6.25.20 PLCO

Plant City Observer

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THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020

Hillsborough County has implemented a mandate that all residents must wear face coverings when inside a business, barring a handful of exceptions.

SEE PAGE 5

SCOUT’S HONOR Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Since its inception in 1911, only four percent of Scouts have earned this rank after a lengthy review process. The Eagle Scout rank has been earned by over 2.5 million youth.

Eryk Chazares made local Boy Scouts history when he finally got to have his Eagle Scout ceremony on June 20.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020

NEWS BRIEFS

2

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

Ivan Moreno

HCSO deputy arrested for battery on PCPD officer A Plant City Police Department officer’s Monday morning search for a missing juvenile did not go quite as expected, according to a press release from Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

The officer, who has not been named, was using his flashlight shortly before 1 a.m. to search for a girl who had run away from home. Ivan Moreno, 33, a deputy with HCSO who was off duty, saw the light from where he was sitting in the back yard of a home at the 2000 block of Walden Woods Drive and yelled at the PCPD officer to turn it off. The PCPD officer continued his search while Moreno continued yelling at him, even after the officer shined his light on his badge and PCPD uniform and identified himself.

Per the news release, Moreno moved toward the officer, bumped shoulders with him and tried to fight him. The PCPD officer said Moreno appeared to be intoxicated.

Moreno was arrested and charged with felony battery on a law enforcement of-

ficer and misdemeanor resisting an officer without violence.

“No one is above the law. Battery on an officer, even if it’s coming from another law enforcement officer, is completely unacceptable,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “This is an incident that should never have escalated to the level of physical violence. We do not condone the actions of this deputy, and he has been placed on administrative leave as we work through the details of this investigation.”

HCSO said Moreno has been a deputy since 2016 and has no prior internal affairs investigations.

Supervisor of Elections shares 2020 plans Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer announced Monday his plans for the upcoming 2020 elections.

Latimer said the county will have 24 early voting locations available — one more than in the 2020 Presidential Preference Primary and eight more than in the 2016 Presidential Election — as well as

curbside tents at each site for voters who wish to drop off their Vote By Mail ballots.

On Election Day, however, there will be 239 locations open (21 fewer than before, thanks to COVID-19).

All poll workers will wear masks and have their temperatures screened before starting work. All voting equipment will be continuously cleaned and sanitized and there will be a reduction in the number of touch points for voters and poll workers, who will also be separated in areas by plexiglass.

“As always, we will offer no-excuse Vote

By Mail, postage-paid return envelopes for Vote By Mail, and the maximum number of Early Voting days for Hillsborough County voters,” Latimer said. “And while some of our Election Day polling places are unavailable to us, the large majority have been confirmed and will be open.”

The deadline to register to vote or change your party affiliation is July 20. The deadline to request a Vote By Mail ballot is August 10. Early voting will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 3-16.

Plant City man arrested for Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a child Plant City Police arrested a 73-year-old man for Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a child on June 16.

Dean Charles Amaden was arrested after an investigation that took place between December 2019 and June 2020, PCPD said. He was arrested for the charges of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation on a child victim under 11 years old and Lewd and Lascivious Molestation on a child victim under 12 years old.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Plant City Police Department at 813-757-9200.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020

3

SUN SHINES BRIGHT ON NEWEST EAGLE SCOUT Eryk Chazares’ Eagle Scout Court of Honor event was the first in Tampa Bay area history to be held outdoors.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Those who know Eryk Chazares believe the Tampa Bay area’s newest Eagle Scout has a bright future ahead of him.

It was fitting, then, that his Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony broke from tradition and was held outside in Valrico on June 20, with dozens of guests coming together to watch him get his pin and neckerchief on a nearly cloudless afternoon.

Eryk Chazares is the first Eagle Scout in the history of the Boy Scouts of America Greater Tampa Bay Area Council, in his district and in Troop 89 to get the honor in an outdoor ceremony. The circumstances weren’t ideal — COVID-19 forced the Chazares family to abandon the original plan for April and the subsequent plan for a May ceremony, and they also elected to have it outside to make it easier to comply with the CDC’s social distancing guidelines at a time when positive cases in Florida are rising rapidly. But since he officially received the honor on Feb. 29, the family and troop knew they had to do something to give Eryk Chazares the celebration he deserved for his years of hard work.

Friends, family members and other supporters, including Hillsborough County School Board District 4 chair Melissa Snively, attended the court of honor ceremony.

After the ceremony came to a close and attendees picked up Cuban sandwiches in the family’s garage, they got in their cars and looped around the neighborhood to give Eryk Chazares a parade-style goodbye as they returned home.

The story of his Eagle Scout project was covered in the April 11, 2019 issue of the Plant City Observer. He built a bookshelf for the Infant Center at the Redlands Christian Migrant Association of Plant City with the intention of inspiring young kids to chase their dreams in life and let reading help them get where they need to go. Even if the kids can’t read every word, he said, pictures within the books can also be effective at telling their stories.

But the “Shelf of Knowledge” is more than just a bookshelf: he designed it specifically

with two people in mind. His father, Simmons Career Center principal Cleto “Sundy” Chazares, has been a major inspiration in the Eagle Scout’s life. Both father and son share a lifelong passion for scouting and the younger Chazares said in 2019 he learned “the values of perseverance and not quitting” from his father.

