6.2.22 PLCO by Plant City Observer

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VOLUME 6, NO. 199

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THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2022

TRANSPORTATION AND RECREATION INSTALLATIONS TO COME

PLANT CITY TO RECEIVE LOCAL HIGHWAY AND CITY UPGRADES BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

ROAD PROJECTS

Several projects to install much-needed equipment along interstates 4, 75, and 275 will take place to ensure a safer commute on the highway. One is anticipated to begin this year, while the other is further down the road. I-4 ITS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FROM I-275 TO POLK COUNTY LINE

This project will install ITS components in support of a vehicle infrastructure connection along I-4 between I-275

and the Polk County line. This is due to car crashes and recurring congestion on the highway. Between 2016 and 2019, there were 70 fatal car crashes and 6,350 injuries related to car accidents, according to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Overall, I-4 averaged two-lane closures per day and one full directional closure every 11 days in 2018. An ITS Communication System is made up of different technology to assist motorists in the event of an accident. • Black out signs guide motorists through detours when diverted off of I-4 • Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures provide traffic signal diversions as efficient as possible

• CCTV Camera’s allows the viewing of accidents from the Traffic Management Center There will be limited lane closures on county or city roads. The $8.9 million project is anticipated to begin this summer and be completed during the Fall of 2024. INTERSTATE LIGHTING UPGRADES ALONG I-75 AND I-4 IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

The current HPS lighting fixtures along the highway will be replaced with LED fixtures. LED fixtures will offer higher resistance to light depreciation, increased fixture life, and better-quality light.

The project mileage will stretch almost 3 miles along I-75, and less than a mile along I-4. Installation will occur on the through roads and ramps at these interchanges: • I-75 at Gibsonton Drive • I-75 at U.S. 301 • I-75 at Selmon Expressway • I-4 at Park Road The cost will be $13.5 million and is anticipated to begin in 2025.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

PLANT CITY STILL REMEMBERS ITS FALLEN SOLDIERS

A MEMORIAL DAY EVENT HONORED THOSE WHO PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Memorial Day was recognized by a crowd who attended an event at Plant City’s Norman McLeod American Legion Post 26 on Monday.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2022

NEWS BRIEFS

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

Plant City Fire Rescue to conduct Landing Zone Training Plant City Fire Rescue will be conducting Landing Zone Training at Plant City Stadium on June 3, June 17 and July 1 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Residents can expect to see helicopters flying in and out of the area during the trainings and Plant City Fire Rescue wants individuals to note that there is no emergency or anything to be concerned about if they see helicopters around Plant City Stadium during these periods.

Now accepting new patients! We welcome the opportunity to become the medical home for your entire family at our new Plant City location, offering Primary Care, Pediatrics and Rheumatology. To make an appointment, please call:

• 863.284.5000 for Primary Care or Pediatrics

This is your opportunity to join Plant City’s Parks staff for a guided Sunset Hike at McIntosh Preserve, 775 E. Knights Griffin Rd. Participants will be led on an easy 1.5-mile hike from the parking area to the preserve’s observation tower and back as the sun sets over Plant City’s beautiful wildlife. With any luck, you’ll have a chance to see deer and perhaps some of the preserve’s other inhabitants as they too come out for an evening stroll. The event will be held on Saturday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m. and anyone who wishes to participate must pre-register by Thursday, June 2. Find the link to pre-register at www. plantcitygov.com/parksrec/page/sunset-hike. Things to bring: • Closed toe shoes • Water • Sunscreen • Bug spray • A hat

Local animal rescue in need of volunteers, donations Local Plant City animal rescue, Raining Cats and Dogs Shelter and Sactuary, is asking for their community’s help by way of much-needed volunteers and donations. The animal rescue is especially in need of dry cat food and cat litter and donations can be dropped off or shipped directly to the shelter, 2708 E. SR 60, Plant City, FL 33567. In addition, the shelter will be be holding a new volunteer orientation on Saturday, June 4 at noon. If you’re looking for a great way to spend your time this summer and help local rescue animals in need, the shelter offers a great opportunity. For more information, visit www.rainingcatsanddogsshelter.com or contact rainingcatsanddogsshelter@gmail.com.

Plant City High School

ALEXANDER STREET

LRH

511 West Alexander St

Publix

ALEXANDER STREET

Winn-Dixie

JAMES L REDMAN PARKWAY

Plant City to host Sunset Hike this weekend

JAMES L REDMAN PARKWAY

• 863.284.5115 for Rheumatology

Our Doctors: Humam Alabsi, MD Pediatrics

863.284.5000

Sandra Rodriguez Fernandez, MD Internal Med. Primary Care

863.284.5000

Durkhani Mahboob, MD

Adriana Moncayo, MD

863.284.5115

Rheumatology

Your Health. Our Promise. myLRH.org/Plant-City

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2022

PLANT CITY CLASS OF 2022 GRADS

DURANT HIGH SCHOOL

PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL

STRAWBERRY

CREST

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2022

PLANT CITY

This week on Cops Corner: Plant City Police

Observer

investigate a stolen sofa, a damaged vehicle and an abandoned car. istock

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Sports Writer / Taylor Jenkins tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com Staff Writer / Brian Fernandes bfernandes@plantcityobserver.com Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez

MAY 20 COUCH SURFING 1800 block of S. County Line Rd. Grand theft: An officer met with a complainant at the listed location who reported the theft of a sectional sofa. HAULED OFF 3200 block of W. Baker St. Vehicle theft: An officer made contact with the manager of a business at the listed location who advised that a 17-foot moving truck that had been rented from the business was not returned on May 22.

