7.21.22 PLCO by Plant City Observer

Plant City Observer

bserver

YO UR HOMETOW N. YO UR NEWSPAP ER .

YOUR HOMETOWN. YOUR NEWSPAPER

FREE

VOLUME 6, NO. 206

•

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

DEVELOPMENT OF ROAD CORRIDORS AND DRAINAGE PROJECTS PC SEWER PIPE DAMAGE OCCURS IN SIX LOCATIONS

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Engineering Services

On July 11, the Plant City City Commission approved City Manager Bill McDaniel to go forward with an engineering work order with CivilSurv Design Group, Inc. for services amounting to $94,586. The city is experiencing drainage issues at six different locations and an investigation is needed to identify the problems and develop recommendations at these sites:

BRUTON’S CIGAR SHOP IS OFFICIALLY OPEN

• Teakwood Drive A Large diameter storm sewer pipe at approximately 36 inches, is located along the east side of Teakwood Drive, from Sandalwood Drive to the curb inlets located near 1509 Teakwood Drive. Problems with the storm sewer have caused damage to the sidewalk and a surface depression near the inlet. The storm sewer inlets under Teakwood Drive are also connected by a storm sewer pipe at approximately 36 inches.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

HARRY POTTER’S

MAGICAL BIRTHDAY TO COME

BIRTHDAY BASH TO BE HELD AT MCCALL PARK BRIAN FERNANDES

THE NEW DOWNTOWN ESTABLISHMENT OFFERS SOCIAL ATMOSPHERE WITH BAR AND CIGARS BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Bruton’s Cigar Shop officially became the newest addition to downtown Plant City with its grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on July 14.

Situated at the intersection of Reynolds Street and Collins Street, the establishment offers a bar area as well as a room with shelves that neatly display various cigars of different tastes.

Renovating the already existing structure was a long time in the making for the shop’s owner, David Verner.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

STAFF WRITER

All are welcome to celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday at McCall Park on Friday, July 29. The young magician’s birthday bash will take place on the last Friday of the month from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. McCall Park is located at 100 N. Collins St., in Plant City. On site, there will be live

entertainment, vendors, and food trucks. There will also be an exhibitor market, kids’ zone, hands on art, a scavenger hunt, costume contest, and a photo op. Kids can also enjoy the gyrosphere ride and a giant waterslide. The event is pet friendly and it is recommended for patrons to bring chairs and blankets.

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

NEWS BRIEFS

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

Plant City Optimist Club and Plant City Parks & Recreation Department to hold annual Golf Classic Fundraiser

Offering same-day appointments! We welcome the opportunity to become the medical home for your entire family at our Plant City location, offering Primary Care, Pediatrics, and Rheumatology.

Now Accepting New Patients To make an appointment, please call: • 863.284.5000 for Primary Care or Pediatrics

JAMES L REDMAN PARKWAY

• 863.284.5115 for Rheumatology

Plant City High School

ALEXANDER STREET

LRH

511 West Alexander St

The Plant City Optimist Club and the Plant City Parks & Recreation Department will host their 28th Annual Golf Classic fundraiser tournament at Diamond Hill Golf & Country Club in Dover on Saturday, Oct. 1. The shotgun-start tournament will kick off at 2 .m., followed by a putting contest and driving range access, with the event aimed at raising money for youth programs throughout Plant City. In past years, nearly 100 players have come together for an afternoon of fun and fellowship while supporting a good cause at the tournament. The Plant City Optimist Club has been involved with local youth programs since they formed in 1962. In addition to an annual contribution to the Plant City based non-profit riends of Recreation & Parks which supports youth programs and facilities for the community, volunteer and financial a sistance is also given annually to the Parks & Recreation Department for activities such as their youth flag ootball,

basketball, and soccer programs as well as the annual City-Wide Easter Egg Hunt and Trunk Or Treat events and various sports skills competitions. The club also hosts an annual Youth Appreciation dinner to recognize eight outstanding seniors from Plant City High School, along with an Oratorical Contest, a Respect for Law event for at-risk middle school students, and they provide at least $6,000 in scholarships each year for both college-bound graduates and those graduates seeking additional certifi ations or training to go directly into the workforce. Other programs such as Plant City High School athletics, the Plant City Family YMCA, and the United Food Bank of Plant City also benefit f om annual club support. The Club’s two fundraisers to support their community programs are the annual golf tournament and the sale of Christmas trees each year in front of Plant City High School. To obtain a 2022 Golf Classic fl er or for more information about the Plant City Optimist Club, please visit their web site at www.plantcityoptimistclub.org or contact Club President Mike Williamson by email at president@plantcityoptimistclub.org or by phone 813-299-6503.

Publix

ALEXANDER STREET

Winn-Dixie

JAMES L REDMAN PARKWAY

Our Doctors: Humam Alabsi, MD Pediatrics

863.284.5000

Sandra Rodriguez Fernandez, MD Internal Med. Primary Care

863.284.5000

Durkhani Mahboob, MD

Adriana Moncayo, MD

863.284.5115

Rheumatology

Your Health. Our Promise. myLRH.org/Plant-City

Plant City Elks Lodge to hold fundraising event to assist community member battling cancer The Plant City community is invited to attend a fundraising event on behalf of Sabrina Tomasina as she continues her battle with breast cancer. Tomasina is a bartender at the Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 and was diagnosed in June. The event will feature a conrhole

tournament starting at 2 p.m. and a dart tournament at 5:30, with a $20 entry fee per player, per event, and all attendees are encouraged to bring a partner! Lunch will be provided for all in attendance and the event will take place on Saturday, July 23 at the local Plant City Elks Lodge, 1501 N. Alexander St., beginning at 2 p.m. Following the initial fundraiser, the Elks Lodge will hold another fundraising event later in the summer on Aug. 19. For more information on the fundraisers, please contact Mike Fiochetti at 774-8269471

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

BRUTON’S CIGAR SHOP OPEN FOR BUSINESS THE SHOP OFFERS A WIDE ARRAY OF CIGARS FOR PATRONS TO CHOOSE FROM.

