6.11.20 PLCO by Plant City Observer

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THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

RICK LOTT UNANIMOUSLY CHOSEN TO RETAIN HIS SEAT AS MAYOR AND MIDTOWN ONCE AGAIN ON HORIZON

City Commission meetings are rarely dull, but this week’s came with several conversations on the future and working toward change. SEE PAGE 5

CONGRATS, GRADS!

Justin Kline

Four Plant City High students joining the military got their diplomas at school earlier this week.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

NEWS BRIEFS

City cancels July 4 celebration The City of Plant City announced Monday its annual Fourth of July celebration at Plant City Stadium has been canceled for 2020. “In the interest of our community’s wellbeing, the annual July 4th Celebration has been canceled due to COVID-19 concerns,” the Parks and Recreation Department said in a Facebook post. “The Plant City Parks & Recreation Department and The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce have determined that the event cannot be held under the current COVID-19 guidelines. Though we are disappointed to not host our normal celebrations, the wellbeing of all residents and visitors is of our foremost concern. Thank you to our many community partners who help make this special event possible each year! Stay safe and be #PlantCityStrong!”

American Legion Post 26 honors local students Students from seven area schools were awarded by the American Legion Post 26 last week, as the Legion decided to carry on with its annual School Medal Award Program. Ray Cliburn visited the following schools on June 2 and distributed awards

for Outstanding Boy and Outstanding Girl:

Marshall Middle Magnet School — Mi-

chael Bell, Taylor Smith Tomlin Middle School — Tregg Aguero, Jaida Davis Mulrennan Middle School — Aaron Abraham, Laila Sinkfield Simmons Career Center — Jose Andrade, Luisa Garcia Durant High School — Vincenzo Interdonato, Miranda Bihler Plant City High School — Carson Magann, Olivia Charron Strawberry Crest High School — Eric Ingersoll, Amber Hatton In addition, Post 26 awarded $1,000 scholarships to Durant’s Victoria Leto, Plant City’s Mary-Catherine Stephens and Strawberry Crest’s Hunter Croslin.

Bank of Central Florida gets new PC office Lakeland-based Bank of Central Florida’s new Plant City office, located at 409 N. Alexander St., is now open for business. The bank has had a presence in Plant City for more than a year now and, even with COVID-19 changing the way everyone operates, is ready to serve local clients. Drive-thru services are currently available and customers can connect with bankers through video conferencing. Visit bankofcentralflorida.com for more information.

Weekend, evening COVID-19 testing available in Brandon Hillsborough County has expanded COVID-19 testing availability further, announcing last week its Brandon testing site will now offer free weekend and evening testing for anyone with an appointment. The site at 313 S. Lakewood Drive now operates from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, as well as from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Plant City’s testing site at 307 N. Michigan Ave. is still open and the county said two additional sites are currently being planned. To make an appointment, call 813272-5900 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. There is no charge to get tested and health insurance is not required. Visit HCFL.gov/staysafe for more information.

On-site worship back at Hope Lutheran Hope Lutheran Church, 2001 N. Park Road, reopened its sanctuary for worship this week. The current English-language worship schedule is for Sunday services at 8 and 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday services at 6:30 p.m. Spanish-language services take

place at 4 p.m. Sundays. Seating will be limited to promote social distancing and attendees are asked to wear a mask while on the church campus. “We are excited to join together in worship in our sanctuary once again following this extended period during the precautions of the coronavirus,” Rev. Dean Pfeffer said. “Through these times we have seen and experienced the strong hand of our Lord as He has brought us to this point where we can return to public worship once again. We thank God for the gift of our modern day technology that has allowed us to not only stay in touch with our members, but also allowed us to worship together from our homes each week. While we are excited to be together again, we remind everyone that if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive or symptomatic of the virus, you should not attend. Also, if you are sick or have a fever, you should remain home and worship with us online.” Call 813-752-4622 for more information.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

GINGER FORTÉ

Day at the Bing House

The Bing Rooming House Museum hosted the first annual Ginger Forté Day celebration on June 6. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A little rain didn’t dampen any spirits at the Bing Rooming House Museum on June 6, as people gathered to celebrate the life of Ginger Bennett Forté. The City of Plant City honored the late educator by proclaiming June 1 as Ginger Forté Day. People came out later in the week to honor Forté, a Plant City native and a celebrated Plant City High School alumna, and some of her items were donated to the museum that afternoon. A framed PCHS basketball jersey donated by her Class of 1984 classmates was unveiled outside by members of the Ginger’s Jewelz group. A photograph from her senior prom and one of her basketball portraits were also donated to the museum. William Thomas Jr. said Forté set a great example for young Plant Citians as someone who got an education, came back and made her hometown better than it was when she first left it. “She came back home, she engaged with her school and impacted those who came behind her… she’s someone in the community who made a difference,” Thomas said. Thomas hopes to help the Bing House museum start a sports “hall of fame” upstairs, for which Forté is a perfect fit. The museum also received a photo of Horace Broadnax, who helped lead the Raiders to a state basketball championship in 1982. He also hopes the city will use Ginger Forté Day as a starting point to recognize other influential African-Americans of Plant City’s past. Forté was well-known for her athletic talents. She starred on the court for PCHS and later played collegiate hoops at the University of South Florida. In 2016, she became the first PCHS girls basketball player to have her No. 23 jersey retired, joining school Broadnax and Russell Evans in an on-court ceremony. “I think Michael Jordan might have copied me,” she joked at the time. Forté led the Lady Raiders in scoring and in 1984 she averaged more than 20 points per game and led the undefeated team all the way into the regional playoffs. She said she was told after her senior season that her number would be retired before she got to USF, though it didn’t stay retired. “Somehow, my jersey number got back out and (kids) were wearing it again,” Forté said at the ceremony. “For them to (retire) it again, I’m really honored.” In her senior year of high school, the 1983-84 school year, Forté made PCHS history when she became the school’s first-ever black homecoming queen. Before then, only Paulette Dupont had a similar honor when she was named a “sponsor” by the football team and was named to the Reign ’n’ Shine court in 1970, according to the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center. “Even when she won homecoming queen, she never boasted about that,” Tina Green, event organizer and a close friend of Forté’s, said. “Even though she was the first female athlete to get her jersey retired, she didn’t boast about that either.”