TOO SPICY 2000 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Felony battery: An officer responded to the listed location in reference to a victim that had been pepper sprayed in the face. STAY IN YOUR LANE 1800 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. DUI: An officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for only one operational brake light and failure to maintain a single lane of travel. The driver of the vehicle was subsequently charged with DUI and released to Orient Road booking without incident.

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

MAY 21

MAY 22

SECURE THE BAG

WINDOW PAINS

1700 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Theft: An officer met with the victim who stated that her duffle bag had been stolen.

800 block of S. Collins St. Criminal mischief: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who reported damage done to his vehicle’s windows.

FAILED ATTEMPT

A LONG LIST

1100 block of E. Baker St. Stolen vehicle attempt: An officer responded to the business at the listed location and met with the victim who reported that an unknown individual attempted to steal her vehicle.

2700 block of Thonotosassa Rd. Resist with violence, felon in possession of a firearm: An officer responded to a business at the listed location in reference to a disturbance and an individual was subsequently arrested for resisting an officer with violence, felony petit theft, improper exhibition of a firearm, felon carrying a concealed weapon and felon in possession of a firearm. The individual was then transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

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

The Plant City Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. The Plant City Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

SEND US YOUR NEWS

We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements.

MAY 25

To contact us, send your information via: Email: Sarah Holt, SHolt@ PlantCityObserver.com.

LOST AND FOUND

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

2700 block of Thonotosassa Rd. Stolen vehicle recovery: An officer was conducting a business check at the listed location and observed an unoccupied vehicle backed into a parking spot with a flat tire. The vehicle was then discovered to be stolen out of the jurisdiction of Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

O Plant City Observer

is locally owned by Ed Verner, Karen Berry, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes The Plant City Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC.

This week’s Crossword answers

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

by David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

110 E. Reynolds, Suite 100B Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850

Unscramble theseanswers four Jumbles, This week’s one letter to each square, to form four ordinary words.

Jumbles:

LEEDU

YREDB

BIGRTH YLITFH

Check out the new, free JUST JUMBLE app

This week’s Sudoku answers

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NEW HIGHWAY AND CITY UPDATES TO COME

ROAD AND RECREATION PLANS TO ENHANCE PLANT CITY BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

NEW RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

As mentioned from the previous Plant City Observer edition, the government has allocated $19.9 million, through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), toward the City of Plant City. The city has split the funds into two categories: Governmental Services and Infrastructure Improvements – both consisting of a list of different projects. The former of the two, has $10 million put toward its projects all for recreational purposes. ELLIS-METHVIN TOURNAMENT MANAGEMENT FACILITY PROJECT

The facility is receiving $2.9 million in ARPA funds and the remaining $500,000 is from the Tourist Development Commission – with a total of approximately $3.4 million “It creates a great enhancement to our ability to manage tournaments and serve the community that comes out to participate in these various athletic activities that occur in Ellis-Methvin Park,” said Plant City City Manager Bill McDaniel. “The project is currently at a state of 100% design. It is ready to build.” There are plans for it to hold a concession stand, open patio, and restrooms on the first floor. The second floor would have an open deck joined by a tournament management room. The public will have a viewing area while sheltered under a 3,000 square-foot canopy. The facility will also be equipped

with a 500 square-foot kitchen, snack bar, and restrooms that meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines and will be constructed with unique architectural blocks. “The color is essentially baked into the block,” McDaniel said. “It’s low maintenance and it’s easy to maintain.” The designing of the project will be $145,000 and $164,326 will go toward permits, equipment, etc. Funds allocated in building the facility on a whole will reach over $3 million. McDaniel stated that construction on the Ellis-Methvin Tournament Management Facility should be complete in a year. PLANT CITY TENNIS CENTER PROJECT

The tennis center will be located on the south end of Ellis-Methvin Park, on the site of the older building which will be demolished. “This building will accommodate our growing use of the tennis center,” McDaniel said. “It provides for additional restrooms, it adds showers, (and) it provides an expanded lobby area.” The second floor will have a 1,400 square-foot canopy to view the tennis courts. An indoor alternative will be an air-conditioned room that will still provide an adequate view outdoors. Like the tournament facility, the tennis center will have office space as well. Determining the design of the structure is complete and $153,400 goes toward designing. A contract with the developer puts $3.3 million toward construction and $146,330 will go toward permits, equipment and

