7.15.21 PLCO by Plant City Observer

Plant City Observer

y Observer

YO UR HOMETOW N. YO UR NEWSPAP ER .

YOUR HOMETOWN. YOUR NEWSPAPER

VOLUME 6, NO. 154

. YO UR NEWS PAP ER .

FREE • THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

PLANT CITY’S NEWEST TEAM: Dumpasaurus, Tippy, Oscar and Cart-Right

The Name That Truck! Contest for the Cart-To-Curb program received more than 100 submissions from the community. Four were selected as top-tier nominations and the new trucks revealed their clever names Monday night before the city commission meeting. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Residents got a sneak peak at the city’s new automated trash collection trucks last week during a special ceremony where the winners of the naming contest received prize packages for their winning entry. Just before the community headed in to City Hall to take part in the first commission meeting of the month a crowd gathered in the circle in front of the building to take in the new automated trucks. Four trucks bearing four unique names were onsite for the event. As part of the Cart-To-Curb rollout the

City of Plant City held a Name That Truck! Contest and received more than 100 entries as the community came out in force to have a chance to name one of the new vehicles. “Our residents showed their excitement for CartTo-Curb with their creative name suggestions for our newest trucks, and we were thrilled with their response,” Jill Sessions, director of Solid Waste for Plant City, said. “These trucks are great additions to our community. CartTo-Curb will increase the efficiency of trash collection in the city and create a safer, healthier work environment for our employees.

It also will reduce operating costs, help stabilize rates, and improve the cleanliness of our neighborhoods.” The residents who won the Name That Truck! Contest attended the meeting and posed in front of the trucks bearing their clever names as commissioners and city staff applauded their creativity. The names are displayed across the truck’s cab doors and each of the four winners received a prize package for their efforts. CONTINUES ON PG. 5

Courtesy of the City of Plant City

The winners of the Name That Truck! Contest with Plant City staff and commissioners.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

NEWS BRIEFS

opportunity to learn through play, with the services coming at no cost to Hillsborough County Residents. The mission of the Children’s Board is to invest in quality programs to support the success of all children and families in Hillsborough County.

Back to school health clinic heading to Plant City The Back-2-School Coalition of Hillsborough County serves students entering kindergarten through high school grade levels who are in need of a school physical, immunization and shot records update for school enrollment. The no-cost event will offer physicals and immunizations from local health and medical partners in addition to eye exams, dental screenings, hearing screenings, one book bag filled with gradespecific school supplies per child and access to programs and services offered by local community and health agencies. You must pre-register for the event. For more information visit www.back2schoolhealthclinic.org The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Plant City at 1601 West Timberlane Dr. on Saturday, July 17 and in Dover at 3035 Nelson Ave. on Wednesday, July 21.

Newly-renovated Children’s Board Family Resource Center to hold Grand Opening in Plant City Since 2013, the Children’s Board Family Resource Center in Plant City has offered programs and services to children of all abilites, looking to ensure that they are healthy and safe, on track developmentally, have quality family support and are ready to learn before they head to kindergarten. On Friday, July 16 at 9:30 a.m., the Children’s Board Family Resource Center will hold the Grand Opening for their newly renovated Plant City location, a 7,900 square foot building that provides universal services including developmental playgroups and health and safety education classes. In addition, the Glazer Children’s Museum will be providing exhibits for the event that will allow parents and kids the

Plant City Photo Archives’ intern receives certification Plant City Photo Archives Intern, Erin Schulte, has completed the Internship Program at the Photo Archives and History Center and has received her certificate for exceptional completion of the Intensive Internship Program, along with a certificate from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) for her completion of the Basics of Archives course. Schulte graduated from the Intensive Internship Program on July 1 following the conclusion of the internship program that ran from February through June. The AASLH Basics of Archives course, which is part of the Photo Archives’ Intensive Internship Program, is a four-week online course covering all aspects of archival activity and procedures. Schulte is a graduate of Plant City High School and received her B.A., Summa Cum Laude, from Florida State University with a major in Interdisciplinary Humanities. She will begin a Disney College Program Internship in Orlando starting later in the month. In addition to learning archival practices and procedures, at the Photo Archives Schulte worked on historical criticism, epistemology, cosmology, research resources, data collection, and historical writing. Along with on-site learning, Schulte also participated in field trips to the Polk County History Center and the Florida Southern College McKay Archives. Photo Archives Sr. Executive Director Gil Gott complimented Schulte on her dedication and outstanding job performance.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

PLANT CITY BASED SOAP AND PERSONAL CARE COMPANY BRINGS HEALTHY LIVING TO YOUR SKIN All Things Knatural, a Plant City based beauty, cosmetic and personal care company, has developed a loyal following due to its focus on high quality organic and natural products.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

A local business is creating products that take the mystery out of wellness. All Things Knatural, a beauty, cosmetic and personal care company in Plant City, is steadily gaining a loyal following as owner Kenee Lee highlights the importance of focusing on what you’re putting on your skin. The Plant City native started making soaps in 2017. As a new mother she began researching the products she was putting on her child and realized that much of the products that are so commonly found in homes are filled with chemicals and unnatural ingredients. “After I had my daughter I felt like I became a totally different person,” Lee said. “I really started looking at the ingredients that were in our lotions and soaps and I was so uncomfortable seeing some of the things in those products. The more I learned the more I started to critique what I was seeing so I decided I would try to start making these types of items for my family and see if I could create something better. We all just loved it. I said that this was something I really could see myself doing. So I kept studying and learning more and in 2018 I started my business to expand and offer these products to the community. I’ve been expanding what I make ever since.” Lee is a big proponent healthy lifestyles and uses essentially oils and natural scents in her organic and homemade soaps, lotions, facial serums and other unique products. Many of the items were born after Lee focused on addressing a specific issue from a loved one or a loyal customer. A family member had eczema so she created an oatmeal soap. A loved one suffered from a burn so she created hemp soap to help add relief to the area. Her soaps are by far her best selling items and not long after a new batch is made and her inventory is updated will they sell out as the customers hop on to grab their favorite products. You can find everything from Black African soap to “Stay Woke” Coffee Bar soaps. Then of course there are natural soaps with scents like coconut, citrus, vanilla/lavender, wild lemongrass and turmeric and lemon, to name a few. Her specialty soaps like “She’s A Lady” and “Hot Girl Summer” are some of her best sellers and the fact that All Things Knatural offers several unscented and gentle products has cultivated a loyal following from those with sensitive skin. Customers began to ask for facial care products so she delved into creating a turmeric scrub — made with turmeric powder, cocoa butter, aloe vera and she butter — to combat dark spots and acne and serums and toners like Radiant Glow and Tighten Up so shoppers could have natural ingredients in every aspect of their skincare routine. Many of her products are unisex, but Lee also has beard oil and beard

