7.26.18 PLCO by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY

Observer

PCE’s magical comedy show. SEE PAGE 7

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

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THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2018

Giving local children wings Thanks to several flying heroes, children are offered a chance to soar among the clouds. SEE PAGE 3

BALLOT

YOUR TOWN

BRAWL

Breanne Williams

Revamping the home

Three of the Republican candidates for Commissioner of Agriculture stopped by to chat with residents and outline their stances.

The Mid-Florida Summer Home Show is returning for its fifth year from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 11 and 12. The show is held at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds and will feature more than 100 home improvement specialists, a plant and garden show, seminars and DIY projects. The event is free and has free parking. The vendors on site are experts in everything from flooring and landscaping to smart homes. Habitat for Humanity is also joining the festivities for the first time and will be accepting donations and signing up volunteers.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

he Republican candidates hoping to be Florida’s next Commissioner of Agricul-

ture have boiled the job down to three crucial topics: water, guns and regional growth.

Breanne Williams

SEE FORUM, PAGE 8

Rep. Matt Caldwell used his calm mannerisms to explain detailed policy accomplishments and outline his stances.

Waters leaves Main Street Plant City Main Street has lost its second executive director in less than two years. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Plant City Main Street is once again without a leader. Jane Waters was brought on as interim executive director in November before officially securing the role shortly after. When first hired, she said she was plan-

ning on remaining in Plant City for a minimum of five years or “as long as it takes to get the downtown master plan implemented, greater foot traffic on the streets and better marketing for merchants and business owners.” However, an opportunity in Haines City — which also happens to be in Waters’ home county — was one she said she could not pass up, leaving the position vacant for the second time in less than two years. “The absolute bottom line is that it is a significant pay SEE MAIN STREET, PAGE 4

Breanne Williams

Rotary day of fun returns

File photo

Jane Waters was hired in November of 2017 and has just taken a position with the city of Haines City.

The Plant City Rotary’s Community Appreciation Day is almost here. On Aug. 4, families can gather at the Randy Larson Softball Complex for free hot dogs, popcorn, snow cones and beverages. There will also be free backpacks filled with supplies for the first 500 students that arrive.

Ag Labor, LLC is looking for 558 people to harvest, pick, plant, prune, gather, count, package, all general farm labor related to strawberries in Hillsborough County, FL. Job starts 9/10/18 - 4/15/19 (temporary position), pay rate $11.29/hr or $1.50 piece rate. Work under extreme weather conditions, 24-pound lifting requirement, 3-months verifiable experience, may be subject to drug test post hire at employer’s expense, first 7 days are considered introductory period, production standards may apply, and we will train one day. Housing & transportation provided, including U.S. workers who cannot reasonably return to their permanent residence at the end of each working day. For more info call Mon - Fri 10am - 12pm or 1pm - 3pm to (813) 699-9932. Employer will provide tools, supplies and equipment needed for job at no cost to workers. Transportation and subsistence expenses to the worksite will be reimbursed upon completion of 50% of the work contract or earlier, if appropriate. Guarantee 3/4 of the contract duration. Apply at your local career center: 9350 Bay Plaza Blvd, Ste. 121, Tampa, FL 33619, Ref: FL10733951.

Ag Labor, LLC is looking for 8 people to drive buses to pick up workers, transport them to worksites and back home, take workers once a week to bank, Walmart and to do laundry, walk fields and supervise workers in Hillsborough County, FL. Job starts 9/10/18 - 4/15/19 (temporary position), pay rate $12.79/hr. Workers must live in the housing provided by employer and must have a state of Florida CDL driver’s license with passenger endorsement, 1-yr experience driving a school bus, FLC certificate with driving authorization, 1-yr experience as crewleader/field walker, medical exam certificate and MS Excel skills or knowledge. Housing & transportation provided, including U.S. workers who cannot reasonably return to their permanent residence at the end of each working day. For more info, call Mon - Fri 10am - 12pm or 1 - 3pm EST to (813) 699-9932. Employer will provide tools, supplies and equipment needed for job at no cost to workers. Transportation and subsistence expenses to the worksite will be reimbursed upon completion of 50% of the work contract or earlier, if appropriate. Guarantee 3/4 of the contract duration. Apply at your local career center: 9350 Bay Plaza Blvd, Ste. 121, Tampa, FL 33619, Ref: FL10732646.

