6.7.18 PLCO

PLANT CITY

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 5, NO. 49

FREE

Crest makes state semifinal. SEE PAGE 8.

•

THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

Concept unveiled for new community center

YOUR TOWN

Courtesy rending

Courtesy of Judy Wise

The MLK Rec Center replacement will be modern and sustainable.SEE PAGE 4

Elks foot the bill On May 23 The Plant City Elks Lodge covered outstanding lunch debt for local schools. Marty Carroll, Exalted Ruler, and his wife Shelly presented 14 checks amounting to $2,400 to Sharon Morris, Superintendent for Area VI, Hillsborough County Schools, on behalf of the principals of those schools. The delinquent lunch balances can have consequences for the children. The schools can withhold report cards and diplomas for unpaid balances.

The balances are not from the families that qualify for free or reduced lunch costs, but from families that may be struggling.

Knights of Columbus school donation Knights of Columbus Council 8095 donated $500 to Cristo Rey Tampa High School. President Tony DeFrancesco presented the check to Katy Schroeder and Joe Tomaino at the school, which is a college prep and work study center. Knights Council #8095 at St. Clement Catholic Church has donated a total $5,000 this year to 10 organizations.

Road study gains momentum The public is being asked to comment on a North Alexander Street land study. SEE PAGE 3.

Heavy commission ahead Monday’s city commission meeting will hold four public hearings on map amendments, ordinance rezoning and a conceptual modification.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Four public hearings are sure to draw quite a crowd at the next city commission meeting, June 11, as commissioners discuss map amendments, ordinance rezoning and a conceptual modification.

During the meeting commissioners will hold a public hearing

on a proposed map amendment for land on West Johnson Road, west of James L. Redman Parkway. If approved it would change the residential designation and allow up to 649 single-family homes to be built on the property.

In March, when commissioners voted to send a plan amendment regarding the land to the Department of Economic Opportunity

for review, there was concern from local residents who were reluctant to add more homes to an area that is already at capacity with local schools like Trapnell Elementary. Commissioners explained the projections will have to be reevaluated and addressed before the homes are ever built.

The new homes would also lead to an increase in traffic on surrounding roads and a cursory traffic analysis provided by the Hillsborough County Planning SEE COMMISSION PAGE 4

File photo

The next city commission meeting is Monday, June 11.

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY JUNE 7, 2018

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ALDI returns Plant City’s ALDI, 3021 James L. Redman Parkway, will officially reopen on June 7. The local grocery store was part of the $1.6 billion ALDI investment to remodel more than 1,300 stores across the country by the end of 2020.

The company said 25,000 new jobs will also be added in stores, warehouses and offices nationwide by 2022.

The grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony is at 8:25 a.m.

During the event customers can enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a year’s supply of ALDI produce.

“Our remodeled store layout will simplify the shopping experience for customers, so they can get out the door with everything they need,” said Matt Thon, Haines City division vice president for ALDI, in a news release.

“We’re excited to unveil these changes in a great market like Plant City, where we already have passionate, loyal customers.”

The store will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

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The Plant City Optimist Club held its annual Respect for Law Dinner at the Plant City Police Department on May 21 to honor the 2018 Officer of the Year.

Patrol Officer Paul Tester won the award for PCPD for his “outstanding professionalism and commitment to public service for the department and the community.”

“The Plant City Optimist Club is proud to recognize Officer

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Plant City Optimist Club President Pat Stottlemyer, PCPD Patrol Officer Paul Tester, PCPD Sergeant Robert McLellan.

Tester and to support the Plant City Police Department,” Plant City Optimist Club President Pat Stottlemyer said. “We feel it is important for the youth of our community to understand how these officers help keep our homes and businesses safe.”

Tester and his family, his supervisors, Marshall Middle School and Plant City High School Gentleman’s Quest and Ladies Quest Club members, sponsors and some Optimist Club members and their families were all present at the event.

Quilting for the Lord The ladies of Hope Lutheran Church’s Quilters group made 60 quilts for the Lutheran Church in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. The group also made quilts for the sick and shut-in members at Hope Lutheran, 2001 N. Park Road.

The group spent countless hours making the quilts for those in need and Senior Pastor Rev. Dean Pfeffer dedicated and blessed the quilts during a ceremony on May 27.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

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Alexander Street land use study underway The Hillsborough County Planning Commission is asking for public input on its North Alexander Street Land Use Study, which is updating the decade old Northeast Plant City Area Master Plan.

BREANNE WILLIAMS

Road n ffi East Knight s G r i

STAFF WRITER

KEY Study Area Boundary 500 ft. buffer

n chma

North Alexander St.

1/4 mile buffer 1/3 mile buffer

Bu Paul way High

On May 23 the Hillsborough County Planning Commission held an open house at City Hall to go over its North Alexander Street Land Use Study. The planning commission is searching for public input on the proposed map, which will play a role in policy direction for the city.

When the Alexander Street “extension,” which connects the existing road at Interstate-4 and travels north to Paul Buchman Highway, was completed in 2014 the properties upon its route needed to be studied to make sure they still fell in the Northeast Plant City Area Master Plan and the Imagine 2040: Plant City Comprehensive Plan.

