6.13.19 PLCO by Plant City Observer

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VOLUME 6, NO. 50

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THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019

CITY ROLLS OUT RED CARPET FOR HOME DEPOT BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Plant City has confirmed its support of Home Depot’s proposed regional center Monday evening when commissioners unanimously agreed to a seven-year tax exemption for the company.

Plant City is hoping to bring the hammer home after commissioners unanimously approved a deal to offer a seven-year tax exemption to Home Depot, beginning in 2021. It’s a project that was a longtime coming and leaders with the Plant City Economic

Development Corporation and the city worked tirelessly to prove Plant City was the perfect place for the company to build its new regional center. Called “Project Hammer,” the hope is the tax exemption will help solidify Home Depot’s plans in town and bring the warehouse — and the jobs — to Wiggins Road. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Matt Edmonds’ Wonders of Nature show came to Bruton Memorial Library on Tuesday morning.

SEE PAGE 11

OPERATION PAYING IT FORWARD HOOKS FAMILIES UP WITH VEHICLES The Plant City-based group gave two area families free SUVs on June 8 and 10. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Operation Paying it Forward continues to show the Plant City area that any random act of kindness can go a long way. On June 8, the group announced the Tice family as winners of its Jeep Liberty giveaway and held the reveal event at the OnPoint IT Solutions office that morning. The Tices came thinking they were just getting $300 for groceries, which was bumped up to $500 shortly after they got there, but OPIF president Michelle Valdes brought them back outside for the surprise reveal shortly after they completed some paperwork. The Tices were chosen from a pool of around 50 families from Plant City, surrounding counties and even outside of Florida, who entered themselves or were nominated by others.

“I wish I had more vehicles,” Valdes said. “My heart broke when I read all the nominations… I was reading these and I was just full of tears because I wish I had more to give away.” Though the submitted families’ stories were compelling, Valdes said the OPIF board and volunteers voted collectively June 4 to give the independently donated Jeep to the Tices because of their own dedication to helping others in need. This big, blended family is always looking to help the homeless in Plant City and around Tampa Bay and Lakeland by donating blankets and clothes and cooking food for them, whether it’s groups of people or individuals in need. They even shared the OPIF giveaway details on Facebook for others to jump on while nominations were open.

SEE PAGE 10

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019

NEWS BRIEFS

PC native appointed to rank of U.S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer Darren Pierson is moving on up in the United States Navy, having recently earned the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2. The Plant City native, whose commissioning ceremony was held in Yokosuka, Japan, began his enlistment in 2003 and has served on shore and at sea around the world. Once Pierson’s training is complete, he will report to the USS Anzio in Norfolk, Virginia. “I want to express my appreciation for the love and support of my family, without them I would be lost,” Pierson said in a news release. “My wife, Yana, is my anchor, and she’s been there from the beginning and we make all our big decisions together.”

County health department promotes mosquito control Though the summer rains are finally starting to cool temperatures down,

they’re also about to bring a flurry of mosquitoes to the Plant City area and Florida at large. The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County wants residents to stay one step ahead of the game to prevent breeding and illness from getting out of hand. It’s promoting “Drain and Cover” this summer to do just that. According to the department, mosquitoes can multiply using as small a body of water as what can fit in an upturned bottle cap. That’s why it’s important to drain standing water from anything outdoors that can accumulate it: garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, empty flower pots and any other vessel for rain or sprinkler water should be checked and emptied regularly. Bird baths and outdoor pets’ food and water dishes should be emptied and cleaned at least once a week, if not twice, and boats and vehicles should be covered in tarp that doesn’t accumulate water. Full-size swimming pools should be properly maintained and chlorinated, while plastic or inflatable pools should be emptied when not in use. To further keep the ‘skeeters away, everything that can be covered should be. The department urges people to

cover up with long-sleeved clothing and mosquito repellent when outside during peak mosquito activity hours. Children younger than two months should be protected with mosquito netting. Check your doors, windows and pool cages for broken screens and get them repaired as needed. Other steps residents can take to help curb the mosquito threat include cleaning out gutters, picking up all cups and beverage containers, changing water in plant trays and hanging plant vessels once a week and clearing out drainage ditches as needed. For more information, visit floridahealth.gov/diseases-andconditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/ prevention.html.

PC Hampton Inn wins national award Plant City’s Hampton Inn, located at 2702 Thonotosassa Road, has proven it’s a cut above the rest since opening two years ago and now has something to show for it. The hotel won a Hilton Lighthouse Award for its commitment to service and

customer loyalty. The worldwide hotel chain gives Lighthouse awards annually to “top performers” in the entire Hampton by Hilton network of franchises. Plant City’s Hampton Inn was deemed to be in the top five percent of franchises in terms of quality and was also ranked tops among all Hampton Inns in Florida. “We are thrilled to have received this honor on behalf of the team at Hampton Inn by Hilton Plant City,” general manager Cory Drew said in a press release. “We believe in the importance of providing great hospitality from our hotel team to each and every person that walks through our door. Our team works every day to ensure our customer service, cleanliness, and overall experience is exceptional for every guest.” The Plant City hotel has 89 guest rooms, 600 square feet of meeting space, a 24-hour TREATS shop, a fitness room and more. It is managed by Naples Hotel Group.

Presented by: City of Plant City Recreation & Parks Department Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce

Thursday, July 4, 2019

(Rainout date Friday, July 5 - 9:00 pm Fireworks only, no games or vendors, gates open 8:00 pm)

6:00 to 9:30 pm Plant City Stadium

1810 East Park Road, Plant City FL 33563

(No street parking on Park Road, Jim Johnson Road or GFS Drive)

FREE ADMISSION—$5 PER CAR PARKING PARKING OPENS AT 5:30 PM GRAND FIREWORKS FINALE AT 9:15 Climbing wall, bungee jumps, airbrushing, balloon art, bounce houses and more! Scheduled to appear on stage: Solaris Band

W.K. McClendon Oil

A FAMILY ORIENTED EVENT

Please follow Stadium and parking lot policy: No alcohol on the property (Sec 10-2). No coolers or outside food or drink are to be brought into the Stadium. No pets! No loud music or loitering outside the Stadium or in the parking lot. For more information: www.plantcitygov.com (search July 4 Celebration) or call 813-659-4255 weekdays 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019

SUMMER AT THE

UNITED FOOD BANK The United Food Bank of Plant City only continues to grow as it expands its offerings and prepares to not only help keep food on the shelves of local families, but also helps connect them to a variety of services.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The United Food Bank of Plant City is entering the busiest time of the year as children are home from school and in need of extra assistance. With all its new programs and growing clientele, there is much the community can do to help. Mary Heysek, executive director of UFB, said the food bank has continued to see its numbers grow and is often fighting tooth and claw to make sure its shelves remain stocked. Though UFB may just appear to be a food bank, the reality is it does so much more, acting as a connecting hub to a variety of other resources in the area. “We’re the first-stop shop for food insecure people in this area,” Heysek said. “One where we can plug them into other resources. We’ve actually helped connect people to jobs, we offer a moneysmart class, we start with helping with the food issue and, from there, we can address other areas.” One of its major programs arose from a partnership with Hillsborough Community College. Heysek said there’s a common misconception that simply because someone can afford to attend a college class, they are financially well off and able to fully support themselves. Often, she said, students have to drop classes, go without textbooks or even forgo supplies to stay enrolled and also pay their rent and living expenses. One thing that seems to be affecting students nationwide is hunger. If it comes down to having a class or keeping the pantry stocked, students are choosing their education.

Many go hungry trying to get their diploma, and while some universities have food banks on campus, those often come with a variety of complications that make it difficult to run successfully. The local HCC campus decided to reach out to the food bank to see if some of its students in need could be referred there via a voucher system to get some assistance. The program currently serves approximately 60 students of all ages. Some are straight out of high school trying to make ends meet while they pursue their degree, while others are single parents who work all day, tend to their families and then go to school at night. The students who are referred to UFB receive a bag filled with food and toiletries to help get them through the week. Younger students at local schools also are given a similar program option through UFB. During the school year, six schools partner with UFB for weekend bags. These students are selected by their social workers and receive a bag of food to help them get through the weekend without the free or reduced lunches provided by the schools. One high school, one middle school and four elementary schools take part in the program. “We’ve heard all kinds of stories of how these bags help the children,” Heysek said. “There was one story of a teacher noticing their student’s book bag was very dirty, and when she asked why, they told her they would bury their book bag when they got their food so no one would take it from them. We hear these stories all the time. And really this is a program that’s not taken advantage of. Plant City High School has, what, 2000 students? We’re giving around 40 to 45 bags out to

Photos by Breanne Williams

The United Food Bank of Plant City is gearing up to help people find the food security they need this summer.

kids at that school. It’s truly only those who really need it.” During the summer the help of school meals is gone and UFB picks up the slack, giving out approximately 600 kids bags every week to local families. Milk, bread, cereal, mac and cheese, PB&Js, fruit and a few other items comprise the bag, which values at around $22. It can’t substitute every meal, but it definitely helps take the edge off so families don’t have to worry so much about finding ways to keep everyone fed. Because of the massive turnaround, especially when you combine the kids’ bags with the normal traffic to UFB, the food bank is always in need of volunteers and donations. Any shelf-stable food they can use for the bags or monetary donations can go a long way in helping local families. UFB is able to purchase items at a greatly discounted rate so a monetary donation can help buy massive quantities of whatever items they need.