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2018

NEWS BRIEFS

Justin Kline

American Legion Post 26 received a state award for its School Medal Award Program.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

American Legion Post 26 wins award Plant City’s American Legion Post 26 was recognized at the state level last week for its school medal award program. From February through May, Post 26 awarded local kids who demonstrate courage, honor, patriotism, leadership, scholarship and service according to the eight area schools that participated. Post chairman Ray Cliburn was surprised with a plaque on Tuesday. To see the list of Plant City-area 2017-18 American Legion School Medal Award Program winners, visit plantcityobserver.com.

City after school program sign-ups The Plant City Recreation and Parks Department is now accepting registrations for its After School Program. 281445

Based out of the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 N. Dort St., the program is for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade and runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on school days. The program opens at 1 p.m. on schools’ early release days. Enrollment costs $150 per 90-day semester. Transportation from several elementary schools is available for the first 13 kids per school that are registered, and it comes with an extra $25 fee per semester. The 2018-19 school year begins Aug. 10. To register, contact Planteen supervisor Maggie Morona at 813-659-4256 or mmorona@ plantcitygov.com.

County Line Road development continues Industrial development along Plant City’s side of County Line Road is booming, according to the Plant City Economic Development Corporation. The EDC announced McCraney Property Company recently completed its second industrial warehouse at County Line Logistics Center and has plans to expand its 300,000 square-foot footprint to add 800,000 square feet. It was also announced mattress manufacturer Visionary Sleep plans to move in and utilize 66,000 square feet this summer. Central Florida Development plans to complete a 139,750 square-foot speculative building at the nearby Central Florida Commerce Center by November. CFD finished a similarly-sized building in April and attracted Williams Sonoma and Carolina Logistics Services to the space.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2018

LOCATED AT 1205 S. Alexander Street Plant City, FL 33563 813-759-2800 NOTICE OF SALE

280327

In accordance with the provisions of State Law there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy and owner and/ or manager’s lien of goods hereinafter described and stored at: Rentlok Self Storage located at 1205 S. Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563, 813-759-2800. And due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties know to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the above stated locations to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2018 @ 9:30 A.M. OR ANY DATE THERE IN AFTER. Yolanda Cora - Household Michelle Schroeder - Household

Michelle Schroeder - Household Kayla Smith - Household

FOR SALE BY OWNER File photos

Troy Techau helps Nathaniel Alajko into the front seat of his Cessna 172-S. Nathaniel’s rochambeau mastery earned him the copilot seat.

Reach for the sky

NEW.. AGENTS GET 3%

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Depression is horrifying. I felt like my brain was busted and that I could never feel good again.” – Dick Cavett

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

lant City’s chapter of the Experimental Aviation Association has been fighting to help people find a love of flying for years. Each year it, along with a variety of other organizations, hosts the renowned Planes, Trains and Automobiles event. Arguably the most exciting aspect of the event is the EAA Young Eagles program where Chapter 1178 members offer their skills and planes for free flights for children of eastern Hillsborough, southeastern Pasco and western Polk counties. What many don’t realize is that the chapter goes above and beyond and offers rain-out flight days throughout the year to ensure every child that wishes to go soaring has a chance to float among the clouds. In June, the group took 25 students up and on October 27 they plan on giving flights to anyone else that is interested. “In the last decade that we’ve been taking kids and helping kids in the program, we now know that we have four of them that are actually flying commercially and one is a second officer in an airline already, and he got his first flight with us back in the late 90s,” Tom Penrose, EAA Chapter 1178 member, said. The backgrounds of the members range from retired Air Force pilots to businessmen who simply picked up flying as a hobby. They are all highly trained, pass background checks and have impeccable insurance on their planes. The chapter meets the third Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Plant City Airport and welcomes anyone interested in aviation. There are nearly 30 members currently and several come all the way from Kissimmee and Tampa to take part. Though their walks in life may be different, each member wants to give back to the community as much as they can. After the last hurricane, several members took flights to the

3/2/2/, 2,200 Sq. Ft. bungalow in gated, Park Place subdivision. 2 years old. Better than new. Info and photos on Realtor.com. Search on 1209 Lavender Jewel Ct. 33563. Call with questions (813) 505-0804.