The properties could potentially annex into the city as a couple of homes or as a commercial piece of property near a major intersection. Approximately 10 years ago the Northeast Plant City Area Master Plan was created and the planning commission is using the study to update one section of that plan.

“This open house is basically to introduce this study to the residents that live out there,” Jay Collins, senior planner with the planning commission, said. “The study is looking at the impact this road is having on the community and what the changes to that road will have over time, the changes over time meaning how quiet this area used to be. So as properties annex into the city, what will they annex in as?”

A series of intersections in locations like Sam Allen Road and Knights Griffin Road were not originally part of the infrastructure and now create an opportunity for a different type of use than designated in the decade old plan.

These annexations are voluntary and this is simply a study of the potential for the North Alexander corridor.

Once finished, this map can be used as a tool by city commissioners, the public and the planners if it is decided to annex property into the city.

“These maps actually don’t have anything that is binding other than to say, ‘Hey everybody, we’ve all met, we’ve all had a conversation and it seems like in that conversation that we’ve been having for a decade you guys are cool with what’s happening here based off that map. Is that still so?’” Collins said.

The current map — of which multiple detailed copies can be found on our website — is still in draft form. After receiving public input the commission will present a finalized report during the fall of 2018.

During the open house, resi-

East Sam Allen Road

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“This is just a draft, so all of this public input as well as any comments or phone calls we get based off of what’s on the website we will go ahead and incorporate it into it as best we can.”

— Jay Collins, senior planner with the planning commission

dents were asked to tour the maps with a planner and then sit down with a larger map and make comments using Sharpies on what they approve of or think should change with the plan. The planners are still asking for people’s opinions, which can be submitted by contacting the planning commission after thoroughly analyz-

ing the study on its website at planhillsborough.org.

“This is just a draft, so all of this public input as well as any comments or phone calls we get based off of what’s on the website we will go ahead and incorporate it into it as best we can,” Collins said.

Photos by C.J. Major and Breanne Williams

From top to bottom: Intersection at Knights Griffin Road and Paul Buchman Highway.

Merger of North Alexander Street into Paul Buchman Highway.

Intersection of Paul Buchman Highway and Sam Allen Road.

Intersection of Sam Allen Road and North Alexander Street.

Paul Buchman Highway crossing under I-4.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY JUNE 7, 2018

Reimagined recreation After a ‘whirlwind’ planning session, the Lunz Group officially presented its initial design of the new facility that will replace the aging and damaged Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Members of the community gathered Tuesday evening to offer input on the conceptual design of the new community center that is set to replace the aging and damaged Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center.

More than three times the size of the old facility, the nearly 30,000 square-foot building will be modern and sustainable.

Designed by the Lunz Group, an architectural firm based out of Lakeland, the facility reflects the priorities of the community while still remaining in a tight budget.

“The whole process is to design with you, not for you,” Bradley Lunz, president of The Lunz Group, said. “It is a transparent and very open process. We’re the instruments of the community, we’re here to pull those ideas out and make them better.”

A Community Center Advisory Group, consisting of citizens that represent the community that were selected by the city commissioners, spent the last several weeks working hand in hand with the Lunz Group to tell them exactly what they liked and didn’t like about the proposed models.

Constructing a list of priorities, they were able to shape the current design into one that fits the actual needs of the community.

The proposed gymnasium will have two full courts and four cross courts, bleachers, room for scheduled league play as well as drop-in play, setups for volleyball and pickleball and the ability to be used as a multi-functional space.

The inspiration stems from the Auburndale Community Center, which is a similar size and structure and caught the interest of the city commission when they were deciding to either pay a minimum of $400,000 to repair the old building or start fresh with a new center.

Many of the former aspects that were so popular, like the computer zone, classrooms that act as both rental space and a venue for large groups, and a kitchen, will remain in the new facility. There will also be a craft room for quiet activities, office for staff and security and a check-in desk prominently situated in the open lobby.

A parking lot with approximately 100 spaces will act as a buffer between the building and the residential community and a drop-off circle will grace the front entrance leading to a large covered walkway. The building itself will be prominently seen from MLK Boulevard, making it a statement for the community.

A retention pond for stormwater management will also be added to the premises. Room will be left for the potential expansion of outdoor basketball courts, a splash pad and an outdoor playground. If the budget allows, those amenities will be included in this phase. If not, they will hopefully be added to future budgets.

Natural lighting will play a key role in the structure of the new facility with large windows along multiple walls. This works both to reduce costs and make the venue more inviting and approachable. The large covered walkway toward the entrance also allows for outside activities to take place in spite of the brutal summer heat.

Lunz said the new facility takes safety heavily into consideration with its design. Unlike Auburndale’s center, which is very linear and has two entrances, this facility is built surrounding its lobby and will have one large entrance at the front door. This allows the front desk to keep track of everyone that comes in and out of the building. The gymnasium itself will have multiple doors to help with traffic during games.

Currently, the plan is to have roadway entry from both MLK Boulevard and South Maryland

Avenue to help with traffic. This is a barrier-free environment and Lunz said it will meet all ADA requirements.

Sustainability was a large concern from some in attendance.

The current plan aims to decrease energy consumption by having superior insulation, utilize the abundance of natural lighting, have stellar indoor air quality and be conscientious in the selection of materials used, which may include using a variety of locally sourced goods.