combs in stock for clients who want to spruce up their beard game. “These other skincare products go hand-in-hand with my soaps that can be used on your face,” Lee said. “I feel like branching off into that gave people more options on what products they use on their face. Hyperpigmentation and acne are some issues my customers were bringing up and so I wanted to delve deeper into that field and focus on the face. Serums for moisturizing and facial scrubs for exfoliating. Honestly my business is a holistic business so any type of wellness I can bring into lives I see as being a part of that.” Lee said a simple fact that is often overlooked is the skin is the body’s largest organ and it absorbs what is placed on it. Instead of exfoliating with abrasive chemicals or moisturizing with artificially scented soaps and lotions customers are starting to look for other options. She started this journey by simply wanting to find a product that “gives to the skin instead of taking away from the skin” and that mindset has been echoed by many not only in Plant City, but by consumer trends across the world. According to a report by Grand View Research, Inc., a rising awareness in environment conservation as well as a focus on eliminating harmful chemicals in personal care products are driving the market more toward organic solutions. The global organic soaps market size is expected to reach $383.4 million by 2025, with North America currently being the dominant market as it accounted for more than 30 percent of the global revenue. There is also a movement in Plant City for consumers to return back to relying on small businesses. Markets are popping up all over the community and many small shops are turning to the internet to ensure their customers have easy access to their homemade goods. Lee said while she intends to be more present at markets and vendor events she still gets the majority of her sales online as people have the products shipped directly to their homes. “I definitely see more people going toward the handmade and small businesses and local businesses rather than large corporations,” Lee said. “The support is definitely there and I want to do my role to show up and make sure I provide high quality products that this community wants and needs. Ideally you’ll have people start to use these local small businesses for as many things in their life as they can so that these massive corporations won’t be the answer anymore. I’ve seen that with my customers. The number of repeat customers I have is very high which tells me I’m doing a good job fitting the needs of those in Plant City. I think people are ready to get those harmful chemicals out of their homes and I’m happy to be a part of that journey in whatever way I can.”

Photos courtesy of All Things Knatural

To learn more about All Things Knatural head to allthingsknatural.com. You can also follow the business on Instagram and Facebook @AllThingsKnatural.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY

Observer

This week on Cops Corner, Plant City Police investigate a stolen trailer, multiple stolen ve-

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

hicles and a suspect who was

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com

pushed from her chair.

Sports Writer / Taylor Jenkins tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com istock

tion, but also did not wish to file charges and signed a waiver of prosecution.

JULY 2 TRAILER STASHED 500 block of N. Woodrow Wilson St. Burglary business/trailer theft: Officers responded to the school at the location where contractors wee pressure washing and painting the interior and exterior of the building. According to the report, a closed, 12-foot trailer containing over $17,000 worth of equipment was stolen. DISAPPEARING ACT 700 block of E. Baker St. Vehicle theft: Officers responded to an auto shop where the victim claimed that his Ford F250, with no attached tag, had been stolen from in front of the business overnight. PUSHED TO THE LIMIT 1600 block of E. Warren St. Battery: Officers met with the victim who claimed that the suspect, known by the victim, pushed her out of her chair as she sat in her driveway. The victim did not know the suspect’s residence and could not provide any more informa-

JULY 3 DOUBLE TROUBLE 300 block of S. Frontage Rd. Stolen/recovered vehicle, warrant arrest: Officers responded to the location in reference to a vehicle theft that had occurred. The suspect was then placed under arrest for grand theft motor vehicle and officers discovered that they also had two active warrants out. The suspect was transported to Orient Road Jail without incident. FIRST STRIKE S. Collins St. Warrant other agency: Officers made contact with the suspect during a traffic stop. A check on the suspect revealed two warrants out of Polk County, one for possession of an illegal substance and one for possession of drug paraphernalia. The warrants were confirmed and the suspect was transported to Orient Road Jail.

Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com

JULY 5

SCRATCH THAT IDEA 300 block of W. Grant St. Criminal mischief: Officers met with a victim about reported damage to their vehicle. Upon arival, the victim noted that she had observed deep, gouge-type scratches in the paint of her vehicle, located on the front hood and all along the driver’s side. LOST IN TRANSIT 1200 block of Gordon Oaks Dr. Theft: Officers met with a victim who stated that packages had been stolen from the front porch of the location.

JULY 4

BYE BIKE 1 Police Pl. Waiver of prosecution: Officers met with a victim who stated that he had reported his bike stolen on June 5. On July 4, the victim located his bike and officers made contact with the suspect at the location where the suspect claimed that he had purchased the bike from a man named “Mike”. The victim advised that he did not want to press charges and simply wanted his bike returned. The victim then regained possession of his bike and signed a waiver of prosecution. FLOWN NORTH

LOST AND FOUND 600 block of S. Collins St. Vehicle theft: Officers met with a victim who claimed that his truck had been stolen. Later in the officers’ shift the truck was located by Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, unoccupied and with no damage done to the vehicle.

N. Shannon Ave. Warrant other agency: Officers came into contact with the suspect during routine patrol. After running a check on the suspect, a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office warrant for grand theft auto was discovered. The warrant was confirmed and the suspect was taken into custody and transported to Orient Road Jail.

Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

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

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, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

SEND US YOUR NEWS

We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, send your information via: Email: Sarah Holt, SHolt@ PlantCityObserver.com. Mail: The Plant City Observer, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B, Plant City, FL 33563

FRESHEST MEAT & LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR THIS WEEK’S SAVINGS

Instagram: @plcobserver

Visit FeltonsMarket.com

PLANT CITY Baker St. olds

Reyn

Twitter: @PlantObserver

OVE R 40 YE ARS EXPE RIE NCE R ESIDE NTIAL • COM M E RCIAL • ADDITIONS R E NOVATION S • HISTORIC R E STOR ATION S

4 County Line Rd.

CHOICE MEATS • PRODUCE • GROCERIES

WALKER PLAZA 617 N. Maryland Ave., Plant City (813) 752-1548

Park Rd.

Felton’s Market

Sam Allen Rd.

Maryland Ave. St.

Lakeland

Time for New Glasses?

Dr. Jeremy H. Gaffney O.D. Dr. Barry M. Gaffney, O.D. PA Dr. Daniel G. Gaffney O.D.

www.drgaffney.com

813.754.3593 2002 S. Alexander St. Plant City, FL 33563

The struggle between fashion and function is officially declared a tie! Never before have eyeglass frames been offered in so many stylish choices. Yet, you’ll be amazed at how many options are at your fingertips to help you see well and protect your vision!