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

“I have wanted to open a tobacco shop/pub for most of my life,” he said. “I’ve always been obsessed with it from old movies like “The Quiet Man” with John Wayne. I love pubs. I love tobacco shops. I love the old western saloons. I love the idea of owning a gentlemen’s club.” In January 2021, he had the building stripped and made a layout of how he envisioned the interior to look. It took a month to create the blueprint of how he wanted it to be reconstructed. From the outside, the windows are not clear or see through but only shows reflections. When entering, a register stands straights ahead and numerous items are displayed within a counter. On top of the counter can be found a case with several shelves for cigars, and a row of smoking pipes are also on the tabletop, among other things. Further back on the wall hang framed newspaper clippings, photos of people and historic buildings. To the left is the room that holds many

organized and boxed cigars for purchase. Verner has smoked each kind and is able to distinguish between them, he said. They are placed in columns of shelves that line the three walls of the room. Further left is the bar with a countertop and stools placed underneath. The bar gives an unconventional but social atmosphere with couches. A spiral staircase leads to the balcony that also holds couches and multiple tables and chairs. It also offers a view that overlooks both Reynolds Street and Collins Street as well as part of downtown. “This was the perfect location in downtown,” Verner said. “This section of downtown Plant City hasn’t seen new growth for bars or anything like that on Evers Street, so it was the perfect way to bring foot traffic from that side of downtown all the way over here.” The shop has a history that goes back decades and was perhaps built as early as 1926, Verner said. It was originally used for Sinclair’s kerosene and oil station, and in 1947 it became a Shell gas station.

It was there for 30 years until 1977 when one of the gas tanks burst underground. It was purchased by Verner’s family in the 1990s and used as offices spaces. Dan Snyder then operated his sign company there, before the building was bought out by Chris Black for the use of Black’s Insurance company. Then in November 2020, the building was put up for sale and was purchased by Verner’s family again. “When my family acquired this building back, there was a question of whether or not to reconvert it back to standard retail office space like we had done back in the 90s, or for new ideas to come to light,” he said. It was Verner’s opportunity to build his dream establishment and have it constructed in a certain fashion. “I had a rough estimate of what the aesthetics should look like,” Verner said. “We were working under the pretense originally of Winston Churchill’s library.” He credits social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as his official website in helping to get the word around about his new establishment.

Combine & Save. Good things happen when you combine your home and auto insurance with State Farm . Like saving an average of $894.* Plus, you’ll have a good neighbor like me to help life go right. CALL ME TODAY.

Bruce Wright was one of the visitors who attended the event. Several days prior to the grand opening he spotted the shop sign when driving by and decided to attend the special occasion. Wright has smoked cigars for 40 years and can make a distinction between each as well, he said. The three components of a cigar are the filler tobacco, binder tobacco and the wrapper. “They say that 75% of the flavor is in the wrapper, but what distinguishes this whole humidor, one cigar to another ,is the combination of those three items,” Wright said. “You can have a binder from Ecuador, a filler from Nicaragua, and a wrapper from the Dominican Republic.” Verner hopes that the community can also be as wellversed with cigars when they step inside.

7/7/22 & 7/21/22

KU-Lakeland 231-2022 Keiser_July_Ads Plant City Observer 5x6 MS 4.14.22

CHOOSE A CAREER YOU LOVE. KEISER UNIVERSITY CAN HELP.

*Average annual household savings based on 2016 national survey of new policyholders who reported savings by switching to State Farm.

Jimmy Fisher, Agent 6920 E Fowler Ave On Fowler Ave near I-75 Tampa, FL 33617 Bus: 813-989-2037 jimmy.fisher.caos@statefarm.com

Business Administration concentrations include: Entrepreneurship • Hospitality Management International Business • Marketing • Finance Human Resource Management • Transportation and Logistics

866.588.7604 KeiserUniversity.edu

1606205

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas, Dallas, TX State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm Florida Insurance Company, Winter Haven, FL State Farm Lloyds, Richardson, TX

Day, evening, and online programs available Keiser University is a private, not-for-profit university

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

PLANT CITY

This week on Cops Corner: Plant

Observer

City Police investigate: Missing power equipment, damaged mailboxes and a stolen istock

vehicle.

JULY 8 YOU HAVE NO POWER HERE 1300 block of W. Spencer St. Burglary: Officers responded to a facility at the listed location in reference to the theft of several pieces of power equipment. WHICHEVER WAY THE WIND BLOWS 1500 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Theft: An officer was flag ed down by a witness/employee of the business at the listed location in reference to a blower theft that transpired on July 5. OFF THE CHAIN 100 block of W. Spencer St. Burglary: An officer responded to

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Sports Writer / Taylor Jenkins tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com

an office at the listed location in reference to the chain link fence being cut, resulting in a trailer being broken into.

JULY 11 A JARRING CONCLUSION

LAST CALL 2600 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Theft: An officer responded to a business at the listed location in reference to the theft of alcoholic beverages.

100 block of Drake St. Burglary: An officer responded to a residence at the listed location and made contact with the owner/victim who reported that their home was entered and a jar containing $300 in cash was stolen.

JULY 12

HIDE AND SEEK 1400 block of S. Collins St. Drug investigation: Officers responded to the area at the listed location in reference to locating a wanted subject. The individual was detained and the warrant was confirmed The individual was also arrested for possession and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

MAIL CALL 4700 block of Dawn Meadows Ct. Criminal mischief: An officer responded to the residence at the listed location in reference to an unknown individual damaging the victim’s mailbox.

RECOVERY MISSION 1200 block of Townsgate Ct. Recovered stolen vehicle arrest: Officers responded to a business at the listed location in reference to a previously stolen vehicle “pinging” in the area. The vehicle was ultimately recovered and one individual was subsequently arrested for grand theft and transported to Orient Road Jail.

Staff Writer / Brian Fernandes bfernandes@plantcityobserver.com 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

TWO-WHEELED TROUBLE W. Hillsboro St. / N. Lime St. Drug arrest: An officer stopped a bicyclist for not using a light while riding at night. The individual was subsequently arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

JULY 13

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.

CAR ALARMED 600 block of E. Alexander St. Burglary: Officers met with the victim at the listed location who found three of her vehicles were tampered with, resulting in items stolen.