“Sustainability is more than just this aspect of being green,” Lunz said. “Sustainability is how we as an overall community help each other and lead into the next generation. We’re designing a building for the next 50 years, hopefully much longer than that.”

The issue of whether to consider using solar panels for energy was repeatedly brought by community members who wish to have an eco-friendly center. At this time there is no current plan to include that in the design due to Lunz saying there isn’t enough battery storage on panels to make it cost-effective.

However, the building has been rotated from its original position so the gymnasium’s roof is now sloping toward the south, putting it in an optimal position if panels are later added. A section of the property is also being left empty in case a separate solar energy system is added at a later date.

Because Marshall Middle School, which is located directly across the street, is already a designated high-intensity hurricane shelter, the recreation center will not be built to meet those requirements. The money instead is being used for cultivating room for programs at the center.

Danny McIntyre, a member of the Community Center Advisory Group, said they have taken everything into consideration from where they can host a carnival to how they can divert heavy baseball traffic during games.

“I’m in love with it, it’s just beautiful,” McIntyre said.

The new center is estimated to have 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. operating hours seven days a week with room to open earlier or later for special events. A third staffer will also be added to the budget for the facility.

PLANT CITY

Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

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“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

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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.

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

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Mail: The Plant City Observer, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33563

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Commission FROM PAGE 1

Commission and Transportation staff found it could impact Trapnell Road, which is currently at capacity. An in-depth analysis might need to be done to determine the fate of the road.

Commissioners will also be discussing a map amendment for approximately 36 acres on South Frontage Road, west of North Park Road. The amendment would change the designation of the property from Residential-20 to Commercial.

The Plant City Vision Map shows plans for the land to have a Commercial Activity Center.

The amendment would allow for either 114 units or 545,501 square feet of commercial or office units to be built on the area. With its

current designation, the property could be developed with up to 715 townhomes or multi-family units.

The change would make a “significant reduction in the residential opportunities” for the area.

A cursory traffic analysis shows that the potential development would not be expected to degrade the adopted level-of-service for South Frontage Road.

During the meeting, commissioners will also discuss the rezoning of nearly 36 acres on South Frontage Road from single family and multiple-family dwelling districts to the Wish Farms Corporate Headquarters Planned Development District.

The land is on South Frontage road between North Gordon Street and North Maryland Avenue and just south of I-4. The change in rezoning would allow for commercial uses, specifically

a corporate campus. The plans include a mix of office, warehouse, residential and agricultural uses. The change, if approved, is still consistent with the Imagine 2040: Plant City Comprehensive Plan.

Another public hearing will be on the proposed modification to the North Park Isles Planned Development District. In 2006, the district was originally approved by city commission and modified in 2016. Currently, it could have up to 1,219 mixed-use residential units —a maximum 0f 620 single-family and 599 townhome lots — but no development has yet occurred on the 397 acres.

If approved, the district will increase its size to approximately 460 acres, which would increase the residential units from 1,219 to 1,350. The change still falls under the Imagine 2040: Plant City Comprehensive Plan.

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PlantCityObserver.com

Kids’ summer reading kickoff howling good time

KIDS’ PRIZES: 5 hrs: Pencil and a Sonic Ice-Cream Cone 10 hrs: Tattoo and Wendy’s Frosty Jr. 15 hrs: Guitar pick and Family Bowling game 20 hrs: High-Bounce ball and Dinosaur World admission 25 hrs: Grand Prize entry and Fred’s Market kid’s meal

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Children signed up for their summer reading logs and received gift bags full of information about the summer activities.

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logs are based on the number of hours spent reading rather than the total number of books completed. Prizes are sponsored by businesses throughout the community. The logged hours can also be used for the Tampa Bay Rays Read Around the Bases program, which includes a prize of two free tickets to a Rays home game.

The teen program is also based on number of hours spent reading. Teens can also take part in “Reading with the Rays.”

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THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

PRIZES

BREANNE WILLIAMS

Bruton Memorial Library is dedicated to ensuring local youth keep their minds engaged throughout the long summer months. Its youth summer reading programs offer incentives for children and teens to dive into reading.

The kickoff event was June 2 and featured “Rockin’ Red Riding Hood.” The rock play was performed by Atlantic Coast Theatre, which tours year-round to schools, theaters, museums, libraries and festivals. Founded in 1999, the group has had more than 3,000 performances in 19 states. During “Rockin’ Red Riding Hood,” children learned the importance of not talking to strangers and finding courage in oneself.

Full calendars of the children’s and teens’ events can be found at the library and they can pick up their reading logs anytime during business hours. The reading

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This is a week-long evening camp to get kids active, meet new friends, learn about God and have a ton of fun. Kids will select one activity for the week; flag-football, soccer, cheerleading, basketball or cooking. The cost is only $10, which includes a camp t-shirt, water bottle and healthy snacks each evening.

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY JUNE 7, 2018

STEPPING IN

FAITH The United Starz Dance Team is creating intricate routines imbued with messages of hope and acceptance.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Southwestern Produce Company | 1510 SYDNEY RD. • PLANT CITY, FL. (813)754-1500 • (813)757-0096 | www.SouthwesternProduce.com

United Starz Dance Team, a Christian step group in Plant City, is infusing moral lessons with innovative dance routines. The group is offering young dancers a chance to use their passion to create a cultural conversation on issues they feel are impacting their society.

