6.22.23 PLCO

NEW EXHIBIT COMES TO

DINOSAUR WORLD

MICHELLE CACERES

STAFF WRITER

A new limited-time exhibit, “Doom of the Dinosaurs,” is opening July 1 at Dinosaur World. The immersive display combines scientific act with visual effects as guests discover facts about how each dinosaur lived, hunted and evolved over time.

Guests of the park can meet “Stan,” a full-sized cast of one of the largest and most complete T rex skeletons, sold in 2020 for $32.2 million, along with 15 other life-sized casts of discovered dinosaur skeletons, authentic fossils and cast traces. The lifelike recreations were made from actual dinosaur fossils, many of which paleontologist John Hankla dug up in rural Wyoming. Other casts on display will include an edmontosaurus, triceratops and velociraptor (not nearly as formidable as the Jurassic Park movies make you believe).

“With the Doom of the Dinosaurs exhibit, we’re bringing the past to life in a way like never before, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss,” said Dinosaur World spokesperson Dallas Cotton. “Dinosaur World has an imaginative side and now we have the scientific sid.”

That scientific side is loated in an airconditioned building, a perfect respite from Florida’s humid summer.

Recently Dinosaur World has seen a refurbishment of its exhibits as well as updates to the park, including the addition of a splash pad, a train and mini-golf.

Dinosaur World, located at 5415 Harvey Tew Road, is open daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Ticket prices range from $14.95 per person plus tax for children and $19.95 per person plus tax for adults. The exhibit is included with the purchase of a regular admission ticket.

The dinos will be on display at the theme park until September 30.

“Dinosaur World is a relaxing day that’s not that far of a drive, you get to bring your own lunch, you get to spend time with your family and children and it’s educational,” said Cotton. “It’s a relaxing day, you can go at your own pace, it’s a perfect way to have fun and still learn something.”

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.dinosaurworld.com.

GUESTS CAN VIEW MORE THAN A DOZEN LIFE-SIZED CASTS OF DINOSAURS THAT ROAMED THE EARTH MILLIONS OF YEARS AGO.

SPECIAL MEETING ANNOUNCED TO CONSIDER 1914 BUILDING PROPOSAL

The City Commission will hold a special meeting on Monday, July 10 at 5 p.m. at the HCC Trinkle Center, located at 1206 North Park Road, to consider an RFP proposal submission by the East Hillsborough Historical Society relating to the cityowned 1914 building. The regularly scheduled city commission meeting held on the same date will take place at City hall, 302 West Reynolds Street, at 7:30 p.m.

GREATER PLANT CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOSTS SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

The Chamber is supporting new teachers by hosting a school supply drive. Supplies needed include pencils, notebooks, paper, glue, scissors, crayons, markers, highlighters, tissues, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. Items can be dropped off or deliered to the Plant City Chamber office, located at 118 West Reynolds Street. Office hours are Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

FREESALE STOREHOUSE THRIFT COMING TO FIRST BAPTIST CHURCHMIDWAY

The only thing better than a yard sale is a free sale where all the merchandise is absolutely free. A free sale is coming to First Baptist Church Midway, located at 2902 Midway Rd. On Saturday, June 24 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. A variety of furniture, clothing, household items, art and home decor will be available. Free hot dogs and drinks will also be served. While the items are free, they do accept monetary donations to support their other ministries around the country and throughout the world. For more information visit fbcmidway.org.

HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD MEETS TO DISCUSS DOWNTOWN PROJECT

The Historic Resources Board met Tuesday to discuss case #HRB-2023-03, a request to redefine the owntown Plant City Commercial Historic District boundary by removing the Wheeler Street Project site, located at 100 S. Wheeler Street. Wheeler Street Station is a mixed-use development, combining commercial and residential elements that will be constructed on the property. Three of the four parcels of land in question, which have been vacant since 2006, are surrounded on three sides by properties that aren’t in the historic district. According to a letter sent to City

Manager Bill McDaniel from representatives of Wheeler Street, LLC, the request was made to allow for an increase in the number of residential units that zoning in the historic district would not accommodate, which would make the project more viable due to an increase in construction costs in recent years. The building would remain a four-story structure but approximately 20 residential units would be added to the fist and fourth floos.

After public comments and discussion, board member Sandi McGlathery made a motion to disapprove removing the parcels from historical district, which was seconded by Benny Lubrano. The motion passed with a vote of three to one. The request now heads to the city commission.