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

O Plant City Observer

is locally owned by Ed Verner, Karen Berry, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes

This week’s Sudoku answers

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

MONEY DIGIT GRITTY QUENCH Answer: With each tentacle holding food, the octopus -- “EIGHT” HIS DINNER

Publishers of the

Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

SEWER PIPES IDENTIFIED; ROADWAY DEVELOPMENTS UNDERGROUND PIPES TO BE REPAIRED.

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

• Thackery Way A large diameter storm sewer pipe at approximately 54 inches, is located under the east side of Thackery Way between Longfellow Drive and Kipling Avenue. The pipe apparently has defects that have resulted in surface depressions along the east side of the street. The storm sewer system includes a smaller diameter pipe at approximately 15 inches to connect inlets on Thackery Way, south of Kipling Avenue. • Silver Meadow Way A large diameter storm sewer pipe at approximately 36 inches is located under the street near 3428 Silver Meadow Way. The pipe has defects that have led to pavement damage. Currently, the roadway surface is being protected with a large steel plate. The asphalt pavement in the vicinity of the storm sewer crossing is in poor condition with cracking. • Warnell Street Street flooding occurs along North Warnell Street and East Tomlin Street where they intersect. The issue appears to be due to inadequate conveyance from the street to drainage inlets and the ditch along Tomlin Street. • Young Street Drainage issues exist in the area near the intersection of Young Street and Powell Street. • Spring Street A large diameter storm sewer pipe at approximately 42 inches, is located from the east side of Spring Street to an outfall located behind both homes at 1101 Spring Street and 1201 Spring Street, which is

around 300 feet from Spring Street. The pipes have defects that have led to ground surface depressions along the whole length of the pipe. The work agenda consists of topographic surveying, geotechnical engineering, CCTV inspection, and preliminary engineering. CivilSurv is going to prepare a preliminary engineering report, offer recommendations for improvements, and Engineer’s Opinion of Probable Construction Costs (EOPCC) for each site.

Industrial land use designation The city commission approved a public hearing for a map amendment located south of East Baker Street (U.S. Hwy. 92), west of Wiggins Road, and east of South Park Road. The applicant had requested an industrial future land use designation on approximately 54 acres and Residential-4 on approximately 8 acres. These will now be included into Lakeside Station allowing for the development of roadway corridors and stormwater ponds in order to support the uses internal to the planned development. The Imagine 2040: Plant City Comprehensive Plan states that the areas appropriate for future industrial land uses shall “… create a minimal degree of impact to the surrounding environment, particularly in terms of non-objectionable levels of noise, vibration, dust, and/or odor…” No conflicts are anticipated with the lands to the north and west, being that they are already designated mixed-use-

residential/commercial/industrial and are planned for a mix of uses, which will include industrial lighting. Lands to the east, consist of a mix of agricultural and scattered rural residential uses. Potential compatibility issues should be addressed during the zoning process for subject properties. A traffic analysis provided by the Hillsborough County Planning Commission transportation staff, shows that the existing land use plan categories have the potential to generate up to 1,867 average peak-hour trips, which could decrease to an average of 1,304 peak-hour trips. Also, the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) of Hillsborough County noted that there are wetlands present and the integrity of those wetlands or

other surface waters are protected. In turn, these natural resources will be protected and managed per the rules and regulations of the EPC, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and/or the City of Plant City. Potable water as well as wastewater capacity are available to serve the site, per the Plant City Utilities Department. The proposed map amendment is compatible with the vision, goals, objectives, and policies of the Imagine 2040: Plant City Comprehensive Plan. The Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission and the Plant City Planning Board both found the map amendment consistent with the Imagine 2040: Plant City Comprehensive Plan on June 13 and June 22, respectively.

Dr. Young’s Residence Being Moved 1956

To See & Remember

(813) 754-1578 - http://www.plantcityphotoarchives.org

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

IDEAL PROTEIN: GROWING WEIGHT-LOSS PROGRAM LOCALS SHARE SUCCESS STORIES AFTER STARTING PROGRAM. BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Obesity is an issue among many Americans that often times leads to other health complications such as hypertension and diabetes. More than two in five adults suffer from obesity, while one in 11 adults suffer from severe obesity, according to a 2017 to 2018 report done by National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Conscious of their excess weight, many people have turned to various weight loss programs and exercise regimens to get into shape. One such program that is on the rise in Plant City, is Ideal Protein, which was founded over 20 years ago by Dr. Tran Tien Chanh, a general and sports physician. Ideal Protein is a low-carb diet, which takes its participants through three different phases. Phase One helps to burn fat by restricting carbohydrate consumption and eating whole foods. It lasts until the ideal weight is achieved and is monitored by a coach. Phase Two focuses on maintaining the weight achieved, with instructions on how to gradually implement carbs and healthy fats when eating whole foods. Phase Three requires visits with a coach to stay on course and offers helpful tips which can be found in educational pamphlets. Dr. Mark Filosi is a pharmacist at the Family Care Pharmacy in Plant City – one of several Ideal Protein clinics in the Tampa Bay area that offers the program’s food products as well as its coaching services. “We’re literally taking people off of blood pressure medicines, cholesterol medicines, (and) blood sugar medicines,” he said. “We’ve gotten people off of insulin. That’s really been remarkable.” Filosi, along with Warren Dickey, an Ideal Protein coach, were on a mission to find a metabolic weight loss plan that worked for them before coming across the program

four years ago. Dickey is a retired officer from the Marine Corps. who served for 30 years but struggled with his weight while in the military. “That’s how I got into this and that’s why I got into this because it was an absolute necessity to figure that out, or I would have been discharged from the Marine Corps. for being overweight,” he said. Transitioning to a healthier diet was a smooth process, he added. Carbohydrates such as bread and pasta are everyday foods, however, those in the program are taught to stay away from those food types which can ultimately turn into glucose in the body. The coach assists with choosing the right foods as well as portion control. Those in the program can indulge in smoothies, soups, pancakes, oatmeal, muffins, omelets, cookies, syrups, protein shakes, protein bars, pudding, wafers, clusters, sauces, and marinades. These products can only be found in locations that have chosen to implement the Ideal Protein program as a part of their service. “We have stuff they can eat that’s sweet, that’s salty, that covers the gamut of product ranges that you might want if you are going to partake in some emotional eating, because of stress,” Dickey said. “There’s such a wide range of foods you can eat on this program that you’re probably going to find something to scratch that itch.” Deb Cantero was an emotional eater before she was introduced to Ideal Protein. Like many others, she used food as a crutch to deal with stress. As a nurse of 40 years, she is used to recognizing health disorders her patients may have, but in 2021 she began to become concerned with her own well-being. Cantero suffered from high blood pressure as well as abnormal glucose and hemaglobin levels. She expressed her frustration to her practitioner, who in turn referred her to the Ideal Protein program. With the help of Dickey as her coach, Cantero has stuck