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2022

Courtesy of the City of Plant City

other expenses, totaling $3.6 million in ARPA funding. The goal is to build both the tennis center and the tournament management facility simultaneously and have a double ribboncutting event on the same day. ROWENA MAYS ATHLETIC PARK

There are plans to merge the Rowena Mays Park with the tennis courts and basketball facility on Dort Street. In order to do so, a bridge will be constructed over the westside canal to connect both sites. It will be similar to the existing bridge over the eastside canal. There are also plans to make additions and renovations to both the park and the courts. “We are proposing to rehabilitate the tennis and basketball courts and bring them up to modern standards,” McDaniel said. This includes constructed restrooms with a design like the one at Brewer Park, building pickleball courts, and enhancing the parking lots. Also, the park and courts will be renamed the Rowena Mays Athletic Park. The budget for this project is $1.9 million – with $400,000 coming from city funds and $1.5 million from ARPA. SPLASH PARK

The splash park will be a smaller scale water park, included with a playground and sporting facilities. Other amenities will be restrooms, rooms for changing clothes, a picnic pavilion, sunshade shelters, and an adequate parking lot.

City staff considered different locations to place the park, such as off Baker Street. That plan was scrapped due to the high traffic volume on that corridor. The Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center was also an option. While there would be enough room for the recreational facility, there wouldn’t be enough for a parking lot. What’s more, the property varies from a high to low area. The community center is on land that is more elevated than other sections, which would bring construction issues. Land at a lower level would have to be raised to the same height as the land that the community center is situated on. However, this could result in stormwater issues and a “pretty significant drainage system” would have to be installed, which would be more work and money spent, than it’s worth, McDaniel said. Then they focused their attention on the former YMCA property – city property on Young Street. After careful analysis, the 5 acres of land was deemed suitable for building the park. “It gives us the opportunity to fit all of the necessary amenities for the splash park, the playground, all of the sporting facilities, (and) all of the necessary parking,” McDaniel said. “We have enough room to add other amenities. We’ve seen everything from…ping pong tables, chess

tables, (and) any number of park amenities that could be added on to this piece of property.” There are also plans to open a skate park with ramps and rails near the recreational facility. Two million dollars in ARPA funds are going to this project. City Commissioner Nate Kilton expressed concern about the timeline, as ARPA funds must be used within four years as a requirement. “Everybody in the business of architecture and design and engineering and construction, already have very bloated backlogs…so we’re competing against everybody else, and we only have a four-year window to get it done,” Kilton said. He also brought up the economic issue of inflation that could be impactful on whether the project may be able to push forward within the four years. However, he did mention that there’s a healthy balance in investing into both infrastructure and parks and recreation projects, and ultimately approved the proposal. City Commissioner Bill Dodson also praised the plan. “I’m thankful we’re now able to utilize city funds for other purposes other than what this ARPA fund will allow us to do, and give us more bang for the buck without charging our citizens, but giving a benefit for our citizens for their use,” he said.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2022

FLAVORED ICE BRINGS JOY TO PLANT CITY

Photo courtesy of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce

PELICAN’S SNOBALLS HAS BECOME A POPULAR SPOT FOR FROZEN TREATS BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

For the last three years, Greg Davis and his family have been providing snow year-round to Plant City with his establishment, Pelican’s SnoBalls. The shaved iced has attracted many to the shop right off Collins Street. Greg was first introduced to the franchise when his daughter Mallory, tried one of its flavors at the shop in Auburndale. “She said ‘dad you’ve got to try one of these things’,” he recalled. The egg custard snoball with marshmallow cream had her raving to her dad about how good it tasted. The name itself was a turn-off, but once he tried it, he envisioned another business opportunity, Greg said. “I had one and I knew that that was it instantly,” he said. It got to the point where he would drive 45 minutes, once a week, to treat himself to a snoball. After working at Tampa Electric Company (TECO) for 24 years, he was ready to start his own establishment. His goal was to start his own company before he turned 40. He bought the skating rink in Plant City that was initially named Cowart’s Skating and changed it to Skate Zone. In the eight years he had it operating, he enjoyed providing customer service. “I really, really, really loved that,” Greg said. “That was a really good part of my life. I loved every Friday and Saturday, seeing all the new kids and families.” After he sold Skate Zone, he purchased property where he built a car lot, Amazing Autos. He tried to keep it afloat but was losing clientele as online competitors began to dominate the market. Then Mallory introduced him to Pelican’s, and he knew it was time to enter the next chapter of his career as an owner of the franchise. “We were actually on a family vacation in Daytona and our family voted on doing it,” said Billie Jo, Greg’s wife. “We knew we were closing the car lot and doing