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Plant City’s EAA Chapter 1178 is rekindling the love of flying in the heart of local youth.

$315,000

Puzzle Two Solution: “The bravest thing I ever did was continuing my life when I wanted to die.” – Juliette Lewis Youth were able to go for tours of the sky thanks to the programs offered at Plant City Airport.

IF YOU GO What: Rain-out flight day. EAA Chapter 1178 will be offering free flights to interested children. When: Oct. 27 Where: Plant City Airport, 4007 Airport Road Sign up: Kids can sign up for flights and to get involved at the EAA webpage or by contacting Chancey at mdchancey@gmail.com.

Florida Keys to bring supplies to those in need. They participate in the Toys for Tots campaign each year and their pilots often volunteer their services and planes for angel flights if the need arises. “We give back as much as we can, but another thing this group does is we help each other become better pilots,” Rich Glorioso, chapter member, said. Patrick Livezey agreed, saying when he had an engine lose power on his plane he was able to safely land it in a grass field. The experience they all learn from each other helps them be their greatest selves in the air. The group said they hope to see younger pilots or interested members join the group. Across the globe there is a pilot shortage, which has altered the way airlines and the military plan their growth. Part of the shortage is due to Congress upping the required flying hours pilots need to fly commercially from 250 hours to

1,500 hours. It currently costs an average of $9,000 to get a private license, which also inhibits many from pursuing the feat. A larger issue is there simply aren’t enough interested parties to begin with. “Historically, flying was a family event,” Michael Chancey, chapter member, said. “They would say, ‘My dad flew in World War II’ or ‘My dad flew in Korea’ and then they would fly for the airlines. Families would go watch planes take off at airports. Children fell in love with flying. You just don’t see that often anymore.” Watching children fall in love with aviation is a driving factor behind the EAA Young Eagles Program. “That’s the key of aviation,” Mike Windom, chapter member, said. “You get to do things and see things that you otherwise never would get to. You can see the world. It’s a form of freedom, of escape that nothing else offers.” Local Boy Scouts also use the aviation event to further their education. They learn how to read charts and all about flying. Over the years they’ve helped Scouts earn approximately 300 merit badges. The group said it also has plans in the works to get local schools more involved and encourage aviation education for youth across the area. Kids can sign up for flights and to get involved at the EAA webpage or by contacting Chancey at mdchancey@gmail.com.

This week’s Sudoku answers

This week’s Crossword answers

2018

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2018

MAIN STREET FROM PAGE 1

increase,” Waters said. “I have the opportunity to work within the city, which means benefits and all those things that we’re looking for as an employee. Also, the city manager and I have known one another for quite a few years and we’ve done a lot of community work together here. Not to mention Polk County is my home county. It was an opportunity I didn’t feel I would get again and I didn’t want to miss it.” Waters said she is more than happy to be of assistance if Main Street needs her advice or help over the next stage of its journey. “I really believe Plant City has greater opportunity than many other cities that have Main Street, they just do,” Waters said. “Somebody once said to me the greatest asset in Plant City was its people and I completely agree with that.” Though she was not at its helm for long, Waters brought many changes to downtown. She helped theme the monthly food truck rallies, was part of kickstarting the monthly Hot Coffee Series, began connecting multiple groups throughout the city

PLANT CITY

to start the process of cooperative and cohesive planning and, in her own words, established movement and committees. The next step for the organization, Waters said, would have been fundraising, which she admits is the hardest piece of the puzzle for any organization. “I think Plant City desperately needs to keep their Main Street in place, it’s doing well,” Waters said. This is the second time Plant City has attempted to bring the Main Street program to the city. When Main Street initially was established in 1985 the city was one of its first charters in the state. Its reign was short lived and it didn’t return until 2016. Waters said reestablishing a program is basically starting over. There were and are many roadblocks the group has to face, but she said that they are all the normal organizational hurdles every group must overcome. Working closely with the city, the Chamber of Commerce and the Plant City EDC will ensure Plant City continues to have positive balanced growth, Waters said. Lizzette Sarria, chairman of Plant City Main Street, said they currently are accepting applications for an executive director to

Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Breanne Williams

fill Waters’ spot. That opportunity will remain open until midAugust, when the board will begin reviewing the submissions. If all goes according to plan, she said they hope to have a new executive director in place by September 1. As for the future of Main Street, Sarria said it will be entirely dependent on the result of discussions regarding funding they are having with the city. “We have a lot of things planned, we’re excited and we feel like a lot of foundation has been made,” Sarria said. “We feel like the movement is going in a positive direction.”

Plant City’s food truck rallies, which feature live entertainment, are popular events Main Street has helped with.

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Mayor Rick Lott Endorses Judge Jared Smith for County Judge Group 5!

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THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2018

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2018

AROUND TOWN

SPONSORED BY HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME

We asked: What movie is the quintessential summer film?

“‘High School Musical 2.’ They’re dancing by the pool and literally sing about summer.”

“For me, I think of childhood. I’ve been watching a lot of ‘The Sandlot’ or maybe ‘The Little Rascals.’”

— Andie Hardee, 28

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“‘To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday.’ It actually has Michelle Pfeiffer and Claire Danes is in it and Freddie Prinze Jr. It’s an awesome one.”

“When I think of summer, I think of music and dancing, so something like ‘Footloose.’” — Kristal Guadalupe, 24

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2018

Rewriting reality

Full steam ahead for North Park Isle

An upcoming magic show at Plant City Entertainment is riddled with humor and mesmerizing tricks.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Courtesy photo

Erick Olson compares his style to a mix of Jay Leno and David Copperfield.

Olson said. “That’s how magic should be. This will be sleight-ofhand, not giant illusions. There’s a big push in the community now to return back to those intimate shows so it showcases skills, the years of practice it takes to pull off these tricks.” Olson said it will probably be the most interactive magic show the attendees will have ever witnessed. It’s a family-friendly show for people age 12 and up. “I think people really want to believe in something, that something can happen that cannot,” Olson said. Olson describes his style as a cross between Jay Leno and David Copperfield. He infuses his performances with frequent doses of humor, which he said helps create a fun-loving environment on stage. His shows are high-energy and fast-paced, and he said he is constantly evolving his skill to advance his performances. The show next weekend will raise money for the theater and Olson said he can guarantee it is unlike anything the town has ever seen. His genuine adoration for his craft and whimsical sense of humor combine to create a show that will live in Plant City’s memories for years to come. “It’s really good to support the community,” Olson said. “If someone has never been to Plant City Entertainment for a play, but they come to this show, maybe they will continue to go to the many great performances that the theater offers. It’s so important to support live entertainment. There’s nothing else like it.”

“With respect to the dissolution of the existing district, which was a victim of market timing as much as anything, I was involved in the petition more than 10 years ago to set this district up,” Mark Straley, attorney for North Park Isle, said. The commission voted to allow the enlarged district to be a Community Development District like its predecessor. Steve Lukes, a representative of the developer of North Park Isle, said over the last month they have continued with the design work and the construction plans are nearing completion. Soon it will be brought before the city and they — along with outside consultants — will have several months to review the plans. Lukes said the Southwest Florida Water Management District plans were already in. “From that point, we move through SWFWMD approval and then we can start breaking ground hopefully by the end of the year or maybe the first of 2019.”