The students pick the topics and create the choreography themselves with some guidance from founder and leader Tessie Holmes. Over the years, the group has created routines revolving around issues like fighting against bullying and suicide and is in the process of creating a performance that tackles young relationships and teenage pregnancy.

“The message that we bring, it touches people,” Antasha Thompson, United Starz team member since its creation three

and a half years ago, said. “We’re a Christian step (team). We’re not just bringing a message of other things, we’re bringing a message about God. So that really touches people.”

Holmes is a cancer survivor and originally United Starz first performed in honor of cancer awareness. She said her group owes much of its success to the kindness of the late Lillie Brown.

When they had nowhere to go to practice, Brown opened the doors of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center to the group, allowing them to grow into a prosperous dance team.

Now they’ve performed throughout Tampa Bay and through it all their faith remains non-negotiable.

Holmes said when United Starz

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

first began she occasionally had pushback from groups who hired them and wished they would tone down their religious message. That option was never on the table. Taking God out of their routine would be the same as removing the group’s foundation.

“We pray every time before we perform,” Tolaisha Perry, United Starz team member, said. “It helps us not mess up. It helps us remember that God is with us while we step.”

The routines are dreamed up by the students and they said they have to rely on each other’s mutual respect to succeed.

They pick issues that speak

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THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

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United Starz is unapologetic about its Christian foundation and uses scripture to weave a story of acceptance and hope throughout its routines.

to them, topics they see in their everyday lives at school and in the community. Then they dive into scripture to find out what the Bible has to say regarding the issue.

Those verses influence their entire structure and help weave a story of moral superiority and compassion for others. Their hope is when they step onto a stage or dance on the streets of Plant City, someone in the audience will find comfort and hope in their performance.

Holmes said her hope is one day the group will become a staple in the community, supported by local sponsorships so the girls can go further and do more routines. She currently is paying out of pocket for the majority of the outfits, meals and transportation with the girls paying $10 a month to help with the costs.

The parents of the students help with transportation and will always step in if there’s a need.

Members of the community are also coming on board. Augustus “Sunny” Traylor has been helping schedule the group.

“I help in any way I can because to see young people express themselves in God, like they’ve said, they exude that Christian lifestyle and message, it’s touching,” Traylor said.

Eventually, Holmes hopes to have formed partnerships that would allow her to offer scholarships for the young dancers so they can go to college. As for the girls, their main goal is to one day perform at the new Florida Strawberry Festival stadium.

United Starz can be booked by messaging the group’s Facebook page or by calling Holmes at 813704-9056.

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

Wednesday, July 4, 2018 (Rainout date Thursday, 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 FREE ES ITI ACTIV

1810 East Park Road, Plant City FL 33563

FREE ADMISSION—$5 PER CAR PARKING PARKING OPENS AT 5:45 PM GRAND FIREWORKS FINALE AT 9:15 PM

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Climbing wall, bungee jumps, airbrushing, balloon art, bounce houses and more!

Scheduled to appear on stage: Fifth Gear Band

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A FAMILY-ORIENTED EVENT

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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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.

JUNE 7, 2018

HIGH

SPORTS 1

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Sailors stun Chargers in 8A state semifinal

Key performers from Strawberry Crest’s state semifinal game: 1B/3B Derek Barone (1-for-2, RBI, run scored, walk), 3B/P Damien Torres (1-for-3, RBI, four batters retired in 1.1 innings), SP Brent May (5.2 IP, two earned runs, walk).

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The 2018 PCHS Summer Basketball Clinic lets kids age 6-14 learn fundamentals of the game and play in scrimmages. The cost is $115 per child. The next camp will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 9-12 at the Plant City High School gymnasium, 1 Raider Place. For more information, call Billy Teeden at 813-967-7551. The 2018 Summer Cheerleading Clinic is for kids age 4-13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 17 and 18 and costs $75 per child. For more information, call Karen Snapp at 813-7579370 or email karen.snapp@ sdhc.k12.fl.us.

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The Plant City Raiders 12U baseball team competed in the Disney memorial Day Baseball Classic from May 26-28 and won all six games they played. In the championship against the Plantation Stars, the team that gave the Raiders trouble in Little League states in 2017, Plant City picked up a 9-5 win with Anthony Palestrini’s walk-off grand slam. Deven Gonzalez, Tanner Rollyson and C.W. Watson also hit home runs in the grand finale.

4

The 2018 American Ninja Warrior episode possibly featuring Colleen McCormack, Plant City resident and regular show contestant, is set to air at 8 p.m. next Wednesday, June 13 on NBC. The episode will show contestant runs from April’s Miami city competition.

5

The Plant City Family YMCA is hosting clinics for basketball and soccer from July 9-13. Registration will be open through July 6. There will be a preschool sports sampler program for kids age 2-4 parents can sign up for by June 15. Midnight basketball for kids age 12-17 is set for June 22 and July 20. Registration may be done up until the day of each event. Call 813-757-6677 for more information.

Photos by Justin Kline

Strawberry Crest catcher Joey Parrillo tags Sarasota's Andre James out at home.