something else. We all voted on it. We wanted to know we had our family’s support, because we would need their help.” In 2019, the family transformed the property of the car lot into what it is today. The construction took a year to complete. Snoballs come from a New Orleans tradition of combining shaved ice with a variety of flavors. The Pelican’s franchise was established over 20 years ago and now has 198 shops across 17 states. Including Plant City, there are 16 locations throughout Florida. Patrons can purchase pelican bucks, which are distributed as coins. They can buy 25 bucks, valued at $1 for each, for $20. At the Plant City branch, patrons have the option to stay inside the air-conditioned shop with a TV and board games. Outside are multiple tables and recreational games for kids. The area is also fenced in to ensure safety. It offers over 100 snoball flavors and an assortment of different kinds of ice cream – including 18 flavors of Hershey’s hand-dipped ice cream. One of the most craved treats at the Plant City shop is the Cookies-n-Cream snoball, Greg said. This is basically Cookies-n-Cream ice cream stuffed into a snoball topped with whipped cream and an Oreo cookie. What’s most popular among girls accompanied with their dads is the Unicorn flavored snoball, which consists of blue and pink cotton candy, with whipped cream and fairy dust (sprinkles). Boys tend to order the Shark Attack – a combination of flavors such as the Sour Tsunami and Tiger’s Blood, topped with a shark gummie. “We have built community support,” Billie Jo said. “That’s probably why we’re in Plant City rather than going to Brandon or Lakeland or Zephyrhills. There’s still people in Plant City that we’re meeting.”

They have served at weddings, birthdays, graduations, family reunions, and little league get-togethers, among other occasions. They also have a bus to cater out in the community. “It’s so funny,” Greg said. “I have some parents that come up to the window on their way home from work and they’ll stop and get themselves a snoball and they’ll go ‘don’t tell my kids I was here.’” The establishment has supported those who are going through rough moments in their lives. Greg is a youth pastor at the Plant City Church of God, and uses his faith to be a source of comfort to others. In one instance, Greg set up shop outside of Tomlin Middle School and prayed for a man who lost his job and was behind in paying his bills. Several months later, the gentleman came to the shop and told Greg that he had been hired as a state trooper and was receiving a salary that was higher than he expected. However, there is one experience that stands out to him the most. Before her passing, a woman at Tampa General Hospital asked a special request from her sister. She wanted her sister to bring her back one of her favorite Pelican’s snoballs – Tiger’s Blood. The sister filled a cooler with ice, purchased the snoball in the biggest-sized cup and brought it back to her sister. A week later, the sister asked Greg if he could serve outside the funeral service. He gathered everything in the bus and fulfilled his service. “That probably touched my heart more than anything that I’ve ever done since we opened,” he said. The shop’s seven employees also play a huge role in providing great customer service, Greg said. His son Ryan manages the establishment for him, and his daughter Mallory is the assistant manager. His other son Landon stocks up the bus and takes it

to special events and his other daughter Hillary makes sure that their social media platforms are up to date. “We have a quarterly meeting and I stress to the employees ‘we have the product. I want the customer service to match the product,’ Greg said. ‘Find one good thing to say to that customer, don’t just slide them a snoball through the window, but say something really nice, something to make that customer feel good, because you don’t know what customers are dealing with in the world we live in today. We need that.’” Pelican’s SnoBalls has brought joy back into his life, he said.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2022

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2022

PC Legion Post hosts Memorial Day Ceremony Fallen veterans were recognized throughout the event.

Ed Wise presented a wreath at the Memorial Day event held at the Norman McLeod American Legion Post 26, on May 30.

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Retired Col. Ronald Tucker was the keynote speaker at the ceremony. Before he took to the stage, the Plant City High School JROTC performed the posting of the colors, followed by the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Cub Scouts Pack 5. The ceremonial representation of the POW/MIA table was also conducted. Tucker entered the military in 1982 and attended Basic and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. After he completed Airborne school, he was assigned to the 1st Ranger Battalion. He also served as an NCO in the 2nd Infantry Division, the 10th Mountain Division and was a Vulcan/Stinger Platoon leader. He was also an Army ranger in Operation Urgent Fury during the battle for Grenada. He was a professor of military science at the University of Kansas and Southern Il-

linois University – Edwardsville and was the battalion commander for the Kansas City Recruiting Battalion. His final active-duty assignment was as a division chief, and a part of the Combined Strategic Analysis Group and the United States Central Command. He is currently a senior Army instructor for the Plant City High School JROTC program – a position he has held for the past six years. “Memorial Day has great significance to our past, present, and our future,” Tucker said. “In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May, in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees.” In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day as a national holiday to be celebrated. It was initially call Decoration Day because it paid homage to Civil War soldiers by decorating their graves. CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Retired Col. Ronald Tucker was the keynote speaker at the Memorial event at the Norman McLeod American Legion Post 26 on May 30.

During the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield gave a speech at the Arlington National Cemetery. Approximately 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers. Tucker also took the time to speak on the soldiers who served overseas, and were able to make it back to the U.S. and join the organization that gives back to those formerly in uniform. “The American Legion found a way back in 1919 by war-weary veterans of World War I, people that had been battling in the trenches over in France and Germany, and they came out of the war and weren’t done serving,” Tucker said. “So now they want to serve their communities back home.” Decorated wreaths were brought to the front and displayed by the Plant City Republican Women Federated club; Norman McLeod American Legion Post 26; the Plant City Garden Club; the Plant City Elks Lodge; the Plant City Kiwanis Club; South Florida Baptist Hospital; the Plant City Black Heritage organization; the City of Plant City; the Walden Lake Community Association; the Lions Club of Plant City; the Plant City Woman’s Club; the Plant City Optimist Club; and the Plant City Arts Council.

