6.27.19 PLCO

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VOLUME 6, NO. 51

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THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019

CITY SPENDS NEARLY $300,000 TO REPAIR EAST ALABAMA STREET CULVERT BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

A massive project will soon be underway on East Alabama Street as the city prepares to completely remove and replace a culvert in the area.

Commissioners unanimously agreed to hire Harris-McBurney Company to con-

The culvert near 712 E. Alabama St. is in desperate need of repair due to erosion. City commissioners agreed to hire Harris-McBurney to handle the project.

struct the new concrete box culvert for $283,120.22. Bids were advertised on April 5 and three came through, with HarrisBurney coming in as the lowest responsive and responsible bid. The other two asked for $345,180 and $379,696 to complete the project.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

PLANT CITY CHUGS TO STARDOM Railroad fans are flocking from across the world to Plant City, and thanks to the addition of virtual streaming, thousands are tuning in every day to observe the passage of trains through downtown.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Courtesy of Marsha Passmore

Train enthusiasts flock to Plant City for its double diamond track and iconic museum.

While strawberry fields and berry themed festivals are what Plant City is known for, a large group of travelers flock for a set of steel rails in the heart of downtown.

Trains built this community and without their influence Plant City might not exist.

It wasn’t until local farmers were able to transport their crops, including their beloved strawberries, across the country in iced box cars that the economy truly took off. Produce was soon sent all over the U.S. and farmers were able to develop agriculture empires in the fertile Florida soil. The local railroad has helped Plant City rise to international fame.

Part of the appeal lies in the fact that Plant City is one of two places in the Eastern United States to have a double diamond, aka two sets of tracks that cross at an intersection.

That alone makes it a must see destination for train enthusiasts, but the addition of the viewing platform in 2013 turned the city into a coveted rail location.

Few places are left in the country where you can sit in a state-of-the-art platform

COMMISSION ROUNDUP Though it was a short meeting, city commissioners extended the lease indefinitely for the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, reappointed Library Board members and transferred approximately $99,628 to the newly formed Plant City Library Foundation.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

It was one of the shortest commission meetings of the year this week as city commissioners went through the proclamations and approved everything on the agenda in under an hour.

One of the biggest events of the night was the approval of the transfer of approximately $99,628 from the Library Donation Fund to

the newly formed Plant City Library Foundation.

In April 2018 Joe Barger, a former customer, left a bequest of $99,627.17 to the Bruton Memorial Library. The city took the money in and deposited it in the Library Donation Fund where it has sat ever since. It wasn’t until this year that the Plant City Library Foundation, Inc. was established and the time officially came for the city to transfer the money over so it can be put to its intended use.

SEE PAGE 10

right next to the tracks. Those that do offer designated viewing areas often have them hundreds of feet away. Benito “Benny” Lubrano Jr., executive director of the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, designed the platform himself, and thanks to the efforts of a variety of community leaders, the dream was brought to fruition.

Regardless of if its 11 a.m. on a Saturday or 9 p.m. on a Tuesday night there’s always someone camped out at the platform. Many come with cameras and tripods in hand as they patiently wait for their favorite locomotive to arrive.

“We reach so many people here,” Lubrano said. “You’ve got those that come out to physically watch the train, those that are interested in our model trains, history buffs who come for the museum and to learn more about Plant City’s history with the trains, people that want to see the caboose, we really reach everyone. Now with the cameras we’re reaching even more.”

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THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019

NEWS BRIEFS

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HCSO issues lightning safety PSA Did you know this week is Lightning Safety Awareness Week? Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister wants the public to know, so he recently released a public service announcement to help people stay safe.

“There is no place outside that is safe when a thunderstorm is in the area,” Chronister said. “Hearing thunder means lightning is close by, so seek shelter.”

Residents are advised to think of the slogan, “When thunder roars, go indoors” and stay clear of windows and doors leading to the outside. He also cautioned against the use of electronic devices during a storm.

The PSA can be seen online at youtube.com/ watch?v=mALoUSFtkjQ or on the official HCSO social media pages.

“Remember, you can always call 911 if you fear that someone has been struck by lightning and needs immediate help,” Chronister said.

Jersey Mike’s opening Plant City franchise It’s official: Jersey Mike’s Subs, a popular nationwide sandwich restaurant, is coming to Plant City.

The Plant City store will be located in the Walden Woods plaza, 504 E. Alexander St., in Suite 19 — sandwiched between Moe’s Southwest Grill and Dental Associates at Walden Woods. Though you can find out when and where new stores are opening at jerseymikes. com, the Plant City location does not have an opening date set in stone.

Jersey Mike’s serves hot and cold subs and breakfast sandwiches. It’s best-known for its takes on the Philly cheesesteak sandwich but also offers meatball subs, reubens, roast beef sandwiches, clubs, Italians and more.

July job fair for veterans DAV RecruitMilitary is calling out to Tampa Bay-area veterans in need of work with a free event in July.

The July 18 Tampa Veterans Job Fair runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa, and promises to get veterans and their spouses, transitioning military personnel, National Guard members and Reserve members connected with potential employers for free. Pre-register for the event online at success.recruitmilitary.com/events/tampa-veteransjob-fair-july-18-2019.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019

MOON SHINES AT SFBH Jill Moon has spent the last 50 years helping South Florida Baptist Hospital become a shining institution in the Plant City community.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Part of the appeal of living in Plant City is the fact the entire community seems dedicated to preserving the city’s charm while encouraging responsible growth.

Everywhere you go, you run into people you know. When you call businesses in town, you already know who’s going to pick up on the other end of the line.

Jill Moon celebrated 50 years at South Florida Baptist Hospital on June 9 and has helped form the foundation of empathy and excellence the hospital prides itself on offering for the community it holds so dear.

Moon currently works in Medical Staff Services at SFBH and said she never dreamed she would have built a career in the medical industry.

“It began for me in high school,” Moon said. “I took clerical, business English and business machines, way back in 1969 it was machines, not computers, and I took the business class, the business route because I didn’t know whether or not I was going to go to college. For work weeks, we had one week out of the business training that we got to work somewhere at a business in town, I got picked for South Florida Baptist. I loved it so much, the people and everything, so that started it off for me and I put in my application after I graduated.”

In 1969, the height of fashion was found in the long eyelashes and big eyes of London-based model Twiggy.

Whether it was miniskirts, shift dresses, ribbed sweaters or leather boots, the 60s and 70s were filled with her trendsetting looks. The Beatles dropped another worldwide hit with “Get Back” and Woodstock was about to change the way the U.S. participated in music festivals.

Gas cost $0.35 a gallon, man was about to set foot on the moon for the first time and “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” on NBC was the nation’s top rated television program.

It was a changing world and in Plant City, that change was starting to quickly take hold. In her 50 years at SFBH, Moon said she feels like they went from “horse and buggy days to the space age” thanks to the creation and rapid evolvement of computers. It changed the medical industry for good and she said it’s pretty amazing to reflect on all

the ways they’ve been able to improve their services with the new technology.

While working in the hospital, she’s also seen it add a surgical center, emergency department and intensive care unit, a new wing and it’s become a part of BayCare Health System.

“Facility wise, of course, it’s completely changed as well,” Moon said.

“The entrance to the hospital is completely different, we’ve added an entire wing, the whole east wing. I’ve seen us go from a tiny little emergency room to a beautiful facility we have now. I have worked all over the hospital. Physically my office has been just about all over because of construction. I’ve come full circle because almost the first office I had, I’m back in today. I’ve had many offices since then, but because of changing construction I’m back to where I was. It’s really, really funny to me that that’s happened.”

She joked that just last week she had a friend call the hospital and on a whim asked if they could transfer her to Moon so she could get her help with something. When the phone rang and Moon picked up, her friend laughed and said, “I was wondering if you were still here and then they put me right though.”

Moon said at first she was shocked at how much she truly loved the work. She assumed she wold be here a few years before moving on to something else.