After college, Forté came back home and joined the PCHS cosmetology department, where she spent many years helping students pick up a valuable trade and mentoring them as well. Forté was a devout Christian and spent much time mentoring young girls at Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Last year, shortly after her passing, the Ginger’s Jewelz group was formed to give away school supplies to kids of all ages and guide them in their faith — something Forté started doing when she was alive. On Aug. 11, 2019, the group gave out book bags, school supplies and care baskets to 10 school-aged girls who attend Mt. Olive. “That was her main focus and her main legacy,” Green said, “so we want to keep that going on.”

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

PLANT CITY

Observer

This week on Cops Corner: Plant City Police investigated a fraudulent check, stolen BBQ Grills, a missing firearm,

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

a stolen cattle gate 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

MAY 31

JUNE 1

NOT *THAT* KIND OF DRIVE-THRU 2500 block of Thonotosassa Road Business burglary: Officers responded to an alarm call at the AT&T store at the above listed location at approximately 4:50 a.m.. The front of the store had been driven through.

COUNTING BENJAMINS 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway Counterfeiting: Officers came out to Walmart and met with an employee who told them 10 counterfeit $100 bills were passed.

RIDE-SHARE HORRORS 1 Police Place Battery: This victim reported to PCPD that she was battered during two Lyft rides.

LUMBER LOSS 2100 block of Henderson Way Fraud: Employees at 84 lumber reported that a fraudulent check was used to purchase $1333 of lumber.

LOCKED AND LOADED 3100 block of Azalea Blossom Drive Criminal mischief: This complainant reported that an unknown suspect damaged their fence during the early morning of June 1. Someone shot the defendant’s vinyl fencing with a paintball gun, damaging several of the planks.

Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

LOCKING UP THE HERD 500 block of Charlie Taylor Road Theft: Officer responded to the above address and the victim reported a theft of a cattle gate valued at $200 by an unknown subject.

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Advertising / Richard Brame richard@plantcityobserver.com Advertising / Karen Berry kberry@plantcityobserver.com

JUNE 3

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.

SOMETHING’S FISHY 2200 block of Preservation Drive Theft: This victim reported to police the theft of a Stella 8000 swb hg reel and a Terez spinning rod, valued at over $1,300.00, from his garage.

DOWN IN THE DUMPS CHASED THROUGH TOWN 1200 block of Knight Street/Alabama Street West Alsobrook Street Agg. assault w/firearm: An ofTheft: This victim reported a ficer met with this victim, who re2020 Big Tex 14LX dual-axle metal ported she was boxed in by several dump trailer, which was valued at MISSING FIREARM vehicles and subjects while driving $10,000, was stolen from a con3200 block of Bending Oak Drive on Coronet Street. She was able struction site. Theft: This victim reported an to turn around to drive a different unknown person stole his firearm way home. She turned east on Ala- NOTHING TO SEE HERE from his dresser. The last time he bama Street from Collins Street 2300 block of saw it was May 13. when she noticed she was being Ashberry Ridge Drive followed. As she turned north Trespass in vehicle: this vicJUNE 4 Edited Davidto Steinberg onto Knight Street from Alabama timby reported police thatJune her 12, 2020 Street, the vehicle behind her unlocked vehicle was entered and SUMMER BBQ ACROSS Sra., in rummaged15 Personal 43 ofIndian began shooting at her vehicle. Her49someone through it. 300 block BerryFest Place vehicle was 1 struck one time by a Nothing was taken or damaged. This victim reported Basics the U.S. question? Trailer theft: season bullet, causing damage. The victim51The victimorg. signed a waiver of no the theft of a 2008 homemade 5 Was in debt E-filing 19 With known for could not provide any suspect trailer with an attached tag valued 9 Hubbubs 52prosecution. Quarter imperfections downpours information signed a waiver of 13and Sudden of four 21 Saint who at $3,000.00, two 45 More barbecue like prosecution, only wishing to have 53 Made a grills valuedSt. at $1,000.00 transition wrote Nicholas each the incident stump 14documented. Extend the dash for “Utopia” and one46 Onesmoker often valued at $15,000.00. due date of 55 *Wetland 23 Notice has four

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

COMMISH ROUNDUP:

LOTT AND COMMISSIONERS RETAIN SEATS, MIDTOWN DEVELOPMENT BIDDERS ANNOUNCED MONDAY NIGHT

This week’s virtual city commission meeting featured swearing-in ceremonies for re-elected officials and an update on Midtown. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Plant City experienced the start of new beginnings Monday evening. A record number of viewers tuned in to the live streamed city commission meeting to watch as Rick Lott was once again voted in as mayor. Lott then asked Nate Kilton to remain his vice mayor for another year. All of the commissioners chose to remain in their roles as representatives to a variety of organizational assignments including sitting on boards like the Council of Governments, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Ridge League of Cities and the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. They also reappointed William Thomas Jr. to the Hillsborough County Community Action Board. Thomas has served on the board since March 1, 2016. Commissioners Mike Sparkman and Bill Dodson also recently ran

unopposed and won their respective elections. They were sworn in with their family members this week. With so many projects in the works and the prospect of change on the horizon, the veteran leaders at the dais bring uniformity to the board as they plan for the future of the city. It’s a fact both praised and criticized throughout the community. Some are thankful for the consistency the rarely changing leadership brings to the community and the assurance that offers for the business community as companies decide whether or not to call Plant City home. Others are eager for a change, any change, as some of the commissioners have remained in their seats for decades. Those at the virtual dais chose to take the moment to reflect on what the opportunity to lead and serve means to them. “I’m truly honored by the faith that the commission has put into me again to serve in this capacity,” Lott said. “I take it seriously

and I am truly honored and humbled for your belief that I have the ability to once again work with the commission in this capacity and be the face of the commission and I thank you again for allowing me to. I have said many, many times that I have served on a lot of boards, a lot of committees, but this is the finest board I have ever sat on or ever worked with and I give a lot of credit to our founding fathers that designed our city to where every commissioner, instead of just being in a district where they only serve one section of their city, that each and every one of us serve every inch of this city. It’s not just the mayor, it’s every single commissioner works as one body and it allows us to make decisions that’s good for the entire city and not just for the section that a commissioner may represent in other cities.” Dodson and Sparkman both thanked the commission for their