with the program for a year and a half and is currently in Phase One. She has seen significant results from her labor, having gone from 246 pounds down to 173 pounds. Cantero is still working to shed 15 more pounds to reach her ideal weight. “This is the only program that worked and the reason it does is because of the structure of the program, and how it teaches you to view food,” she said. “You journal your food intake which is critical to success, because you have to be able to look at your calories, your protein.” During Phase One, participants are encouraged not to do cardiovascular exercises, other than walking, as it is counterintuitive to the program. Intense exercise can cause cortisol hormone production which would put the body in a state of stress, Filosi said. What’s more, cortisol helps in producing fat. While Cantero has always enjoyed vegetables, she has learned different ways to prepare them and make them more edible. Dale Peterson, who started the program in late 2020, has been doing light exercises such as walking and riding his bike. He is a retired officer from the Plant City Police Department, having served on the force for 28 years. Although he does moderate exercise, he understands that the key to his weight loss success is through healthy eating. Peterson cut back on his favorite foods such as pizza and pasta and has substituted those foods with more vegetables – up to four cups a day. While he was ready to commit himself to the program from the start, there were still temptations he had to avoid. In recent years, the community has shown an outpouring of support to the police department by offering the very food that Peterson was trying to stay away from. At home, his wife supports his new lifestyle, preparing dishes that align with his diet. In fact, he inspired her to partake in those same meals. “Sometimes people being in the same house and one being in the program, one

not, kind of hurts people,” Peterson said. “I’ve seen that happen, but when I was doing it myself, she never hurt me, because she supported me.” In Nov. 2020 he weighed approximately 300 pounds and by July 2021 his weight dropped to 222 pounds. Dickey was also his coach and now he has become a coach, helping others to stay on the right track. Ideal Protein has its own app that helps to build favorite meals and help coaches to keep track of the results. The coaching courses are currently going through a pilot program where participants can have the option of meeting with their instructor virtually or in person. The program is promised to benefit all who try it out, Filosi said. “After a week or two, it becomes – I think, both simple and easy for a lot of people,” he said. “It’s just making that initial step in trying it and giving yourself permission to be healthier.” For more information about the program, visit www.IdealProtein.com.

y Da nts e e m tm e a S oin bl ila p Ap Ava

Florida's Largest IV Sedation Dental Group

s m t i a a e r w D A r t i u s o i Y V

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL

Fillings - Extractions - Dentures - Implants Bridges - Crowns - Root Canals - Zoom Teeth Whitening

813-DENTIST www.happydentistry.com

Check out our 4.8 Rating on Google!

3203 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico, FL 33596 We accept most HMO and PPO Insurance Advertised Services: D0150, D0210, D0330, D2740, D9243, D9997. The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for any other services, examination, or treatment that is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free, discounted fee, or reduced x-rays. Due to insurance guidelines, our specials cannot be combined with other offers or dental insurance. *Same day appointments subject to availability.

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

PlantCityObserver.com

Yerb Labs Offers Natural Alternatives DOWNTOWN SHOP GIVES CUSTOMERS CHOICES FOR REMEDIES

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Yerb Labs Kava Lounge in downtown Plant City isn’t your typical café – it tries to offer products with lower levels of caffeine. It also has foods and drinks infused with kava and kratom. Kava is a substance that derives from the root or stump of the kava shrub. Kratom is an herbal extract from evergreen leaves found in Southeast Asia. Carlos Tramontana is the owner of the shop which opened in December of last year. These products are remedies in dealing with pain, he said. “Kava and Kratom are holistic alternatives to opioids and alcohol, and that’s why a lot of people find relief here,” Tramontana said. “Every product we sell is third-party (and) lab-tested for potency and quality. We only sell the best of the best. Tramontana also sells cannabidiol (CBD) which comes from the hemp plant. And for cigarette smokers, there is a CBD version, that does not contain carcinogens. There are also CBD smoothies. In 2018, Tramontana began to get into the CBD business and built it to where it is today, in Plant City. He has been a part of the Florida Cannabis Foundation since it began in 2014, advocating for its use. He also has Delta-8 products which comes from the cannabis plant, He has Delta-8 smoothies, slushies and will soon add an ice cream version. Some other products sold are muffi , brownies,

cookies, and rice crispy treats. Its gummies are used for a night time affect in place of melatonin. The shop also has legalized mushrooms that have low levels of caffeine, carbohydrates, calories, and gives an energy boost with no crash or psychoactive affect, he said. And the mushroom coffee he offers is 100% vegan, he said. It is a product that is used by veterans with post traumatic stress disorder. Promoting his shop has been a challenge because of the negative stigma from his products. “Facebook has restricted me, has blocked me, has put me in Facebook jail,” Tramontana said. “I can’t advertise. I can’t even make any events.” However, he does have a food permit license. “You don’t need a medical marijuana (card) because everything we sell here is hemp derived,” he said. “You have hemp-derived products that give you clarity, focus, and concentration. It doesn’t give you any of the anxiety.” “Everything we do here is by the book,” Tramontana said. “We follow all laws and guidelines (in) the State of Florida.” In the long term, he wants to open up other locations in Tampa and Washington D.C.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

COMPACT BMW 240I COUPE IS A BLAST TO DRIVE! BMW M240I XDRIVE Tires: P225/40R19 Wheelbase: 107.9 inches Length: 179.4 inches Width: 72.4 inches Height: 55.3 inches Fuel capacity: 13.7 gallons Mileage: 23 city, 32 highway Weight: 3,871 pounds Base price: $48,550 Price as tested: $57,295 Web site: www.bmw.com

