7.27.23 PLCO

PLANT CITY COMMISSIONERS DISCUSS NEXT FISCAL YEAR’S BUDGET/MILLAGE RATE

Plant City commissioners also approve purchase of professional development training for supervisory staff and a radar message sign.

City commissioners convened this week at their bimonthly meeting at City Hall to discuss and pass several resolutions affecting the function of the city government.

Commissioners authorized the city manager to advise Hillsborough County’s property appraiser of the city’s

proposed millage rate, of its rolled back rate and of the date, time and place at which a public hearing will be held to consider the proposed millage rate and the tentative budget for next fical year.

According to the Certifiation of Taxable Value document sent to the city by the property appraiser’s office,

PLANT CITY FIRE RESCUE AND PASCO COUNTY FIRE RESCUE HONOR FIREFIGHTER PARAMEDIC

PATRICK DUDKIEWICZ FOR HEROIC LIFESAVING ACTS AT GYM

the city saw a $380 million increase in taxable value of real, personal and centrally assessed property, which may generate $2.177 million in ad valorem tax revenue for the city.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Interim Fire Chief

Timothy Mossgrove

Steers Department While City Officis Search For New Fire Chief

After saving the lives of two gym-goers in one week at CrossFit Plant City, Pasco County Firefigher Paramedic Patrick Dudkiewicz was honored for his outstanding performance and quick thinking at a surprise event this week. Both incidents occurred at CrossFit Plant City, where Dudkiewicz was off-duty and working out. In attendance at the event were the two people he saved- Patti Storch and Richard Mau- whom he hadn’t

seen since the two fateful days he performed lifesaving techniques on them.

On May 25, Dudkiewicz sprang into action when Patti Storch suffered a cardiac arrest. He performed CPR and applied an AED while Plant City Fire Rescue arrived to continue care and transport her to South Florida Baptist Hospital.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Plant City is looking for a new fie chief following the resignation of Fire Chief David Burnett, who retired in May. Burnett started his career with Plant City Fire Rescue in 2007 and was promoted chief in July 2018. While city officialsearch for a new chief, Timothy Mossgrove was named Interim Fire Chief.

“When Chief Burnett retired and the city manager asked me to step in to the role I told him I’d do it to help the department continue moving forward and to provide the best service to the citizens of Plant City,” he said. “It helps that I have a great team around me, I give much credit to the administrative staff and all the boos on the ground.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

SOME BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPLIES

TAX-FREE UNTIL AUGUST 6

• The 2023 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is happening through Sunday, August 6. During the holiday period, tax isn’t due on the retail sale of:

• Clothing, footwear and certain accessories with a sales price of $100 or less per item.

• Certain school supplies with a sales price of $50 or less per item. Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles with a sales price of $30 or less.

• Personal computers and certain computer-related accessories with a sales price of $1,500 or less, when purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.

• For a detailed list of items that are included in the tax-free holiday, and those that are excluded, visit flordarevenue.com.

KEEL & CURLEY WINERY CELEBRATES 20 YEARS WITH ‘CHEERS TO 20 YEARS’ SWEEPSTAKES

Keel Farms is celebrating Keel and Curley Winery’s 20th anniversary with the ‘Cheers to 20 Years’ Sweepstakes. Now through August 5, enter to win an all-inclusive winemaking trip for two to Napa Valley. One runner-up with win a VIP Experience at Keel Farms for two, which

includes a winery tour, tasting and dinner for the winner and a guest.

“Our winery has grown tremendously over the past 20 years and that’s because of support from our loyal customers,” said Keel Farms President Clay Keel. “This sweepstakes is our way of saying thank you. We have many exciting developments in the works, so we look forward to more milestones and fun giveaways in the future.”

There is no purchase required to participate in the sweepstakes. Participants can enter by filling out a orm at keelfarms. com.

The sweepstakes will conclude with a celebratory Keel & Curley Winery birthday party on August 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Keel Farms. Parking and admission are free.

ADOPTION FEES WAIVED FOR POCKET PETS

Looking to adopt a pocket pet but don’t want to pay the adoption fee? SPCA Tampa Bay is waiving adoption fees on certain pocket pets and livestock, including a variety of birds, rabbits, mice, chickens and guinea pigs, during its Pocket Pet Palooza running now until Thursday, August 31. One fee waived per pocket pet or livestock available per person. To view adoptable pocket pets and livestock, visit spcatampabay.org/pocket-pets or call 727586-3591.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR ACTIVE LIFE GAMES

Are you an active adult age 50 or older with a penchant for competition? Then sign up for Active Life Games, organized by Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation.

The two-week long event schedule, which runs October 2 - 13, offers a variety of contests for all skill and fitnss levels, from track and field o shuffleard to pickleball to billiards and horseshoes. New events this year include a basketball shootout and lawn bowling.

Individual competitions are held at a variety of locations throughout Hillsborough County.

