is the time to read your owner’s manuals and learn how to use each one.

Purchasing Supplies During Tax-Free Holiday: Stock up on hurricane essentials during the 2023 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, happening now through June 9. Examples of tax-free items include: flashlighs and lanterns, radios, coolers and portable power banks, batteries and fuel tanks and generators. For more information visit www.floridadiaster. org or call Hillsborough County’s Emergency Management Office at www.hillsboroughcounty.org.

PLANT CITY MEMORIAL DAY

EVENT REMEMBERS THOSE WHO DIED/RECOGNIZES VETERANS

The ceremony, held at American Legion Post 26, was a solemn event as members of the community paid tribute to those who offered the ultimate sacrifie for their country.

Guest speaker Eunice Butts, who served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War era as well as in the U.S. Air Force Reserves and the Alabama National Guard and is the fist African-American woman to move through leadership ranks to become the elected Commander for The American Legion, Department of Florida, shared remarks about God, family, military service and courage. “It takes courage to make it through this world, it takes prayer and courage,” she said.

She encouraged audience members to reflect on who made the chane to live and thrive in this country possible. “The freedoms we enjoy is all on the back of the lives of those soldiers who shed their blood and died for us and also those who made it back home,” she said. “All of our brothers and sisters, we want everyone to know the sacrifies that were made for freedom.”

After her speech, the names of dozens of local veterans who passed away this year were read aloud and after a moment of silence, the list was burned while the sound of “Taps” rang out in the air followed by a 21-gun salute.

Mayor Nate Kilton was reflectie as the names were read. “In one aspect it’s sad because there’ve been so many lives that have gone on but it’s very encouraging that there are so many in our community that are serving,” he said.

Kilton is also thankful for the families that stand behind their soldiers. “It’s not just those that are serving, it’s their families too that are making sacrifies,” he said. “We want to make sure they’re honored too.”

Post 26 Commander Carl Brosky also refleced on the sheer number of names that were read during roll call and considered it a statement about Plant City’s patriotic spirit. “I think it shows the number of people in our community that have served, how many veterans there are in this community,” he said. “Plant City has a lot of veterans and a large number of citizens that supports them.”

Resident and ardent veteran supporter Judy Wise was happy with the event turnout. “It’s just something we all need to do,” said Wise. “We need to stop and realize that freedom is not free and there’s a whole lot of men and women who have paid the ultimate price for this country.”

During the benediction, Post Chaplain Daniel Middlebrooks’ words echoed through the hall. “Bless those that breathe the very air of freedom and may the fie of our devotion light the way of those that come after us,” he prayed.

THE EVENT SHOWCASED PLANT CITY RESIDENTS’ PATRIOTISM AND GRATITUDE FOR THOSE WHO SERVED THEIR COUNTRY.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

PLANT CITY POLICE EQUIPPED WITH BODY CAMERAS

THE BODY-WORN CAMERAS WILL RECORD POLICE INTERACTIONS WITH CITIZENS.

MICHELLE CACERES

STAFF WRITER

The Plant City Police Department has launched its body-worn camera program, announcing that all its officers will be equipped with cameras going forward.

The department started exploring the body-worn camera program in 2020 and began field esting several brands in 2021. The City Commission authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement to purchase the cameras last year, in part with a grant from Bureau of Justice Assistance. Eighty camera systems were purchased at a cost of $395,581 for the fie-year contract ($79,116.20 per year), which includes a fie-year warranty, video storage and technical support.

The equipment, Motorola Solutions Watchguard V300, attaches to the front of the officers’ uniforms and is used to capture an audio and visual record of every interaction between officers and the community. Each police vehicle is also equipped with a spare battery and charging station so that in the event a shift runs longer, the officer can swap out the battery and keep working.

The cameras, featuring a crisp 1080p resolution and Bluetooth and WiFi encryption, has onboard storage. When officers have an interaction with the public, they press a button to start recording. When the interaction, which can last a minute or hours, is finished the officer pushes the button again to stop recording. Video

footage is uploaded to cloud storage and maintained by Digital Evidence Technician Brandon Volden.