NITISH S. RELE

The 3 Series may be a best-seller and most popular BMW ever but potential buyers are missing out on another stellar ride from the German automaker. You just cannot overlook the second-gen 2 Series, particularly the M240i, in the small luxury car segment. For 2022, BMW has boosted the width, length and wheelbase for the brisk car, which can zip off 0 o 60 in a mere 4.1 seconds with top speed of 155 mph. So what if it is now available only as a coupe and not a convertible anymore? Under the hood of the stunningly handsome all-wheel-drive M240 resides a 3.0-liter twin-power turbo inline-6 cylinder gas engine cranking 382 horsepower @ 6500 rpm and 369 pounds-feet of torque @ 5000 rpm. It is mated to a fl wless 8-speed auto gearbox, which is even more exciting with moves via the steering paddle shifters. Suspension is handled capably via a two-joint spring strut front and a 5-link rear system. However, the standard adaptive M suspension is specially tuned to enhance nimbleness and poise when pushing pedal to the metal. And the electric power steering with variable sport has a solid and communicative feel, keeping the coupe straight and watchful on curvy roads. A wide, slow-slung turbine-style kidney grille with vertical air fla s (open for increased cooling) is encircled by gorgeously contoured LED headlights while M sport brakes, blue calipers and the M logo will

grab attention. Walk to the rear and you will notice trapezoidal tail pipe finishe s and a clear black spoiler. An 8.8-inch infotainment touch screen operated via the iDrive controller and a 5.1-inch instrument cluster point to a well-appointed and classy cabin. Further adding to the rich ambiance are touches of high-gloss black trim on the dash. Other minutiae include tri-zone auto a/c, power moon roof, anthracite headliner, power front sport seats, three-spoke leather steering wheel, 40/20/40 rear seat, and more. Dual front and side airbags, front knee and side curtain airbags are standard along with dynamic stability and traction control, four-wheel antilock brakes, electronic brake distribution and brake assist, rearview camera, active braking assist (lane departure warning, blind spot monitor/detect, rearcross traffic ale , city collision mitigation), daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring are standard. Barring a small trunk and a modest rear seat, the sensational M240 is a cool sporty luxury coupe to toss around at sharp turns or go cruising on the highway. You can rest assured it is German engineering at its fi est on display! Nitish S. Rele operates motoringtampabaycom and Khaas Baat, and was an automotive editor/columnist for the Tampa Tribune. Email him at motoringtampabay@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2021

SPORTS

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2022

PARKER MESSICK FORMER PLANT CITY PITCHER DRAFTED BY CLEVELAND GUARDIANS

Messick was the 54th overall selection in the 2022 MLB Draft, the highest draft pick in Plant City High School history. TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Former Plant City High School pitcher Parker Messick was selected 54th overall in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft by the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday, making him the highest draft pick in Plant City history. Surrounded by family and friends, all huddled around a television in his grandparents’ living room, Messick received a call from his agent Hank Sargent as he sat in the back of the room with his phone plugged in and charging. He and Sargent had made an agreement not to make the call unless a team was ready to select him and make an offer, and that moment had come. Messick stood up and walked to the front of the room where he had dozens of baseball caps ready, with teams from across the league represented. He grabbed a couple from teams that were preparing to make the next handful of picks and let his guests wait it out just a little longer before his name was called and he could proudly don Cleveland’s iconic red “C”. “It was almost like a weight off of my chest,” Messick said. “The whole draft process is pretty stressful. You do everything that you can up to that point and then it’s kind of up in the air with what’s going to happen. Now I have a plan, now I know where I’m going, I know what I’m going to be up to, I know what kind of organization Cleveland is and what they’re about so it was really just a moment of relief. Just like, wow, I did it, now it’s time to put in some more work.” Messick grew up in Plant City, playing just about every sport he could as he grew into the competitor he is today, and credits his home town with instilling him with a drive to win everything he competed in. From regional championships in little league to youth football Super Bowls to basketball leagues at the YMCA to a high school state championship, Messick wanted to win. “Plant City’s probably the best sports town that I could have every asked for,” Messick said. “Anywhere around us, this whole area and this town, they love their sports. I played baseball at Plant City Little League, I played for the Plant City Dolphins at the same complex for football, I played middle school soccer and then I played YMCA basketball growing up, so I played everything. In this town, the way they love their sports helped me become a competitor and not just love to win but also hate to lose. It was always a big deal, whether it was a little league championship game all the way to

Photo courtesy of Florida State University

a high school state championship game. It meant a lot to the people that were involved, it made me care about the sport and that obviously translated to me caring about how well I developed and how hard I wanted to work to get where I am now.” As a senior at Plant City High School in 2019, Messick was instrumental in the Raiders’ journey to a program-best 30-2 record and the first baseball state championship in school history. He started 14 games throughout the year, finishing the year with an 11-1 record, eight complete games, seven shutouts, an earned run average of just 1.06 and led all pitchers in the state with 125 strikeouts over 86 innings. He threw a complete game shutout in a 3-0 Regional Final victory over Seminole High School and tossed another complete game shutout in an 8-0 State Semifinal win over McArthur High School, allowing just three hits while striking out 16 of the 24 batters he faced. After the season Messick racked up the accolades, including All-American first team pitcher by MaxPreps, Florida High School All-State first team pitcher by Prep Baseball Report, All-Hillsborough County and All-Tampa Bay Pitcher of the Year by the Tampa Bay Times, All-Western Conference first team pitcher for the second consecutive season, All-813Preps Most Valuable Player and the 8A Player of the Year as well as Mr. Baseball by the Florida Dairy Farmers. With college baseball on the horizon, Mes-

sick accrued offers from collegiate baseball programs across the state, but that road didn’t come easy. His recruitment was a slower process when compared to a lot of top high school athletes, but he ultimately found his home at Florida State University. “Pretty much everyone commits well before their senior season nowadays and usually a lot of scholarships are given out if you commit after that, so you have to be pretty good when you’re young to get a good scholarship,” Messick said. “I wasn’t quite there yet. When I was a freshman, sophomore, junior, I was a good player but nowhere near where I was as a senior. I was really a bit of an under-recruited, kind of undervalued, underdog type of guy. I wasn’t highly rated, I wasn’t rated on Perfect Game or anything like that, I was just a decent little player that loved to play the game. I continued to get better and Florida State gave me a shot. By the end of it I had received an offer from pretty much every school in Florida, but when I went to Florida State they treated me like family. It felt like home. I really wanted to be a part of all the traditions and obviously the winningest baseball school in all of college baseball. I was used to winning and I wanted to win some more games so it felt like a great fit for me and it was an easy decision. I committed on the way home from my visit there.” Messick saw limited action as a true freshman in 2020, allowing just one earned

