7.14.22 PLCO by Plant City Observer

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VOLUME 6, NO. 205

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THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

NEW DEPARTMENT BUILDING, SUBDIVISION IN THE WORKS NEW TRUCKS NAMED, SOLID WASTE FACILITY AND VARREA NEIGHBORHOOD COMING

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Utilities Maintenance and Solid Waste New Building On Monday, the Plant City City Commission approved a request to make a contract between the city and a construction company to build the new Utilities and Solid Waste facility. This allows City Manager Bill McDaniel to proceed with negotiations with the Manhattan Construction Company to proceed with the project. Director Jill Sessions of the Solid Waste Department and CIP Engeneering Manager

NEW STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL PRESIDENT Photos Courtesy of Kyle Robinson

Hye Kwag were present to provide the commission with details for the current and new facilities. The existing offices for Utilities and Solid Waste are 32 years old and are in need of significant repair. The city commission approved a work order for $227,800 on March 9, 2021 with the Lunz Group to design the offices.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

PET ADOPTION TO COME PETSMART WILL OFFER VISITORS CHANCE TO TAKE HOME PET BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Kyle, Sandee, Paul Retired Col. Kyle Robinson of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (left) is joined by Director Sandee Sytsma, of the Strawberry Festival, and President Paul Davis, of the Strawberry Festival.

KYLE ROBINSON

FORMER LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER SELECTED BY FESTIVAL BOARD

Those looking to adopt a new pet are welcome to visit Tampa Bay Area PetSmarts, on July 16 and July 17. It is a joint venture between Rescue Pets of Florida and PetSmart Charities in support of National Adoption Week - July 11 to July 17. The events will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 211 W. Alexander St. Unit A, in Plant City. Others will run at the same time at these locations: • 1051 W. Brandon Blvd, Brandon, 33511 • 7777 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St., St. Petersburg, 33702 • 3313 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico, 33596 • 6001 Wesley Grove Blvd, Wesley Chapel, 33544 National Adoption Week coincides with kitten season. It’s a time following peak breeding activity

for cats, and shelters have many kittens in need of homes. During the in-store event, opportunities will be given to spend time with animals. Staff and volunteers will help visitors learn about caring for a pet and the types of tools, products, and services they may need. “We are excited to once again partner with PetSmart Charities for National Adoption Week,” said Jeanine Cohen, founder and president of Rescue Pets of Florida. “This event is a great opportunity for people to rescue a dog or cat in need of a loving home. We have already helped hundreds of pets get adopted this year, and we are hoping to hit our one thousandth adoption at one of our National Adoption Week events.” For additional information, visit www.RescueCatsofFlorida.com.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

PlantCityObserver.com

NEWS BRIEFS

Plant City’s Johni Broome to host second annual basketball camp Plant City native Johni Broome, set to start his junior season at Auburn University after two seasons at Morehead State University, will be holding his second annual basketball camp this summer on July 23rd and July 24th at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center, 302 S. Maryland Ave. Doors will open at 9 a.m. and the camp will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on both days, free for all kids to attend at no cost. You can sign up for the camp using the QR code included or at https://form.jotform. com/211881154953055.

Hope Lutheran Church welcomes mobile food pantry Hope Lutheran Church will once again host their mobile food pantry in the church parking lot, 2001 N. Park Rd., on Thursday, July 21. This pantry, in association with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lakeland, will begin distributing food to those in need beginning at 6 p.m., running until the supplies are distributed. Anyone in need of grocery assistance is encouraged to join as Hope Lutheran works to help eliminate food insecurities within their local community. Various goods ranging from vegetables to meats to dairy and bakery goods will all be available. The pantry, “Moving Hope,” takes place at Hope Lutheran Church on the third Thursday of each month, no identifi ation is required to participate and the pantry is open to anyone in the Plant City community who may need an extra hand. For additional information, contact the Hope Lutheran Church office at 813-752-4622.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

KYLE ROBINSON NAMED AS NEW STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL PRESIDENT HEAD OF FESTIVAL SECURITY SELECTED FOR LEAD ROLE. BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

For 15 years, Paul Davis has prepared and orchestrated the operations for the annual Florida Strawberry Festival as its president, but now he’s ready to pass the mantle on to Kyle Robinson. Robinson has been selected to become the new president, a role he said he has been auditioning for. He will officially take the job in August. Davis felt it was time to leave his post and allow someone else to have the privilege to head the festival. “It was a great ride,” he said. “I’ve loved the festival. I still do. It’s just a younger man’s game out here.” Robinson is a retired colonel from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, an agency he began working for 27 years ago. What’s more, he has led the security team at each festival since 2015. “Honestly, how often does a person get to have two dream jobs in one lifetime,” Robinson said. “I’m very fortunate to follow the path that Paul has paved. It’s a little intimidating because he set the bar so high.” Davis initially approached the festival vice president of operations, Tim Lovett for the role, but Lovett decided to remain in his current position. Davis immediately thought of Robinson next for the title after seeing how he’s conducted the daily security operations at each festival. After Robinson accepted the position as president, Davis went before his board members and made a case for why his hand-picked successor is competent for the job. “He’s exceled better at almost every area that he’s followed me in, and that’s a big deal,” he said. “With Kyle Robinson, you know what you get. He’s a Plant City native. He loves the festival. He’s got character. He’s got the ability to lead.”