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continued support and sat back to briefly consider what they’ve seen over their years at the dais. Sparkman said he’s now been sworn in 10 different times as a commissioner and when he finishes he’ll be right at 30 years of service for the board, making him the longest serving commissioner in Plant City history. It was City Manager Bill McDaniel, however, that truly set the theme for the evening as he announced another undertaking was about to emerge once more. The city has attempted three times to bring the Midtown District to life. Each time, something came up that caused the project to be shelved. Bids for attempt

number four were sought and four responses came in. Three groups from Florida — Green Mills Group out of Fort Lauderdale, Housing Trust Group in Coconut Grove and Mosaic Development in St. Petersburg — as well as DevMar Development from Birmingham, Michigan all submitted “outstanding proposals,” according to McDaniel. McDaniel said he is working with commissioners now to set a date for viewing the proposals. His preference is to be able to go over them in a meeting back at City Hall, but he said he will stick to the live-streamed meetings if he must.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

PRAYING FOR THE CHANGE-MAKERS The Black Lives Matter protest Tuesday evening was heavily focused on continuing the fight toward change in the community. Discussions on policies that need altered and visions of the future for the city were carried among many of those gathered.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The clouds cleared moments before the first attendee arrived to start setting up the tent in the parking lot of the Southern Hospitality shopping plaza for Tuesday’s Black Lives Matter protest. It was the third protest in seven days in Plant City. The tagline said “We may look different, we may talk different, but we are all equal” and called for the community to join together for a peaceful protest and time of prayer. Attendees were encouraged to wear black or black hoodies to show respect to Trayvon Martin, the 17-yearold boy who was shot and killed by George Zimmerman in 2012. When the community began to arrive they were greeted by several of the organizers, who were toting clipboards and asked them if they were registered to vote. Those who said no were given the opportunity to register on the spot. “We are registering people to vote because, honestly and truly, the way to get things done and the way to make change is to impact policy,” Katrice Jackson said. “It’s the American way. We live in a democracy. If you want to have your voice be heard and you really want to feel the impact, the two ways to do that are economically and to vote. My hope is that there is more accountability, not just for police, but for citizens in general. We’ve seen too many times where it hasn’t just been police brutality, it’s also been citizen brutality and

Photos by Breanne Williams and Justin Kline

Protesters gathered Tuesday evening for another peaceful march to Plant City Police Department and also offered on-site voter registration for all who attended.

I really hope to see accountability for all citizens, especially the police department.” The proposed method making waves across the nation is the act of defunding the police and reallocating a large portion of those funds to areas of need within communities. Social media alone has proven there is a general confusion as to what society would look like with a nationwide move to defund police departments. The call to action lies moreso in budget cuts than it does abolishment of the departments. The portion of the city’s annual budget that is allocated toward the Plant City Police Department would hypothetically be reduced. Jackson said her hope is to see some of the funding for PCPD disbursed toward other needs in the community, like helping the homeless, leveling the playing field for healthcare options for all local residents regardless of the color of their skin or socioeconomic status and to boost local education efforts. As a public educator, Jackson said she knows firsthand the impact the ever-growing budget cuts on schools have on the community, so she thinks it would be a great place to start. It’s by no means a new concept and several cities have already altered their police budgets. For example, in Austin, Texas, the city added millions of dollars toward helping mental health issues and developed an operator system that would inquire whether the caller needed police, fire or a mental health service. One city is being highlighted above the rest as it encompasses both of the calls

to action. It started with defunding and then transitioned to a new style of policing altogether. Camden, New Jersey once had a homicide rate that was a near-mirror image of that in El Salvador. City leaders decided to completely alter its funding and implemented a list of reforms. Crime peaked in 2012 and then, with a lower budget, the city’s police force was disbanded and a county community force was created instead. It saved the city an average of $82,563 per officer and it now has the lowest murder rate the town has seen since 1987. Policy as a whole was the main topic of discussion Tuesday evening and many in attendance stood in the parking lot discussing the future they hoped to see by getting civically and politically engaged. Accountability was a major topic. Funding for programs in what many felt are neglected areas of the community, as well as reevaluating the budget for certain projects to help float funds toward education, was also discussed. Reverend Antonio Wilkerson from Mt. Olive Baptist Church opened the protest by leading the group in a prayer for the city. He thanked God for the opportunity for the community to be united and said he hopes God would continue to give all of the young people gathered “the courage to take a stand.” He said the time for talking about change is done and prayed that God would help them be the change-makers they want to see in this world. “Sometimes we often wonder what Heaven is going to look like, and you’re giv-

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ing us the opportunity right here on Earth where all nationalities all can come together, all ethnic groups can come together. So we thank you, Lord, for this opportunity because we realize that Jesus didn’t come to save skin color, Jesus Christ came to save souls,” Wilkerson prayed. By 6 p.m., approximately 50 people were ready to march. The group walked, chanted and waved their signs down James L. Redman Parkway toward Alexander Street and eventually ended at the police department. No one emerged from the building to meet with them, so Promise Goodwine led the group in prayer as they took a knee by the front gate. Then they marched back. Promise Goodwine’s aunt, Shirley Goodwine, made a hearty barbecue spread for the attendees and they dug right into the savory food when they returned. As the group began to disperse, many shook hands and said they’d see each other next Tuesday at the next rally. “The good thing about living in a small city like Plant City is you’re able to see the impact of your involvement, you’re able to see those changes faster than on a state level or a federal level,” Jackson said. “I definitely think this is something that is doable if both sides are willing to meeting in the middle… If you can’t change your home then how can you expect to change the state or the country? You have to start here, you have to start at home.” The next Black Lives Matter protest will be held at 5 p.m. June 16 at the Southern Hospitality parking lot. There will also be another protest downtown on June 19.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

