6.30.22 PLCO by Plant City Observer

Plant City Observer

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YO UR HOMETOW N. YO UR NEWSPAP ER .

VOLUME 6, NO. 203

YOUR HOMETOWN. YOUR NEWSPAPER FREE

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THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

PROCLAMATIONS AWARDED, PROJECTS PUSHED FORWARD BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

PARKS AND REC AND JUNETEENTH RECOGNIZED, DEVELOPMENTS APPROVED

At the recent Plant City City Commission meeting on June 27, two proclamations were presented. Director Julie Garretson of the Plant City Parks and Recreation Department was present to receive the accolade from the commission. It was given in recognition of the Plant City Partks and Recreation Department providing a safe space for the community, organizing youth activities, and pro-

viding educational programs. The commission then presented Rev. Maurice Wilson with a proclamation announcing June 19 as Juneteenth in Plant City. This comes as Plant City celebrated the federal holiday with a weekend filled with events, including the Juneteenth Parade. The functions took place from June 17 to June 19.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

PLANT CITY POLICE OFFICER SAVES BOY FROM BURNING HOME MICHAL PIETRUSINSKI TOOK ACTION TO SAVE LIVES BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

When Officer Michal Pietrusinski of the Plant City Police Department went for a peaceful walk in his Zephyrhills neighborhood, little did he know that an emergency would arise where lives would depend on him. On June 23, he and his fiancée, Sharon Navarro, were walking down their block when they saw a large amount of smoke coming from the rooftop of one of his neighbors’ homes. “That’s not right,” he said. “Those are not cooking vents. There’s no way they’re barbequing like that inside the house.” He then saw the woman of the home running towards it with her autistic daughter in her hands. The mother also had two autistic sons who were in the home at the time. Pietrusinski immediately grabbed a water hose nearby.

Courtesy: Pasco County Fire Rescue

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

NEWS BRIEFS

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

Kiwanis ’n Cops ’n Kids The Plant City Police Department, along with Sharon Moody and the Kiwanis Club of Plant City, are proud to work together for the Kiwanis ’n Cops ’n Kids literacy program, a program aimed at promoting children’s literacy and community trust in law enforcement by collecting gently used books and organizing events where police officers, kids and Kiwanians can get come together and read. PCPD is assisting Moody with a book drive for this program, The book drive is in search of new or gently used books that will be donated to elementary school aged children. Anyone who would like to purchase new books can do so via Amazon and all books can be sent directly to the PCPD Headquarters at 1 Police Place, Plant City, Florida 33563.

United Food Bank receives donation from Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Charities recently donated the proceeds from their annual fishing tournament to the United Food Bank of Plant City. Over 70

teams participated in this year’s one-day fishing tournament, with TAMCO as the presenting sponsor and the United Food Bank as the beneficiary. A check was presented by Chief Deputy Donna Luszynski from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. United Food Bank’s Executive Director Mary Heysek was in person to receive their donation from Chief Deputy Lusczynski. “We were honored to be selected as this year’s beneficiary,” Heysek said. “Thank you to HCSO Charities and our continued partnership with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Your support of our efforts is unmeasurable.” Proceeds will be used to kick off the United Food Bank’s capital campaign for their new building fund. Incoming United Food Bank board chair, Dodie White, along with Marsha Passmore, UFB board member and Leigh Scott, UFB marketing coordinator where also present. The United Food Bank has been operating since 1991 with a mission to assist those in need, moving them from a state of hunger and impoverishment to self-sufficiency, empowerment and self-reliance. The agency meets 144,068 individual requests for services per year (2021), up from serving 110,000 individual requests for emergency food and other services in 2020. United Food Bank relies on community support, now more than ever, with needs soaring, to maintain its $5.8 million annual budget,

including $4.8 million in food supplies, with a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator, exceeding industry standards of charities with its cause.