She wasn’t expecting to find her home at SFBH. While she’s always been in a clerical position, her specific job has changed several times over the years and she said she’s enjoyed the diversity of the positions and the challenge of learning something new.

She’s been a charge clerk, accounting clerk, accounts payable clerk, admitting clerk, secretary to the assistant administrator, executive assistant to the chief financial officer and is currently the medical staff coordinator.

She was born in Lakeland and raised in Plant City. A graduate of Plant City High School, she said she has enjoyed getting to watch so many of her friends and coworkers grow up and raise children of their own. Some of her favorite memories over the years have been watching her team members raise families and seeing their children now coming through SFBH to start families of their own.

“I remember some of the times, when my own child was small that the team member activity committee, even back

then they have always been so amazing,” Moon said. “They throw high-quality Christmas parties and Halloween festivities for the children. Just watching the children, I wish I had grandchildren.

If I did, I’d bring them to the activities.

The kids remember. My daughter still remembers having fun here at the hospital with the things the team member activity committee always came up with for them to do. Those are sweet memories.”

She said SFBH is a family and the longer you stay, the more you fall in love with the atmosphere held within its walls. She’s been a patient at the facility twice and said she was able to

see firsthand the level of impeccable care offered by the staff. In her mind, every business is about its product and SFBH’s product is simply caring for people. She hopes everyone who comes through its doors walk away feeling as if they’ve become a part of the family as well.

“I would like to work a few more years.

I don’t feel my age,” Moon said. “I feel good and I enjoy working, so I think I’d like to put in a few more years. We’ll just see. The good Lord gives me health to do it. I feel like I still make a difference so I definitely want to work a few more years.”

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THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019

PLANT CITY

Observer

COPS CORNER

This week on Cops Corner, Plant City Police investigated fake checks, fake money, stolen boat parts, stolen meds, a stolen

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

gun and more.

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

JUNE 14 MEDICATION MAYHEM 1200 block of South Alexander Street Theft: This victim told officers someone stole medication and $300 from her. She didn’t have any evidence of who could have taken the items, but said she had a hunch it was a family member.

She signed a waiver of prosecution.

CHECKING THE CHECKOUT 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway Theft: This victim said his wallet was stolen from Walmart after he left it at the checkout register.

He didn’t want to prosecute for the crime and signed a waiver of prosecution.

JUNE 15

had been stolen.

ROCKING THE BOAT 1200 block of North Alexander Street Theft/Criminal mischief: This victim was shocked to discover that when he retrieved his boat from a storage facility, the power pole, speakers and several other items had been stolen, which caused damage to the recreational vehicle.

JUNE 16 SWIPED AND DITCHED 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway Stolen recovered vehicle: Officers came out to Walmart in reference to a stolen vehicle. A short time later, HCSO found the vehicle in the area of Highway 301 and Saffold Road.

with an employee who told them someone stole approximately $30 in coins on June 14. That same day, officers responded to a different laundromat in reference to a theft of coins.

PICKED PISTOL 100 block of West Ball Street Burglary: Officers met with the victim who told them someone broke through the window of this land surveying company and took an unknown make .380 semi-auto pistol, which was valued at $50. The victim declined to prosecute and signed a waiver.

WALK A MILE IN HIS SHOES 100 block of North Pearl Street Robbery: Officers met with this victim that said he was jumped by several men and they stole his wallet and his shoes.

Universal CrosswordJUNE 18

JUNE 17

LOVIN’ THE LEVEL

by David Steinberg June 28,FAKE 2019 1700 block of Sammonds Road Edited MONEY LAUNDERING BENJAMINS Theft/Criminal mischief: The 1200 block of North Wheeler 2100 block of West Baker Street 36 Swerve 9 South Mr. T’s squad ACROSS 45Street Sonand on 1400 block of back window of this victim’s Counterfeiting: PCPD officers truck was broken out on andthe he told Evers Street Walgreens after re10 “Guitar responded tosuddenly 1 Right “The Jetsons” officers a $1,200 concrete level 47Theft: to the singer ceiving word customer tried to 39 aStoryteller nose ABAOfficers mem- respondedTown” that was sitting inside the vehicle Coin Laundry and Steve met purchase41 items with a counterAuditioner’s 6 Not much at ber,24hour probably

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

feit $100 bill. When they arrived, they impounded five counterfeit Benjamins.

SWIPING COPPER 2800 block of James L. Redman Parkway Grand theft: A man came into Lowe’s and stole two 500-foot rolls of copper wire.

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

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

JUNE 19

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, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103.

GREEN THUMB 100 block of North Wheeler Street Theft: This victim told officers someone stole multiple plants from the front of their business.

If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

JUNE 20 CAT-ASTROPHE AVERTED 200 block of Maki Road Fraud: This victim was trying to sell a kitten via the internet for $300. Someone provided him with a $1,450 check and asked him to refund the remainder. The seller confirmed the check was fake via his bank and reported the incident to PCPD.

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.

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PLANT CITY’S STEEL ROOTS Plant City is know worldwide as a must see train destination. Now thanks to the addition of streaming cameras means viewers across the globe can catch a glimpse of Plant City’s unique offerings.

BREANNE WILLIAMS FROM PAGE 1

Just last week, the museum officially went live with two cameras mounted at the depot.

Anyone in the world can now log on with a simple click of a button and watch a live feed of the tracks. At one random moment on Thursday, there were 694 people logged on and watching live.

Virtual Railfan has 66 cameras up in 41 locations throughout four countries. Plant City is a recent addition to that list. The company told Lubrano that on the first day it launched, there were 5,100 viewers in five hours.

As word spreads, the feed continues to be filled with train enthusiasts. The Virtual Railfan YouTube feed streams live as well and has a chat attached for people to discuss during the video. It took six months to transform the initial conversation into the reality of having the cameras go up. The city provided WiFi for the project and the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum Society, Inc. purchased the equipment. It took mere minutes to prove it was a sound investment.

The museum itself, which is entirely free, sees approximately 7,000 visitors every year from all over the globe. Visitors from Puerto Rico, New Zealand,

Ecuador, Ireland and countless other countries all have popped in to check out its offerings.

Dakota Lovern, of Sarasota, had his camera ready for action Wednesday morning as he set up shop on the platform. Monitoring the train schedule, he was able to figure out when the trains would pass through downtown.

“I’ve been into trains my whole life,” Lovern said. “When I was really young, I thought for some reason that trains didn’t exist in Florida, which was really weird. Then I started going out and watching them. I have a YouTube channel now, Kotabeaner Productions, and I film all kinds of locomotives.”

Lubrano said he remembers when Lovern was “a head shorter” than him. Now he’s taller than Lubrano and he said there’s countless others he’s watched grow up over the past five years.

He knows all the regulars by name and has spent hours sharing the importance of the railroad to every adult and child that walks through the doors.

“This isn’t just a train that’s blocking traffic,” Lubrano said.

“It’s carrying massive quantities of product. One juice car has 1 million gallons of orange juice. Then that train has 20 cars. Think of the retail value with that. That’s what I’m more or less pushing, to make people think about what is really happening on these tracks.”

The past year has been a whirlwind of progress for the museum. The interior has been redone, there are new additions to the exhibits, the cameras are up and running and “The Tower” had its grand opening during Railfest.

The museum’s social media presence has blossomed under the efforts of a volunteer and, thanks to a few local media efforts, word is spreading that something special can be found in Plant City.

“It’s such an asset to the community,” City Manager Bill McDaniel said. “We are a railroad town. There’s no doubt that railroads fascinate a large group of people and we’re seeing that by the numbers that show up to watch trains right here in Plant City… I’m all for anything that promotes the history and wonderfulness of Plant City and the museum absolutely provides that service for our community.”