Registration continues through September 22. Cost is $25 for one event or $30 for unlimited events. There is an additional $30 charge for those participating in the golf competition, which includes a cart.

The games are also a regional qualifier for the Florida Senior Games.

To learn more about Active Life Games visit hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/ recreation-and-culture/recreation/tampabay-active-life-games.

HILLSBOROUGH COMMISSIONERS SEEK APPLICATIONS FOR DIVERSITY ADVISORY COUNCIL

Hillsborough County Commissioners are seeking interested residents to serve on the Diversity Advisory Council that

meets monthly on the second Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The council was created to facilitate communication between Hillsborough County government and diverse populations. The Council is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and is comprise of two individuals from each of the following categories: African-American; Caribbean; Far East Asian; Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender; Hispanic/ Latino; Indian Asian; Middle Eastern; Native American; Northern and Southern European; People with Disabilities; and At-Large (identifiation with a specific ategory not required). Seven positions are vacant, three terms will expire. Terms are for two years. Positions are available for individuals from the following categories: African-American (1); Caribbean (1); Far East Asian (1); Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (2); Indian Asian (1); Middle Eastern (1); Native American (1); and Northern and Southern European (2).

Nominees must reside in and be registered voters in Hillsborough County. Appointees serve without compensation. Applications are due by the close of business on August 17. To learn more or to apply visit HCFLGov.net.

SUMMER STAYCATION

The Scoop About The Best Ice Cream Shops In the State, According To Yelpers

Summer is in full swing and Americans are celebrating National Ice Cream month (July) by enjoying the nation’s favorite frozen treat with friends and family.

We really love our ice cream. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American eats roughly 20 pounds, or about four gallons, of ice cream each year.

Yelp ranked the top 100 ice cream shops in the U.S. based on a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews and while Coneflwer Creamery in Omaha, Nebraska earned the top spot for its “farm-to-cone” experience, several locations in the Sunshine State earned high praise from customers.

Let’s Chill Homemade Ice Cream in Coral Springs earned the number two spot for mixing up small batches of 30 flvors made with some of America’s most iconic names, including Oreos and Chips Ahoy! cookies. They’re also renowned for making their ice cream with all natural ingredients and no artificial olors.

Joey’s Custard in Sanibel came in at number 12, offering not only ice cream but dairy-free flvors, sorbet, Italian ice, frozen yogurt and house-made custard. Sadly, its storefront was destroyed by Hurricane Ian and owners are in the process of rebuilding. Check its website and social media channels for reopening dates.

Yelp has also ranked the top ice cream shops in Tampa. At the top of that list is Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at 305 W. Palm Ave. Its made-from-scratch flvors, honed and perfected over two decades, include Brown Butter Almond Brittle and Buttercream Birthday Cake.

Taking the number two and three spot is Chill Bros Scoop Shop (located in Ybor City), and Revolution Ice Cream (Seminole Heights).

The website also ranked the favorite spots to purchase a frozen treat in Plant City and 32 Below, located at 208 W. Alexander St., won the top spot. The shop, which also sells Boba drinks, fruit, tea, mochi ice cream, smoothies and milkshakes, is famous for its rolled ice cream that’s spread thin on a cold metal surface, rolled into a perfect spiral and topped with tasty treats.

Owner Mabie Moore said while everyone enjoys watching their dessert created, kids especially enjoy watching workers take the liquid ice cream base and make ice cream in front of their eyes. “Kids really like to see the ice cream rolled and then top it with gummy bears and sprinkles,” she said.

Rounding out Yelp’s top ice cream shops in Plant City are La Michoacana Ice Cream (209 W. Alexander St.), Mr. Seba’s (104 E. Reynold’s St.), Sweet Missions (2406 James L. Redman Pkwy.) and Pelican’s Snoballs (610 S. Collins St.).

From frozen custard at Culver’s to softserve from Dairy Queen or Twistee Treat, residents don’t have to drive far to cool off with a cone or cup of their favorite ice cream flvor.

Trivia

1) WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE FLAVORS OF ICE CREAM?

2) WHAT WAS THE FIRST ICE CREAM FLAVOR EVER INVENTED?

3) WHERE WERE ICE CREAM CONES INVENTED?

4) HOW MANY GALLONS OF ICE CREAM CAN BE MADE FROM THE MILK ONE DAIRY COW CAN PRODUCE IN ITS LIFETIME?

5) WHAT’S THE MOST POPULAR FRUIT TOPPING?

5) Strawberries!

4) 7,500 gallons of ice cream

2) Chocolate

1) Chocolate, Cookies ’n Cream and Vanilla

3) The 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis by concession vendors as a way for people to eat ice cream easily while enjoying the fair.