The ritual of burning the list of names of those veterans that had passed away in the last year took place and was followed by the JROTC members firing blank shots into the air The Simmons Career Acceleration Academy’s culinary students prepared and catered food for after the program.

Sharon Moody (left) and Carolyn Brown put a wreath on display for the Memorial Day event at the Norman McLeod American Legion Post 26, on May 30.

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2022

SPORTS

PLANT CITY NATIVE JOHNI BROOME HEADING TO AUBURN After two years at Morehead State University, Broome recently announced that he’ll transfer to Auburn ahead of his junior season.

Photos courtesy of Morehead State University

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Plant City native Johni Broome announced his commitment to Auburn University last month and is set to join the Tigers after two years of basketball with Morehead State University in Kentucky. With roots in Plant City that span generations, Broome grew up playing basketball in Plant City’s rec league, baseball at Plant City Little League and football with the Plant City Dolphins, a youth football organization where his father still coaches today. Once at the high school level, he spent two years at Plant City High School where he played both football and basketball before narrowing his focus to strictly basketball and transferring to Tampa Catholic. Broome ultimately committed to Morehead State and was thrown into the starting lineup as an 18 year old freshman following a teammate’s preseason injury. In that freshman season Broome averaged 13.8 points and nine rebounds per game while racking up accolades. By season’s end — playing in the Ohio Valley Conference — he had garnered OVC Freshman of the Year, firstteam All-OVC, OVC All-Newcomer Team, OVC All-Tournament Team, OVC Tournament MVP and nine different OVC Freshman of the Week awards en route to MSU’s first conference championship and NCAA Tournament appearance since 2011. As for MSU, Broome set freshman records for total rebounds (271) and blocks (56). Over the summer, after the NCAA passed new rules allowing collegiate athletes to benefit from their name, image and likeness (NIL), Broome returned to his hometown and worked with his parents to set up his first basketball camp at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center.

“When the (new NIL rules) hit, I like to give back to the kids where I’m from, so I immediately thought about some ways that I can impact these kid’s lives and play basketball with them, the game I love,” Broome said. “The first thing that came to my mind was a camp. After that I called my mom and dad, talked to them about it and they said it was a good idea so we just went from there.” As a sophomore, Broome led the Eagles to a 23-11 record and a second consecutive appearance in the OVC Conference Championship behind a team-high 16.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.9 blocks per game. His mark for blocks was good for the third-best mark in Division I college basketball last season, and his mark for rebounds was ninth-best. Broome announced that he would be entering the transfer portal in early April, and after being contacted by a laundry list of Power 5 schools, he announced his commitment to Auburn and head coach Bruce Pearl on April 30. Auburn finished last season 28-6 and No. 8 in the final AP poll, earning a second seed in the NCAA Tournament after falling to Texas A&M in the SEC Conference Tournament, ultimately losing to Miami in the NCAA Tournament’s Second Round. The 6-foot-10 Broome will step in to help reignite an Auburn front court that just lost two first round NBA Draft prospects in Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler.

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

FEATURED FUTURE: ROMELLO JONES

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

Romello Jones was a three-sport athlete for Plant City, playing football, basketball and track. “My last four years at Plant City were amazing,” Jones said. “It was an amazing process and I’m thankful and honored to be a part of it because of the community, the community played a big role. Plant City’s a small city but there’s a lot of people that care and love Plant City. Anything that you need help with, anything that you’re trying to do, they’re 100 percent behind you and ready to help you. So that’s something to me that stood out.” Coming off of his senior season, Jones received several offers to play football at the collegiate level. Academically, he was also a member of the National Honors Society. His

list of offers included those from prestigious universities like Lehigh, service academies such as Army and Navy and even an Ivy League offer from Dartmouth. But ultimately, Jones committed to the United States Naval Academy. “The thing about Navy is that it sets me up for the rest of my life,” Jones said. “I’m not just thinking about myself, I’m thinking about my future, my kids, my family. I’m thankful for the opportunity because you not only get to play Division I football, you get to play on TV, but my wife and kids will get benefits from it and my parents will benefit, they won’t have to pay for me to go to college… I think it’s very important in the recruitment process for you to know about the values of the school. Not just about football but the education, is it the right fit for you? Not just thinking all about football. That was a big thing for me in my recruitment pro-

cess because when I went on my official visit they made me feel like it was home and it wasn’t all about football. They were talking about my future, my career path, where I want to go after, any businesses that I wanted to start up, all of the other things that weren’t just on the field. That made me feel a lot more comfortable, it made me feel safer and I think that was the right decision for me.” Jones did it all for the Raiders last fall, playing on offense, defense and special teams. In his senior season he totaled 383 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, 130 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns, finished second on the team with 779 all purpose yards, returned seven kickoffs for 266 yards, racked up 36 total tackles with one interception, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble and two blocked punts.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2022

