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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

TWO IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS ON THE WAY The city’s Lift Station 2 and the subdivision are one step closer to some major upgrades following Monday night’s commission meeting.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Though Monday evening had one of the shortest commission meetings on record, several key items were silently voted on during the unanimous approval of the consent agenda.

Mayor Rick Lott was away so Vice-Mayor Nate Kilton

presided over the meeting.

There were no public hearings and nothing from the consent agenda was pulled to be discussed separately. The entire ordeal wrapped up in just over 10 minutes.

Two agenda items, however, have kicked off the next stage of heavily impactful projects in Plant City.

The first rose to the city’s attention after Lift Station 2 and its contributing sewer network reached its maximum pumping capacities. This lift station is the oldest in Plant City and serves a massive section of the city. The existing lift station is a wetwell/drywell configuration and has three pumps.

SEE PAGE 7

MORGAN PIERCE LIFE CELEBRATED BY CANDLELIGHT

Friends of Pierce gathered downtown at the train depot on Monday evening to honor her memory.

SEE PAGE 6

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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

NEWS BRIEFS

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

Courtesy of Palm Cove Living

Amanda Norman was announced as Palm Cove Living’s new Executive Director this week.

County creates COVID-19 dashboard COVID-19 statistical data for Hillsborough County is now accessible to the public at the county’s website.

HCFLGov.net launched the COVID-19 Dashboard and announced it Monday. The website aggregates data pulled from testing numbers, positive cases, hospitals’ patient intake, fatalities and more. It contains total numbers, averages, percentages and graphs displaying rates and trends per day, per week and per two weeks.

Anyone can see information about the county’s total numbers of hospitalized patients, those who had to go to the ICU and those who visited the emergency room with COVID-like symptoms. It does not, however, provide data specific to any one hospital — which means Plant City residents cannot see numbers pertaining only to South Florida Baptist Hospital or any hospital in Hillsborough where friends and family are being treated.

The county said most dashboard data will be updated twice daily and testing data is to be updated once per week. Visit HCFLGov.net/Covid19Dashboard to view the dashboard.

Man arrested for attempted murder in Dover Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Jose Manuel Zayas for shooting a person on San Diego Lane in Dover.

Police said Zayas, 30, shot the victim once at approximately 6:30 p.m. and fled the scene. The victim called 911 and was able to see the vehicle Zayas fled in. Deputies found the vehicle at the convenience store at 3185 N. Dover Road. HCSO completed a court-authorized search warrant, which led to them finding a handgun. A shell casing near the scene of the shooting was found and detectives matched it to the brand of ammunition used with the gun.

Zayas was charged with resisting an officer without violence, providing a false name to law enforcement, attempted murder in the second degree with a firearm

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(great bodily harm), felon in possession of a firearm and a fugitive warrant out of Ohio. HCSO said the victim suffered serious injuries but is expected to survive.

“Thanks to the great investigative work of our detectives, this suspect is behind bars,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “He faces several charges, including Attempted Murder in the Second Degree. He remains at the Falkenburg Road Jail with no bond at this time.”

Courtney Paat hosting back-to-school drive for Bryan If you want to help Bryan Elementary School students and teachers go back to school with the supplies they’ll need, Courtney Paat’s Virtual Back to School Drive is a convenient option.

The drive, which launched on Monday, lets anyone purchase school supply kits starting at $5 each. Anyone looking to donate supplies has until Aug. 7 to log on to educationalproducts.com/donate/ loginlink.aspx?OrgId=SFW003 and their orders will be shipped to Bryan at the end of the drive.

For more information, call Paat’s office at 813-754-1725 or stop by at 1805 James L. Redman Parkway Suite 101.

Palm Cove Living names executive director Plant City’s newest assisted living and memory care community will now be led

by Amanda Norman, the organization announced Tuesday.

“Norman brings senior living sales and community relations experience as well as a deep-rooted passion for older adults,” Palm Cove said in a press release.

The community, located at 2050 N. Shannon Ave., will have 47 suites open to seniors from Plant City and surrounding areas when it opens in 2021. Palm Cove “will offer assistance with all activities of daily living in addition to professional culinary services, spa services, social programming, therapy, pharmacy and concierge level of care to ensure residents’ physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing are held at top priority,” per a press release. Call 813-444-5299 or visit PalmCoveLiving.com for more information.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

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LOCAL FAMILY HEADS TO D.C. TO ADVOCATE FOR A ‘WAR ON CANCER’ Jennifer Harnage has been fighting ovarian cancer for nearly three years. The lack of funding for research as well as frequent late diagnosis has led to the cancer being dubbed “the silent killer.” Her family hopes to encourage elected officials to make cancer research a priority.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Terry Harnage and his daughter, Melissa Harnage Richardson, are headed to Washington D.C. to demand the government vow to wage a war on cancer.

It’s a passion Terry Harnage admits is relatively new, though his research and dedication more than makes up for his lack of prior knowledge. In October of 2017 his wife, Jennifer Harnage, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Their entire family has lived in an altered reality ever since.

“I was actually misdiagnosed for several months,” Jennifer Harnage said. “Unfortunately ovarian cancer is called ‘the silent killer’ because the symptoms are so easily overlooked with patients and are often misdiagnosed as something else in the medical community. And as you begin to look into ovarian cancer, you realize that there are no early screenings.

The Pap smear detects cervical cancer but it doesn’t detect this.

And with ovarian cancer, timing is everything.”

Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer in the U.S. and “causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When you look at all cancers combined, it accounts for a mere three percent of cancers in women. However, it is also the fifthleading cause of cancer-related death in women.

If you are fortunate enough to find the cancer in the early stages, there is treatment that can help.

However, the symptoms most experience are vague at best and that often leads to it not being caught until it is in advanced stages.

Each year, more than 300,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. With current medical treatments, though, less than half of those women will live longer than nine years.

Jennifer Harnage said her gynecologist kept brushing off her symptoms and was convinced her misdiagnosis was correct. It wasn’t until she and her husband could literally feel the mass growing inside her that they were able to demand a scan. The results came back quickly but it had advanced by then.

“There are so many families affected by this and the statistics are simply unacceptable,” Terry

Harnage said. “My daughter and I are going to take a trip to Washington D.C. in our motorhome and go to the Capitol steps and start making a lot of noise. A ridiculously small amount of federal money is being spent to cover a lot of cancers. Our biggest concern right now is the ovarian cancer that my wife is fighting very bravely and very hard to try and stay healthy through this. But there just is not nearly enough federal money being spent on research and for treatments.”

In his mind there is only one answer: the federal government needs to declare a war on cancer.