There’s nowhere to go but forward, Lubrano said. Now that so many are plugging in, he said the museum will continue to set goals and meet them, continue to evolve and have new and unique offerings. The future looks bright for Plant City, and under the guidance of Lubrano and the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum Society, Inc., there is nothing but progress ahead.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Photos by Breanne Williams

Dakota Lovern films trains for his Youtube channel Kotabeaner Productions.

Website: willafordrailroadmuseum.com and virtualrailfan.com Location: 102 N. Palmer St. Museum hours: 12 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday Call: 813-719-6989

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THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019

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ONE IN A MELON STAFF WRITER

Keel Farms is upping its game with the creation of its inaugural Watermelon Festival, to be held June 29 and 30 at the winery.

When you think of summer as a child, you often think of hot, sunny days spent running through a sprinkler with watermelon as your snack of choice. The juicy fruit is a staple for families across the country and Keel Farms is hoping to keep that tradition alive in Plant City with its new festival.

“We’re adding the festivals basically to give families more opportunities to come out and experience the farm throughout the year,” Clay Keel, president of Keel Farms, said. “Watermelons are a pretty common crop around here and a lot of the strawberry farmers plant them after strawberry season. We did that, we planted about a half acre this year and so we will be selling some of our own there. But you know, this is kind of just to celebrate that season. Watermelon has got to be one of the most popular fruits out there. Everybody likes watermelon.”

The festival will run each day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. Unlike some of the other fruit-based festivals held at Keel & Curley this one will not feature a u-pick, but rather will have the fresh fruit available for purchase at a booth.

Because of the more relaxed nature of the festival there’s no reason to fight to get there early to get in the field.

Keel announced the festival will not only have the fresh fruit, but also feature a variety of melon-themed merchandise. The watermelons themselves will come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes and Keel & Curley will be premiering three watermelon beverages special to the event.

You will be able to walk away with your very own watermelon beer, cider and wine just by visiting the winery’s stations throughout the festival. In true summer fashion, there will also be mouth-watering barbecue on site for families that want the full southern summer experience.

All day long, there will be watermelon eating contests with qualifying

Keel Farms is offering a brand new summer festival for watermelon fanatics across Tampa Bay. The Watermelon Festival kicks off this weekend and will feature a variety of melon-themed merchandise and events.

rounds for the final competition at 5 p.m.

When attendees arrive, they’ll have the opportunity to take part in a variety of events. The winery itself will have its traditional festivities, food and drinks both inside and on the large patio. There will also be a children’s play area featuring a 50-foot water slide and splash area special for the event. In that area, there will be a plethora of special kids activities going on all day. You can also plant your own watermelon plant to take home with you.

For the adults, some of the best offerings at any Keel Farms festival are the unique vendors that participate. Keel said they hand-pick about 15 one-of-a-kind vendors for the event that he feels add a powerhouse lineup to the festival. Many are tying their products into the watermelon theme and the majority are bringing items they have crafted by hand rather than reselling items they’ve collected.

This is just one of the many new and innovative events Keel Farms plans to host this year. Throughout the summer, Keel said there will be several more new offerings and special dinners, and the winery is always offering special deals to make each experience fun for everyone. They currently hold summer specials including deals on bottles of wine, meal and drink combos and the ever-popular winery tours.

“It’s very unique because you’re coming to a farm, you’re coming to an ag place and you’re seeing what can come from that,” Keel said. “We’re making beer and wine, we’re making produce, you can see the fruit and vegetables coming out of the dirt. So many of these type of festivals are in Lakeland, Brandon and Tampa, in concrete jungles if you will, and you’re not seeing firsthand where the product came from. This is a country destination where you can get outside and experience the outdoors. You might even see a cow or a chicken. We’re providing that hometown country feeling to all of our events.”

File photos

IF YOU GO Keel Farms Watermelon Festival When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 29 and 30 Where: Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road Cost: Parking and admission are free

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BREANNE WILLIAMS

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

|

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019

OUT ON A LIMB

N A E M T ’ N NEED

GUEST COLUMNIST

Sometimes, we learn things of profound importance during the most innocent circumstances.

That is precisely what happened to me just a few weeks ago when I summoned help from a trusted professional.

Carlos Mullis, a licensed tree surgeon and removal expert, has helped save my house from tree damage several times in the last 15 years. But it wasn’t me or my home that benefitted from Carlos’ judgement made some 20 years ago; it was his renewed faith in a higher power that blossomed that day.

The first time I met Carlos was in 2004, one week after my wife and I purchased and moved into our new Plant City home in Pinedale Estates. I took pictures of the oak-covered property from the cul-de-sac in front of our house to share with relatives and friends. It was only then that I noticed the beautifully shaped, 60-foot-tall pine tree that rose above the spreading live oaks below was dead as a doornail.

The tree’s canopy still held all its branches and needles, but rather than displaying the standard bright green hue, the needles were a deadly reddish orange. I was in a state of shock. How could I, and everyone else involved in the purchase, have missed such an obvious kink in the otherwise perfect process?

Enter Carlos Mullis, the longstanding tree surgeon and removal guru for Jack T. Gibbs Realtor, the firm that handled the sale for a group of Plant City investors.

“Don’t worry, George,” the late and great friend Ken Gibbs, the

man who handled the sale, said.

“We’ll get a man over there this week to take down the tree. When he’s done, you won’t even know he was there.”

Sure enough, a few days later, when Karen arrived home from her job in Tampa, she asked me when the tree had come down. I had no answer because, although I beat her home by about an hour, I didn’t realize it was gone. This huge pine, with a two-foot wide base, was nothing but a six-inch high stump when I went outside to have a close look for myself.

There wasn’t a limb, a branch, a pine needle or a mark in the thick St. Augustine lawn that grew under and around those mighty oaks to give witness to the tree’s removal.

It wasn’t the fact that the sellers responded so quickly to pay for the huge task, or the miraculous way that Carlos dropped and retrieved the remnants from my yard. It was the story that Carlos told me 15 years later, just a few weeks ago, that made my jaw drop in amazement.

Carlos and one of his crewmen were at my house finishing up some light trim work being done on some palms and ornamental trees that grow all around the yard. I went out front to talk with Carlos as the crewman wrapped up the job. We exchanged the usual pleasantries as most people do, and noticing my walker as I stood on the front porch we, as many people of advanced age do, began comparing physical impairments. Being 74 years old and 10 years his senior, I remarked how fortunate Carlos was to have avoided serious injury that could have sidelined his ability to climb trees like a monkey and manipulate slings, ropes and power saws

while p e rc h e d high above the ground.

He smiled, nodding his head, and proceeded to tell me a story that froze me in my tracks.

“Twenty years ago my back was really killing me,” he said. “It wasn’t from any one thing that I did that made me wake up every morning bent over like a fish hook. But it was taking me a few hours every day to limber up well enough to go to work, and the pain was always there.”

One day, a friend of his asked Carlos to join him at The Crystal Springs Assembly of God that next Sunday. Carlos told me he believed in God and went to church occasionally whenever the mood struck.

“In my business, going to church and saying a prayer once in a while seems like a sensible thing to do.” he said.

That Sunday, coincidentally, a visiting evangelist minister was invited to speak to the congregation. After his introduction and opening prayers, the evangelist began to warm up to his opportunity and soon had those in attendance reveling in the greatness of God. Right in the middle of what seemed to be an inspired salute to the Almighty, Carlos said the evangelist stopped and began looking around the church, at the people, the walls, the ceiling and the floor. The church slowly became still and silent as the congregation waited in anticipation.

Finally, the evangelist broke the silence.

Carlos recalled the preacher’s words to me:

“When God speaks to me, no matter when or where, I have to stop and listen. What God has revealed to me this morning is that there is someone here who is suffering from a very bad back.”

What immediately went through Carlos’ mind was obvious. Just looking around at those in attendance, there had to be a lot of people there who suffered with back problems.

“God is telling me that you find such a statement an easy one to make.”

Again, Carlos found that statement to be rather obvious.