Davis could also speak of Robinson’s character, having met him 23 years ago and working along with him at the sheriff’s office. With that, the board unanimously voted for Robinson to become the new president. Davis was originally selected after being in a candidate pool of roughly 85 people. However, his successor had no opposition this year. Robinson’s ties to the festival go back to when he was just a kid. “I love the Strawberry Festival,” he said. “I grew up in this community. My family is from this community, and I too, have some of my fondest childhood memories out here in the Strawberry Festival.” Also, he and his sister were entered into the baby parade, and he has done the same with his children. The Florida Strawberry Festival began in 1930 and has continued to grow in prominence over the years. This year, the 11-day event had 80 different rides, games and attractions. It also drew in 543,129 visitors, a stark change from last year, which had a lower number of attendees due to COVID-19. There was a host of live performances from music groups and artists such as TESLA, Gene Watson, Nelly, Sam Hunt, and the Bellamy Brothers. The festival had been known for country music for years, but there was a need for more variety, Davis said. Today, genres range from not only country, but pop, rock, Hip Hop, R&B, and Latin music. “I said, ‘You know I want to go after John Legend,’” Davis recalled. “’I don’t know who that is, but get him.’ We try to have music for everybody.” The live entertainment and festivities have appealed to many patrons and vendors from other states – even Canada. Throughout the country, Plant City has become known as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World and Hillsborough County grows about 15% of the nation’s strawberries.

Plant City has approximately 10,000 acres of strawberry crops. With all this in mind, Robinson said he will continue to keep the Florida Strawberry Festival as one of the most popular attractions around the country. As a security officer, he has also taken measures to make sure the event is a safe one. Robinson worked along with volunteers, the fire chief, and the festival staff to plan an emergency evacuation plan. Also, a fire truck and an ambulance are on standby during the festival. “I’ve always viewed the deputy’s job as more than just security,” he said. “That deputy sheriff is an information booth. It’s one who reunites children with their families. It’s (helping) somebody that maybe overdid it, and is physically exhausted. We get them back to their car.” Robinson will start to oversee projects that are already in the works such as building more restrooms. It was a suggestion brought to Davis’ attention from patrons. He has always kept in mind the feedback from visitors, even if it all hasn’t been positive, to see where the festival can improve. Parking is the number one agenda in handling the daily operations of the festival, Davis and Robinson said. The festival receives assistance from several churches and the local YMCA in helping to properly organize the dense parking lot. Davis said that he will work with Kyle for a year, and will volunteer his time at the festival. “I’m excited to see where Kyle’s going to go,” Davis said.

Photos courtesy of Kyle Robinson Kyle Robinson, who has served as a colonel for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, will officially ake on his new role as the Florida Strawberry Festival president, in August.

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

PLANT CITY

This week on Cops Corner: Plant

Observer

City Police investigate a runaway driver, a fraudulent withdrawal and a parking lot istock

scuffle

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

JULY 1

JULY 2

2 FAST, 2 FURIOUS

OUT OF STATE, OUT OF MIND

W. Alexander St. / Raider Pl. Fleeing to elude: Officers attempted to conduct a traffic top for unlawful speed. The vehicle subsequently fled the cene.

600 block of N. Michigan Ave. Fraud: An officer met with the complainant and business owner at the listed location in reference to fraudulent checks attempted to be cashed out of state.

DIM LIGHT N. Wheeler St. / I-4 Warrant: An officer conducted a traffic top on a vehicle in reference to inoperable brake lights. The driver was subsequently arrested in reference to an active warrant out of Pasco County and transported to Orient Road Jail.

FULLY LOADED VEHICLE

OPEN REGISTER 2200 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Theft: An officer responded to a business at the listed location in reference to a fraudulent withdrawal from the business’s checking account.

TWO-WHEELED TROUBLE

CAUGHT RED HANDED

S. Collins St. / W. Ball St. Drug arrest: Officers made contact with an invidiual that was riding a bicycle on the roadway without a headlight. The individual was later arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

2600 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Theft: An officer responded to the business at the listed location in reference to a loss prevention employee locating an individual that was accused of shoplifting. The individual was subsequently arrested for theft.

2000 block of N. Wheeler St. Vehicle burglary: Officers met with the victim who reported that an unknown individual entered his Dodge truck without his consent and removed his Glock handgun. RAZOR’S EDGE 1100 block of N. Wheeler St. Aggravated battery: An officer responded to the listed location in reference to a stabbing. One individual was subsequently arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

JULY 3 SECURE THE BAG 2600 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Theft: An officer met with the victim who claimed that she left her purse inside the dressing room of a business, only to find it one upon returning. BUSINESS BATTLE 1700 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Mutual aff ay: An officer responded to the business at the listed location in reference to a physical fight be ween customers in the parking lot. Upon arrival, the officer observed two females and two males in the parking lot involved in a verbal dispute. After interviewing all parties and reviewing the store’s surveillance video, the officer learned that all four subjects were involved in a mutual aff ay in the store parking lot prior to officers arriving. The dispute began over two individuals being accused of taking too long in the checkout line and the argument continued into the parking lot before becoming physical. All four subjects signed waivers of prosecution, however store management requested that the two individuals that instigated the confrontation be trespassed.