This week’s Sudoku answers

813 -966 -1138 287857-1

289695-1

Mon-Sat 7am - 9pm | Sundays 7am - 8pm At Felton’s we offer a complete line of fresh meat and produce. You’ll ﬁnd only the best quality meats at bargain prices. Whether it be that special occasion dinner, or you are planning a large party, call or stop by today. No matter what your needs, Felton’s is sure to have the ﬁnest, most tender meat and tasty produce anywhere.

MOZARTCONSTRUCTION .COM

O Plant City Observer

is locally owned by Ed Verner, Karen Berry, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes The Plant City Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC.

This week’s Crossword answers This week’s answers Jumbles:

110 E. Reynolds, Suite 100B Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850

RUMMY BLEND SPOTTY INDOOR Answer: Thanks to the success of his firewood business, the owner had -- MONEY TO BURN

Publishers of the

Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

CART-TO-CURB ALMOST HERE The winners and the selected names were:

Michael Stanley (“Cart-Right”), Charles Haines (“Dumpasaurus”), Emanuel Espinoza (“Tippy”) and Sandra Ward (“Oscar”).

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The new automated trucks have a mechanical arm that is designed to life specially designated carts and empty them into the truck body on its own. This means the driver will not need to leave the vehicle, greatly reducing the risk of injury on the job and expediting the process in any weather. The carts (aka garbage cans) available to residents are in three sizes: 95, 65 and 35 gallons. The process of transitioning to the fully automated system will come in phases. The first phase includes approximately half of the City of Plant City’s single-family residential customers. The conversion to the automated trash collection will start in August of this year and the other half of the residents will convert in August 2022. The carts for Phase 1 will be delivered in late July and City Manager Bill McDaniel said there will be further communication closer to the initial launch for affected residents on when to use the carts.

There is a chance some people may have a day change for trash pickup, though the process of two-pickup days a week will remain the same. If that is the case the residents in question will be contacted well before the switch. McDaniel said the city has relied heavily on its multi-media materials to spread the word on the Cart-To-Curb program over the course of the past year. Informative panels have been held that allowed the public to swing by with their questions, flyers and brochures have been passed out, multiple videos have been released regarding the new agenda for trash collection and the city has reached out to many of its partners to spread the news. He added that it’s important that residents remember that the cart stays with the house. So if they move the cart remains at the home to which it is assigned. To learn more about CartTo-Curb and when it is coming to your neighborhood, visit plantcitygov.com/mycart, call (813) 757-9208 or email solidwaste@plantcitygov.com.

Courtesy of the City of Plant City

Above left: Michael Stanley (Cart-Right). Above right: Charles Haines (Dumpasaurus). Below left: Emanuel Espinoza (Tippy). Below right: Sandra Ward (Oscar).

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

KIWANIS CLUB OF PLANT CITY USHERS IN 100TH ANNIVERSARY The group is having a Centennial Celebration Dinner next Thursday in honor of its long years of service to the community. STAFF WRITER

The Kiwanis Club of Plant City is officially holding its 100th anniversary party next week via a Centennial Celebration Dinner. The event will be at the John R. Trinkle Center at HCC, 1206 N. Park Rd. and the entire community is invited to RSVP and join the group in a celebration of a century’s worth of work in the community. The event will be a moment to reflect on the club’s past as well as to highlight the current endeavors. A meal will be provided by Second Plate Catering and there will be music, awards and guest speakers. “This is a great event to celebrate a civic organization that’s been around for 100 years,” Sharon Moody, vice governor for the Kiwanis Florida District, said. “Kiwanis is such a great organization and does so many things for the community. One of my favorite things is all of the work it’s done for children in our community.” Kiwanis annually hosts the Stuff the Bus project, which provides backpacks and school supplies to 28

schools in Eastern Hillsborough County. It also is responsible for Christmas for an Angel, where the group gives toys to children in 18 local elementary schools. The Plant City High School Key Club is sponsored by Kiwanis as is the Terrific Kids Program at local elementary schools and the Builders Club at Marshall Middle School and Faith Christian Academy. Each year the group also designates a Citizen of the Year and honors the recipient for their lifetime of service to Plant City. Those — as well as a variety of other services Kiwanis provides — will be highlighted next Thursday evening during the celebration dinner. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. and speakers from Kiwanis’ state office and from the Tampa Bay area will be adding depth to the ceremony. They will discuss what Kiwanis does globally, nationally and right here in Plant City as well as to share some history on how the group started. Kiwanis history in Plant City is deep and over the past century has become an intricate part of civic service projects in every

corner of the community. In the 1920s the group was formed as a way for prominent businessmen in the community to connect and give back. It was first led by Club President Dr. John Walter Alsobrook just six years after Kiwanis Clubs officially began forming in the U.S. Its first year it had 50 members. The dinner is free to attend, but an RSVP is required as only 100 guests are allowed at the event. While the deadline has officially passed to RSVP, Moody said a few spots are still left and they will still accept interested attendees until the spots fill. If you wish to come, RSPV to the Plant City Photo Archives, 106 S. Evers St. For more information contact Moody at 813-4537134 or SharonMoody91@ yahoo.com or Gil Gott at 813-754-1578 or gvgott@ gmail.com.

KIWANIS PRESIDENTS

1921: Dr. John W. Alsobrook 1922: William E. Lee 1923: Dr. Calvin T. Young 1924: Asa Richard Larrick 1925: Fenton M. Prewitt 1926: Robert M. Morgan 1927: David Earl Harper 1928: William Schneider 1929: James William "Jim" Henderson 1930: J. Edwin Cassels 1931: Henry M. Kilgore 1932: George M. Carey 1933: Henry Shelton Moody 1934: John Gordon Smith 1935: Francis D. Goff 1936: John R. Trinkle 1937: Llewellyn "Lew" J. Prosser 1938: William T. Watkins 1939: James D. Bruton, Jr. 1940: Chester W. McDonald 1941: Fred C. Kelley 1942: Willard D. McGinnes 1943: Walter C. Busk 1944: Dr. Luman E. Black 1945: Don E. Walden, Sr. 1946: Chandler C. Bone 1947: J. O. "Joe" Armor IF YOU GO: 1948: Fred E. Barwick What: Kiwanis Club of 1949: Rev. J. Sam Garner Plant City Centennial 1950: Edwin H. Chapman Celebration Dinner 1951: Frank H. Moody When: July 22 at 6:30 p.m. 1952: Edward L. House Where: Trinkle Center, 1953: Don A. Storms 1206 N. Park Rd. 1954: Loyall Hardy Duyck Cost: Free, but RSVP 1955: Henry C. Durrett required. 1956: Nicholas J. Bella

CARPETS Steam Cleaned

3 Rooms $85

includes Hallway cleaned free

Emergency TILE & GROUT Emergency

Water 24-HR. 24-HR. Water Steam Cleaned Extractions Extractions 50c per sq.ft. Storm, Storm, Broken Pipes, Broken Pipes, etc. etc.