ANSWERING THE CALL: LEXI SCHLUDT Schludt left Plant City eight weeks ago to treat COVID-19 patients in Brooklyn, New York. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Seeing the news about COVID-19’s effect on New York City had profound effects on nurses from all over the country, including here in Plant City. Nurses like Lexi Schludt have stepped up to travel to one of the hardest-hit regions in the United States and help out however they could. “I was not getting enough sleep at night,” Schludt said. “I was coming home from work feeling defeated. They were really struggling in New York… I felt like my heart was pulling me here.” So, for the last eight weeks, Schludt has been working at Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in New York City. It was a giant step out of her comfort zone, but one she felt was necessary to take. “It was very, very scary walking into a hospital where it felt like a war zone,” Schludt said. “Everybody was super welcoming, but in the sense they were thankful for someone to come in and help. The patient-to-staff ratio was awful. It was hard, but rewarding.” According to Schludt, every floor of the hospital had been converted to treat COVID patients when she got there. Rooms that were not designed to treat ICU patients were being used for that purpose. All of her patients were fighting the virus and some were on “militarygrade ventilators” the likes of which Schludt had never seen before. A common sentiment among nurses like her who have traveled to New York City to work is that everything they already

knew about nursing back home, everything they were taught, gets thrown out the window when you’re working with COVID patients. “You learn every day as a nurse and you don’t do anything by the book when you’re first a nurse anyway, but I’ll never forget this experience,” Schludt said. “I’ve learned more in the last eight weeks than I have in the last year.” She said one of the most jarring things about the experience was how fast it can develop within a patient. One man, for example, came to the ER “fully alert and oriented” despite having tested positive. That was two weeks ago. The man has since passed away. “It’s so fast and nothing like I’ve ever seen before in nursing,” Schludt said. “We know about cancer, flu, stuff that’s already out there, but this is something you can’t describe.” Nurses like Schludt focus on doing the best they can with the resources and knowledge they have. One critical aspect of the job is being there for patients who have no one else to be with them, whether because they don’t have any family or their families were not allowed in to visit them. The latter has since changed at her hospital: some family members are now allowed to visit so long as they wear N95 masks, but this only happens when the hospital determines a patient may not survive the night. But in milder cases, the nurses can become a patient’s link back to their own world outside. “Being there with patients who can’t be there with loved ones, FaceTiming their family when they need it, it’s awesome to be

able to do that for people and they were so thankful,” Schludt said. “We were doing our best to make sure they’re aware we’re right there with them, holding their hands and being the best nurses we can be.” There have been positive moments in Schludt’s time at the hospital, though. She said things are starting to inch their way back to normal in a noticeable way now and that she’s starting to be able to treat patients who don’t have COVID. Many of her current COVID patients have been there for about as long as she has, and she has seen some patients make major turnarounds from the hospital bed. “I saw a few COVID-positive patients who were intubated and unresponsive get to go home, which is amazing,” she said. Schludt’s final shift at the hospital is Saturday, and then she’ll make the drive back home to Plant City to be reunited with her family. She’s leaving New York with a new outlook on life as well as a new outlook on nursing. “I’ve learned to be thankful every day for what you have,” Schludt said. “That’s what I’m taking away from this. Today might be a bad day, but tomorrow could be better.” Have you or someone you know left Plant City to treat COVID-19 cases in New York City or other heavily affected parts of the country? If so, the Plant City Observer would like to tell your story. Email Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

Photos courtesy of Amy Mullins

Lexi Schludt often wears a strawberry-covered mask as a shout-out to her hometown Plant City.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

COVID-19 CASES THROUGHOUT FLORIDA ON THE RISE ONCE AGAIN

Members of the EPG have to navigate the news of a spike in positive novel coronavirus cases which, this time around, is impacting predominately those age 15 to 64 years of age.

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Florida now has had 66,000 positive COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday morning. Of those, 2,851 have died. And data shows the numbers are once more on the rise as the state attempts to balance its reopening with more strict safety measures. It’s a topic that has elected officials bracing for impact and local residents eying their at-home offices once more. The overall number of COVID-19 cases in the county is rising steadily, but the fatality rate is not. The reason for this is that many of the new cases are not coming from the elderly or those with more vulnerable immune systems. Instead, the growth rate is highest among people 15 to 64 years of age: the working population. That is a piece of data we really haven’t seen yet and it has heavily impacted the way the county has had to handle transmission. The good news is younger

patients less often need hospitalization and have a lower percentage of fatalities. This means that even if they are infected, only a small percentage of them have to seek treatment in a hospital. However, they still are capable of transmitting the virus to others who may not be as lucky. During Thursday afternoon’s Emergency Policy Group meeting, Hillsborough County leaders were told there were 450 new cases over the past week. To put that in perspective, the jump reported during the prior week’s meeting was 250 cases and that alone was enough to put many of the EPG members on edge. Dr. Douglas Holt, director of the state’s Health Department for Hillsborough County, told the group he continues to work with the long-term care facilities as they will always remain the largest area of concern for the country. Approximately half of all deaths in Florida coming from COVID-19 have been tied to these

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the community. While testing across the entire state has continued to steadily rise, ProPublica announced the number of positive cases coming per 100,000 people tested is also increasing. That’s to be expected with so many more people out and about, but it does put a burden on the EPG and the medical community to continue to ensure there is strong education being distributed to the public and that health facilities are capable of handling a second wave, should it come. For the latest updates, tune in to this afternoon’s EPG meeting at 1:30 p.m. on the county’s YouTube channel and its Facebook page.