FEATURED FUTURE: ROMELLO JONES

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

At Navy, he says the coaches see him as a defensive back that can also work on both punt and kick returns, but argues that he’ll play wherever he’s needed to help the team. “Currently they said that they want me on kick return, punt return and defensive back but all of the position coaches are flexible and can move me around at any given time,” Jones said. “Honestly, they told me that it was up to me but I said that it was up to them because I want to help the team as much as possible so wherever I could fit in. If they have a missing puzzle piece, I’d love to do whatever they want me to do.” Throughout his time at Plant City, Jones was able to learn throughout the recruitment process of other high-profile teammates that have gone on to play at the Division I level, from D.J. Gordon and his commitment to Minnesota – most recently announcing his transfer to USF this spring – to one of the top-ranked recruits in the nation in wide receiver Mario Williams who attended Oklahoma last year before announcing his transfer to USC.

“One, you have to love yourself,” Jones said about what he’s learned from Gordon and Williams. “You have to be your own version, be the best version of yourself and not try to be like somebody else. Two, be highly confident. D.J. Gordon and Mario Williams were both confident. Everyone they went against, they felt like they were going to win that rep every time. Another thing I’d say is the work ethic, they were always working hard. When they were in the weight room they were serious, when they were at practice they were serious. Their leadership as well. They were leaders and when someone wasn’t on task they’d get on to them about it but then later on, in a game, that person would come back and thank them for it. I look back and I’d just be sitting around them and hearing little things that they’d say, picking up on it and I would think, ok this is what it takes to get to that level. Now I understand what the coaches say about the little things like leadership and being vocal with your teammates, all of those things.” But as Jones noted, a commitment to the Naval Academy is more than your run-of-the-mill experience for a student ath-

lete. It’s a commitment to four years as a cadet before serving a mandatory service period upon graduation. This is a challenge that Jones is not only ready for, but excited to begin. “I’m happy, I’m eager, I’m ready to get out there,” Jones said. “I’m a person that likes to be challenged and wants to do new things every day. I kind of respect for those sacrifices and find myself getting bored a little stand up for his country, leaning bit, so I just like being challenged on his faith to become the person and I feel like that’s a great thing that he is today and help him for me. Not only that, but the through all of life’s challenges. education process. The educa“I wouldn’t be who I am or tion level is very high, that’s where I am if it wasn’t for God,” challenging as well and I feel like Jones said. “There’s a message taking those core classes will set that helped me get through a lot me up for the future.” of things and get to where I am In lieu of Memorial Day this today. It’s simple. God can and past weekend, Jones reflected on God will.” those who have risked their lives in the United States Armed Forces and how he’s always stood on the sideline for the national anthem before games and envisioned himself serving his country. He said that he’s always been the person that wants to show In Concert

Celebrating 54 years of Southern Gospel Music Saturday, June 4th at 6pm Free Admission

Life Journey Baptist Church 110 N. Forbes Rd. Plant City

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THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2022

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We asked Plant City: If animals could talk, which one would be the most annoying? “Sea Gulls. I mean seriously? Can you imagine what they would say? And how much they would talk? They would never shut up!” - Cyntthia Johnson “Mocking birds - Just copying everyone else with no original thoughts of their own. Goldfish - a memory of 3 seconds so they already forgot what they said a moment ago.” - Jennifer McPherson Stuart “Squirrels. They’re already high-strung, I can’t imagine them talking.” - Cody Lenz “Cats. Just imagine the insults and things they’d say under their breath.” - Ashley Saunders

“Turkey, especially on Thanksgiving.” - Cori Na “Ducks! I watch them daily in the back of my house and they’re always arguing.” - Tammy Terrell “Cats, definitely cats.” - Erek Hart “Elephant.” - T.D. Dempsey

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Bonnie Genrich, 96, of Plant City, Fla., born in Doerun, Ga., on June 12, 1925, entered into eternal rest on May 25, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

Charles Wayne Jarvis, Jr. Charles Wayne Jarvis, Jr., 65, of Plant City, Fla., born in Plant City on Jan. 1, 1957, entered into eternal rest on May 29, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

Kay Elizabeth Baker, 43, of Lithia, Fla., born in Lansing, Mich. on April 29, 1979, entered into eternal rest on May 28, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

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Anna Lee Taylor Anna Lee Taylor, 89, of Lithia, Fla., born in Ft. Lonesome on Dec. 29, 1932, entered into eternal rest on May 25, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

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Thelma Faye Linn-Thomas Thelma Faye Linn-Thomas, 87, of Seffner, Fla., born on April 8, 1935, entered into eternal rest on May 31, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

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Alice Caroline Goff Christenberry Alice Caroline Goff Christenberry, 83, of Plant City, Fla., born on Feb. 26, 1939, entered into eternal rest on May 21, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

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Norma Fay Wolfe Norma Fay Wolfe, 93 of Plant City passed away May 31, 2022. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., June 6, 2022, Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W Dr MLK Jr Blvd, Plant City, with a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m., June 7, 2022, St Clement Catholic Church, 1106 N Alexander Street, Plant City. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

Helen Frieda Shepherd Taking care of

Jiles Darwin ‘Dob’ Smith

Clarence Rayburn

Jiles Darwin “Dob” Smith, 95, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on May 30, 2022. He served his country in the U.S. Army. The family will receive friends June 4, 2022, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.

