7.25.19 PLCO by Plant City Observer

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VOLUME 6, NO. 55

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THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

NORTH PARK ISLE STIRS UP PASSION AT COMMISSION The potential map amendments of land near North Park Isle caused community members to voice their concerns during Monday night’s commission meeting.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Nothing strikes the spark that ignites passions on both sides quite like the topic of development. During Monday night’s commission meeting, that sentiment proved true when the topic of a map amendment that would add hundreds of acres into North Park Isle led to several impassioned comments from the public.

Two map amendments have been proposed, changing both the Residential-1 designation to a Residential-6. The area is currently very rural, full of strawberry fields and lined with trees. The land is being voluntarily annexed into Plant City by the applicants and they wish them to become a part of North Park Isle, the planned residential development.

SEE PAGE 3

High school teams from around the Tampa Bay area and beyond came to Plant City for two days of tourney action over the weekend. SEE PAGE 15

MT. OLIVE LENDS A HELPING HAND BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Every Tuesday and Thursday the doors to Mt. Olive are opened and dozens of community members trickle in to enjoy a hot meal and an in-depth Bible Study.

For 18 years, those in need have found a moment of respite at Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Following the vision of former pastor Maxie Miller, the church united in May 2001 to offer hot lunches twice a week and on holidays for the struggling members of their community. Now, every Tuesday and Thursday, Solomon McKinney drives to Metropoli-

tan Ministries and picks up the fresh food, which was prepared by professional chefs, and drives it back to Plant City to be assembled by a dedicated group of volunteers. “This started under Pastor Miller. He had such a heart for the needy,” Theodore Taylor, volunteer at the ministry, said. “Feeding others, well, it’s serving a basic everyday need. And of course our Bible Study before, which is optional to attend, helps serve their spiritual needs.” SEE PAGE 5

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

NEWS BRIEFS

that could result in oral exposure to feces. Wash hands often. Any water that could contain microscopic feces should be considered contaminated. Whether it is a lake, a swimming pool or hot tub, you and your family should remember to be clean when going in the water, and remember not to ingest pool water if possible. Try to make sure your day at the pool brings home only good memories and not infections.

Sheriff releases vehicle theft, burglary PSA

With the potential threats of E. coli, salmonella, noroviruses, parasites and more lurking in the water, anything going into the mouth or nose can be dangerous. The department issued the following safety tips for anyone in the pool to consider before diving in: Keep your mouth closed. Although it may be tough, try not to swallow pool water. Get clean before you go swimming. Whatever is on your body is going into the pool. If you have children, pay special attention to their behinds, since it is generally children under five that bring and dispense fecal material into pools. It is not just children, though; many others have fecal material on their rear end that washes off in the water. Take a bathroom break every hour, and be sure children do, too, even if they say they don't have to go. Change swim diapers routinely in the bathroom, not on the pool deck. Be sure to wash hands with soap and water after using B:10” the bathroom or changing diapers. T:10” If you have diarrhea, don't go swimming and avoid contact with anyone S:10” with chronic illness, or sexual practices

County health department urges pool safety Hillsborough County Health Department is asking residents to use extra caution in the pool this summer, but this warning’s not about reckless fun. The department wants people to stay safe from pool pathogens, as tiny microbes in unclean water can wreak havoc on the human body. To that point, your recently-treated pool water may not be as safe to splash in as you think. “It can take more than an hour for pathogens to die in a properly treated and maintained pool,” department spokesperson Kevin Watler said in a press release. “In the case of a parasite called Cryptosporidium, often called ‘crypto,' it can take over a week. Crypto is a microscopic parasite that causes the diarrheal disease cryptosporidiosis. Crypto is spread in places such as daycare settings, pools or other settings where someone may come in contact with feces from a person or animal with the disease.”

Near the end of National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister reminded drivers it doesn’t take much to keep their vehicles safe from thieves. Chronister said in his Tuesday public service announcement that July and August are the top two months for vehicle thefts. He suggested drivers make sure to keep their keys out of the car when not in use and valuables out of sight at all times, if they must be in the car at all. He suggested checking all of your vehicle’s doors and windows to make sure they’re locked and rolled all the way up. He suggested parking in secure, well-lit areas at home or in public. “Having home security cameras is helpful, but they don't always deter crime," Chronister said. "Protect your vehicle this month by remembering to lock it up." Watch online at youtube.com/ watch?v=x9x3tNDOouU.

RCMA recruiting teachers, support staff Redlands Christian Migrant Association, one of Florida’s largest childcare and education providers, is looking for help. The RCMA is currently recruiting teachers and support staff members for 66 child development centers, three charter schools and after-school care programs in 21 counties. Open positions include charter school elementary Spanish teachers, charter school first grade teachers, early childhood development teachers, information and data specialists, cooks and bus drivers. For more information on job openings and positional requirements, visit rcma. net/about-rcma/employment-at-rcma/.

Frontline Community Services fundraiser coming Frontline Community Services wants to put the “fun” in “fundraiser” on Aug. 10. The group will host its “Lazy, Crazy Days of Summer” event at the Sparkman House Luxury Bed & Breakfast, 707 N. Collins St., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. that Saturday. Attendees can cool off with fresh watermelon and homemade ice cream, play lawn games, jam to live music and pig out on BBQ dinners of chicken or pulled pork. Take-out dinner options are available. Tickets cost $25 per person, but parties of four can get tickets for an $80 flat fee. Discounted delivery service options for orders of 20 items and up are available upon request. Call 813-323-4013 for more information.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

COMMUNITY VOICES CONCERN ON NORTH PARK ISLE North Park Isle may soon grow in size if the proposed map amendments to several hundred acres of abutting land is approved. Citizens are hesitant to see the farm land go. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Photos by Breanne Williams

The debate arose when community members voiced concerns over losing more agriculture land to development. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

In fact, much of the property surrounding the land in question is already owned by North Park Isle. The other lands will require a buffer between the drastically different residential densities if this is approved. One of the two properties in question is 109.63 acres. The other is 128.28 acres. The currently planned residential development site of North Park Isle is approximately 460 acres. Adding another 238 acres would make a massive impact on the potential development of the facility. The public hearing was held to determine if commissioners would adopt a resolution directing staff to transmit the two proposed map amendments to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, along with other state and local agencies, so they could review and add comments to the proposal. This was merely the first step in a lengthy process. However, when the possibility arose, neighboring home owners as well as concerned citizens headed to the podium to voice their apprehension. “I’m a native from here, I was born in South Florida Baptist Hospital... my parents and grandparents grew up in Plant City and I’m very emotional about this,” Mary Cronkrite, owner of an abutting property, said. “My property that I have lived on for 40 years butts up, I go out in my back yard and admire the yard and the nature there. We have migrating ducks that come in that we watch on this property. I know it’s hard to back up anything that’s called progress, but we’re here.” Cronkrite went on to say that she is worried about the ecosystems in place on the piece of property in question behind her home. There is a pond there she says they frequently watch the wildlife flock to and she dreads finding out it could potentially