ROOT’S TAP ROOM ANNOUNCES NEW OPENING DAY

In a hilarious Facebook post, Phil Davis, the general manager of Roots Tap Room & Wine Bar made the announcement that, starting July 10th, the downtown establishment will be open on Mondays. Customers seeking a craft beer on Mondays, rejoice.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY LAUNCHES HOME SWEET HILLSBOROUGH

Need assistance navigating the services and benefis provided by a county with a population larger than 11 states? New

residents, and even long-timers who call Hillsborough Count home can now turn to Home Sweet Hillsborough, a newly launched digital welcome guide that is a one-stop-shop for a number of services, program and topics of interest that would be useful to a new resident, including family resources, parks, recreation, pets, water services and emergency preparedness.

SUMMER STAYCATION

Take time out to watch a sunset at a Pinellas County beach.

While every sunset is beautiful, there’s something magical about witnessing our planet’s golden orb descending below the horizon while relaxing on one of our state’s west coast beaches, which offer an idyllic vantage point to soak in the charm of the setting sun as its rays dance across the sparkling blue water of the Gulf of Mexico.

Florida offers an abundance of pristine beaches stretching from Pensacola to Naples but there are plenty of spots along Pinellas County’s 35 miles of awardwinning white sand beaches to soak up the views that are just a short drive from Plant City via I-4 to I-275.

Pile into your vehicle for a quick road trip that’s sure to please everyone in the family.

HONEYMOON ISLAND STATE PARK

Address: 1 Causesway Blvd, Dunedin

At a cost of just $8 per vehicle carrying up to eight people or $4 per single-occupant vehicle, this beach offers four miles of pristine white-sand beach lapped by clear, calm Gulf water. Amenities include showers, restrooms, a cafe that serves food and drinks and a concession that rents bicycles, kayaks, beach chairs and umbrellas.

CLEARWATER BEACH

Address: 7 Causeway Boulevard, Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach was just named USA

Today 10 Best Best Beach in the Southcoming in at #1. This beach is idea for watching the sunset because it hosts a nightly sunset celebration on Pier 60. The all-ages festivities, which begin two hours before sunset until two hours after sunset, feature artisans and performances by fiebreathers, dancers and musicians.

SAND KEY PARK

Address: 1060 Gulf Boulevard, Clearwater

Step away from the hustle and bustle of Clearwater Beach to quiet Sand Key. With nearly 700 parking spaces, this 95-acre county park offers plenty of sand, picnic pavilions, a playground and bathhouses. The park has lifeguards on-duty from midMarch to mid-September. There’s also a nature trail and salt marsh. Park entrance is free but parking costs $5 per day. Only credit cards are accepted.

INDIAN SHORES & INDIAN ROCKS

BEACH

Address: 18th Avenue, Indian Rocks Beach

With 27 public beach access parks, parking spaces are plentiful and some are free. Public restrooms are available at three locations within the city: Main Beach Access Park, Kolb Park and the IRB Nature Preserve/Dog Park. Most access parks also have beach showers, bicycle racks and trash receptacles. There is handicap access to the beach area via a boardwalk. There are no lifeguards on duty.

MADEIRA BEACH

Address: 14400 Gulf Boulevard, Madeira Beach

While best-known for John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, a quaint grouping of

shops, eateries and a jumping-off point for fishing tris and other excursions, Madeira Beach’s two and a half mile beach still offers plenty of sun and sand. Ample paid parking can be found at Madeira Beach Access Park. Public restrooms and showers are also available.

TREASURE ISLAND

Address: 11260 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island

With nearly four miles of beaches, finding a quiet spot o snag a slice of paradise should be easy. Beach accesses are marked with distinctive blue and orange seagull signs, which also indicate where there is beach parking, handicapped access and other amenities. City-owned parking lots are metered or have pay stations that take credit cards. Parking fees average about $2.75 per hour.

PASS-A-GRILLE BEACH

Address: 113 11th Avenue, St. Pete Beach

Located at the southernmost end of St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille is a quiet, laidback beach town dotted with restaurants, ice cream shops and even a pickleball court. Four miles of powder-soft sand give visitors plenty of space to spread out a blanket and enjoy the view. Metered parking spaces are available along Gulf Boulevard.

FORT DE SOTO PARK

Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde

The largest park within the Pinellas County Park System, Fort De Soto consists of 1,136 acres that is home to a historic fort, more than 7 miles of waterfront, a boat-launching facility, 15 picnic shelters, a campground, playgrounds, restrooms, recreation trails, a dog park, a concession stand and fishing pies. A daily parking fee of $5 is collected at the park entrance. For the best beach view of the sunset, turn right on Anderson Boulevard and follow the road until it ends.

Watching the sunset on Florida’s west coast beaches serves as a reminder to slow down, appreciate the beauty around us and embrace the simple joys that life in the Sunshine State has to offer. For more information about Pinellas County beaches visit pinellas.gov.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Photos courtesty of VisitStPeteClearwater.com

COPS CORNER

JUNE 9

TOO TIRED

1100 block of S Collins St.