UFB is also kicking off a new Purse Drive, which will provide handbags stuffed with toiletry items to moms and young women right before school begins. From now until Aug. 2, UFB, 702 E. Alsobrook St., and RAOK Boutique, 2804 James L. Redman Parkway #103, will be collecting gently used purses as well as toiletry items and gift cards. “It’s a really good program,” Ashlee Gillis, operations manager, said. “People have seen it posted and mentioned that it’s such a good idea. Everyone wants to go back and be like, ‘Oh I got a new purse,’ especially with school starting again for the college students. It gives a woman an extra little boost of confidence.” The Purse Drive is just one of many ways UFB is helping community members get a head start on taking back their future. The organization is constantly looking for new ways to lend a helping hand in Plant City. “That’s one thing about food insecurity, it kind of bleeds over

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE ANY ITEMS OR FUNDS TO UFB, STOP BY DURING BUSINESS HOURS OR CALL 813-764-0625 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

to a lot of areas of people’s lives,” Matthew Buzza, chairman of the UFB board, said. “Their self worth, their confidence, that can all be affected. You’re maybe thinking about, ‘I don’t have enough to eat, do I have value as a human?’ Every time there’s an opportunity to love on them and touch someone and say, ‘You have value, you have potential,’ take it. That’s why the purse project is such a great concept. Just because right now you’re in need of food doesn’t mean you’re less of a human or anyone has the right to look down on you. Everybody needs some love and, by the grace of God, people who have plenty of food in their cabinets now may not tomorrow. You never know what tomorrow brings.”

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019

PLANT CITY

Observer

This week on Cops Corner,

COPS CORNER

Plant City Police investigated destructive ghosts, broken windshields, Fraudulent Credit

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

card purchases, a house fully

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com

engulfed in flames and more.

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

LIGHTS OUT 800 block of West Ball Street Criminal mischief: This victim told officers that during the night someone broke out a light bulb on the rear of their home.

DESTRUCTIVE GHOSTS 4300 block of Reynolds Oaks Place Criminal mischief: This victim told officers that, while she was sitting in her kitchen a little after 5 p.m., she heard a loud noise and turned around to see a sliding glass door on the back of her house was broken. She didn’t see anyone on her property and was unable to determine how the door was broken. She signed a waiver of prosecution.

TOSSING BRICKS 700 block of Coronet Street Criminal mischief: This victim heard a loud noise during the night and, when she looked out of her window, she saw her car windshield had been broken due to a thrown brick. COINING AN ALIBI 2900 block of Pine Club Drive Grand theft: During the past two weeks, an unknown person stole coins from this victim’s home. The coins were valued at more than $200,000.

SUSPICIOUS FLAMES 800 block of West Warren Street Suspicious fire: Officers and Plant City Fire Rescue responded to a home and found it was fully engulfed in flames. The State Fire Marshal was contacted by PCFR who responded and conducted an arson investigation.

FLAMES ON BALL 800 block of West Ball Street Arson: Officers responded to the above listed location in reference to a structure fire. The State Fire Marshal responded to the scene as well and conducted an investigation.

JUNE 3 WRECKING THE MAILBOX 900 block of Oakland Heights Avenue Criminal mischief: This victim told officers someone damaged their mailbox, which was valued at $50, sometime between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. She signed a waiver and no other mailboxes in the area were damaged.

JUNE 4

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GROUCHY GAMER 1300 block of East Alabama Street Theft: This victim told officers that, sometime between 8 a.m. and midnight, an unknown person took his Xbox One S without his permission.

JUNE 6 LET’S TAKE THIS OUTSIDE 100 block of Henry Avenue Agg. battery with knife: Officers arrived due to a call about a stabbing. One man was sprayed with water by another man. They both exited the home and the first man pulled a knife and stabbed the other in the right arm, lacerating an artery. An officer was able to utilize a tourniquet to stop the bleeding and the man was transported to the hospital for treatment. Both parties signed a waiver of prosecution.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019

CITY WELCOMES PROPOSED HOME DEPOT REGIONAL CENTER

Home Depot is one step closer of bringing a regional center to Plant City thanks to the seven year tax exemption passed by commissioners Monday.

Courtesy photo

Section of land designated for the proposed Home Depot warehouse. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

“This validates that we have the ability to compete with every city in central Florida to have Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies select us for their sites for new operations in Plant City,” Mayor Rick Lott said. “With the improvements we’re making to all of our infrastructure, to the investments we have made to the expansion of utilities, it tells us we’re on the right path to bringing in strong companies with great paying jobs.” Documents submitted to the city show Home Depot wants to build a nearly 800,000-square foot facility, which would come with approximately 150 jobs out of the gate. City officials said it could grow to 350 positions over time with

their average salary landing at approximately $32,000. All in all, it would be a proposed $67 million investment from the company. Home Depot told the city the site would provide closer access to its customers. Being so close to I-4 and I-75, the regional center would cut down on transportation costs and delivery time for the company. Years ago, when the city began offering the Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption, the hope was it would help set the stage for large corporations to consider the strawberry town for future prospects. Over the past five years, the city has offered the exemption four times, with Home Depot — which is number 27 on the Fortune 500 list — inarguably being one of the biggest prospects to date. Commissioners voiced their enthusiastic welcome Mon-

day evening with their vote and passed the baton to Home Depot. “It means our economy is growing and there are more jobs for the people that live in the community, good jobs,” City Manager Bill McDaniel said. “This is a step closer and it’s getting down to the point of no return. We’re getting closer and closer to a done deal.” When speaking to a representative from Ernst & Young, LLP, who represents Home Depot, Monday evening, Lott said this win may open the doors to countless others. He was told there’s “a lot of chatter” going on among other major companies who have been dutifully watching what was taking place in Plant City. Lott said this was a “very competitive situation” for Plant City and reflected on all of the “hunts” the city has been on over the past few years searching for the perfect fit for the town. Every time there was a project the city competed to

be a part of, Lott said they felt like they were getting closer and closer but would just miss the mark. This time, the dice seemed to have rolled in their favor. Lott said this is “a big win” and really puts Plant City on the map. He said the incentive that stands out the most in the city is not just its prime location and cooperative city government, but rather the impeccable workforce found among its residents. When a company chooses Plant City, they walk away knowing they’ll receive the character of the community with each local employee they bring onboard. “Everyone talks about the ease of doing business with Plant City,” Lott said. “It’s a great place to live, but the workforce here is unmatched. That’s something that, if we can continue developing that workforce like we do, that’s the part of the character of our community and we’ll be able

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to bring in other great companies like that into our community. It just helps the quality of life for everybody.” Of course, another win in the city’s eye is the domino effect that could occur. Lott said so many other jobs could be created from companies that will have to support the proposed regional center. Having the company in the city’s back yard helps ensure Plant City remains financially strong, which Lott attributes to ensuring it can continue to have some of the lowest tax rates in central Florida. City commissioners voted unanimously to approve the plans and the ball is now firmly in Home Depot’s court. The red carpet has been unrolled. Now, we wait.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019

JUST PEACHY

Rain clouds may have rolled in Tuesday afternoon, but Plant City residents were out en masse to grab a box, or five, of beloved Georgia peaches from The Peach Truck. STAFF WRITER