CARPETS

TILE

Steam Cleaned

3 Rooms $85

50c

includes Hallway cleaned free

Water Extraction 24-Hr Service | Carpet Dyeing & Repairs

www.AllSaintscc.com 813-986-1266 813-986-1266 www.AllSaintscc.com 813-986-1266 www.AllSaintscc.com

Water Extraction 24-Hr Service | Carpet Dyeing & Repairs

www.AllSaintscc.com

1957: Clarence R. "Jack" 1986-1987: Ken W. Buchman Hooker 1987-1988: Richard Olson 1958: George Friend 1988-1989: Don Mason 1959: Wilson R. Rogers 1989-1990: Olin Britt 1960: Willard Y. Duyck 1990-1991: Oscar Lastinger 1961: Fred B. Gill 1991-1992: Tony Malatino 1962: Robert S. Trinkle 1992-1993: Shirley O. Gill 1963: Bryan M. "Mac" 1993-1994: James McDaniel Smith, Jr. 1994-1995: Chuck 1964: Bert E. Davidson Christensen 1965: Charles J. Edwards 1995-1996: Terry Capron Courtesy of City of Plant City Edward Verner 1966: Williams N. Crowe 1996-1997: 1967: Arlen Cruttenden 1997-1998: William Veltheim 1968: Winfred W. Nicholson 1998-1999: Larry Liggett 1969: Victor F. Kohlmeier 1999-2000: James Jeffries 1969-1970: Harley S. Miller 2000-2001: Robert Brown 1970-1971: William S. Herold 2001-2002: Ken Gibbs 1971-1972: Alex B. Hull 2002-2003: Jim Brown 1972-1973: MacIntire Hooper 2003-2004: Matt Buzza 1973-1974: Phillip Panos 2004-2005: John McCaughey 1974-1975: Rev. Roy L. 2005-2006: Ken Hawthorne Reynolds 2006-2007: Denise McDaniel 1975-1976: Dr. Harold D. 2007-2008: Bill Watkins Brewer 2008-2009: Don Mason 1976-1977: Donald 2009-2010: Sharon Moody Montgomery 2010-2011: Anna Reitz 1977-1978: Elton Hinton 2011-2012: Earl Burkett 1978-1979: Edward Snowden 2012-2013: Earl Burkett 1979-1980: James K. "Jim" 2013-2014: Anna Reitz Wilson 2014-2015: David Wolf 1980-1981: Don Walden, Jr. 2015-2016: David Wolf 1981-1982: W. A. Smith 2016-2017: Ricky Coronado/ 1982-1983: Salvador D. Sharon Moody "Bud" Nabong 2017-2018: Sharon Moody 1983-1984: David H. 2018-2019: Gil Gott Galloway 2019-2020: Gil Gott 1984-1985: William C. 2020-2021: Jimmy Conrow Meriwether 2021-2022: Marilyn Williams 1985-1986: Gary T. Crowley

287396-1

BREANNE WILLIAMS

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

GIL GOTT

LONG-TIME EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR PLANT CITY PHOTO ARCHIVES ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT After 21 years with the Plant City Photo Archives, Gil Gott is set to retire later this year TAYLOR JENKINS STAFF WRITER

Executive director of Plant City Photo Archives, Gil Gott, has announced that he will be retiring after over 25 years of service to the city. A native of Erie, Pennsylvania, Gott originally moved to Florida with his wife in 1985. He then served as the vice president of government affairs and economic development for the Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce before relocating and accepting a job as the president of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce in 1995. Once in Plant City, Gott also worked with the East Hillsborough Historical Society alongside then-president Ed Verner. And when long-time Plant City area photographer Bill Friend passed away in 1999, leaving years and years of photos without a home, a new opportunity arose for Gott and Verner. While the Historical Society had little interest in collecting photos and documents of the city’s

history, Gott recalls Verner arguing, “we can’t let the photos go to the dustheap of history,” before purchasing the entire collection. “Each of those things tells a story, more so than just a piece of equipment,” Gott said. “A photograph has numerous people, places and things involved in it and each one does tell a story, so we started trying to collect those and that’s what we focused on.” Verner then organized Plant City Photo Archives, Inc. in 2000, naming Gott as the executive director where he has now served for 21 years. For a decade during that time, from 2000 to 2010, Gott also taught history and political science at Hillsborough Community College. “Looking over his work these past two decades, it is not possible to overstate the scope and importance of Gil’s contribution to Plant City’s knowledge of and appreciation for her history,” Verner said. But despite working for so long in a role that aligns with his passion for history, Gott embraces the opportunities and freedom that he will be afforded in retirement.

“The problem is that I have so many different things hanging,” Gott said. “So many other projects, so many other articles and books that I’m trying to read and research, and do that type of thing, but I don’t have the time for it. So I’m looking forward to actually catching up on all of the things that I’ve been trying to do, which are somewhat related to my passion for history but nonetheless is not day-to-day like what I have been doing… I’m looking forward to actually picking and choosing the things that I want to do.” Gott also loves to sail, something that he will have more time for in the coming years, as he takes a 32-foot sailboat out of Apollo Beach with Verner in his free time. But even with Gott’s retirement now on the horizon, it won’t come immediately. He will continue serving as executive director through Oct. 1, with the process for selecting his eventual replacement already underway, and will then be involved in assisting the new executive director through the rigors involved in taking over the position. “I think it’s really a good thing to have someone younger to come in,” Gott said

about the future of the archives under new leadership. “When I grew up none of this stuff existed so they have much better abilities to use social media, and more social medias are being developed over time, so all of these things will be something that the new person will be able to make much better use of.” This shift to social media and virtual programs is something that the archives had tried to focus on in recent years, especially with a pandemic limiting their in-person audience, to broaden their reach. And with a bright new future ahead for the Plant City Photo Archives, Gott will leave the organization with a sturdy foundation built on years of hard work and passion. “To really understand who you are and where you come from, you need to understand your history,” Gott said. “And there’s an opportunity (at the archives) to just walk in and learn a great deal more than you knew before. It also gives you a different perspective on who you are, where you came from and where you’re going. I think that’s all what we offer you and it’s right here.”