Criminal mischief: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who reported that the front right tire to their car was cut with an unknown object and the car’s temporary tag had been removed from the vehicle.

TANKATHON

1600 block of County Line Rd.

Theft: An officer made contact with the manager of a company at the listed location who advised that fie propane tanks were stolen from the locked propane tank cage behind the business.

BREAK IN THE ACTION

600 block of E Alexander St.

Domestic battery: An officer responded to a dispatched call of a physical fight in pogress, resulting in one individual being taken into custody and transported to Orient Road Jail.

istock

POWERED DOWN

1900 block of N Barnes St.

Grand theft: An officer responded to the listed location in reference to a stolen generator.

JUNE 11

CAUGHT RED-HANDED

2600 block of James L. Redman Pkwy.

Petit theft: An officer made contact with a loss prevention officer for a business at the listed location who reported a theft of merchandise.

KEEP ON TRUCKIN

600 block of N Maryland Ave. Motor vehicle theft: An officer met with the victim at the listed location in reference to a stolen truck.

CRASHING AND BASHING

1800 block of E Ohio St.

Aggravated assault w/ a fiearm: Officers responded to the listed location in reference to a traffic ash where an active fight as occuring. One individual was placed under arrest for aggravated assault with a fiearm.

TILE & GROUT STEAM CLEANED 50 cents per Sq.Ft. CARPETS STEAM CLEANED 3 ROOMS $90 Includes Hallway cleaned Free Emergency Storm Water, A/C Leaks, Broken Pipes, Toilet Overflow 24-Hour WATER REMOVAL  Carpet Repairs  Carpet Restoration & Dyeing  Minimum Service job $70.00

JUNE 13

ON THE RUN

1900 block of E Alsobrook St.

Resist an officer and DWLSR: Officers were conducting a check of a gas station at the listed location when they noticed a suspicious vehicle, which fled the aea when a traffictop was attempted.

JUNE 14

LOST SIGNAL

4600 block of State Road 574

Petit theft: An officer met with the victims at the listed location in reference to a pair of stolen cellphones.

NO STOP SHOCKED

E Calhoun St. / N Maryland Ave

PLANT CITY

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com

Sports Writer / Taylor Jenkins tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com

StaffWriter / Michelle Caceres michelle@plantcityobserver.com

Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez

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

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

Advertising / Gail Lyons gail@plantcityobserver.com

Advertising / Karen Berry kberry@plantcityobserver.com

CONTACT US

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.

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

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

FOLLOW US

Facebook: Plant City Observer

Instagram: @plcobserver Twitter: @PlantObserver 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 Observer LLC.

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

PlantCityObserver.com

©Copyright

If you live, work, or play in unincorporated Hillsborough County, Hillsborough County Planning Commission needs your input as it works to update the Future Land Use (FLU) Section of the Comprehensive Plan, which serves as a longrange guide for future land development in unincorporated Hillsborough County and touches nearly every facet of residents’ lives, from housing options to what transportation is available to recreation opportunities.

It’s no surprise to residents that unincorporated Hillsborough County is seeing a construction boom. According to Planning Commission’s 2045 projections, the county expects to add approximately 350,000 more people and 107,000 more jobs by 2045. This growth pressure creates opportunities and challenges for current and future residents, businesses and visitors.

Several goals of the update include: maintaining a land use pattern that concentrates growth in the Urban Ser-

SECOND ANNUAL JUNETEENTH

WRAP UP IN PLANT CITY

CELEBRATIONS

The festivities were a celebration of African American history, culture and achievements.

vice Area that is supported by existing or planned public facilities and services, ensuring that the character, compatibility and location of land uses optimize the combined potential for economic benefi, sustainability, protection of natural resources and maintaining viable agriculture and ensuring that land use decisions promote cohesion between new development and existing communities.

Learn about and weigh in on the update to the FLU section of unincorporated Hillsborough County’s Comprehensive Plan at public meetings happening on Thursday, June 22 (in-person) at 6:30 p.m. at All People’s Life Center, located at 6105 East Slight Avenue, and Monday, June 26 (virtual) at 6:30 p.m. Register for the virtual meeting at bit.ly/howdowegrow3. Topics to be explored include: the timing of growth and expansion areas.

“We hear a lot about the rapid growth occurring throughout our community from unincorporated county residents,” said Melissa Zornitta, FAICP. “This is an opportunity to weigh in on our future plans - we really want to hear from everyone.”

To learn more about the project, visit www.planhillsborough.org/hclanduse.

Plant City’s Juneteenth festivities last weekend were a resounding success, said organizer Maurice Wilson.

The festivities, which spanned four days, were a celebration of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans when, on June 19, 1865, two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to inform its residents that slavery had been abolished. Throughout the weekend, there were cultural performances, a parade, guest worship speakers and a luncheon honoring African American history, culture and achievements.