Plant City may consider strawberries its most beloved fruit, but residents proved Tuesday afternoon the Georgia peach holds a special place in its heart. It’s not every day The Peach Truck comes to town. When the company announced the beloved truck was headed to Plant City, the response was immediate. A full hour before it was set to arrive, folks lined up outside the doors of Tractor Supply Co., where the event was scheduled to be held at 2 p.m. By 1:30, the line was near the edge of the building and employees had to help wrap the eager attendees down the side of the shopping plaza. A forklift carried dozens of 25-pound boxes filled with the sweet fruit to the entrance of the store, where folks were given tips on how long to wait before they began eating the peaches and were encouraged to purchase The Peach Truck Cookbook for creative ideas on how to put those crates of fruit to use. The Peach Truck sprang to life after Stephen Rose moved to Nashville in 2010 and realized there was no one in the area selling fresh Georgia peaches. He went back to Fort Valley, Geor-

gia, his hometown, in 2012 with his wife Jessica and their 1964 Jeep. They partnered with his hometown farm, loaded the Jeep to capacity and began to sell the peaches back in Nashville. Five weeks later, more than 10 tons of their bagged peaches were consumed and The Peach Truck was born. It’s now been altered to bright orange semi trucks filled to the brim with 25-pound boxes of the fruit. Customers from all over the United States are visited by trucks on the tour during peach season, and Plant City was fortunate enough to have been selected as one of its stops. Once the line started wrapping around the building Tuesday, the rain clouds rolled in. People rushed back to their cars to grab umbrellas while their friends held their spots in line, but luckily, outside of a few sprinkles, the rain clouds continued to move on. Fresh peaches were handed out to attendees for them to try and Plant Citians were even introduced to a “clothes saving technique:” The Peach Dance. Georgia peaches are filled with sweet juice. The riper they are, the more juice they have. They joked you could stick a straw in a fresh peach and suck the peach juice right out like it was a beverage. Unfortunately, dripping fruit can be difficult to manage, thus

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the Peach Dance was born. The steps are simple: slightly bend your knees, lean over as far as you can, bite into the fresh fruit and add a shimmy for some flair. The juice hits the dirt and not your blouse and you don’t have to start wearing bibs. Right before 2 p.m., some of the employees of The Peach Truck began to walk the line, taking people’s orders and having them pay in advance to streamline the process. One 25-pound box of peaches, which costs $42, equals one peach token. For $10 you get a token for a bag of pecans. When the line started moving, people simply exchanged their tokens for the produce. Soon, buggies filled with boxes were rolled out to their cars and waiting vehicles spirited the fresh fruit back home. Though The Peach Truck was on a tight deadPhotos courtesy of Vicky Saunders line, the line continued to grow. Several attendees said, hope- The Peach Truck’s Plant City debut on Tuesday was massively popular. fully with the obvious interest, Plant City will become a permanent destination for the yearly tour.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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MEET PLANT CITY’S ‘COOLEST DOG’ Thanks to the Plant City Kiwanis Club, some cool pups received recognition for their paw-fect personalities.

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019

SUMMER FEST

AT SHEKINAH GLORY CATHEDRAL The West English Street church held a fun family event on June 8.

Shekinah Glory Cathedral kicked off the summer with food, fun and faith for everyone who came to the campus the afternoon of June 8. It was Shekinah’s turn to host the annual Jurisdiction of Southwestern Florida AIM Summer Fest in 2019, so this community fair brought everybody together in Plant City at 402 W. English St. Outside,

attendees could play fun games, eat tasty barbecue, interact with vendors and get information about various community programs and organizations. Inside the church was an event-long performance of gospel music in various styles, from more traditional songs in English and Spanish to hip hop-infused takes on the genre.

BONSAI BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

First place received its medal, a $500 gift card, the Coolest Dog bandana and an engraved Coolest Dog in Plant City dog bowl. Bonsai also was the lucky winner of a professional photo shoot by Portray Photography OS. Second place also received a medal and a Cool Dog bandana, as well as a $250 gift card. Third place walked away with the medal, Cool Dog bandana and a $100 gift card. Any dog entered up through the 10th highest number of votes was also deemed a “cool dog” and given a bandana. Kiwanis said they plan to start the contest even earlier next year, with speculations of it beginning in January so as not to interfere with the any end-of-school year activities. As word continues to grow, more and more dogs will be submitted and there is a chance they may even open it up to Tampa Bay pups, as well.

Plant City's Kiwanis Club held the best doggone contest in town this year and announced the paws-itively awesome winners Saturday at the Robert W. Willaford Train Museum. The contest, which Kiwanis simply dubbed “Coolest Dog,” came to a close on May 10 and hundreds of people voted for the 15 submitted contestants. On April 1, the club announced it would host the new contest to help fundraise for the service organization. Anyone living in Plant City was invited to submit a photo of their dog and provide a few short sentences on why their beloved pup deserved the title of Plant City’s “Coolest Dog.” The fee for participating was $10 but also came with 10 votes, all of which was done online. The community then could log onto the website and vote for whichever dog they thought was worthy of the title. Votes were $1 each and there was no limit on how many times you could purchase. Kiwanis is a non-profit that has served Plant City for nearly 100 years. They use their funds to benefit children in the community and are always looking for a creative way to get more people involved. They seemed to stumble upon a flourishing prospect with the contest, as hundreds of votes went to each of the top competitors. The top three dogs and their owners were invited to join Kiwanis in a special ceremony on June 8 where they received their hard-earned prizes. The Coolest Dog of 2019 was awarded to Bonsai, who received 520 votes. Second place went to T. Oliver Wagglesworth, who received 447 votes. Third place was Angel, who received 150 votes. Photos by Breanne Williams The excited pups eagerly received their customized bandanas and medals, took Bonsai’s title of “Plant City’s Coolest Dog” a photo with Kiwanis leaders and walked is well-deserved. away with an assortment of prizes.

Photos by Justin Kline

Shekinah Glory Cathedral hosted a summer festival with something fun for everyone.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019

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CONTRACTOR TAPPED TO CONTINUE ROAD REPAIR 14

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Commissioners agreed to hire C.W. Roberts Contracting to wrap up road resurfacing for the current fiscal year. 2

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borhoods, bringing some much needed repairs to the roads peo- 13 EYNOLDS ST. W. Rday. ple drive every single The city is all set to begin resurIn a pleasant surprise, City facing an additional round of Manager Bill McDaniel also streets after agreeing to hire C.W. brought a second list to the comRoberts Contracting, Inc. missioners Monday evening. On 5 of good news it are 4.2 miles of other highIt was a night Monday evening as city commis- lighted roads the city wants to sioners unanimously agreed to repair before the end of the fiscal hire the contracting company to year. Calling it “Phase 2,” these tackle finishing I R off the remaining roads can be added this year P O the 2018-2019 because the construction bids street repairs for R T RD. fiscal year. This year’s Street came back slightly lower than Resurfacing Project included PLANT 54 the city originally estimated. CITY streets that were either collector With an approximately $1 milAIRPORT SERVICES or neighborhood roads. lion available and a loudly tickFor $3,250,677.96, C.W. Roberts ing clock, the commissioners will finish the job and, now that reviewed the list and approved the contract was approved, the to add them to this year’s to-do construction will soon be under- list. way. The funds are coming from “One thing I’m excited about the 1 Mil Street Resurfacing fundRD. is we’re about to pave in the and from the Hillsborough Counnext four months 22 miles of our EY DN ty Grant for Street Resurfacing. city’s roads,” Mayor Rick Lott Y S What makes this round special is said. “It’s getting harder and the majority of the work will be harder and harder to find roads winding in and out of local neigh- that aren’t new in this town. As STAFF WRITER

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JIM JOHNSON RD.

BREANNE WILLIAMS

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IT’S READ EVERYWHERE Did you take the Observer with you on vacation? Send your pictures to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

CUBA: A group of Plant City residents brought the Observer to Havana on a recent cruise. Dodie White, Marsha Passmore, Teresa Rimes and Kim Netterfield had a great time cruising to Cuba and taking in the sights and sounds of iconic Havana. They brought a copy of the Observer along to read while on the trip.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