Answers:

PLANT CITY FIRE RESCUE AND PASCO COUNTY FIRE RESCUE HONOR FIREFIGHTER PARAMEDIC PATRICK DUDKIEWICZ FOR HEROIC LIFESAVING ACTS AT GYM

“Once I recognized the situation and saw she wasn’t breathing, my training kicked in,” said Dudkeiwicz, who almost didn’t go to the gym that morning because he was running late for work. Hs wife encouraged him to go to the gym. “Having the AED on site made a huge difference because I was able to convert her back into a regular sinus rhythm, she was loaded into the ambulance with a blood pressure and a pulse,” he said.

Storch also had to be convinced by her husband to go to the gym that day even though she wasn’t feeling well. She considers it fate that they were both at the gym at the same time. “I’m thankful for these

people who choose this profession and for being there when I needed them,” said Storch, who is mostly recovered and is already resuming her exercise regimen.

In a remarkable coincidence, Dudkiewicz found himself in a similar situation on June 1. Once again, he performed CPR on Plant City resident Richard Mau, who went into cardiac arrest at the same gym, leading to another successful Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) before the arrival of Plant City Fire Rescue. From South Florida Baptist Hospital he was transferred to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he underwent quintuple bypass surgery.

“My cardiologist told me this was a one in a thousand survival rate so yes, he’s a true hero and saved my life, he’s a real hero,” said Mau, who had lost a signifiant

amount of weight after working out at the gym six days a week for the last four years.

“That day God sent me a guardian angel and that guardian angel saved my life and I’m forever indebted to him.”

At the recognition ceremony, Dudkiewicz was awarded a Coin of Character for his actions of doing exceedingly abundantly more, even while off-duty.

“Our fiefighers do just that, when everyone is running away they’re running toward and willing to put their life on the line to save lives,” said Dan Middlebrooks.

“This coin simply says in the midst of everything you do we see it, we recognize it and we appreciate it,” he said.

For Dudkiewicz, who worked out sideby-side with Storch and Mau, the gym is family and seing them again was especially

poignant. “I know these people, they’re like family and it’s so nice to see the outcome of your efforts,” he said. “I just wanted them to be okay and that’s all I can ask for.”

CrossFit Plant City owner Carol Mate said the gym went more than nine years without an incident. While all her coaches are CPR/AED certified she was grateful for Dudkiewicz’ quick response, knowledge and training. “We want you to know that you did everything so well and because of you these lives were saved,” she said. “I believe it was God’s design to have Patrick here those days, for us there’s no way we can ever repay him.”

Mate recognized his efforts with a lifetime membership to CrossFit Plant City for him and his wife as long as she owns the gym.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

COPS CORNER

JULY 14

This week on Cops Corner, Plant City Police investigate: A scam phone call, a stolen printer and missing solar panels.

LEAVING NO PRINTS

200 block of W Alexander St.

Theft: An officer met with the store manager at a business at the listed location who reported a theft of the store’s printer.

PHONE SCREENING

2100 block of W Baker St.

Fraud: An officer met with the district manager of a business at the listed location who reported a theft from the business as a result of a scam phone call.

JULY 15

IT’S HANDLED

900 block of Powell St.

Loitering and prowling / resist officer without violence: Officers responded to the area of the listed location in reference to subjects pulling on the door handles of vehicles. The juveniles involved were subsequently released to their parents.

CLEAN PLATES

100 block of W Lee St. Stolen license plate: An officer responded to the parking lot at the listed location in reference to a delayed stolen license plate complaint.

JULY 16

A BAD DREAM

2000 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Drug investigation: An officer responded to a business at the listed location in reference to an individual sleeping on the outside patio of the business. The individual was subsequently arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

MESSY SITUATION

1700 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Aggravated assault with a weapon: An offier responded to a business at the listed location in reference to a disturbance and made contact with two individuals. The

fist individual was working on a disabled vehicle in the parking lot of an adjacent business and was attempting to push it to the parking lot at the listed location when a second individual assisted in moving the vehicle. The fist individual continued to work on the vehicle and the second attempted to assist when the two engaged in a verbal altercation for an unknown reason. The second individual attempted to walk away as the fist individual followed him, confronted him, attempted to strike him and pulled a knife from his waistband before lunging at this. The second individual was once again witnessed attempting to walk away when he was again confronted and brandished a pocket knife of their own. The incident was witnessed by a business employee and also captured on security camera, confirming the primary aggressor. The second individual declined to press charges, the business declined to trespass either and both subjects left the area without incident.

JULY 17

SMELLS LIKE CRIME

200 block of W Alexander St.

Grand theft: An officer responded to a business at the listed location in reference to a theft of perfume.

JULY 18

TRAILER TRASHED

2500 block of N Maryland Ave.

Stolen trailer: An officer responded to a residence at the listed location and met with a victim who reported their 12-foot, blue aluminum homemade enclosed double-axle trailer stole, valued at $1,000.