be on the chopping block. She implored commissioners to think about what they could be putting at risk if they go through with the amendment and allow North Park Isle to develop the land. Planning Director Mark Hudson addressed the concern and said a variety of studies would need to be done before they would be allowed to plan for the future of the land. If they discovered it was a natural waterway, then odds are it would be protected by Southwest Florida Water Management District. He also explained the steps prior to any development would include having in-depth traffic analysis, environmental studies and many other surveys completed. Arley Smude, a resident of Plant City who is present at every commission meeting, also stepped up to voice his thoughts on the topic. Echoing Hudson’s claim that the development was a in line with Plant City’s Imagine 2040: Comprehensive Plan, he inquired as to the details in place that led the city to that conclusion. He didn’t contradict the statement, but stated he would be interested in learning more about the plan and how it would keep the balance between preserving nature and planning for growth. “More broadly, I feel like this is something as a community we’re going to have to ask ourselves, the charm we all love about Plant City, it’s probably the reason that most of us are here, whether we grew up here or we moved here. Eventually that will erode if we continue down this path of replacing strawberry fields with development,” Smude said. “I’m not saying this one particular instance is the one where something must be done, but it’s something that eventually, when we cross that threshold, we will need to stop and address.” Two others also stood and voiced their concern with the proposal. They discussed the sorrow of watching “old Florida going away” and one said while progress was imminent, there has to be a line to draw to ensure you can

keep a little of both worlds at the end of the journey. However, commissioners are faced with a blunt reality. Plant City is filling up faster than it can provide homes. Nestled along the I-4 corridor between major cities like Tampa and Orlando, the strawberry town has become an oasis for families and businesspeople looking to find a home and commute to work. The increase of industrial opportunities right here in town is also drawing in massive waves of residents. “By the horizon year, the Imagine 2040: Plant City Comprehensive Plan projects the municipality having a population of more than 70,000, with much of this residential growth envisioned to be in northeast Plant City,” the city said. Despite the massive growth, Plant City hasn’t had a major residential development since the 1970s when Walden Lake officially sprung onto the scene, a point Mayor Rick Lott was quick to make following the public comments. “When you look at this, yes, in a perfect world you don’t want to see any of the farm land go, but those are homeowners as well and those homeowners have the right after they’ve farmed a piece of land for 15, 20, 30, 40 years to sell that property and do something else with it, as well,” Lott said. “That’s their investment, just like all of us here have land and property that is a big portion of our personal assets. We are in an area in the I-4 corridor where we have a need for homes. We have a need for houses.” Commissioners agreed unanimously to send the amendments to the required agencies. It is expected to return before the commission in September.

Maps courtesy of the City of Plant City

Above: Maps of the land seeking a map amendment.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY

Observer

This week on Cops Corner, police investigated a lost or stolen wallet, swiped power tools, a man who had passed out in his car, stolen cologne, stolen

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

vape pens and more.

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

JULY 12 LOST IN LAKELAND 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway Fraud: This victim told officers his wallet had either been stolen or gone missing. On the morning of July 12, he found his credit and debit cards had been used at multiple locations in Lakeland. POWERED UP 300 block of Park Springs Circle Vehicle burglary: This victim told officers someone swiped multiple power tools from the inside of their vehicle during the night of July 11. SWEET LIKE SUGAR 100 block of South County Line Road Criminal mischief: Officers made contact with this victim who had reported potential criminal mischief. They told officers an unknown subject put sugar into the fuel tank of her vehicle.

a man who was passed out in his vehicle. He was arrested for driving under the influence.

JULY 13 ROUGH ROOM 100 block of Henry Avenue Residential burglary: This victim reported that the room he was renting at the listed location had been broken into. He found three bicycles and a 32” television had been stolen as a result. FAILED TRANSPORT 1700 block of James L. Redman Parkway Drug investigation: Officers conducted a traffic stop and arrested the driver for felony driving with license suspended. In addition, both occupants of the vehicle were also arrested for possession of synthetic marijuana and possession of methamphetamine, respectively. All were transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

never been issued one and had nine previous suspensions. He was arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

JULY 15 BLAZE UP 3600 block of Trapnell Ridge Drive Vehicle burglary (waiver): This complainant reported that, at an unknown time during the night of July 14, someone entered their two unlocked vehicles and removed a vape pen from each. They told officers nothing was damaged and no other items were reported missing. They wanted the incident documented and signed a waiver of prosecution.

BUSTING DOWN THE DOOR 1300 block of East Dr. MLK Boulevard Criminal mischief (waiver): This complainant told officers that, on an unknown date and time, someone had damaged the front door to her deceased brother’s JULY 14 Edited by David Steinberg July 24,vacant 2019 home. She wanted the incident documented and then SPICE UP YOUR LIFE SUMMER BLUES of prosecution. 100 block ACROSS of North Palmer Street 492100 block of North Park What may 13 Road Bottom-signed a waiver 37 Bug zapper Drug possession: Officers victim reported that top This a screw asmade Theft: 1 Present of-barrel ancestor contact with a an manhonor sleeping at pithing poles and a cooler 52three Cloverleaf contentsJULY 1638 Breakneck the train depot. They found him had been swiped from his truck. when portion 6 Face peel 21 Times speed to be in possession of spice. He FIGHTING B.O. 53 Cylindrical venues “GMA” can 42 Trap for a was later transported to Orient TENTH TIMES THE CHARM 240 block of pasta 10 Touch down be watched long fish Road Jail without incident. Woodrow Wilson Street/ West Alexander Street 54West Some 14 Southeast 22 Mess 43 Sidekick Risk Street Petit theft: This complainant physician’s Asian 44 that Where a stole RUDE AWAKENING NVDL: Officers conductedsomething a routold officers someone samples up starts 2300 block of capital tine traffic stop on a 25-year-old their cologne hole on July 15. 58man. Enthusiastic 15 Sample 23license Etching 45 Get lost Thonotosassa Road During the driver’s DUI: Officers made contact with check, they discovered hematerial had about public 46 App storer

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MISSING IN ACTION 1200 block of East Renfro Street Theft/Grand: This victim told officers that upon arriving at the location listed above to retrieve his company’s Miller welder, which was valued at $4,000, and the trailer it was affixed to, which was valued at $500, he found both had been stolen from the property.

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DETERMINED TO ENTER 1000 block of East Laura Street Trespass/criminal mischief: This victim told officers an unknown suspect peeled away the siding of her Florida room, entered the premise and then kicked in her door.

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SUSPICIOUS TALE 200 block of West Alexander Street Armed robbery (waiver): This victim told police four men approached his vehicle at a stop sign. Two were armed with handguns and made him exit the vehicle. They took his wallet, which contained only his identification, and his cell phone. Later he admitted there was more to the story. He was driving around asking subjects to purchase illegal narcotics and was robbed. He waited 30 minutes before calling the police and did so from the south side of the city. He signed a waiver and didn’t pursue any criminal charges.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

MT. OLIVE

OPENS ITS DOORS

If you pop into Mt. Olive Baptist Church on a Tuesday or Thursday you will discover a blended family full of open arms, welcoming smiles and hearty meals.