TH O

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019

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G R AN T ST. are a few roadways where utility work have since had issues withE the quickly risT RD. it also improves you improve theO Rroads, this program,” McDaniel said. “In a very There T the home values in those neighborhoods. short time we have carved away a signifi- is minimal, and those will10 more than likely ing water, so the city took RaD.hard look at When you think about the factPLANT that homes cant percentage of our roads and again that be the next focus before the city moves on how best to alleviate the issue. CITY are typically the single largest valueSERVICES in doesn’t include the roads the state is resur- to the larger projects requiring extensive “These are major projects,” Lott said. “As AIRPORT families’ net worth, you realize not only is facing and it doesn’t count any county utility work as well as road resurfacing. we’re fixing our roads, we’re also fixing all it a better living condition, it’s positively repairs inside the city.” Some of those repairs are already being the infrastructure under the roads. Above . impacting residents’ lives.” Once these approximately 22 miles are seen throughout the city. Lott said theE.city ground and belowROBE ground, RD PARK RD. RTS we’re improving H RA N C While the original list of approved roads, completed, the city will have essential- just completed the flooding improvements the city.” Phase 1, will begin seeing action right away ly picked all of the “low-hanging fruit,” on MLK Boulevard in front of Fred’s Market The ruling on All For Transportation, Phase 2 will now need to be placed. out for according to City Commissioner Bill Dod- Restaurant. The effects of those improve- which could potentially have more fundbids. Once those bids are returned, RD the city son. Continuing the metaphor McDaniel ments were seen firsthand Monday when ing coming into the city for street repair, is Y E can select a contractor andDNthen quickly agreed and said the next step is for the city a massive storm rolled in, sending large set to take place this week. If the allocated SY the fiscal year to move on to the “soft, squishy stuff that finalize the repairs before amounts of rain into the neighborhood. funding can be used in Plant City for street ends in four months. we think we are able to pave” once they do While there was still some water, there was resurfacing, McDaniel said there is already R S T. . A LE X A N DE “We are well, with this project we are a risk assessment. If a road requires under- no threat of flooding. Just a few yearsWago, a list of streets set aside and ready for 6 away from the approval for those funds to be used toward. well over, 25 percent of our total road miles lying utility work, it will cost far more to a woman’s car was washed that have been paved since we instituted complete than to simply redo the asphalt. Fred’s parking lot, Lott said. Other people

PLANT CITY FARM AND FLEA MARKET Highway 39 North at Sam Allen Road—1 mi. N. of I-4 Exit 21

WEDNESDAY FLEA MARKET OVER 40 ACRES . . . MORE THAN 500 VENDORS

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Dr. Jeremy H. Gaffney O.D. Dr. Barry M. Gaffney, O.D. PA Dr. Daniel G. Gaffney O.D. The struggle between fashion and function is officially declared a tie! Never before have eyeglass frames been offered in so many stylish choices. Yet, you’ll be amazed at how many options are at your fingertips to help you see well and protect your vision!

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OMG IT’S WEDNESDAY!

Time for New Glasses?

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019

GETTING AROUND WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM FRIENDS

MEALS ON WHEELS OF PLANT CITY NEEDS YOUR HELP

There is no simpler way to say it. Meals On Wheels of Plant City needs additional drivers to deliver prepared hot meals to its dependent clients. This all volunteer organization serves 50 clients Monday through Friday in the greater Plant City area. The meals, which are purchased by Meals on Wheels, are prepared by the staff at Winn Dixie on W. Alexander St., placed in coolers at 10:30 a.m. and distributed by our drivers to the clients by noon. Each driver or driving team serves one of seven routes within our community. They work for two hours one day each week, although some volunteer for a second or third day. They not only provide

Operation Paying it Forward followed up its Jeep giveaway with another vehicle donation just two days later.

food for those in need; they also provide a small but much appreciated form of personal contact, a bit of conversation and the knowledge that someone is concerned about their well being. All you need to volunteer is a driver’s license, a car, a desire to benefit the community and the ability to spend two hours, one day each week.

Justin Kline

Daniel’s Auto Sales and Operation Paying it Forward helped the family of Levi Delemo.

“We’re people who always like to give rather than receive, so it’s different to be the ones receiving something,” Nichol Tice said. “We’re firm believers that what you put out into the universe comes back to you, and we want to teach our children that… it’s just important that make the world a better place as long as we can while we’re here.” Their story especially struck home with Valdes, who said Donnie and Nichol Tice’s commitment to service reminded her strongly of her own mother’s. “You can’t tell from the outside that they struggle, themselves,” Valdes said. “It touched me. It was like my family, growing up. You couldn’t tell that we were struggling and my mom worked two jobs and all these things that happened. But no matter what happened, my mom still made time to go down to Metropolitan Ministries and cook meals several times a week. Just like them, no matter what they’re doing, they make time to go out and pay it forward, also.” The Jeep was donated independently and Huff Muffler helped with several minor repairs to make sure the SUV was in top shape for its new family. Valdes and OPIF weren’t done that morning, though. Two days later, they had another vehicle sitting in the parking lot of the Daniel’s Auto Sales branch at 4001 State Road 574 waiting for another family to take home, free of charge thanks in part to an anonymous donor’s handling of the tag and title fees. When Tina Daniel heard about Levi Delemo, 4, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in November 2018, she figured her husband Josue and business partner Elias Fajardo would also be moved. It didn’t take long at all for the group to spring into action and find a vehicle to give to the family through Operation Paying it Forward, which they chose because they admired Valdes’ commitment to service. “(Josue) didn’t even think about it,” Tina Daniel said. “He just said, ‘Let’s do it.’ I’ve seen the work that Michelle Valdes is doing

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For more information call the Meals On Wheels office at 813-754-9932 between 9:00 a.m. and noon, or leave a voicemail during off hours for a call back from a staff member.

with Operation Paying it Forward. She’s doing amazing things in the community. We have a common vision in helping families here and I’m sure that we’re going to be more involved here in the future with other families in need.” Delemo’s family didn’t know what to expect when they got to Daniel’s Auto Sales on Monday afternoon, but they were pleasantly surprised to learn the Ford Escape in the parking lot with a yellow ribbon on the hood was now theirs to keep. “They called and said they had something for us, and to meet them here,” Thomas Corsi said. “I didn’t know what was going on. It’s gonna help out because the truck that we have, it’s nice but it needs work.” Operation Paying it Forward is planning its next moves for 2019 and hopes the rest of Plant City will catch the kindness bug. Valdes said the group is currently focused on helping people in Plant City, but hopes it can one day grow in other parts of the Tampa Bay area and beyond to make a difference wherever people need help. “I will take shoes, I will take clothes, I will take money, whatever,” she said. “When I started the organization it was going to be a shoe-based paying it forward type of deal, but it’s kind of grown from that. I welcome it. I’m willing to do whatever.”

Justin Kline

The Tice family was surprised with a Jeep Liberty on June 8.

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019

WONDERS OF NATURE SHOW RETURNS TO BRUTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY Animal trainer Matt Edmonds educated dozens of Plant City-area kids and parents with a show on Tuesday morning.

Photos by Justin Kline

Matt Edmonds and his feathered friends travel all over Tampa Bay to educate people..

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

When Matt Edmonds hosts one of his â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wonders of Natureâ&#x20AC;? shows, he strives to make sure the only thing that goes over kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; heads is a hawk named Jedi. A capacity crowd of kids and parents filled the libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meeting room Tuesday morning for the educational show, where Edmonds and some of his feathered friends teamed up to teach kids the basics of ornithology. Tuesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s show featured a yellow-naped Amazon parrot named Moby, a green aracari toucan named Turbo, a red-legged seriama named Bam-Bam, a galah parrot named Copernicus and an augur buzzard named Jedi. Each bird was brought out for Edmonds to illustrate different points. For example, while a young volunteer named Blake held a perch for Copernicus to fly up to, Edmonds explained why parrotsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; eyes are positioned on the sides of their heads and how that allows them to escape from airborne preda-

tors. Bam-Bam violently throwing a rubber snake to the ground was a demonstration of how some birds use unconventional methods to subdue their prey and get a meal. As Jedi swooped over the heads of the audience, Edmonds explained how the word â&#x20AC;&#x153;buzzardâ&#x20AC;? has been incorrectly used to describe vultures in North America for more than five centuries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When the pilgrims came to North America, they started calling our vultures â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;buzzardsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; because they looked the same,â&#x20AC;? Edmonds said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And then the name stuck. So Americans normally call vultures â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;buzzards,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technically incorrect. Vultures eat dead stuff. Buzzards and hawks catch their prey alive.â&#x20AC;? Edmonds has performed around Tampa Bay for 18 years and puts on roughly 200 demonstrations a year, by his own estimate. He is a former zookeeper with 27 years of experience training animals of all shapes, sizes and species. For more information about the shows, visit mewondersofnature. com.

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3ÎŠÉşËťÍŽ bÇ¸ÄłĘ˛ÎŠÉş UÍ&#x17E;ËťĎ&#x2018;ĚŹ Â&#x2039;ËťĆ&#x2122;ÄłÎŠĘ&#x160;ËťË&#x17E;ÍŽÇ&#x2030; 3ÎŠÉşËťÍŽ bÇ¸ÄłĘ˛ÎŠÉş Brandon 710 Oakfield Dr Suite 120 Brandon, FL 33511

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SPORTS

Nikolai Townsend is one of the most accomplished 13-year-old karate practitioners in Florida. See Page 15

MIKE GOTTMAN FOOTBALL CAMP BACK AT DURANT FOR NINTH YEAR The Cougars’ coaching staff hosted its annual summer youth camp last week.