Clarence Rayburn, age 80, of Dover, Fla., passed Helen Frieda away on May 31, 2022. Shepherd, 89, of Clarence served in the Plant City, Fla., US Marine Corps. passed away on Online condolences may May 25, 2022. be left for the family at Helen was born on we’re1932. dedicated to helping families create a W E ’ RE P RO U D TO S E RV E our community www.haught.care June 27, unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. memories celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, Fond > 100% Service Guarantee Plan Transferability and> National expressions of > Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® sympathy may be shared atR www.WellsMemorial.com Proudly supporting for the Plant Strawberry Festival. theCity Shepherd family.

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HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM Wells MeMorial & event Center

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Wells MeMorial & event Center

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

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WELLSMEMORIAL.COM

Wells MeMorial & event Center

813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

10/27/15 10:42 AM

age 83, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Wednespassed away on Monday, day, May 25, 2022. Robert May 23, 2022. Clarence was we’re dedicated to U helping create a born Aug. W E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E our community we’re dedicated to helping families create a W E ’ RE P RO D TO 1931. Sfamilies E RV E our community was born March 20, 5, 1938. uniquewith andpersonal, meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. unique and meaningful memorial that truly compassionate care since 1896. celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, Fond memories and exmemories and celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, Fond > 100% Service Guarantee > National of Plan Transferability > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan pressions sympathy may expressions ofTransferability sympathy Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement be shared at www.WellsMe- may be shared at www. R for the Fletcher WellsMemorial.com R morial.com for the Proudly supporting family. the Plant City Strawberry Festival. Proudly supporting Reinhardt the Plant City Strawberry family.Festival.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2022

OBITUARIES

Bonnie Genrich

Kay Elizabeth Baker

M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

PlanT CiTy

813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com 10/27/15 10:42 AM

116 North Collins Street Plant City, FL 33563 ph: (813) 567-5735 allabloomtampa.com

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YOUR CALENDAR

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2022

BEST BET THURSDAY, JUNE 2 ARTS COUNCIL SCULPTURE WALKING TOUR 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 106 S. Evers St. The Arts Council of Plant City is excited to bring the Seward Johnson Statues back to plant city and community members are invited to tag along for an in-depth, guided walking tour to examine the details of each sculpture that’s making it’s home right here in downtown. The event is free to the public and begins at with a reception at the Plant City Photo Archives at 5:20 and the walking tour starting at 6:15. For more information on the sculptures or the Arts Council, visit www.plantcityarts.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8

SATURDAY, JUNE 11

BLUEGRASS JAM! 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. This is an open invitation for local Bluegrass musicians and fans to come to the Krazy Kup loft and jam, clap hands, stomp feet and enjoy! Krazy Kup holds their Bluegrass JAM on the first Saturday of every month.

FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Federal, state and local opportunities are constantly changing. If you’ve served any time in the military, retired or non-retention, and would like to review your benefits please take advantage of free assistance at the Bing House Museum, 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walkins are welcomed, or call 813706-5800 to set a specific time.

SUMMER BASH 4 to 8 p.m. at 3102 Thonotosassa Rd. Horse Force and Small But Mighty Heroes will be hosting a start of summer bash with vendors, food trucks and a petting zoo, benefitting the non-profit organization Small But Mighty Heroes. The organization focuses on resources for pediatrics cancer nations and their families and will provide funding for the therapeutic riding arena purchased for Horse Force. The arena will allow Horse Force to continue providing Equine Assisted Therapy services for mental health and substance use disorder as well as the opportunity to begin services with medical and first responders that are seeking therapy. Admission with cost $20 for adults, $10 for children 13 and under and a family package for four to six people is available for $40. Grab bags are included in the admission price. For more information, visit www.horseforceherd.com or contact Christina Dawson at 727287-8893.

TUESDAY, JUNE 7 CONNECT & GROW 8 to 9 a.m. at 1601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Connect & Grow provides opportunities for Greater Plant City Chamber members to connect with other businesses and business leaders within the community. If you attend, be ready to share best business practices, build business relationships and generate referrals. This group meets bi-monthly on the first and third Tuesday of the month and is limited to two members from each business category. Admission is free for all Chamber members. If you are interested in joining Connect & Grow, contact Jerilyn Rumbarger at 813-7543707 ext 102 to check for openings.

FRIDAY, JUNE 10

MOVIE TRIVIA NIGHT 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E J. Arden Mays Blvd. Bring your friends and family to grab a cup of coffee and head up to the loft to show off your movie knowledge, or just to cheer on your loved ones, with a chance to win a prize at this month’s Movie Trivia Night. As always, the event is family-friendly and free.