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

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

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the owner of the studio. “We’ll compete this weekend against anybody from all over the nation who got invited to go to finals. Drawdy’s Dance School has Showstoppers is such a national drawn attention and curiosity competition, it pulls from all over. from those coming down Collins Last year we were competing Street when they see a group ofDrawdysDanceSchool.com against kids from Arizona, kids Collins St, Plant City parents – some with lawn chairs-111 N.from Ohio, kids from Tennessee.” 813 385 2384 watching through a window. The school will be taking 18 The youthful dancers from the routines to the last competition school are gearing up for their of the year. competition at the Showstoppers While it’s not mandatory, the finals in Orlando being held from school offered to take the winners July 4 to July 8. to the finals. Their skills and determination It’s a major accomplishment for are evident by the row of trophies the school that has only been in and banners that line the walls of existence for five years. both of the school’s studios. At first, she thought it would Drawdy’s dance students have be a financial burden to start a already competed in four other business. She and a friend were competitions and the upcom- teaching classes at the YMCA and ing finals will be their last for the when the numbers grew, she had a year. change of heart. In the last two years, they’ve “At the end of our first recital, won in the Top 3 overall with their we had just around 60 and every performances. year we’ve exponentially grown,” The most recent competition she said. was the regionals in April, held in This year, it ended its recital Lakeland. session in June with 185 students, In South Carolina, three of including those taking music Drawdy’s dancers won first classes as well. About 40 dancers place in every category and were enroll for competitions. awarded with scholarships. At this point, both studios are “Our kids go and they do really, full during its days of operation – really well,” said Amanda Drawdy, Monday to Friday. BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Further beyond one of the dance studios can be found a room where Drawdy’s husband has music lessons. The dance classes were initially held at the back of the Dark Horse Music Store, but when the number of students began to grow, Drawdy had to find a more spacious environment to accommodate her students. “Within eight months we had outgrown that space and had to find something else,” she said. Classes were then being held exclusively in one of the two studios that are side by side. When the number of students kept expanding, Drawdy then acquired the second studio. The school offers lessons for those as young as age 2. “We are definitely a presence from 4 to 8, every night of little people in downtown Plant City,” she said. “Most nights we have at least two of our little kid classes.” For those under age 18, they have the ability to be placed either in intermediate, advanced, or competitive levels. At 18, dancers can still perform at the school but can only do the competitive level. The competitive dance routines that are currently being taught

revolve around ballet, lyrical, and jazz, tap, and hip hop. Students typically rehearse with those in their age group, however, kids in the same family, whose ages range, can perform in their own group. They will be having a party right before finals as a pre-celebration. Drawdy’s and her friend grew up as dance partners. Starting her own school was a way for Drawdy to make lessons more affordable. “I started dancing when I was 2,” she said. “I love dancing. When I turned 16, I started helping to teach in a studio in Auburndale and I loved dancing. I had a scholarship to go dance…but I decided to go the route of teaching, so I taught for 10 years in public schools: Springhill Elementary, Pinecrest, and then in Polk County for one year, but I wasn’t happy with that. My husband is also musically advanced. He too wasn’t happy being a teacher. He wanted to step out of that. He's a full-time worship leader. He’s spent a year being a pastor.” The instructors at the studio all have experience dancing and use their discipline to help their students to stay focused. Some students have conveyed their desire to dance in the long run and turn it into a career. Many want to do more than just wave from a float during the Christmas parade, but to actually put

on a performance, Drawdy said. This was the first year that they appeared in front of a float during the Florida Strawberry Festival Parade, but they wanted to liven it up with their dance routines. The groups of parents and grandparents looking inside at the performances through the window has become a way of advertising when they catch people’s eye and have them wondering what’s intriguing on the other side of the window. Drawdy also notes the commitment that the families have, even weathering the Florida heat. Her vision is to build another studio with more accommodations and would love to remain in downtown. Right now, she is trying to keep her students prepared for their special days coming up in Orlando.

Courtesy of Amanda Drawdy The students at the Drawdy Dance School not only get to perform during class sessions, but during state and national competitions. From July 4 to July 8, students will compete in the finals competition, in Orlando.

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

PLANT CITY

This week on Cops Corner: Plant City Po-

Observer

lice investigate stolen jewelry, a fraudulent charge and a fleeing suspect. istock

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

JUNE 17 RUN, RUN, RUDOLPH 300 block of Grant St. Warrant arrest: Officers were dispatched to an apartment complex at the listed location in reference to an individual with active outstanding warrants possibly being in the area. Officers made contact with the suspect as they were entering a white SUV, along with another individual, and fled on foot as officers gave chase. The suspect was subsequently transported to Orient Road Jail for booking. A computer check revealed nothing negative regarding the second individual and they left the area in possession of the vehicle. CARD SHARK 200 block of W. Alexander St. Theft: Officers made contact with the victim who stated that an unknown suspect removed her wallet from inside her purse while she was shopping, later using a credit card to make a purchase at Walmart.

UNWELCOME GUEST 1200 block of Townsgate Ct. Trespass after warning/drug arrest: An officer made contact with an individual that was standing in the parking lot at the listed location. A previous trespass warning check was conducted and showed that the individual had previously been trespassed from the location on June 16 for one year. The individual was placed under arrest and transported to Orient Road Jail. EYES WIDE OPEN 600 block of Tyner St. Attempted Grand Theft Auto: An officer made contact with the victim at the listed location who advised that he observed unknown individuals attempting to steal his vehicle.