Per department policy, upon initial contact and when reasonable, the officer will attempt to notify the citizen of the bodyworn camera.

The cameras offer many benefis to both officers and the citizens they serve. “The use of these cameras encourages public trust, transparency, improved officer behavior and leads to the resolution of citizen complaints in a more timely manner,” said Police Chief James Bradford.

In addition, the footage is an invaluable tool for prosecutors. “Body-worn cameras not only build trust with the community, but they also act as invaluable tools for law enforcement and our attorneys in the courtroom,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez. “The footage provides essential evidence during trial that, when used in conjunction with eyewitness testimony, helps strengthen a case.”

PCPD officers, who learned how to use the technology in a four-hour training, have had positive reactions to the cameras. “All of the officers in this agency have embraced the technology,” said McDaniel.

”I believe that having body-worn cameras have been a great tool for everyday policing and will continue to keep our law enforcement officers and community members accountable,” said Officer Aaron Bennett. “The body-worn camera has not hindered my day-to-day law enforcement duties but has enhanced the way I review my calls for service in order to better the way I police.”

SUMMER STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT

This week’s Summer Staycation Spotlight won’t take your hours away from home to an outdoor adventure. Instead, it’s a way to escape from the sweltering heat and humidity or summer. During select days in June and July, Premiere LUX Cine & Pizza Pub, located at 220 West Alexander Street in Lake Walden Square, is showing free movies for families to enjoy as part of its Summer Kid Series.

Every Wednesday and Thursday, beginning June 7, families can sit back and relax in a comfortable reclining seat and catch a free flick The movie will start at 10 a.m. on the fist screen. “We’ll stagger the movie on our eight screens and run them fie minutes apart, we have eight screens,” said the theater’s Managing Director Marcus Boyee.

FREE MOVIES

6/7 & 6/8 DC League of Super Pets

6/14 & 6/15 Hotel Transylvania 4

6/21 & 6/22 Bad Guys

6/28 & 6/29 Minions: Rise of Gru

7/5 & 7/6 Paws of Fury

7/12 & 7/13 Sonic the Hedgehog 2

7/19 & 7/20 Lyle, Lyle Crocodile

7/26 & 7/27 Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Boyee said the annual promotion is a way to thank the community for its support. “It’s a way for families who may not have a big entertainment budget this summer to stretch dollars,” he said. “Last year we drew a crowd each week but this year we’re all coming out of COVID and I think it’s going to be even more popular.”

While the movie is free, its concession stand will be open and guests can purchase popcorn and snacks to nosh on during the flick A kid’s movie meal includes a kid-sized fountain drink, kidsized popcorn and a small fruit snack for $6.75 plus tax. Drink refills at is selfserve soda dispensers are free.

For more information about Premiere Cinemas’ 2023 Summer Kid Series visit www.pccmovies.com.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

LEXUS FLAGSHIP LX600 IS ULTRA COMFORT AT ITS FINEST!

Right off the at, let’s point out that the Lexus flaship sedan, which replaces the LX570 after shedding 441 pounds, isn’t for everyone. Ask why? Well, it has a base price of $102,025, which with options is almost $107,925. Add tax, tag and you are looking at around $125,000.

Now that price is settled for a few, but not for most, here’s what you get.

The 2023 LX600 offers a 3.4-liter twin-turbo engine with continuously variable valve timing that develops a healthy 409 horsepower @ 5200 rpm and 479 pounds-feet of torque @ 3600 rpm. The all-wheel-drive luxury car is mated to a smooth and quick-to-respond 10-speed auto gearbox. Among the multi-terrain modes available are auto, dirt, sand, mud, deep snow and rock. Torsion limited-slip center differential, uniquely tuned front/ rear dampers and a sport suspension ensure that this exhilarating car has a firm tri, traction and cornering stability at every turn. Bringing the gigantic SUV to a slowdown/stop are 13.9 front and 13.2 rear ventilated disc brakes. Ready to haul that boat to the beach this weekend? Go for it since you can tow up to 8,000 pounds in the LX600! Despite the 5,665-pound weight, 0 to 60 is possible in just 6.9 seconds with top speed at 130 mph.