Sarasota High School defeated Strawberry Crest, 5-2, on June 1.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Unfortunately for the Strawberry Crest Chargers, a series of errors defined the June 1 8A state semifinal game.

The Sarasota Sailors advanced to the championship round with a 5-2 win over the Chargers.

Though the Chargers were able to stay competitive for most of the game, going down on the scoreboard but never going away, they were ultimately undone by eight errors and the Sailors’ capitalization on them.

“We made mistakes we don’t normally make,” head coach Eric Beattie said. “With that being said, this is a special group and I’d go to bat with them.”

Sarasota’s Nick Winkelmeyer and Crest’s Derek Barone put their teams on the scoreboard in

the first inning, taking a 1-1 tie into the second. Jack Duffy led off the top of the second inning with a single and Andre James’s RBI triple put the Sailors ahead, 2-1.

The Sailors struck again in the third inning when Michael Dorso was able to score on a Crest error, and Dorso scored Owen Ayers with an RBI double in the fourth inning to take a 4-1 lead. But Crest was able to generate some offense of its own in the bottom of the fourth, thanks to a Damien Torres single that drove in Barone. With a 4-2 score, the Chargers got their confidence back up.

“There was no doubt in my mind that we were never out of that game, no matter how many runs they’ve scored,” Barone said.

“I’ve always had faith in my team-

mates, their ability and what they can do…I feel like we were always in the game.”

Solid pitching by Brent May and battling at the plate kept Crest alive through the next inning and a half, but Sarasota sealed the final score in the top of the sixth.

With two outs, Winkelmeyer reached first base on a walk. During Dorso’s subsequent at-bat, Winkelmeyer took second base on an error, got to third with a passed ball and scored on a wild pitch to bring the Sailors’ lead up to 5-2.

Though Crest’s loss could be chalked up to any number of things — first-time jitters, inexperience, a wet field's effect on the ball or maybe those errors — Beattie said the progress the program made this season has been

PCHS hosts summer hoops camp for kids

T

he first week of Plant City High School's summer 2018 basketball camp saw 72 kids pack the Raiders' gymnasium floor.

The camp lets kids age 6-14 put the "fun" in "fundamentals" with drills and scrimmages led by PCHS head coach Billy Teeden and other staff members, as well as players from the school's boys and girls basketball teams. Camp was held from Monday through Thursday and this week's session was the first of two to be held this summer.

The camp's second session will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 9-12 and the cost to register is $115 per child. For more information, call Teeden at 813-967-7551.

— JUSTIN KLINE

Campers were inspired to play tough defense and shot their best shots.

The camps teach kids fundamentals of the game.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

Y

and freedoms than you had in high school, and that can be liberating. That also means you can get stuck in a rut if you’re not careful and, while climbing out and saving your GPA isn’t impossible, the struggle sucks.

I’ve missed big assignments, had to drop classes at the last minute and woke up at 9:12 a.m. on a midterm exam day in a class that ended at 9:15 a.m. These things taught me valuable lessons, but they’re also easily avoidable.

You want to know what the most important skill any college student, athlete or not, can have is? Two words: time management.

Time management will save you more often than you can count if you commit early and stick with it. It will be the difference between getting an A or B and showing up at your advisor’s door with a headache and a pressing need to save your GPA by dropping a course. If you’re an athlete with a commitment to your team, it’s especially important for you to know how you can arrange your coursework around

9

THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

AD00001 This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

JUSTIN KLINE

9.76x2

Puzzle One Solution: CROSSWORD “I joined the Air Force.ANSWERS I took to it immediately... I did three years, eight months and ten days in all.”

– Morgan Freeman

A message to our next collegiate athletes ou did it.

Your four years of hard work in high school have paid off and you’re about to begin the next chapter of your life. College can be one of the most fun, rewarding experiences of your life and many of you are fortunate enough to be going there on athletic scholarships. Even if you didn’t take an offer and plan on walking on at a program, this is still a big deal for you.

You’re going to move up to a level where your competition consists of many of the best athletes from their respective high school teams. Making the cut for a roster puts you right there with everyone else who proved they have the talent and skill required for the next level. It’s not going to be easy by any means, but you can persevere if you keep believing in yourself.

Going to college, especially if you end up at a traditional university, is like entering a whole new world. You’ll have so many more opportunities

|

your team’s schedule, and then you can find space for your social life.

Don’t interpret that as me saying your social life should be a privilege or something you can work on only if you have time.

You’ll go crazy if all you do is work. You need to take breaks once in a while to go out and have fun, relax and live your best life. You can definitely get those As if you manage your time well, so do make time to have some fun.

On behalf of the Plant City Observer, I want to say congratulations to you all and good luck on the path.

Puzzle Two Solution: “The free men of the world are marching together to victory.”

– General Dwight D. Eisenhower, D-Day, June 6, 1944.

This week’s Sudoku answers

Justin Kline is the Plant City Observer Associate Editor.

Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

©2018 NEA, Inc.

This week’s Crossword answers

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excellent and the Chargers would leave Fort Myers knowing full well they ended their season as one of the four best 8A teams in the state.

“Going into the game, I just told my guys I was proud of them for being here,” Beattie said. “No matter what the outcome was, we were gonna walk off holding our heads high, and it would be an experience they’d never forget.”