Photos by Breanne Williams

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

An average of 50 to 75 people come through the Mt. Olive Baptist Church doors every week and while they commune at tables, discussing their days and sharing stories of mutual friends, they are able to simply take a moment to just be. The people enjoy air conditioning and a nutritious meal. When it begins to wrap up, many root through their bags for bowls and Tupperware in which the leftovers, if there are any, are distributed so they have food going into the weekend. Those who don’t own any containers are given a portion in a takeaway box provided by the church. Originally the effort was spearheaded by Betty Caw, who served at the helm until her recent passing. She assembled a group of church members who all gladly served until their respective deaths. Taylor is the only founding member of the program that remains and you can find him every Tuesday and Thursday in his dress shirt and tie, reading scripture to those gathered during the Bible study that’s held at 11:55 a.m. prior to the 12:30 p.m. lunch. Once his Bible closes, he turns with a smile and ties an

apron around his waist as he joins the other volunteers in handing out the plated meals. “The Spirit of God is working in this ministry to the point that when Bible study runs past the feeding time, the attendees want to finish the lesson,” Taylor said. “They realize the spiritual food is more important than the physical food. Over the years, we’ve seen so much spiritual growth in our family here. And that’s what we are — we’re a family now.” Annie Mae Woodard now leads the ministry and, while a few pastors have come through the doors since Mt. Olive first began filling the souls and stomachs of the community, all have stepped behind the project, lending their full support. Reverend Antonio Wilkerson, who has served as pastor of Mt. Olive for nearly three years, said they gladly open their arms to show love to their neighbors. After all, scripture repeatedly stresses the importance of spreading love to others. Whether in 1 John 4:11 ESV, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another,” or Galatians 6:2 NIV, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ,” the theme of empathy and compassion run through the core of the Gospel.

Volunteers at Mt. Olive prepare hot meals twice a week for members of the community.

Wilkerson paused when reflecting on the passion his congregation holds for the ministry before simply asking, “What kind of church would we be if we had no desire to serve our community?” As long as the ministry continues to help others, Wilkerson said, they will fight to keep it running. In fact, he said he hoped one day they would be able to grow it even further to extend their reach. “We’re honored to be able to be a blessing to them,” Wilkerson said. “Before you can help people, you have to have a relationship with them. We know these people, we love these people and, because of that, they allow us the chance to aid their physical needs as well as their spiritual. Regardless of their economic standing, their age, their gender or anything else, we are here for them and we will continue to be there for them in any way we can.”

The church also partners with Metropolitan Ministries to offer a variety of other services, including help obtaining identification cards, connecting them to life skills programs and other vital tools. Throughout the year, Mt. Olive provides clothing, toiletries and personal hygiene assistance to the community. Loyal attendees of the Bible Study are also frequently given gift cards. Taylor said he allows the Holy Spirit to guide the scripture they focus on each week, but they frequently will pause to discuss topics like the Fruits of the Spirit, Biblical figures who have strong life lessons tied to their stories or will spend time studying the lessons Jesus taught in the New Testament. They are a small unit, but Mt. Olive is proving you can change lives if you lead with love.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO GET INVOLVED Simply pop in to visit Taylor or Wilkerson any Tuesday or Thursday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Mt. Olive, 604 W. Ball St.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

PROPOSED BUDGET FOR UPCOMING FISCAL YEAR

WELCOMES NEW CITY STAFF

As quickly as Plant City is growing, keeping up with the staffing demands has long been a struggle for the city. The proposed budget for the 2019-2020 fiscal year begins to tackle that issue with the addition of several new employees. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Thanks to an increase in revenue for the City of Plant City it appears some interesting changes are ahead as was evident in the budget workshop held Monday evening. The total budget alone has nearly $10,000,000 more than last fiscal year. For the 2019-20 fiscal year, the city is working with $85,833,387, which includes $1,674,883 for the Community Redevelopment Agency. The current fiscal year, 20182019, had a total budget at the time of the initial budget workshops of $76,055,834, which included $1,440,307 for the CRA. “I think the biggest thing is there’s a substantial increase year after year and that’s because of revenue,” City Manager Bill McDaniel said. “You have now the Transportation Referendum revenue of $3.2 million and there’s a third of the increase right there. There are other revenue increases because we’re in a strong economy and there’s going to be more revenue. That’s the first thing that jumps out. People might see that and go, ‘Oh my gosh,’ but you have to drill in and realize it’s actually a revenuedriven situation.”

File photos

Staffing will be on the rise if the city’s proposed new budget is approved.

The city is also reshuffling its distribu- will cover 35 percent of their salaries. The tion for some funds to mold the upcoming city is required to contribute a matching budget. Using the Community Investment cost in the amount of $228,364. With a Tax funds and the Capital Project Funds in little reshuffling and the help of the grant, the overall budget and investing that into the city has planned to add three more staff the community via the stream of mas- members in the 2019-20 budget in hopes sive projects also quickly drives up bud- of bringing the total number of firefighters get numbers. One of the most anticipated at the station to nine, which is full staffing aspects proposed in the new fiscal year’s level. budget, however, is the increase in staffing Plant City Police Department will also to several city departments. potentially see some new faces don the The Fire Department’s budget alone is badge if the proposed budget is approved. $6,508,841, with $500,000 allocated for Its 2019-20 fiscal year budget is $11,227,052, a fire pumping apparatus and $400,000 with a specific investment of $411,000 for allocated to renovate and upgrade Fire Sta- 12 police vehicles. The budget will also tion Two. With the upcoming completion allow for the addition of four police officers of Fire Station Three, staffing has been a to the force, which has been a growing need hot topic of conversation for over a year. as the staff has remained stagnant for years This budget allows for the addition of three despite the massive growth across the city. firefighters to complete the staffing regisThe same number of officers have had ter for Fire Station Three. to cover an ever-growing city and, while In October 2018, Plant City Fire Res- they’ve made it work, incoming developcue was awarded the FEMA’s Staffing for ments like North Park Isle as well as the Adequate Fire and Emergency Response focus on continuing to add more industrial 5/2/19 and totaled 5/16 $595,737 buildings to the city limits will inevitably Grant (SAFER), which KeiserLakeland and is awarded through the Department put a strain on law enforcement if more 231-1805-PCO-ExpectMoreGeneral-5x6 of Homeland Security. This grant was officers are not added to the force. Plant City Observer the first step in helping ease the burden “We’ve got 11 and a half (full time equiv5 x Station 6 of staffing Fire Three as it helped alent) on the budget. Seven are public safeemploy threeSJB firefighters for three years. ty — four police, three fire — and we have In the first4/26/19 two years, the grant covers 75 four and half positions within the genpercent of their salaries. In the last year, it eral fund for the rest of the city,” McDan-

iel said. “One of them is, we are adding a Code Enforcement officer for the (Community Redevelopment Agency). We will dedicate that person to that CRA effort and that is actually funded by the CRA. Right now the Building Department and Code Enforcement split an employee. That’s not working. What we’re doing is we’re making them whole on both sides. We added a net one person, divided into two positions.” Code Enforcement will have their support and the Building Department will also have their own. For Code Enforcement, that person does all of the background work. They tackle the research and prepare the notices and act as a force multiplier because then the inspectors don’t have to come in and do the paperwork when they can be out on the road covering their large areas. McDaniel said they’ve done extensive research on the issue and have found adding a team member to solely focus on the paperwork and research truly does “multiply by several times” the work and the volume of work each Code Inspector can handle if they aren’t spending hours behind the desk preparing for each individual case.