JULY 19

CATCHING SOME RAYS

1600 block of Jim Johnson Rd. Grand theft: Officers met with the victim at the listed location who advised that seven solar panels were stolen from the property.

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com

Sports Writer / Taylor Jenkins tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com

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TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

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CONTACT US

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If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

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Jumbles: GROUT PENNY REGRET FACADE Answer:

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CITY COMMISSION GEARS UP TO DISCUSS NEXT YEAR’S BUDGET

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

The proposed millage rate as computed by the commission is 5.7157 mills ($5.7157 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation) and the rolled back rate is 5.2175 mills ($5.2175 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation). A public hearing has been scheduled to consider the proposed millage rate, which is the same as last year’s rate, and the tentative budget on Monday, September 11 at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.

In line with their commitment to fostering transparency, the commission encourages public input and feedback during its budget workshop, scheduled for Monday, August 14 at 5 p.m. at City Hall.

McDaniel made the announcement that on July 19, Moody’s Investors Services assigned the City of Plant City a credit rating of Aa2, reflectie of a robust financial psition, an extremely small debt burden and a moderate pension liability with a healthy economy and tax base.

“The rating is indicative of strong fical management and operational management and that all comes down to the bottom line of how we effectively use tax resources,” he said.

Mayor Nate Kilton concurred with McDaniel’s remarks. “We have a great operation here in Plant City and are great stewards of what we have and spend tax dollars wisely,” he said.

The commission meeting included a presentation by Director of Human Resources and Risk Management Cristi Charlow, who advocated for a foundational

leadership program through Wood Consulting, LLC. The training for 45 supervisory staff membes would consist of eight 1.5-day training sessions over the course of eight months. The cost of the training is $44,000. Charlow, per city code requirements, also asked the commission to dispense with the necessity of competitive award requirements since the training is highly specialized and unique to the city.

Commissioner Jason Jones made a motion to adopt the resolution authorizing the training which was seconded by Commissioner Mary Mathis. It passed with a vote of fie to zero.

Plant City Police Department (PCPD) Captain Robert McLellan gave a presentation to commissioners regarding the proposed use of Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program: FY2023 Local Solicitation funds totaling $16,833. PCPD requested the grant, authorized for law enforcement purposes, be used to acquire a SpeedAlert 24 Radar Message Sign for $17,740.69. The difference between the cost of the sign and the grant, $907.69, would be paid from an existing Police Department account.

Commissioner Michael Sparkman made a motion to adopt the resolution approving the proposed use of the grant for the sign which was seconded by Commissioner Jason Jones. It passed with a vote of fie to zero.

The next City Commission meeting is Monday, August 14 at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.

INTERIM FIRE CHIEF TIMOTHY MOSSGROVE HEADS THE DEPARTMENT WHILE A PERMANENT LEADER IS SOUGHT

Mossgrove

is a 30-year veteran of the Brooksville Fire Department.

Mossgrove, who joined the department in January 2019 as deputy chief of operations and later became deputy chief of administration (second in command), has made fiefightinga career. The West Virginia native moved to Florida in 1985 and, at the age of 19, was hired as a fiefigher for the city of Brooksville. He worked his way through the ranks and was named the city’s fie chief in 2006. After fighting fires and savings lives for 30 years, he retired in 2015.

At age 49 and with a family, Mossgrove wasn’t quite ready to finish his areer. He and his family relocated to central Florida, where he was hired as the fie marshal for Haines City. During his three year tenure there, he became its fie chief.

Mossgrove earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Safety Administration from Grand Canyon University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Grand Canyon University. He is an accredited fie marshal by the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) and holds several State of Florida certifiations. In his free time, the racing enthusiast works for NASCAR as crew chief of its extraction team. He also enjoys riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle once owned by legendary NFL quarterback Steve DeBerg.

City Manager Bill McDaniel, who was a classmate with Mossgrove in a Certified Public Manager program, said he was the ideal candidate to serve as interim chief due to the combination of his role within the Fire Rescue Department and his past experience as fie chief. “He’s been proactive and communicative in the interim role and has ensured that department operations are maintained,” he said. “As city

manager I’m appreciative of his willingness to fulfill this ole while we conduct our search for our new fie chief.”

Mossgrove isn’t sure if he’ll submit an application for the top job. “Can I do the job? Absolutely, I’ve been a fie chief twice but being the number two person can add a lot of support and stability to an agency and organization,” he said. “Being deputy chief over accreditation and fie prevention is really where my best strengths are.”

According to the job posting, the position requires a bachelor’s degree with major coursework in fie administration, fie science, public safety or a related field and at least 10 years’ progressively responsible work experience which includes eight years at the command-level equivalent to Battalion Chief or higher. Candidates must also possess several state certifiations. The salary range for the position is $99,632 - $162,406.40.

Several applications have already been submitted for the job and the fist review of applications is scheduled to take place August 13.