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long-term care facilities and several of the state’s worst outbreaks have happened right here in Hillsborough County. Over the past week, every day except Monday has had the number of new COVID-19 cases in Florida topping 1,000. On Tuesday it was reported Florida had 1,096 new cases in just 24 hours. This news comes just as Governor Ron DeSantis put into effect the Phase 2 reopening plan that allowed bars, movie theaters and entertainment venues to open their doors again and the social gathering number to increase to approximately 50 people. The civil unrest throughout the nation has also changed the conversation. The groups in Plant City alone have ranged from around 50 people to a few hundred for each protest. In Tampa, that number has grown from several hundred to the thousands. Testing is ultimately the only way for the county and state to know what the actual impact of COVID-19 looks like for

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Do you want Plant City to see how cute your favorite pets are? Send your pictures to Staff Writer Breanne Williams at bwilliams@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

ELVIS. Elvis is a 1-year-old pug mix. He is being fostered in a home in Plant City and available for adoption through 4 Lucky Dogs Pet Rescue. This cute pup posed for pictures matching famous songs sung by his namesake Elvis Presley: Blue Suede Shoes, Return to Sender, Jailhouse Rock and Blue Hawaii. If interested in adopting Elvis, visit 4luckydogs.org.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

PCHS HOSTS GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR STUDENTS ENTERING MILITARY

Four Plant City High students got to walk and get their diplomas in a small ceremony Monday night.

Photos by Justin Kline

Pictured in order: Nehemiah Cofield, Ricardo Francisco-Alonzo, Braden-Cade Majors and Ariana Velez receive their high school diplomas and pose with Principal Susan Sullivan.

graduation ceremony to watch their classmates win the championship — the walk the game caused them to miss. This year was a little different: COVID-19 pushed all county public schools’ graduation ceremonies back to July, which is when six PCHS students will have already left town to start their military service. Unlike the baseball players and fans, they won’t be able to come back the next day to walk. “We have six of our students who will be leaving for the military

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Plant City High School has proven it’s more than willing to find a way to meet as many unusual graduation needs as it can. Last year, PCHS’s baseball team played for the 8A state championship at the same time the school’s graduation ceremony was held. The next afternoon, the school held a small ceremony to give 13 graduating seniors — those on the baseball team, plus those who skipped their own

before our July 17 graduation,” principal Susan Sullivan said. “Originally our May 27 graduation date would have covered that. But we didn’t want them to leave without an official diploma presentation.” So, the school accommodated them Monday night in the auditorium with a graduation ceremony. Four of the six graduates, along with their families, were able to attend. Sullivan said the school planned the event within a week to get as many of the students

onstage as possible, as one is leaving town at the end of this week. “Not only have they completed their four years, but they’re willing to serve this country,” Sullivan said. “The sacrifice that they’re making only makes it important for us to do something special for just them. We want to present them their diplomas. We want their families to have the opportunity to see them be awarded their diplomas.” Graduates who were present on Monday include Nehe-

miah Cofield (Marines), Ricardo Francisco-Alonzo (Marines), Braden-Cade Majors (Army) and Ariana Velez (Marines). The two students who were not able to make it, Dalton Raines and Joseph Hendrix, are joining the Coast Guard and the Air Force, respectively.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

FOOTSTEPS OF FAITH:

OPEN STORES, OPEN DOORS, OPEN HOMES, OPEN HEARTS

We know an enemy is out there in the form of a virus or a multitude of other descriptions. Yet we are moving forward to push the darkness of this season back with the light of a new day, a new hope and a renewed sense of purpose.

Driving through Plant City takes a bit longer to do now, but I would not change that for the world. The banners and signs that decorate the once sparse streets say “We are open! We missed you!” The parking lots are starting to buzz with activity and the commerce of life begins to break forth as a flower breaks through the hard soil. I remembered driving back from Virginia in March with eerie sights of malls, stores, and restaurants that were vacant. The only things moving were the bits of trash that could have been like the old tumbleweeds from the west. The only thing missing was the theme song from “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” (for those that do not know this reference, look it up on Google). Yet today, the tumbleweeds are replaced with returning workers, cautious customers and celebrating congregations. It is a time of coming together with a new perspective and a greater appreciation of what it means to be “family.” For many of our senior adults and grandparents, these months have seen young children waving to them from outside their homes and the placing of the chil-

dren’s small hands on their windows. This time taught us the incredible importance of physical touch. The parades of cars to recognize birthdays, anniversaries, retirements and of course, our incredible graduates, taught us the critical step of thinking “outside the box.” Churches that wondered about the importance of videoing their services now have a greater charge to get the messages of help, hope and healing out into the highways, byways and airwaves. Non-profits that took care of people during this unprecedented time of need have established a deeper commitment to plan, prepare and provide. We are so thankful for them. It has reminded me of the phrase that has long guided my steps as a chaplain to our heroes: “It is better to prepare and prevent rather than repair and repent.” It has also re-energized a profound respect and love for those that serve on the front lines of our crisis. The men and women that answer a calling to “serve and protect” are now a focus of signs, thank you letters and events. Law enforcement, fire rescue, medical workers, EMS and security line the streets, the walls of the hospitals and the parking lots of our schools, and they give and give and give.

Now in their time of weariness, it is up to us as a community to come alongside them, to share the weight of their burdens and lift their arms in triumph and victory. I love the philosophy of General George Patton during World War II when he contacted his commanders by saying, “I never want to hear that you are holding your ground. I want to know that you are advancing!” What “ground” will you take back that the pandemic plucked from your life? What re-focusing of your priorities and passions will begin the steps forward into a new day from a long dark night? What relationships will you rekindle that the wind of adversity and distance has made cold? What will be your first act of thanksgiving and gratitude toward those that have battled and continue to battle the assault of the sickness so you could sleep at night? Through the open stores, open doors, open homes and open hearts, should walk the presence of a stronger and more steadfast character of a community. Not fearful, but confident. Not reckless in lifestyle, but relentless in living. Not hoarding, but helping. Not hesitant, but always hopeful. Dr. Anthony Fauci made this comment about America: “I don’t think we should

ever shake hands ever again, to be honest with you.” I am not sure where he is from, but I can tell you for certain he has never been to Plant City. He has never experienced the heartbeat of a county community that thrives, not on the produce of the ground but on the passion of a profound love for life and each other. Now, let’s get started!

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

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JUNE 11, 2020

SPORTS

SUMMER ACTIVITIES KICK OFF IN PLANT CITY

Summer programming is now in full swing at the Plant City Family YMCA and with the Parks and Recreation Department. Families have plenty of options available for their kids over the next few months.