JUNE 18 TURNING A BLIND EYE Thonotosassa Rd. / W. Baker St. DWLSR: An officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for failing to stop at a steady red light. The driver was then placed under arrest for driving with a suspend-

ed/revoked license with knowledge of two or more convictions and was transported to Orient Road Jail.

JUNE 19 TELLING ON YOURSELF 2300 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Warrant arrest: Officers made contact with an individual at the listed location, stumbling on the sidewalk. The individual was highly intoxicated and remained yelling at vehicles as they passed by. While speaking to the individual, they revealed their name and date of birth along with a Florida driver’s license. An FCIC/NCIC check revealed two possible warrants out of Taylor County, later confirmed by Taylor County. The individual was subsequently arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident. PARTY SUPPLIES 2400 block of Mud Lake Rd. Burglary: An officer met with the victim at the listed location in reference to the theft of a minifridge, two powered subwoofers and two powered speakers.

JUNE 21 GOLD STANDARD 800 block of W. Dr. Martin Luther Kind Blvd. Armed burglary: An officer responded to a business at the listed location in reference to a criminal mischief complaint. Once on the scene, it was learned that the business had actually been burglarized, resulting in the loss of sterling silver earrings and rings, valued at approximately $13,000, gold amethyst necklace, valued at $1,400, and a 14k gold chain, valued at $1,200. A LONG LIST W. Hwy 574 / W. Lake St. Flee to elude/resist/leaving the scene: An officer responded to the listed location in reference to a traffic accident where a vehicle fled the scene. One individual was subsequently arrested and charged with fleeing to elude law enforcement, leaving the scene of a crash with property damage, resisting an officer without violence and driving an unregistered motor vehicle.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

PROJECTS APPROVED; ACCOLADES RECEIVED

PARKS AND REC AND JUNETEENTH PRAISED, PROPOSALS MOVE FORWARD.

Courtesy of Yvonne Fry Both the Plant City Parks and Recreation Department as well as the Juneteenth holiday were recognized and awarded by the Plant City City Commission, on June 27.

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

LYKES SOUND WALL PLANT SUBDIVISION

The commission approved a waiver for the relief of sidewalks as well as a dead-end street that exceeds 1,500 feet. There is a guideline that requires sidewalks internally in all subdivisions, but was exempt for this project. Another guideline that the commission waivered was the requirement of a cul-de-sac at the terminal end of a roadway. This restriction is put in place to protect the city’s emergency vehicle and solid waste trucks so they have a safe place to turn around. The cul-de-sac radius is constructed in a unique way to provide that easement for vehicles. The roadway for this particular project will head into a parking lot which will allow room for turning without the need of a cul-de-sac. The applicant of the property also requested and was granted

a preliminary plot approval for a 3-lot non-residential subdivision. The lots vary in size with the smallest being over 7 acres. Its front yard setback is 35 feet for the interior lot and 35 feet for the corner lot. For the rear yard, the interior lot is 25 feet and the corner lot is 25 feet. The side yard to the lot line, is 25 feet and the corner lot is 25 feet. The side yard to the right-of-way has a corner lot of 35 feet. The property is located at the southeast corner of Turkey Creek Road and Lykes Road and spans approximately 47.25 acres. The plat of land was initially approved by the Plant City Planning Board. Robyn Baker, the senior planner for the Plant City Planning and Zoning Department was present to go more in depth with the project. “As we all know, Turkey Creek in this area is being widened currently, and as we were exploring this project, we reached out to Hillsborough County who

did state for the record that they would not be requiring sidewalks along Turkey Creek Road in this area, which is generally why we require sidewalks within the subdivision like this, to connect pedestrians to the external roads to the project,” she said. “The other reason would be that this is a very heavy, industrial type use, where you don’t really see as much pedestrian activity in this type of area, and so Hillsborough County gave the okay to not provide sidewalks along Turkey Creek in this area.” An initial analysis report verified that it is consistent with the Imagine 2040: Plant City Comprehensive Plan. According to the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission, there are wetlands in the area and it objects to this project because of any wetland impacts. The developer will be responsible for connecting to existing water and wastewater lines. Water, sewer, and reclaimed water

needs to be connected to existing lines along Turkey Creek Road. Turkey Creek Road is a Hillsborough County corridor. Any access to Turkey Creek Road has to go through Hillsborough County. The city’s engineering staff reviewed the preliminary plat and the internal streets and had no objections. On May 25, the planning board approved the plan by 7-0, forwarding the waiver request to the city commission. LAKESIDE STATION PLANNED DEVELOPMENT

The commission also approved the developer’s modification proposal of the Lakeside Station Community Unit District, located south of E. U.S. Highway 92, east of Park Road, and west of S. Wiggins Road. The district was already approved as a mixed-use development requiring a combination of residential, commercial, and industrial uses.