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What’s your favorite team?

The Braves.

Who’s your favorite player?

Freddie Freeman.

Which is your favorite position to play?

It depends on the situation.

Wherever I get the ball. I usually play outfield or I catch a little.

What’s the best advice you’ve gotten that’s helped you get better at baseball?

Whenever I’m up to bat, don’t pull my head away from it. Always look at the ball.

How did you first get into baseball?

My dad. I fell in love with it from then. I was like 2, 3 years old.

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Tell me about the tournament up at Disney. You did pretty well.

I think I went 6-for-6 or something like that. I hit two home runs and I think every other time I had a single or a double.

Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at JKline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.

What other sports do you play?

Just basketball and baseball.

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The Plant City Raiders 12U baseball team won the Disney Memorial Day Baseball Classic, held May 26 through 28 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. It was a particularly good weekend for C.W. Watson, who hit well and finished with two home runs — including one in the championship game against the Plantation Stars. Watson is also a Plant City Little League all-star.

You were playing teams from all over the country at Disney and have also played tough teams from other states in Greenville and Cooperstown.

Do you ever get nervous in these situations or have you gotten used to it?

At first I’m nervous, but then it just feels like a regular game.

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ANGELA FULGIERI

Fun ways to exercise as a family this summer turns going through it and make it competitive by timing each person to see who can get through it the quickest.

When was the last time you jumped rope or played a game of hopscotch? With some simple sidewalk chalk you can get your heart rate up and have fun.

Go for a family bike ride.

Whether it is a day trip on the weekend or a quick ride through the neighborhood after work, this is a great way to get out-

doors and move together.

The best thing about having kids is getting to be a kid with them. Go to a playground. Take a turn on the monkey bars or swing with them. Bring a ball and play a family game of kickball. Play tag or hide and seek.

Go for a hike. Get the kids involved in choosing a location to explore. Make it fun by writing ideas down and putting them in a bucket. Choose a different one each time. Then pack some

11

a Family Boot Camp every Monday at 5 p.m. Parents and children ages 8 and up participate together. Class is outdoors and designed to be fun, yet challenging. Family Bodyflow on Tuesdays gets everyone moving a little slower with some Tai Chi, yoga and Pilates.

Have your own ideas to share or topics you’d like more information on? Email me at observerfitness@gmail.com.

Angela Fulgieri is the Wellness Experience Director at the Plant City YMCA. Contact her at observerfitness@gmail.com.

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ummer is here and, if you’re like me, you’re probably wondering how to keep the kids from spending endless hours playing video games, keep them active, and still have some quality time together as a family.

Exercise doesn’t always have to be in the gym. Here are some fun ideas that get the whole family moving.

Set up an obstacle course in your backyard or park. Take

healthy snacks and water and head out.

Train for a run together. There are lots of 5Ks and shorter onemile runs for younger children.

Include the kids in choosing one.

My kids like races like “Race for the Cupcake” in St. Pete, where they run on the beach and know they will be rewarded with a sweet treat at the end. Sign up and begin your training plan together. It’s a great way to teach the kids to set goals, too.

If a beach vacation is in the plans this summer, make it active. Play Frisbee, fly a kite or take walks along the beach searching for seashells.

Are you members of the Plant City Family YMCA? The pool is open and swimming is great exercise. The YMCA also offers

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Richard Stens Olson (Rich), 84, died in Hospice Care on May 22, 2018, in Tampa, due to complications following congestive heart failure.

Rich was born on April 29, 1934 to Stens and Nina Olson in Madison, Wisconsin, where he lived most of his life. His successful career as an executive in the construction business spanned nearly 50 years.

Rich married Karen Olson (née Mikalson) in 1981.

The Olsons wintered in Plant City for eight years before moving permanently in 2004.

Throughout his life, Rich was an avid golfer, first belonging to Nakoma Golf Club for 40

years before joining Walden Ronald Homer Domingo Fajardo Lake Country Club in Plant City. Ennis Sr. A skilled fisherman and proud Domingo Fajardo, 57, of Plant papa, he had a passion for card City, entered into eternal rest Ronald Homer Ennis Sr., 81, of playing and reading, which on June 2, 2018. Expressions of Plant City, passed away on May contributed to his unparalleled condolence at www.Hopewell30, 2018. knowledge of history.

Services will be held privately. Funeral.com.

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Bryan Billings Bryan Billings, age 24, of Plant City, passed away on May 21, 2018.

The family will receive friends on Monday, June 11, 2018 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A Service will be held during visitation at 6 p.m. with Howard Johnson officiating.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to American Asthma Foundation (americanasthmafoundation.org).

Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haughtfuneralhome.com.

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Services will be held privately.

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

Michael E. “Mike” Keen, 65,813-752-1111 of WellsMemorial.com Lakeland, born in Plant City, entered into eternal rest on June M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1 1. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY JUNE 7, 2018

|

YOUR CALENDAR

SPONSORED BY YMCA FRIDAY, JUNE 8

BEST BET

LIVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC 6:33 to 8:33 p.m. DonnaAnn will be gracing Krazy Kup with her songs of praise, preceded by opener Giselle Gutierrez. Two talented young ladies taking the stage and singing their songs for the Lord. For more information visit the event’s Facebook page.