He said that our elected officials move massive amounts of money around for wars in the Middle East, for passion projects of individual representatives or for deals that the general public never benefit from. There isn’t enough private money available to boost research enough to ever get a handle on the issue, so he believes the government will have to step up to the plate.

He’s more than aware we are talking billions, if not trillions of dollars, but he quickly listed a variety of wars and projects that have required double, if not triple that amount that were approved in a heartbeat.

“It’s time the American people demand the government fight a war that benefits us for a change,” he said. “I hope to burn some ears up in Washington D.C., there’s some ears that need to be set on fire because we need to get this done. Personally we want to get started very quickly. My wife is being treated now. She’s had two recurrences so we are currently trying to get into another remission.”

They plan to “make a lot of noise” Sunday and Monday and hope to catch the attention of not only the surrounding public, but also the members of Congress that will be arriving to work Monday morning.

It’s a passion they said they believe millions of citizens echo and it’s up to elected officials to stop and say, “You’re right, this needs to become a priority.”

“I don’t think Congress can be convinced, I think they are going to have to be shamed by the American people to reacting appropriately,” Terry Harnage said. “They are ready to sign off on wars in the Middle East to the tune of trillions of dollars and it’s time for them to sign off on an investment for the American people. We can demand that federal money. If we are gong to go into debt another trillion dollars, why don’t we get some-

thing out of it for a change. Why don’t we do something that will save millions of lives.”

It’s definitely a priority in the Harnage household. The husband and wife exercise each day together in hopes that by Jennifer Harnage being stronger and healthy, she will be able to continue the fight against the cancer and withstand the chemotherapy.

She’s fighting hard, so he and his daughter are ready to fight hard with her.

His daughter flew in from San Antonio to make the trip. She is missing her first wedding anniversary, but he said they all know they are racing against a clock.

Due to initial treatment and

recurrences, Jennifer Harnage has had 20 chemo treatments since October 2017. It’s a battle they’re still in the middle of, yet their hope has never wavered.

“It’s the third year anniversary of Jennifer’s diagnosis this October, so statistically we’ve got to get going,” Terry Harnage said.

“This has to get going at a faster rate, not just for us but for all of those families out there that are in the same position. God willing, we aren’t running out of time but we have to look at it that way.”

For Jennifer Harnage, the message is simple: don’t let anybody discount your concerns. She said physicians are very good at ruling out generic diseases, but often fail

to catch the more rare or unnoticed culprits.

Until there’s further research, the hopes of any changes are slim. She said all they want is for Congress members to give them their attention and realize they’re ignoring a deadly war right here in their own back yard.

The motorhome is on the road and should be nearing Washington D.C. soon. The fight is just beginning.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

COPS CORNER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

PLANT CITY

Observer

This week on Cops Corner: Plant City Police investigated a missing $100 debit, a house fire, an old-fashioned heist and more.

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com

JULY 3 OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway Theft: This victim used the self checkout and requested $100 cash back with her purchase. She then left the $100 cash back in the deposit slot at the register, where it was taken.

UNHAPPY TRAILS 2300 block of Henderson Way Theft: This victim reported that a white 52-foot Great Dane ModelCCC enclosed trailer was stolen.

The trailer was valued at $15,000.

EASY MONEY 900 block of Valencia Road Burglary: This victim stated that someone entered his bedroom via his window and removed $10,000 in cash from under his mattress and approximately $200 in change from a glass jar.

JULY 4

HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT 1400 block of Spencer Court Vehicle burglary: An unlocked vehicle at the above listed location was burglarized and a camouflage crate was taken. The crate contained various items.

JULY 5 WATCH IT BURN 20 block of Violet Street Arson: PCPD and PCFR responded to a fully involved house fire at the above listed location. The house was vacant and unoccupied. Fire Marshal responded and suspected the fire was intentionally set.

JULY 6 MASTER FRAUDER 1700 block of Charleston Woods Court Fraud: This victim reported an unknown person opened two fraudulent bank accounts and then deposited what was believed to be over $7,000 of fraudulent checks into both accounts from out of state.

AIRING IT OUT 600 block of North Dort Street Criminal mischief: Officers made contact with victim in reference to a report of criminal mischief. The victim advised an unknown subject damaged her 2009 Chrysler 300 by smashing the windshield, driver side doors and window.

JULY 7 OLD-FASHIONED HEIST 1800 block of James L. Redman Parkway Grand theft: An employee from Computers and More reported that someone took two bags of money from the counter of the store.

BAD SERVICE 1500 block of James L. Redman Parkway Theft: Officers responded to the above listed location to a reported theft of a tip jar.

Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez

JULY 9

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

RESTORING THE REFLECTION 1400 block of Strawberry Place Criminal mischief: Contact was made with the owner of a vehicle at the above listed location. He told them an unknown subject broke the driver side rear window of his Jeep Grand Cherokee sometime between 10 p.m. the prior evening and the morning of the report.

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

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

FOUL HITS 100 block of Lake Boulevard Criminal mischief: A subject took a baseball bat and decided to break the front windshield and the passenger door window of the victim’s vehicle.

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VOTING 101: DEADLINES AHEAD Elections are just around the corner and deadlines are fast approaching.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Though time seems to move at a standstill while the nation continues to cope with the realities of living in this widespread pandemic, elections are fast approaching.

It’s impossible to log onto social media and not see your friends voicing their strong opinions regarding the state of American politics. COVID-19 appears to have brought politics firmly back into the spotlight for many citizens and talks of changing things up come November are running rampant online.

But you can’t make a change if you aren’t registered to vote. Florida is a closed primary state, which means you have to be registered for a specific political party to then vote in that party’s primary.

A major deadline is mere days away for the nation’s upcoming election.

In order to vote in the primary election you have to be registered by July 20. Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., is one of the local early voting locations.

Early voting for the primary will run from Aug. 3 to Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

When you arrive to early vote, you shouldn’t come empty handed. To ensure a seamless voting process, you will need a current and valid photo and signature ID. A few acceptable forms of ID can include a Florida Driver License, a Florida ID Card (issued by DHSMV), a US Passport,

a debit or credit card, a Military ID, a Student ID, a Retirement Center ID, a Neighborhood Association ID, a Public Assistance ID, a Veteran Health ID (issued by VA), a Concealed Weapon License (issued pursuant to s. 790.06) or a Government Employee ID. If you do not bring ID, you may vote with a provisional ballot.

No one expects you to have every candidate and issue memorized. You are more than welcome to bring in your sample ballot and use it as a reference when you fill out your official ballot.