“The evangelist asked those with back pain, regardless of doubt, to come forward to the front of the church, praising God and asking for a healing,” Carlos said. “The call to come forward continued until finally I stood up and began to move toward the front of the church. I figured there was nothing to lose but a bad back. I heard a voice behind me ask me to raise my hands in the air and praise God. I hesitated and the voice said, ‘Raise your hands as if someone had a gun to your back and surrender’.”

Carlos remembered raising his hands, praising God and then everything changed. He found himself walking down a blacktop road, with beautiful trees and manicured shrubs along the sides. A narrow stream followed the road on the left-hand side, rolling and gurgling through rocky terrain, bubbling and then racing downhill along with the road.

“The road narrowed into a single lane and suddenly I was walking into a box canyon. The walls

were made of rounded stones the size of standard bricks, rising way over my head on both sides,” he said. “The road ended at a stone wall and I was surrounded on three sides.”

Carlos said the stones began to change color, from light brown to glowing red, looking like molten lava. The heat from the stones began to penetrate his body, not burning but rather warming him from head to toe, but noticeably hotter and hotter.

At that point Carlos said he woke up, laying on his back; still in the aisle of the church heading down toward the front. But he was surprised to find himself all alone. He could hear singing coming from an adjoining room.

He rose to his feet and somewhat embarrassed walked to join the singing congregation. As he entered the room everyone turned and looked to him as the singing was completed. The evangelist was the first one to speak.

“Well, Carlos. Did you get enough sleep?”

“Whether you want to call it a vision or a dream I told them what I saw,” the tree surgeon said.

“They were as amazed and excited as I was.”

With all the excitement and bewilderment it was three days later when Carlos realized that his back was no longer in pain.

His stiffness in the morning was done. The pain that he lived with every day was no more.

“Call it what you want. It was a miracle to me”, he said. “I go to church more regularly now. And when I pray, I am sure that God is listening.”

After that experience, when Carlos is out on a limb, he knows that he is not alone.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019

9

NEW EAST ALABAMA STREET CULVERT SET TO ARRIVE SOON A contractor has been hired to construct a new culvert near 712 E. Alabama St. after the city found the current culvert is in need of major repair.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

“We hired a consultant that went in and did inspections on all of our bridges and culverts throughout the city and they filed this giant report giving us condition assessments of all of them, and there are many,” City Manager Bill McDaniel said. “During those inspections, this defect, it’s basically damage where the thing had eroded over the years and there was a hole in the pipe, it was causing erosion, it was discovered through our inspection process.”

Once the city was made aware of the issue, it quickly turned around and began the process of getting it repaired. However,

such a complex issue meant there wasn’t a simple patch job that could remedy the problem.

The entire system would need to be replaced and that was going to cost the city a pretty penny.

Steel plates were deployed to maintain a safe condition for the area over the damaged culvert while the company took the time to build a new box culvert.

The funds for the impressive repair are coming from the Capital Improvement Program’s bridge repair section.

The approximate location for the culvert is 712 E. Alabama St. and the contractor is expected to replace the culvert, maintain traffic control, detours and avoid blocking the canal in case of a storm or flooding. The contractor will also be repaving the road-

way and restoring the six-foot sidewalk on the north side of the roads.

They will also have to remove all of the existing concrete and unsuitable backfield so the new culvert can smoothly go into place.

The city said it constantly does proactive surveys and studies of its various assets around town to ensure it always stays ahead of major issues. Rather than wait until a problem occurs it attempts to have an in-depth reading of the state of all of its amenities so it can plan accordingly for large repairs.

“It’s a significant problem and we need to get on it quickly,” McDaniel said. “Government does tend to move slowly because there are so many steps, but we’ve done this as fast as possible because it’s a signifi-

cant problem. It’s a significant repair, we’re going to have to remove that entire structure from the canal, completely rebuild it and install a brand new box culvert. So you’ll be getting the entire drainage system removed, a brand new one put in place and all of the surrounding dirt, foundation, the roadway base and the new roadway will be constructed there. That’s why it’s so expensive, it’s a total removal and rebuild.”

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019

COMMISSION ROUNDUP The lease for the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum was adjusted, commissioners reappointed Library Board members and the newly formed Plant City Library Foundation took the next step toward pouring into the community.

Breanne Williams

The Railroad Museum has served the community faithfully for years in the heart of downtown..

FROM PAGE 1

“The vote simply took the money from the city’s accounts where we were holding it for the library and transferred the money over to the newly formed foundation, which allows them to administer it as it appears it was intended to be,” City Manager Bill McDaniel said. “Libraries are very unique, they have their board and their other things and this just, as I said, it puts the money where it’s intended to be and it puts it under a structure that is properly formed and chartered to manage this type of thing. Plus with a foundation they can solicit additional donations and requests and things like that.”

The foundation’s not-for-profit status was activated by the State of Florida on Feb. 7 and on March 12 it received its employer tax ID number, which means it should receive the tax exempt certificate within 180 days.

Once everything is up and rolling, there will be big things ahead for the library and the foundation will be able to truly pour into the community. The city said Barger loved not only the library itself, but also its staff and believes the foundation will be able to help use the gift to further his dedication to the priceless city amenity.

The same evening, commissioners also decided to reappoint three library board members, which is a separate group from

the newly formed foundation. Michelle Monteleon, James Chancey Jr. and Darcy Stottlemyer wished to continue in their roles and were approved for an additional term of three years, beginning on July 1.

Commissioners also approved a slight alteration to the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum Society, Inc.’s lease. When the city commission approved a lease on Sept. 8, 2014 with the museum, it formalized the agreement between the parties and set the lease for one-year terms with four annual extensions.

Those extensions expire on July 31, 2019 and the city decided it was time to make the partnership even more permanent. The

city said it has benefited from the arrangement and wishes to continue to have the museum in the heart of downtown.

To ease future renewals, the new lease has an indefinite term. Starting on Aug. 1, the museum can remain on the property indefinitely at the sole discretion of the city commission.

If commissioners decide to terminate the lease they may do so at any time as long as they provide 30 days’ notice. In the new agreement, the city will continue to provide all of the maintenance services for the depot property and structures.

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PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019

OMG IT’S WEDNESDAY!

CUTEST CRITTER Do you want Plant City to see how cute your favorite pets are? Send your pictures to Staff Writer Breanne Williams at bwilliams@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

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

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

OP EN

PM 7A M T O 1 708 W. SAM ALLEN RD. 1 MILE NORTH OF I-4 EXIT 21

BERNIE MAC AND SHIRLEY ANN: Sometimes family comes from where you least expect it. The lovely pup Bernie Mac and his sister, the bearded dragon lizard Shirley Ann, make an unlikely duo. They spend their days lying on their mom and going on adventures.

ONLINE

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

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LIKE KMART WITHOUT A ROOF!

PLENTY OF FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

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

Thursday, July 4, 2019

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

6:00 to 9:30 pm Plant City Stadium

1810 East Park Road, Plant City FL 33563

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

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

Scheduled to appear on stage: Solaris Band

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Please follow Stadium and parking lot policy: No alcohol on the property (Sec 10-2).

No coolers or outside food or drink are to be brought into the Stadium.

No pets! No loud music or loitering outside the Stadium or in the parking lot.

For more information: www.plantcitygov.com (search July 4 Celebration) or call 813-659-4255 weekdays 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

|

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019

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

Some stories the Observer has published over the past few weeks have created quite a conversation online. Here are your thoughts on what’s happening in the city.

Operation Paying it Forward hooks families up with vehicles — Operation Paying it Forward continues to show the Plant City area that any random act of kindness can go a long way. The Plant City-based group gave two area families free SUVs on June 8 and 10.

COMMENTS: Lori Watson: How Awesome Olivia-Mark Weaver: Thats AWESOME. Congratulations Donnie Tice and family Kathy Kirby: I love Plant City City rolls out red carpet for Home Depot — Plant City has confirmed its support of Home Depot’s proposed regional center Monday evening when commissioners unanimously agreed to a seven-year tax exemption for the company.