The event kicked off riday with a worship service at Mt. Olive Baptist Church featuring a sermon by Reverend Jason Montgomery. The following day, a freedom parade travelled the streets of Plant City, ending at Ronald L. Snowden Park, where guests enjoyed an afternoon of vendors, live music, games and a car show. The day was capped off with the rousing sounds of a gospel concert at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, featuring national recording artist Evangelist Lorraine

“Punch” Baldwin and other performers. Wilson said organizers, facing the threat of a cancelled parade because of rain, said a prayer Saturday morning before the festivities began. “We didn’t want it to rain on our parade,” he joked. “After the parade started, it stopped raining and it turned out to be a beautiful day.”

During Sunday’s luncheon, following morning services at New Grace C.M.E. Church, Plant City High School Class of 2023 graduate Jayla Salter got a surprise when she was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. “I was shocked, it just came out of the blue,” she said.

Salter plans to start Erwin Technical College’s culinary program in August and the money will help her reach her goal of becoming a chef and owning her own restaurant or food truck. “The scholarship is going to help me pay for books and supplies,” she said.

Overall, the Juneteenth activities served as a reminder of the progress made and the work that still lies ahead in the pursuit of freedom and equality for all. “It was a beautiful success,” said Wilson. “We hope this event continues to grow bigger and better every year and look forward to next year.”

MICHELLE CACERES

STAFF WRITER

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Help county planners update the Future Land Use Section of the Comprehensive Plan.

NOTICE OF PERMIT ISSUANCE

The Department of Environmental Protection gives of notice of issuance (file number: ST404_404156-002-SFI) to Midway Investment Company, Inc., 110 E. Reynolds Street, Suite #700, Plant City, Florida 33563. The State 404 permit is for the 120-acre expansion of Midway Investment Company, Inc. Borrow Pit in Hillsborough County. The permittee is authorized to dredge or fill material to approximately 2.96 acres of wetlands. To offset the unavoidable impacts that will occur from these authorized impacts, the permittee shall purchase 1.46 acres credits from the Two River Ranch Mitigation Bank. This project includes all or portions of Sections 14 and 15, Township 28S, Range 22E. This project site also includes wetlands and other surface waters associated with the Hillsborough River Watershed, Class III waters.

The Department’s issuance of the State 404 Individual Permit, unless a timely petition for an administrative proceeding is filed pursuant to the provisions of Sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes (F.S.). On the filing of a timely and sufficient petition, this action will not be final and effective until further order of the Department. Because the administrative hearing process is designed to formulate final agency action, the hearing process may result in a modification of the agency action or even denial of the application.

The permit files are available online and can be accessed through the Department’s Information Portal at: https://depedms.dep.state.fl.us:443/Oculus/servlet/shell?command=hitlist&[freeText=]&[folderName=]&[profile=]&[creator=]&[entityType=any]&[createdDateTo=]&[catalog=45]&[searchBy=Property]&[sortBy=Facility-Site+ID]&[createdDate=]&{Facility-Site+ID=_EQ_ST404_404156}

If you have any questions or are experiencing difficulty viewing the electronic permit, please email to MiningAndMitigation@dep.state.fl.us or call 850.245.8634.

A person whose substantial interests are affected by the Department’s action may petition for an administrative proceeding (hearing) under Sections 120.569 and 120.57, F.S. Pursuant to Rule 28-106.201, F.A.C., a petition for an administrative hearing must contain the following information:

a) the name and address of each agency affected and each agency’s file or identification number, if known;

b) the name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner; the name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner’s representative, if any, which shall be the address for service purposes during the course of the proceeding; and an explanation of how the petitioner’s substantial interests are or will be affected by the agency determination;

c) a statement of when and how the petitioner received notice of the agency decision;

d) a statement of all disputed issues of material fact. If there are none, the petition must so indicate;

e) a concise statement of the ultimate facts alleged, including the specific facts that the petitioner contends warrant reversal or modification of the agency’s proposed action;

f) a statement of the specific rules or statutes that the petitioner contends require reversal or modification of the agency’s proposed action, including an explanation of how the alleged facts relate to the specific rules or statutes; and

g) a statement of the relief sought by the petitioner, stating precisely the action that the petitioner wishes the agency to take with respect to the agency’s proposed action.

The petition must be filed (received by the Clerk) in the Office of General Counsel of the Department at 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, Mail Station 35, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000. Also, a copy of the petition shall be mailed to the applicant at the address indicated above at the time of filing.