City sees a $380 million increase in new taxable value thanks in part to new construction.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Member FDIC

PLANT CITY MAIN STREET SWEEPS THREE SECRETARY OF STATE AWARDS

FOR REMARKABLE REVITALIZATION EFFORTS

The nonprofitwas recognized for successful events like Oktoberfest and Last Friday Food Truck Rally. Mayor Nate Kilton was also winner of Local Leader of the Year.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Plant City Main Street, the not-for-profit oganization that strives to bring economic vitality back downtown while celebrating its historic character, won big last week at the Preservation on Main Street Conference in Ocala.

Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd presented the 2023 Florida Main Street Awards to organizations that achieved outstanding results in historic preservation and commercial activity through the Florida Main Street program.

“This year’s winners have shown a remarkable commitment to preserving the distinct heritage, traditions and culture that make their historic downtown attractive places for commerce,” said Byrd. “The Department of State is proud to showcase these success stories in the preservation and revitalization of Florida’s historic downtowns.”

Plant City Main Street won three awards.

It won the “Budget Hawk” award for last year’s Oktoberfest event, organized with a timeline of 60 days after a simple suggestion from the city manager. To make the event a reality, local government fast-tracked an open container ordinance that had been on the books for nearly 10 years. More than 15,000 people attended the inaugural event and local businesses saw record sales, made more impressive given that none of it was budgeted.

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It also won in the “Celebrating Main Street” category for its Last Friday Food Truck Rally, which has grown for a small food truck rally and vendor market featuring 20 small businesses to a themedevent that has tripled in size to more than 60 vendors, several of whom have opened brick and mortar locations. It also organized Main Street Kids, a separate tent during the event where kids and their families can participate in a downtown scavenger hunt, and grab some free themed goodies.

“We started Main Street Kids because parents shouldn’t have to pay to create memories for their children,” said Plant City Main Street Director Dawn Hyatt, who attended the conference and accepted the awards on behalf of the organization.

“In this community one person can’t make something happen because it takes a community, it’s a team effort,” she said. “We couldn’t do this if we didn’t have the community and the city government supporting us the way they do.”

The last award went to Mayor Nate Kilton, one of three municipal leaders named Local Leader of the Year. Kilton, who was sworn in as mayor on June 30, 2022, is a Plant City Partner with his own local business, Sedita Kilton who frequently posts about Main Street programming and events via his personal and professional social media.

Commissioners Mary Mathis and Jason Jones drove to the

conference to accept the award for Kilton, who was out of the country on a mission trip with his wife. Mathis presented the award to him at this week’s city commission meeting. He was quick to divert praise to others. “It’s not about me, I’m just the tip of the spear,” he said. “I’ve been an advocate for Main Street for many years and whenever I’m in town I’m at the Last Friday because it’s a great event and so much fun and Oktoberfest was a grand slam.”

He recognized the hard work exerted by Hyatt, the past and current board of directors, its staff and may volunteers.

Plant City Main Street President Christy Lyle is thrilled with the growth of Plant City Main Street. “It’s grown so much, we have a vision plan and the city has worked to help it come to fruition,” she said. “When Dawn came on board we saw how much potential downtown Plant City had to be recognized at the state level.”

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SPORTS

FEATURED FUTURE: RYAN WEEMS

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

After four years with Strawberry Crest football, Ryan Weems has committed to continue his academic and athletic journey at Gettysburg College.

Throughout his time with the Chargers, Weems was part of a senior class that saw Strawberry Crest win just three total games throughout their 2-8 freshman season and 1-8 sophomore season before improving to 5-5 in 2021 and posting the program’s first winning season since 2013 as they finished the 2022 season at 6-4.

“I would say that my past four years at Crest have been up and down,” Weems said. “My first three years there we didn’t have a winning season and I played a lot as a freshman, so it was hard. We didn’t win many games and we got some hate around school, so it was kind of hard being a football player at Crest for a while. So yeah, I would say the past four years were just up and down because of the challenge of being a football player at Strawberry Crest and the community around it. My senior class all had a vision and we were all committed to the process of getting better. We knew that we weren’t going to win every game but it became more about competing than just winning and I think that’s what helped us build that chemistry to work together and rise up and become winners and come out on top of some games. Those last couple of years we had a lot more belief from around the school after winning a few games, you could just see people start to believe in us a lot more. And it’s not going to change overnight, there’s still some improvement that needs to be made around school and the students’ belief in the football team, but it was dramatic. Last year it was completely different, it was night and day from the pre-

vious years just because of that winning season.”

By his sophomore season, Weems began seeing regular action on both sides of the ball, both as a running back and defensive back – finishing the year with 12 tackles and an interception on defense while totaling 165 rushing yards and one touchdown as a running back, bolstered by a season-high 86 rushing yards and a touchdown in the Chargers’ lone win over Freedom. He also added two receptions for 35 yards and eight completions at quarterback for 61 yards.