COMMENTS: Frances Beaty: Great opportunity for PC and Lakeland !! I’d still like to see a retail location here. I drive to Lakeland as I find Home Depot prices and selection is better than Lowe’s Mason Davis: Not fair at all let them Dodge taxes why nobody else gets to commissioners and leaders in Hillsborough county need to be fired probably won’t work anybody 40 hours a week so they get tax exemptions on that

SCOTLAND: Dave and Kathe Moore recently got back from a European vacation that took them to Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Scotland. They brought a copy of the Observer along for the experience and posed for a photo in front of the historic St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburg, Scotland.

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Clint Pierce: I wonder if plant city gives a seven year tax exemption to small business’s opening up in town? Also $32000 average salary isn’t anything to brag about with the cost of living the way it is

oppose to having the warehouse positions open this way Big Dog’s busted for partying without permits —Big Dog’s Patio threw a biker block party on May 11 without acquiring a single city permit. Now the city has been granted an injunction against the offending parties.

COMMENTS: Sharon Flowers: All the bars need to be shut down anyway. Too many drunks in 1 area starting fights, peeing where ever, etc. My niece lives by their and I’m worried about her getting killed by a drunk or drunk driver. Bring in businesses that are not bars.

Shaun Size: The good ol boy system, AKA, the fun police.

Jess Garcia: Some of these comments are about the city wanting more money..

Every city has rules and they need to be followed no matter what. DUH! Wendi DelValle: Plant City does not want to be a fun town. They make it clear with every action they take. They don’t wanna draw in big crowds....they want the streets to be empty by 9. It’s sad because downtown has so much potential to be a nice place to go and hang out but there’s no where to really go. They need to take lessons from Lakeland and other small towns.

Amanda Holdren: I remember that day.

All those motorcycles were annoying LeAnn Thompson: Go about it the right way, won’t be any problems

Carrie Pacheco: Glad more jobs are coming Plant City’s way. Not sure why people

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JUNE 27, 2019

SPORTS

CHRIS WELBON KARATE TEAM Quick Hits HEADED FOR AAU NATIONALS

The team of 25 will visit Fort Lauderdale next week to try and capture championship gold at the highest level.

TOURNEYS COMING TO AREA PARKS Mike Sansone Park will host Little League District 4 All-Star tournament action starting this weekend and will continue to do so for the following two weekends.

Plant City Little League and others in the district will start competing for baseball and softball glory with 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. starts this Friday night. Games will start Saturday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. After that, baseball and softball games will begin at the same times on July 5 and 6 and then baseball will close things out July 12 and 13.

Florida USSSA Baseball’s Wood Bat Summer Classic tournament will use multiple fields at Plant City Stadium, Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex, Mike Sansone Park, EllisMethvin Park and the MLK Complex Saturday and Sunday. The tourney runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

Make a Play 7v7 will host a youth football tournament at Ellis-Methvin Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Make a Play is a Miami-based organization that hosts national championship tournaments from the 10U level up to 15U and varsity, as well as skills camps. Some of the tournament alumni listed on its website include Atlanta Falcons wideout Calvin Ridley and Alabama wideout Jerry Jeudy.

HAWN RETIRES FROM COACHING FOOTBALL Strawberry Crest head coach Ron Hawn announced June 18 his retirement from football after 17 seasons of coaching, including the last three seasons running Strawberry Crest’s program.

“It’s been a fun ride with some great people along the way,” Hawn wrote in a Facebook post. “I’m not going far, though!”

Hawn coached 10 of his 17 seasons in Florida at the high school level, mostly in the Tampa Bay area (save for one year at Oviedo-Hagerty).

He also coached at the college level from 2003 to 2007. His three seasons at Strawberry Crest make him the second-longest tenured head coach the program has had. Only John Kelly, who coached through three full seasons and part of the Chargers’ 2015 campaign, helmed the ship for a longer period of time.

AREA MAN WINS NAVY HOME RUN DERBY Naval Station Norfolk turned back the clock June 21 with a slow-pitch softball game and home run derby at McClure Field with all players donning 1940s uniforms.

The annual event celebrates the history of the game as played at the field, where Major League Hall-ofFamers with Navy backgrounds played. It was an especially good day for Jack Burke, who won the home run derby.

Burke is a Plant City native who graduated from Plant City High School in 2017 and played baseball for the Raiders.

Justin Kline

Members of Chris Welbon Karate Clubs’ competition team train hard during a June 21 session.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

I

t’s hard to call Chris Welbon Karate Clubs’ 2019 tournament season a “rebuilding year,” even though that’s basically what it was.

That term often gets its run describing sports teams that have experienced high turnover and have to learn to play together from the ground up, to take a few steps back before (hopefully) going forward into championship contention. For the CWKC team, many of those things did

happen — roughly one third to one half of the team was made up of athletes new to the competitive scene.

It’s just that the last part, regression, didn’t happen and there are now 25 kids getting ready to rumble in next week’s 2019 AAU Karate National Championships in Fort Lauderdale. It sounds more like a tuneup than a full-on rebuild.

“I only have five returners from last year, but it’s going well,” Brian Warren, who coaches beginner and novice competitors, said.

“You’ve just got to focus on the basics.”

With so many fresh faces on board, matching or exceeding the medal counts for the school record-breaking 2018 season (299 regular-season medals, 33 at AAU nationals) didn’t seem like a guarantee. Though the CWKC team didn’t meet the previous year’s mark, it still racked up 205 medals in the 2019 Florida competitive season — not bad at all, especially considering the comparative lack of experience.

That marked the third consecu-

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

tive year in which the CWKC program topped 200 medals in the regular season. It also fielded seven state champions.

“I expect the same out of the kids,” Warren said. “The training’s been the same, if not harder.

We expect them to go out there and give it their all. We have a little saying: ‘Do your best, forget the rest.’”

The kids have been working hard in the Mobley Street dojo leading up to their July 3 departure for Fort Lauderdale.

SEE PAGE 14

JUSTIN KLINE

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR Not all programs that promise to help young athletes realize their future pro potential are legit.

N

ot too long ago, I had a conversation with a friend about her young son getting involved in sports.

I’m a big fan of her approach: put him in a sport he likes, let him enjoy playing on his own terms and dictate whether he wants to keep playing it or try something else.

I think now, more than ever, that’s a good look. There are tons of people out there who have no problem taking advantage of kids and parents to make money for themselves. This outside pressure

creates burning holes in your wallet, can make the kids feel trapped in a cycle they want no part of and ultimately doesn’t live up to promises floated during the recruiting process. You really have to be careful not to get caught up in manufactured hype — which is why letting your kid determine their own future instead of you getting overzealous with it is going to ensure everyone involved has a much smoother experience than they otherwise could have. SEE PAGE 14

14

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019

CHRIS WELBON KARATE TEAM HEADED FOR AAU NATIONALS

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

JUSTIN KLINE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

Justin Kline

Many members of the CWKC team are in their first season and excited for nationals.

Thanks to a strong bond between the students, Welbon and Warren, the confidence level in the CWKC program is noticeably high.

Newcomers, like Terrence Bright, are excited for the opportunity to compete at the biggest stage on the highest level they can fight or show their kata and kobudo skills. Maybe a little nervous in some cases, but that doesn’t mean they don’t believe in themselves.

“I’m excited for team kata,” Bright said.

“I’m happy because I mostly get gold every tournament. Last tournament, I only got silver. I want to win gold again.”

The veterans are feeling cool, calm and collected before the tournament. Among those returning to the national stage is Nicholas Karlson, who’s especially eager for competition to start. Karlson had to miss last year’s national championship tournament due to injury and has been hungry for this moment ever since then, hoping to get back and make an impact

in kumite, kata and kobudo events. He’d love to leave Fort Lauderdale as a national champion like four of his teammates did in 2018.