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This week’s Sudoku answers

400 block of E. Langford Dr. Loitering and prowling: Officers responded to the area at the listed location in reference to an individual looking into vehicles and a residence. One individual was subsequently arrested for loitering and prowling and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

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This

This week’s answers Jumbles:

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MANLY DOILY FORGET ROTATE Answer: They spent the day with their daughter’s children and had a -- GRAND TIME

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

SOLID WASTE FACILITY AND VARREA PROJECTS AHEAD TRUCKS HERE; DEPARTMENT BUILDING; SUBDIVISION COMING

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

The company found mold growing on walls, deteriorating materials and fixtures, and rainwater intrusion. The stairs, handrails, guardrails, clearances as well as a lack of vertical accessibility to the second floor, does not meet current building code requirements. None of the five restrooms meet the current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. The new one-floor building will be located at 902 N. Mobley St, and its interior conditioned space will be 15,224 square feet. Several things that it will consist of include: • Lobby • Large multi-purpose room • Storage room • Two executive offices • Four manager offices • Crew Ready Room for Solid Waste • Map room for utilities • Utility workshop room • Water resource management storage • Utilities conference room • Solid Waste conference room “I think it’s a great facility,” McDaniel said. “It’s going to be an improvement for the operation.” Sessions and Kwag are a part of an evaluation committee that selected the construction company as the top ranked respondent and a Notice of Intent to Award was issued on June 20. The committee also consists of Assistant City Manager Jack Holland, Director Lynn Spivey of the Utilities Department, and Tonya Grant, project development and implementation manager. Currently 60 percent of the design has been done. Tasks for the pre-construction and construction phase will be performed through a work order.

A guaranteed maximum price the construction of the facility will be negotiated when the design phase is almost complete. There is $4,003,673 in the capital improvement plan (CIP) for construction and new furniture. The funds are coming from: • Upfront savings from bond refinancing in November 2020 - $902,819 • Water Sewer Fund - $952, 533 • Solid waste - $2,148,321 The Construction Manager at Risk method was selected to quicken the project and to assist with value engineering, cost estimating and constructability review. When requested by the city’s representative, the construction manager will provide a written constructability analysis of the project and include items that should be addressed with Design Professional such as accessibility, construction methods, assembly, installation, materials handling, expandability, phasing, and other construction phase-related activities. The analysis of constructability issues will be performed on an ongoing basis during the design phase. If the city instructs Design Professional to alter any design or construction documents, the construction manager will consult with the city’s representative regarding the impact of such modifications on the current project cost estimate and the project schedules. The construction manager will also suggest different means and methods of minimizing any adverse impact of those alterations. Going forward, 80 percent of the design is planned to be done in August, and is expected to be finished in October. Construction is anticipated to start in November or December.

Varrea Phase 1

That evening, the city commission approved the plat and waiver request

for the proposed Varrea Phase 1 subdivision. This was after the applicant of the project proposed the final plat that would create a 265-lot single-family residential subdivision, located in the Varrea Planned Development District. The lots will consist of 126 single-family detached dwellings, 113 townhomes, and 23 paired villas, on approximately 171 acres of land The subdivision will be located on the westside of Charlie Taylor Road, south of Midway Road, and north of Swindell Road. Also, a waiver was granted to allow dead-end streets in lieu of the required cul-de-sac for those areas that will connect to future phases. The applicant worked along with the Engineering Division to ensure the plat’s design met their approval. The staff supports the waiver as the proposed dead-end street does not serve any proposed residential lots. In addition, there will be an emergency vehicle turnaround within the adjacent amenity center. The single family and villas setback at the front will be 20 feet. At the side it will be 5 feet (15 feet when the side abuts the right-of-way. The rear will have a 30-foot setback (15 feet when abutting open space as defined by the Code of Ordinances). The front of the townhomes will have a setback of 20 feet, while the side will have 5 feet (15 feet when the side abuts the rightof-way.) The rear will be 20 feet (15 feet when abutting open space as defined by the Code of Ordinances. On May 25, the Plant City Planning Board approved the Varrea Phase 1 subdivision and waiver request by a vote of 7-0. The board determined that the project met the Plant City Zoning Ordinance, subdivision regulations, a Florida statute, and the Imagine 2040: Comprehensive Plan.

Cart-to-Curb Truck Names

Plant City’s three, newest automated trash collection trucks have officially been named as part of the Name that Truck contest, where there were 193 entries. The names given by the winning contestants are: Scoopy by Carol Rhodes; Obi One Can Only by Dean Davis; and Hauling Harry by Melissa Isgett. Each truck has a name displayed on the cab doors and are a part of Phase 2 for the new Cart-to-Curb trash collecting system. This comes after four new trucks for Phase 1 were named last year. During the commission meeting, the three finalists for the Phase 2 trucks received prize packages and plaques. A portion of Plant City residents received new services starting in August of last year, as part of Phase 1. Those in Phase 2 who have not received their new Cart-to Curb trash bins, will be issued one in late July and the new service will begin in August. The bins are available in three sizes: 95, 65, and 35 gallons.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

FUNDRAISER FOR LOCAL CANCER PATIENT CHARITABLE EVENT FOR SABRINA TOMASINA OF ELKS LODGE

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

The community is invited to attend a fundraising event, on Saturday, July 23, on behalf of Sabrina Tomasina, who is suffering from breast cancer. She is a bartender at the Plant City Elks Lodge #1727, who was diagnosed in June. The event will take place at 2 p.m. at the local lodge at 1501 N. Alexander St, in Plant City. There will be a cornhole tournament at 2 p.m. and a dart tournament at 5:30 p.m. There will be a $20 entry fee per player per event and attendees are encouraged to bring a partner. The U mami Smoke food truck will be providing meals.