And then there’s Dorothy Bell, the guidance counselor for whom the bookshelf was dedicated with a plaque on the left side. Bell was the elder Chazares’ guidance counselor in both elementary and junior high school in Bowling Green. The son of migrant workers, Sundy Chazares spent much time traveling with his parents for work and missing out on valuable class time. To help him reach his potential, Bell gave him a place to live and helped him not only get on a good track in the classroom, but also outside of it as Sundy Chazares became a skilled cross country runner. He earned an athletic scholarship for college, and ended up with a masters degree in educational leadership.

Without Bell, Eryk Chazares reasoned, his father’s life would have been very different.

That motivated him not only to help as many kids as possible chase their own dreams of education and beyond, but also to dedicate the bookshelf to her so that everyone who uses it will know how much of an impact her compassion has had.

“I’m glad to have it presented and allow other kids to be more willing to read books and not quit in school, to be willing to keep learning,” Eryk Chazares said in 2019.

At the Eagle Court of Honor ceremony, Eryk Chazares called this his “greatest achievement” and said his time as a scout has taught him so many valuable lessons about leadership, teamwork and life that will help him throughout the rest of his life.

“In scouting, we often say the roads end with Eagle,” he said. “But I disagree — I think attaining the rank of Eagle is just a step on a long journey. Scouting has equipped me with the skills, experiences and friendships I need, and I look forward to applying these in the challenges that come and to carry forth the ideals of scouting in my everyday life.”

THE TRAIL TO EAGLE Scout — Sept. 25, 2014 Tenderfoot — Sept. 10, 2015 Second Class — Nov. 5, 2015 First Class — March 17, 2016 Star — Sept. 8, 2016 Life — Jan. 11, 2018 Eagle — Feb. 29, 2020 MERIT BADGES

Fingerprinting Pioneering Horsemanship First Aid Environmental Science Orienteering Archery Emergency Preparedness Citizenship in the Community Citizenship in the Nation Citizenship in the World Fire Safety Communications Fish and Wildlife Management Astronomy Plant Science Welding Aviation Forestry Search and Rescue Radio Electronics Camping Mammal Study Scouting Heritage Personal Management Swimming Public Speaking Personal Fitness Cooking Robotics Family Life

Total: 32

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COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020

This week on Cops Corner: Plant City Police

PLANT CITY

Observer

investigated road rage, a stolen security camera, armed robbery and more.

JUNE 12

QUICK TURNAROUND 3700 block of West Reynolds Street Vehicle burglary: This victim stated that unknown subjects entered his unlocked pickup truck and stole his wallet, which contained a credit card.

The credit card was used before it could be reported as stolen.

LET ME IN 1800 block of West Ball Street Criminal mischief: An officer met with this victim who told them someone pounded on his door and damaged the metal screen.

ANGER ISSUES 1500 block of Neil Street Battery/Waiver: This woman stated a man she knew intentionally backed into her with his vehicle. She signed a waiver of prosecution.

JUNE 13 SNEAKY LIKE A SNAKE 1600 block of East Warren Street Burglary, residential: This victim reported to police that an unknown subject entered his home

while he was asleep and stole two speakers and an amp from his great room.

JUNE 14 TRAIL OF BREADCRUMBS 200 block of West Alexander Street Warrant/theft: Officers came in contact with a woman after she was reported to have stolen merchandise from Ross and Marshall’s. While the businesses signed waivers for the theft offenses, she was found to have an outstanding Hillsborough County Warrant for VOP. She was arrested and transported to HCSO Orient Road Jail without incident.

RENTAL WOES 900 block of South Woodrow Wilson Street Fraud: This victim told police he was scammed out of $100 that he sent via CashApp for a deposit on a rental house in Lakeland that turned out to be fraudulent.

JUNE 15 PERFECT SHOT 100 block of Henry Avenue Warrant arrest: Officers respond-

ed to the above listed address in reference to a report of several people in the back yard shooting a gun from a vehicle. A juvenile was arrested.

WATCHFUL EYE 2800 block of West Reynolds Street Theft: Employees from Save the Moment reported to police that an ADT dome video surveillance camera was taken from the building.

GERMS BE GONE 1400 block of South Collins Street Theft: Family Dollar reported that someone came into the store and stole $11 worth of Lysol wipes.

BAD LUCK 600 block of North Dort Street Armed robbery/agg. battery with firearm (waiver): A man said he was attacked by four suspects and struck in the face with a firearm. The suspects took $4,500 in cash and one ounce of marijuana from his possession. He told police he did not want to pursue criminal charges and signed a waiver of prosecution.

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Edited by David Steinberg June 25, 2020

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

JUNE 17

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com

THE WORLD STOOD STIHL 500 block of East Morrell Drive Vehicle burglary: This victim reported to police the theft of a Stihl saw and a laser measurer, valued at $2,000, as the result of a vehicle burglary which occurred during the night of June 16.

Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez

JUNE 18

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

TRAVELING PHYSICIAN 400 block of Abigail Road Vehicle burglary: Someone entered this person’s unlocked vehicle and reportedly stole three bottles of prescription drugs. A waiver of prosecution was signed.

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

Advertising / Richard Brame richard@plantcityobserver.com

PISTOLS AND POOCHES 3300 block of West Reynolds Street Theft: This victim reported to police that an unknown person broke into his residence through the kitchen window and stole his CZ Scorpion 9mm pistol, Omni .223, AR Pistol, Glock 48 9mm handgun, a PlayStation 4 and his gray and white French bulldog.