Photos by Justin Kline

The annual Mike Gottman Youth Football Camp helps kids learn what it takes to play football at the high school level and how to get there. Gottman and the Durant coaching staff have been helping kids learn the game for nine summers now.

Summer in the Turkey Creek area isn’t complete without the Mike Gottman Youth Football Camp. From June 3-6, the coaches taught 55 kids the fundamentals of football at the high school level on the Durant High School practice field, just behind the football stadium, from 8:30 am. to 4 p.m. In addition to competitive drills and coaches’ instruction, Durant’s camp also incorporates 7-on-7 games, flag football games and physical fitness. This year also brought a new twist with special teams

work added into the mix, giving kids the opportunity to try kicking. “It’s been a great camp so far,” Gottman said. “They got after it really well. It’s hot, they’ve been battling the heat, but the kids have responded really, really well.” The ninth annual camp was “tied” for the biggest yet in terms of attendance and, unusually, it had more incoming eighth and ninth graders enrolled than younger kids — “squirrels,” as the coaches would say. Coaches said the older kids

were more than willing to lend a helping hand with the “squirrels” and helped make sure chemistry at the camp was on point. They may not all play football at and attend Durant in the future, but the camp is always open to the community at large every summer for all to learn from one of the most experienced staffs around. Gottman and the coaches are already looking forward to next year’s camp and hope to make the 10th annual event bigger and better than everything before it.

For more information about Durant’s annual youth football camps, visit durantfootballcamps.com. More information about the program itself is available at durantcougarfootball.com.

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

JUSTIN KLINE

PLAYING THROUGH INJURY: IS IT ALWAYS WORTH THE RISK? Everyone wants to be the hero, but the risks almost always outweigh the benefits when you try to play through injuries you’d normally have to miss some time on the field to heal.

figured, when I saw Kevin Durant’s Achilles covered in an ice pack last week, that the Golden State Warriors were trying to downplay his injury for one reason or another. “Calf strain” sounds a lot more encouraging than whatever was actually going on down there prior to Monday night’s Game 5. Those of us who watched the game then saw Durant’s hurt Achilles snap, sending this gross-looking vibration up his leg from heel to upper calf. It only took 12 minutes for him to get injured in one of the worst possible ways for an athlete in a game. Everyone who gets hurt and is even a little competitive wants to keep going. They want to be Kirk Gibson

singlehandedly winning a World Series despite not being able to put any weight on one leg. They want to be Kerri Strug winning an Olympic gold medal performing a vault after wrecking her ankle. After all, who’s tougher than an athlete fighting through pain that would sideline most folks so they can help their team or win an individual event? The only problem is that everyone who successfully plays through injuries like that is lucky. They’re way luckier than most who have tried in the past and most who will try in the future. And when it comes to something much greater than a bruise, cramp or cut, it’s better to be smart than to be lucky. SEE PAGE 14

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

PlantCityObserver.com

KEEPING UP WITH THE KIDS

Nikolai Townsend Chris Welbon Karate Clubs will be back in Fort Lauderdale for AAU nationals the week of July 4. Among the 27 students who will compete in kata, kobudo and kumite events there, Nikolai Townsend is one who stands out. Townsend, 13, is ranked first overall in the state’s 13-14 year old brown belt age group heading into July’s tournament. He will compete in all three events at nationals and is training hard to do his best out there. How long have you been doing karate? I’ve been doing it since I was 9, so four or five years. What first got you into karate?

Courtesy of Jason Pfeffer

Jason Pfeffer’s running times are better than ever after losing 125 pounds.

Taking a break from running for a few years summer to join the administrative staff was a conscious decision on Jason Pfeffer’s in Riverview at Bell Creek Academy and part. But he didn’t realize just how far he’d hopes to eventually start a similar running gotten from those days until climbing the club there, if possible. stairs at home became such a tall task, he’d One of Pfeffer’s favorite training partners be out of breath by the time he got to the is his father, Dean. The two men work out second floor. together at the Plant City Family YMCA, “It wasn’t who I was,” Pfeffer said. having “friendly competitions” in their In August 2017, when he weighed 375 classes and workout sessions. It’s helped pounds, Pfeffer decided it was as good a the elder Pfeffer with his own attempt to time as any to find himself again. That get healthier. kicked off a journey that’s led him — and In just under two years, Pfeffer has others — to a better place, health-wise, in taken great strides with his health. He’s 2019. lost 125 pounds and is now just under the It started with an individual effort. 250-pound mark. He’s lost 14 inches off of Changing his eating habits was the easy his waist size, going from a 56 to a 42. He’s part: no major changes to what he was eat- setting new personal records and taken ing, just cutting back on portion sizes and on half marathons again, and now has his slashing calorie counts. The hard part was sights set on a full marathon at Walt Disney ditching the ‘Dew. World in January 2020. “I was going through four or five cans a “This seriously has been the best point of day,” Pfeffer said. “You could have hooked my actual running, thus far,” Pfeffer said. me up to an IV. I loved Mountain Dew that “I’ve even been able to get a one-mile PR much.” at an 8:28 pace now. I’m loving the way the It had to be done, though. That Moun- results are right now.” tain Dew intake alone accounted for anyHe won’t be happy just to be there, where from 680 to 850 calories and 184 to though. 230 grams of sugar per day. Pfeffer tried “Some people sign up for something for quitting cold turkey and is proud to say he the first time, like a half marathon, and hasn’t had a drop of Mountain Dew, or any they just want to finish,” Pfeffer said. “I soda, since October 2017. don’t just want to finish my full marathon, He got back into his old running habits I want to finish it and do well at it.” and was dismayed to learn just how much his body had fallen off. Before he took a break from running and gained so much weight, Pfeffer said he could complete a 5K run in a little more than half an hour. In 2017, his first 5K time was 50 minutes. “It kind of killed me, mentally then, knowing that I was doing even around 32, 34 minutes before I stopped,” he said. He knew he had a long way to go before he could get back into half marathons, so he persisted with help from running groups. When he taught fifth grade in Tampa at Pizzo Elementary School, Pfeffer started a Tuesday afternoon running club for faculty members. “A lot of the teachers that I worked with there knew I was a runner,” Pfeffer said. “They were there with me along for my journey and wanted to catch some of that running buzz.” Whether he got two running buddies or 10 on any given week, the group trekked on Courtesy of Jason Pfeffer and Pfeffer said many of its members made noticeable progress. He’s leaving Pizzo this Jason Pfeffer loves to challenge himself.

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(My parents) kind of bumped me into it, but when I started doing it, I really liked it and wanted to come more often. So what was it about karate that made you want to keep at it? Just because it helps you learn what to do when somebody comes up to you and what your reactions are. It helps me keep focused and learn control, mostly. You’ve accomplished a lot this year, but what are you most proud of doing in karate? I’m just most proud of succeeding in class in general and moving up ranks. It shows what I know and what I can do. I’ve really been liking tournament team, as well. That’s a pretty darn good team, too. How long have you been with the team? This is my second year. AAU Nationals is coming up soon. What are you looking forward to about this trip? Just succeeding and showing what I know, and things like that. Which events will you compete in? Kata, weapons and sparring. Which is your favorite? Kata. Hand katas because I can move them better than a weapon. What’s something one of your teachers has told you that’s really helped you in karate? Well, in weapons, they showed us some moves to do. Once we get up in higher ranks in weapons, I’ll learn to use them. Learning to spin the bo with just one hand, and a few other moves. Do you play any other sports? No, sir.

Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at JKline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.