The actual Primary Election Day is Aug. 18 and voting will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Those who are registered to vote are assigned a voting location. You must vote in your assigned polling place on the actual Election Day. If you are unsure about where that is, you have two options: call the Supervisor of Elections at 813-744-5900 or visit their website — votehillsborough.org — and look it up for yourself.

On Election Day, you also need to have a valid form of ID. The same examples listed for the primary work here as well.

As for the General Election, you must be registered to vote by Oct. 5. Early Voting will be open at selected locations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 19 to Nov. 1. Election Day is Nov. 3 and assigned polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

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RESPONSE TO C.L. TOWNSEND’S DEFENSE OF VOTE BY MAIL BALLOTS A recent writer (C.L. Townsend, May 28) advocated mail-in ballots for the upcoming election. He says his primary concern is public safety during this time of the coronavirus pandemic. Although we already have the right to request a mail-in ballot for those who really need it, our Supervisor of Elections, Craig Latimer, has sent these ballots at taxpayers’ expense to everyone.* He is simply inviting fraud.

These ballots could be handled by anyone before or after the fact on the outside before being returned or counted. Ironically, we’re not allowed to communicate at the voting booth but can now openly interact outside the voting booth to influence the vote with a ballot being passed around. Healthcare is not even the issue, but another attempt to stack the deck. The Democrats, of course, favor these tactics since there is no way they can beat Trump at the polls.

By the way, Mr. Townsend, the writer of the previous letter to the editor favoring mail-ins, is a Demo-

cratic candidate for Florida HouseDistrict 58. His wife heads the Democratic Party of Hillsborough County.

Mr. Latimer, Supervisor of Elections, is also a Democrat in a supposed nonpartisan office. Perhaps he would be more at home in California, where mail-ins are favored and the state is a failed Democratic liberal state. He is the only supervisor in 16 surrounding counties who has mass mailed these out.

Donald J. Trump, one of the greatest Americans of all time, will likely win again because of what he has done for America when voters cast their direct and unaltered votes.

Thanks, President Trump. May your amazing work continue in spite of the abysmal ignorance around you and the hate that will eventually implode the other side.

- David Bailey

*Editor’s note: Vote By Mail ballots for any election are only sent to registered voters who have requested them, the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections office confirmed to the Observer. The office is currently fulfilling more than double the number of mail-in ballot requests of the 2016 Primary Election, a huge increase most likely caused by voters’ concerns about COVID-19 transmission.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

FRIENDS OF MORGAN PIERCE CELEBRATE HER LIFE BY CANDLELIGHT

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A Monday evening ceremony in front of the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum honored Pierce’s memory.

If you’ve ever met Morgan Pierce, you couldn’t forget her.

Equal parts kind and courageous, Pierce was well-known in Plant City for her 12-year fight against neuroblastoma. Her unbreakable spirit and willingness to advocate for others left a major impression on everyone who got to know her. Her friends certainly won’t ever forget that.

They’re not about to let others forget that, either. Three of Pierce’s closest friends, Kiah Jackson, Kitty Shelton and Haylee Thomas, organized a candlelight ceremony for Monday night to let the community give Pierce a heartfelt goodbye. More than 50 people came out to the train depot at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum to pay their respects to one of Plant City’s bravest fighters.

“I’ve known her since second grade. I don’t remember a time without her,” Jackson said.

“She’s really brave and no matter what, she always had a smile on her face. No matter how hard it got, it never fazed her. She was a normal girl and that’s what she wanted everyone to know.

The girls encouraged all who attended to help keep Pierce’s legacy alive by doing one of her favorite things: raising awareness about childhood cancer. Pierce and her family were instrumental in bringing the Jensen’s Heart of Gold Foundation to Florida, which hosts an annual gala in and around Plant City as well as the annual Play for a Cure family fun days at the train depot.

The ceremony began at 8 p.m. with Jackson, Shelton and Thomas sharing some of their favorite things about Pierce, from the way her strong personality inspired them to their favorite

memories of hanging out together over the years. As luminaries were lit and let go into the twilight sky, Giselle Gutierrez performed two songs as tribute. The first was “Long Live” by Taylor Swift, who was Pierce’s favorite musician. The second, Ed Sheeran’s “Supermarket Flowers,” was picked “from us to Morgan,” Gutierrez said.

“And I know that when God took you back he said ‘Hallelujah,’” Gutierrez sang, “‘you’re home.’”

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

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COMMISH ROUNDUP:

LIFT STATION 2, ROSELAND PARK GETTING SOME HELP Lift Station 2 and the Roseland Park subdivision are due up for some major upgrades discussed in Monday night’s city commission meeting.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Because it is at capacity, the city was forced to come up with a game plan going forward to increase the capacity within the basin. Using the information provided within the Wastewater Collection System Master Plan, the consultant will need to develop and evaluate alternatives to address the problem as well as the projected growth for the surrounding area.

It was narrowed down to four alternatives. First, the city could simply increase the capacity of Lift Station 2. Another option is to split the basin and build a second lift station to help bear the load of all expected growth. The city could also incorporate some type of hybrid of the first two options or reroute a portion of the flow to a different basin, which would be conveyed by a different and already existing pump station.

“I believe it’s the oldest lift station that we have still in ser-

vice without us having to rebuild or upgrade it,” City Manager Bill McDaniel said. “It’s also the most critical for our community. It is absolutely critical to the northeast section of the city. It basically handles all of that wastewater transfer by itself. We simply cannot go forward without doing something about this. This is just the study part, you’re still talking a couple of years of working on everything. There’s 120 calendar days from notice to do the studies. I would say we have some time, but we don’t want to wait any longer to act on this.”

City commissioners agreed to authorize McDaniel to execute the CWO with Black & Veatch for $71,557 to evaluate the Lift Station 2 Basin. The funds are viable in the already established Lift Station 2 Basin Project CIP. Another vote set the next phase in motion for the long awaited Roseland Park project. The Roseland Park subdivision has faced multiple drainage issues for years.

It’s a problem residents have long

sought a remedy for and the city has been hard at work making sure its response fully corrects the issue. The subdivision was built in 1925 and the issue has occurred for as long as many of the residents can remember.

It was announced Monday evening that the Roseland Park Subdivision Drainage and Roadway Improvements Project’s design is now 100 percent complete. The design was done by Singhofen and Associates, Inc. and has an estimated construction cost of $1.8 million.