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For those who prefer a dose of comedy with their illusions, Plant City Entertainment has a show that is sure to provide an uproariously enchanting evening. Erick Olson has been enthralled with magic since he was in the third grade. After watching Tony Curtis escape handcuffs and straightjackets, Olson’s curiosity was piqued. He went to his school library and quickly read two of the three books on magic housed among its shelves. When he returned for the third, the librarian refused to give it to him unless he put his knowledge to the test. “She was the one that encouraged me and made me do a couple of tricks,” Olson said. “They were really bad, but the kids clapped and I was hooked. I knew that was all I ever wanted to do. Since third grade, I was going to be a magician.” His skill continued to grow as the years passed, evolving from simple card tricks to intricate illusions. He does shows, corporate events, conferences and even customized presentations. Corporations like Walt Disney World, IBM, McDonald’s, Nabisco and Verizon have all booked Olson. He performs everywhere from Las Vegas to California and jokes no one is ever a star in their hometown. Olson and his family live in Lakeland and he has been longing to have the chance to perform near his hometown so he can help his local community and invite friends and family to see his work. When driving through Plant City one day, he spotted Plant City Entertainment. After realizing they were hosting auditions for shows he popped in to show off his talent. Now he has partnered with the theater for a magical fundraiser on August 4 that will recapture the audience’s fascination for the supernatural. There will be two shows, one at 2 p.m. and one at 7 p.m. and Olson is only opening each to 50 guests. “It’s going to be an intimate show with everyone sitting close watching every move I make,”

North Park Isle is officially back in business. During Monday night’s commission meeting the prior North Park Isles was dissolved and the new development district was established. In June, commissioners approved the modification to the district, which added approximately 63 acres to the original 397-acre district. This modification is now solidified under the new district, essentially allowing the development to power ahead to its next stage. The original plan allowed for up to 1,219 mixed-use residential homes, which included a maximum of 620 single-family homes and 599 townhome lots. The new district houses approximately 460 acres, so the new residential estimate is at 1,350 homes. This district was originally approved by commissioners in 2006 and was modified in 2016. For more than a decade no development has occurred.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2018

FORUM

DENISE GRIMSLEY Most recent position Marijuana: Pro medical marijuana, not recreational. Wants to see the control switched from the Department of Health to the Department of Agriculture. Second Amendment: Wants concealed weapons permit program to remain under Commissioner of Agriculture. Promises to have a top-to-bottom review of leadership and staff and restructure if necessary and

FROM PAGE 1

The Plant City Woman’s Club was filled to near-capacity Tuesday evening as residents gathered to meet three of the four Republican candidates running to fill Adam Putnam’s office Rep. Matt Caldwell, retired Army Col. Mike McCalister and Sen. Denise Grimsley discussed pressing issues like water conservation and Second Amendment rights. They also fielded unique concerns that don’t necessarily fall under their potential upcoming role, like alligator control and preserving natural springs. Former Rep. Baxter Troutman was scheduled to attend the event but pulled out at the last minute. “The fascinating thing about these primaries is you spend so many weeks running against people that you agree with 90% of the issues on, and then we’ll have 10 weeks to run against people that we agree with 10% of the issues on,” Caldwell said. At the surface, that solidarity rings true. The candidates are all conservative, all vow to protect the Second Amendment and all are terrified of seeing the job fall into the hands of a democrat. However, the minute details of each candidate’s stump speech point toward significantly different leadership styles. Grimsley repeatedly highlighted her focus on bringing a level head and common sense to the table. Caldwell touted his policy achievements and NRA endorsement. McCalister considers his lack of political experience to be an asset and refused to curb his passion on hot topics. They each spent several rounds of questions outlying their dedication to protect Florida’s aquifers, to keep the concealed weapons licensing process in the hands of the Commissioner of Agriculture and to fight tooth and claw for the state’s agriculture industry during their potential term. One of the first questions asked regarded each candidate’s stance on allowing Florida farmers to

“Everybody doesn’t want to play well in the sandbox together... The best way to maintain peace is to have a strong defense and a strong military, but also to send a clear message to the world that we will protect this country and we will protect our way of life, and there’s no way we’re going to give in to you,” McCalister said. “If you look at like with Iran when he did this saber rattling a little bit, you know some people got real nervous... We’ve got to stand behind this president because he’s finally standing up. I got sick of having someone in the White House that’s bowing to Muslim kings and apologizing to the world. This man is standing up and saying, ‘This is America, we are not standing down.’” His outburst was met with heavy applause. When discussing the process of restoring rights to felons, Caldwell said if he “was king for a day” he would have a system that automatically puts people who commit only one nonviolent felony and complete both parts of their sentence on a list to restore their rights unless someone on the board can point out a reason they shouldn’t have it renewed. Grimsley said she agreed with the automatic restoration for nonviolent first-time offenders. What worries her more, she said, are those who finish their sentence and then are unable to find work. McCalister was adamant he worried more about the victims than the offenders. As election day draws near, all candidates agreed on one issue: vote for a Republican candidate. “This is about electing republicans,” Grimsley said. “On the democratic side there are three opponents. They are all liberal, but the one that is the front-runner is extremely liberal. She has said that she is anti-gun and that she is pro recreational marijuana. She is a marijuana lobbyist so she will be well-financed by those who back that initiative. If we lose the agriculture commissioner we are in big trouble.”