Advertising / Karen Berry kberry@plantcityobserver.com

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020

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EPG VOTES TO MASK UP

Hillsborough County residents must now wear face coverings when inside a business, though there are some exceptions to the new mandate.

BREANNE WILLIAMS

She had a mandatory mask order go into place last week and said the city had only received a handful of complaints over the weekend.

The countywide order went into effect last night. Ross, Castor and county commissioners Les Miller, Kimberly Overman and Sandy Murman voted in favor of the measure. Plant City Mayor Rick Lott, Sheriff Chad Chronister and School Board chairwoman Melissa Snively voted against it.

Plant City Commissioner Mike Sparkman was also appalled the burden is being placed on business owners despite the fact it would theoretically reduce the calls to law enforcement.

“What we’re doing, your honor, is we are putting the burden of all of this on small businesses,” Sparkman said. “So it’s any business, whether it’s restaurants, hardware stores or anything of that magnitude. We’re putting the burden on small businesses and putting more liability on them and costing them more to operate their business when they’re already struggling. Is that my understanding?”

STAFF WRITER

If you plan to pop into a business this week, you’d better bring a face covering with you or else be prepared to be turned away.

The Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group agreed via a 5-3 vote to mandate that all indoor business operators must now enforce a mandatory mask order. Instead of placing the burden on the individual, which Temple Terrace acting Mayor Andy Ross said would then be a burden to law enforcement, the group decided to place the responsibility entirely on the businesses. If law enforcement is informed a business is not requiring customers to wear a face mask, they could be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor with a penalty of a $500 fine, up to 60 days in jail and/or six months of probation.

Chronister echoed Ross’s statement that law enforcement would be overburdened if it had to enforce compliance with every resident. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, however, disputed that claim.

Lott agreed and said it was one of the reasons he voted against it.

There are exceptions to the rule, however, so it is not going to impede the lives of those with disabilities or conditions that would be worsened by wearing the mask. If you meet the exception, you don’t have to wear it.

It also only applies to those who are not following social distancing guidelines of keeping six feet apart. Children under two years of age are also exempt.

The policy is only in place for a week. During each Thursday’s EPG meeting, the group will have to decide whether they want to renew it.

Obviously, restaurants and bars do not have to have their customers wear masks while they are eating and drinking. However, the business owner does have the right to ask the customers to wear a mask when going to and from the table.

The decision was not one the group took lightly. The EPG’s conversation on masks alone took approximately two hours. Prior to the discussion, a slew of health experts presented in-depth anal-

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ysis of the virus as well as the importance of using masks for reducing the pandemic’s spread.

One of the most compelling presentations came from Dr. Seetha Lakshmi, associate epidemiologist at Tampa General Hospital. Lakshmi attempted to tell the narrative of the patients coming into the hospital in order to make them more than just a statistic. She showed photos of many patients, including many who died here in Tampa Bay. “This is a battlefield,” she told the group. “This is what the soldiers on the front line are seeing, and we wanted you to see this.”

The transmission evolved as well, Florida Department of Health county director Dr. Douglas Holt said. Instead of people getting it from those who have traveled, there has been a rise in “community-based transmission.”

Hospitals at this time are fully capable of handling the occupancies and aren’t too overwhelmed despite the infection rate rising.

The hope now is the data will begin to prove masks are working in the county. If not, the group

can easily disband the order in a week.

It’s a topic that has gained lots of opinion from local residents.

When the Plant City Observer asked readers for their thoughts on the new ordinance on Facebook, the post received more than 500 comments in less than 24 hours with replies both for and against the decision.

The City of Plant City has supplied 8,000 face masks for distribution to business owners. Businesses can pick up masks from the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St., between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Masks were also available at Plant City Main Street’s office on Wednesday.

Pinellas County added a similar order Tuesday that went into effect last night, as well.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020

VARREA MAP AMENDMENT STIRS UP PASSION AT PLANNING BOARD MEETING Varrea has been in the works for years and has always sparked a divide between the adjacent rural residents and the city’s desire to welcome progress.

A map amendment brought to the Planning Board Wednesday morning showed those concerns still linger.

Technical difficulties riddled the first part of the virtual Planning Board meeting Monday morning.

It was the first time the board attempted to host a virtual meeting, but eventually the kinks were worked out and the agenda was rolled out for the public. One of the first items discussed received the most public input: a map amendment for a section of land on the southwest corner of Charlie Taylor Road and Knights Griffin Road.

The privately initiated map amendment was for 89.96 acres located at the corner of the Varrea development, a long-awaited community to be built on the other side of I-4.

It’s a piece of property that has a long and complex history in Plant City. Spanning over 1,000 acres of pasture land north of Knights Griffin Road and west of Charlie Taylor Road, the property was once owned by Bob Graham. In Oct. 2013, the Robert G. Graham Family LP and the David J. Tozlosky Family LP sold the land for $18.1 million to Calgary-based Walton. It became one of the largest land deals in Plant City’s history.

The use of the land was originally approved in 2007 and modified in 2011, but it wasn’t until 2015 when the ball really began rolling on the development.

It was then the plan was announced for Varrea to become a high-class neighbor-

hood much like Walden Lake, Lakewood Ranch in Manatee County and FishHawk.

Then the project stalled.

The North Park Isle community along Sam Allen Road is expected to help the city shoulder the burden of the growing population. Varrea was intended to help bridge the gap as well with its own shopping center and approximately 2,000 homes. Though it was stalled, the project is still underway and Wednesday’s meeting indicated the engines have begun sputtering again for the massive undertaking to come to fruition.