In accordance with Rule 62-110.106(3), F.A.C., petitions for an administrative hearing by the applicant must be filed within 21 days of receipt of this written notice. Petitions filed by any persons other than the applicant, and other than those entitled to written notice under Section 120.60(3), F.S., must be filed within 21 days of publication of the notice or within 21 days of receipt of the written notice, whichever occurs first. Under Section 120.60(3), F.S., however, any person who has asked the Department for notice of agency action may file a petition within 21 days of receipt of such notice, regardless of the date of publication. The failure to file a petition within the appropriate time period shall constitute a waiver of that person’s right to request an administrative determination (hearing) under Sections 120.569 and 120.57, F.S., or to intervene in this proceeding and participate as a party to it. Any subsequent intervention (in a proceeding initiated by another party) will be only at the discretion of the presiding officer upon the filing of a motion in compliance with Rule 28-106.205, F.A.C.

Under Rule 62-110.106(4), F.A.C., a person whose substantial interests are affected by the Department’s action may also request an extension of time to file a petition for an administrative hearing. The Department may, for good cause shown, grant the request for an extension of time. Requests for extension of time must be filed with the Office of General Counsel of the Department at 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, Mail Station 35, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000, before the applicable deadline for filing a petition for an administrative hearing. A timely request for extension of time shall toll the running of the time period for filing a petition until the request is acted upon.

Mediation is not available in this proceeding.

The applicant, or any party within the meaning of Section 373.114(1)(a) or 373.4275, F.S., may also seek appellate review of this order before the Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission under Section 373.114(1) or 373.4275, F.S. Requests for review before the Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission must be filed with the Secretary of the Commission and served on the Department within 20 days from the date when this order is filed with the Clerk of the Department.

Former Boys & Girls Club Participant Gives Back To Organization In Retirement

Plant City resident and Elks member Ed Wise fondly recalls his days as a youth attending the local Boys & Girls Club in his hometown of Indianapolis.

“I grew up in a tougher part of Indianapolis in a family of seven kids and my family didn’t have money to join the YMCA,” he said. “We lived in a working-class neighborhood, nobody had an expensive house, hardly anyone had a garage.”

His father was a milkman and his mother worked in an auto parts warehouse. Starting at age 12, he would work with his dad delivering milk during the summer months but that still left him with hours of time to fill

He filled that time with activitis offered by the local Boys & Girls Club. “They had a boxing coach there and you could learn the basics of boxing, they also had a couple pools tables and a basketball court,” said Wise. “In the summer after I got done working I’d go there three or four days a week.”

He credits the program for teaching him many life lessons.

“I learned that boxing hurts and I’m not really good at basketball,” he joked.

His time at the club taught turned out to be invaluable to his development. “They had strict rules, you couldn’t start trouble so it was a safe place in my tough neighborhood,” he said.

Wise said he turned down more than one offer to join a gang. “The people that ran the club were nice and just focused on everyone having a good time and the alternative was hanging out in the streets and getting into mischief and I didn’t want to be a part of that,” he said.

The local retiree has now come full circle, returning to the very place that played a signifiant role in shaping his childhood. He now has become a cherished volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club at 901 South Waller Street in Plant City, dedicating his time and resources to making a positive impact on the lives of young children.

He and his wife, Judy, who joined the Elks Lodge in the early 2000’s, said he started volunteering his time when several years ago he was asked by the Elks’ youth program organizer to help to assemble some bookshelves for the club.

“I saw the need, they didn’t have money to do anything,” he said. “I went to the Elks and asked if we could give them a little help.”

Over the last several years, that help has included obtaining grants from the Elks National Foundation and local residents. Those funds have been used to mulch the club’s playground, install new televisions, add foosball and air hockey tables, assemble an outdoor shed and purchase sports equipment, art and school supplies and a charging station for the kids’ laptops. His son donated a full-sized pool table to the club.

Recently, Wise just ordered more items totaling $1900 for the club and, with the help of other volunteers, installed safety mirrors in three rooms and assembled a metal storage cabinet.

“My fellow Elks are always willing to support me and they love the Boys & Girls Club too,” said Wise.

There are numerous ways to help the Boys & Girls Club, whether it’s through volunteering, making a donation or becoming a sponsor. For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay visit www. bgctampa.org.

From bookshelves to school supplies, Ed Wise and the Elks Lodge ensures the local Boys & Girls Club has what it needs to enrich the lives of local youth.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

SPORTS

FEATURED FUTURE: ADAN LONGORIA

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

each other from high school and previous teams so I would say that competing with those other teams was easier because we all knew each other and had a special bond. Coach Jim [Osting] really held us together as a team, him and Coach [Kris] Wilken. They really helped us mentally prepare and made us truly believe that we could compete with any team, even if we were a bunch of local guys, but that’s what I think made it so much more special.”

After three years as a starting pitcher with Plant City High School baseball, Adan Longoria has committed to continue his athletic and academic journey at the University of South Florida.