SATURDAY, JUNE 9

SUMMERPALOOZA 1 to 4 p.m. The Plant City Family YMCA is hosting its second annual Summerpalooza. This epic pool party is free and open to the community, so make sure to invite your friends and family. There will be music, entertainment, food, games, prizes and so much more.

SATURDAY, JUNE 9

INDOOR YARD SALE 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Berry Patch Quilters will be having an indoor yard sale in the fellowship hall at the First Presbyterian Church of Plant City, 404 W. Reynolds St., at the corner of Reynolds and Thomas Streets.

ADULT SUMMER READING KICK OFF 6 to 8 p.m. Bruton Memorial Library is hosting its inaugural Adult Summer Reading program Adult Summer Reading Kick Off event. Featuring Fifth Gear Band, who will be playing all of your favorite throwback songs, and artist Jason Shiver, who will showcase his best pieces. Join them for a night of the arts. The event is free and

is funded by the Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library.

THIS IS AMERICA! 7:30 p.m. Hopewell Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens will partner with Plant City Community Chorale to present the fifth annual This is America! concert at Eastside Baptist Church of Plant City, 1218 E. Calhoun St. Under the direction of Claudia Bolano Becerra, the Chorale will perform time-

honored favorites mixed with new renditions, promising an evening of music to honor our country and its music. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door and are on sale now at pccchorale.org/tickets, from any chorale member, or by calling 813-951-5166.

OPEN MIC NIGHT 8:33 to 10:33 p.m. Krazy Kup hosts an Open Mic Night the second Saturday of every

month in the music loft of the coffee shop.

TUESDAY, JUNE 12

WRITE THANKS & WINE 6 to 8 p.m. Aspire Plant City, a local women’s group, is hosting a Thanks & Wine event at the Corner Store, 121 E. Reynolds St. Come write thank you cards to show your gratitude and enjoy some wine and cheese.

Registration is $15 for members and $25 for non-members.

MAKE PLANT CITY 7 to 9 p.m. MAKE Plant City is a group of creatives and makers in our community. Art, woodwork, food, beer, robots this is a place to connect with other local creative makers of all types. This month join the group at Krazy Kup to listen to keynote speaker actress, singer, songwriter Charleene Closshey and writer, producer, director Jeremy Culver.

THURSDAY, JUNE 14

IMPROV NIGHT 7:13 p.m. Krazy Kup and Join the Circus Productions are now bringing improv to the stage the second Thursday of every month. Join the area’s finest improv artists as they make you laugh (or make you get up on stage, too) during an hour of on-the-spot jokes and acting. Every night is a world premiere. Interested in improv?

Contact Clay Hollenkamp at clay@jointhecircuproductions. com and connect with JTCP on Facebook.

EVERYONE’S INVITED! SATURDAY, JUNE 9TH

JOIN US FOR: DJ/music, food, entertainment, and more!

1507 YMCA Place, Plant City | 813 757 6677 | tampaymca.org

SUMMER KICK-OFF CELEBRATION

Summer is Here!

What an Exciting Time to Buy a New Home 276988

Navigation to Wealth Creation rcwcpas.com

275991

PLANT CITY 1907 S. Alexander St., Ste. 2 Plant City, FL 33566 | (813)752-6604 BRANDON 329 Pauls Dr. Brandon, FL 33511 | (813)689-9297

276229

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 7

Send your photo submissions to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@ PlantCityObserver. com or hashtag #iloveplantcity on Instagram for @ igersplantcity to feature.

Kara Johnson picked some tasty looking peaches at Keel & Curley last month and posted some to Instagram with the #iloveplantcity hashtag.

Johnson wins this week’s I Love Plant City photo contest.

High: 86 Low: 70 Chance of rain: 40%

FRIDAY, JUNE 8 High: 88 Low: 70 Chance of rain: 80%

SATURDAY, JUNE 9 High: 88 Low: 70 Chance of rain: 80%

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, June 7

6:33a

8:24p

Friday, June 8

6:32a

8:24p

Saturday, June 9

6:32a

8:25p

Sunday, June 10

6:32a

8:25p

Monday, June 11

6:32a

8:26p

Tuesday, June 12

6:32a

8:26p

Wednesday, June 13

6:32a

8:26p

MOON PHASES

June 13 New

June 18 First

June 27 Full

June 9 Last

SUNDAY, JUNE 10 High: 88 Low: 71 Chance of rain: 50%

EGGPLANT Shipping point: Central Florida $7.35 to $8.85

RAINFALL Monday, May 28

0.06

Tuesday, May 29 0.33 Wednesday, May 30

0.35

Thursday, May 31 0.30 0.01

Friday, June 1

Saturday, June 2 0.00 0.31

Sunday, June 3

ONLINE

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THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

FORECAST

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

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ACROSS

1 Like a locked gate 7 State of utter confusion 13 Address for a gentleman 16 “Ginger” soda 19 Do to do 20 Chameleon relative 21 Stereotypical grandma 23 “Reader beware” quip (Pt. 1) 26 Stitched together 27 Parts of banjos 28 Old Russian ruler 29 Recess with a dome 30 Type of control