Modifications that can now be made are • Changing the name from Lakeside Station Community Unit District to Lakeside Station Planned Development District • Removing a portion of the boundary on the site plan that was mistakenly included on the original Community Unit Plan that is not in city limits and is not in the legal description • Including a potential external cross access location • Including residential uses to Village 2 as an allowed use • Including industrial uses to Villages 4 and 8 as an allowed use • Including a 150-foot-wide enhanced buffer along the eastern side of Village 8 On May 25, the planning board approved the request by 7-0 for modifications made by the developer.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

LOCAL OFFICER RESCUES BOY FROM FIRE MICHAL PIETRUSINSKI RESCUED YOUTH

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

He sprayed a burning couch that was engulfed in flames, but it had little effect. The smoke was too thick to see through and made him tearyeyed, he recalled. “With all of the military experience and academy experience, it only helped me to stay calm, to be focused, to do what I had to do.” He crawled on the ground and yelled out to the boys to follow the sound of his voice. When he got no response, he sprayed himself with water, and soaked a shirt, putting it over his mouth to help him breathe. He was finally able to locate one of the boys and safely took him outside to his mother. Pietrusinski went back into the home and tried again to extinguish the fire and locate the other boy. Pasco County Fire Rescue arrived on the scene at that point. Firefighters then entered the home working their way through the thick smoke themselves to locate the other son. Other firefighters began to perform a medical assessment on the boy that Pietrusinski had brought outside and it was determined that he did not have any medical issues. Captain Craig Harris, and firefighters Timothy McCormick and

Joshua Casal successfully located the other son in a bathroom. He was conscious and breathing but the fire department requested a helicopter to transport the boy to the hospital as a precautionary measure. Pietrusinski and the boy he rescued were also take to the hospital. However, after being released from the hospital at 6 a.m., he decided to go to work that day. He is a new recruit to the Plant City Police Department and was sworn in on June 10 of this year. Pietrusinski is an immigrant from Poland who came to the U.S. in 2003. He graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in history, but decided to take a different career path in public service. He also served over seven years in the U.S. Navy and was a search and rescue swimmer for four years. He stated that he did not have any formal training for fire rescue but his actions on that day were instinctual. “I was at the right place at the right time, thank God.”

Courtesy of Cpt. Al Van Duyne of the Plant City Police Department Michal Pietrusinski, a new officer at the Plant City Police Department took action in saving the lives of two boys trapped in a burning house on June 23.

Courtesy: Pasco County Fire Rescue

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

CUTEST CRITTER

Do you want Plant City to see how cute your favorite pets are? Send your pictures to Staff Writer Brian Fernandes at bfernandes@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE Did you take the Observer with you on vacation? Send your pictures to Associate Editor Taylor Jenkins at tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

SWEET PEA AND KIKI: Deanne and Jim Beier submitted this photo of their cats Sweet Pea and Kiki, adopted from shelters in Lakeland and Port Charlotte in 2019. Since joining the family, the two sisters are never far apart and love to do most things together, most notably lounging and sleeping.

ARGENTINA: George and Olga Hearne spent four weeks in Argentina visiting family, making sure to bring along their copy of the Plant City Observer. These two pictures were taken with the Observer in Termas de Rio Hondo and Mar del Plata.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

New Bank Arrives in Plant City

Citizens Bank & Trust opened new branch in town BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Citizens Bank & Trust is the latest financial institute to open in Plant City on June 21. The temporary office is based at 1802A James L. Redman Pkwy as there are plans to build the official office from the ground up on the same corridor. It also is now the newest branch in Florida joining others located in Auburndale, Bartow, Lake Wales, Lakeland, Dundee, Frostproof, Ft. Meade, Winter Haven, and Haines City. Last year, Valrico and Dade City had new branches built. Greg Littleton, president and CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust, sees potential in Plant City, especially at its current and soon-to-come locations. “We do feel like it is really in the heart of the main corridor of Plant City,” he said. “We think it’s a natural fit for us and the perfect move… the community is one we can understand and one we’re familiar with.” Growth is occurring just south of the location, Littleton added. The site for the permanent bank building has already been purchased and will be located in front of the Aldi grocery store, off of James L. Redman Parkway. The Citizens Bank and Trust will be equipped with the traditional accessories found in the average bank. Spanning approximately 4,000 square feet, it will hold multiple offices along with the bank teller counters, and a drive thru as well as an ATM for convenience. Services include home mortgages, commercial loans, consumer loans, trusts, and investment assistance. “Everybody counts their service and I would do the same,” Littleton said. “I do believe we offer old fashioned customer service with all the