“I’m looking forward to the new competition and seeing who I can beat and what I need to work on,” Karlson said.

“Definitely being in the advanced division this year, it’s a bit more pressure because it’s a higher division. People expect more out of you. But I’m less nervous because I’ve been through the process before.

There’s nothing too crazy to expect, just the higher level of competition.”

Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Observer.

Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

I don’t know that there’s a parent alive who wouldn’t want to know that their kid or kids are going to be superstar athletes one day. But, it’s a problem when people looking to make a buck will throw that status at anyone out there, whether they really are head and shoulders above their teammates or just a little more fundamentally sound than most. So they’ll tell you your kid has great potential and can get there with help from their program, which you have to pay to put the kid in.

When you want nothing but the best for your kids, that’s a pretty attractive hook to bite. What they don’t tell you is how often these extracurricular clubs and teams fall apart, for one reason or another, in a short time and then the coach or coaches are on to the next one. It’s not always malicious, but it can be.

Of course, there really are good coaches and programs out there that can help your kid succeed and get ready for high school sports, where they’ll almost always get their best chance yet to shine. Here’s what you should look for when someone wants your kid to play in their program for a nominal fee.

Check on their reputation, but don’t take their own word for it. You probably know someone who’s been involved with the program, or at least know someone who knows someone who has been. Start there and dig up as much as you can about the program and the people who run it.

Google is your friend, too. There are some great people out there who just happen to field programs with short lifespans, and there are some that get lucky enough to have long-running operations going. If you feel comfortable with the people and programs offering to help your kids succeed, I can’t blame you for going for it.

A truth about many recruiting camps and other events, even some run by well-known shoe and apparel companies I won’t name here, is that they’re not all

as exclusive as some folks will make them out to be. Sometimes kids get letters in the mail “inviting” them to take part in these events and they can look pretty official, almost like someone noticed how well they’ve been playing and wanted to give them a sweet deal. If you’re like me and you call to learn more about the event before you do (in my case, write) anything, you learn straight from the source that anyone can sign up for these camps for a fee and that these invites aren’t really a big deal so much as they are a marketing tool to get more warm bodies out there.

There are ultra-exclusive events out there and if you ask them, they’ll straight up tell you not just anyone can participate.

Though it doesn’t always hurt to attend a camp or event, just do your research to make sure you’re not being misled in any way.

Check the schedules and see what the competition looks like. Some sports are set up to where pretty much all of the clubs will compete under the same umbrella for one state or national championship, which is great. Others (baseball, I’m looking at you) are littered with “state championships” that don’t always mean as much as folks like to let on because the competition pools are tiny in comparison to others. Make sure the league or leagues a program’s involved with are the real deal.

Above all else, before you pull the trigger, make sure it’s something your kids truly want to do. Don’t force them to live out your dreams on your terms or it won’t end well, no matter what anyone tells you.

If all parties involved can agree it’s a good move, it’s a good move.

Fortunately, for those of you living out here in Plant City, there are plenty of legit, reputable extracurriculars nearby to choose from in many sports. It never hurts to be careful, though.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

CITY CELEBRATES NATIONAL PARKS AND RECREATION MONTH Plant City and the rest of the United States look forward to honoring those who keep parks and activities running smoothly every July.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Plant City’s love of its parks is no secret, and you don’t have to spend very long in this strawberry town to see that.

The Recreation and Parks Department works hard year-round to make Plant City a hot spot for sports tournaments and to give residents fulfilling, fun experiences.

Though National Parks and Recreation Month doesn’t officially begin until July, city officials couldn’t wait any longer than Monday night’s commission meeting to get the ball rolling.

Longtime director Jack Holland received a proclamation at the commission meeting for his steadfast commitment to the department and making Plant City a better, more fun place to live and play. Mayor Rick Lott had plenty of praise for Holland and the city’s department.

Lott commended Holland and the department for its work and the immense positive impact the city’s sports programs have had on area youth.

“Everywhere you look in our program, there’s the process of raising great children and the future of Plant City,” Lott said. “Just a couple of weeks ago, we had boys from Plant City High School and Strawberry Crest High School play for the state championship. Those were Little League kids that came out of the Plant City system. We have the U17 Plant City Lancers girls, they won a state championship and the regional championship and they’re down to the final four teams for the national championship. They’re playing in two weeks… isn’t that amazing? Raised right here, all here, live here, train here in Plant City… we wouldn’t have those success stories if it wasn’t for the programs you and your team run.”

Commissioner Mary Mathis also weighed in on the PCRPD youth sports programs, having also seen firsthand what they do.

“My grandson plays soccer and there were 1,200 young people out there on that soccer field during the city’s events, so it was something to see. And Jack, they had it organized and I was just amazed,” Mathis said. “So, keep doing what you’re doing, I appreciate that.”

Other important work done by Holland and the department includes creating and maintaining top-quality playing fields and facilities that draw countless sports tournaments and events, from travel soccer and baseball tournaments in January to the United Youth Football League national championship tournaments in December, nearly every weekend and stimulate the local economy.

“I travel all over the state and other Parks and Recreation departments, they don’t look like ours,” Lott said. “They don’t have the quality of fields, the quality of grass, the quality of equipment. We just look heads and toes better than any community out there I’ve gone to around the state.

We’re very proud of our department.”

One of the city’s biggest events, the 14th annual Fourth of July celebration at Plant City Stadium, is on deck and Holland and his team are hard at work making sure it goes off without a hitch. This year’s free, family-friendly celebration kicks off at 6 p.m. with fireworks scheduled to light up the Plant City skies beginning at 9:15 p.m. There will be face painting, food, games, a rock wall and bungee jumper, live music and much more. Parking opens at 5:30 p.m. and costs $5 per car.

Staff Writer Breanne Williams contributed to this report.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019

PCHS HOSTS ANNUAL HOOPS CAMP The Raiders’ summer youth basketball camp’s first session of 2019 started Monday.

This week, around 80 hoopers from age 6 through 14 have been sharpening their basketball skills at Plant City High School’s court.

The Raiders hosted the youth for the first session of its annual basketball summer camp, which also has a one-week session in July.

The PCHS basketball staff and players work with the kids from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day on drills, IQ and scrimmage action to help them get ready for high school basketball.

The June 2019 session started Monday and will wrap up after today’s camp. The next one will run from July 8 through 11. The July camp registration cost is $120 per camper and forms are available online at plantcitygov.com. Visit the site or contact Billy Teeden at 813967-7551 for more information.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR We asked: What are you most proud of?

“My family.”

— Traci Crook, 51

“Aladdin. I did the musical two “My kids.”

— Kathy Wall, 62 years ago.”

— Carla Plummer, 25

“How much Florida has grown.”

— Andrea Espino, 14

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“I recently got some steady music gigs and I’m able to support myself with just music. I never expected to be able to support myself as a musician in this area but I finally did it.”— Wil Tecla, 26

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Larry Ennis, 76, of Plant City, born on Nov. 11, 1942, entered into eternal rest on June 22, 2019.

He was a second-generation farmer and was extremely patriotic. He loved his family and was a great cook. He enjoyed fishing, boating, NASCAR racing and the Tampa Bay Rays.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judy Ennis; sons, Kevin Ennis (Cheri), Michael Ennis (Virginia), and Brent Ennis (Lisa); grandchildren, Justin Ennis and Alma Kingsley; and great-grandchildren, Skylar and Ashlynn Kingsley.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Ennis; and parents, Homer and Opal Ennis.

A funeral will be held Thursday, June 27 at 11:00 a.m. at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 S. County Rd. 39, Plant City, where the family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. Committal to follow at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City.

Memorial contributions may be made to Moffitt Cancer Center, give.moffitt.org.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Robert Sidney Edwards, Sr. Robert Sidney Edwards, Sr. peacefully entered his eternal reward, embraced in the love of his family and friends, on June 24, 2019, at his home in The Estates at Carpenters, Lakeland.