It’s more than just getting some pooled water flowing again. The project is going to construct new streets, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, driveways and drainage systems. Because of the intricacy of the plan, the city said project

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FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Securities Offered Through LPL Financial

Members FINRA/SIPC

Review the project construction drawings and specifications for constructibility Review contractor schedules and submittals Inspect contractor construction in accordance with the drawings and specifications Assist the City with questions/conflicts presented by the contractor Review subgrade and base course density testing reports, asphalt temperatures,asphalt/ concrete mix tickets, and con-

crete strength testing reports, etc.

Commissioners gave McDaniel the go-ahead to “execute a consultant work order in accordance with the Agreement for Transportation Engineering Services with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., dated March 10, 2017, to perform project management and construction inspection services for the Roseland Park Subdivision Drainage and Roadway Improvements Project for $184,065.”

The next step for the project includes getting bids out beginning the process of bringing the complex design plan to life.

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management and construction inspection services are required to assist the City Engineering staff. The Project Management and Construction Inspection Services Consultant Work Order includes the following:

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

DEVMAR DEVELOPMENT

RANKED NUMBER ONE FOR MIDTOWN PROJECT Four companies put in bids in hopes of being selected to bring the Midtown District to life. The CRA board ranked the entries and selected DevMar Development as its top choice.

and then, when they’re tired out, decide to walk toward downtown to enjoy a meal prepared in the heart of Plant City.

The park will be the heartbeat.

To indicate that, the plan is for it to span two full blocks. Surrounding it on the north, east and south will be the meat of the community: residential. Each of the buildings will have residential rental apartments on the top with retail, restaurants and cafes on the bottom. With people living above where they play, they’ll spend much of their free time and some of their dollars right there in their own backyard.

Playing on the spiderweb analogy, if a family or group of friends starts at the park, they’ll be able to slowly turn in a circle and eyeball a variety of options available to them for where to go next. The majority of the restaurants and cafes will hug Evers and Renfro streets and face the park with “piazza-style sidewalk dining seating.”

It will make the area seem much more accessible, too, as there will be stylized and aesthetically pleasing foliage, benches and other amenities strewn throughout to transform the area into a hub.

Collins Street — between Alabama and Renfro streets — will

also have the multi-use buildings that will have residential on the top and commercial on the bottom.

“Under the development, a total of 18 studios, 374 one-bedroom units and 81 two-bedroom residential apartment units for a total of 473 apartment units with an additional 18,430 square feet of retail, restaurant and café space will be added to Midtown and the Plant City urban center,” the proposal reads.

The plan is for the development to be broken up into four phases.

Phase 1 will include 124 residential units, 14,030 square feet of restaurant, café and retail space, and 4,090 square feet of commons and activity park. Once the contract is signed then the submission for approval is estimated to take 90 days. The submission of permit documents for approval is estimated for January of 2021.In Phase 2, the company will build 113 residential units and 2,400 square feet of restaurant, café and retail space. Phase 3 is planned to have 105 residen-

tial units and 2,000 square feet of restaurant, café and retail space.

The entire project will wrap up with Phase 4, which includes the final 131 residential units.

However, the company did say that any phase beyond Phase 1 will “be advanced as market and absorption dictates.”

The process is just beginning as the city has to now reach a development agreement with the company. Then a master plan will be presented and, if approved, the next phase involves obtaining financing. Then comes the process of ground leases, minimum development agreements and construction.

Despite the fact this is the fourth time the city has walked this path, spirits were optimistic during last week’s presentations.

If DevMar’s vision does come to life, it will transform the district from a concrete parking lot into a haven visitors from all over will flock to.

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Hopes are rising once more as the City of Plant City begins walking the now familiar path toward bringing the long-awaited Midtown District to life.

The meeting was nearly four hours long. Presentations were indepth and full of varying visions for the city. The way the city has its RFP set up allows the CRA to rank submissions and then, if issues arise during the process with one of the groups where the agreement is terminated, they can simply go down the list to the next offer and begin the conversation anew with that developer instead.

It saves precious time for the city as it wouldn’t have to start the bid process all over again if a problem popped up.

All of the CRA board members echoed one sentiment following the wrap-up of the final presentation: this decision was a close call.

The final rankings were within mere points of each other, which bodes well if the city decides it needs to scurry down the list toward the other bids. Ultimately, DevMar Development — the only group not from Florida to present — got the highest ranking. Hailing from Birmingham, Michigan, the

group plans to focus on a mixeduse midtown that will have everything from residential to retail and have a mix of restaurants and commercial spaces.

Green Mills Group, Mosaic Development and Housing Trust Group were the other three bidders.

DevMar’s vision starts at the Village Green Park. This was the first and only development of Midtown the city ever saw bloom.

It now will act as the center of the spiderweb for the upcoming district.

The company said it plans to expand the park into a “newly developed activity park to the south of the fountain park, which will be developed into a combined park feature with common amenities for the residential component of the development, such as a clubhouse, swimming pool and sand volleyball courts.”

Foot traffic was something that repeatedly came up throughout the presentation. To have a healthy and thriving district, you need to have people strolling from store to store and restaurant to restaurant. You want people who come to chill with their friends at the park and then decide to hop across the street for a glass of wine. You’ll want families to meet up for a game of volleyball

Maryland Ave.

STAFF WRITER

289695-1

BREANNE WILLIAMS

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Lakeland

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

RISING COVID-19 CASES IN STATE LEAD TO QUESTION OF RESPONSIBILITY OF PANDEMIC RESPONSE

It appears the county commission may soon handle the pandemic response, stripping the power from the EPG. Under the proposal, the EPG would remain in place to navigate the county through hurricanes but pandemics would be managed by the county.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Florida has surpassed 300,000 cases of COVID-19 and has become one of the top epicenters in the nation for the virus.

As of Wednesday, Florida has 301,810 positive cases with 10,181 new cases on Wednesday alone. The state also added 112 deaths on Wednesday, bringing the statewide death toll to 4,521. Florida’s rolling seven-day average for deaths is now 92 per day, making the Sunshine State the home of the second-highest death rate in the country. Texas still has the worst ranking, though only slightly.

It came as no surprise with the rapidly increasing numbers that the members of Hillsborough County’s Emergency Policy Group ended up keeping the mask mandate in place with no revisions.

Tim Dudley, the county’s Emergency Management Director, told the EPG on Monday that 10,448 people were tested for COVID-19 coronavirus through Hillsborough’s public testing initiative during the week of July 6.

Demand for testing is still on the rise, so Dudley said the Brandon testing site increased its number of available appointments at that site from 300 to 800 slots per week. Overall, the seven-day average positivity rate remains at about 20 percent per day for the county. Hospital admissions are spiking once again with an average of nearly 70 new patients being admitted each day.