Another fundraiser for Sabrina will occur on Friday, Aug. 19 at the lodge and doors will open at 5:30 p.m. At the second fundraiser, patrons will have the opportunity to purchase food from a variety of different food stations in attendance. Raffles and auctions will occur as well as live entertainment. This event is for adults only and a $50 donation, in cash only, can be contributed. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women. Statistics via breastcancer.org sho that bout 3.8 million women have a history of this form of cancer, including women who are currently on and off of treatment. About one in eight will develop invasive breast cancer in the course of her lifetime.

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

School Board Candidates to Address Community Locals who are running for District 2 and 4 will speak at event

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Candidates running for the Hillsborough County School Board’s District 2 and District 4 will speak to the public, on Tuesday, July 26.

The public is invited to come out to the Meet the Candidates for Hillsborough County School Board forum, on Tuesday, July 26. The event will be a platform for candidates for District 2 and District 4 to each make their case as to why they’re the right fi . The forum will be held at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center and will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. “Over the years, the Improvement League of Plant City hosts a number of forums where residents meet with candidates seeking office in areas of education, judicial, city, and county (matters),” said William Thomas, president of the Improvement League of Plant City, CDC. While it is open to the public, those who plan to be there must R.S.V.P by July 21 so that adequate food and seating will be available. “These elected officials ve a significant impact to our local quality of life, in regards to policy,” Thomas said. “Connecting residents with those who are elected to make decisions is key to succession planning. The policies and processes made

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today are long term. Education is one of our key focus areas as it relates to our youth forensic classes, arts and music, college and vocational scholarships.” Four candidates have confirmed that they will be present. The non-partisan primary contenders for District 2 are Stacy Hahn and Damaris Allen. The non-partisan primary contenders for District 4 are Hunter Gambrell, Patricia Rendon, and Danielle Smalley. Each member has a four-year term limit, and in Hillsborough County there are three seats up for election. The primary election will be held on Aug. 23 and the general election will be on Nov. 8. Those who plan on attending can R.S.V.P by calling (813) 704-5800. On Thursday, Aug. 11, there will be a forum for judicial candidates, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center. Other speaking points that will be addressed include policies, the proposed sales tax, and workforce retention.

SPORTS

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2022

CHRIS WELBON KARATE CLUB WINS BIG AT NATIONAL TOURNAMENT, CONTINUES SUCCESS AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Students from Chris Welbon Karate Club brought home medals from the state, national and international level throughout their tournament season in 2022.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Karate students at Plant City’s Chris Welbon Karate Club (CWKC) put together an incredible tournament season in 2022, racking up dozens of medals over five tournaments before several went on to place at the AAU National Championships and the World United Karate-Do Federation World Championships. With 22 athletes on the dojo’s tournament team, they combined for 138 total medals over their five major tournaments this year, including 76 bronze medals, 32 silver medals, 28 gold medals and several competitors narrowly missing the podium by just fractions of a point. Eleven year old Carter Bayes, 11 year old Jenna Yaninich and 12 year old Mason Green all earned the distinction of overall top athlete in their age division, while 10 other athletes from the dojo were ranked in the top three for their age division in either kata (form), kobudo (weapons kata) and/or kumite (sparring.) “It was a comeback season,” Welbon said. “Because of COVID and everything, it was one of those comeback seasons. Things were really rough during COVID but things started to open up a little bit more, everybody was ready to train full bore again, making more contact and being able to train with some more fierceness without as much of a threat of getting sick. We had a few injuries, their feet or hitting elbows, we had a couple of students hurt their knees and things like that. So we had to overcome some of that but all-in-all it’s been a fantastic season. It’s a young team but we did the best we could with our young students. I trained them just like they’re elite athletes, that’s what we do. We just train to the highest level that we possibly can and they rose to the occasion.”

In late June, the team sent 14 athletes to the 2022 AAU National Karate Tournament in Fort Lauderdale where over 400 athletes from across the nation met in Florida to compete against the top karate competitors in the country. Participating in kata, kobudo, individual kumite and team kumite, all 14 athletes came home with at least one medal around their neck, winning 14 bronze, eight silver and seven gold medals. Yaninich, Mason Green, 10 year old Levi Green, 10 year old T.J. Bright, 12 year old G ian G onzales and 16 year old Nathan G ould all left the tournament as National Karate Champions in their age divisions. “I just want to keep doing this and never stop fighting,” Yaninich said after winning two gold medals and a silver medal at nationals. Several of this year’s national competitors from CWKC, including Yaninich, were in attendance at the AAU National Karate Tournament in 2021. Another one being Bright, who won three gold medals as an underbelt last year before earning his brown belt and competing in the advanced division for his age group this year. “I was much more ready this year than all my previous years at nationals,” Bright said after earning one gold and two silver medals in 2022. “Competing against the black belts was tougher, but there weren’t a lot of black belts in my age group and division. Competing in the high division makes me a lot better because I’m fighting people that are better than me at things and it helps me improve.” Welbon noted how much growth he’d seen from Bright, not only in his ability but in his technique and his mental calmness. “He’s one of those really talented kids and he trains really hard, I think that’s the biggest