LX600 F-SPORT

Tires: 265/50R22

Wheelbase: 112.2 inches

Length: 200.2 inches

Width: 78.3 inches

Height: 74.2 inches

Suspension: double wishbone front, multilink rear

Steering: electronic power rack-andpinion

Fuel capacity: 21.1 gallons

City: 17 mpg

Highway: 22 mpg

Web site: www.lexus.com

Surrounding the massive spindle mesh grille are triple-beam LED headlights, turn signals and daytime running lights. Step inside the lavish cabin and you will be in awe of rich-appearing red leather. Atop the dashboard sits a massive 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen with a 7-inch multiterrain monitor underneath, as well as temperature controls. Other niceties are F-Sport power tilt/telescoping

steering wheel with paddle shifters, aluminum pedals and front-door scuff plates; four-zone a/c, power-fold flat third-row seat, Hadori aluminum trim, heated/cooled power front seats, Mark Levinson sound system, cooled box (fridge!) in the center console, wireless phone charger and an adaptive variable air suspension.

Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, vehicle stability and traction controls, front/ rear crumple zones, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, panoramic view and blind spot monitors with rear cross traffic ale, head-up display, daytime running lights and a tire pressure monitoring system. Lexus Safety Sense 2.5 brings in a pre-collision system that detects pedestrians, lane departure/tracing assists and dynamic cruise control.

If in the market for a full-size rugged but luxury SUV that can tackle the tough landscape (thanks to multiterrain select and crawl control) with confidene, the upscale LX600 F-Sport edition fis the bill. And it is ultra luxury to the extreme! You won’t be disappointed as long as the steep price tab is within your reach.

Nitish S. Rele operates motoringtampabay.com and Khaas Baat, and was an automotive editor/columnist for the Tampa Tribune. Email him at motoringtampabay@gmail.com.

SPORTS

FEATURED FUTURE: TANNER ROLLYSON

Featured Future is a summer series where the Observer will highlight local student athletes who are preparing to continue their athletic and educational careers at the college level, or those who have already begun that journey.

Plant City’s Tanner Rollyson played three years of varsity baseball for the Raiders, ultimately leading to a commitment to continue his athletic and academic career at Florida Southern College in Lakeland.

As a freshman Rollyson played junior varsity baseball at Plant City before making his varsity debut as a sophomore where he totaled 18 strikeouts, two saves and a 2.1 earned run average across 20 innings pitched. As a junior captain, he amassed a 4-1 record and 25 strikeouts alongside a perfect 0.00 earned run average — not allowing a single earned run over his 24 innings pitched as he earned 1st Team All-Conference honors. As a senior, Rollyson finished the year with a 4.15 ERA and struck out a staggering 36 hitters across 27 innings pitched in 13 appearances. In addition to his high school play, Rollyson was credited as the winning pitcher in both the 2022 Perfect Game National Championships and 2022 Prep Baseball Report National Championships as a member of the Ostingers Baseball Academy travel ball organization, an organization filled with players from Plant City, Durant and Strawberry Crest that reached a No. 2 national ranking last summer.

Rollyson mentions that the biggest way in which he has grown on the field throughout his high school career is his mental approach to the game, something he credits Plant City’s coaching staff with, along with a major influence from Ostingers coach Jim Osting and a consistent opportunity to face elite talent throughout the entire year between high school baseball in the Tampa area and highly-competitive travel ball opportunities.

“I didn’t join the Ostingers until my sophomore year so I already had a taste of what Tampa area baseball was like and I had seen how competitive it was so then I wanted to step up my travel ball game and join a competitive team,” Rollyson said. “It really helps prepare you both ways. High school in the

spring, being in a Tampa area that’s so competitive helps you prepare for the summer and the fall for travel ball, and then it’s the same where the summer and fall with travel ball helps you prepare for the spring season in high school baseball. You face great teams in high school and then turn around in the summer and face nationally-ranked teams. You get no breaks so it really prepares you to face any team and any player.”