LOCAL BALLPLAYERS EARN ALL-AMERICAN HONORS

Parker Messick and Alex Kachler picked up awards for their performance on and off the field. Two college baseball players from the greater Plant City area have earned All-American honors, their schools announced. Florida State’s Parker Messick was named an NCAA Division I Freshman AllAmerican last week by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper for his prowess out of the bullpen. Messick, a Plant City High alumnus, struck out 19 batters and walked two in just under 12 innings in the shortened season. He picked up one win against Niagara and earned a save against Florida in the game that ended FSU’s 11-game losing streak to the Gators. Methodist University catcher Alex Kachler was named to the College Sports Information Directors of America’s national Academic All-America Division III first team. Kachler, a Strawberry Crest alumni, finished his career at Methodist with a .364 batting average, 86 extrabase hits (including a school record 56 doubles), 183 hits, 147 RBI and 119 runs. He started 129 of the 134 games in which he appeared. He majored in industrial engineering and mathematics and was voted MU’s Senior Athlete of the Year for the 2019-20 school year.

File photo

The Plant City Family YMCA’s developmental swim team is back in the pool once again. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

It’s officially summertime again now that two of the biggest summer programming activities in Plant City are back in action. The Plant City Family YMCA started its annual summer camp series June 1, shortly after Governor Ron DeSantis lifted restrictions on camps and youth sports, and is easing back into the rest of its usual youth sports programming. Though the Y’s offerings will look a little different from usual thanks to COVID-19-related safety precautions being followed around the country, things there are starting to get back to normal. “We’re in week two of (summer camp),” Paul Conley, Executive Director, said. “We’re seeing great participation, kids are having fun, the program has been really engaging and safe. That’s what I’m most excited about — we’re seeing it in action and we’re able to run this safe and fun program.” In a typical year, Conley said, registrations for Plant City Family YMCA youth programming start gaining steam from March through May and peak participation leads to a “robust summer” in terms of turnout. But COVID-19 blanketing the Y and the world with uncertainty in each of those months likely means that same growth period for registrations will be pushed back somewhat. Conley said registrations

are on the rise now and he expects the Y to reach peak participation more toward the end of summer than the early weeks. In the case of summer camp alone, that could mean 40 to 50 kids per week. Summer camp at the Y started last week with 28 kids and currently has 30 enrolled. The weekly camp series features a new theme each week to keep kids engaged. Last week, for example, was Olympics Week and put an emphasis on competitions and challenges. This week’s theme is “Under the Sea,” an aquaticsfocused week that gets kids in the pool to swim and play games outside. Every Friday, parents are invited to join their kids for family activities using skills, games, crafts and more that campers learned throughout the week. The camp also features reading and STEMfriendly activities “to help curb that summer learning loss,” Conley said. Swimming programs for youth are also back. Swim lessons restarted on Monday and the developmental swim team, for which the swim lesson program acts as a feeder system, is now practicing three nights a week. Families can sign their kids up for swim lesson sessions throughout the summer and, when they complete their lessons and age out of them but want to stay in the pool, they can move up to the developmental team if they’re between the ages of 6 and 12.

“You learn to swim, you keep swimming and perfect your swimming as you grow,” Conley said. “Kids can age out of swim lessons by 5 to 6 years old depending on their skills, so we want something to keep people swimming throughout their youth.” Conley said plans for the developmental team to swim competitively against other programs are not finalized yet, but the Y will make such information available when more details are set in stone. Youth sports will be back at the Y on Aug. 3 and families can sign their kids up now for basketball, soccer and volleyball. Another thing the Y is trying this summer is offering clinics for young athletes. Conley and the staff have been contacting area high school sports teams about coming to the facility to host full clinics or make guest appearances to help kids get better at their respective sports. More information about the clinics should be finalized soon, Conley said, but the Y is aiming to start the clinics in July and has confirmed there will be clinics for basketball and soccer. More sports are likely to follow. For more information about the Plant City Family YMCA’s summer programming or to sign up for any programs, camps, sports leagues and other events, visit tampaymca.org/locations/plant-city-family-ymca. This Monday was also the first day of the Plant City Parks and Recreation

Department’s annual eightweek Summer Program. “Restricted to 50 percent of our normal registrations due to COVID-19 guidelines, nearly 90 of our 100 registered attendees were on site for opening day,” director Jack Holland said in a press release. “Due to a rainy Monday, the first day was a true test of the outstanding planning done by staff. With everyone being forced indoors all day, our spacing restraints were put to the max with a very successful outcome.” All campers are screened before they can enter the Planteen Recreation Center: their temperatures are checked and they’re asked a series of health questions, they receive hand sanitizer when inside and are separated into groups in different areas of the center based on their age. The eight-week program, which is for kids age 6-15, will run through July 31 with the exception of July 3, during which the department will observe Independence Day. Kids in the program get free breakfast and lunch through the Summer BreakSpot program.

Photos courtesy of Plant City Parks and Recreation Department

Campers in the city’s Summer Program are still able to have their annual eight weeks of summer fun with social distancing measures.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR Many of our readers have been sharing their thoughts on Black Lives Matter protests and rallies held in Plant City on our Facebook posts. This is what readers had to say about last Thursday’s rally in Midtown and downtown. “Protest done right! This is the way it should be! People all around need to take this and repeat this in their town. This is how you make the change, this is how we come together. SO proud of my community today.” —Jessica Williams

“I’m so proud of Promise! I’m so proud of the way this protest was done! We can never understand what Black people go through but with prayer, like this protest used, we can change lives, circumstances and the way ALL LIVES are treated. From the homeless on the street to the CEO of the largest corporation! I think we have to remember one race or job position doesn’t represent all! I worked at the school for a long time, I saw just as many rude white kids as I did black! I had coworkers who were of different races and I care about all of them. ‘Red and yellow, black or white all are precious in his sight!’”

“the norm has been it begins with legitimate protests and mourning for Floyd, them becomes rioting, looting and destruction. It is why downtown is boarded up... not because of the protests, but what usually follows. The same reason the Sheriff’s office had people in riot gear - better safe than sorry. We are blessed we had legitimate protesters versus the mix with outside rioters. What would be awesome is if the protesters shutdown rioters in the other cities - didn’t allow them to pull away from the legitimate protest cause - a focus on George Floyd.”