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

COMMISH ROUNDUP: DOG PARK UPGRADES AND STREET REPAIRS

Commissioners adjusted the city budget Monday evening to make room for additional requirements in the much anticipated renovation of the city’s dog park and also awarded a contract to C.W. Roberts Contracting, Inc. to finalize road repairs throughout town. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

An extensive consent agenda led to several important changes Monday evening. One of the city’s hidden gems is the dog park located at 904 N. Pennsylvania Ave. For years, the park has remained an oddity in the community as the parking lot is on one side of Eastside Canal and the fenced-in park is on the other. Instead of utilizing the parking lot, many attendees simply pull their vehicles up to the facility and park in the dirt. City Manager Bill McDaniel made it a priority for the city to upgrade the facility. The plan was to develop construction plans for

a pedestrian bridge, sidewalks, lighting and a paved parking lot for the park. The pedestrian bridge was a massive undertaking in and of itself but, once completed, it will connect the newlypaved parking lot to the dog park. The proposed improvements require an Environmental Resource Permit from the Southwest Water Management District (SWFWMD). SWFWMD reviewed the City’s permit application and “determined that the proposed paved parking area and new sidewalks require mitigation to compensate the flood plain.” This caused a bit of a hiccup in the city’s plan, but on June 17 Kimley-Horn, with whom the city has a continuing contract for its engineering services, submitted a cost proposal for the additional

engineered services required by SWFWMD. The proposal was for a not-to-be-exceeded price of $6,825 and requires additional time, bumping the total up to a 170-day project timeline. The funds are available through the Public Parking Lot Paving Fund and commissioners unanimously approved increasing the budget and the timeline on Monday evening. The city finalized its promises of even more road resurfacing Monday night as well. Last month the city approved McDaniel’s plan to use the savings from the project bids for the Street Resurfacing Project to add even more streets to the finalized list of roads to be paved in the 2018-19 fiscal year. The project was advertised for bid on June 22

CUTEST CRITTER 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.

SHANDY: Meet Shandy, the loving pet of Vicky and Bob Collette. Shandy loves perching on her lookout seat to watch birds, lizards and people walking their dogs. She’s a sweetie, soft, cuddly and maybe just a bit spoiled, by her own parents’ admission.

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and five applicants reached out in hopes of nabbing the contract. C.W. Roberts Contracting, Inc. was the lowest responsive and responsible bid, coming in at $687,133.17. Some of the highest bids were from $775,451.70 to $1,049,364.34. The city selected the new list of 23 streets based on the preliminary pavement asset management plan Pavement Condition Index, a visual survey and the sanitary sewer assessment results. Attempting to pick the last of the “low-hanging fruit,” commissioners agreed to address as many roads that could be easily fixed and were in desperate need of repair as quickly as possible. Once all the simpler roads are paved, the city will have to focus

a large portion of the resurfacing budget on addressing utility repairs under the roads, then the actual roads themselves. Commissioners unanimously approved the contract and C. W. Roberts is now officially adding the streets to its workload. Interestingly enough, many of the streets selected are either collector or neighborhood streets. The repairs are coming to people’s homes and will ultimately make commuting and zipping around the city much less stressful. File photos

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

SFBH OFFERS

PHYSICALS AND IMMUNIZATIONS STAFF WRITER

Though the heat is far from over, the last days of summer break are upon us. To help parents prepare for the upcoming school year, South Florida Baptist Hospital is offering a unique opportunity to get ahead on kids’ health requirements. In conjunction with the Hillsborough County Back to School Coalition, SFBH’s Community Health Department will offer free back to school physicals from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 27 at the Swindle Medical Arts Center, 1601 W. Timberlane Drive. Any new student to a Florida school in the grades from Kindergarten to 12 are welcome to take advantage of the free event. “The hospital has always wanted to provide services for the community,” Beverly Littlejohn, communications coordinator for St. Joseph’s Hospital and SFBH, said. “Its been our mission to improve the health of all we serve and that’s one way we do that. We really want to offer that benefit to the community.” The sports, Head Start and child care physicals are not available at this time. But the screenings offered cover vision, blood pressure and height and weight. On top of the physicals, any uninsured children in the same grade range can get

free school-required immunizations at the event. To attend, parents need to have their immunization records available if their child is to receive a shot. Parents or legal guardians must accompany their children, regardless of age, to the event. “The primary goal of the back-to-school physicals is to extend free and necessary school health screenings to community families so that no child will be excluded from starting school on time due to a lack of school physical or immunization requirements,” SFBH said in a news release. SFBH has been offering the free service to the community since 2002. Each year, approximately eight BayCare team members work the event, which is also staffed by 10 to 15 volunteers. Several of those volunteers include school nurses. Even if your child doesn’t need a physical or immunizations, there is more than likely something at the event you will benefit from. The lobby is always full and this year will be no exception. There are 13 vendors signed up to participate including BayCare Health insurance Navigators, Faith Community nurses, local physicians, Crisis Center, legal services, Suncoast Community Center and many more. OneBlood will also be on site in case parents or other community members would like to drop by and donate blood.

This weekend, SFBH will offer its annual free back-to-school physicals and immunizations to members of the community.

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Register at www.back2schoolfair.org. SFBH will be accepting registrations up until 5 p.m the day before the event. When you sign up you’ll be able to select a time window to attend. If you didn’t register in time you’re welcome to drop by as a walk-in, but you will have to wait for an opening to be seen.

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS

Do you have a photo that speaks to the heart of Plant City, capturing part of our town in a creative way? Your photo might be perfect for the I Love Plant City photo contest. If you’ve got something you think could be featured in the paper, email it to Sports/Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com with your name and a brief description of what’s going on in the photo.

Did you recently visit another part of the country (or the world) on vacation or even for business, and did you bring the Observer with you? We’d love to see your travel photos and perhaps even run them in the It’s Read Everywhere section. You can email any photos of yourself or others holding the Observer outside of Plant City to Sports/Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com with your name and a brief description of what’s going on in the photo.

Do you want your pet(s) to be locally famous? We love dogs, cats, birds, lizards, farm animals and more pets as much as anyone. If your pet is feeling photogenic, they could make it into our Cutest Critter feature. Email photos of your precious pets to Staff Writer Breanne Williams at bwilliams@plantcityobserver.com with your name, your pet’s name and some fun facts about your cute critter(s).