Additionally, Rollyson has had the opportunity to not just see fellow teammates go on to play collegiate baseball, but was able to learn from some that would eventually find themselves in professional baseball — looking to emulate the pitching style of former Plant City High School and Florida State pitcher Parker Messick, a second round pick by Cleveland in 2022, and learning from a mentor in J.J. Niekro, a Tampa native, brother of Florida Southern head coach Lance Niekro and former pitcher at Florida Southern that currently plays in the Atlanta Braves organization.

“That helped me a ton,” Rollyson said. “Looking up to Parker at Plant City as a left handed pitcher, he was kind of the person that I was trying to follow and trying to mimic. We were both similar size, both lefthanded, he was the guy that I was trying to emulate. Then J.J., he started to get with me a couple of years ago and working out with me, helping me out in those stressful moments and showing me how to not only work hard but how to do it the right way. It ultimately helped me become a better baseball player but also a better person all around, so J.J. has been a big part of that for me and I still keep in contact with him.”

As Rollyson’s recruitment process began, he noted that it’s a tough process for many, but that benefitted from his travel ball situation until he found a home in Florida Southern.

“The recruitment process isn’t friendly to a lot of people,” Rollyson said. “For me it could have been a lot worse. It was definitely long and stressful but for the most part it wasn’t too bad. I mean, the first coach that ever called me after a tournament was from Harvard, so after that call I

realized that if I could talk to a coach from Harvard, I could talk to anyone. Being on the Ostingers definitely helped, having (Strawberry Crest shortstop and MLB Draft prospect) Arjun Nimmala and a few other guys on our team that draw scouts to every one of our games, you’re going to have guys looking at you from every angle every time you step on the mound. So that definitely played a big part but ultimately I loved everything about Florida Southern. I have personal connection with Coach Niekro through J.J. mentoring me the past few years, but Coach Crabtree was the main one that recruited me. He was as nice as he could be and I could tell with the way he acted that he wanted the best for me no matter what. Ultimately him and Coach Niekro, the location being in Lakeland — not too far from home — was all perfect for me. I love the school, I love the campus, I already have some connections with some professors there so Florida Southern really stuck out to me in basically every single category.”

Apart from baseball, Rollyson was involved in a number of different athletic and extracurricular ventures both at Plant City High School and within the community.

As a member of the Raiders’ tennis team, Rollyson qualified for the FHSAA State Championships in doubles as a sophomore, winning the district championship in singles as both a sophomore and junior, earning 1st Team All-Conference honors as a junior and being named a captain as both a junior and senior. As a general education partner with the Special Olympics Unified Basketball team, he was a bronze medalist at the 2022 USA Special Olympic World Games. He was also the PCHS Interact Club President, the PCHS Yearbook Editor, a member of the National Honor Society and the National Junior Honor Society vice president — graduating with a 6.48 weighted GPA and a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA. He logged over 270 community service hours as a volunteer with the non-profit volunteer organization Friends of the Park and as a

Crisis Pregnancy Center Walkathon leader, all while keeping his faith at the forefront of his life through involvement with his church youth group.

“Without my faith I wouldn’t be who I am today,” Rollyson said. “Jesus loves me more than anyone else and he’s always there for me, 24/7 through the ups and downs. High school can be stressful for everyone growing up so Christ has been a big part of that, helping me stay composed with my busy schedule, helping me stay stress free. He’s always there for me and is always a person that I can turn to in need of help, no matter what the situation is. Faith has always been a giant part of my life, especially these past few years.”

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

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

PLANT CITY ALL STAR ROSTERS RELEASED

All Star rosters have been finaized ahead of tournament play beginning in June.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Following the completion of their regular season championships, Plant City Little League has released nearly all of the rosters for this summer’s All Star teams — both for PCLL baseball and softball. With the rosters finalized, teams will prepare for a potential journey to the Little League World Series as they open district tournaments in June. For softball, district tournaments will begin on June 16 while they begin a week later on June 23 for baseball. For the complete tournament schedule, refer to the image included.