technology that you would want and need in a bank. I really feel like we have the best of both worlds.” To make sure that the bank is operating sufficiently, lead officers and employees hold meetings throughout the year. Citizens Bank and Trust was founded in Frostproof in 1920. Since its inception, it has grown throughout Polk County, and several towns outside the county. The Plant City branch is the 17th bank in the region. It is family owned with five shareholders and has been passed down the family tree for three generations. Littleton became the president and CEO in 2001 and was recently named as the 2022 Banker of the Year by the Florida Bankers Association, in Orlando. The award is given to someone who exemplifies a strong commitment to the banking industry and service to the community. “It was very heartwarming to be chosen for that this year and I do believe it’s a testament to our bank as much as anything,” he said. “Our core philosophy really is all about…serving the community and we encourage our employees, especially our leadership and officers, to give Courtesy of Marianne George back to the community and to be involved in Greg Littleton is the current president and CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust. It opened up a new branch in organizations.” Plant City on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. Littleton also serves as the immediate past chair for the BancServ. Inc Board of Directors and is starting his second term on the governThere is no official open date for the ment relations council. BancServ operates as permanent building, but it could posa wholly owned for-profit subsidiary for the sibly occur next year, Littleton said. Florida Bankers Association. Citizens Bank and Trust also offers a mobile app with 24/7 use for making deposits, paying bills, checking balances, and make transfers.

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SPORTS

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

After two years at Durant, pitcher Ariana Rego transferred to Strawberry Crest and became a crucial piece of their roster as they battled their way to a 14-6 record and a district championship this past season. In some ways Rego says that the transition from Durant to Crest was easy, with some of her closest friends in Kylee Dodson, Hannah Booth and Alexa Ringuette already on the Chargers’ softball team. But without much high school playing experience, the transition on the field was a tougher challenge. “In the beginning I hadn’t really played high school ball so I was really nervous,” Rego said. “I remember my first preseason game I was actually shaking. I was nervous and I didn’t do well at all. Then, once preseason was over, I started to get more confident… I grew in confidence on the mound this season, I would say I became a better teammate – having to rely on my team – and then being able to know that I’m contributing to something big like that, it meant a lot to me.” As her confidence rose, Rego’s impressive performances began to stack up. She pitched every single inning for the Chargers this season, totaling 19 complete games in 19 appearances en route to a 2.61 earned run average, an opposing batting average of .199 and a dominant 150 strikeouts over 123.2 innings pitched. At the plate, she hit .442 in 52 at-bats with eight runs batted in, two runs scored, two doubles and one home run. “Rego has been a huge addition to this team,” head coach Ashton Johnson said. “Like I’ve told so many people, if she didn’t transfer or something went wrong with paperwork or if she changed her mind, we would have had a very different sea-

son. She’s very fast, she gets on base well, she does her job when we need her to. Not only pitching, but she stepped up a lot at the plate as well.” With Rego heading into her senior season next year and a roster that is returning all but four players, one that includes six rising seniors, Crest is primed for another potential strong run in 2023. “We’ll be great, we’ll go past districts,” Rego said. “It starts with Lola [Coole] in the outfield, she’s amazing out there. Then Kennedy [Shea] at short, it’s hard to stop that.” First reported by Will Turner at Bay Made Fastpitch, the trio of Rego, Ringuette and Dodson all announced verbal commitments to Lynn University in Boca Raton earlier this month. “So for Lynn, it was really a quick process actually,” Rego said. “We talked at a camp, me, Alexa and Kylee did, and we scheduled a visit. What I loved about the school was that it was very small, I wanted a small school from the start. It has as many kids as Crest does, so I liked that… Committing with Alexa and Kylee is amazing. I play travel ball with them too and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

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

NEW ERA BEGINS FOR DURANT VOLLEYBALL

Durant alumni Molly Settles to take over as the next head coach for the Durant volleyball team. TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Durant alumna Molly Settles will take over as the newest head coach of the Cougars’ volleyball team this upcoming season. While the sport has grown into an integral role in Settles’ life, she had never played a single point of volleyball when she first arrived at Durant as a freshman. “When I first started we were actually at a basketball practice during summer conditioning my freshman year,” Settles said. “The volleyball coach recruited my sister and I because we were tall and athletic so we started our ninth grade year, fell in love with the sport and I’ve never left.” As freshmen, Settles and her twin sister

Amanda joined the junior varsity volleyball team, eventually becoming a vital part of the 1999 varsity team that won the school’s first ever state championship before moving on to play four more years together at Georgia State. “I think that her resume speaks for itself, and not that she’s going to use that to validate her position at all, but it speaks to that,” principal Gary Graham. said. “And the girls that were a part of our program last year when Coach Settles helped out, I think they understood that and understood that she was once a player in their same position. And she also understands, she had

never played a point of volleyball before she entered into high school. Of course it helps that she’s right at six foot tall, that helps a little bit, and she’s pretty athletic, but she can take those raw kids that have never played volleyball before. It’s nice to have that club experience and middle school experience, but she’ll also reach out to those other kids as well and do a lot of teaching, which is needed with our program.” With three state championships in program history, Durant volleyball finished last season with a 7-9 record and will enter next season in search of their first winning record since going 10-9 in 2017.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

MEET DURANT VOLLEYBALL’S NEWEST HEAD COACH

Settles was a part of Durant’s first state championship team.

