PLANT CITY
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 5, NO. 50
FREE
Conserving for the summer
A new survey by UF found that homeowners value both having a lush lawn and taking care of the local environment.
YOUR TOWN
BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Though Hillsborough County is no longer in a drought, water conservation practices are still needed to ensure Floridians responsibly utilize the water available and keep their utilities bill down. The up to two days a week water schedule is still firmly in
Plant City’s own Ninja Warrior. SEE PAGE 6.
•
THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2018
place, with residents able to water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Even-numbered addresses water on Thursday and Sunday and odd-numbered addresses water on Wednesday and Saturday. “Because we’re not currently in a drought a lot of the water restrictions have been lifted,” SEE LAWN PAGE 4
Lights, Camera, PC ‘No Postage Necessary’ premieres in Florida at the Tampa Theatre on June 28 in a special event. BREANNE WILLIAMS
Jason Shiver showed off his diverse artwork at the library.
STAFF WRITER
Some of Plant City’s finest will walk a red carpet on June 28 at the Florida premiere of “No Postage Necessary.” Created by Two Roads Picture Co., the film follows the story of a computer hacker who falls for a war widow. Throw in a massive amount of missing Bitcoins, an aggressive FBI agent and a fight for redemption and the indie film is well on its way to becoming a household favorite.
Rockin’ fun at the library Bruton Memorial Library introduced its new Adult Summer Reading Program Saturday during a rockin’ kick-off event. Fifth Gear Band performed summer favorites from the 60s, 70s and 80s. The library also had two featured artists present with their exhibits. Charlotte Dillon showcased her farm life-inspired pieces on one side of the library and Jason Shiver showed off his diverse artwork on the other. An updated list of summer events can be found on the library’s Facebook page.
Dodging to victory Rise Plant City held its second annual dodgeball tournament Saturday, June 9 to raise money for Jensen’s Heart of Gold. Teams donned matching outfits ranging from nerd attire to superhero-themed and took to the courts in an epic showdown. The tournament raised $750 for Jensen’s Heart of Gold.
Courtesy of Deanna Hurley
Much of the film was shot in locations around Plant City, like this scene on Reynolds Street.
SEE PAGE 3
Rick Lott reappointed as mayor After a unanimous vote, Rick Lott was reappointed as mayor for the 2018-2019 year. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Rick Lott was reappointed as mayor during the City Commission meeting Monday, June 11, following a unanimous vote by commissioners. Lott has served as mayor from 2007 to 2010 and from 2014 to his current term. Michael Sparkman, fellow city commissioner, had the record for most years as mayor
as he served from 1994 to 1996, from 2000 to 2003, from 2004 to 2005 and from 2012 to 2013. Lott has now broken his record in the seat. “Anybody at this dais could do the job as mayor, but I think the question every year is ‘Who is best suited for that based on current circumstances?’” Commissioner Nate Kilton said. “When I look at where we are right now with so much that’s going on in our community, such wonderful things, having some continuity, especially as it relates to our potential new business partners, is very important.” The other commissioners SEE COMMISSION PAGE 3
File photo
On June 11 Plant City city commissioners voted on who they thought should be mayor for the term. Rick Lott was reappointed.