Is there anything you would try if you could? Baseball. What school do you go to? Marshall Middle. What’s your favorite subject? I kind of like science the most. How far are you wanting to go in karate? As long as I can. If there’s times where I have too many things to do and I’m not able to make it all the time, then I’ll stop from there. But, as long as I can. What’s the most fun you’ve had with your classmates and tournament teammates? Sometimes we go to Applebee’s to have a fundraiser. I like doing that. We do yard sales and I like those, too. What advice would you give to someone coming in to learn karate for the first time? I would just say to focus. Try your best. If you can’t do something, don’t shut down right away. Keep going as far as you can.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

Quick Hits

JUSTIN KLINE

PLAYING THROUGH INJURY: IS IT ALWAYS WORTH THE RISK? Everyone wants to be the hero, but the risks almost always outweigh the benefits. It’s not hard to understand why coaches and programs want their best players out there at any cost. It’s not hard to understand why someone like Durant with a ticking time bomb of a ligament would want to get back out there ASAP. Some people do heal quicker than others. But at any level, an improper medical diagnosis for the sake of getting someone cleared to play as fast as possible is a short-term gamble that usually has long-term consequences, if only for one person involved. I would argue it’s the most important person involved. Now the Warriors’ best player by far won’t be able to do anything meaningful in an NBA game until around this time next year, and there’s a pretty good chance he won’t be the same all-world player he was before the initial Achilles injury. The last thing anyone really wants is to be the next Robert Griffin III, a promising career derailed because someone thought it was a good idea to let him rush back from a knee injury only to destroy the joint even further. That’s the risk you always run when you try to fight through something bothering a joint or ligament. It’s just a bummer for the high school and college athletes out there, who are much more pressed for time than the pros and for whom any injury can totally kill future plans immediately. Many athletes are an injury away from seeing their scholarship offers or draft stocks disintegrating like Thanos might snap them out of existence, and they don’t even realize it because too many people pumped up their confidence despite knowing full well this stuff is run like a business. No one stays 100 percent healthy throughout a full season, especially later down the stretch, but it always sucks when athletes have to risk careerending injury by getting a shot or some-

thing and getting sent back out there to “give the team the best chance to win.” Maybe a sports injury isn’t the worst thing in the world in the grand scheme of things but, in the sense that sports can be a pathway to a better life or a way to make a living, rushing back for the sake of a moment of glory probably isn’t worth it in the long term. Sports is littered with “back in my day” types who will gladly tell you today’s generation is soft compared to older ones. That’s all well and good until you realize how many older athletes who forced themselves or were forced to play through severe injuries (many of which we know much more about today than 30 years ago) have bodies that broke down way too early as a result, or have cognitive problems you could trace back to getting hit in the head too often. Is it worth going back out there with a potentially dangerous ligament strain when that could be your future? No way. Wouldn’t you rather boost your chances of playing longer, staying healthier, contributing to your team’s success on a bigger scale and, if you go pro, making more money? No one deserves to have their competitive drive cast in doubt because they took some extra time to make sure they’re fully healed. It’s just taking good care of your body, your greatest asset as an athlete.

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

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PCHS BASEBALL GETS PROCLAMATION, DINNER

BASEBALL TOURNEY ON DECK

Plant City High School’s baseball team got hooked up big time by the City of Plant City on Monday night. Like the 2017-18 boys soccer team before them, the baseball players were treated to dinner at Outback Steakhouse that night shortly before receiving a proclamation at the city commission meeting for their historic 8A state title win.

Global Sports Alliance Baseball’s Sunshine Classic will primarily be based out of Winter Haven, but this weekend’s tournament will also use the three largest ball fields at Mike Sansone Park for its 13U and 14U divisions. The Sunshine Classic runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 15 and 16.

SIGN UP FOR 10K RELAY If you missed out on the Best Friends 10K around Easter, fear not: you and a running buddy can tackle another 10K at Ellis-Methvin Park later this month. U.S. Road Running is hosting the Summer Fun 10K Relay and Lap Race, which starts at 6:30 a.m. June 22, at a cost of $50 per team ($40 for those who wish to run solo). Each member of the team runs the equivalent of a 5K at the park’s walking trail and teammates “tag” each other in after every .52 miles. To sign up and get more information, visit runsignup.com/Race/FL/PlantCity/ BFFJune.

SUMMER TENNIS OFFERINGS The Plant City Tennis Center will have plenty to offer in the coming summer months. Sessions of youth tennis lessons for all skill levels will start June 24 and July 19. Tots (age 4-7) meet at 8:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays while beginners through advanced students (age 8-12) meet at 9 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Tots lessons cost $30 per session and the others cost $60 per session. On the second Friday of each month, the tennis center will host its Monthly Mixed Mixer at 6 p.m. Pass holders can attend for $5 and non-members for $15. Registration forms can be found online at plantcitygov.com/parksrec/page/ plant-city-tennis-center-activities. For more information call 813-707-7485 or email C. Shane Johnson at sjohnson@ plantcitygov.com.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

real estate transactions

BLAIN ACRES The home at 1002 Barbour Drive sold May 9 for $142,000. Built in 1961, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,032 square feet of living area. COUNTRY HILLS EAST The home at 413 Abigail Road sold May 7 for $160,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,174 square feet of living area. HASTINGS The home at 1112 Warnell Street sold May 1 for $81,000. Built in 1953, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,064 square feet of living area. HILLSBOROUGH The home at 2806 Dan Kendrick Road sold May 3 for $206,000. Built in 1977, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,169 square feet of living area. The home at 3051 N. Dover Road sold May 2 for $240,000. Built in 1951, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,996 square feet of living area. The home at 3802 Joe Sanchez Road sold May 17 for $399,900. Built in 1975, it has five bedrooms, two baths and 3,878 square feet of living area.

The home at 2336 Kirkland Road sold May 20 for $299,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,666 square feet of living area. The home at 3106 Murray Farms Loop sold May 10 for $220,000. Built in 1960, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 2,169 square feet of living area. The home at 14855 E. Renfroe Ave. sold May 9 for $35,000. Built in 1964, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 864 square feet of living area. LINCOLN PARK The home at 1402 E. Neil St. sold May 2 for $28,500. Built in 1963, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 978 square feet of living area. MAGNOLIA GREEN The home at 3834 Crystal Dew St. sold May 13 for $207,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,546 square feet of living area. ORANGE PARK The home at 908 W. McLendon St. sold May 10 for $195,000. Built in 1925, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,434 square feet of living area.

These are the largest building permits issued in Plant City for the month of May 2019, in order of dollar amounts. Address

Permit

Amount

302 S. Maryland Ave.

Recreation

$4,940,000

2501 N. Wheeler St.

Offices

$1,453,256

2501 N. Wheeler St.

Commercial alteration

$919,454

107 Henry St.

Occupancy

$900,000

4111 Rice Road

Plumbing

$490,000

3309 James L. Redman Parkway

Occupancy

$485,000

712 W. Dr. MLK Blvd.

Commercial alteration

$450,000

4001 Rice Road

Plumbing

$435,500

225 S. County Line Road

Mechanical/HVAC

$192,300

1301 S. Frontage Road

Fence

$190,000

The home at 1703 S. Hunter St. 1301 S. Frontage Road sold May 17 for $265,000. Built in 1969, it has four bedrooms, 3304 Sydney Road two baths and 2,262 square feet of living area. 302 S. Maryland Ave.

Plumbing

$183,078

Plumbing

$168,200

Plumbing

$125,000

STAFFORD OAKS

Commercial alteration

$125,000

Single family detached

$120,000

Single family detached

$120,000

Occupancy

$120,000

The home at 3805 Creek Way 1400 Plantation Circle Court sold May 6 for $170,400. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,584 1400 Plantation Circle square feet of living area. 504 E. Alexander St. WALDEN LAKE

Residential alteration

$110,000

Plumbing

$110,000

Commercial alteration

$98,000

The home at 1755 Brookstone 3516 W. Baker St. Way sold May 7 for $295,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, two and a half baths and 1410 Gordon Food Service 2,973 square feet of living area. Drive

Single family detached

$95,000

Commercial alteration

$90,362

PINE DALE ESTATES

307 N. Michigan Ave.

The home at 2608 Stafford Woods Place sold May 1 for 1207 E. Dr. MLK Blvd. $310,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, two and a half baths and 2,007 square feet of 1104 E. Renfro St. living area. SUGAR CREEK

1003 W. Reynolds St.

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019

REAL ESTATE

May 2019

The home at 2503 Clubhouse 1307 E. Warren St. Occupancy $87,240 Drive sold May 2 for $380,000. Built in 1995, it has three bed- 2602 James L. Redman Commercial $75,000 rooms, three baths and 3,075 Parkway alteration square feet of living area. 1311 Church St. Occupancy $70,000 The home at 2901 Forest Hammock Drive sold May 2 for $275,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths and All sales information was obtained from the Hillsborough 2,165 square feet of living area. County Property Appraiser. Permit information was obtained from the City of Plant City.

CRAWFORD & ASSOCIATES CRAWFORD & ASSOCIATES

Outstanding Agents. Outstan Outstanding Agents. Outstanding Results. Outstanding Agents. Outstanding R Outstanding Agents. Outstanding Results. CRAWFORD & ASSOCIATES

CRAWFORD & ASSOCIATES

(813)967-0168 or (813)305-1616

2803-4 James L. Redman Parkway, Plant City Florida (813)967-0168 or33566 (813)305-1616 (813)967-0168 (813)305-1616 (813)967-0168 or (813)305-1616 (813) 967-0168 or754-8099 (813) 549-9412 Office: (813) 305-1616 | Fax: (813) Email: Malissa.Crawford@Gmail.com

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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RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

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We asked: What are your plans for this summer?