And as a junior he had earned a full-time starting role. En route to the Chargers’ 5-5 season in 2021, Weems totaled 34 tackles, one tackle for loss and two interceptions on defense, 317 yards on 19 kickoff returns on special teams and 354 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 87 carries on offense.

In the spring of his junior year, Weems attended a camp at Hillsborough High School where he first met Gettysburg defensive coordinator Mike Hoyt. At the camp, Springfield says that he lost a rep in a oneon-one drill when Hoyt came up to him and gave him some advice, telling him to try a different technique on his next rep. In his next opportunity, Weems followed Hoyt’s advice but lost the next rep again. And once again, Hoyt came over and gave his advice, which Weems followed and began to win rep after rep after rep. Hoyt continued to work with Weems throughout the day and saw the talent, but also took notice of the coachability and later extended an official offer letter.

Throughout Weems’ senior season, he totaled 42 tackles and one forced fumble on defense while racking up 283 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on 55 carries and 35 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown on three catches. That December he took an official visit and by February he signed his National Letter of Intent com-

mitting to join the Bullets football program and continue his education at Gettysburg.

“Wabash was another interest, that’s where my good friend Marcus Springfield is committed, and I was getting a little bit of interest from there,” Weems said. “I ended up getting an offer from Gettysburg in my junior year after a camp where I met Coach Hoyt, I went up there for a visit last December and it was really nice. I had a few other schools reach out to me but I never really took up on those chances because Gettysburg was my number one choice right away. The way the coach made me feel is what got me. He more wanted to know who I was, it wasn’t just about football, he liked me as a person. There were points throughout my recruitment when I felt like I wasn’t good enough to play at the next level so it felt really nice for this coach to see me perform and then offer me. It made me feel like I was worth it, he validated all of the hard work that I had put in and he really helped me out from a mental standpoint throughout my senior year because like I said, at points I felt like I wasn’t good enough but that offer validated the hard work. It felt really good for someone to see what I can do and then put their trust in me.”

After setting a goal to play collegiate football several years ago, that hard work paid off and the dream has finally become a reality for Weems as he’s set to move onto campus at Gettysburg in just two short weeks.

“The feeling of signing is so good because I set a goal and I set a standard for myself that I was going to play college football and I always held myself to it,” Weems said. “So to get that offer and be able to sign it let me know that everything, all the blood, sweat and tears was worth it. I feel like a lot of people under me, coming up in football, they just need that motivation. Once you get offered and can sign and go through

STRAWBERRY CREST FOOTBALL HOLDS THIRD ANNUAL CLAY SHOOT FUNDRAISER

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Strawberry Crest football held their third annual Clay Shoot Fundraiser last week, aimed at raising money to provide video and football equipment for the program.

After COVID delayed the start of the fundraiser, an idea head coach Phillip Prior had come up with upon taking over the Chargers’ program ahead of the 2019 season, Strawberry Crest held the first event in 2021. Since then, participation has grown exponentially as this year’s fundraiser boasted 31 sponsors and over 100 participants.

“We’ve more than doubled in size since our first fundraiser and it’s just so encouraging to see,” Prior said. “It’s just been so encouraging to see. We’ve got 31 sponsors out here this year and we’re really seeing the community and people rally around our football program. We’ve got alumni, we’ve got players out here participating, friends of families and then just people who saw an advertisement and said that they wanted to go shoot in a charity event. There’s a diverse group of people that want to help our program out here today and it’s just very encouraging.”

But for Prior and the Chargers, the fundraiser is about more than just the money raised, it’s about rallying the local community and alumni around a football team that has lacked support in past years. With the feeling that a clay shoot would better suit the Strawberry Crest community than a golf tournament or run-of-the-mill fundraiser, the Chargers have felt the impact that their changing culture — and winning over the past couple of years — has had on the program as a whole.

“I think there’s a community that wants to support Strawberry Crest football, there’s people out there that want to support us,” Prior said. “And part of that is having a little bit of success but we were also out here a couple of months ago donating our time and helping with an event for one of our sponsors. We want to give back too. Right here we’ve got a lot of people coming out and supporting us but we also want to give back. But again, it all goes back to our sponsorships. We have fence lines of people that want to sponsor us and have their name and banner around our football field all year on top of all these donations. A lot of people do golf tournaments but we wanted to do something different and I felt like a clay shoot encapsulates our guys a little more, so it’s right up our alley. Our players are out here, they get to come out and be trappers and they’re having a good time. With a clay shoot you can come out here, it’s a 50-clay event, and you could not hit a single clay or hit one clay and still have a good time. It’s a

lot of fun to come out here and then people also have a chance to win a bunch of the great prizes we have.”

From video platforms to football equipment, Prior got to Crest and immediately saw a need for equipment that was necessary to help the team get better at football — with needs ranging from sleds to dummies to camera systems — that the fundraiser along with donations and sponsors help provide.