ROSTERS

11 YEAR OLD BASEBALL ALL STARS

• James Moody

• Riley McNab

• Brayden Burney

• Colton Cribbs

• Jackson Werner

• Callen Cotnoir

• Mike Limehouse

• David Sherrard

• Kyler Dilley

• Connor Lynn

• Caleb Littrell

• Charlie Robers

12 YEAR OLD BASEBALL

ALL STARS

• Easton Beveard

• Luke Brown

• Logan Burris

• Jared Durden

• Javion Limehouse

• Brody Morrow

• Cooper Nichols

• Levi Oberting

• Blake Purkey

• Brock Purkey

• Santana Sheppard

• Evan Queen

JUNIORS BASEBALL

ALL STARS

• Sam Leveillee

• Riley Copeland

• Gavin Lewis

• Trace Barror

• Trent English

• Brayden Thompson

• Spencer Farley

• Douglas May

• Alexander Koch

• Easton Ritchey

• Zack Zarecor

• Moses Lopez

MINORS BASEBALL

ALL STARS

• Hayden Nichols

• Jaxon Buehlman

• Lindley Redmon

• Drake Raulerson

• Collin Wood

• Jeshua Cienfuegos

• Leroy Cook

• Taylor Rogoff

• Davis Gendron

• Karson Morris

Committed to Plant City.

Staffed with bankers who have deep roots in the Plant City area, our bank’s focus for over 38 years has been to serve owner-managed businesses, professional firms, and families that want a strong, local connection with their bank and banker. Come grow with us.

• Gage Deal

• Kristopher Howard

• Mac Overstreet

MINORS SOFTBALL

ALL STARS

• Abigail Smith

• Aubrey Hansen

• Eva Copeland

• Georgia Hunter

• Reagan Marchese

• Hannah May

• Baileigh Penders

• Peyton Wells

• Harper Farley

• Peyton Gaylord

• Catalea Hall

• Rylan Danielik

• Khloe Dross

MAJORS SOFTBALL

ALL STARS

• Savannah Armstrong

• Valeria Bustamante

• Audry Contreras

• Gracelynn Davis

• Kendall Dross

• Lily Gilboe

• Kaylei Hardin

• Karsyn Howell

• Amaris Lara

• Makayla Siegel

• Alannah Whitcomb

• Autumn Wood

813.707.6506

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Member FDIC

We asked Plant City: What is your favorite summer vacation memory?

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR

“Long road trip with a buddy of mine after graduation in my old school Toyota Corolla. Good times, great memories.” - Michael Sumey

“Going to Disneyland in the 60’s and meeting Michael Landon (Little Joe)!” - Cynthia Davis Van Camp

“Coming to Georgia in the summer and staying on my grandparents farm.” - Brenda Moore

“Visiting Niagara Falls and taking the Maid of the Mist boat ride up close to the falls! Spectacular!”

- Cathy Coushaine

“Went to D.C., but that was in December.” - Edwin Alexander Mejia

“Beachcomber Daytona with our children... every summer. Children are grown now, Beachcomber replaced with a condo... but the memories remain.” - Sally Knight Raburn

“Driving from Florida to the Midwest with my son.” - Chris Black

PlantCityObserver.com

Leon ‘Andy’

Andrew Albritton

Leon “Andy” Andrew Albritton, 58, of Lithia, born on June 23, 1964, in Lakeland, entered into eternal rest on May 21, 2023. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Franklin ‘Sonny’ McRobie

Franklin “Sonny” McRobie, 85, of Lakeland, Fla., born in Akron, Ohio on Dec. 22, 1937, entered into eternal rest on May 22, 2023. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Jay Lamar Ayres

Jay Lamar Ayres, 66, of Valrico, born on Aug. 19, 1956, in Houston, Texas, entered into eternal rest on May 23, 2023, at home surrounded by his family. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Ralph Lee

Ralph Lee, 74, of Lithia, born on January 22, 1949, in Perry, Fla., entered into eternal rest on May 23, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Clyde

‘Ben’ W. Colding

Clyde “Ben” W. Colding, 69, of Lithia, born on Dec. 10, 1953, in Bartow, entered into eternal rest on May 27, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Isidro Rivera

Isidro Rivera, 81, of Plant City, born on May 15, 1942, in Cayey, Puerto Rico, entered into eternal rest on May 27, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

be made at www.haught. care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Sarah R Nestor

Sarah R Nester, 73, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Monday, May 29, 2023. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www. WellsMemorial.com for the Nester family.