thing,” Welbon said. “For how young he is, he’s not one of those kids that you really have to push. He wants it, he’s hungry, he’s a very hungry competitor, he wants to do his best, he wants to get out there and win, he enjoys winning and he enjoys karate. He loves it and he’s one of those kids that’s always at the dojo. This year the difference really is that he’s just more seasoned now. You can see that his skill level has improved, he’s sharper with his techniques, he’s a smarter fighter now. He’s sparring and he’s working, he’s not just charging in all of the time like he used to. If he gets up on points he’ll work the clock a little more, he’s better at listening to his coaches when he’s in the match. All that is just a part of being a better competitor and he’s young, the sky’s the limit for him.” For G ould, limited participants for his division and age group led Welbon to promote him to the advanced division after just over two years of training, despite the division typically being reserved for those with at least four years of training. “The thing with Nathan is that with his division, at the beginning of the year we noticed that there was hardly any competition for him at his level and his age group,” Welbon said. “That wasn’t healthy for him, he needed more competition, so I bumped him up to advanced which is something we usually wait two years for. You stay at intermediate for two years and then move to advanced in your fourth year because you’re only supposed to go to advanced when you have four years of training, and he barely has two. I bumped him up to advanced just to get experience. I said, even if he doesn’t win anything, he has experience and then he really trained. We worked and practiced, he did some private lessons and he really excelled

and he held his own in his very first year there. Even though he’s not really that level of competitor as far as his time in training, he rose in his ability to be able to be very, very productive in that division.” Immediately following the AAU Nationals, the WUKF World Championships began in Fort Lauderdale as well, previously held in Romania in 2021. With over 1,200 athletes representing 36 different countries, CWKC sent 12 athletes to compete and represent Plant City on the world stage as a part of Team AAU/USA. Of the 12 competitors, three medaled with Bright winning a silver medal in kobudo, Mason Green winning a bronze medal in kumite and Gould winning a silver medal in kobudo. This year’s success resulted in CWKC being named a Top 20 club in the nation by AAU, the dojo’s ninth consecutive year earning that distinction. “It just shows that even being a small school here in Plant City, we can hold our own with some of the big dogs in Chicago and New York and Atlanta, some of the big cities,” Welbon said. “We still do very well and are very competitive even though we’re not one of the mega schools. The students that we have here work hard and they’re talented and I just enjoy what I do. It’s one of those things where I think that if you love what you do and put your all into it, that fruit will grow. That’s what we do. That’s how God works and that’s how we work here at the dojo. On the horizon, CWKC has their eyes on their final major tournament of the season in the AAU Junior Olympics, being held in Greensboro, North Carolina on July 28 and 29. Following the Junior Olympics, many of the athletes will spring right into offseason training before the 2023 tournament season begins in January.

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

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

FEATURED FUTURE: KADEN MIZELL

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 four years on Plant City High School’s football team and two years on their track and field team, Kaden Mizell will be heading to Webber International University to continue his educational and athletic career as a part of their track and field program. “My time at Plant City was great,” Mizell said. “I love the relationships I was able to build on my football team throughout the years, I loved my coaching staff all four years. High school track really opened up a lot for me. It kind of showed me who I am and it got me to Webber and throwing javelin there. The track team at Plant City did a lot for me in growing as a person, so I really don’t know where I’d be without sports throughout high school.” A life-long Plant City native, Mizell was a defensive end for the Raiders with 40 total tackles, four sacks and 10 tackles for loss as a senior last fall. In javelin on the track and field team, Mizell finished second at the 2022 Hillsborough County Championships in April before taking home a district championship later in the month on a personalbest throw of 50.08 meters. At the regional meet in May, Mizell aggravated an ankle injury that he had previously suffered on the football field last fall in his first attempt. “My first throw at regionals I stepped in a pretty big hole and tore what was left of the scar tissue on my ankle from football,” Mizell said. “As a lineman you get stepped on a lot so I had a lot of ankle injuries throughout high school and stuff like that. So I snapped and pulled the scar tissue and threw out my ankle, but I just dug deep and put everything I had into my final throw and that’s what

qualified me for states. Then it happened again at states unfortunately on my first throw.” Despite the injury, Mizell was able to narrowly qualify for the state meet, finishing fourth on his final attempt. At the FHSAA Class 4A State Championship, Mizell once again re-aggravated the injury but was still able to come away with the 15th-best mark in the state’s 4A division. While he threw shot put one year in middle school, Mizell didn’t join Plant City’s track and field team as a freshman. Messing around after football practice one day he began throwing and the coaching staff quickly realized that he would be an asset to the team, persuading him into joining the team as a junior. And his interest in javelin began through a teammate on the football team, Jackson Knotts. Now a long snapper on Texas Tech’s football team, Knotts was one of the best javelin throwers in the state as a senior in 2021, with a district championship, a regional championship and a third place finish in the FHSAA’s 4A division at the state meet. “I threw shot put one year in middle school kind of as a joke and I came out messing around after football practice one day at the track,” Mizell said. “I threw the shot put and the coaches said, ‘woah, we need this kid out here.’ So it all kind of started as a joke really and I fell in love with it... And Jackson had the biggest impact on my development out of anybody, I’d say. He really taught me what it meant to be a javelin thrower and the importance of technique over power and the importance of consistency over everything else, just dedication as a whole to being a good competitor. I’d say he really showed me what it was like to be a true track athlete.”