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

LEGENDARY FORD BRONCO CHARGES BACK TO SHOWROOMS NITISH S. RELE

After 25 years out to pasture, the Ford Bronco has returned to the rodeo! And what a comeback! Ford engineers have brought tough competition to the game in response to its chief rival: the immensely successful and iconic Jeep Wrangler. The Bronco Sport version (Badlands 4X4 trim) Ford gave us comes with rough-and-ready looks and off-road prowess. Though offered with a base 1.5-liter 3-cylinder power train, our Bronco had plenty more muscle with its 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecoboost inline 4-cylinder engine. It pumps out 250 horsepower @ 5500 rpm and 277 pounds-feet of torque @ 3000 rpm. EcoBoost is essentially twin turbochargers and a small-displacement engine working in tandem with gas-direct injection to produce a powerful but fuelefficient engine. It’s mated to the standard lively 8-speed auto gear box. An independent MacPherson strut front end with tuned struts and stabilizer bar, and rear double lateral link semi-trailing arms suspension, isolate occupants from road noise and imperfections to ensure a safe jaunt. Providing superb on-center feel to the driver is an electric power system. G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes are normal, eco, sport, slippery, sand, mud/ruts and rock crawl. Up front, rounded LED headlights flank the signature cartridge gray grille with BRONCO etched in white letters. Metal bash plates, front tow hooks, active grille shutters and mainly short front and rear overhangs convey off-road prowess of a vehicle that can wade through 23.6 inches of water. The cabin, though comfy, offers features such as rubberized flooring (and cargo area too) and zipper pockets (with

Molle straps) for extra gear that proves it’s safe to venture into nomad land. Other goodies include: • tilt/telescopic steering column; • 60/40 split fold rear seat; • power lift gate; • paddle shifters; • eight-way power and six-way manual front passenger heated seats; • second-row under seat storage bin; • eight cup holders; • a 6.5-inch instrument panel, Sync3, which accesses audio, telephone, navigation controls via a voice command, • and the 8-inch touchscreen tap or button click are simple to use. The standard Ford CoPilot360 bundles together driver-assist safety features such as blind spot monitor, cross-traffic alert, pre-collision and lane-keep aid with auto emergency brake, auto high beams, and rearview camera. Also included are dual front and side airbags, front knee airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic stability and traction control, front 180-degree camera, trail control (essentially cruise control while off-roading), tire pressure monitor, and daytime running lights. The Bronco’s gallop back into the wilderness, this time with the Sport 4X4, is a tremendous and much-needed addition to the already-impressive Ford lineup. If you like to go off the beaten path or customize your vehicle (as in Jeep), the exciting and cool Bronco offers endless choices. Kudos, Ford engineers! It’s a job well done! Nitish S. Rele operates motoringtampabay. com and Khaas Baat, and was an automotive editor/columnist for the Tampa Tribune. Email him at motoringtampabay@gmail.com.

STATE FARM® AGENT

Tony Lee CLU, CHFC 813.752.7202

1702 S. Alexander, Plant City, FL 33563

288231-1

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

POLITICS AND THE LITTLE PRIVATE STRIP THAT COULD.

A little over fifteen years ago, the City of Plant City Commissioners unanimously approved the Midway Lake Private Airstrip – 79FD on 6 of over 300 acres owned by my family in that area going back 3 generations. Even with authorization from the FAA and the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority after reviewing it for any safety concerns, there had been more than the average amount of drama created by the request. Some dastardly slandering propagandists had attempted to predict everything short of radioactive stars falling and the doom of agriculture in the area if pilots would be allowed to land small airplanes on a grass strip every once in a while. I must give

the devil her due for the fear tactics indeed created a practically unprecedented level of hysteria at the public hearing. However, thankfully, rational heads prevailed and so began what is now over 15 years of occasional moments of safe and joyful use. Inside the flights enjoyed so far from the strip, there are dozens of “joy rides” I’ve been privileged to give in a bird of mine. From young boys or girls trying it for the first time, to military veterans who haven’t flown since they took off their uniforms, a small airstrip is certainly the best for such joy flights. The irony of how some of the rides I happily provided were granted at the request of some who signed the petition trying to stop me from building the strip is not lost on me. As expected, they

had no idea what the petition they were being asked to sign actually said. And now fifteen years later it has borne out how being a short and narrow grass field, Midway Lake Private Airport only accommodates smaller lightweight aircraft and most often they come and go without notice or fanfare. Now when I enjoy a sunset flight, it is also sadly ironic for me to note how some, who predicted the loss of agriculture at the hands of my strip, sell their lands to urban sprawl developers. The truth is the politics of a grass strip and small aircraft operations are akin to those of agriculture in how they utilize and sustain open vistas. And they both suffer and sometimes expire over time at the hands of residential sprawl and/or politics.

I don’t know exactly when the future will arrive for the huge areas of pastureland and park lands to the north and east of Midway Lake that I enjoy seeing more completely perhaps than anyone else from my elevated perch aloft at so many different times. I’m sure that much of Plant City as we know it will change in years to come, and though I don’t knee-jerk bemoan the growth and change, I’m sure it will in some ways be much like how I recall watching dirt roads in Brandon become 4 lane divided arterial roadways leading through fewer and fewer groves I once harvested or drove trucks to, until the groves and agriculture there were no more. When it became impossible to sustain agriculture in what had become a hostile environment

of neighbors complaining, while many of them kept dumping their pool filters and mattresses and carpet remnants across the fence unto our land, I saw and felt first-hand what it is to watch agriculture become sprawling residential growth. But for now, I feel sure Midway Lake and its private landing strip have provided more joy and beauty than noise or detriment to the area. And God Bless the young man who gave me a flyby in his small biplane this past weekend. Watching an inspired young man wag his wings and climb out, as a giant Amazon Jet flew above him on approach to Lakeland Linder Airport, made me smile. One might note how the jet thousands of feet above him, made more noise than the young man giving us a flyby.

287682-1

ED VERNER

JULY 15, 2021

SPORTS

PLANT CITY PARKS AND RECREATION LEAVES LASTING IMPACT ON COMMUNITY

Through the Planteen Rec Center and newly-built Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center, Parks and Rec provides a number of free or low-cost programs for Plant City’s residents.

Quick Hits PLANT CITY YOUTH PRO BOWL TRYOUTS RESCHEDULED FOLLOWING TRAGIC LOSS The recently featured Youth Pro Bowl tryouts in Plant City — originally scheduled for Saturday, July 17 — will be rescheduled following the tragic loss of Ladarius Clardy, son of Youth Pro Bowl founder Ladaron Clardy. Ladarius Clardy was a standout quarterback at Pine Forest High School in Pensacola, Florida and graduated in 2020 before enrolling to play football at Kennesaw State. He lost his life on July 1 and his funeral will be held on July 17 in Pensacola. According to coach Kirk Broussard, the Youth Pro Bowl tryouts are tentatively scheduled to make their return to Plant City in December or early January following the conclusion of the Pop Warner season and the exact date will be reported when a decision is finalized.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Plant City takes pride in their sense of community, working hand-in-hand for the betterment of their fellow residents and hometown as a whole. For examples of this, you don’t have to look much further than the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and their two city-run rec centers, the Planteen Recreation Center and the newly-built Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center (SGMCC). COVID-19 continues to pose a problem for the community centers, limiting class sizes and general attendance as the SGMCC also opened their doors in the middle of the pandemic, but as vaccination rates increase and case numbers decrease throughout the state, both locations are progressing in their transition back to normalcy. “We tried to keep it as safe as possible,” SGMCC recreation supervisor Julie Garretson said. “We followed the CDC guidelines for masking, all of those things, so we didn’t have too much pushback. Maybe a month was kind of tricky but after that it was pretty smooth sailing, we didn’t have too many limitations.” Summer programs have been limited to 75 kids at both locations. “Moving forward into next year we should be able to increase our head count, potentially double it,” Planteen Rec Center recreation supervisor Maggie Morona-Cole said. “We’ve had 200 kids for the past couple of years with the loss of the MLK Rec Center, before the (SGMCC) opened, so I’ve been the only site open and have been taking up to 200 for the three years that we only had the one rec center. But now that we’re getting back into a world where we have two facilities that can support it, I will probably be around 140, 150 kids each summer.”