Diane Chadwick, planning principal with Stantec Consulting Services, represented the applicant and gave a presentation as well as answered questions for the board. She said they have been “very busy” working on a detailed land plan over the past year. The majority of the project has already been approved. Now they’re simply cleaning up the areas they need to and getting all ducks in a row.

Many of the residents who live nearby seemed to accept that “you can’t stop development.” Their concern lies more in the specifics. The main concern of those on the line was water management. Many who live in the area said that Charlie Taylor Road frequently floods. There is runoff that makes the area dangerous to drivers and causes issues with neighboring properties, and they fear the development will worsen those issues without proper management.

“This is a known issue by some and fully understood by all,” Travis Luttrell, a citizen that lives on Charlie Taylor Road, said. He then went on to explain the area is in a pocket of confusion. They are technically in the county, but the city owns much of the land near them. When there is an issue and they call to complain about the dangerous flooding, they are rerouted to three different agencies. It wasn’t until a motorist had an accident and was hospitalized in 2019 that he believes the county finally listened.

“Why did we only call for the last four years and not prior?” he said. “Prior to that, a family lived across the street on Varrea’s property and when the pond began to rise, that family pumped the water back in the natural reserve and nature solved the problem.”

He said he wanted to bring the issue to the attention of the board so they would fight to keep natural resources in place to help tamper down what he believes to be a massive flooding problem in the area.

Others echoed his concern and then brought up another topic: the Lower Green Swamp Preserve.

Many residents from all over the county come to the Preserve to recreate. Some ride horses, others go bird watching or hiking. Charles Hollenkamp said he regularly rides the trails at the preserve and knows many people ride their horses up and down the street toward the entrance.

Adding a community of this size nearby

will inevitably increase traffic, he said, and he worries the congestion will cause a danger for the motorists, the riders and the horses.

Deborah Boynton said she lives on East Knights Griffin Road and voiced her support of the prior comments and then added her concerns on the wildlife management as a whole at the preserve when this massive community comes across the street.

Chadwick reminded the callers that the development was still in the early planning stages, but Varrea was ultimately approved. The map amendment today was something to change a line so an existing approved commercial entailment could be accommodated on the site.

As for the concerns, she said the drainage is something they have to look at and plan for. There “are rules that require we not make any issue worse,” she said. She also told the callers she was notified of their concerns and already passed the message on to the engineers. A traffic study was required following the 2015 approval and she said it still stands.

The hope is that, come July or August, there will be a hearing so everyone can see a further detailed plan for the community.

The planning board approved the map amendment with a vote of 6-1, with Jeremy Burris as the only dissenter.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020

AN EMERGENCY IS STILL AN EMERGENCY. EVEN DURING THIS EMERGENCY.

Don’t hesitate when it comes to getting emergency treatment.

Even during a pandemic, you still need to be treated immediately if you have an emergency.

Debating whether or not to risk going to an emergency room during a heart attack, stroke or other health emergency—waiting even a few extra minutes—could be harmful. That’s why in

20-1126895-0520

all BayCare hospital emergency rooms, patients who have symptoms of COVID-19 are screened and treated in a separate area. This helps keep emergency room patients and our team members safe. So if it’s an emergency, don’t wait. For more information: BayCareEmergencyCare.org

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020

BUDGET READJUSTMENTS

JUMP START SEVERAL PROJECTS

As the fiscal year begins to wind down, the City of Plant City reallocated some of its funding to get projects underway and clean up some loose ends.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Money was the name of the game Monday evening as commissioners proved the city was in a fiscally sound place as it cleaned up the budget for the remaining fiscal year and reallocated funds to jump start and revamp several projects.

While the items were quickly approved via the consent agenda, City Manager Bill McDaniel went in depth with some of the items for those listening to the virtual meeting.

“Some of these projects have been on the books for quite a while,” McDaniel said.

“We’ve allocated money to them previously. We’ve been doing housekeeping, these are by and large projects we have had in the pipes for quite some time. So this is just reallocating funds to kind of clean up house and get projects finished or moving in this fiscal year since we are nearing its end. I think our ability to do so is also a reflection of the fact that we manage and govern fiscally conservatively and we always operate under the mode of ‘we do that which we can pay for.’ Certainly we’ve been in a time

of fiscal gain because of the good economy and that certainly gives us the strength to continue on with these types of projects.”

The Roseland Park project was funneled more funding after commissioners reallocated $1,010,722 from residual resources in the Street RR&I Fund. According to the City of Plant City, those funds are available “due to projects being completed under budget over the years.”

Capital Improvement Projects also had budget adjustments to move funding around. Several projects managed by the engineering department saw an increase, including two parking lots in the CRA — the North Municipal Lot and Mahoney Lot. The lots received an additional $151,898, which the city said will help finalize the refurbishments including storm drainage, lights and landscaping.

The Dog Park Pedestrian Bridge and Parking Lot project received an additional $166,000, which was taken from other parking lots in the asset maintenance account. The Cemetery Retaining Wall on Wheeler Street took $67,831 from the streets and sidewalk projects so that it could be completed within the engineer’s estimate. Brewer Park also received $165,000 of reallocated funds to establish an outdoor Fitness System, which was

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once installed the new system will allow the city to “ continue providing safe drinking water to our community,” according to the City of Plant City. The lowest responsive bid for the project was Odyssey Manufacturing Company at a cost of $77,700.