OPEN MIC NIGHT 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Open Mic Night is back at Krazy Kup. Join them for a fun night where you get to be the star of the show. Come out,

strut your stuff and show everyone what you’ve got. SATURDAY, JUNE 18 STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN 3 to 6:30 at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Classic Cruise-In is back on Saturday, June 18, rain or shine. Cars and trucks manufactured in or before 1996 can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music will be provided by DJ John Paul Gasca. WEDNESDAY, JULY 6 SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS WITH ESTRANGED FAMILIES 6:30 to 8 p.m. at GracePoint Church, 1107 Charlie Griffin Rd. Join other parents who are estranged from their adult children. PEAK (Parents of Estranged Adult Kids) group provides a safe place to listen, share and support others going through the hurt of adult family abandonment. Meetings will include group discussions, self-care and positivelyinfluenced activities to help cope with the situation. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month. For more information, visit www.peaksupportgroup. com.

6/2/22 & 6/16/22

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Send your photo submissions to staff writer Taylor Jenkins at tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com or hashtag #iloveplantcity on Instagram for @igersplantcity to feature.

THURSDAY, JUNE 2 High: 92 Low: 71 Chance of rain: 55%

FRIDAY, JUNE 3 High: 89 Low: 71 Chance of rain: 59%

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2022

SUNRISE/SUNSET Sunrise Sunset Thursday, June 2

6:31a

8:20p

Friday, June 3

6:31a

8:21p

Saturday, June 4

6:31a

8:21p

Sunday, June 5

6:31a

8:22p

Monday, June 6

6:31a

8:22p

Tuesday, June 7

6:31a

8:23p

Wednesday, June 8

6:31a

8:23p

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JUNE 4 High: 89 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 49%

SUNDAY, JUNE 5 High: 92 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 24%

MONDAY, JUNE 6 Kathy Flemister snapped this photo of some cardinals grabbing lunch at the bird feeder in her backyard.

ONLINE

High: 94 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 32%

June 30 New

June 16 Full

June 8 First

June 22 Last

RAINFALL MONTH TO DATE:

LAST WEEK:

0.39in.

0.00 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

JUNE AVERAGE:

16.58 in.

9.71 in.

BLUEBERRIES Shipping point: Central & North Florida $14.00-$26.00 Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

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THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

by David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

38 Islamic holy month 40 Scam targets 41 *Singer who’s the namesake of the high school in “Grease” 43 Rapper Lil __ X 44 Poirot’s pals 45 “To recap ... “ 47 Small point 48 Pedestal or plinth 51 Wedding vow 54 One who might use one of the ends of the answers to starred clues 59 SeaWorld tanks 62 Collectibles from afar 63 Happening now 64 Med. imaging procedure

65 Bob and weave 66 Medical ins. plan 67 Denver-to-Wichita dir. Down 1 Lettuce variety 2 “The Name Game” singer Shirley 3 Smart __: wiseacre 4 Campus mil. group 5 First name in stunt driving 6 Formally transfer 7 “Shogun” setting 8 Decree 9 Stories 10 Practice boxing 11 Giants legend Mel

YREDB BIGRTH

YLITFH Answer here: Saturday’s

“

Now arrange the circled letters to form the surprise answer, as suggested by the above cartoon.

Across 1 Arthur with Emmys 4 DVR copying button 7 Futuristic TV family 14 Reply to “Excuse me, you’re in my seat” 16 Modified to fit 17 Reacted to shearing 18 Fitness regimen 19 *Tour de France participant 21 Manage moguls 22 Rhinitis docs 23 Thumb drive port 26 Pinochle combos 30 Meticulous to a fault 31 __ vez: Rosa’s “once” 34 *Lo-cal tea brand

12 Bridal bio word 13 ‘60s antiwar gp. 15 “The Big Bang Theory” actress __ Bialik who is also a scheduled 2021 “Jeopardy!” guest host 20 Remainder 23 Remove, as a brooch 24 Actress Hayek 25 Grace verb 27 Stream swirl 28 “You made that up!” 29 Claim to be untrue 30 Well-suited 31 Not at all bucolic 32 Judd of country 33 Scope 35 “Frozen” reindeer 36 Guitarist Lofgren 37 Org. in many civil rights cases 39 Short muscles? 42 God, in Grenoble 46 Tic Tacs, e.g. 48 Yawning, perhaps 49 Essential acid 50 Minor arguments 52 Prepare for takeoff, as a frosty windshield 53 Aquatic predators 54 “The Alienist” author Caleb 55 Field for this puzzle’s theme 56 Possible cause of student nervousness 57 Revolution prefix 58 Hamlet, by birth 59 Allentown : “Alas!” :: Altenburg : “__!” 60 Sine __ non 61 Ocean State sch.

Check out the new, free JUST JUMBLE app

Unscramble these four Jumbles, one letter to each square, to form four ordinary words.

”

(Answers tomorrow) Jumbles: SHYLY DOUBT HANDLE SLEIGH Answer: The Scottish Highlands’ land formations are as — OLD AS THE HILLS

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THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2022

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