“I just got back from Ireland, London and Paris. We‘re going to the beach for a week.” — Samantha Castillo, 26

“I work all the time. I’m going “I’ll be going to Italy and to Jamaica at the end of July.” Greece in a month.” — Jaren Licalzi, 20

— Taylor Barrow, 25

“I’m going to Tennessee in a few weeks. Going to the mountains. And I’m going to the Keys in two weeks.” — Cameron Diem, 21

YOUR HOME COMMUNITY

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

EmmaLou Cooper Rodgers, 75, of Lithia, born on May 10, 1944 in Antioch, entered into eternal rest on June 2, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Lily Bell Maxwell Lily Bell Maxwell, 94, of Plant City, passed away on June 5, 2019. Services were held June 11, 2019 at Youmans Praise and Worship Church. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught. care.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

James Edward DeMontmollin James Edward DeMontmollin, 90, of Plant City, born on Oct. 13, 1928 in Plant City, entered into eternal rest on June 4, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Danny Ross Danny Ross, 81, of Lithia, born in Bronx, New York on Oct. 15, 1937, entered into eternal rest on June 2, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

George N. McClelland George N. McClelland, 81, of Bartow, born on June 20, 1937 in Lakeland, entered into eternal rest on June 6, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Stephen H. ‘Steve’ Vaisey Stephen H. “Steve” Vaisey, 60, of Lithia, born on Dec. 5, 1958 in Rochester, New York, entered into eternal rest on June 6, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019

Eddie ‘E.J.’ Rodriguez Jr.

Brittany Ann DuPont

Erik ‘Adam’ Walton Sr.

Eddie “E.J.” Rodriguez Jr., age 2, of Plant City, FL passed away on June 6, 2019. The family will receive friends Thursday, June 13, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W Dr MLK Jr Blvd, Plant City, FL 33563. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught. care.

Brittany Ann DuPont, 30, of Plant City, passed away on June 7, 2019. The family will receive friends Friday, June 14, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Haught Funeral Home 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd. Plant City. Memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught. care.

Erik “Adam” Walton Sr., 45, of Plant City, born on Aug. 11, 1973 in Clearwater, entered into eternal rest on June 6, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

OBITUARIES

EmmaLou Cooper Rodgers

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Ron Daniel HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Stephan Matthew Sapp Stephan Matthew Sapp, born July 1, 1984, entered into eternal rest June 6, 2019. Survived by his mother Penelope Lee Riley, Tommie Riley, his Father Stephan Michael Sapp, his Grandfather Vernon David Calhoun and his Grandmother Shirley Ann Sapp and many other family extended family members and friends.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Darrel Francis Hoag Darrel Francis Hoag, age 67, of Lakeland, passed away on June 1, 2019. Darrel was a Marine and served in the Vietnam War. Services will be held privately. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught. care.

Ron Daniel of Plant City, born on Dec. 30, 1938 in New Jersey, entered the gates of Heaven on June 8, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

Florist

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Telecom Drive, Suite 300 E, Temple Terrace, 33637 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

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Arthur Mae Wright

Carney Cameron

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019

Mrs. Arthur Mae Wright of Plant City, born: Sept. 7, 1935 entered into rest June 5, 2019. Visitation Saturday June 15, 2019. Funeral Services 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke M.B.Church. A Winslow Honors Funeral Chapel Service.

YOUR CALENDAR

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

OBITUARIES

BEST BET SATURDAY, JUNE 15 DIDGERIDOO DOWN UNDER

3 p.m. This high-energy, Australia-themed show combines music, culture, puppetry, comedy, character building, storytelling and audience participation. Held at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., the didgeridoo event is an interactive educational event and open to all families.

THURSDAY, JUNE 13. PLEASANT GROVE VBS

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Pleasant Grove Church, 7051 Turkey Creek Road, is hosting its Vacation Bible School from June 12 to 14. The “To Mars and Beyond” themed event invited any student in K-6th grade to come learn about how God walked with heroes of the Bible. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the amazing space theme, fantastic VBS music, scripture verses, games, puppets and lots of fun.

Carney Cameron, 77, of Brandon, born on April 22, 1942 in Plant City, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on June 8, 2019. Born to Claude and Allene Ralph William Herring Cameron, he was a Burnett Plant City native, and raised in FRIDAY, JUNE 14 the Berea Baptist Church. He Ralph William Burnett, 72, of graduated from Plant City High Plant City, passed on to his MORNING MIMOSAS “Class of 1960 Planters”, where Lord Sunday, May 26, 2019. NETWORKING he served as President of FFA for He was born November 4, 8 to 9 a.m. Come out for a mornPlant City High during his senior 1945 in Cincinnati, Ohio. ing of networking and mimosas at year. He is survived by his wife OnPoint CoWork Solutions, 1805 He was retired from the Boiler- Sandra “Sandy” Kathleen James L. Redman Parkway. The maker’s and from Florida Power/ Burnett, sons: Joshua E. event is a perfect way to spend a Duke Energy. He was a member Burnett (Trang), of Tampa, M. relaxing morning getting to know of Local Union #433, member Alexander Burnett (Christina) other movers and shakers in the of IBEW, served in the National of Orlando; brother, Wayne community. Guard, and member of Brandon Burnett (Mary Jean) of NorMasonic Lodge #114. wood, Ohio; sisters: Beverly MOVIE FRIDAY: WONDER Carney loved the outdoors and Jones (Elmer) of Milford, Ohio WOMAN spending time with family. He and Peg Sciara (Dominic) of 3 p.m. Families are invited to a free was a wonderful husband, father, Plant City, and four grandafternoon movie showing of Wongrandfather, and sons. der Woman we’re dedicated to helping families create a at Bruton Memorial W E’RE P RO UD friend. TO SE RVE our community Hewith is survived by his wife ofcare 57 since 1896. Memorial service will be memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Reunique and meaningful that truly personal, compassionate celebrates life it represents. AsJudy your Dignity Memorial professionals, years, Colding Cameron; Sunday June 16, atthe Grace freshments will be provided by the children, Alan Cameron (Jenn) Point> Church, 1107 Charlie Friends of the Library. Rated PG-13. > 100% Service Guarantee National Plan Transferability and Peggy >Cameron McKinney Griffin Road, Plant City, FL at Helpline® Children ages 12 and under must Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion (Larry); sisters, Eleanor Poppell 4:00 p.m. be accompanied by an adult. and Peggy Johnson; grandchilOnline condolences may be dren, Justin Cameron, Stephen offered at www.wellsmemoSATURDAY, JUNE 15 Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. Sewell, Sydney Burkhalter, Will rial.com. Burkhalter, Kaylin Basham STRAWBERRY CLASSIC (Scott), and Nicholas Berry CRUISE-IN (Andrea); numerous nieces, 3 to 8 p.m. The monthly Strawnephews, extended family, and a berry Classic Cruise-In car show lifetime of friends. hosted by the Greater Plant City WELLSMEMORIAL.COM The family will receive friends Chamber of Commerce is held in Thursday, June 13 from 6 to 8:00 downtown Plant City, 102 N. Palmp.m. at Hopewell Funeral Home,MeMorial & event Center er St. Free car registration begins Wells 6005 S County Rd 39 S, Plant at 2 p.m. There will be vendors and PlanT CiTy ALL OBITUARIES City, where a funeral service local shops open throughout the 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com will be held on Friday, June 14 at event. This month will also feature ARE SUBMITTED 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Jack the official kickoff of the kids car AND EDITED BY M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1 10/27/15 10:42 AM Brock officiating. Committal to contest sponsored by Brick City follow at Hopewell Memorial Bricks. Any child is welcome to FAMILIES Gardens, Plant City. build a car out of whatever they OR FUNERAL In lieu of flowers, memowant and display it for all to see rial contributions may be made during the contest. HOMES to LifePath Hospice at 12470

Taking care of each other is what

community

is all about.

PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA 1507 YMCA Pl., Plant City 813.757.6677

PLANT CITY SOCIAL DANCE

6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Plant City Social Dance is kicking off its summer schedule with three June dances at Strawberry Square MHP, 4401 Promenade Blvd. The cost is $6 and will include slow dances, waltzes, line dances, cha-cha and more.