He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his diligent practice of the law and his dedication and tireless service to his community. Born July 10, 1929, in Miami, Fla., Bob was the son of Hugh and Ouida Edwards and grew up in Mayo, Fla. After graduating from Lafayette High School, Bob headed to the University of Florida for undergraduate and law degrees. While serving as a JAG in the U.S. Air Force, Bob was stationed at England Air Force Base in Alexandria, La., where he met the beautiful and charming Carrie Ann Chicola, working at her family grocery store. The two married in 1954 and moved to Plant City, where he built a law practice and they built a life and family of six children.

His law practice primarily focused on corporate, real estate and family law, but in reality he did whatever he could to help his neighbors with their legal and life questions. And if he couldn’t find a creative solution to a problem, he would find someone

of Directors award for excellence in governance in 2003 after three terms on the board. He was honored by the YMCA with the George Williams Award for helping establish the YMCA and received the Heritage Award in 2011, for preserving the history of Plant City. Following the death of his wife, Carrie, in 1986, Bob didn’t lament or mourn for long, understanding that the Lord never gives you more than you can handle and that He expects us to embrace the gift of life bestowed on us for service to Him. Bob forged a new chapter of happiness with the faithful and devoted Patricia Mann, his “Patsy Ruth,” and added her daughters to his brood to create a family of nine. Bob and Patt were quite a team, traveling the world from Moscow to Tokyo, all while serving their family, church and community in every possible way. Saving his best role for later in life, Bob was an incredible Papa to 23 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He regularly collected sugar (kisses) and although his “horsey” lap always seemed to break, causing a thrilling near-crash to the delight of the little ones, he was always able to return them safely and securely to his lap and its warm embrace. His wisdom and gentle

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THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019

guidance were much sought after by this younger generation as they grew to understand his lessons on forgiveness, loving selflessly and the importance of making others feel special. His influence on all will be greatly missed.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Carrie Ann Edwards, and his brother, Kenny Edwards.

He is survived by his wife, Patt, his sister, Edna Buchanan, sister-in-law Jean Edwards, sister-in-law Cookie Luna, his children, Robbie Ann Lea, Lynn Simeone (Damon), Clare Hicks (Tim), Kay Brown (Jim), Bobby and Brian (Annmarie) Edwards, Barbara Morris, Lynne Ann Bisceglia (Craig) and Nancy Slagle (Bill). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Carrie and Jared Sullivan, Courtney Klein, Michael Peacock, Emily, Christen and Hilary Buckler, Philip, Katie, Patrick, Matt and Teresa Edwards, Michael and Christopher Morris, Shannon Innes, Trisha George, Brian Lewis, Michael and Amy Bisceglia, Lianne Lapierre, Casey, Courtney and Parker Slagle, 22 greatgrandchildren and countless nieces and nephews. The family will receive family and friends on Friday June 28, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the First United

OBITUARIES

Larry Ennis

who could help. Often describing himself as just a “country lawyer,” few people knew that he argued a case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1969. He was passionate about serving the community he loved, working night and day to revitalize downtown Plant City. Realizing he needed to “walk the talk,” he and his law partners led the renovation of the old Wells Building to move their law practice there. He lived to build up the Kingdom of God in every way possible, giving his time, talent and treasure to both the First United Methodist Church and St. Clement Catholic Church, where Carrie and the children worshipped.

The pastors and priests asked and Bob always answered the call, never seeking any credit or recognition, preferring to work behind the scenes. His beloved city is dotted with projects he helped succeed, from the Hillsborough Community College campus to the Otis Andrews Sports Complex to the YMCA, to name a few. An Eagle Scout himself, Bob was honored by the TIMUCUA District of Boy Scouts of America as the Distinguished Citizen of the Year in 2008. He received the Tampa General Hospital Board

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YOUR COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY. FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971 HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

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THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019

Methodist Church of Plant City, 303 N Evers St., Plant City, FL 33563,where services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday June 29. Interment private at Hopewell Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Plant City. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

YOUR CALENDAR

OBITUARIES

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HAPPY BEST BET

THURSDAY, JULY 4 JULY 4 CELEBRATION

Wade Watford

Wade Watford, 78, of Brandon, born on June 29, 1940 in Dothan, Alabama, entered into eternal rest on June 17, 2019.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Kailee Carter

Kailee Carter, 9, of Plant City, passed away on June 22, 2019.

The family will receive friends Saturday, June 29, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 a.m.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

James Richard ‘Dick’ Wilson Jr. Mr. James Richard “Dick” Wilson Jr., 81, of Cochran, GA, died Monday, June 24, 2019 at Heart of Georgia Nursing Home.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m.

Saturday, June 29, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Daniel Cook officiating, with interment in Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mr. Wilson was born in Plant City, FL and was a graduate of Plant City High School. He received his Bachelor degree from Athens College in Athens, AL and his MBA from Mississippi State University.

He worked for several corporations over the years before beginning his career as an educator at Middle Georgia College in 1967. During his tenure, he taught economics and business classes and enjoyed being the sponsor of the Civitan Club.

After retirement in 1995, he enjoyed fishing, carpentry, music and reading about history. He was quick witted, loved to tell a good joke and his laughter was contagious. He was a great storyteller in both written and oral form and was in the process of writing his second novel.

He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, who served his country as a veteran of the U.S. Army, and his Lord and Savior as a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Cochran. He was the son of the late Esther Beatrice Cone Wilson

6 to 9:30 p.m. The City of Plant City Recreation & Parks Department and the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce are hosting the annual July 4th Celebration at the Plant City Stadium, 1810 E. Park Road. Parking is $5 and admission is free. Parking will open at 5:30 p.m. and the grand fireworks finale is at 9:15 p.m. There will be a climbing wall, bungee jumps, airbrushing, balloon art, bounce houses and more. The rainout day is July 5 at 9 p.m. There will be no games or vendors for the rainout, just fireworks and the gates open at 8 p.m.

and James Richard Wilson Sr. and was preceded in death by a Sister, Norma Kay Wilson and a Brotherin-Law, Edward Wilson. Survivors: Wife of 33 years – Mary Ellen Tripp Wilson of Cochran; Daughter – Gretchen Wilson-Tuck (Jeff) of Cochran; Son – Todd Haynsworth Wilson of Cochran; 3 Grandchildren – Britton Amick Tuck of Atlanta, Bailey Marie Wilson (Jared) of Milledgeville, and Jada Lynn Wilson of Cochran; Brother – Harry Wilson (Patti) of Greensboro, NC; Sister- in-Law – Patricia T. Johnson of Newnan; Several Nieces and Nephews.

The family may be contacted at the Wilson residence, 1711 Roddy Hwy., Cochran, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 29. In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital. Stokes- Southerland Funeral Home of Eastman has charge of SSFH arrangements.

THURSDAY, JUNE 27 CHAMBER BOWLING TOURNAMENT

2 to 6 p.m. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce is hosting its bowling tournament at Family Bowl, 2250 US-92.

Registered teams will compete for awards.

The tournament starts at 2 p.m. and the awards are at 5:30 p.m.

RETRO MOVIE NIGHT: TOY STORY

6:33 to 8:33 p.m. Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., is hosting its monthly Retro Movie Night. This month the free event will feature “Toy Story.” Kick back, relax, and head back in time to your favorite classic movies. Watch out for fun themes, sweet movie treats and can’tmiss showings every fourth Thursday.

10 STEPS TO BECOMING FINANCIALLY FIT

7 p.m. Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., is hosting a 10 Steps to Becoming Financially Fit class. Physical fitness is important, but so is financial fitness. Join presenter Michelle Christie from GTE and receive tips on getting your financial fitness back on track. No registration necessary.

FRIDAY, JUNE 28 MOVIE FRIDAY: THOR: RAGNAROK

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

3 p.m. Families are invited to come out to Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., for a fun afternoon movie showing of “Thor: Ragnarok.” Refreshments will be provided. Rated PG-13. Children ages 12 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult.