The only conversation that did pop up was a discussion on whether the group should still meet twice a week. It was floated by County Commissioner Sandy Murman, but when further discussion on the rising numbers arose the conversation shifted to perhaps having the medical presentations on Monday and then an “open conversation” on Thursday.

There’s a good chance all of the back and forth will be for naught, however, as the county commission prepares to strip the power of the EPG for the pandemic and take over its responsibilities.

Commission Chairman Les Miller Jr. was the first to urge the county commission to consider taking over the reins. Miller is also the chair of the EPG. He said he believes the EPG should remain in place but should deal solely with hurricanes. The pandemic would be handled by the county commission.

The idea was floated recently and Miller said the group — which was created in the

‘90s — has always done a fantastic job at handling weather emergencies. Hurricanes have become a routine and they have the response down to a science.

The pandemic is another story altogether. The group members created policies for the first time in the state’s history, wading into uncharted waters and frequently debating the scope and power of their own authority.

The public has voiced frustration on social media, via calls and emails to individual EPG members and during the public comments that comprise the first 20 minutes of each meeting. The group has had many successes, but not without its fair share of stumbles.

The curfew, for example, was put into place and then rescinded in the span of a week following massive public outcry.

The mask mandate for the county has had a tsunami of opposition and support.

Every Monday and Thursday during the EPG meetings, community members call in without fail to voice their thoughts on the order and ask for them to either get rid of it altogether or keep it in place.

Few votes via the EPG have been unanimous and there is a clear divide among members. Plant City Mayor Rick Lott, Acting Temple Terrace Mayor Andy Ross, School Board Chair Melissa Snively and Sheriff Chad Chronister frequently oppose policies floated by the other members of the group. The issue of any mandate or order frequently draws hesitation from those listed above as “unintended consequences” remain at the forefront of their decision making.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Miller and County Commissioners Murman and Kimberly Overman, however, seem reluctant to do anything less with the rising numbers.

In fact, when the EPG failed to act, Castor implemented her own order for the City of Tampa to ensure her residents would operate under what she believed to be the safest policies.

That divide would shift if the county commission took over the pandemic response.

The issue will be discussed at a special meeting on July 21, then the commission will vote on it on Aug. 5 after a public hearing.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

PLANT CITY MAN, WHO ATTENDED DOZIER SCHOOL FOR BOYS, DIES Carole Ellis/Facebook

Neil J. Davis was one of the oldest members of the “White House Boys” group, if not the oldest, having attended the infamous school in 1942.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Neil J. Davis, 94, who moved to Plant City in 1965 after retiring from GTE in Tampa, was an avid gardener and a proud veteran of the United States Army, Air Force and Marines. He served in the military police during World War II and was happy to talk about his military service.

Davis was an extremely passionate family historian. He spent many years tracing back his family’s lineage and learning as much as he could about his kin. Learning about his family was a passion he shared with his four children, as well.

But while he enjoyed learning about his family, there was one thing about him that his family didn’t learn until fairly recently.

In 1942, when Davis was 16, his mother sent him to attend the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys in Marianna. The Dozier School, which was closed in 2011, operated for 111 years and became notorious for its harsh treatment of students. Many of its boys were beaten down physically and torn apart mentally. There’s even belief that some boys died as a result of the trauma they suffered at the school.

“When my grandmother had him sent there for ‘incorrigibility,’ whatever that meant in 1942, they called it the Florida School for Boys,” Davis’ daughter, Carole Ellis, said. “Daddy was taken there on a bus in February and came back by bus on Dec. 21, 1942. I never found out what ‘incorrigibility’ meant then.”

Ellis said her father was in rare company at the school as “one of the few they liked.”

“They had these bi-weekly newspapers they’d put out called the Yellow Jacket,” she said. “I was shocked. Daddy was on the football team and always doing something.

Apparently he was one of the few they liked. Every time I turned around, he was in those newspapers. I have every one of them from February to December.”

Even though he was “liked” by staff, he wasn’t completely spared from abuse. He knew too well the horrors of the school’s “White House,” where many beatings occurred. In his adult life, Davis became a member of the White House Boys organization that has shone a spotlight on the school’s repugnant practices. The White House Boys were open about their experiences at the school and eventually helped convince the state (and, later, the United States Department of Justice) to conduct a formal investigation. After the school was officially shut down, researchers from

the University of South Florida explored the campus and documented more than 100 deaths in the area.

Davis was the oldest member of the group. Though he became more open about his time at the school in the last five years, it was a secret he kept from his family for more than 50 years, Ellis said, which was also not uncommon for members of the group.

“Several White House Boys told me they never told anybody until a few years ago when they started getting in the papers,” she said.

He is survived by Ellis (William) and children Alan S. Davis, Brenda E. Davis and Wayde C. Davis; brother Dusty W. Davis (Dorothy); seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and close friends, Ed Nelson, Lee Surett, and Jim Crews.

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MAZIE: Mazie is the sweetest six-month-old puppy. She is an Aussiedoodle and is such a drama queen. She is very social and will follow you from room to room.

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

JULY 16, 2020

SPORTS

STILL KICKING Two Plant City-area athletes, “Rhino” Mike Thomas and Keyshawn “Spider” MacArthur, are fighting in Brandon this weekend.

JUSTIN KLINE

Quick Hits

SAFETY AROUND WATER LESSONS AT YMCA

The Plant City Family YMCA and others in the Tampa Metropolitan, Suncoast and Greater St. Petersburg networks are able to get free water safety lessons next month.

The Florida Blue Foundation gave the YMCA networks a grant to host the program for free to children of members and non-members alike. The fourday course is for children age 3-12 and swimmers must bring their own suits and towels.

The course will be held from Aug. 3-6 and pre-registration is required.

Call the Plant City Family YMCA at 813-757-6677 or visit tampaymca.org/ locations/plant-city-family-ymca to sign up and get more information.

SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

It’s been a rough five months for sports fans thanks to COVID-19. But sports are coming back now, albeit slowly, and martial arts are now officially back on in eastern Hillsborough County.

Fight fans have the opportunity to watch two local karate practitioners, “Rhino” Mike Thomas and Keyshawn “Spider” MacArthur, shake off the rust and go one-on-one with opponents in this weekend’s Saturday Night Fights III card, hosted by Super Fights Championship League.

MacArthur is scheduled to fight Christian “Diesel” Bayonne of Team Velocity and Thomas will go up against Chris Lee of Team Bring-It. Both Thomas and Lee are members of the Rudy Rogers Nisei Karate Federation and train with him at his Open Air Dojo on East Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

The return to action is a relief for both men, who have dedicated much of their time toward mastering the art. Thomas has trained with Rogers since 2015 and MacArthur since 2017, and both have frequently left Plant City and even Florida to fight in large tournaments with national and international competition.