fight for continued expansion of satellite locations for Floridians to apply for CWP in person. Jobs: Transfer administration of the Rural Economic Development Initiative and the Rural Community Programs from FDEO as well as the Economic Development Transportation Program (“Road Fund”) from FDOT to FDACS. Request that the Legislature double the allotment for Florida’s Rural Job Creation Tax Credit.

Photos by Breanne Williams

MIKE MCCALISTER Most recent position Marijuana: Pro medical marijuana. Second Amendment: Protect Second Amendment rights. Keep concealed weapons permit program with Commissioner of Agriculture. Jobs: Fight for agriculture in the state, but crack down on immigration. Courtesy photo

grow marijuana. Caldwell pointed to his involvement in 2014 with the Charlotte’s Web law, which legalized the use of a noneuphoric strain of marijuana for conditions like Lou Gehrig’s disease, epilepsy and cancer. Grimsley said she supports medical, but not recreational

MATT CALDWELL Most recent position Marijuana: Pro medical marijuana. Second Amendment: NRA endorsed. Helped change concealed weapons program in Florida to expedite applications for active military and veterans. Jobs: Promises to “get government out of the way so commerce rules, business can be successful and we can thrive.”

BAXTER TROUTMAN Most recent position Second Amendment: Life member of NRA. Defender of Second Amendment. Important public trusts the concealed weapons permit process so he plans to crack down on “conducting adequate vetting and background checks while always looking for common sense ways to promote a seamless and hassle-free application process for all who safely and lawfully qualify.”

marijuana use. McCalister said he is for medical use but referenced the criticism of its effectiveness. Some were curious what the candidates thought of President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Their support of his decision was unwavering. Grimsley simply said she trusts

the president. She said the U.S. has been anemic in its negotiations and has to be strong. Caldwell echoed her stance, stating the only free trade agreement we were a part of was “the Constitution of the United States.” McCalister had a more passionate response.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Photo Pam Warnock

Hillsboro Bank has been serving the Plant City community for 20 years.

Hillsboro Bank rings in 20 years of service STAFF WRITER

When Hillsboro Bank first opened its doors in 1998 it had one goal: create an environment where clients are family and their needs come first. Two decades later, it has expanded to other communities as well as Plant City and contin-

MOVING

ues to offer the hometown experience seldom seen in large corporate banks. “I think the board really wanted to open a bank where they could bank with people they knew,” Pamela Warnock, senior vice president and founding member of Hillsboro Bank, said. “There was a lot of turmoil in the banking industry at that time, Bank

This Saturday

JULY 28

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LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC AUCTION STORAGE SALE

In accordance with the provisions of the Florida Self Storage Act (sections 83.801 - 83.809), there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy an owner and/or manager’s lien of the goods hereinafter described and stored at the Life Storage location listed below.

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I like well-rooted people. People like in Dade City or Plant City that have been here for generations. I like banking you, your father and your grandfather.” Many of its staff and directors are heavily involved in the community. Ward said the bank itself supports more businesses around the city than most people realize, ensuring as it grows, its community grows as well. Warnock and Chairman of the Board Gary Boothe are both on the board at the Florida Strawberry Festival. The bank is heavily active with Plant City High School and provides scholarships to students both there and at the festival each year. It also supports the agriculture students at the festival each year with their animals. Employees are active in the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club and a variety of other committees. “We support the agriculture businesses as well,” Ward said. “A lot of banks don’t do that anymore. But we have a lot of strawberry farmers that still depend on us. Or maybe we depend on them. We’re mutually dependent.” Warnock said the bank takes pride in helping the community it loves and that she and the rest of the Hillsboro Bank team cannot thank Plant City enough for their continued support over the years. “The community has been really good to us,” Warnock said. “The support of the everyone in Plant City and the involvement of our employees and directors really makes this Plant City’s community bank. We’re honored to have such loyal customers and look forward to the serving them for years to come.”