Molly Settles (right) with her sister Amanda Gonser and Durant principal Gary Graham.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

“It’s very exciting for me,” Settles said. I’ve coached several different schools and clubs in the area but coming back to Durant is a whole different feeling because I went there. Coming back to my alumni school is kind of a different, thrill-seeking feeling than coaching the other teams, so I think that’s cool. I’m really excited to get them working in July. We’re going to get them conditioning and see what the future holds, hopefully going in the right direction, getting them back on track and having a winning season.” Settles joins Claybo Varnum as yet another alumni and former student-athlete that has recently taken over as a head coach at Durant. Varnum immediately began helping with the football program after graduating, later joining the staff as a teacher and continuing to serve as an assistant coach before taking over the football program prior to last season, leading the Cougars to an 8-3 record and an appearance in the regional quarterfinals, the team’s highest single-season win total since 2016. Graham pointed to the unique culture at Durant as they continue to see former student-athletes return to give their time and effort as teachers and coaches. “I think it’s more than kind of cool, I think it’s something that I can’t turn away from,” Graham said. “I don’t ever have to question their commitment, their investment in Durant High School. Whether they played on a state championship team or were just a part of our culture here at Durant, they know the expectations whether it’s on the field or on the court, but more importantly off of it. A good coach will probably make the difference in some wins and losses during the season but a great coach is going to make the difference in lives. I’ve already seen that in some of the things that Coach Varnum has been able to instill in these young men and I know that Coach Settles will have the

same effect. They’re building citizens that will continue beyond Durant, whether they play football or volleyball or whatever at the next level or not. That’s important to these coaches but what’s more important to these coaches is what they’re doing off of the court, how they’re representing their school, how they’re representing their family, and I know that’s front and center in both of their minds. We’re proud to have them come back to Durant to give… Just to have that commitment from the Alumni, it’s immeasurable.” Settles calls Durant a “family experience,” which is fitting both literally and metaphorically as she added that her daughter will be entering her sophomore season with the Cougars’ volleyball program and that she’s excited to help give her a similar experience to the one she had when she was a studentathlete. “I think it’s just a real family experience. You want to go back and watch football games, you want to go back and watch volleyball games, even if you don’t have kids there. Just building that family experience, I would say, is huge.” In the past, Settles has coached at Plant City High School, Spoto High School and spent seven years as an assistant with Newsome High School’s program before heading home to Durant as an assistant last season. Now named the program’s next head coach, Settles has the opportunity to take over and help grow a program that she played a part in building.

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

JULY 4TH

CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY:

City of Plant City Parks & Recreation Department Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce

Monday, July 4th, 2022 (rainout date Tuesday, July 5-fireworks only)

50 50/ LE F F RA

E FRE IES IT TIV AC

6:00 P.M.- 9:30 P.M. Plant City Stadium

1810 East Park Road, Plant City FL 33563

FO VE OD ND OR S

(No street parking on Park Road or Jim Johnson Road)

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

LIV MU E SIC

A FAMILY ORIENTED EVENT 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 boom boxes or loitering outside the Stadium or in the parking lot.

For more information call 813-659-4255 or email recinfo@plantcitygov.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR We asked Plant City: What’s your favorite way to celebrate the 4th of July? “Sit at home and lie about finishing all my unfinished crafts/projects.” - Deon Black “God. Family. Food. In that order.” Sheila Alberson Brock “At home with AC, and without rude people.” - Tiffany Jones “We been going for years to the Plant city Stadium to watch awesome fireworks that are put on by StingRay Chevrolet.” - Brenda Thomas

“Usually I spend it at Olive Garden munching on breadsticks but this year I’m going to be on the beach soakin’ up that sun baby!” - Ashley Saunders “In Colorado and 70 degrees.” Bruce Hildreth “BBQ, family, fun and swimming.” - Jennifer “In the water with a beer.” - Mike Archer “At the range!” - Tonya Diane

St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation presents

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Benefiting

22-2230698_0622

AROUND TOWN

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Gerald “Gerry” C. DuBois, 76, of Plant City, Fla.,, born on Aug. 18, 1945, entered into eternal rest on June 21, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