HARRY POTTER TRIVIA NIGHT

8:33 to 10:33 p.m. Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., is hosting a Harry Potter Trivia Night. Show off your Harry Potter knowledge, wear your best costume and compete for great prizes. There will be prizes for first and second place as well as a prize for Best Costume. Sign up by commenting on the event’s Facebook Page or by messaging Krazy Kup’s Facebook page. Teams of two are invited to participate. Anyone can come in cosplay for the costume contest.

MONDAY, JUNE 17 PLANT CITY DAYBREAK ROTARY CLUB

7 to 8 a.m. The Plant City Daybreak Rotary Club holds a meeting every Monday in the conference room next to the cafeteria at South Florida Baptist Hospital, 301 N. Alexander St. Guests are welcome to come and join us for a free breakfast.

TUESDAY, JUNE 18 PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB

12 to 1 p.m. The Plant City Lions Club holds a meeting every Tuesday at Buddy Freddy’s, 1101 Goldfinch Drive. For more information on membership, call 813-924-3829.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19 RISE UP WITH MARY MATHIS

7:30 to 9 a.m. Come join RISE Plant City for its free monthly Rise Up networking event. This month’s event is held at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., and will feature guest speaker City Commissioner Mary Mathis.

READ WITH BONNIE THE THERAPY DOG

4 to 5 p.m. Bonnie the Therapy Dog comes to Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., every week for children to have the opportunity to share a book and some soft pats on the head. You can find her on the couch in the children’s area. Reading with Bonnie can help children improve reading, communication skills and build confidence.

THURSDAY, JUNE 20 ZEN YOUR SPACE

7 p.m. Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., is hosting a Zen Your Space — Organizing Your Home event. Using principles from Marie Kondo’s book, “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up” and Julie Morgenstern’s book “Organizing from the Inside Out,” this presentation will guide you with photos and discussion on how to improve your personal spaces.

YOUR HOSPITAL STAY AND POSTPARTUM ISSUES CLASS

6 to 8 p.m. South Florida Baptist Hospital, 301 N. Alexander St., is hosting a Your Hospital Stay and Postpartum Issues class in the ICU Conference Room, 2-South. The class covers hospital policies regarding hospital stay, emotional changes and adjusting to the new parent role. Participants may bring one guest to the class. Please bring a notepad for notes. Snacks are provided. Registration is free, but required. Call 1-855-269-4777 for more information.

BLUEGRASS NIGHT

6:33 to 8:33 p.m. Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., is hosting its monthly Bluegrass Night. This month features Canada Brothers Family Band. Tickets are $10 in house and on Eventbrite. Seating is limited. The third Thursday of every month Krazy Kup hosts a new local area Bluegrass artist in its music loft.

tampaymca.org/LetsCamp

PlantCityObserver.com

Universal Crossword

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

Edited by David Steinberg June 13, 2019

6/13

FORECAST THURSDAY, JUNE 13 High: 85 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 80%

FRIDAY, JUNE 14 High: 89 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 40%

High: 88 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 40%

SUNDAY, JUNE 16 High: 87 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 50%

BLUEBERRIES Shipping point: Central Florida $13-$16

30 Ocean State sch. 31 Crane part 32 Parenthetical comments 34 Zilch 38 Consider to be 40 Make amends 41 Rip-off 42 Explorer with a backpack 43 Soft white metal 45 Israeli submachine gun 46 “Que ___?” (Spanish for “How are you?”) 48 Allowed in 50 Fidgety

54 Home loan org. 55 On the rocks 56 What you may fold out before turning in 60 Made cloth 61 Church instrument 63 Pie a la ___ 64 Barely makes (out) 65 Be of use 66 Like 2, 4, 6, 8 ... 67 Homes for bears 68 Brit’s idiot box 69 Email folder DOWN 1 Sensation, slangily 2 Tehran’s country

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, June 13

6:31a

8:25p

Friday, June 14

6:31a

8:25p

Saturday, June 15

6:31a

8:26p

Sunday, June 16

6:31a

8:26p

Monday, June 17

6:31a

8:26p

Tuesday, June 18

6:32a

8:27p

Wednesday, June 19

6:32a

8:27p

MOON PHASES July 2 New

June 15 Full

July 7 First

June 28 Last

RAINFALL Monday, June 3

0.00

Tuesday, June 4 0.58 Wednesday, June 5

0.51

Thursday, June 6 0.16 0.00

Friday, June 7

Saturday, June 8 0.04 0.80

Sunday, June 9 YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2019

2019 2.09 in.

7.47 in.

2018 12.32 in.

3 Stopwatch for winter sports? 4 Provides funds for 5 Words in a used car ad 6 Wind direction indicator 7 “The Walking Dead” channel 8 March composer 9 Showcase for awardwinning pies? 10 Mischievous sprites 11 “Spider-Man”director Sam 12 See eye-to-eye 13 Microbrewery offerings 21 Pro ___ (proportionately) 23 With 39-Down, inflatable sleeping surface 25 Felt hats 26 Anti-DUI org. 27 Cookie filled with “Stuf” 28 Functional jacket? 29 Lovely meter maid of song 33 Geraint’s wife 35 Superior to, and a hint to the first letters in 3-, 28and 9-Down 36 In a ___ (confused) 37 In the thick of 39 See 23-Down 44 Offend slightly 47 Boxer dubbed “The Greatest” 49 River by Big Ben 50 Competed in a regatta 51 Conjure up 52 Airmail letter count? 53 Bring to the table 56 Mast attachment 57 For your eyes ___ 58 Genesis garden 59 Result of a fender bender 62 Actress Gadot

SUNRISE/SUNSET

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

Crop Top by Rob Gonsalves and Jennifer Lim

ACROSS 1 Bad habit 5 Pirate’s “Stop!” 10 Take rudely 14 Flat-faced club 15 Polynesian island state 16 Fad 17 Like Samuel L. Jackson and Dwayne Johnson 18 Rack up 19 Ireland, in Ireland 20 Plug, as a product 22 Speak haltingly 24 Pan Am rival 25 They can be nuclear 26 Dampness

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019

2018

1.37 in.

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

ACROSS 54 Home loan 36 In a ___ 11 “Spider1 Bad habit org. (confused) Man” 5 Pirate’s 55 On the director Sam 37 In the thick of 39 See See eyeSend“Stop!” your photo submissionsrocks to Associate Editor12 Justin Kline at jkline@PlantCityObserver.com 10 Take rudely 56 What you 23-Down to-eye or hashtag #iloveplantcity on Instagram for @igersplantcity to feature. 14 Flat-faced may fold 44 Offend 13 Microbrewclub out before slightly ery offerings 15 Polynesian turning in 21 Pro ___ (pro- 47 Boxer island state dubbed “The 60 Made cloth portionately) 16 Fad Greatest” 61 Church 23 With 49 River by 17 Like Samuel instrument 39-Down, Big Ben L. Jackson 63 Pie a la ___ inflatable 50 Competed and Dwayne 64 Barely sleeping in a regatta Johnson makes (out) surface 51 Conjure up 18 Rack up 65 Be of use 25 Felt hats 19 Ireland, in 66 Like 2, 4, 6, 26 Anti-DUI org. 52 Airmail letter count? Ireland 8 ... 27 Cookie filled 53 Bring to 20 Plug, as 67 Homes with “Stuf” the table a product for bears 28 Functional 56 Mast 22 Speak 68 Brit’s idiot jacket? attachment haltingly box 29 Lovely 57 For your 24 Pan Am rival 69 Email meter maid eyes ___ 25 They can folder of song be nuclear DOWN 33 Geraint’s wife 58 Genesis garden 26 Dampness 1 Sensation, 35 Superior to, 59 Result of 30 Ocean State slangily and a hint a fender sch. 2 Tehran’s to the first bender 31 Crane part country letters in 62 6Actress 32 Parenthetical 3 Stopwatch 3-, 28and Jeannie Adum spotted a perfect rainbow outside of Curves Plant City on June and snapped a photo. “Only need to find the for pot of gold at the end of this beautiful rainbow,” she quipped. Adum Gadot comments winter 9-Down winsZilch this week’s I Love Plant City photo contest. 34 sports? 38 Consider 4 Provides PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER to be funds for 40 Make 5 Words us on in social media: @PCObserver on Instgram, ON L I N E Follow amends a used @PlantObserver on Twitter and Plant City Observer 41 Rip-off car ad on Facebook. 42 Explorer 6 Wind with a direction backpack indicator 43 Soft white 7 “The Walking metal Dead” 45 Israeli channel submachine 8 March gun composer 46 “Que ___?” 9 Showcase (Spanish for for award“How are winning you?”) pies? 48 Allowed in 10 Mischievous 6/12 © 2019 Andrews McMeel Universal www.upuzzles.com 50 Fidgety sprites

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019

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