Now under newly-appointed head coach Michael Mangan, Webber had previously received a commitment from one of Mizell’s friends and teammates, Rhet Conyers. After Conyers’ commitment for shot put, Mizell says that his name was brought up to the Webber coaching staff and an offer was eventually made for him to join the team on scholarship as well. “It’s kind of a pretty cool deal,” Mizell said. “My buddy Rhet is going there for shot put and they didn’t have a very good throwing team. Their coach just left and they have a new coaching staff, a brand new head coach, so they’re trying to recruit new and upcoming track athletes. So they recruited Rhet and he kind of talked to them about what they have and he mentioned me for javelin. So Webber came out to the regional meet and got in contact with me. After they saw me throw at the regional meet and power through an injury the coach said he was sold and said right then and there that he’d like to offer me a scholarship.” Long-time friends and teammates, Conyers and Mizell have been friends since childhood, playing little league baseball and

youth football together before competing on the football and track and field teams at Plant City, now set to join the track and field team at Webber together for the next four years. “I grew up with Rhet, I mean we’ve been buddies since we could talk really,” Mizell said. “We played baseball together growing up, football together, track together, now we’re going to college together. It really shows the bond that Plant City brings a whole. I love Plant City, I love the sports programs that Plant City High School has. I dedicate everything to Plant City High School and my family and friends and everything that they’ve taught me throughout the years to get me to where I am now.”

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

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THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

REAL ESTATE

JUNE 2022 Real Estate Transactions

Local June 2022 sales and trend information courtesy of The Crawford Group. Under Contract, now what! Hopefully you have teamed up with a seasoned and experienced Realtor to manage the litany of contract deadlines and third parties now involved in the process. Inexperience may cost you money in the transaction. Let’s discuss the inspection due diligence period that’s agreed upon with an executed contract, typically 5-10 days from the effective date of the contract. As part of the AS IS contract, the buyer has the right to inspect any aspect of the home; roof, plumbing, electrical, termites, lead base paint, drywall to mention a few and to verify the home is in acceptable condition or cancel during this period for any issue or discoveries they may find In most cases the buyers secure a licensed home inspector for these services. Setting the client’s expectations, we suggest to all clients to get an inspection on any home from new construction to the historic 100-year-old homes. The inspection report will range in detail and have seen reports over 75 pages long, but the length doesn’t necessarily infer major issues. A seasoned and professional inspection will have a summary page of items that they have noted of concern. One term that is used frequently “beyond useful life” and insurance companies love to have those items replaced but that doesn’t mean they are broken or not working correctly. For example, the useful life of an A/C is fi e to seven years, but a 12-year-old A/C showing 16

degrees temperature difference from the return to the air vent is performing better than most new ones. We have also seen where a new construction home didn’t have any attic insulation but passed county inspections. Having an experienced team will help you transverse any of these situations. Precise information explained is an absolute need when buying or selling a home and keeping the contract from falling apart. As we continue to look at the Plant City housing data, we have just completed the fi st half of the year, selling 512 homes versus 537 last year or 4.7 percent decline in units sold. The 1H 2022 average selling price was $354,010 which is a 28 percent increase over 1H 2021. If no other data was reviewed it would appear the market was gaining strength but that isn’t the case, our markets are starting to slow and level off on the month ver month figu es. June-2022, our market area saw 86 homes sold a slight improvement from the previous months. The average selling price per square foot was $213.94, which accounted for a 0.03 percent decrease over last month. The average selling price was $369,420 or a 2.8 percent decrease over last month. The active inventory increased for the third month in a row from 1.09 to 1.69 to 2.1 month’s supply. We are gaining ground on the equilibrium of 4-6 month’s supply levels, but still have probably six months from obtaining that equilibrium, and buyers gaining

an edge over the sellers. While comparing the Median prices month over month data, June finished with a Median ales price of $336,213 which was less than May’s number by 6.6 percent and a 1.6 percent increase over the 2022 year-to-date average. The average days on market (ADOM) for June was 19.5 days, a rise over May’s 15.9 days. What does the near-term future in real estate look like? Inventory levels will continue to gain more supply, which may lead to increased ADOM levels. Mortgage rates have been erratic but on the upward trend. National news reports more negative situations in the real estate market overall than here in Florida. My simple explanation, many more people still want to relocate to Florida and communities like Plant City. This in turn creates a higher demand for our properties. As always, if you are in the market to buy or sell your home … seek out an experienced professional realtor to assist you in this transaction process. There are too many consequences to go it alone without representation. If you have any questions, please reach out. SALES SNAPSHOT The following residential properties were a sample listed as sold on the Greater Tampa Realtors Association MLS in June 2022 for the Plant City Market Area. The home at 1314 S Gibbs St sold June 10 for $130,000. Built in 1951, it has 3 bedrooms, 3 bath

and 1300 square feet of living area.

2 baths and 1458 square feet of living area.

The home at 5748 Harvey Tew sold June 6 for $175,000. Built in 1988, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1248 square feet of living area.

The home 2322 S Fairway Dr sold June 14 for $350,000. Built in 1987, it has 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and 2123 square feet of living area.

The home at 8911 Mary Ivy Dr sold June 10 for $235,000. Built in 2007, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 bath and 1754 square feet of living area.

The home at 2006 E Timberlane Dr sold June 16 for $377,000. Built in 1979, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1595 square feet of living area.

The home at 2014 E Willow Dr sold June 29 for $255,000. Built in 1979 it has 3 bedrooms, 1 bath and 1120 square feet of living area.

The home at 2110 Sycamore Ln sold June 3 for $395,000. Built in 1987, it has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 2263 square feet of living area.

The home at 2525 Turkey Creek Rd sold June 1 for $255,000. Built in 2004, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1152 square feet of living area.

The home at 8303 S County Rd 39 sold June 17 for $417,000. Built in 1967, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1508 square feet of living area.

The home at 1105 Cason St sold June 8 for $270,100. Built in 1979, it has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1075 square feet of living area. The home at 1305 E Cherry St sold June 2 for $294,000. Built in 1989, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1440 square feet of living area.

The home at 1810 Via Chianti St sold June 16 for $460,000. Built in 2016, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and 2796 square feet of living area.