So despite a limited capacity enforced at Plant City’s rec centers, with decreased sizes for their summer and after school programs and guidelines that promoted safer practices like non-contact policies in sports or pods that isolate each group of kids, the biggest early obstacle that the new SGMCC faced was filling classrooms and rental spaces for their classes and programs. “One hard part, the hurdle that we faced, was that normally when you open a rec center or a community center you have people beating down your doors to run dance classes and art classes, they want to teach this and teach that and do all of these different things,” Garretson said. “But we were kind of like cold calling at this point to try and get people to come in and offer classes. Whether the instructors weren’t doing it because they didn’t feel safe, they may be contracted through a company and were on pause, they were on hold, different things. So we kind of started out slowly with the programming and it built over time.” But these hurdles don’t just impact the community centers themselves, they also impact the community around them that relies on these programs. While the after school and summer programs are the primary city-run events at these locations, the community centers also play host to a number of free or low-cost classes and programs. “It’s a game-changer for (some kids),” Garretson said. “To be able to come and express themselves, whether it’s through art, through sports, through whatever. They’re safe, they have mentors, our staff are really good to mentor the kids. So it’s amazing how impactful something like just eight weeks of summer camp can be for some of these kids. We make lasting relationships with them.” “These are programs that are critically important at a secondary level,” Morona-Cole added. “Teachers are

heroes and they’re amazing but with all of the things on their plate, they often don’t have time to meet the standards that the schools require and also provide all of these extra things. So our mission is to really just back that up, to give those extra opportunities for kids to bond with an adult, to see the right way, to be exposed and look at the world differently.” Exercise, dance and tutoring classes along with several volunteer-run programs utilize the city’s property. This includes M.A.T.E.S., a low-intensity workout program for all age groups on Saturdays, hip hop aerobic classes on Thursdays, WNBA-affiliated basketball programs for young girls and more. The SGMCC has even been reformatted to host conventions, sports tournaments and city business brunches in their 18,000 square foot gymnasium. “We didn’t want to come in and set the bar low,” Garretson said. “We wanted to come in and try to make a difference and make sure that people feel welcome. All walks of life, all socioeconomic levels, everybody can come through the doors and find something that they like or something that they want to do.” Now leading into the fall, Parks and Rec looks toward getting back to a more traditional programming schedule as COVID protocols allow. Without the opportunity to throw a major grand opening celebration, the SGMCC is hoping to hold a one-year celebration in September and both centers plan on continuing to gradually expand on their already-growing number of available programs.

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

“RHINO” Mike Thomas transitions from

student to competitor to teacher TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

After years of sharpening his skills and competing, Mike Thomas has opened his own dojo.

Mike Thomas, known as “Rhino” when he competes, has loved the sport of karate since he was a kid. Enamored by movies and shows like Three Ninjas and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles growing up sparked a love for the sport, but it wasn’t until Thomas was in his late 20’s that his journey in karate began. Thomas said that he was always athletic but never had a chance to compete in

organized sports as he began working as a freshman in high school due to complications with his mother’s health. When weighing the choice between working or turning to crime for money, in his own words, Thomas began working 40-hour weeks as a teenager. Then years later, at 26 years old, that path took an unexpected turn. CONTINUES PAGE 11

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

Thomas now able to share his passion, skills and guidence with the next generation “It feels more than great, it feels like something that I’m supposed to be doing.” FROM PAGE 10

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

After losing a friendly wager over a basketball game, a friend decided that the bet would be waived if Thomas agreed to enroll with him at Chris Welbon Karate in Plant City. “I liked the atmosphere and then I was really good at it,” Thomas said. “I was already flexible, I can jump, I could already kick. I could throw a kick well one time, but I couldn’t do it multiple times. You could tell that I was somebody who just got lucky and did it the first time and it went from there… I had no skills. I was just fast, I could jump, I could kick but I wasn’t good.” Thomas went on to practice Shotokan Karate under Welbon for a number of months but eventually began training with Rudy Rogers, as it was a better fit around his full-time work schedule. Under Rogers, Thomas began to mold that natural athleticism into technical skill. In his first tournament, following just three months of training, Thomas placed second — with the scoring of that contest still a point of contention for the duo to this day.

“It went well, I met a lot of friends there, Chris (Welbon) is a good guy,” Thomas said. “He taught me some things but I was still a beginner. When I got with Rudy, he started to sharpen my skills and it was a better setting for me because I was getting one-onone training.” Rogers, 75, has worked in martial arts for over 45 years and runs his own outdoor dojo called Open Air Dojo, the first and previously lone branch of the Rogers Nisei Karate Federation. Since beginning his training in 2015, Thomas won a number of competitions as an underbelt and has continued that success after earning his black belt in 2018, all while continuing to support his family as a full-time employee now with the City of Tampa’s Transportation and Stormwater Operations Division. Most recently, Thomas finished second in the Black Belt Class A division at the 2021 U.S. Open in Orlando earlier this month. “I don’t even know what I would be doing right now if I wasn’t doing karate,” Thomas

said. “That’s how much it’s taken over my life, I love to do it.” And Thomas has propelled that love for the sport a step further, doing his part to pass on his passion and knowledge after opening up a dojo of his own this past February, the same month in which Thomas was honored as an inductee to the Plant City Bing Rooming House Museum’s Sports Hall of Fame. Now the second branch of the Rogers Nisei Karate Federation, Thomas currently has around 10 students under his instruction from four to 12 years old. “I ask them questions, I sit down and I talk to them.” Thomas said about what makes his dojo unique. “I don’t just come in and say, ‘do this.’ Each one of my students, I ask them how their day is going or if they have a headache or if there’s any problems in school, if they need help with anything, and they talk to me… I try to treat them, not like adults, but I like to let them open up to me and talk to me so that they feel comfortable.”