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Dear Editor, I am very pleased to see the Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library will hold another in a long-running series of enjoyable Mystery Dinner Theatre productions. Along with Stanley and Susan Kolker, Judy Barta, Pat Stottlemyer, and others, I remember flubbing my lines in the first production in 1997. It was held in the library with furniture rearranged and with some players coming on “stage” from amongst the stacks. Great fun.

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It was Anne Haywood, the Library Director for 23 years (1991-2014), who was the driving force for the productions in the beginning and over the early years. Dr. Hal Brewer directed the productions and recruited me to either play a role or assist in the productions. Anne, Dr. Hal, and I, and later Pat Eifler, solicited, reviewed, and selected many of the mystery/comedy plays, frequently contacting the Wesleyan Thespians for potential scripts and instructions. Many other wonderful volunteers helped put on those entertaining, fun, and fundraising shows.

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IT’S READ EVERYWHERE Did you take the Observer with you on vacation? Send your pictures to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS: Girl Scouts Troop 31157, of Plant City, hiked the Great Smoky Mountains from June 2 through 9 and brought copies of the Observer along for everyone to read.

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

FACEBOOK FEEDBACK Some stories the Observer has published over the past few weeks have created quite a conversation online. Here are your thoughts on what’s happening in the city. Welcome to your new home — A recent study by Business Insider announced Plant City was one of the Top 25 suburbs in America where home values are growing the fastest. Comments: Billy Edwards: Driving up prices on rent to....... Those places downtown are empty because they stores can’t afford the rent. Michael Manee: One day, we might be a 4 McDonald’s, 3 Burger King and 4 Starbucks kind of town. 3 Taco Bell too. We are definitely ready for a Hooters also. Lucy Eli: Plant city was a quaint little town. Kinda still is compared to Tampa where they won’t stop building towers, condos, luxury apts, pushing all middle class out of the area. I like plant city, but the commute is hell to Tampa for work.

Sherry Padone: I love Starbucks. But... Plant City is losing it’s small town appeal. Deena Pennington Ham: So we can handle two Starbucks but we can’t get Chick Fil A? The rumor was that it would take away from small local businesses. Won’t another Starbucks take away from Crazy Cup, a small local business? Dell N Evelyn Cook: They need to fix the cluster they have created for people leaving wawa and publix. The people get in the drive thru line at Starbucks and think they own the road. Blocking the lanes and then getting mad when you try to stay in your lane! Hate it!!!! Nikki Glover: A Barnes and Noble with Starbucks cafe would be nice!! Bookstores are dying

PC welcomes major development — Lakeside Logistics Park will soon be home to a new 1,400 acre development that is set to have Phase I completed by Spring 2020. Jerrod Lee Campbell: I’m just interested to know how many more of these types of developments they plan to fill the city with. We are a home town, not a business park.

Travis Emerson: All Rick lott cares about doing is building more industrial complexes in massive subdivisions. He’s turning Plant City into the next Tampa. The only people that’s hurting is us who live out in the county that have no say in are affected by water being redirected. Thanks for nothing

Obviously money is more important to our city leaders than keeping our city a home town. Steven Olliff: It’s evident with the comments that the city leaders do not care what their citizens think.. plant city isn’t what it used to be. It says enough to me when it takes me longer to get through plant city on i4 than to leave tampa on i4.

Mardi Moye: So happy to have moved here a month ago Sandra Frier: My little hometown isn’t so little anymore!

Matt Powell: Will they be funding a new fire station as well? We are behind in fire suppression and continue to add large commercial structures with no thought process towards increasing our fire department size Kari Harris: This is terrible news. Absolutely disgusting Plant City! We want our groves, pastures, and agriculture land back! We are not taking a step forward, more like a giant leap back!!! Y’all are destroying what our small town is known for...

Let the caffeine flow — A new Starbucks is proposing to come to James L. Redman Parkway following a site submission for a second location. Comments: Andrew Young: YESSSSSS Michael Manee: I love Starbucks!! Derek Knox: How about a Red Lobster? PC needs one Joe Robinson: Wishing the folks at Krazy Kup, would be able to take the location, and expand. Much better product than Starbucks could ever hope to offer. I’ll keep my patronage, to locally owned & operated.

Thousands prepare journey to PC — For the next five weeks, thousands of travelers will be pouring into town to participate in the global “Love Never Fails” Jehovah’s Witness Convention at the local assembly hall. Debbie Thomas: Hopefully the people that come will enjoy their stay here and be treated well. Contributing to the economy.. Devin Garrett: People at every door speaking the word of God Erica Reynoso: Dont open your doors. J/k. But it’ll be good for pc economy, if they go out to eat in pc restaurants or stay in pc hotels Steven Leath: Let’s all go knock on their hotel rooms at ungodly times in the morning and see how they like it

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THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

PlantCityObserver.com

JULY 25, 2019

SPORTS

PLANT CITY DOLPHINS

JAMBOREE BACK IN ACTION

THE PLANT CITY DOLPHINS ARE GETTING READY TO HOST A 60-GAME SUMMER JAMBOREE THIS SATURDAY. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

fter a spell of bad weather kept the Plant City Dolphins from hosting their summer jamboree in 2018, the organization is determined to get back on track with this Saturday’s event. The first PCD summer jamboree since 2017, which has been in the works since last fall, is shaping up to be bigger and better than the previous one. Teams from Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk counties will join the Dolphins at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for fastpaced football. Each team will get at least

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

two 30-minute games in, which feature a running clock and one timeout per squad per game. All five fields at the complex will be in use the entire day. In 2017, the jamboree used four of the fields for 48 games. Though there aren’t any trophies for the victors — Dolphins director Chad Eldridge described the games as “modified scrimmages” — teams at the Mighty Mite through Varsity age levels can get a feel for how their teams are looking for the upcoming youth football season and local football fans can have a day full of football action for just $5 a head. “There’s gonna be a lot of good football played,” Eldridge said.

JUSTIN KLINE

WANT TO LEAD OTHERS? BACK UP YOUR WORDS WITH ACTIONS A PCHS cross country runner is setting an example others should follow. I’m hoping every athlete who picks up this week’s paper or reads online takes note of Anthony Killick’s approach to leadership. When it’s all said and done, that kid’s going to have logged almost 1,000 miles on foot and bike in these past two summers combined. That takes a lot of dedication with or without the fact he’s also trying to encourage his PCHS cross country teammates to join when-

ever they want to. That’s what good leadership looks like, which is why he’s about to be the school’s first two-time captain in his sports in at least the last seven years. If you’ve ever been a part of a team, you know the kind of person you’d rather play or work with. I’m sure everyone has that person in mind. It’s someone you can count on to get down in the trenches and do the dirty work with you, or you

at least know without a doubt they would if they could. It’s someone you can trust because they’ve put in the work and know exactly what you’re going through. It’s someone who doesn’t need to constantly remind you that they’d jump out of the frying pan and into the fire for their team’s sake because they’ve already proved it through their actions. SEE PAGE 15

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

Quick Hits

PCHS SENIOR SETS LOFTY MILEAGE GOAL Anthony Killick is logging 400 miles this summer to both stay in shape and rally his cross country team.