The home at 2608 Ellis Rd sold June 13 for $310,000. Built in 1993, it has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2272 square feet of living area. The home at 2703 Wilder Trace Ct sold June 16 for $335,000. Built in 1999, it has 3 bedrooms,

The home at 6614 Papa Guy Ln sold June 30 for $550,000. Built in 1986, it has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 2032 square feet of living area. The home at 3325 Mayday Dr sold June 30 for $1,050,000. Built in 1993, it has 5 bedrooms, 3 bath and 6045 square feet of living area.

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THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR We asked Plant City: What’s the first thing you’d do if you won the lottery and why? “The fi st thing that I would do is take care of my family members, lots of my friends and last would be build a house that I have always wanted. Oh, and donate to animal shelters.” - Linda Riggsby Kender

“Pay off deb , then hire a financial advi or, invest the money and live off f the interest.” - Sarah Tickel VanCamp

“I’d pay for my daughter and her friends college so they could relax a bit. Also start a community farm at schools. To help kids learn where there food comes from and to give them a healthy breakfast and lunch options. If you produce enough you can give back to families in need” Donna Rego

“Buy a big property, build homes for my kids and family on it, start a business for my family, donate to animal rescues, make one also, and help as many homeless as I can to get back on their feet” - Cori Na

“I would establish a family shelter that has apartments for families to stay. Provide health and occupation services to assist in getting them back into a stable independent life style.” - Joann Freel

“Set up trust funds for my kids and then build my dream home.” - Barbara Hall

“Tell no one, hire a lawyer, move out of America.” - Misty Cox “Remodel and pay off Stalvey Harner

y house.” - Sandra iStock

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James Elmer Roland, Jr., 97, of Fort Myers, Florida, departed this life on June 28. 2022. He is survived by his loving wife Marie “Pat” of 73 years; sister, Clare Roland SSJ; sister in law, Janet Roland of Rochester New York; daughters, Ruth Sones (Geoff), and Mary K. Lewis (Michael); sons, Ned, Marty(Paula), Tom(Kathy), Bob(Gretchen), Paul(Lisa), and John(Molly); 13 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; as well as one great-great grandchild. Mr. Roland was born and raised in Rochester, New York and would go on to graduate from The Aquinas Institute, class of 1943 and University of Rochester. He served his country proudly in the US Air Force during World War II. He was a former member of Brook Lea Country club

Gary Wayne Olliff Gary Wayne Olliff, 63, of Dover, Fla., born in Plant City on July 3, 1958, entered into eternal rest on June 25, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

Pat Marie Olliff Pat Marie Olliff, 75, of Plant City, Fla., born in Tucumcari, N.M. on March 9, 1947, entered into eternal rest on June 28, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Justin Anak Jones

Rosa Blas Verduzco

Justin Anak Jones, 34, of Plant City, Fla., born on April 11, 1988, in Brandon Fla., entered rest on July 5, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Rosa Blas Verduzco, 55, of Plant City, Fla., born on Nov. 11, 1966, in Tlalchapa, Guerrero, Mexico, entered rest on July 4, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Margene Stowe Petraitis

Taking careStowe of Margene Petraitisis passed each other what

away July 1, 2022 in community Lakeland, Fla. She on Aug. 6, is was all born about.

OBITUARIES

James Elmer Roland, Jr.

where he enjoyed golf with friends and family. One of his greatest joys was playing golf with his sons. He had 5 holes in one. During retirement Pat and Jim moved to the Plant City area of Florida and later to Fort Myers. In lieu of fl wers, memorial contributions in memory of James Elmer Roland, Jr. are suggested to: The Aquinas Institute of Rochester, 1127 Dewey Ave., Rochester, NY 14613. Complete memorial service information is forthcoming. Neptune Society, Fort Myers is entrusted with final are.

1943 in Kansas City, Mo. dedicated to helping families create a W E ’ RE P RO U D TO S E RV E our community Fondwe’re memories unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. celebrates the life itof represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, and expressions > 100% Service Guarantee > Nationalmay Plan Transferability sympathy be shared HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM > Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® at www.WellsMemorial.com forR the Petraitis family. ®

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Annie ‘Grandma’ Allen Tomer Pearl Wilson Allen Tomer, 37, of Plant City, Fla., born on Feb. 5, Goddard

Virginia D. Johnson

1985, entered into eternal rest on July 4, 2022. Annie “Grandma” Pearl Expressions of condolence Wilson Goddard, 88, of Plant at HopewellFuneral.com. City, Fla., born on Dec. 30, 1933, entered into eternal rest on July 3, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival.

Virginia D. Johnson, 90 WELLSMEMORIAL.COM of Plant City passed away July 6, 2022. The family will Wells MeMorial & event Center be having a private interPlanT CiTy ment. 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care. M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

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Virgil Eugene Green Virgil Eugene Green, 84, of Lakeland, Fla., born in Springhead on Dec. 3, 1937, entered into eternal rest on July 9, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

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

10/27/15 10:42 AM

YOUR CALENDAR

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THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

BEST BET SATURDAY, JULY 16 STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN 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 our movie knowledge, or just to cheer on your loved ones, with a chance to win a prize at this month’s Jurassic Park-themed Movie Trivia Night. As always, the event is family-friendly and free.