What was once a mere childhood dream of learning karate has grown into much more, not just competitively for Thomas himself, but for the next generation of kids that he teaches. “I always say that it’s like a dream,” Thomas said. “I don’t even believe it. Every day that I get up and I go in there, I still can’t believe that I’m teaching these people, that these people look to me to teach their kids… I don’t know how to describe the feeling of it. It feels great, but it feels more than great. It feels like something that I’m supposed to be doing.”

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

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

PlantCityObserver.com

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

289704-1

This week we asked Plant City: With the Harry Potter Birthday event upcoming, what is another themed events you would like to see around town?

“We’ve talked about this before, Cayla and I. We love period pieces, so our favorite author is Jane Austin. We read Pride and Prejudice all the time, but we’ve read it multiple times. I can quote the book. I can tell you exactly what page number our favorite parts are on, I’m not kidding. If they could have a period piece…” - April Resendiz

“A regency period, British, Jane Austin (event) with tea, we would dress up. And have hot tea and scones and we would fake a British accent and have the movies playing. If we could stroll around in our outfits with the parasol and have some hot tea and little petit fours.” - Cayla Jordan “I’m not quite as into it, but I like to watch it.” - Darlene Jones

“If they could have like an outside theatre we could sit on the grass and maybe have Pride and Prejudice showing.” -Resendiz

“Listen, if this is going to be a whole week, I’ll put in for a sub because I’m a teacher.” - Resendiz

“We could sit on the grass because that’s what they would do. But the point is, that would be amazing and you’d think we’re the only ones, there’s many of us out there.” Jordan

“Could we have horse-drawn carriages? Take us around town in a horse-drawn carriage with my parasol? Shut up.” - Jordan

“We know there are. There’s tons of us. If they promote it well enough?” - Resendiz “It would be all over the place.”- Jordan “We’ve talked about this numerous times, I’m telling you. I would be here all day. Would this be an all-day event, a weekend?” -Resendiz “Are we taking off work?” - Jordan

“Darlene, I’m upset that you’re not getting as excited. Would you come to this?” Resendiz

“That could be another. I think that would be more recent, like more people know about it. I shouldn’t see more people know but I’m saying, it’s more recent and real trendy right now.” - Jones “I’ll tell you, I like that. I’ll get onboard. I’d come for the weekend?” - Resendiz “The whole weekend? Now it’s turned into a whole weekend event.” - Jones

“I am excited, yes I would come. I would absolutely come, 100 percent. I like this idea, I really do, I’m just not as passionate. I was just going to saw Downton Abbey.”Jones

“And the new movie is coming out soon, Downton Abbey 2.” - Resendiz

“However a Downton Abbey thing could also be another.” -Resendiz

“I’m not kidding, this is a really good idea.” - Redendiz

“It is! So you could do this leading up to the movie.” - Jones

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Sandra ‘Sandy’ McGahee

Michael “Mikey” Mowery, 16, of Plant City, Florida, born Nov. 20, 2004 in Brandon, entered into eternal rest July 5, 2021. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Sandra “Sandy” McGahee of Plant City, Florida, born June 28, 1951 in Columbia, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest July 8, 2021. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Isabel Vera Isabel Vera, 88, of Riverview, Florida, born June 18, 1933 in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, entered into eternal rest July 6, 2021. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Robert ‘Buddy’ C. Moran Robert “Buddy” C. Moran, 72 of Dover, Florida, born Nov. 18, 1948 in Plant City, entered into eternal rest July 6, 2021. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Arlin Taylor

Arlin Taylor, 91, of Duette, Florida, born March 3, 1930 in Fort Lonesome, entered into eternal rest July 10, 2021. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Jeannie White

Jeannie White, 50, of Riverview, Florida, born in Ironton, Ohio on Aug. 8, 1970, entered into eternal rest on July 9, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Cherry Mae Grubbs Cherry Mae Grubbs, 87, of Plant City, Florida, born March 9, 1934 in Kieser, Arkansas, entered into eternal rest July 9, 2021. She was an ordained Reverend, Sunday School teacher, worship leader and worked in nursing homes. God and family were her everything. She was always teaching, encouraging, mentoring, or sometimes reprimanding us to make us better people. She prayed daily for her children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and church family. When she turned fifty she decided to go into the work force and become a home health aid taking care of patients that were terminal. She enjoyed spending time getting to know the patients and sharing her faith at the end of their life. She would pick up kids and families and take them to church. She wanted everyone to have the opportunity to worship God.

She was preceded in death by husband, Reverend James Grubbs; and son, Johnny Grubbs. She is survived by children, Shirley Ann Haupert, Travis James Grubbs, Mary Jane Murray, Jimmy Wayne Grubbs, Cherry Ann Hale, and Terri Lynn Overmiller; 13 grandchildren; 15 greatgrandchildren; 17 greatgreat-grandchildren; and dogs, Lady and Rosie. A funeral service will be held Saturday, July 17, at 3 p.m. at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 South County Road 39, Plant City, where the family will receive friends beginning at 2 p.m. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Martha Elizabeth ‘Libby’ Ribelin Tillman Martha Elizabeth “Libby” Ribelin Tillman, 95, died peacefully July 11, 2021. A long-time resident of Plant City, FL and Galax, Virginia she was preceded in death by the love of her life, Ted

Tillman, who died on March 3, 2021. She was born in Greenwood, South Carolina in 1925. She graduated from University of South Carolina and completed post graduate work at Tulane. Libby married Ted Tillman in 1947 after meeting at a USO dance in Greenwood. (She always said, “In ‘47 I went to heaven!”). They moved to Chapel Hill, North Carolina in 1950 and raised three daughters. Libby was a leader and board member in Girl Scouts for many years. She and Ted donated land for Camp Pipsissewa in Chapel Hill. She loved to travel, go on cruises, golf and spend time with her family and very dear friends. She was loved and will be truly missed. Libby is survived by her three daughters, Julie Williams of Eugene, Oregon; Tracy Horton of Palestine, West Virginia; and Connie Yarnell of Chocowinity, North Carolina. She is also survived by several dear nieces, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

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

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

Richard Greene

OBITUARIES

Michael ‘Mikey’ Mowery

Richard Greene, 84, of Plant City, Florida passed away on July 9, 2021. The family will receive friends Friday, July 16, 2021 from 10 to 11:00 a.m. at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

YOUR CALENDAR

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

BEST BET FRIDAY, JULY 16 SISTER ACT, THE MUSICAL

8 p.m. at 101 N. Thomas St. Head down to Plant City Entertainment to see Sister Act, the Musical on Friday. Plant City Entertainment, in conjunction with Music Theatre National will present the show over a number of nights in Plant City throughout July and August. Tickets can be purchased online at pceshows.com and are priced at $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and students and $15 for P.C.E. members (only available in advance at Shear Expressions Hair Salon and at the door). The event also has an opening night special on July 16, offering two tickets for just $30. But if you aren’t able to make it on opening night, the musical will also be held July 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31 at 8 p.m. and on July 18, 25 and Aug. 1 at 2 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 15

FOOD FOR KIDS - FOOD DRIVE

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1110 North Wheeler St. The GFWC Woman's Club of Plant City is organizing a Food for Kids - Food Drive, to benefit the Plant City Food Bank. Help support their summer needs for kids food bags. Drive thru at the Women’s Club clubhouse location and donate any of the following most needed items: cereal, peanut butter, jelly, mac and cheese, breakfast bars and soups.