With the impact of COVID-19 just starting to surface and the economy teetering on the edge of a knife McDaniel said they are looking forward as the city makes each and every decision.

“The only downside, if you will, is we are very much looking toward the road ahead and we really have to see what impacts the COVID-19 will have on the fiscal picture on a large scale. We’ve started to see some of that, but this is still ongoing so a lot is still up in the air. Right now it’s the recurring costs area I’m most concerned about. In my mind, this isn’t a time to add a lot of new positions because those are recurring costs. It’s not the time to take on other large-scale recurring costs. The expenditures like ones on agenda (Monday) night are one-time ordeals. You budget and you can save, and then you can confidently make decisions like what we did this week. But we aren’t just jumping into things without laying everything out and examining every possibility. We are making decisions that improve the quality of life in Plant City in one way or another.”

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funded with CRA revenues. A 10 to 14-station fitness system will be installed along the half mile.

Franklin Street has a drainage plan underway with the city and received a transfer of $740,735, which includes “the additional $620,000 presented in May 2018 that has not been posted.” Roseland Park received a transfer of $1,214,000 so that it had enough funding for the engineers estimate of $1,867,186 plus $184,000 for CEI. Mike Sansone Park is also getting an upgrade. The empty space between fields number two and three will be used to add more batting cages for players to use during practices and warmups. A 70-foot, three-tunnel batting cage will be built in the location. The lowest responsive bid was from Turbo Link International, Inc. for $78,500.00. The money is already available through the Park Improvements project funds. This was also announced as the first project to utilize fees paid to the city by the independent youth sports programs using various parks.

The city’s Water Reclamation Facility also got a win Monday evening when commissioners agreed to replace two aging 4,000-gallon Sodium Hypochlorite storage tanks. The tanks have a short lifespan for the storage of the 12 percent bleach and

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PlantCityObserver.com

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATED IN PLANT CITY

‘A NIGHT OF REMEMBRANCE’ HELD AT COURIER FIELD

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

selves on black history, but to also learn more about Plant City’s history and get more involved in local politics — a point echoed by attorney Theodore Taylor, who also spoke at the event.

“If you want to make change, you have to be the change,” Wilson said. “If we as Plant City come together as a unit, can you imagine the turnaround and change that can happen?”

Members of the public were invited to come up and speak if they wished. The discussion first turned to police brutality and Promise Goodwine opened the segment with a call for compassion.

“George Floyd is the wake-up call,” Goodwine said. “Everyone wants to bash him because he has a criminal history… I’m a criminal, but that doesn’t mean you

need to kill me. And not every black person is a criminal.”

Taylor stressed the importance of the black vote and urged everyone to not waste an opportunity to make change in their community. Voter registration forms were available on-site for anyone who wished to register to vote or to register for the Vote

By Mail service. Also in attendance was Cleo Townsend Jr., who spoke about his ongoing campaign for the Florida HouseDistrict 58 seat.

Wilson wrapped things up by leading the crowd in the recitation of the Black National Anthem, written by James Weldon Johnson in 1900.

A memorial service for victims of the June 17, 2015 mass shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church and victims of police brutality over the years was held at Courier Field on June 17.

Led by Associate Minister Maurice Wilson of Greater St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, the service was short but powerful and was followed by a candlelight vigil.

“Protesting is good, but prayer changes things,” Wilson said.

“When we kneel, kneeling is good, but what do we do while we are kneeling and when we get up?

It doesn’t make sense to kneel if you’re not kneeling in prayer.

Kneeling and protesting, I am for it 100 percent. I’m also for kneeling in prayer.”

Visit plantcityobserver.com for coverage of the service.

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lamation of 1862, which ordered the freedom of all slaves in the United States effective January 1, 1863. The process took approximately two and a half years to complete, though, so it was on June 19, 1865 that Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to enforce the executive order and free the last remaining slaves.

Juneteenth has been celebrated annually ever since. The holiday also has its own flag, which was originally created in 1997, with symbolism representing the new beginnings for those freed black Americans. The roots of another symbol prevalent in civil rights movements past and present, the raised fist, were also explained by Wilson.

Wilson asked those in attendance to not only educate them-

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

People gathered at the courthouse downtown on June 19 to learn all about the holiday celebrating the emancipation of America’s last remaining slaves in 1865.

Until recently, Juneteenth has flown somewhat under the radar despite being a celebration of a crucial development in American history.

Those who went to the “Celebrating Freedom” event at the Plant City courthouse on Michigan Avenue the evening of June 19 got a few history lessons thanks to Associate Minister Maurice Wilson of Greater St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, who also led the June 17 “A Night of Remembrance” memorial service at Courier Field for victims of police brutality and the June 17, 2015 mass shooting at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

Wilson started the event by reading President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proc-

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020

FOCUS ON FITNESS

MIKE GARTZ

THE MANY BENEFITS OF REGULAR EXERCISE

Keeping a regular exercise regimen for yourself will pay off big time in many areas of your life.

W

e know that staying active is one of the best ways to keep our bodies healthy.

But did you know it can also improve your overall well-being and quality of life?

Here are just a few of the ways physical activity can help you feel better, look better and live healthier.

It’s a natural mood lifter. Regular physical activity can relieve stress, anxiety, depression and anger. You know that “feel-good sensation” you get after doing something physical? Think of it as a “happy pill” with no side effects! Most people notice they feel better over time as physical

activity becomes a regular part of their lives.