RHETT ROLLYSON NAMED HEAD COACH FOR FLORIDA SOUTHERN TENNIS After three years at USF and a lifetime around the game, Rollyson was named Florida Southern’s men’s tennis head coach last week. TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Plant City’s Rhett Rollyson was named the newest head coach for Florida Southern’s men’s tennis team last week, following three years as an assistant coach at the University of South Florida. “This is a really cool opportunity for me to have a dream job and be the head coach at a prestigious academ-

ic and athletic university, and I can stay home every night and still be engaged in the community,” Rollyson said. “I was looking at a poll, and if you combine academics and athletics, Florida Southern is one of the top 10 DII programs in the country.” Rollyson played tennis at Plant City High School, being named fi st team All-Area by the Tampa Tribune. He then walked on at the University of Florida, winning their walk-on tournament before spending four years

around the Gators’ tennis team. After leaving UF, he was hired as the national promotions and technical representative for Prince Sports Group, traveling across the country to host tennis clinics and product knowledge seminars for select tennis clubs and retailers while also scouring major junior tournaments to recruit top players for the Prince National Junior Team.

run while striking out 19 over 11.2 innings. By 2021, his redshirt freshman season, Messick had earned a spot in the Seminoles’ rotation and began to take the conference by storm. Finishing the season with an 8-2 record and 3.10 ERA over 90 innings, he was named ACC Pitcher of the Year and ACC Freshman of the Year, a Baseball America first team Freshman All-American, first team All-ACC, Freshman All-ACC and a third team AllAmerican. As a sophomore in 2022, he finished the year with a 7-5 record and a 3.38 ERA over 98.2 innings. Now drafted, Messick will head to the G uardians’ Player Development Complex in Arizona this weekend and plans to officially sign his contract the following week. With the 54th selection in the draft, Messick becomes not only the highest draft pick in Plant City High School history but the highest draft pick in the history of the Plant City area, narrowly edging out Boston Red Sox pitcher Tyler Danish who was drafted 55th overall by the Chicago White Sox out of Durant High School in 2013.

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

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

RHETT ROLLYSON

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

TAKES ON NEW OPPORTUNITY AS THE NEWEST HEAD COACH AT FCS USF tennis claimed a conference championship in 2019 and were runner-up in 2021 while Rollyson was an assistant coach with the Bulls’ program. TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

After three years with Prince, Rollyson joined Babolat as a national promotions representative and the fi st U.S. sales representative, in charge of creating brand awareness for Babolat’s United States subsidiary that has now grown into a leader in the U.S. tennis racket market. With Babolat he was also instrumental in starting and coordinating their Pro/Junior Development program that would eventually recruit and sign major superstars such as Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick. In 2008, Rollyson became the founder and co-owner of Ace Sports Group, working as a tournament director for multiple United States Tennis Association Pro Circuit events, raising money to benefit ennis and charitable organizations along the way. In 2019 he joined USF’s tennis program as an assistant coach where he was not only a coach, but was an integral part of coordinating practices, recruiting and community engagement. In his time at USF, the Bulls won a conference title in 2019 and runner up in 2021, advancing to the NCAA tournament in all three years.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with a lot of the top juniors who have gone on to make Grand Slam final , become NCAA champions, NCAA all-americans, that’s always kind of been my niche,” Rollyson said. “I love to work with kids and, if nothing else, maybe help them a little bit on the tennis court but also kind of dive into their life a little bit and try to be a mentor. Help them a little bit on the court but also maybe give them a little bit of advice that might help them in life at the end of the day. That was pretty cool, to be able to have an impact on so many kids’ lives, even when you don’t realize it.” Independently, Rollyson qualified or the USTA Open Tennis League National Championships fi e times, was the USTA Intersectional 35’s National runnerup in 2004, worked with NCAA champions Ryler DeHeart, Jeff Dadamo and Austin Krajicek and coached Sasha Gozun to a runner-up finish at the oys Nationals in Kalamazoo, Mich. Despite his extensive list of accomplishments and experi-

ence around the tennis courts, Plant City residents may be more familiar with his work in the community. You may have heard his voice as the public address announcer for Plant City High School football and baseball, but he’s also worked with the First Baptist Church of Plant City for over 20 years and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Florida State Strawberry Festival, the Plant City YMCA, the Plant City HS Raider Champions and South Florida Baptist Hospital. In 2019 he was named YMCA Strong Leader of the Year. With Florida Southern set just a few miles up the road from Plant City in Lakeland, Rollyson is

excited about the opportunity to take a dream job while continuing to live and be involved in the Plant City community. “It’s cool that I can have a job that feels like a dream job but I don’t have to give up the community involvement,” Rollyson said. “That’s great. Getting a coaching job at the University of Florida or the University of Georgia or Alabama would be unbelievable, but to be a head coach at a local school where I can still be involved in the community means volumes to me because I don’t have to give up those roles. I may have to lessen the degree a little

Florida Southern Mocs @FSC_Mocs

bit in those roles, but I can still be involved. I can still try to be a PA at the baseball games and the football games when I’m around and I don’t have to give up the extra stuff that I eally, really love to do in my community.”