After an arm injury forced Longoria to miss his freshman season of high school — a strained UCL that fortunately did not require surgery — Longoria immediately stepped into the Raiders’ starting rotation as a sophomore where he finished his first varsity high school season with a 5-2 record over nine starts, totaling 55 strikeouts and a 1.88 earned run average while allowing just 14 earned runs across 52 innings pitched.

“I didn’t play my freshman year due to injury but in my sophomore year Coach Mike [Fryrear] let me have a huge role at a young age,” Longoria said. “He let me get the ball and I turned into our big game type of guy and I’m very fortunate. I’ll always remember it because it was so fun but to experience that type of pressure and to be put in that situation at that age was very character-building for me.”

In his junior season, his dominance on the mound continued as he opened the season with a no-hitter against Middleton in the Raiders’ first regular season contest and finished the year with a miraculous 1.09 ERA, allowing just nine earned runs while his strikeouts jumped to 76 across 57.2 innings. And in the midst of a stellar spring, colleges began to take notice as he began speaking with a number of schools before receiving offers from USF and Florida Atlantic University. Longoria noted that while FAU was after him, USF’s quality history of pitching development — along with its proximity to home — really stood out.

“What really drew me to USF is that they’re a pitching school, they’re called the Arm Farm for a reason,” Longoria said. “It’s really close to home, I was getting enough in scholarships to pay for my college and it just felt right to stay close to home to play the sport I love… It’s super exciting, especially going into a school that can really help with my future because baseball is what I want to do for the rest of my life and as a career. Knowing that I’ll be able to spend time with good coaching and good coaching that will help me build character as a pitcher, build

LOCAL KARATE COMPETITORS TO REPRESENT USA AT WUKF WORLD KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Local karate competitors Elijah West, Nathan Gould, T.J. Bright and Mason Green have been selected to represent both Plant City’s Chris Welbon Karate Club and their country as members of the 2023 AAU National Team at the WUKF World Karate Championships in Dundee, Scotland this summer.

“They’ve been training like mad, just trying to prepare,” Welbon said. “All of them have done tremendous in tournament competitions, last year in Nationals and all throughout this year during tournament competition. They’ve all excelled, improved and bumped up to the advanced division which is a big deal. That’s part of the process, you have to be in the advanced competitor and you have to do well, they’ve all done both of those things. This is the fist year that we’ve had four competitors selected to the junior year all at one time.”

In addition to their performance in competitions, all four members had to attend the 2023 USA National Karate Team Trials in West Palm Beach where they were evaluated by coaches on their Kata (or their form/technique) and through sparring

matches. All four had recently competed at the World Championships in Fort Lauderdale last year, an open competition where Bright winning a silver medal in kobudo (weapons kata), Green winning a bronze medal in kumite (sparring) and Gould winning a silver medal in kobudo, but this is the fist time that the four competitors will participate as part of a national team that was selected to represent the United States overseas.

“This is a tremendous opportunity and I’m just so proud of all four of them, they’ve just done fantastic,” Welbon said.

Bright will be competing in the 11-12 year old age group, Green will be competing in the 13-14 year old age group, West will be competing in the 15-16 year old age group and Gould will be competing in the 17-18 year old age group.

“It’s just awesome,” West said. “I’m a patriot so just the fact that I can go over there and represent my country and compete over there at this elite level, it’s awesome.”

“It’s incredible,” Gould added. “It’s just another competition but it’s so much higher, it’s just such a better level of competition but at the same time we’re right there with them.”

my skill level, it really makes me happy looking at the future. Knowing that I’m somewhere safe and can get better as a player.”

With USF on the horizon after verbally committing during his junior season in the spring of 2022, Longoria continued to excel as Plant City’s top arm throughout his senior year. This past spring, Longoria finished the year with a 2.88 ERA and a career-high 78 strikeouts across 56 innings pitched while also putting together his most impressive season at the plate, hitting .319 with 22 runs batted in and tied for a teamhigh four home runs. And outside of his high school seasons, Longoria played his travel ball through the Ostingers Baseball Academy where his 17U team reached a No. 1 national ranking on the heels of a Perfect Game WWBA National Championship and Prep Baseball Report National Championship last summer.

“That’s just baseball and playing it yearround you get used to it but the competition level is just so extreme,” Longoria said. “You have kids coming from all across the country coming to play for one team but with the Ostingers we were just a bunch of local guys that came together. We all knew

Longoria noted how passionate he was about the game of baseball, adding that his parents always emphasized the amount of work that must go into being great at something you love — that it can’t simply be something you work at here and there, but something that you must always continue grinding at to be your best.