“As one of the lady speakers said at the court house... ‘we can’t change the world, but we can change plant city! We can’t change the world, but we can change Hillsborough county!’” — Dylan Huntsman

“Too bad we can’t get this kind of response for other events downtown to support the city” — Karen Erickson

“Proud of Plant City for being kind and considerate and for the peaceful group that showed up. They made more of a statement than the rioters for sure.” — Fran Davenport

— BA Armistead

— Sandi Harris

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

REAL ESTATE

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

MAY 2020 REAL ESTATE Local May 2020 sales and trend information courtesy of The Crawford Group. Permit information was obtained from the City of Plant City.

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued in Plant City for the month of May 2020, in order of dollar amounts. Address

Compared with 2019 figures Plant City-area real estate sales dropped while sale prices increased — a trend that’s defined much of this year in real estate. Last month, 70 single-family homes sold with an average sale price of $240,762 ($131.27 per square foot). Compared to last May, that represents an 11 percent increase in average sale price (vs. $217,466 and $118.73 per square foot in 2019). There was also an 11 percent year-to-year increase in April 2020 sales. Mitchell Crawford, of the Crawford Group, said that Plant City is “still very much in a seller’s market” and that the busiest part of the buying/selling season is nearly here. He also cautions potential sellers to be wary of companies that offer to buy homes without visiting them. “We recently had a client ask us about the typical selling process,”

Crawford said. “They had originally went with one of those Internet companies which basically buys the home sight unseen, gives them a contract and, in this case, delayed for more than 90 days before they attempted to follow the contract deadlines. Without Realtor representation, they didn’t know the processes or what their options were. The ‘company’ then presented them with an addendum seeking close to $20,000 in repair and so-called market decline credits to continue forward with the contract. Their home should have closed within 45 days, but now they have to start the process over again. This is one of the main reasons, as a buyer or seller, to get Realtor representation — someone who is looking after their best interest.”

Permit

Amount

2501 Paul Buchman Highway

Completion

$1,453,256

2501 Paul Buchman Highway

Occupancy

$919,454

2051 Walden Woods Drive

Electrical

$865,000

302 S. Maryland Ave.

Mechanical/HVAC

$570,000

2400 James L. Redman Parkway

Completion

$500,000

3307 S. Frontage Road

Billboard

$450,000

2709 Thonotosassa Road

Mechanical/HVAC

$370,000

765 Grant St.

5+ family buildings

$350,000

3304 Sydney Road

Commercial alteration

$306,813

2262 Pixie Way

Roof

$284,000

3304 Sydney Road

Roof

$255,966

2501 Paul Buchman Highway

Occupancy

$250,000

3304 Sydney Road

Roof

$223,920

4614 W. Dr. MLK Blvd.

Plumbing

$195,000

302 S. Maryland Ave.

Plumbing

$178,000

1708 Johnson Pointe Drive

Single family detached

$156,300

2511 James L. Redman Parkway

Electrical

$102,178

1602 W. Johnson Road

Single family detached

$135,480

1706 Johnson Pointe Drive

Single family detached

$109,000

3002 Bridgeman Court

Single family detached

$109,000

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James L.Plant Redman Parkway, Plant 33566 City Flor 2803-4James James2803-4 L. Redman Parkway, City Florida 33566 2803-4 L. Redman Parkway, Plant City Florida Office: (813) 305-1616 |Office: Fax: (813)(813) 754-8099 Email: Malissa.Crawford@Gmail.com 305-1616 | Fax:Email: (813)Malissa.Crawford@Gmail.com 754-8099 Email: Malissa.Crawford@G Office: (813) 305-1616 | Fax: (813) 754-8099

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

Elodia Vergara-Santos, 71, de Guerrero, Mexico, nacio el 22 de Octubre del 1948, en Tecolcuautla, Estado de Guerrero, Mexico, entro en descanso eterno el 1 de Junio del 2020. Expressiones de condolencias en HopewellFuneral.com.

Sandra “Sandy” Patterson

Charles E. Cornell

Jesus

Taking care of each other is what

Charles E. Cornell, 86, of Plant Manuel Rivera City, entered into Heaven’s Gates on June 2, 2020. He Jesus Manuel Rivera, 59, of Sandra “Sandy” Patterson, 66, of was born on June 27, 1933 in Jacksonville, passed away on Lakeland, born in Pulaski, Virginia Ironton, Ohio. Monday June 1, 2020. Jesus was on Nov. 1, 1953, entered into eterHe proudly served in the born Feb. 25, 1961 in Orocovis, nal rest on June 7, 2020. United States Military Army Puerto Rico. Expressions of condolence at dedicated to helping create a W E for ’ R E P R31 O U Dyears. TO S E RV E our community National Guard Fondwe’re memories andfamilies expresHopewellFuneral.com. unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. Fond memories and Memorial expressions ofcelebrates sympathy may be the life it represents. As your Dignity professionals, sions of sympathy may be shared at www.wellsmemorial. > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability we’re dedicated to helping families createTravel a W E’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E our community Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. shared at www.wellsmemorial. com for the Rivera family. celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, com for the Cornell family. R > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability

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Walter Neal Brady

Walter Neal Brady, 62, of Moultrie, Georgia, born in Lakeland on July 10, 1957, became a “Spirit in the Sky” on June 4, 2020. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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PlanT CiTy WELLSMEMORIAL.COM Edward Earl Truett. Born July 21, 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com 1948 in Enterprise, AL. DiedWells JuneMeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy 5, 2020 in Plant City. 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com Services will be held privately. Online condolences can be made at haught.care. M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

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Dennis G. Norman

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Dennis G. Norman, 73, of Plant City, born on Sept. 29, 1946, entered into eternal rest on June 3, 2020. He was a veteran of the United States Army. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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OBITUARIES

Elodia Vergara-Santos

Universal Crossword Edited by David Steinberg June 11, 2020 PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