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

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

289704-1

We asked Plant City: What’s your favorite meal of the day, breakfast, lunch or dinner? And what’s your favorite meal to eat for it? “Love everything but really love things you can eat anytime at any meal. Meatloaf for breakfast, etc.” - Mary Heysek “I love breakfast anytime of the day with eggs, bacon or sausage and hashbrowns!” - Doris Budden Glaros “My favorite is Dinner and it is a salad six days out of seven!” - Linda Riggsby Kender

“Breakfast. Eggs, bacon, grits and pancakes. (Village Inn Classic Breakfast).” - Kathleen Clore Neely “Breakfast and traditional egg breakfast, reading a paper with it.” - Allen Berrebbi “Ummm all of the above… cupcakes.” - James Jackson

iStock

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Dale Jarvis, 63, of Plant City, Fla., born on Feb. 26, 1959, entered into eternal rest on July 2, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Mary Margaret Beames

Mary Margaret Beames, 57, of Riverview, Fla., born in Paoli, Penn. on Feb. 16, 1965, entered into eternal rest on June 21, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Phyllis Jean Eugene Barron, knownTaking by (Freeman) care of all as “Gene”, passed away Johnson each other is what

Henry Earl Riner

Eugene Barron

Taking care of each other is what

Henry Earl Riner, peacefully on July 13, 2022. 76, of Plant City, The family will receive Fla., passed away Phyllis Jean (Freeman) friends July 23, 2022 from on Thursday, June Johnson, 71, of Dover, Fla., 10 to 11 a.m. at First As30, 2022. Henry joined her Lord and Savior sembly of God, 602 Charlie on June 28, 2022. Phyllis was born Dec. 15, Griffin d,WPlant City, FL 1945. was born on Oct. 27, 1950. we’re dedicated to helping families create a E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E our community dedicated to helping families create a W E ’ RE P RO U Dand TO S E RV E that our community and meaningful memorial truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. 33566. Funeral services will Fondwe’re memories Fondunique memories unique and meaningful memorial that truly withthe personal, compassionate care since 1896. celebrates life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, follow at 11 a.m. and expressions expressions of Dignity sympathy celebrates the life itof represents. As your Memorial professionals, > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability > 100% Service Guarantee > National may Plan Transferability Travel Assistance The Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement Online condolences may sympathy be may be>shared at www. > Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® be left at haught.care. shared at www.WellsMeWellsMemorial.com for the R morial.com Johnson family. R for the Riner Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. Proudly supportingfamily. the Plant City Strawberry Festival.

community

is all about.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Vernon Gene White

Barbara A. Walker Barbara A. Walker, 78, of Plant City, Fla., went to be with Lord on July 13, 2022. She is survived by the man of her life Edward S. Walker Sr., daughter Ellie Lemley, son Leroy Walker, preceded in death by son Edward S. Walker Jr. No services will be held. Condolences and fond memories may be offered at www.gentry-morrison. com.

Vernon Gene White, 84, of Lakeland, Fla., born in Plant City on Feb. 24, 1938, entered into eternal rest on July 14, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

OBITUARIES

Dale Jarvis

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Diane Heth Diane Heth, 69, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on July 11, 2022. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Esperanza Vazquez

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM Taking care of each other is Swindle what Ann S. Taking careM of Lonnie 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com Ann S. Swindle, 95, of Esperanza Vazquez, age community 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com each other is what Watkins Tampa, Fla., passed away 68, of Plant City, FL passed is all about. community on Wednesday, June 29, away on July 10, 2022. The Lonnie M Watkins, 70, 2022. Ann was born Jan. family will receive friends of City, Fla., passed is away allPlant about. 22, 1927. July 22, 2022 from 1 to on Monday, July 11, Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy

Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy

M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

10/27/15 10:42 AM

M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

W E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E

our community

10/27/15 10:42 AM

we’re dedicated to helping families create a

and meaningful memorial that truly 2022. Lonnie was born with personal, compassionate care since 1896. Fondunique memories and 2 p.m. at Haught Funeral celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, expressions sympathy Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. October 9,dedicated 1951.to helping families create a we’re W Eof ’ RE P RO U D TO S E RV E our community > 100% Service Guarantee > Nationalwith Plan Transferability and meaningful memorial that truly personal, compassionate care since 1896. may be >shared at www. Martin Luther King Jr. Travel Assistance Fondunique memories and TheAsCompassion Helpline® > Bereavement celebrates the life it represents. your Dignity Memorial professionals, WellsMemorial.com for the Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. expressions of sympathy > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability R The Compassion Helpline® Swindle family.> Bereavement Travel Assistance Funeral services willProudly follow may be >shared at www. supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. at 2 p.m. WellsMemorial.com for the R Online condolences may Proudly supportingWatkins the Plant Cityfamily. Strawberry Festival. be left for the family at haught.care. WELLSMEMORIAL.COM ®

Concepcion Labra Aviles Concepcion Labra Aviles, 88, of Seffne , Fla., born in Paso de Arena, Guerrero, Mexico on April 21, 1934, entered into eternal rest on July 12, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM

Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy

813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy 10/27/15 10:42 AM 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com

M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

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

10/27/15 10:42 AM

YOUR CALENDAR

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

BEST BET THURSDAY, JULY 21 BACKPACK BASH 4 to 6 p.m. at 1801 E. Cherry St. Grace United Methodist Church will hold their Community Speghetti Dinner Fundraiser to raise money for their Backpack Bash, an event that provides local students with school supplies for the upcoming year. Meals are available for dine in or take out, costing $6 for adults and teens, $5 for children ages fi e to 12 and children four and under can eat for free. For more information, please contact Donna Cotter at 315-546-5917.

THURSDAY, JULY 21 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.

Your CBD Store Plant City by phone at 813-652-8191 or by email at shopFL351@ getsunmed.com. BLUEGRASS NIGHT 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Head over to the Loft for Bluegrass Night as Sawgrass makes their return to Krazy Kup. Admission is $15 and tickets are available in house on the night of the event or online at www.eventbrite.com.

BACKPACK

guide to the most vital terms of cat chat. Head down to the Tipsy Bookwork to meet Plant City’s own best-selling author Victoria Smude and get your copy of the book signed! Books and cat swag will be available for purchase and the fi st 50 people to arrive at the pet-friendly event will receive a free chonky cat bookmark. If you’d like to purchase your own copy of the book before the event, The Chonky Alphabet is available on Amazon.com.

BASH

PLANT CITY SOCIAL DANCE 6 to 9:30 p.m. at 4401 Promenade Blvd. DJ Ken will be hosting the Plant City Social Dance every Saturday throughout the month of August at the Strawberry Square Dance Center. Cups and water will be available and the event’s cost is $7 per person. For more information or a chance to look at sample playlists, visit www.djkenmiller. com. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12

FRIDAY, JULY 29 SATURDAY, JULY 23 BACK TO SCHOOL BASH 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2909 James L. Redman Pkwy., Suite #7. Mark your calendar for TKsweets and Your CBD Store Plant City’s 2nd Annual Back to School Bash. The event is sponsored by Vidacann Lakeland and will be giving away over 200 free book bags, with school supplies included. While all book bags with school supplies have been claimed through pre-registrations, walk-ups are welcome as some participating businesses will have book bags on-hand, but make sure to come early as supplies are limited. Attendance is free to the community with vendors, facepainting and a food truck in attendance for shopping. For more information, contact TK Sweets by phone at 813-815-0932 or by email at tksweetsllc@gmail.com or

TILE & GROUT STEAM CLEANED 50 cents per Sq.Ft.