COVID-19 threw a wrench in virtually all of their plans since March.

All of a sudden, everything they’ve worked for outside of themselves was gone indefinitely. No more trips out of town to compete. No more trophies to win, points to score or fights to test their might. All they could do was train (while maintaining social distance, Rogers said) and hope something would come up sooner than later.

“Coronavirus didn’t stop us from coming out,” Thomas said. “We’re out here in the heat, one on one, not likely to catch anything out here. We’re not up on each other or anything. It’s regular teaching from a distance. He can still critique me and let me know what I need to work on.

I understand it changed things for a lot of people, but not really us.”

The extra time away from competitions has been especially useful for Thomas, now a second dan black belt. The “Rhino” got his nickname for his in-your-face fighting style and won many fights with it, but his

biggest weakness was always his cardio.

“I might look good but I’m really tired when it’s over with,” he said. “If the fight would have been an extra minute or whatever, I would have probably gassed out.”

Thomas decided it was the perfect time to fix that. He said he’s seen a big improvement in his long-term energy. He’s hoping all of the running he’s done will pay off with him lasting longer in fights and not giving his opponents a window to mount a comeback.

“I lost a tournament like that in Daytona,” Thomas said.

“I looked tired. I landed way more punches and had better technique, but if I would have had more energy I would have won. That’s what the (judge) told me. I came in second.”

This weekend’s fight will be a good test for both men, though different than what they’re used to. It’s not a tournament, but a more traditional fight league: they’re both scheduled for a one-on-one fight and will go home when that’s over, win or lose. They’re both looking forward to fighting close to home, which is a nice change of pace.

“It’s in my back yard, so a lot of friends who never got to see me compete or anything have the opportunity to see me now,” Thomas said. “So I want to go out and do good for them, put on a show for them. We go out of state a lot.

It’s good to have something in the back yard for the people, even if it’s not that much.

Two rounds, a minute and 30 seconds, but I want to give everybody something to see and something to do.”

SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS III will be held at Central Baptist Church, 402 E. Windhorst Road, Brandon. Visit superfightschampionshipleague. com for tickets and more information.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

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We asked Facebook: Today’s county Emergency Policy Group meeting will include a discussion about the

group’s future. Should the EPG stay its course, disband and let the county commission take over or stay together but shift its focus to hurricanes?

“Disband. Let each municipality take care of itself.”

— Delicia C. Wallnofer “It should stay for the sole purpose of not letting the commissioners have say so over municipalities. For instance the mask issue, if the county commissioners voted for it, then the whole county to include every city would have to follow. The way it was explained to me at least.” — Erek Hart “Disband, they have no business making rule on mandatory masks. They do not write laws. They also do not run Plant City. Over reach committee!” — Beth Lamb Parks “The EPG should be disbanded, at the very least for this instance. Let the municipalities act of their own accord.

Plant City is not Tampa. We fall under Hillsborough County, but we elect our own officials to make rules for our town.” — Stephen T. Galindo

“It should have been the county commission from the start, with strongly considered input from mayors and sheriffs.” — Stephanie Elizabeth “So far it appears any suggestions you make end up being reversed, and cause undue confusion. Drop the COVID and stick with storms.” — Bruce C. Hildreth “Disband. Turn over to county commission as these are our paid elected officials.” — Frances Beaty “They are no longer necessary for COVID. Not even sure they are necessary for storms. The state and federal governments can step in during those times or the municipalities can handle themselves.” — Bill Pollifrone “I’ve never been one to feel better for having more bureaucracy in place. Disband.” — Dylan Flanagan

“Disband! Back to Hurricanes.”

— Amanda Pierce “Disband. The County Commissioners should make these decisions.” — Bill Gray “Disband. Not very cohesive.

Bumbling comes to mind.”

— Judy Wise

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

OBITUARIES

PlantCityObserver.com

Poua Her

Donnie Crews

Poua Her, 100, of Lakeland, born June 6, 1919 in Laos, entered into eternal rest on June 2, 2020.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Mr. Donnie Crews went to be with the Lord Monday, July 6, 2020.

Graveside Ceremonies were held July, 11, 2020 at The Bealsville Cemetery Sam Hicks Rd. A Winslow Honors Funeral Chapel.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Frederico Andrade

Fernando Garcia Santana

Frederico Andrade, 74, of Plant City, passed away on July 9, 2020.

The family will receive friends Thursday, July 16, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. A mass will be held on Friday July 17, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at 1104 N. Alexander St. Plant City, Fl. 33563.

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

Fernando Garcia Santana, 41, of Mulberry, born on Aug. 28, 1978 in Genaro Codinas, Zacatecas, Mexico, entered into eternal rest on July 6, 2020.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Leonard L. Leverett

Reverend Leonard L. Leverett, 82, of Seffner, born in Glenwood, Alabama on Jan. 1, 1938, entered into eternal rest on July 7, 2020.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Maria Alvarez

Maria Alvarez, 63, of Plant City, passed away on July 13, 2020.

The family will receive friends Saturday, July 18, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m.

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

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Reverend Roger L. Duncan, 73, of Seffner, born in Apple Grove, West Virginia on June 24, 1947, entered into Heaven on July 9, 2020.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

13

(Bruce), Ryan Ellerbee and Jonathan Ellerbee. Lorene was blessed with 5 great grandchildren: Brynn, Cooper, Brayden, Madison and Riley.

Lorene is also survived by her sisters, Marna Combs of MN and Artie Peterson of AL. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, July 16, 2020 at 11 o’clock at Wells Memorial and Lorene Dorothy Event Center, 1903 West ReynHallberg olds St., Plant City, FL. There will Lorene Dorothy Hallberg passed be no visitation or reception and away on July 7, 2020 and was 89 the burial is private.

In lieu of flowers, please conyears old.

She was a loving wife, mother, sider a contribution in Lorene’s honor to First Presbyterian grandmother and great-grandChurch of Plant City, 404 West mother. Her constant faith and passion for her family, friends and Reynolds St., Plant City, FL 33563. Please send condolences church were evident every day. to Marcwe’re Hallberg, 1705families Dabney She was blessed with a beautidedicated to helping create a W E ’ RE P RO U D TO S E RV E our community unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896.

Rd., Richmond, VA 23230. ful voice and showed her talents celebrates the life it represents.