It keeps you physically fit and able. Without regular activity, your body slowly loses its strength, stamina and the ability to function properly. It’s like the old saying: you don’t stop moving from growing old, you grow old from not moving. Exercise increases muscle strength, which in turn increases your ability to do other physical activities.

It helps keep the doctor away.

Stand up when at all possible!

Too much sitting and other sedentary activities can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Studies show that people

who spend several hours a day watching television without taking breaks to get up and move face a higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Being more active can help you lower your blood pressure, boost your levels of good cholesterol, improve your blood flow (circulation), keep your weight under control and prevent bone loss that could lead to osteoporosis. All of this can add up to fewer medical expenses and medications later in life.

It can help you live longer. It’s true that 70 is the new 60 — but only if you’re healthy. People who are physically active and at a healthy weight live about seven

years longer than those who are not active and are obese. And the important part is that those extra years are generally healthier years. Staying active helps delay or prevent chronic illnesses and diseases associated with aging, so active adults maintain their quality of life and independence longer as they age.

Regular physical activity helps with many other things, too. It can help you quit smoking and stay tobacco-free. It boosts your energy level so you can get more done. It helps you manage stress and tension. It promotes a positive attitude and outlook on life.

It helps you fall asleep faster and

sleep more soundly. It helps you improve your self-image and self-confidence and can also get you outdoors more often.

Mike Gartz is a personal trainer who owns I Hate My Trainer at 117 E. Reynolds St. Plant City.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020

Graduates, you are the definition of Hawk Strong. Through enormous adversity, you achieved your dream of graduating.

Hats off to your grit and determination.

As you embark on the next chapter of your adventure, remember that HCC is, and always will be, your home.

KEEP SOARING. #HCCGRAD Online, on-demand, and in-person classes.

Register now for fall classes at hccfl.edu/registernow.

HCC subscribes to equity, access, diversity and inclusion.

11

JUNE 25, 2020

SPORTS Quick Hits

PCHS WINS WIFFLE BRAWL TOURNEY JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Plant City High School was the last entrant in last week’s inaugural Wiffle Brawl tournament, replacing a team on the first day of competition. It was also the last team standing after the June 20 best-ofthree championship series.

The Raiders took down Strawberry Crest’s Black team in three games (7-1 PC, 8-7 SCB, 9-8 PC) to become the tournament’s first-ever champions.

Jackson Knotts was also named MVP of the tournament and totaled 14 home runs through the six-day affair.

Durant’s team also did well in the tournament, making it all the way to the semifinal round for a matchup against PCHS. The Raiders pulled ahead with a 13-5 win to set up the championship showdown with Crest (Black).

Wiffle Brawl ’20 was the brainchild of SCHS alum Ben Pues, who hosted the tourney at his own “Mini Fenway” wiffle ball park off of Knights Griffin Road. The tourney uses the same format as the legendary Saladino Tournament, which was canceled due to COVID-19 virtually as soon as it was supposed to begin.

Sixteen teams competed in the tournament, including all three Plant City-area high schools. Crest fielded Red and Black teams.

For more coverage and photos of Wiffle Brawl ’20, visit 813preps.com.

LOCAL FIGURE SKATER NAMED USFS GET UP AMBASSADOR Annie Clark is one of eight skaters in the U.S. Figure Skating Get Up Ambassadors program, which promotes perseverance and courage through the ambassadors’ own stories.

Photos courtesy of U.S. Figure Skating

Annie Clark, who has lived in the Plant City area with her family for the last four years, is now one of eight Get Up Ambassadors.

“Rather than dwelling on what she was not given, Clark continues to surprise the world and prove that nothing is impossible with a positive attitude and persistence,” USFS said of her.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

US Figure Skating’s Get Up Ambassadors program seeks out skaters from around the United States whose pictures could go next to the textbook definition of “perseverance.”

One of them is Annie Clark, who lives in Plant City. She is one of eight skaters to get the title of Get Up Ambassador in 2020. Despite her lack of experience in the sport — Clark has only been skating for two years — her love of being on the ice and will to succeed did not go unnoticed.

Clark was born without hands or forearms, but that hasn’t stopped her from living her best life on her own terms.

The most well-known example of this happened when she was just 7. A handwriting assignment in her first grade class, which happened on a day she didn’t feel like writing and didn’t have a sharp pencil, went so well that her teacher entered it in a local contest, which Clark won. The administrators of that contest submitted Clark’s entry into the national Nicholas Maxim Penmanship contest, which Clark also won.

That took her and her family completely by surprise. It also led to even bigger things: Clark became a featured guest on Glenn Beck’s TV show soon afterward. When she was 10, she wrote her own book, Write/ Right Where I Am: A Story of Perseverance.

“Every time you’re faced with a tough situation, it’s hard to persevere. But it doesn’t get easier unless you keep on

doing it,” Clark said. “I also try to encourage others, including my family, to persevere.”

Figure skating isn’t Clark’s first endeavor into athletics.

She’s also played basketball and is getting into horseback riding. Skating, though, immediately became a passion of hers and she works hard at her craft every time she steps onto the ice at AdventHealth Center in Wesley Chapel.

“My mom signed some of (my siblings) up in the Learn to Skate program and I fell in love on day one,” Clark said.

“It’s the feeling I get when I’m on the ice.”

She’s been eager to put her skills to the test in a competition, having only taken several USFS Moves in the Field evaluations, but COVID-19 had other plans. Last Saturday, she said, was the first time she’d gotten on the ice in three months. She still has some rust to shake off but said it felt good to finally be back.