Courtesy photo

Anthony Killick is close to hitting his 400-mile summer goal.

AREA PARKS HOSTING TOURNEYS Global Sports Alliance Baseball’s Summer Sizzler tournament will use multiple fields at the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex, Mike Sansone Park, Snowden Park, Ellis-Methvin Park and the MLK Complex from Saturday through Sunday. The tourney action has start times from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. The Plant City Dolphins are also hosting a summer jamboree on Saturday, with games starting from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Dolphins will host 50 teams from 10 programs around Hillsborough, Polk and Pasco counties. Each team is guaranteed two 30-minute games. Admission for the Dolphins’ jamboree, which will take place at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex, is $5 for anyone age 15 and up and $1 for kids 14 and under. See this week’s Sports cover story for game start times and more information. Next weekend, Plant City will host the Youth National Championship football

tournament at Ellis-Methvin Park. From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 3 and 4, teams from the YNC’s Southeastern Conference will duke it out for preseason glory in divisions ranging from 6U to 14U. The YNC tourney styles its top prize as an “undisputed” national championship, though numerous other leagues host national championship tournaments. For more information, visit youthnationalchampionship.com.

PCLL MAJORS ALL-STARS FINISH AS SECTIONAL CHAMPS Though Plant City Little League’s Majors Baseball All-Stars lost in last week’s state tournament at Coral Springs, the 12-year-old boys can still celebrate a great season. The last PCLL team left standing after the Plant City-hosted sectional tournament finished with a 2019 Section 4 championship banner to hang at Mike Sansone Park.

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ven when he was supposed to be on vacation, cruising with his family in the middle of the sea and soaking up the sun, Anthony Killick’s summer goal couldn’t wait. He’d log four to five miles a day, every day, on a treadmill in the ship’s fitness center because he knew his body would thank him for it when cross country season rolls around. It also brought him that much closer to hitting his 400-mile goal for the summer. Running 400 miles in one summer is tough for any high school athlete, especially in Florida’s climate, but the funny thing is that this is a down summer for Killick. The incoming Plant City High School senior had a similar mission last summer, in which he logged 560 miles on foot and bike, but wanted to tone it down in 2019. “That was too much,” he said. “I didn’t have a life last summer. Four hundred was a good goal for me.” Last summer, Killick ran five miles each morning and biked anywhere from 10-12 miles in the afternoon. On Sundays, he skipped the runs but nearly doubled his biking to a max of 20 miles. More impressive is that Killick put in such a workload coming off of a calf injury that cost him three months of work. “He’s always put in his work,” Drew Martucci, Killick’s coach for cross country and track, said. “He reminds me a lot of me back in my day. I battled injury after injury and that’s not easy to overcome. For him to get out there and run like that all summer, coming back from that calf injury, that’s hard.” This summer, Killick started with three to four miles a day on foot and four to six on the bike. Now he’s doing five miles a day on foot and 11 to 13 on the bike. There are three main reasons Killick is up and at ‘em at 6:30 a.m. daily. First, he’s determined to stay in shape for the upcoming cross country season. “Being in shape when you start the season, especially with the heat, it makes it so much easier,” he said. “Cross country is a really tough sport, especially when you’re out of shape, so I wanted to make it easier on myself.”

Second, Killick wants to set a good example for his teammates. The entire team, including alumni, has an open invitation to train with him whenever they’d like. He said it’s not uncommon for anywhere from two to five others to run with him when they can. If they’re too young to drive, he’ll gladly drive to pick them up. “We have our group chat and he’s on there consistently, sometimes twice a day, letting the guys know when he’s running and if anyone wants to join him,” Martucci said. “There’s nothing mandatory about it but he’s doing this every day to set a good example. He’s helped carpool younger kids and has no problem picking them up to get a run in with him.” It’s certainly an attitude fitting of a team captain. In fact, Killick is not only the first PCHS runner to have been a captain as a junior during Martucci’s seven years with the program, but he’s also about to be the first to be a returning captain. “I think last year, I did so much to prove myself to my teammates and earn their respect. I think I want to continue that,” Killick said. “I want to set the example so when I leave, whoever comes after me will know what to do.” Killick ultimately hopes putting such a focus on training will help the team improve upon its successful 2018 season, which saw the boys pick up steam late and go further (all the way to the 4A-Region 2 championships) than ever before. “I just want to do as well as or better than last year,” Killick said. “Consistency is a good goal for us. We had a slog toward the end of the season but finished strong, so hopefully we won’t be going through as many lows.”

Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Observer. Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

JUSTIN KLINE

LEADERS BY EXAMPLE GET AHEAD OF THE PACK Anthony Killick’s approach to leadership is the right one.

Photos by Justin Kline

Teams from the Tampa Bay area took over Ellis-Methvin Park for two days of intense flag football action.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 Heck, they may not even need to say much at all. I’m of the opinion that there’s nothing in life where the phrase “actions speak louder than words” hits home more than it does in the sports world. Even if you’re not great at speaking in front of a room, showing your team you’re really about that life will get them to rally for you. It’s so much easier to give your best effort at that person’s urging than to do it for someone in a position of power or whatever who let that get to their head and can’t be bothered to walk (or run, or bike) a mile in your shoes. Everyone who plays sports and wants to take it to the next level would do well to take Killick’s approach. When you make an honest effort to be that kind of person, people notice. Your team plays better. Your teammates work hard for you. Your coaches speak highly of you to the right people (and believe me, if you want to boost your chances of becoming a college athlete, you want them to describe you as “one of those kids you never want to

graduate”). Even if you’re not trying to play college or pro sports, getting into that mindset of leading by example will totally help you in the workplace. This isn’t to say you should try to be perfect. No one needs to go for that because no one’s ever going to be a perfect person. It’s all about trying to be the best teammate you can, about being the kind of person you yourself would want to play or work with. Getting too comfortable with a leadership position might be the biggest mistake people can make. Maybe it doesn’t sound so bad, but you’ve got to look at it as a gateway to a slew of other problems that pop up because of it. You can’t insulate yourself just because you were given an opportunity others weren’t, or because you no longer have to worry about certain problems the rest of your team does. In a roundabout way, one of the best things you can do is act like you never got that promotion. Don’t forget where you came from, you know?

All day July 20 and 21, the teams braved the heat at Ellis-Methvin Park for a shot at exhibition glory. Teams who participated in the tournament included Alonso High School, Bloomingdale High School, Lennard High School, Mandarin High School, South Tampa Knights and more.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

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We asked: What was your first car?

“It was a 1993 white Ford F-150.”

“I had a Ford Fiesta.”

“Chevy Malibu.”