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BREANNE WILLIAMS

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2018

And, due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties known to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the below stated location(s) to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on Wednesday, 9:00 am, August 8, 2018, at 1005 South Alexander Street, Plant City, FL 33563, 813-759-9526. CUSTOMER NAME

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Hillsboro Bank has been serving Plant City for two decades. It is the city’s only community bank and over the years has helped reshape the town it calls home.

of America was buying up a lot of banks, so they wanted a community bank for Plant City. I think we’ve done great in that realm. We love the community and we love to be involved in it.” As time passed, Hillsboro Bank began to set itself apart from competitors by simply responding to the needs of its clients. “What makes us different, in a word, is we’re flexible,” Mike Ward, president of Hillsboro Bank, said. “Big banks have rigid rules and policies. Community banks are more fluid.” When a customer calls Hillsboro Bank they are always greeted by an employee rather than by a recording or automated system. Warnock said this provides a level of comfort that is rare in the industry. She said that allows customers to build relationships with their staff and know they are going to be taken care of because they trust and genuinely know who they are speaking to on the other end of the line. Often, she said when a customer calls they already know which employee they wish to speak to and will request them by name when the phone is answered. Staff have watched as clients get married, buy their first home, start families and new businesses and build the community around them. Hillsboro Bank expanded to Valrico in 2007 and plans to open its third branch in Dade City in mid-August. It is selective about where it establishes its roots and Ward said they do best in wellknit communities. “We’re not a metro bank, we’re not downtown anywhere we are,” Ward said. “The attribute I like,

JULY 26, 2018

SPORTS

Austin Trimble pitched well in relief for PCLL all-stars. See Page 12.

Sidelines

Courtesy photo

TOPSoccer is for special needs athletes age 5 and up.

Justin Kline

Plant City’s 12-year-old all-stars have won three state titles in four years together.

Sign up for TOPSoccer The Outreach Program for Soccer (TOPSoccer) is looking for Plant City-area players for its upcoming season. The Brandon-based league for special needs players age 5 and up will kick off the registration period Aug. 10 at the West Florida Flames Soccer League fields, 3104 S. Kings Ave., Brandon. Athletes can sign up from 6 to 7:30 p.m. during three Friday/ Saturday periods: Aug. 10 and 11, Aug. 17 and 18 and Aug. 24 and 25. All players are required to have a copy of their IEP at registration. High schoolers and adults interested in volunteering are asked to attend one of the registrations. Brandon’s league, which began in 1998, has a “relaxed format” with no practices, scorekeeping or team standings and rankings. The program is free for families and supported by sponsors. For more information, call Ken Muzyk at (813) 657-5271 or email Fred Englehardt at brandontops@aol.com. TOPSoccer also has a Facebook page, facebook.com/ BrandonTOPSoccer, that is updated regularly.

A good run The Plant City Little League 12-year-olds played in the state championship tournament last week. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

or the first time in four years, you won’t hear about a group of Plant City Little League allstars making it out of the state championship series. You also won’t hear about them leaving Keystone Little League’s park with heads hanging sadly. Though Lehigh Acres Little League captured the 2018 state championship on July 22 with a 4-1 win, Plant City’s 12-year-old team is thankful for the opportunity they had to get back to the title game in the first place. The boys have plenty to be proud of. Plant City got off to a solid start in last weekend’s state tournament. The boys kicked things off