“Jerseys and stuff are nice, but our player safety and things that help us get better at football are our primary focus when it

the whole recruitment process, it really helps you as a person and encourages you to do better because it lets you know that they see you work hard and lets you know that everything has meaning to it, it wasn’t just for nothing.”

comes to spending funds and that’s what we try to target,” Prior said.

Along with the clay shoot, the fundraiser provided food for the attendees along with a number of raffles and auctions to raise money through gifts donated by local businesses. And if you weren’t able to make the fundraiser but would still like to support the Chargers, Strawberry Crest are still accepting sponsorships through August 12. If you would like to sponsor Strawberry Crest football or make a donation, contact head coach Phillip Prior by email at Phillip.Prior@ hcps.net

The money from the fundraiser has continued to help provide the Chargers with both video and football equipment to improve their program.

Featured Future is a summer series where the Observer will highlight local student athletes who are preparing to continue their athletic and educational careers at the college level, or those who have already begun that journey.

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR

“Groundhog Day, Talladega Nights, Deadpool, Anger Management, 50 First Dates, The Wedding Singer, StepBrothers, all but one of Indiana Jones.” - Patrick Weldy

“Under The Tuscan Sun, Gone With The Wind, First Wives Club, Pretty Woman, Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Maid in Manhattan.” - Sharon Marie Elizabeth

“O’ Brother Where Art Thou?” - Dan Richards

“Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and Pride and Prejudice.” - Hollyann Gillman

“Pretty Woman.” - Lucy Eli

“A Raisin in the Sun, The Pursuit of Happiness, Look Who’s Coming to Dinner, Philadelphia, Bohemian Rhapsody, First Wives Club, American Beauty, Hidden Figures, The Help.” - Cathy Coushaine

“Love Affair To Remember with Annette Bening and Warren Beatty.” - Evelyn Madonia

“Harry Potter, The Goonies, Conair.” - Kristin Seufzer

“Now and Then, My Girl, Sweet Home Alabama, Safe Haven, The Sandlot.”Angie Robinson

“Tombstone.” - Jennifer LacagninaEscobar

“Harry Potter, Star Wars, How to Train Your Dragon.” - Devyn Katz

“Grease, Pretty Woman, Dirty Dancing.” - Debbie Oberne

“Goonies, Jaws, Top Gun, Just Go With It, Grown Ups, Dirty Dancing.” - Carol Arkins

“Lawrence of Arabia.” - Earl Truman

“A League of Their Own.” - Heather Colding

“Gone With The Wind, Dirty Dancing, Grease.” - Peggy Nagles Damron

“The Wizard of Oz, The Ten Commandments, Gone With The Wind, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park.” - Chris Black

“Cool Runnings.” - Pamela Vidi

“Mystic Pizza.” - Brenda Medrano Starford

“Sweet Home Alabama.” - Ashley Lunk

“The Notebook, Steel Magnolias, Pretty Woman, 16 Candles, The Green Mile, Forrest Gump.” - Linsey Rhodes Hay

“The Wedding Singer.” - Stephanie McKenzie

“Picnic, Crown for Christmas, Grease 1 and 2, Gone with the Wind, Giant.” - Sharon Kersey

“Top Gun, Pretty in Pink, Roadhouse.” - Sheila Thomas

“Ever After, the Ciderella story with Drew Barrymore.” - Jamie Lane

“Snowglobe.” - Paul Gibbs

“Book of Eli with Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman.” - Clyde Nelson

We asked Plant City: What movie or movies could you watch over and over again and never get tired of?

Doris Evelyn Hodges Walden

Doris Evelyn Hodges Walden, 99, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. A Celebration of Her Life will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 12 p.m. in the chapel of Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Bass Road with the Rev. Ron Holland officiatin

The family will greet friends from 11 a.m. to service time. Burial will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Pine Forest Cemetery, Mt. Dora, FL. Doris was born in Melbourne, Fla., to the late Arch Hodges and Inez Dunham Hodges. She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry I. Walden; daughter, Katherine Walden Wells; son-in-laws, John Wells, Pat Pelley and Barry Backus; and her brother, Robert Lemuel Hodges. Doris was a member of Northway Church and former member of First Baptist Church, Mt. Dora until 2004 where she was the church organist.

She was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt. She is survived by her daughters, Nancy Walden and Sally Walden Backus; grandchildren, Scott Wells, Beth Wells, Jennifer Backus Martinez and Justin Backus; and six great-grandchildren.

Visit www.snowsmacon. com to express condolences. Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Bass Road has charge of the arrangements.