“In my off time I’m just training, I may hang out with friends or teammates and see if they want to do something but other than that it’s just all baseball,” Longoria said. “I’m passionate for the sport. I know that a lot of people don’t really understand how much it takes to reach certain levels and if you truly want to go and reach your goals then you truly have to understand how much you’re willing to sacrifice for those goals. My parents always told me growing up that if I really want something it’s going to take more than just doing it once or twice per week, it’s going to be day in and day out, waking up in the mornings when you don’t want to and doing all the stuff that most people don’t want to do.”

PLANT CITY NATIVE JOHNI BROOME RETURNING TO AUBURN

After entering his name into the NBA Draft, Broome announced that he will be returning to Auburn for his senior season.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

With a simple declaration on Twitter the featured a graphic saying, “I’m Back,” Plant City native Johni Broome announced that he would be returning to Auburn for his senior season.

After two years at Plant City High School and two years at Tampa Catholic, Broome made his way to Morehead State where he averaged 13.8 points and nine rebounds per game while racking up accolades as a freshman. By season’s end — playing in the Ohio Valley Conference — he had garnered OVC Freshman of the Year, first-team 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). 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 was named OVC Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and his 131 total blocks were not only a single-season record for MSU, but finished as a higher total than eight other OVC teams as a combined unit.

After entering the transfer portal and making his way to Auburn last spring, Broome posted a team-high 14.2 points per game for the Tigers, along with 8.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game as Auburn finished the year with a 21-13 record and an appearance in the second round of the NCAA Tournament where they ultimately fell to 1-seed Houston.

Broome then declared for the NBA Draft in April and left a strong impression at the NBA’s Draft Combine in May, while keeping his college eligibility. In late May, Broome made his official decision to return to Auburn for his senior season where he will once again headline a Tigers team that could very well compete for their first SEC Championship since 2019.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

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

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

We asked Plant City: What are the best topping on a pizza?

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR

“Triple pepperoni. If they don’t touch you’re doing it wrong!” - Shawn Mayo

“Definiely NOT pineapple.” - Thomas Hofts

“Bacon, sausage, green peppers, black olives.” - Stacy Sydenham

“Pineapples and ham.” - Vanessa Cali

“Hungry Howies has a Cuban pizza, so everything that’s on it!” - Melanie Smith

“Pineapple and ham!” Rubicel Trejo

“Anchovies. Just kidding, gross. I think pepperoni or peppers and pepperoni are good.” - Madalynn Wilmoth

“I wold have to say mushrooms, uncured bacon, red pepper flakes, anchovies, lots of cheese, spinach.” - Ashley Saunders

“Eggplant and anchovies.” - Mags Oldman

“Sausage, green peppers, mushrooms.” - Douglas Garrett

“Pepperoni and hot honey!” - Dylan Nice

“Mushrooms and sausage… or ham and pineapple!” - Stephanie Conney

“Bacon, sausage, pepperoni, jalapeños, green olives, pineapple!” - Loraleigh Hart

“Mushroom (fresh) and pineapple.”Nicole Norris

“All the way except no anchovies.”Melody Yancey

“Sausage and banana peppers.” - Julie Talley Bearry

“Mushrooms, onion, bell pepper and black olives!” - Linda Riggsby Kender

“Macaroni and cheese, where’s my Cici’s gang at?” - Edwin Alexander Mejia

“Garlic and meatballs.” - Jo Anne

“Sausage and mushrooms.” - Rene Lisa Jimenez

“Pepperoni, ham, black olives, green peppers.” - Cynthia Davis Van Camp

“Pineapple ham and bacon on one pizza! So good.” - Tiffany Sutton Grooms

“Pepperoni and ham, cooked crispy from ABC. The only one I want.” - Courtney Danielle Davis

“Wild mushrooms and truffle honey.” - John Hehn

“Pepperoni.” - Larry Kimbley

David ‘Moe’ Glenn Goodall

David “Moe” Glenn Goodall, 61, of Plant City, born on June 17, 1961, entered into eternal rest on June 9, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at HopewellFuneral. com

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Alexander ‘Alex’ N. Bruce

Alexander “Alex” N. Bruce, 31, of Tampa, Fla., born in White Sands MR, N.M. on August 26, 1991, entered into eternal rest on June 9, 2023.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Ron Moreland

Ron Moreland, 73, of Plant City, born on Aug. 28, 1949, in Patterson, N.J., entered into eternal rest on June 14, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Sharon Ann Leverett

Sharon Ann Leverett, 82, of Seffne, born on March 3, 1941, in East Hartford, Conn, entered into eternal rest on June 18, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Sybil J. Gay

Sybil J. Gay, 82, of Lakeland, born on November 12, 1940, in Opp, Ala., entered into eternal rest on June 18, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Donald Wilson Kirby Sr.