with a 2-1 win over Keystone’s team, which PCLL president Rhett Rollyson called a “classic.” Both teams dueled to a scoreless draw in the sixth inning, first broken by Deven Gonzalez’s leadoff home run in the top of the inning. Keystone tied the game in the bottom of the sixth with a leadoff homer of its own, but Gonzalez came through in the clutch one inning later. Not only did he drive in the winning run with two runners on base, he also pitched the bottom of the seventh and shut Keystone’s offense down to seal the deal. The boys played twice on July 21 and their bats were red-hot. They started the morning with pitcher Tanner Rollyson’s complete game, an 11-0 shutout over Niceville Little League, and a 13-5 win over Lakeshore Little League wrapped things up in the afternoon. With a 3-0 record in pool play and a strong run differential, Plant City went into the championship game with plenty of confidence. Lehigh Acres was ready, though. Head coach Mike Palestrini credits Lehigh’s pitcher with throwing

a great game, keeping Plant City’s live bats quiet until Blaine Rowland homered in the sixth inning with two outs. “They were a little better than us that day,” Palestrini said. “Nothing to hang our heads about.” The Plant City boys have put together quite a resume. There are four district titles and three state championship wins in four tries. There are three trips to Greenville, South Carolina, for the Tournament of State Champions. In Greenville, the boys placed third in 2015 and 2016 and second in 2017. This four-year run forged friendships built to last. The boys said they’ve made many memories having fun at practice, taking road trips and pulling pranks whenever they could. “We all like to joke around, create inside jokes and stuff,” Levi Jordan said. “It’s pretty fun.” Their chemistry translated to success on the field, as they were all totally confident in each other. “It makes us unite, like a perfect union,” Tanner Rollyson said. No matter where baseball takes them, they’ll be able to think about the four years they spent accomplishing more than most Little Leaguers around the country have — and how they did it all together.

VISIT THE CHILDREN’S BOARD FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER IN EAST COUNTY 639 E. ALEXANDER ST. | PLANT CITY, FL 33563 | 813-752-8700 (Behind the Walmart in Alexander Crossings)

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Visit: www.familysupporthc.org Facebook @CBFamilyResourceCenters There are six Children’s Board Family Resource Centers located throughout Hillsborough County. The project is funded by the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County and administered by the Healthy Start Coalition.

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Developmental Playgroups are provided by Baby Bungalow, to help your child become Happier! • Baby & Me • Creative Learning • Growing Together • Little Amigos • Music & More • Wonder Years

• St. Joseph’s Children’s Wellness & Safety Center provides CPR & First Aid, Car Seat Safety Classes & Inspections, Well Child Care through their Mobile Medical Clinic, and Hearing Screenings • Vision Screenings provided by Preserve Vision Florida • Preventative Dental Services provided by Suncoast Community Health Centers and Tampa Family Health Centers

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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member of the Plant City Family YMCA since 2004 and has been doing water aerobics the whole time. She has had a double knee replacement and it’s the only exercise she can do. It has helped her lose 155 pounds. She participates in deep and shallow water classes three to five times per week. Cynthia had the most to say about how much water classes at the YMCA have benefited her. In 2008, her doctor told her she could either go on medication with pages of side effects, or get in the pool to help with her rheumatoid arthritis. She could barely get up out of a chair when she started, but saw results almost instantly. After her first week, Cynthia was able to get in and out of the pool using the ladder. It helped increase her core strength because you can move in so many different directions underwater. The Plant City Family YMCA offers water aerobics Tuesday through Saturday year-round. Not a member? No worries. A guest pass will get you in to try out a class for yourself.

Park Rd.

Adding water to your workout f you haven’t tried water aerobics yet, why not? Water exercise provides so many benefits for all ages and abilities. It is a great supplement to land training. Training in water produces less inflammation and leads to less muscle soreness and damage. Water exercise also facilitates post-workout recovery. As a regular part of a training program, it leads to less overuse injuries, which makes it a great supplement to speed and sports training for athletes. On its own, water aerobics increases strength and flexibility and is a great cardiovascular workout. At the Plant City Family YMCA, our instructors have more than 30 combined years of experience and the participants love the results they see from our classes. They also enjoy the camaraderie they get from working out in a group setting and being outdoors. Last week, I spoke with some of the participants in Lisa Kolakowski’s Deep Water class and asked for their thoughts. Many said getting in the pool has made a world of difference for their health and well-being. Note: some of the women interviewed requested to be identified by first name only. Meredith started doing water aerobics after a knee replacement surgery and said it has helped with the recovery process. Betty Denton has been a

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2018

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2018

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