Clark hopes to pass another Moves in the Field test by the end of the year, focusing more on her jumps and spins, and eventually start competing in the sport.

“It’s taught me to be able to enjoy doing something without getting something out of it,” she said. “I’m not really competing yet, but I love it so much.”

Clark and the other 2020 Get Up Ambassadors will be featured in SKATING Magazine throughout the rest of the year. For more information about the program and the other 2020 winners, visit usfigureskating.org/news/ article/Introducing-the-GetUp-Ambassadors.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020

13

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

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We asked Facebook: What are your thoughts on Hillsborough County’s new mandatory face mask ordinance?

“These comments are why we’re still dealing with such a high number of cases this far into it. Wear your mask, stop having parties and ignoring social distancing, stop taking your entire family to the store.

Wash your hands. Maybe if everyone had worn their masks 3 months ago we’d be in a better place now.” — Devyn Katz

ing the business owners responsible for grown adults who refuse to wear a mask!

How are you going to charge a business owner with a 2nd degree misdemeanor, jail time, probation and a fine for not making customers wear a mask? Hold the individual responsible for their own actions of not wearing a mask.” — Kevin Chesser

“I am proud of my county and the representatives for listening to medical professionals and science!” — Rebecca Dubé

“At least it’s not a curfew.” — Gerardo Cruz

“I agree with it, and looks like they plan to revisit weekly to extend each week. Was disappointed PC mayor voted against it.”

— Robyn Frelich “Spineless is all I have to say! The county leadership is spineless. If you are going to make a mandate how about hold the customer accountable too. You are mak-

“I’m just worried about how it’s going to impact my job. I don’t want to get shot or punched because I tell someone they have to put on a mask or leave.” — Winter Dodd “I am happy that Hillsborough County evaluated the spike in cases and listen to the medical professions. For those of you that have the option that is your choice not to wear a mask, let me point out it is not your choice to pass COVID on to me.

I go to work, I am working offsite to have little interaction with out employees. I go to the grocery store and that is it. I wear a mask anytime I am around others. My father lives with me he is 86yrs old and has COPD, if I were to bring COVID-19 home to him he would more than likely die. Please, if you don’t care about your personal safety wear a mask to protect others.”

— Deanna Randol Adams Leach

“Will be taking our business to Lakeland.

Should be the citizens right to either wear a mask or not.” — Jim Carter “Complete utterly ridiculous waste of time and resources.” — Danita Crawford “I have to wear one at work 7 hours plus.

I wear one if I go to any store. It makes no difference to me.” — Diana Aguirre

“Catch me in Lakeland” — Grace Denhoff “An overreach.” — Rebecca Trinkle Rothman “I’m not going to wear one either way. I’m exempt. Besides, you are ONLY supposed to use a mask when you aren’t staying 6 ft from others for more than a few minutes.

Why is this so difficult to understand?? I keep hearing it’s an act of love and you’re selfish if you don’t wear one. It isn’t my responsibility to keep you safe, it’s yours.

You can simply stay back 6ft from anyone you deem unsafe. Believe me, I try to stay as far from others as possible. I will be doing my eating out and shopping in Lakeland until this is over.” — Kaye Brown

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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Taking care of each other is what

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020

Ralph Edwin Smith

Ralph Edwin Smith, 84, of Dover, Jon Louis Courson III, 64, of Lutz, born in Opp, Alabama on Nov. 19, 1935, entered into eternal rest on born in Chicago, Illinois on May 14, 1956, entered into eternal rest June 19, 2020.

Expressions of condolence at on June 15, 2020.

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Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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Brigid Higgins

Terry W. Caudill

Brigid Higgins, 97, of Lithia, born in Eshowe, South Africa on Feb. 16,1923, entered into eternal rest on June 14, 2020.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Terry W. Caudill, 65, of Plant City, born in Tampa on Aug. 26, 1954, entered into eternal rest on June 20, 2020.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

community Ola Stanton

William Eugene Combee

is Ola allStanton, about.76, of Lakeland,

passed away on Saturday June 20, 2020. Ola was born Jan. 17, William Eugene Combee, 86, of we’re dedicated to helping families create a W E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E our community Cross City. memorial that truly St. Petersburg and Dover, died care since1944 unique and meaningful with personal, compassionate 1896. in the life it represents.

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Joy Blackmon

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Joy Blackmon, 75, of Altha, formerly of Plant City, born in Jacksonville on Aug. 10, 1944, entered into eternal rest on June 19, 2020.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Doris Mae Going, 92, of Plant City, born May 3, 1928, entered into eternal rest on June 20, 2020.

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PlantCityObserver.com

Universal Crossword Edited by David Steinberg June 24, 2020 PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

6/24

FORECAST THURSDAY, JUNE 25 High: 98 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 80%

FRIDAY, JUNE 26 High: 97 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 40%

High: 98 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 20%

SUNDAY, JUNE 28 High: 93 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 80%

TOMATOES

Shipping point: Central Florida $11.95-$15.95

26 ... lay off actress Fey ...

29 ... and hire parodist Yankovic instead?

33 Comedy bit 34 Congregation cries 36 Microscopic 37 Some light brews, for short 39 Polytheist, maybe 41 Word before “song” or “dive” 42 People riding the Tube 44 Horsepower booster 46 California red, briefly 47 ... fire actress Gasteyer permanently ...