  

Carpet Repairs Carpet Restoration & Dyeing Minimum Service job $70.00

MOVIE TRIVIA NIGHT 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E J. Arden Mays Blvd. Bring your friends and family to grab a cup of coffee and head up to the loft to show off our movie knowledge, or just to cheer on your loved ones, with a chance to win a prize at this month’s Movie Trivia Night. As always, the event is family-friendly and free.

LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN 5 to 9 p.m. at 110 N. Collins St. The Last Friday in Downtown Food Truck Rally is held with a new theme each month. There will be live music, market vendors and food trucks. The event is family and pet friendly and all are recommended to bring chairs and blankets. July’s theme will be a magical event for wizards and muggles alike as the Harry Potter Birthday Celebration takes over downtown Plant City. SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 CHONKY ALPHABET BOOK SIGNING 2 to 4 p.m. at 115 S. Evers St. Do you know your cat ABC’s? From “blep” to “nip cops”, “loaf” to “beets”, The Chonky Alphabet book provides cat enthusiasts (and non-cat enthusiasts) with an A to Z

Emergency

24-Hour

WATER REMOVAL

Storm Water, A/C Leaks, Broken Pipes, Toilet Overflow

CARPETS

STEAM CLEANED

3 ROOMS $90

Includes Hallway cleaned Free

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 BLUEGRASS JAM! 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. This is an open invitation for local Bluegrass musicians and fans to come to the Krazy Kup loft and jam, clap hands, stomp feet and enjoy! Krazy Kup holds their Bluegrass JAM on the fi st Saturday of every month.

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

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 21 High: 95 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 17%

FRIDAY, JULY 22 High: 96 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 20%

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

SUNRISE/SUNSET Sunrise Sunset Thursday, July 21

6:44a

8:24p

Friday, July 22

6:45a

8:23p

Saturday, July 23

6:46a

8:23p

Sunday, July 24

6:46a

8:22p

Monday, July 25

6:47a

8:22p

Tuesday, July 26

6:47a

8:21p

Wednesday, July 27

6:48a

8:21p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JULY 23 High: 94 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 40%

SUNDAY, JULY 24 High: 94 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 40%

MONDAY, JULY 25 Kathy Flemister sent us this picture of a cactus fl wer blooming in her back yard in Plant City.

ONLINE

High: 94 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 46%

Across 1 John follower 5 Whack, biblically 10 Behold, to Cicero 14 Young Adult novel by Carl Hiaasen about an owl habitat 15 Wore 16 Devise, with “up” 17 Blue-green 19 Garage occupant 20 Meeting of powerful nations 22 One looking at a lot of tickets 24 Berliner’s “Blimey!” 25 School contest 26 “It’s __ good”

27 2016 US Open champ Wawrinka 31 Possessive pronoun 33 Landlocked Asian country 35 Native Nebraskan 37 Carpenter’s tool 40 Campbell’s concoction 43 Spotted 44 Breeze (through) 45 Vegas rollers 47 Ping-Pong table need 49 Messy one 51 Goat’s cry 52 Braying beast 55 Trig. function 57 “I can take __!” 59 Team at a drug bust

64 Green on a weather map 65 Largest portion 68 Miranda __ of “Homeland” 69 “Solutions and Other Problems” writer Brosh 70 Wheelhouse 71 Retreat 72 Blind parts 73 Old autocrat Down 1 “Got it!” 2 __ au vin 3 Compassionate but strict approach 4 Put on

5 Carpet type 6 “All Rise” actress Helgenberger 7 “Got it” 8 Island kingdom whose capital is Nuku’alofa 9 “Romanian Rhapsodies” composer 10 Answer to the riddle “What cheese is made backward?” 11 Roomba pickup 12 Term of affection 13 Gush on stage 18 Diamond VIPs 21 Freedom, in Swahili 22 Chi.-based flie 23 Some Balkans 28 “Mazel __!” 29 Quads on roads 30 Breakout stars? 32 Surprise attack 34 Cinematographer Nykvist 36 Sermon subject 38 Curved sabers 39 Butter __ 41 Jersey type 42 “On the Floor” singer 46 Put away 48 Stein’s partner 50 Makes illegal 52 LeBron’s hometown 53 Do lutzes, say 54 Vaudeville fare 56 Ability 58 Percussion pair 60 One in a sailor’s repertoire 61 Beverage nut 62 Make mittens, say 63 Exploits 66 Irish actor Stephen 67 Mr. Potato Head piece

July 28 New

Aug. 5 First

Aug. 11 Full

Aug. 19 Last

RAINFALL LAST WEEK:

MONTH TO DATE:

7.45in.

9.24 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

JULY AVERAGE:

28.94 in.

8.65 in.

OKRA

Shipping point: South Florida $16.00-$18.35

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

Great health care is closer than you think. South Florida Baptist Hospital is more than just a small community hospital. We’ve got a wide array of specialty care and surgical services that you don’t have to travel far to get. Our surgeons are experts in minimally invasive robotic surgical procedures that provide lots of benefits, including shorter hospital stays, decreased blood loss and smaller incisions that reduce the risk of infection. Plus, faster recovery times that mean you can get back to your normal activities sooner. You’ll find comprehensive orthopedic care—whether you’re an athlete who needs sports medicine services or you’re someone who needs a total joint replacement. Our all-inclusive gynecology program offers high-quality care to the women and mothers in our community with a variety of women’s care services. We’ve even been designated as a Center of Excellence for our weight loss surgery program, meeting nationally recognized standards and providing outstanding care to our patients. And all of this extraordinary care exists right here in Plant City. Learn more: SouthFloridaBaptistSurgery.org

21-1493769-0521

PlantCityObserver.com