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

DOWNTOWN DUCK DERBY

11 a.m. at www.facebook.com/wearemainstreetplantcityfl Plant City Main Street will be live streaming their latest Duck Derby on Facebook! Anyone in the United States who wishes to participate can “adopt” a duck for $5 and there is no limit to how many ducks you can adopt. The races are then streamed live on Plant City Main Streets Facebook page with the owner of the fist place duck winning a $1,000 cash prize. All proceeds from the Downtown Duck Derby will go to Plant City Main Street as they work to revitalize Plant City’s historic downtown. For full details and to officially adoptour duck(s), visit www.plantcitymainstreet.org/downtownduckderby.

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

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, JUNE 7

SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS WITH ESTRANGED FAMILY

6:30 to 8 p.m. at 1107 Charlie Griffind. Join other parents who are estranged from their adult children. PEAK (Parents of Estranged Adult Kids) group provides a safe place to listen, share and support others going through the hurt of adult family abandonment. Meetings will include group discussions, self-care and positive inflenced activities to help cope with the situation. PEAK is not appropriate for abusive relationships or mental illness. Meetings are the fist Wednesday of each month at GracePoint Church. For more information, visit www.peaksupportgroup.com

FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Federal, state and local opportunities are constantly changing. If you’ve served any time in the military, retired or non-retention, and would like to review your 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.

THURSDAY, JUNE 8

WALDEN LAKE REZONING OPEN HOUSE

5 to 7 p.m. at 2800 Turkey Creed Rd.

Representatives of the Walden Lake development team — including engineers, land planners, environmental, traffic an stormwater experts — will be available to answer questions that the community may have at their open house. Hosted at Walden Lake Elementary School, community members may attend to see the vision

that the Walden Lake development team has for the community while having their voices heard and questions answered. For additional information, visit www.MovingWaldenLakeForward.com, call (813) 8354001 or email engage@MovingWaldenLakeForward.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

FRIDAY, JUNE 23 - SUNDAY, JUNE 25

MEGA ADOPTION EVENT

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.

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

FLAG DAY CEREMONY

1 p.m. 1501 N. Alexander St. The Plant City Elks Lodge 1727 will host a Flag Day Ceremony at their lodge. The event will take attendees through the history of all our nation’s flas. The Lodge will highlight their members who have served as the veterans present the nine historic flas. A box lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the ceremony in exchange for a donation made to the lodge and all are welcome to attend. If you’re planning on attending, please RSVP to Ed Wise by calling 863-370-0772.

LOW COUNTRY BOIL

6 to 10 p.m. at 1501 N. Alexander St. The Plant City Elks Lodge 1727 will be hosting a low country boil. Attendance will cost $17 if tickets are purchased before June 10 and $22 if purchased after, all are encouraged.

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, June 17, 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

Various times at 2508 W. Oak Ave. Plant City will be hosting a mega adoption event at the Florida Strawberry Fairgrounds, an opportunity to enjoy some food, meet with pups that need a home and adopt a furry friend for free. Along with sponsors that include Petco Love, Hillsborough County Pet Resources Foundation, Inc., Friends of Animal Services Inc., Team Godwin Foundation and Florida Leaders of Lifesaving, you can attend the event on Friday, June 23 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., on Saturday, June 24 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, June 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information,

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

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. June’s theme is The 80’s!

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.

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ONLINE Follow us on social media: @PCObserver on Instagram, @PlantObserver on Twitter and Plant City Observer on Facebook.

Ted Chancey caught this photo of the sun sinking down over the water in Plant City.

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