Janice Lynn Torres

Janice Lynn Torres, 77, of Plant City, born on May 3, 1946 in Rutherfordton, N.C., entered into eternal rest on July 20, 2023. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral. com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Katherine ‘Katie’ Nichole Sapp

Katherine “Katie” Nichole Sapp, 30, of Lakeland, born on Sept. 24, 1992, in Brandon, entered into eternal rest on July 18, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

David John Waters

David John Waters, 54, of Brandon, Fla. ,entered into eternal rest unexpectedly at his home in Brandon, on July 17, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Christian Milton Peach

Christian Milton Peach, 49, of Valrico, Fla., born on August 15, 1973 in Tampa, entered into eternal rest on July 17, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Leon E. Perry

Leon E. Perry, 84, of Plant City, born on Sept. 20, 1938, in Brookfield Ga., entered into eternal rest on July 20, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

William ‘Bill’

Daniel Bozeman

William “Bill” Daniel Bozeman, 87, of Plant City, born on July 11, 1936, in Worth County, Ga., entered into eternal rest on July 21, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Dwayne Calvin Moore

Dwayne Calvin Moore, 61, passed away on July 23, 2023. Services will be held privately.

Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Shirley Cecelia Hurlbert

Shirley Cecelia Hurlbert, 73, passed away on July 21, 2023. A Mass was held on July 26, 2023, at St. Clement Catholic Church. The family has asked that if desired donations may be made to Lifepath Hospice, 12470 Telecom Pkwy, Tampa 33637.

Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Virginia Trautwein

Virginia Trautwein, 75, passed away on June 21, 2023. Services will be held privately. Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Matias Francisco Juan Mateo

Matias Francisco

Juan Mateo, 43, passed away on July 14, 2023. The family will receive friends July 28, 2023 form 4 to 8 p.m. at Haught Funeral Home 708 W Dr MLK Jr Blvd Plant City FL 33563. A Funeral Mass will take place July 29, 2023 at 9 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church 1104 N Alexander Street Plant City FL 33563. A Burial Service will follow at Shiloh Cemetery, Plant City, FL.

Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Geraldine (Geri) McCune McNutt

Geraldine (Geri) McCune McNutt, 87, of Plant City, Fla., passed on Friday, July 14, 2023. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www. WellsMemorial.com for the McNutt family.

celebrate

where several local businesses will additionally be joining in on the fun.

hurt of adult family abandonment. Meetings will include group discussions, self-care and positive inflence activities to help cops with the situation. PEAK is not appropriate for abusive relationships or mental illness. Meetings take place on the fist Wednesday of each month at GracePoint Church. For more information, visit www.peaksup-

FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Federal, state and local opportunities are constantly changing. If you’ve served any time in the military, retired or non-retention, and would like to review your benefis please take advantage of free assistance at the Bing House Museum, 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walk-ins welcomed or call 813-7045800 to set a specific tim.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5

BLUEGRASS JAM

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E.

J. Arden Mays Blvd. This is an open invitation for local Bluegrass musicians and fans to come to the Krazy Kup loft and jam, clap hands, stomp feet and enjoy! Krazy Kup holds their Bluegrass JAM on the fist Saturday of every month.

MONDAY, AUGUST 7

BACK TO SCHOOL

DRIVE

3 to 4 p.m. at 302 McLendon St. Just in time for tax-free weekend, Bruton Memorial Library is taking supply donations to give to schools in Plant City and Dover. Items needed are: regular and colored pencils, crayons, glue, erasers, scissors, Kleenex, disinfecting wipes, Ziplog bags and anything else needed for the educational school system. Starting at 3 p.m., we will be distributing Chromebooks to qualifying elementary families, have health screenings for adults, vision screening for children, and different organizations in Plant City will be available to answer

questions and hand out information.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8

LIFE RECOVERYADDICTION RECOVERY GROUP

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 2103 Mud Lake Rd. The Plant City Church of God hosts Life Recovery on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, a free, Christ centered, 12-step group addiction recovery program for all those in need. Family is welcome to join alongside attendees and for more information, call or text Debbie at 813-763-1562 or Laverne at 813-763-1530.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

OPEN MIC NIGHT

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

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

3 to 6:30 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is back on Saturday, August 19, rain or shine. Cars and trucks of all makes, models and years can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music by DJ John Paul Gasca.

Harry Potter’s birthday with the theme Harry Potter: Muggles on Main

I LOVE PLANT CITY

Send your photo submissions to staff writer Taylor Jenkins at tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com or hashtag #iloveplantcity on Instagram for @igersplantcity to feature.

FORECAST

91

74

rain: 33%

JULY 28

SUNRISE/SUNSET

89

76

of rain: 58% SATURDAY, JULY 29

92

76

of rain: 49%

JULY 30 High: 91

76

of rain: 58%

ONLINE

social media: @PCObserver on Instagram, @PlantObserver on Twitter and Plant City Observer on Facebook.

JULY 31

High: 91 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 58%

MOON PHASES

Shipping point: Central/North Florida $16.00-$20.00

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

TILE & GROUT STEAM

CLEANED

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Angela Westmorland stumbled upon this harmless water snake soaking up some sun in her garden.