As your Dignity Memorial professionals, memories and expresplaying the organ and piano to GuaranteeFond > 100% Service > National Plan Transferability Travel Assistance The Compassionmay Helpline® > Bereavement sions of>sympathy be glorify God at church for decades. at www.WellsMemorial.

She was a dedicated choir mem- shared R forCity the Hallberg family. ber and loved singing. Proudly supportingcom the Plant Strawberry Festival.

Lorene was born Oct. 18, 1930 to Edward and Marie Schwarting and grew up in Aberdeen, SD. She attended Northern State College WELLSMEMORIAL.COM and pursued a career in teaching. Lorene shared her talent

by MeMorial & event Center Wells PlanT CiTy teaching piano students for many 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com years.

She married Don Hallberg from Clark, SD and was married for 60 years until his death in 2014.

Lorene is survived by her son, Marc Hallberg and daughterin-law Bettie from Virginia and daughter, Lori Ellerbee and son-in-law Scott who reside in Texas. Grandchildren include Lee Hallberg (Katie), Heather Donohue (Matt), and Brittany Rosell

Taking care of each other is what is all about.

®

Maria Amalia Romero Ordaz Maria Amalia Romero Ordaz, age 57, of Plant City, passed away on July 14, 2020. Services will be held privately.

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

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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

community

James ‘Jim’ Deaton James “Jim” Deaton, 66, of Plant City, passed away on July 11, 2020.

Services will be held privately.

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

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“We are so blessed to live in a place like Plant City where the community is small enough to not only know our neighbors, but to genuinely care about them as well. We are equally blessed to have the Plant City Observer that keeps us informed about our lovely community. I look forward each week for the Observer to be distributed so I can catch up on what’s happening in Plant City and the surrounding community. Thank you to the Observer for our contribution in making this a great place to live.” — Dodie “From the editor to the reporters to the fabulous photos that are included in each edition of the weekly paper, it is clear that everyone associated with the Observer truly cares about Plant City. We are fortunate to have this hometown newspaper.” — Marsha

is all about.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

W E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E our community with personal, compassionate care since 1896.

As your Dignity Memorial professionals, ®

PlantCityObserver.com

we’re dedicated to helping families create a unique and meaningful memorial that truly celebrates the life it represents.

Richard Bliss

Taking care of Richard Bliss, age 70, of each other is what Plant City, passed away

on Sunday, July 12, 2020. community Richard was born February

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2, 1950 in Olney, Illinois.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy we’re dedicated to helping families create a W E ’ RE P RO U D TO S E RV E our community Wells MeMorial & event Center shared at www. unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since may 1896. be Lonny R. Gonzalez PlanT CiTy celebrates the life it represents.

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WELLSMEMORIAL.COM Lonny was a longtime employee of Wish Farms in Plant City. Wells He MeMorial & event Center was one of their Wish Farms Pixies. PlanT CiTy 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com He was a hardworking, loyal, and genuine employee for 58 years. He was famous for his “strawwwwwJoseph L. wberries!” call each time a farm Pennington Sr. truck pulled up with fresh strawberries. Many of you may recognize him, Joseph L. Pennington Sr., 92, as their tribute to him stands 22 feet of Plant City, passed away on tall outside their new headquarters Wednesday, July 1, 2020. He was born in Plant City, on Jan. 15, 1928. site visible from I-4.

Services were held July 14, Joe was a musician and radio 2020 at Eastside Baptist Church disc jockey. He worked at the old located at 1318 E. Calhoun Street in WPLA radio station in Plant City we’re dedicated to helping families create a W E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E our community unique and meaningful memorial that truly compassionate care since 1896.City.

Plant for approximatelywith sixpersonal, years. celebrates the life it represents.

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Survivors include his wife of 61 R years, Frankie Pennington; Proudly two supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. sons: Joe Pennington Jr., Steve Pennington; two daughters: Penny Pennington, Jennifer Pennington WELLSMEMORIAL.COM Jones; two grandchildren: Kyle PenWells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy nington and Joseph 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com Pennington III. Fond memories and expressions of ®

Lynn K. Palmer Lynn K. Palmer, 68, was welcomed into her heavenly home on Sunday July 5, 2020.

She passed unexpectedly at Lakeland Regional Hospital. Lynn bravely fought diabetes most of her adult life.

Lynn was born February 10, 1952 in Plant City, FL to Della Lee (Shuman) Kimbel and the late John Kenneth Kimbel, Jr. Lynn proudly graduated the University of Florida. Lynn had a passion for health and fitness and used her talents to train many clients in Lakeland, FL. She loved music and played the piano beautifully.

In addition to her mother, Lee, she is survived by her son, Robert W. Palmer, Jr and his wife, Jill. She had one grandchild whom she adored, Reagan; Her loving brothers, John (Jay) Kimbel and his wife, Kelly; Mark Kimbel and his wife, Susie; five nephews and four aunts and many cousins.

A celebration of Lynn’s life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations in Lynn’s honor to the Advent Health Diabetes Institute or the Joslin Diabetes Center.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Georgia Raulerson Kessler Georgia Raulerson Kessler, 84, of Plant City, formerly of Temple Terrace, passed away on July 9, 2020.

She was a retired administrative assistant with the City of Temple Terrace, and a member of the Moose Lodge 2276 Zephyrhills.

She is survived by her children, Joy Burns of Spring, Texas, Kay Brown (Randy) of Dover, and Roy Scott Raulerson (Toni) of Plant City; grandchildren Nick Quilling, Joe Burns (Stephanie), Jessica VanDenBogaert (Brion), and Drake Raulerson; greatgrandchildren, Madison Quilling, Izac Burns, and Jenna Quilling; sister, Eloise Gomer (William) of Highland, Kansas; and many other family and friends.

A loving, stubborn, frugal, adventurous soul with a strong independent streak, she loved to go dancing and catch up with all of her friends. Her petite stature and soft-spoken voice concealed her toughness and grit and made the occasional “Georgia Belle Flare Up” that much scarier.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, July 16 at 10:00 a.m. at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, 6005 South County Road 39, Plant City.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in support of research for blepharospasm

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M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

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Taking care of each other is what

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

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sympathy may shared at www. at blepharospasm.org are appreci> 100% Service Guarantee > National Planbe Transferability > Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® WellsMemorial.com for the Penated. nington family.

Masks are recommended and, R for those unable to attend, Proudly the sersupporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. vice will be live-streamed at facebook.com/hopewellfuneral.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM

Universal Crossword Edited by David Steinberg July 16, 2020 PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

7/16

FORECAST THURSDAY, JULY 16 High: 94 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 20%

FRIDAY, JULY 17 High: 93 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 20%

26 Cuts with scissors 29 “Extreme” prefix 30 Glaswegian girl 31 Umami, for example 33 Understood 36 www.harvard.___ 37 *Multiarmed ocean critter (3 to 6) 39 Beach ball filler 40 “That ___ a close one!”