6/11

FORECAST THURSDAY, JUNE 11 High: 90 Low: 71 Chance of rain: 90%

FRIDAY, JUNE 12 High: 90 Low: 71 Chance of rain: 20%

34 ___ Kippur 36 Member of “The Squad,” informally 37 Critter that can regenerate its arms 39 Sanskrit for “great soul” 42 ___ Tuesday (Aimee Mann band) 43 Dry, like champagne 45 More out of it 46 “What a pity!” 49 Alcohol content of gasoline? 51 Michele of “Glee” 53 Funny Martha 54 Like some steel 58 Russian summer home 63 “This Donald Duck

nephew has been onscreen too long!”? 65 Above, in poetry 66 Arabian chief 67 First-year player 68 What the right accent color makes a room do 69 Like pink cheeks 70 It might be attached to a washer DOWN 1 Shortly 2 Lady’s partner 3 Director Preminger 4 Ctrl+C or Ctrl+V 5 Female lobster 6 Return into Earth’s atmosphere

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

High: 89 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 50%

SUNDAY, JUNE 14 High: 88 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 80%

TOMATOES

Shipping point: Central Florida $13.95-$17.95

7 Israel’s national airline 8 Capacitance unit 9 Arched foot part 10 Emphatic warning in the library 11 Factual 12 Like thrift shop items 13 Pronoun within “seashells” 17 Prime Video competitor 18 Org. that defends rights 22 Greek I’s 24 Doesn’t eat 25 Vowel sequence in a children’s song 26 Eurasian range 27 Suggested behaviors 28 Former Patriot Brady 30 1:1, for one 31 “... wherefore art thou ___?” 32 Neckwear item 35 Intense way to be in love 38 NFL arbiter 40 Had on a wish list, say 41 First 30-day mo. 44 Hasty 47 Gave one’s wings a rest 48 Tougher to cut a path through 50 Arizona-to-New Mexico direction 52 1836 Texas battle site 54 Sign that anagrams to “post” 55 Nickname related to Ted 56 Group with Medicare information 57 Yale grads 59 Nautical greeting 60 Veggie that can be pickled 61 ___ apparent 62 Nautical assent 64 Windy City airport code

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, June 11

6:31a

8:25p

Friday, June 12

6:31a

8:25p

Saturday, June 13

6:31a

8:25p

Sunday, June 14

6:31a

8:26p

Monday, June 15

6:31a

8:26p

Tuesday, June 16

6:31a

8:26p

Wednesday, June 17

6:32a

8:27p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JUNE 13

A-cue-stick by Steven E. Atwood

ACROSS 1 Walk through puddles 6 Mortgage change, briefly 10 ___’s Disco (“The Simpsons” club) 13 Assuage 14 Vivacity 15 Angels’ big hits?: Abbr. 16 Dr. Seuss book about synesthesia? 19 Ewoks’ home 20 Opened, as a gate 21 Lean to one side 23 Marina ___ Rey 24 Trial venue for longrunning disputes? 29 Contented cat sounds 33 Make less stuffy

June 20 New

June 25 First

July 4 Full

June 17 Last

RAINFALL Monday, June 1

0.00

Tuesday, June 2 0.00 Wednesday, June 3

0.44

Thursday, June 4 0.65 Friday, June 5

0.78

Saturday, June 6 1.40 Sunday, June 7

0.10

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2020 14.32 in.

2020 3.37 in.

2019 07.61 in.

2019 2.56 in.

WEATHER

ACROSS 51 Michele 13 Pronoun 44 Hasty 1 Walk through of “Glee” within 47 Gave one’s puddles 53 Funny Martha “seashells” wings a rest 6 Mortgage 54 Like some 17 Prime Video 48 Tougher to change, steel competitor cut a path Sendbriefly your photo submissions to Associate Editor18 Justin Kline 58 Russian Org. thatat jkline@PlantCityObserver.com through 10 ___’s Disco defends or hashtag #iloveplantcity onsummer Instagram for @igersplantcity to feature. 50 Arizona-to(“The Simphome rights New Mexico sons” club) 63 “This Donald 22 Greek I’s direction 13 Assuage Duck nephew 24 Doesn’t eat 52 1836 Texas 14 Vivacity has been 25 Vowel battle site 15 Angels’ big on-screen sequence in 54 Sign that hits?: Abbr. too long!”? a children’s anagrams 16 Dr. Seuss 65 Above, in song to “post” book about poetry 26 Eurasian 55 Nickname synesthesia? 66 Arabian chief range related 19 Ewoks’ 67 First-year 27 Suggested to Ted home player behaviors 56 Group with 20 Opened, 68 What the 28 Former Medicare as a gate right accent Patriot Brady information 21 Lean to color makes 30 1:1, for one 57 Yale grads one side a room do 31 “... wherefore 59 Nautical 23 Marina 69 Like pink art thou ___?” greeting ___ Rey cheeks 32 Neckwear 60 Veggie that 24 Trial venue for 70 It might be item can be long-running attached to 35 Intense way pickled disputes? a washer to be in love 61 ___ apparent 29 Contented DOWN 38 NFL arbiter 62 Nautical cat sounds 1 Shortly 40 Had on a assent 33 Make less 2 Lady’s wish list, say 64 Windy City stuffy partner 41 First 30-day airport code 34 ___ Kippur 3 Director mo. 36 Member Preminger of “The 4 Ctrl+C or PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER Squad,” Ctrl+V “Took this pic (May 29) while the sun was shining in the west and raining in the east,” Steven Gray informally 5 Female wrote of this scene at the lakes of Countrywood. “Hope you can see the double rainbow.” 37 Critter lobster that can 6 Return Follow us on into social media: @PCObserver on Instgram, ON L I N E @PlantObserver regenerate Earth’s on Twitter and Plant City Observer its arms atmosphere on Facebook. 39 Sanskrit for 7 Israel’s “great soul” national 42 ___ Tuesday airline (Aimee Mann 8 Capacitance band) unit 43 Dry, like 9 Arched champagne foot part 45 More out of it 10 Emphatic 46 “What warning in a pity!” the library 49 Alcohol 11 Factual 6/10 © 2020 Andrews McMeel Universal content of 12 Like thrift www.upuzzles.com gasoline? shop items

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

PlantCityObserver.com