Donald Wilson Kirby Sr., 82, of Plant City, born on January 16, 1941, in Bloomingdale, entered into eternal rest on June 16, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

Paul Douglas Wilcox

Paul Douglas Wilcox, 65, of Plant City, Fla. passed away on Monday, June 12, 2023. Paul was born in Lansing, Mich.. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www. WellsMemorial.com for the Wilcox family.

813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com

Philip C. Rosenbaum, 81, passed away on June 13, 2023. Services were held June 16, 2023 at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd Plant City, FL 33563.

Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Robert Ernest Walden

Robert Ernest Walden, age 63 of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Saturday June 18, 2023.

Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

BEST BET

FRIDAY, JUNE 23 - SUNDAY, JUNE 25

MEGA ADOPTION EVENT

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

TUESDAY, JUNE 27

LIFE RECOVERY - ADDICTION

RECOVERY GROUP

6:30 to 8 p.m. at 2103 Mud Lake Rd. The Plant City Church of God hosts Life Recovery on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, a free, Christ centered, 12step group addiction recovery program for all those in need. Family is welcome to join alongside attendees and for more information, call or text Debbie at 813-763-1962 or Laverne at 813-763-1530.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28

FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Federal, state and local opportunities are constantly changing. If you’ve served any time in the military, retired or non-retention, and would like to review your benefis please take advantage of free assistance at the Bing House Museum, 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walk-ins welcomed or call 813-704-5800 to set a specific tim.

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN

5 to 9 p.m. at 110 N. Collins St. The Last Friday in Downtown Food Truck Rally is held with a new theme each month. There will be live music, an expanded exhibitor

market, a bounce house, a scavenger hunt, food trucks and more. The event is family and pet friendly and all are recommended to bring chairs and blankets. June’s theme is The 80’s!

SATURDAY, JULY 1

BLUEGRASS JAM

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

WEDNESDAY, JULY 5

SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS WITH ESTRANGED FAMILY

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

OPEN MIC NIGHT

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Open Mic Night is back at Krazy Kup. Join them for a fun night where you get to be the star of the show. Come out, strut your stuff and shw everyone what you’ve got.

FRIDAY, JULY 14

THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS

8 p.m. at 101 N Thomas St. In arrangement with Concord Theatricals, Plant City Entertainment presents The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas — a broadway musical originally written by Carol Hall, Larry L. King and Peter Masterson. Plant City Entertainment will hold nine different showings throughout the month of July, with showings at 8 p.m. on July 14, July 15, July 21, July 22, July 28 and July 29 and showings at 2 p.m. on July 16, July 23 and July 30. Admission will cost $23 for adults, $18 for seniors 60+ or students, $16 for members or groups of 10+ and will hold an opening night special with two tickets for $25 on July 14. Tickets are available online with limited tickets available at the door for each performance. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. plantcityentertainment.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 15

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

3 to 6:30 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is back on Saturday, July 15, rain or shine. Cars and trucks of all makes, models and years can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music by DJ John Paul Gasca.

CHICKEN DINNER FUNDRAISER

12 to 2 p.m. at 1501 N Alexander St. The Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 will be hosting a chicken dinner fundraiser. The afternoon meal will feature barbecued chicken quarters, baked beans and a roll while the Ladies of the Elks will be selling desserts. Attendees are required to be pre-paid and orders can be placed through any local Elks member or by calling the Elks Lodge any day after 4 p.m. at 813-752-2822.

To have your event included in our calendar, visit the calendar section of our website at www.PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

FORECAST

MOON PHASES

RAINFALL

TOMATOES

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

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

April Sullivent sent the Observer this photo of the sun setting over her backyard in Dover.

(C) 2023 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

You don’t have to go far for extraordinary care.

You can count on BayCare in Hillsborough County.

You’ll find all the care you need, close to home. We have a wide range of services and facilities to meet all the health care demands of the community. Whether it’s primary care, emergency care or anything in between, you always get extraordinary care from BayCare.

Outpatient centers

n Two BayCare HealthHubs®

n Two BayCare Outpatient Centers

Publix

Laboratories BayCare in Hillsborough County n Riverview n South Tampa n Town ‘n’ Country

BayCare Medical Group offices

n Twenty-six primary care practices

n Forty-four specialty care practices

n Four hospitalists/palliative care providers

Rehabilitation centers

n BayCare HealthHub (South Tampa) Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation

n St. Joseph’s Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation Center

n South Florida Baptist Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation Center

n South Florida Baptist Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation Center at the BayCare HealthHub

To discover all the BayCare locations near you, go to BayCareInHillsborough.org or scan this code.

n St. Joseph’s Hospital

n St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital

n St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital

n St. Joseph’s Hospital-North

n St. Joseph’s Hospital-South

n South Florida Baptist Hospital