32 Some deer ones 34 Scottish families 36 Absolutely amaze 39 Muddy waters 41 Date or course words 43 Elemental particles 47 Swamplands 49 NHL venue 52 Plan in detail 55 .001 of an inch 56 “Reader beware” quip (Pt. 2) 60 Deep hatred 61 Chocolate morsel 62 Hand over, as land 63 With a fresh beginning

64 Go back, as to a shrink 65 Be a happy bird 66 “Here come the cops” sound 68 Banned bug killer 69 Feds’ document producer 71 Stage-dives 74 Altoids holder 75 Major U.S. network 78 Abraham’s wife 80 Best way to clear a debt 82 Princess indicator 84 Big part of an atlas 87 “Thins” cookie brand

89 Some historical periods 90 Brilliance of performance 91 “Reader beware” quip (Pt. 3) 96 Lo-___ (diet type) 97 Looked searchingly 98 Oozes 99 Courtroom hopeful 100 Nerd Urkel 102 Caustics in pantries 104 Hammered on a slant 106 Eminent leader?

107 Show opening 110 Disrespectful talk

113 Bad thing to worship 115 Lie form 118 Be destructive in the streets 120 Assayer’s container 122 Overly vicious dog 126 “Reader beware” quip (Pt. 4) 130 Be in cahoots 131 Blue-pencil again 132 Acid variety 133 Attachment to sit or shoo 134 Ancient “always” 135 Groups of eight 136 Beginning stages

51 Eager and excited 53 Bit of weirdness 54 Embryos’ places 57 Alpha’s other end 58 Subject of a dress code 59 Darken under heat?

65 Like the surface of some files 67 Get off the street?

70 With face in the dirt 72 Beautiful and graceful girls 73 Sudden gush 75 Summon to the majors 76 Noisy donkey 77 Lampooning genre 78 Syrup, before becoming DOWN syrup 1 “___ that possible?”

79 Great-grandma’s neck2 Bit of soreness lace, e.g.

3 Meaty, juicy dish 81 Heretofore 4 Window rectangles 83 Sweet cold treats 5 Dodger, but not the pro 84 Fragments of circles 6 Benicio ___ Toro 85 Bucket in a car?

7 Ethiopian monetary unit 86 Destination reached by 8 Ham-and-___ (average boat Joe) 88 Completely follow a 9 On account of command 10 Backslides 92 Accepting customers 11 Hangman selection?

93 Menacing time of March 12 Distiller’s grain 94 Like way-old milk, in 13 “Bottoms up!”

Britain 14 Prefix with red 95 Previously owned 15 Spare bone?

101 78’s material 16 Resting upon 103 Aromatic pouch 17 Money in Tirana 105 Quiet work horse 18 Language in “converse” 108 Give this for that 22 See 13-Down 109 Bus token utilizer 24 Declare true 111 Shoe material of a hit 45 25 Cons on the lam 112 Bowler’s toughie 31 Homebuyer’s need, often 114 Simple, lively songs 33 Big rig 115 Scenes of action 35 ‘49 alliance 116 Unknown one of many 36 Have the financial means quotations, briefly 37 Plucked dandelions 117 Problems, as of society 38 Join the Marines 119 Rookie or newbie 40 Bloodsucking worm 121 Some amphibians 42 Soapstone, e.g.

123 Weight not counted 44 Arab League country 124 Send forth, as fumes 45 Lapel-based broadcaster 125 45s and 78s, briefly 46 Offed, as a dragon 127 Color or shade 48 Twist around an axis 128 “Hold on a ___!”

50 It meant nothing in Old 129 Lennon’s wife Rome

CELEBRITY CIPHER

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present.

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“L SILDXK FPX ZLO MIOTX. L FIIG FI LF LCCXKLZFXYN... L KLK FPOXX NXZOU, XLJPF CIDFPU ZDK FXD KZNU LD ZYY.” – CIOJZD MOXXCZD “OEG KIGG YGP DK OEG ADIXR VIG YVIHEFPN ODNGOEGI OD JFHODIB.” – NGPGIVX RAFNEO R. GFCGPEDAGI, R-RVB, UWPG 6, 1944 Puzzle Two Clue: W equals U

CRUMPLED PAGES by Timothy B. Parker

Puzzle One Clue: T equals C

CROSSWORD

275698

1701 S. Alexander Street • Suite 102 • Plant City, FL • 813.752.0585 | Mon-Fri: 10am-5ish • Sat: 10am-2pm

©2018 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

©2018 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

6-7-18

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

|

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY JUNE 7, 2018

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THESE SPONSORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OVER THE LAST YEAR OF PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL. WITH THEIR SUPPORT, OVER $160,000 WAS RAISED TO BENEFIT THE STUDENTS, SPORTS, BAND AND CLUBS AT THE SCHOOL. Double Platinum Level—$50,000 & Above

Rick and Di Lott Diamond Level—$10,000

Gold Level—$5,000

Silver Level—$2,500

Leo and Carolyn Gillman

Dub and Pec McGinnes

Pipe Pros The new 2018-2019 sponsorship packages and forms are available now at www.RaiderChampions.com. There are many benefits associated with each sponsorship level, beginning at $500. Support your hometown school and become a Raider Champion!

www.RaiderChampions.com

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