49 ... and select guitarist Paul instead?

51 “Omigosh!”

53 Pirate’s domain 54 ... ax actor Asner ...

57 ... and pursue sportscaster Berman instead?

60 Work with soil or snow 61 Dolphins’ home 64 Intl. peacekeeping group 65 Ethiopian Verdi heroine 66 Natural hairdos 67 Quaint lodges 68 Like a hopeful outlook 69 Female nature deity 70 June 6, 1944 DOWN 1 Chips ___!

2 Zippo

3 “I wouldn’t!”

4 Became understood 5 Up to it 6 Half of a bikini 7 ___-yang symbol 8 Potions Master at Hogwarts 9 Resume list 10 Chest protectors?

11 “Now it makes sense” 12 Thick slice 13 High-fat diet 21 Jazz singer James 23 Landed on a perch 25 Psychological blocks 26 “It’s a Wonderful Life” director 27 Little rascal 28 Cool, or without ice 30 Country with an 85-letter Maori place name 31 Diarist Nin 32 Country singer Loretta 33 Bee Gees family name 35 Garment that sounds like an apology 38 Danger sign warning 40 “SNL” network 43 Scissors sound 45 “Let me get this straight ...”

48 Tarzan, for one 50 November meteor 52 Provide moral guidance 54 Go a round, say 55 Advertising award 56 Fish sticks?

57 Genie’s gift 58 Sicilian volcano 59 Like annoying neighbors 62 Spot for a shot 63 Unruly hairdo

15

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, June 25

6:33a

8:28p

Friday, June 26

6:34a

8:28p

Saturday, June 27

6:34a

8:28p

Sunday, June 28

6:34a

8:28p

Monday, June 29

6:35a

8:28p

Tuesday, June 30

6:35a

8:28p

Wednesday, July 1

6:35a

8:28p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

Changing Positions by Tom Pepper

ACROSS 1 Insects known for their strength 5 Chasm 10 Hazard 14 “Good joke!”

15 Cliff’s edge 16 Dot on the ocean 17 Thor’s father 18 Porch, on Oahu 19 Drummer’s assignment 20 H.R. manager’s note to pull poet Cummings from the staff ...

22 ... and bring on singer Diddley instead?

24 Caboodle’s partner 25 Extremely, slangily

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020

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July 20 New

July 25 First

July 4 Full

July 16 Last

RAINFALL Monday, June 15

0.00

Tuesday, June 16 0.00 Wednesday, June 17

0.00

Thursday, June 18 0.00 Friday, June 19

0.02

Saturday, June 20 0.02 Sunday, June 21

0.00

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2020 17.22 in.

2020 6.27 in.

2019 09.04 in.

2019 3.99 in.

WEATHER

46 California ACROSS 11 “Now it 40 “SNL” red, briefly 1 Insects makes network 47 ... fire actress known for sense” 43 Scissors Gasteyer pertheir strength 12 Thick slice sound manently ...

5 Chasm 13 High-fat diet 45 “Let me SendHazard your photo submissions Associate Justin Kline at jkline@PlantCityObserver.com 49 ...toand selectEditor21 10 Jazz singer get this 14 “Good#iloveplantcity joke!”

Jamesto feature. straight ...” or hashtag onguitarist InstagramPaul for @igersplantcity instead?

15 Cliff’s edge 23 Landed on a 48 Tarzan, for 51 “Omigosh!”

16 Dot on perch one 53 Pirate’s the ocean 25 Psychological 50 November domain 17 Thor’s father blocks meteor 54 ... ax actor 18 Porch, on 26 “It’s a 52 Provide Asner ...

Oahu Wonderful moral 57 ... and 19 Drummer’s Life” director guidance pursue assignment 27 Little rascal 54 Go a round, sportscaster 20 H.R. 28 Cool, or say Berman manager’s without ice 55 Advertising instead? note to pull 30 Country with award 60 Work with poet an 85-letter 56 Fish sticks? soil or snow Cummings Maori place 57 Genie’s gift 61 Dolphins’ from the name 58 Sicilian home staff ...

31 Diarist Nin volcano 64 Intl. peace22 ... and bring 32 Country 59 Like keeping on singer singer annoying group Diddley Loretta neighbors 65 Ethiopian instead?

33 Bee Gees 62 Spot for a Verdi heroine 24 Caboodle’s family name shot 66 Natural partner 35 Garment that 63 Unruly hairdos 25 Extremely, sounds like hairdo 67 Quaint lodges slangily an apology 68 Like a 26 ... lay off 38 Danger sign hopeful actress warning outlook Fey ...

69 Female 29 ... and hire PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER nature deity parodist 70 June 6, 1944 Yankovic Johninstead?

O’Toole captured this sunset at Brewer Park last weekend.

DOWN 1 Chips 33 Comedy bit Follow us on___! social media: @PCObserver on Instgram, ON L I N E @PlantObserver 2 Zippo 34 Congregation on Twitter and Plant City Observer “I wouldn’t!” cries on3Facebook.

4 Became 36 Microscopic understood 37 Some light 5 Up to it brews, 6 Half of for short a bikini 39 Polytheist, 7 ___-yang maybe symbol 41 Word before 8 Potions “song” or Master at “dive” Hogwarts 42 People riding 9 Resume list the Tube 6/23 © 2020 Andrews McMeel Universal 44 Horsepower 10 Chest www.upuzzles.com booster protectors?

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020

PlantCityObserver.com