41 Euphonium relatives 42 Submit to the IRS 43 Gem in an oyster 45 Detect 46 *Faces off (8 to 11) 51 Prince William, to Archie 52 Has regrets about 53 Pitcher’s stat

56 Allow 57 Junkyard warning, and a hint to the starred answers’ hidden category members 61 Faux ___ 62 Amino and acetic 63 Garnish on a toothpick 64 ___-pitch softball 65 Mechanical learning 66 Post-it messages DOWN 1 Google Play buys 2 ___-or-false quiz 3 Low-cal 4 Breakfast hrs.

5 Sewing kit items 6 ___ Python 7 In the manner of

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

High: 91 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 60%

SUNDAY, JULY 19 High: 91 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 60%

TOMATOES

Shipping point: Central Florida $15.95

8 What the odd letters in “twitch” spell 9 Serious trouble, so to speak 10 “Not a good idea!”

11 Ergo 12 Possessed 14 Picked up the tab 17 Org. of Magic and Mavericks 22 Tel Aviv’s land: Abbr.

23 Directions device 24 Ejects from office 25 Sephora rival 26 Boatload 27 Zilch 28 “Seems likely” 31 Set aside 32 Words in many similes 34 Sesame and sunflower 35 Peach or plum 37 Attorneys’ association 38 Currency in Cologne 42 Start of a giant’s chant 44 Certain immigrant’s subj.

45 “Leaving already?”

46 Swallows hard 47 “Paper Moon” Oscar winner Tatum 48 Baseball or baseball card transaction 49 Yours and mine 50 Rock concert souvenir 53 Tweak, as crossword clues 54 Wander around 55 Years and years 58 ___-friendly 59 Joke writer’s forte 60 Progressive woman?

15

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, July 16

6:42a

8:26p

Friday, July 17

6:43a

8:25p

Saturday, July 18

6:43a

8:25p

Sunday, July 19

6:44a

8:25p

Monday, July 20

6:44a

8:24p

Tuesday, July 21

6:45a

8:24p

Wednesday, July 22

6:46a

8:23p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JULY 18

Pet Carriers by Al Hollmer and Zhouqin Burnikel

ACROSS 1 Geographical reference book 6 Subject where you may be graded on a curve?

10 E’en so 13 Fuss in front of a mirror 14 Salk vaccine target 15 Cut with an ax 16 *Pretends (see letters 6 to 9) 18 Traveler’s stop 19 The Holy ___ 20 Postmortem bio 21 React to a cringeworthy comment 23 *“Good question!” (2 to 5)

|

July 20 New

July 25 First

Aug. 3 Full

July 16 Last

RAINFALL Monday, July 6

0.16

Tuesday, July 7 0.49 Wednesday, July 8

0.01

Thursday, July 9 0.01 Friday, July 10

0.39

Saturday, July 11 0.14 Sunday, July 12

0.13

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2020 19.90 in.

2020 1.55 in.

2019 13.26 in.

2019 4.22 in.

WEATHER

45 Detect 17 Org. of 46 Swallows ACROSS 46 *Faces off Magic and hard 1 Geographical (8 to 11) Mavericks 47 “Paper reference 51 Prince 22 Tel Aviv’s book Moon” Oscar William, to land: Abbr.

6 Subject winner Tatum Sendwhere your photo to Associate Editor23 Justin Kline at jkline@PlantCityObserver.com Directions you submissionsArchie 48 Baseball 52onHas regrets deviceto feature. may be or baseball or hashtag #iloveplantcity Instagram for @igersplantcity about 24 Ejects from graded on card 53 Pitcher’s stat office a curve? transaction 56 Allow 25 Sephora rival 10 E’en so 49 Yours and 57 Junkyard 26 Boatload 13 Fuss in front mine warning, and 27 Zilch of a mirror 50 Rock a hint to the 28 “Seems 14 Salk vaccine concert starred likely” target souvenir answers’ 31 Set aside 15 Cut with 53 Tweak, as hidden 32 Words in an ax crossword category many similes 16 *Pretends clues members 34 Sesame and (see letters 54 Wander 61 Faux ___ sunflower 6 to 9) around 62 Amino and 35 Peach or 18 Traveler’s stop 55 Years and acetic plum 19 The Holy ___ years 63 Garnish on 37 Attorneys’ 20 Postmortem 58 ___-friendly a toothpick association bio 59 Joke writer’s 64 ___-pitch 38 Currency in 21 React to a forte softball Cologne cringeworthy 60 Progressive 65 Mechanical 42 Start of a comment woman? learning giant’s chant 23 *“Good 66 Post-it 44 Certain question!” messages immigrant’s (2 to 5) DOWN subj.

26 Cuts with 1 Google Play 45 “Leaving scissors buys already?”

29 “Extreme” 2 ___-or-false prefix quiz 30 Glaswegian PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER 3 Low-cal girl Chloe and Devin Wood visited Plant City to check out the action at the Robert W. Willaford 4 Breakfast hrs.

31 Umami, Railroad Museum’s viewing 5 platform.

Sewing kit for example items 33 Understood us on social media: @PCObserver on Instgram, ON L I N E Follow 6 ___ Pythonon Twitter and Plant City Observer 36 www.har@PlantObserver In the vard.___ on7Facebook. manner of 37 *Multiarmed 8 What the ocean critter odd letters in (3 to 6) “twitch” spell 39 Beach ball 9 Serious filler trouble, so 40 “That ___ a to speak close one!”

10 “Not a good 41 Euphonium idea!” relatives 11 Ergo 42 Submit to 12 Possessed the IRS 7/15 © 2020 Andrews McMeel Universal 43 Gem in an 14 Picked up www.upuzzles.com oyster the tab

16

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

|

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

AN EMERGENCY IS STILL AN EMERGENCY. EVEN DURING THIS EMERGENCY.

Don’t hesitate when it comes to getting emergency treatment.

Even during a pandemic, you still need to be treated immediately if you have an emergency.

Debating whether or not to risk going to an emergency room during a heart attack, stroke or other health emergency—waiting even a few extra minutes—could be harmful. That’s why in

20-1126895-0520

all BayCare hospital emergency rooms, patients who have symptoms of COVID-19 are screened and treated in a separate area. This helps keep emergency room patients and our team members safe. So if it’s an emergency, don’t wait. For more information: BayCareEmergencyCare.org