Taking care of Laurie Richard L. Bryan Herman Lloydeach other is Lloyd what Richard L. Bryan, 73, of Valrico, Fla., born in Bartow on July 21, 1948, entered into eternal rest on June 24, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

Oscar Taking careJoseph of McGee Laurie Lloyd, 59, of Plant each other is what Baxter community City, Fla., passed away on Oscar Joseph McGee, 96, community about. Thursday, June 16, 2022. of Plant City, Fla., passed Hermon Lloyd Baxter, 90,is all Laurie was born Aug. 30, is all awayabout. on Wednesday, June of Plant City, Fla., born in

1962. 22, 2022. Oscar was born Mayo, Fla. on Nov. 27, 1931, dedicated to helping families create a W E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E our community Fondwe’re memories and Nov. 20, 1925. entered into eternal rest on unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. dedicated to helping families W E ’the R E life P R OitUrepresents. D TO S E RV E our community celebrates As your Dignity Memorial professionals, expressions of sympathy Fondwe’re memories and ex-create a June 23, 2022. unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, may be> shared at www. pressions of sympathy may Expressions>of condo- Travel Assistance Bereavement The Compassion Helpline® > 100% Service Guarantee National at Planwww.WellsMeTransferability WellsMemorial.com for the be >shared lence at HopewellFuneral. > Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® R Lloyd family. morial.com for the McGee com. Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. R family. ®

Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival.

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Pastor Robert ‘Bobby’ Lewis Miller Pastor Robert “Bobby” Lewis Miller, 78, of Tampa, Fla., born in Brunswick, Ga. on Dec. 13, 1943, entered into eternal rest on June 22, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

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Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy

Troy Tommie Lewis

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

OBITUARIES

Gerald ‘Gerry’ C. DuBois

813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com

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Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy

813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com

Richard ‘Gene’ Troy Tommie Lewis, 82, Taking care of E. Burtz M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

10/27/15 10:42 AM M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

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of Plant City, Florida, born on Sept. 17, 1939, entered Richard “Gene” E. Burtz, into eternal rest on June 77, of Plant City, Fla., 23, 2022. passed away on Thursday, Expressions of condoMay 5, 2022. Gene was lence at HopewellFuneral. born Dec. 15, 1944 in Plant com. City, Florida. we’re dedicated to helping families create a W E ’R E P R OU D TO SE RV E our community and meaningful memorial with personal, compassionate care since 1896. Fondunique memories and ex-that truly celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, pressions of sympathy may > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability > Theat Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Assistance be shared www.WellsMemorial.com R for theCity Burtz family. HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM Proudly supporting the Plant Strawberry Festival.

each other is what

community

is all about.

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Alden John Hicks Alden John Hicks, 21, of Lithia, Florida, born in Brandon on March 23, 2001, entered into eternal rest on June 23, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

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ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

10/27/15 10:42 AM

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

YOUR CALENDAR

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

BEST BET MONDAY, JULY 4 JULY 4TH CELEBRATION Coordinated by the Plant City Recreation & Parks Department and the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, the skies above Plant City will once again fill with fireworks this July 4th. The celebration will take place on Monday, July 4 at Plant City Stadium, 1810 E. Park Rd. Parking lots will open at 5:30 p.m. and the gates will open at 6 p.m., with several activities available on the stadiums turf. Family-friendly activities offered will include inflatables, face painting, Corn Hole, tug-o-war and more, in addition to stadium concession stands and various venders inside the stadium and along the perimeter of the field. At 9:15 p.m., a spectacular 20-minute Zambelli fireworks display will begin. Admission to the event is free with a parking cost of $5 per car. As it is a cash event, all are advised to bring cash for parking and vendors as no ATMs are available on-site.

SATURDAY, JULY 2 BLUEGRASS JAM! 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. This is an open invitation for local Bluegrass musicians and fans to come to the Krazy Kup loft and jam, clap hands, stomp feet and enjoy! Krazy Kup holds their Bluegrass JAM on the first Saturday of every month.

month’s Jurassic Park-themed Movie Trivia Night. As always, the event is family-friendly and free.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6

SATURDAY, JULY 9

SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS WITH ESTRANGED FAMILIES 6:30 to 8 p.m. at GracePoint Church, 1107 Charlie Griffin Rd. Join other parents who are estranged from their adult children. PEAK (Parents of Estranged Adult Kids) group provides a safe place to listen, share and support others going through the hurt of adult family abandonment. Meetings will include group discussions, self-care and positivelyinfluenced activities to help cope with the situation. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month. For more information, visit www.peaksupportgroup. com. FRIDAY, JULY 8