PLANT CITY FOOD TRUCK RALLY

5 to 9 p.m. The monthly Plant City Food Truck Rally is back and held in downtown Plant City, 102 N. Palmer St. Admission is free, bring a blanket or lawn chair and your

dog and come for a relaxing night on the town. There will be a variety of food trucks and vendors throughout downtown.

MINIFIG TRADING NIGHT

6 p.m. Brick City Bricks, 107 E. Reynolds St., is hosting its monthly Minifig Trading Night in conjunction with the Food Truck Rally. Come and trade your minifigs and give them a new home with other LEGO fans. There will be food, fun and specials.

PLANT CITY TALENTS

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., is hosting a night of amazing talent from some of the finishers of the Strawberry Showcase. Suggested donation of $5 to attend.

SATURDAY, JUNE 29 DANCE CONNECTION RECITAL

12 p.m. Dance Connection is hosting its recital at the 1914 High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. The 2019 recital is called, “It was all started by a mouse.”

For more information call 813-752-1683.

MONDAY, JULY 1 PLANT CITY DAYBREAK ROTARY CLUB

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

TUESDAY, JULY 2 THE WRITER’S LOFT

6 to 8 p.m. Come on out to Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., for the monthly meeting of The Writer’s Loft. All writers are welcome. The group holds meet and greets, shares work, offers writing guidance, creative time, fellowship and more.

There’s still time...

PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA 1507 YMCA Pl., Plant City | 813.757.6677 | tampaymca.org

tampaymca.org/LetsCamp

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Universal Crossword

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

Edited by David Steinberg June 27, 2019

6/27

FORECAST THURSDAY, JUNE 27 High: 94 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 20%

FRIDAY, JUNE 28 High: 90 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 50%

High: 87 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 50%

SUNDAY, JUNE 30 High: 87 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 50%

BLUEBERRIES Shipping point: Central Florida $13-$16

safety” 24 *Protesting at an NFL game 28 “Ohio” supergroup’s initials 29 Programmed to, as a thermostat 30 Best Picture of 2012 33 British brew 35 “Get ___!” (“Cool it!”)

38 *Punch in the kisser 42 Longtime Dove rival 43 Positive aspect 44 Didn’t just pass 45 Jollity 48 “By Jove!”

50 Binge, or a hint to each starred answer’s body part and two letters above it 53 She-bear, in Seville 56 The Eternal City 57 Fort Worth sch.

58 Severity 60 Thurman of “Gattaca” 61 *Marine, colloquially 64 “Hidden Brain” producer 65 Houston MLB team 66 Classic soda brand 67 Expression of gratitude in a text 68 Round vessels?

69 It may be deadly DOWN 1 Realtor, for one 2 Chocolate-caramel candies 3 King ___ (deadly snake) 4 Food additive letters 5 It borders the Atl. but not the Pac. 6 56-Across fountain 7 Amtrak vehicles 8 “Gil Blas” author 9 Seeing-___ dog 10 Quirky 11 Trace of color 12 Lake transport 14 Afro and dreads 18 Dampens 22 Klondike Gold Rush city 25 Really uptight 26 “South Park” kid 27 Not much 28 Drug once used in anesthesia 30 Dog show org.

31 Genetic letters 32 Brother of Chico, Groucho, Harpo and Zeppo 34 Medium’s claim, briefly 36 What a neat drink lacks 37 Advanced deg.

39 Actress Sedgwick 40 Like Death Valley 41 It smells 46 Forearm med. exam 47 Greek goddess of sorcery 49 “I’m mad, matey!”

50 Weightlifter’s sound 51 Zing 52 ___-Grain 53 Decorative moldings 54 2014 Winter Olympics site 55 Alan of 30-Across 59 Road trip stop 61 ___ Cruces, New Mexico 62 “Dear” 63 Road curve shape

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SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, June 27

6:34a

8:28p

Friday, June 28

6:34a

8:28p

Saturday, June 29

6:34a

8:28p

Sunday, June 30

6:35a

8:28p

Monday, July 1

6:35a

8:28p

Tuesday, July 2

6:35a

8:28p

Wednesday, July 3

6:36a

8:28p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

Turning Points by Jules P. Markey

ACROSS 1 Go ballistic?

4 Spunk 10 “Yadda, yadda, yadda”: Abbr.

13 Word before “gravy” or “grief” 15 Carriage named for an English county 16 MI6 : U.K. :: ___ : U.S. 17 *Extra effort in cleaning 19 MSNBC alternative 20 Like the Vikings 21 Itinerary word 22 Utah lily 23 Org. hidden in “flight

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019

July 2 New

July 15 Full

July 7 First

June 28 Last

RAINFALL Monday, June 17

0.07

Tuesday, June 18 0.05 Wednesday, June 19

0.26

Thursday, June 20 0.00 Friday, June 21

0.00

Saturday, June 22 0.00 Sunday, June 23

0.00

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2019 8.86 in.

2019 3.48 in.

2018 13.03 in.

2018 2.08 in.

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

50 Binge, or a 9 Seeing-___ 37 Advanced ACROSS hint to each dog deg.

1 Go ballistic? starred 10 Quirky 39 Actress 4 Spunk Trace ofatcolor Sedgwick 10 Send“Yadda, your photo submissionsanswer’s to Associate Editor11 Justin Kline jkline@PlantCityObserver.com body part 12 Lake 40 Like Death yadda, or hashtag #iloveplantcity onand Instagram for @igersplantcity to feature. two lettransport Valley yadda”: Abbr. ters above it 14 Afro and 41 It smells 13 Word before 53 She-bear, in dreads 46 Forearm “gravy” or Seville 18 Dampens med. exam “grief” 56 The Eternal 22 Klondike 47 Greek 15 Carriage City Gold Rush goddess of named for 57 Fort Worth city sorcery an English sch.

25 Really uptight 49 “I’m mad, county 58 Severity 26 “South matey!”

16 MI6 : U.K. :: 60 Thurman of Park” kid 50 Weightlifter’s ___ : U.S. “Gattaca” 27 Not much 17 *Extra effort sound 61 *Marine, 28 Drug once in cleaning 51 Zing colloquially used in 19 MSNBC 52 ___-Grain 64 “Hidden anesthesia alternative 53 Decorative Brain” 30 Dog show 20 Like the moldings producer org.

Vikings 54 2014 Winter 65 Houston 31 Genetic letters 21 Itinerary Olympics site MLB team 32 Brother word 55 Alan of 66 Classic soda of Chico, 22 Utah lily 30-Across brand Groucho, 23 Org. hidden 59 Road trip 67 Expression Harpo and in “flight stop of gratitude Zeppo safety” 61 ___ Cruces, in a text 34 Medium’s 24 *Protesting New Mexico 68 Round claim, briefly at an NFL 62 “Dear” vessels?

36 What a neat game 63 Road curve 69 It may be drink lacks 28 “Ohio” shape deadly supergroup’s Vanessa Borges recentlyDOWN captured this shot on her way to work of the sun risingANSWER over the train initials PREVIOUS PUZZLE depot on Palmer Street.

1 Realtor, for 29 Programmed one to, as a Follow us on social media: @PCObserver on Instgram, ON L I N E @PlantObserver 2 Chocolate-on Twitter and Plant City Observer thermostat caramel 30 Best Picture on Facebook. candies of 2012 3 King ___ 33 British brew 35 “Get ___!” (deadly snake) 4 Food additive (“Cool it!”) letters 38 *Punch in 5 It borders the the kisser Atl. but not 42 Longtime the Pac. Dove rival 43 Positive 6 56-Across aspect fountain 7 Amtrak 44 Didn’t just vehicles pass 8 “Gil Blas” 45 Jollity 6/26 © 2019 Andrews McMeel Universal 48 “By Jove!” author www.upuzzles.com

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