BACK TO SCHOOL HEALTH CLINIC

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1601 West Timberlane Dr. The Back-2-School Coalition of Hillsborough County serves students entering kindergarten through high school grade levels who are in need of a school physical, immunization and shot records update for school enrollment. The no-cost event will offer physicals and immunizations from local health and medical partners in addition to eye exams, dental screenings, hearing screenings, one book bag filled with gradespecific school supplies per child and access to programs and services offered by local community and health agencies. You must pre-register for the event. For more information visit www.back2schoolhealthclinic.com

TUESDAY, JULY 20

SATURDAY, JULY 17 STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

3 to 6:30 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is back on Saturday, July 17 , rain or shine. Cars and trucks manufactured in or before 1996 can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music by DJ John Paul Gasca.

THURSDAY, JULY 22

FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS

PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Federal, state and local opportunities are constantly changing. If you’ve served any time in the military, retired or non-retention, and would like to review your benefits please take advantage of free assistance at the Bing House Museum, 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walk-ins welcomed or call 813-704-5800 to set a specific time.

SUNSET SOUNDS

6 to 8 p.m. at 5202 Thonotosassa Rd. Sunset Sounds is a summer music series featuring acoustic music from local artists. Head over to Keel & Curley Winery every Wednesday evening to enjoy music, food, drinks and sunshine on their patio.

BACK TO SCHOOL HEALTH CLINIC

PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS

7:30 to 9 a.m. Join the Plant City Toastmasters for breakfast, laughs, and fun; there's no better way to start your Thursday mornings. Bring a chair and a mask. The Toastmasters also offer Zoom meetings for those who can’t make it in person. Visit the Facebook page, facebook.com/ PlantCityToastmasters, for meeting locations and information.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 21

TEENS TEACH TECH FOR 21STCENTURY SENIORS

4 to 5 p.m. Who knows the latest technology better than teenagers? All seniors looking to learn how to navigate the Internet and keep up with an ever-changing digital world can learn from the best every Tuesday afternoon at the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St. Call 813-659-4256 for more information.

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 3035 Nelson Ave, Dover, FL. The Back-2-School Coalition of Hillsborough County serves students entering kindergarten through high school grade levels who are in need of a school physical, immunization and shot records update for school enrollment. The no-cost event will offer physicals and immunizations from local health and medical partners in addition to eye exams, dental screenings, hearing screenings, one book bag filled with gradespecific school supplies per child and access to programs and services offered by local community and health agencies. You must pre-register for the event. For more information visit www.back2schoolhealthclinic.com

FRIDAY, JULY 23 BLUEGRASS NIGHT - JAMES ROGERS & BLUE CYPRESS

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 J Arden Mays Blvd. Head down to Krazy Kup to enjoy a coffee and the musical stylings of James Rogers & Blue Cypress as they play traditional style bluegrass, classic country, Americana, old-time country, ballads, pioneer music and Bluegrass Gospel. Tickets are available for $15 in-house or on Eventbrite and seating will be limited.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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 15 High: 90 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 14%

FRIDAY, JULY 16 High: 91 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 24%

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, July 15

6:41a

8:26p

Friday, July 16

6:42a

8:25p

Saturday, July 17

6:42a

8:25p

Sunday, July 18

6:43a

8:25p

Monday, July 19

6:43a

8:24p

Tuesday, July 20

6:44a

8:24p

Wednesday, July 21

6:45a

8:23p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JULY 17 High: 91 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 32%

SUNDAY, JULY 18 High: 90 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 37%

MONDAY, JULY 19 Pat Jolles took this photo of a curious woodpecker in Laurel Lakes last week.

ONLINE

High: 90 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 37%

Across 1 Story like “Roots” 5 K9 Advantix II targets 10 Dance that tells a story 14 Capturing device 15 Cuba __: rum cocktail 16 Former Lacoste partner in sportswear 17 Taj Mahal city 18 5,000 feet, roughly 20 Providing post-bath garb to red-breasted singers? 22 Keep a roomie awake, maybe 23 Letters before an alias 24 Window sticker 28 Surg. areas

30 Chocolate-filled cookie 31 Doing poorly in baking class? 36 Became the champ 37 Farm bleaters 38 Like many SSA payment recipients 39 Growing dried grapes? 44 Mischievous doings 45 Jaguar XK-E, e.g. 46 Tomato concentrate 47 Hope/Crosby film destination 50 Make roar, as an engine 54 Recording easy putts? 57 “That’s slightly inaccurate” 60 Bluesy James

61 Put one __ on: fool 62 Gadget used on an apple 63 Ace, as a test 64 High roller’s rolls 65 The ones over there 66 Abound (with) Down 1 Overhead twinklers 2 One of the noble gases 3 Actress Greta 4 Two that match, as socks 5 Flier on a pole 6 Heavenly scales 7 Kindle download 8 Dutch-speaking Caribbean island

9 Alien-seeking org. 10 “And he ... HE __! ... The Grinch carved the roastbeast!” 11 Israeli weapon 12 Enthusiastic online “Ha-ha!” 13 Beverage suffix 19 “__ I don’t?”: challenging words 21 Foam-based ball 25 Piled-stones memorial 26 Authors Rice and Tyler 27 Suffered defeat 29 6-Down and 11 others 30 Beethoven’s love 31 Polynesian Disney princess 32 Watts and volts 33 Rich holiday drink 34 Long-nosed fish 35 L.A. commuter org. 36 Rolled-up sandwich 40 Paid tot minders 41 Mountaineer’s tool 42 Lee whom nobody doesn’t like 43 Sinner’s atonement words 47 Copier brand 48 MC’s opening words 49 Looks untowardly toward 51 Curriculum __: résumé 52 Loosen, as a knot 53 Song of worship 55 Treaty 56 Spare in a Brit’s boot 57 Currently 58 Egg cells 59 Talking stuffed bear of film

Aug. 8 New

July 17 First

July 23 Full

July 31 Last

RAINFALL LAST WEEK:

MONTH TO DATE:

1.42 in.

7.24 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

JULY AVERAGE:

26.94 in.

OKRA

Shipping point: South Florida $12.35-$16.85

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

7.60 in.

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

PlantCityObserver.com