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

MOVIE TRIVIA NIGHT 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E J. Arden Mays Blvd. Bring your friends and family to grab a cup of coffee and head up to the loft to show off your movie knowledge, or just to cheer on your loved ones, with a chance to win a prize at this

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 GARDEN CLUB CLASSES 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 303 N. Every St. The Plant City Garden Club will be holding a series of six Floral Design Classes at First United Methodist Church this summer, beginning on Wednesday, July 13 and running through Wednesday, August 17. The classes will be instructed by Flower Show Judges and are open to the public. Materials will be provided for the first three classes, with those in attendance needing

to bring their own supplies to the final three classes. Additionally, the Garden Club encourages all to bring scissors and lunch to each class. While the classes are open to the public, registration is required and will cost $25 per individual class or $100 for all six classes. For more information or to obtain a registration form for the classes, please contact Jan Griffin by phone at 813-716-6691 or by email at billjangriffin@gmail.com. SATURDAY, JULY 16 STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN 3 to 6:30 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is back on Saturday, July 16 , rain or shine. Cars and trucks manufactured in or before 1996 can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music by DJ John Paul Gasca.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY 2 to 6 p.m. at 1701 S. Alexander St. Head to O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill on July 16 and 17 for their Christmas in July event. Bring in new, unopened school supplies and enjoy their hot dog bar for free. Supplies will be donated to the New Teacher Coffee hosted by the Plant City Chamber of Commerce. Kids will also enjoy free ice cream sundaes while the adults will be able to take advantage of two-for-one domestic drafts or well liquor.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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FORECAST

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 30 High: 92 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 67%

FRIDAY, JULY 1 High: 92 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 58%

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

SUNRISE/SUNSET Sunrise Sunset Thursday, June 30

6:35a

8:28p

Friday, July 1

6:35a

8:28p

Saturday, July 2

6:35a

8:28p

Sunday, July 3

6:36a

8:28p

Monday, July 4

6:36a

8:28p

Tuesday, July 5

6:37a

8:28p

Wednesday, July 6

6:37a

8:28p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JULY 2 High: 92 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 58%

SUNDAY, JULY 3 High: 93 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 54%

MONDAY, JULY 4 Barbara Tetro snapped this photo of a rabbit snacking on an apple in Plant City.

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Across 1 Play for time 6 Soup aisle array 10 Murder mystery staple 14 Apex predators of the sea 15 “I __ my wit’s end!” 16 Sacred Nile bird 17 Many a Mumbai resident 18 Triangle ratio 19 Hand over 20 Do as told 21 Comfy clothing 23 Dog walker’s need 25 “Little ol’ me?” 26 Supernatural 29 Appetizer platter items 33 Fowl fencing material

36 Morse “T” 37 Gas container 38 Abu Dhabi’s fed. 39 Nativity scene threesome 40 Red Cross offering 41 Forecast that calls for a scarf and gloves 45 Plasterboard 47 Separate by type 48 LAX : Los Angeles :: __ : Chicago 49 Like extreme 41-Across 51 Circle with primary and secondary hues 55 Variety show lineup 59 Apple gadget with playlists

60 Sinuous swimmers 61 Letter-shaped opening 62 Column before ones 63 Pudding starch 64 Prefix for Rome’s country 65 Jittery 66 Spiderweb, e.g. 67 Grand Ole Opry genre, briefly, that’s also a hint to 21-, 33-, 41- and 51-Across Down 1 Artsy Manhattan area 2 Chicago daily, for short 3 Proactiv+ target 4 Female symbol of good fortune

5 The SEC’s Tigers 6 Acapulco abodes 7 Pennsylvania sect 8 Half a Mork-to-Orson farewell 9 Soft-shell clam 10 Kingpin 11 NYC drama award 12 Female opera star 13 Belgian river 21 Blanchett of “Ocean’s 8” 22 Theater tier 24 Deer in a lodge logo 26 Set of eight 27 Committee head 28 Williams of “Laverne & Shirley” 29 Beach house selling point 30 Boise’s state 31 All fired up 32 T-__: 21-Across item 34 Void partner 35 Fistful of dollars 39 Calif. Cascades peak 41 Author Caleb 42 OK Corral setting 43 British noble 44 Donkey 46 Like a forest 49 Hägar’s comics wife 50 Writer of tales with talking animals 51 Name in a footnote 52 Page with opinions 53 Time-consuming 54 Catch wind of 56 Tartan-sporting family 57 Broke the news to 58 Store securely 61 Personal quirk

June 30 New

July 6 First

July 13 Full

July 20 Last

RAINFALL LAST WEEK:

MONTH TO DATE:

0.22in.

6.90 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

JUNE AVERAGE:

23.48 in.

9.71 in.

WATERMELON Shipping point: Central & North Florida $98.00-$119.00 Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

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THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

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