— Aalyhia Watson, 21

— Raiannah Zazulia, 25

“Isuzu I-Mark.” — Danielle Zazulia, 45

“A Chrysler PT Cruiser.” — Sarah Leavitt, 32

— Ben Luchka, 23

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Jerry Allen ‘Bo’ Burt Jr. James Earl Crosby James Earl Crosby, 85, of Dover, born on June 8, 1934 in Hazelhurst, Georgia, entered into Heaven to enjoy eternal life on July 19, 2019. Earl served in the Navy and was a Korean War combat veteran. His life’s work was spent building things. From early years doing construction with his Daddy and older brother to working as a crane operator, he always enjoyed being outdoors and putting his strong hands to good use. He loved our Lord and enjoyed music, worship and fellowship as a member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Plant City. He led his family in a life of Christian faith. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sandra Crosby; daughter, Ciana Kinney, son-in-law, Troy Kinney and grandson James Michael Crosby. He was preceded in death by his son, James Ephraim Crosby. A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 25 at 10 a.m. at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 S. County Rd. 39, Plant City, with

Jerry Allen “Bo” Burt Jr., 39, of Winter Haven, born on Dec. 27, 1979 in Harris, New York, entered into eternal rest on July 15, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Dr. Timothy W. Conway III

Taking care of each other is what

Bradley Richard “Brad” Moody, 27, of Plant City, born in Brandon on Jan. 14, 1992, entered into eternal rest on July 8, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Don Leto Sr. Don Leto Sr., 72, of Plant City, born in Chicago, entered into eternal rest on July 20. Expressions of condolence at www. HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Sheena DeJesus Sheena DeJesus, 32, of Plant City, passed away on July 6, 2019. A native of Rochester, New Hampshire, she is survived by a loving family. Services will be held privately. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.

Dr. Timothy W. Conway III passed peacefully in his home in HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM Palmetto on July 11, 2019, after fighting cancer for 17 years. Charles Bedrosian A native of Harrisburg PA., Dr. Conway made Plant City his Charles Bedrosian, known to home, practicing dentistry for 41 friends as Chuck, 86, of Plant HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM years and co-founding the Tooth City, passed away on July 16, Caboose. Dr. Conway also served 2019. Mitchell we’reDavid dedicated to helping families create awas a U.S. Army WE’R E PR OU D TO SERVE our community as an examiner with the Board of Charles unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. Johnson Dentistry for the State of Florida. veteran. celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, He retired from the Florida Services will be held privately. Mitchell David Johnson, 35, of > 100% at Service Guarantee National Transferability Army National Guard the rank Online condolences may Floral >City, passedPlan away on Tues> The Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Assistance of Colonel as the State Surgeon. be left for the family at www. day July 16, 2019. Mitchell was He also served for many years haught.care. born Aug. 9, 1983 in Plant City. as an Auxiliary Deputy in the Expressions of sympathy may Hillsborough County Proudly Sheriff’ssupporting bethe shared Plant at Citywww.wellsmemoStrawberry Festival. Office. rial.com for the Johnson family. He was a brother in Olin S. Wright Lodge No. 79, serving as Master in 1986. An active yachtsman, he and HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM WELLSMEMORIAL.COM his wife, Pam, were at home on the water. Dr. Conway was 74 years old. ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY Wells MeMorial & event Center He is survived FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES PlanT CiTy by his wife, Pamela lorist 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com Conway; 3 sons; Timothy W. Conway IV M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd (wife Wanda), 1 10/27/15 10:42 AM Scott M. Conway, and James C. Fortner; grandchildren; Timothy W. Conway 116 North Collins Street Plant City, FL 33563 V (wife Samantha), Caitlyn N. Conway, ph: (813) 567-5735 allabloomtampa.com J. Liam Fortner and Noah C. Fortner; Historic Downtown

community

is all about.

Bradley Richard ‘Brad’ Moody

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

OBITUARIES

and sisters, Nancy Krevsky (husband Jay) and Joanie Wolov. The family will receive all friends on Friday, July 26, 2019, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30pm at the Florida National Guard Armory, 4004 Airport Road Plant City, Florida 33563. A funeral service with military honors will follow at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, request donations in his name to MOAA Scholarship Fund, Shriners Hospitals for Children, or South Florida Baptist Hospital.

a funeral service following at 11 a.m. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

287464-1

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

community

is all about. 18

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

YOUR CALENDAR

OBITUARIES

Rosario Anthony Gagliano we’re dedicated to helping families create BEST a S E RV E our community BET

unique Gagliano, and meaningful assionate care since 1896. Anthony Rosario 86, memorial that truly celebrates the life it represents. morial professionals, of Lakeland, passed away on THURSDAY, JULY 25 ®

rvice Guarantee > National Thursday July 18,Plan 2019.Transferability Rosario ment Travel Assistance > The 1932 Compassion Helpline® was born Oct.20, in Brook-

lyn, NY. Expressions of sympathy may be shared udly supporting the Plant at Citywww.wellsmemoStrawberry Festival. rial.com for the Gagliano family.

Taking care of each other is what

community

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM

Carson is Leonard all about.

Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy Edgeman

BLUE IN THE LIBRARY WITH SUNCOAST BLUES SOCIETY

7 p.m. at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Did you know Florida has a long blues tradition? There are many artists who have roots in Florida. Come out for a music filled night presented by the Suncoast Blues Society. Performance by Walker Smith. Free concert.

BREASTFEEDING AND NEWBORN CARE CLASS

6 to 8 p.m. South Florida BapLeonard Carson Edgeman, 66, of tist Hospital, 301 N. Alexander we’re July dedicated to helping families a a BreastfeedS E RVE our community St, iscreate hosting Plant City, died 13, 2019. .indd 1 10/27/15 10:42 AM unique and meaningful memorial that truly passionate care since 1896. ing and Newborn Care Class He is survived by his children, celebrates the life it represents. morial professionals, at ICU Conference Room, Eric and Dustin; and sister, ervice Guarantee 2-South. This class covers Karen.> National Plan Transferability ment Travel Assistance > The Compassion several aspects of newborn A private family event will beHelpline® care, such as breastfeeding, held to celebrate his life. bathing, diapering and safety Condolences may be offered at www.wellsmemorial.com for oudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. risks.Participants may bring one guest to classes. Please the Edgeman family. bring a notepad to take notes. Snacks will be provided. Registration is free, but required. Call 1-855-269-477 for more WELLSMEMORIAL.COM information.

813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com

THURSDAY, JULY 25

Wells MeMorial & event Center

_C.indd 1

PLANTPlanT CITY CiTy 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com TOASTMASTERS

7:30 to 9 a.m. Plant City Toastmasters is held every Thursday. Guests are always welcome to come join the free meeting at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St.

SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB

10:30 a.m. Come on out to the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St., each Thursday to find out more about a new Shuffleboard Club. Topics being discussed are days of the week, times, skill levels and anything else you may want to know. The club is hosted by Anita Balch and she can be contacted at 808-7225821 for more information.