FRIDAY, JULY 15

THURSDAY, JULY 21

GREG FUENTES “UNPLUGGED” 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Krazy Kup is pleased to introduce a very talented musical artist in Greg Fuentes. He brings a unique and special acoustic interpretation of classic rock, folk and country music to his performances. His skills, along with his smooth voice, will surely have you leaving in a good mood. Head to the loft at Krazy Kup for Fuentes’ performance. Admission is free, but donations to the bucket of love are encouraged.

BACKPACK BASH 4 to 6 p.m. at 1801 E. Cherry St. Grace United Methodist Church will hold their Community Scheghetti Dinner Fundraiser to raise money for their Backpack Bash, an event that provides local students with school supplies for the upcoming year. Meals are available for dine in or take out, costing $6 for adults and teens, $5 for children ages fi e to 12 and children four and under can eat for free. For more information, please contact Donna Cotter at 315-546-5917.

SATURDAY, JULY 16 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.

SATURDAY, JULY 23 BACK TO SCHOOL BASH 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2909 James L. Redman Pkwy., Suite #7. Mark your calendar for TKsweets and Your CBD Store Plant City’s 2nd Annual Back to School Bash. The event is sponsored by Vidacann Lakeland and will be giving away over 200 free book bags, with school supplies included. While all book bags with school supplies have been claimed through pre-registrations, walk-ups are welcome as some participating businesses will have book bags on-hand, but make sure to come early as supplies are limited. Attendance is free to the community with vendors, facepainting and a food truck in attendance for shopping. For more information, contact

TK Sweets by phone at 813-815-0932 or by email at tksweetsllc@gmail.com or Your CBD Store Plant City by phone at 813-652-8191 or by email at shopFL351@ getsunmed.com. FRIDAY, JULY 29

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 fi st Saturday of every month. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12

LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN 5 to 9 p.m. at 110 N. Collins St. The Last Friday in Downtown Food Truck Rally is held with a new theme each month. There will be live music, market vendors and food trucks. The event is family and pet friendly and all are recommended to bring chairs and blankets. July’s theme will be a magical event for wizards and muggles alike as the Harry Potter Birthday Celebration takes over downtown Plant City. SATURDAY, AUGUST 6

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 our movie knowledge, or just to cheer on your loved ones, with a chance to win a prize at this month’s Movie Trivia Night. As always, the event is family-friendly and free. SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 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 sh w everyone what you’ve got.

BLUEGRASS JAM! 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. This is an open invitation for local

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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, JULY 14 High: 92 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 58%

FRIDAY, JULY 15 High: 92 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 24%

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

SUNRISE/SUNSET Sunrise Sunset Thursday, July 14

6:41a

8:26p

Friday, July 15

6:41a

8:26p

Saturday, July 16

6:42a

8:26p

Sunday, July 17

6:42a

8:26p

Monday, July 18

6:43a

8:25p

Tuesday, July 19

6:43a

8:25p

Wednesday, July 20

6:44a

8:24p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JULY 16 High: 90 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 58%

SUNDAY, JULY 17 High: 91 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 58%

MONDAY, JULY 18 Shineta Armour sent us this photo of her kids Makayla and Matthew at the Plains, Trains, and Automobile event at the Plant City Airport earlier this year.

ONLINE

High: 92 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 48%

Across 1 Flash 5 Hustle and bustle 9 Just 13 Lake near the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 14 __ rug 15 Bean sprout? 16 West Coast footballer on an RV vacation? 19 “As Good as It Gets” Oscar winner 20 Deer madam 21 Considerable 22 “Sex Education” actor Butterfiel 23 Mischief maker 24 Used crayons

26 San Fernando counterfeiter? 29 Mystery writer’s middle name 30 Emotional shock 31 Show stoppers 34 Times Square gas 35 Parking unit 37 Property attachment 38 Minnesota senator Klobuchar 39 Unctuous 40 Tailor’s dummy, e.g. 41 Fisher who won’t take advice? 44 Goal of regular exercise 47 Omaha Beach craft: Abbr.

48 Boiling blood 49 Disney princess with red hair and a green tail 50 Prefix with enter 51 Colony members 52 Indecisive European? 56 Opposite of exo57 Spanish rivers 58 Big name in razors 59 Pond plant 60 Shortfin shar 61 More than half Down 1 City near the Mount of Olives 2 Steel, e.g. 3 Italian automaker since

1899 4 Like the yin side: Abbr. 5 Xeroxed 6 Exhort 7 Flash 8 “So there!” 9 Funhouse fixtu e 10 Mystery writer’s fi st name 11 Superman player 12 Like some jugs 17 Without thinking 18 Shoelace end 19 Caribbean metropolis 23 Dark time for poets 24 Nile threat 25 Eye rudely 27 Office PC nexus 28 “Love Train” group, with “The” 31 O’Hare arrivals 32 Former name of an arid-region Afro-Asian rodent 33 Sleeps soundly? 35 Poses 36 Furthermore 37 Captain’s journal 39 Marks in ancient manuscripts 40 Dynamite stuff 41 Basis of monotheism 42 Westernmost Texas county 43 “Yeah, right!” 44 __-Castell: office supply brand 45 Ryan of “The Beverly Hillbillies” 46 Piña colada garnish? 50 Furry Endor critter 51 Choir member 53 Equip 54 Actress Vardalos 55 Relatives, slangily

July 28 New

Aug. 5 First

Aug. 11 Full

July 20 Last

RAINFALL LAST WEEK:

MONTH TO DATE:

1.45in.

1.79 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

JULY AVERAGE:

21.49 in.

8.65 in.

OKRA

Shipping point: South Florida $16.00-$18.35

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

WEATHER

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THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

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