HONORING THE MOON LANDING

6 p.m. Harold Falls is giving away commemorative coins at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., to local youth in honor of the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. He will also have a display set up at the library detailing the history of the event filled with information regarding the landing and other unique commemorative items. He will give away 70 sets of coins to children up to age 18 and will also have a separate special giveaway for some of his more unique coins.

RETRO MOVIE NIGHT: THE LION KING (1994)

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Kick back, relax and head back in time to your favorite classic movies with the monthly Retro Movie Night at 10/27/15 10:42 AM Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. This month will feature Disney’s The Lion King. Watch for their fun themes, sweet movie treats and can’t-miss showings every fourth Thursday.

FRIDAY, JULY 26 DUPLICATE BRIDGE

1 p.m. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 Carey St., is now hosting a weekly Duplicate Bridge game, the most widely used variation of contract bridge in club and tournament play. Contact Walt Arnold at 813-7521602 for more information.

MOVIE FRIDAY: AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR

3 p.m. Families are invited to an afternoon movie showing of Avengers: Infinity War at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Library. Rated PG-13. Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

ROBBY JOHN WITH SPECIAL GUEST REDEEMED FLEA 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of worship led by Christian rapper Robby John and special guest Redeemed Flea at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. A

love offering will be collected at the performance.

PCE PRESENTS: CURTAINS

8 p.m. Plant City Entertainment, Inc. Community Theater in conjunction with Theatrical Rights Worldwide and with the Support of the Arts Council of Hillsborough County and the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to present “Curtains,” a musical comedy from the creators of “Cabaret” and “Chicago.” Show runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday July 26, 27 and 28.* All evening performances at 8 p.m., *Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Go to pceshows.com for more information and online ticket sales. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door prior to each performance.

SATURDAY, JULY 27 BACK TO SCHOOL HEALTH FAIR

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In conjunction with the Hillsborough County Back to School Coalition, South Florida Baptist Hospital’s Community Health Department will offer free back to school physicals. Parents or legal guardians must accompany their children. The free physicals are for Florida students in grades K to 12. Sports, Head Start and child care physicals are not available. Screenings include vision, blood pressure and height/weight. In addition to the physicals, free immunizations are available for Medicaid or uninsured children in grades K to 12. An immunization record is required to receive shots. Event is held at Swindle Medical Arts Center, 1601 W. Timberlane Drive. Registration is free and required. Call the Back to School Fair hotline at 1-800406-4871 or register online at Back2SchoolFair.org.

KEEL FARMS GRAPE STOMP

2 to 6 p.m. Join Keel Farms and Keel & Curley Winery as they harvest and stomp a limited edition wine. Tickets are $15 and parking is free for everyone. There is no age restriction to participate in

this event. Spectators are also welcome (no ticket necessary). All tickets include full access to the harvest and stomping of the muscadine grapes from the Keel and Curley Winery grape vines and additional fruits from Keel Farms. Tickets are limited and they will sell out. Purchase yours today from the following link: http://bit.ly/2NZtTmw

MONDAY, JULY 29 PLANT CITY DAYBREAK ROTARY CLUB

7 to 8 a.m. The Plant City Daybreak Rotary Club holds a meeting every Monday in the conference room next to the cafeteria at South Florida Baptist Hospital, 301 N. Alexander St. Guests are welcome to come and enjoy a free breakfast.

ST. PETER’S VBS: HOLY LAND ADVENTURE

9 a.m. to 12 p.m. St. Peters Episcopal Church, 302 Carey St., invites families to join them in “Athens: Paul’s dangerous journey to share the truth” for its special VBS. Families step back in time at Athens, exploring some of the adventures the Apostle Paul faced. Each day concludes at Celebration: a time of upbeat worship that gets everyone involved. For more information, call 813-752-5061.

TUESDAY, JULY 30 PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB

12 to 1 p.m. The Plant City Lions Club holds a meeting every Tuesday at Buddy Freddy’s, 1101 Goldfinch Drive. For more information on membership call 813-924-3829.

MAD SCIENCE: A UNIVERSE OF SCIENCE!

3 p.m. Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., is hosting a special event to honor the 50th anniversary of the first human on the moon. Help the mad scientists celebrate with some fun and exciting “space science.” All are welcome.

TEEN GREEN SCREEN

5 p.m. Teens, bring your favorite book and share during a book talk at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. They will be having a green screen to host the book discussion in exciting settings. For teens in grades 6-12.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31 GARDEN WETLAND SIGN DEDICATION

9 a.m. Plant City Commons Community Garden and Botanical Treasure Garden has a special wetland space that turns out to be one of the many headwaters that contributes to the Tampa Bay Watershed. Join the community in a garden tour at 9 a.m. and then a special sign dedication ceremony at 10 a.m. Light refreshments will follow the activity.

READ WITH BONNIE THE THERAPY DOG

4 to 5 p.m. Bonnie the Therapy Dog comes to Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., every week for children to have the opportunity to share a book and some soft pats on the head. Join Bonnie on the couch in the children’s section and read to her some of your favorite stories.

THURSDAY, AUG. 1 PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS

7:30 to 9 a.m. Plant City Toastmasters is held every Thursday. Guests are always welcome to come join the free meeting at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St.

SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB

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Universal Crossword

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

Edited by David Steinberg July 23, 2019

7/23

FORECAST THURSDAY, JULY 25 High: 84 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 60%

FRIDAY, JULY 26 High: 86 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 50%

High: 89 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 50%

SUNDAY, JULY 28 High: 89 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 50%

BLUEBERRIES Shipping point: Central Florida $13-$16

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moth’s movie franchise 48 Reluctant to give details 49 Flour sack units; Abbr. 50 Malcolm X colleague, informally 51 Chinese leader painted by Warhol 52 What the starred entries’ speaker is having by the end of this puzzle? 56 Keto or paleo regimen 57 Go bad 58 Really small 61 On the subject of 62 Sacha Baron Cohen character

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SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, July 25

6:47a

8:22p

Friday, July 26

6:47a

8:21p

Saturday, July 27

6:48a

8:21p

Sunday, July 28

6:48a

8:20p

Monday, July 29

6:49a

8:20p

Tuesday, July 30

6:49a

8:19p

Wednesday, July 31

6:50a

8:18p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JULY 27

Life’s a Breach by Max Carpenter

ACROSS 1 Room that’s often a triangular prism 6 “Jack Reacher” star Cruise 9 MinuteClinic chain 12 Michelangelo sculpture featuring Mary 13 From the start 15 A drawbridge may cross one 16 White wader 17 Piggy makeover 18 Sled that can go 80+ mph 19 *“Not doing so hot”

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

Aug. 1 New

Aug. 15 Full

Aug. 5 First

July 27 Last

RAINFALL Monday, July 15

0.06

Tuesday, July 16 1.54 Wednesday, July 17

0.32

Thursday, July 18 0.49 Friday, July 19

0.39

Saturday, July 20 0.02 Sunday, July 21

0.76

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2019 15.57 in.

2019 6.20 in.

2018 17.20 in.

2018 2.80 in.

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

PlantCityObserver.com