7.6.23 PLCO

CITY COMMISSION TO CONSIDER RFP PROPOSAL FOR RESTORATION OF HISTORIC 1914 BUILDING

Commissioners will discuss the proposal at a special meeting on Monday, July 10 at 5 p.m.

A special city commission meeting has been announced to consider the Request for Proprosal (RFP) submitted by the East Hillsborough Historical Society, Inc. (EHHS), relating to the restoration of the city-owned 1914 building. The meeting will be held on Monday, July 10 at 5 p.m. at HCC Trinkle Center, located at 1206 N. Park Rd.

EHHS, who was the only entity that submitted a response to the RFP, proposes to acquire the historic 1914 Plant City High School Community Center through a feesimple deed with restrictive covenants.

In the proposal, the EHHS, a non-profit oganization, plans to undertake the project in three phases which will be completed by two teams (the Restoration Advisory Team and the Remediation Advisory Team) under the di-

AMVETS POST 44 MAKES $15,000

DONATION TO K9 PARTNERS FOR PATRIOTS

THE DONATION WILL COMPLETELY COVER THE COST FOR ONE VETERAN AND THEIR DOG TO GO THROUGH THE ORGANIZATION’S 24-WEEK SERVICE DOG TRAINING ACADEMY.

rect supervision of EHHS President and Executive Director Shelby Bender. The Restoration Advisory Team for Phase I and Phase III is comprised of Vivian Salaga, Principal, AIA, ATELIER Architecture Engineering

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

A PATRIOTIC INDEPENDENCE DAY IN PLANT CITY

On Friday, Plant City’s local AMVETS Post 44 welcomed Mary Peter, the founder and executive director of training operations from K9 Partners for Patriots, to present her and the organization a check for $15,000 that was raised by fundraisers through the post.

“It costs us $15,000 to put a veteran and a dog through the program so we’ll pick a veteran and that’s what this particular money will go toward,” Peter said. “And we don’t charge veterans anything so we’ll pick

one, let them know that this money has been donated on their behalf and let that veteran know that there are people who care. The money will go to change a life and maybe change a whole family’s life. That’s sometimes what happens, when a veteran’s life changes and they have a family then the whole family changes. Marriages are restored, kids have their dad or mom back, it’s just dominoes and it’s an amazing thing to watch.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Residents show up at the city’s annual event to watch a spectacular fieworks display.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

TAYLOR JENKINS STAFF WRITER

State Senator Danny Burgess and his family enjoy Plant City’s July 4th celebration.

Caring just for YOU.

With busy summer schedules, kids will be hopping on the bus back to school before you know it! For school physicals, summer allergies, and everything in-between, Dr. Humam Alabsi and his team at our Plant City location make booking visits easy and convenient.

Need an appointment soon? We are accepting new patients and offer same-day appointments.

Our Pediatric Doctor:

BACK 2 SCHOOL HEALTH CLINIC SCHEDULED

It seems way too soon to be talking about back-to-school events but a free Back 2 School Health Clinic will be happening in Plant City at Swindle Medical Center, located at 1601 W. Timberlane Dr., on Monday, July 17 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Hosted by The Back to School Coalition of Hillsborough County, students will receive free immunizations, school physicals and even COVID-19 vaccines for children 12 to 18 years old.

Parents can register for the event at back2schoolfair.org. For more information contact the clinic hotline at 800-4064871.

LIBRARY BOARD MEMBERS APPOINTED

At last week’s City Commission meeting, two seats on the Plant City Library Board were filled fom three applicants. Its seven-member board members serve three year terms.

“I think it’s great we got three applications in,” said City Commissioner Jason Jones.

Luke Carvalho, a current member of the board whose term was set to expire July 1, was seeking reappointment. His application was accepted and his term now expires July 1, 2026.

newly-released statewide Algebra and Geometry assessment results, outperforming the state average. In addition, students throughout the district showed improvement over the course of the school year in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math.

This was the baseline year of the FASTFlorida Assessment of Student Thinking- a statewide progress monitoring tool given to students three times a year, in Grades 3 - 10 in ELA and Grades 3 - 8 in Math.

Between the fist administration of the tests in the fall of 2022 to the third administration in spring 2023, students showed growth and understanding of the B.E.S.T. Standards- Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking.

HCPS students in every subgroup made signifiant increases from PM1 to PM3 in Math and ELA:

„ Black students increased performance throughout the year by:

14 percentage points in Grade 3-10 ELA

33 percentage points in Grade 3-8 Math

„ Hispanic students increased by:

15 percentage points in Grade 3-10 ELA

39 percentage points in Grade 3-8 Math

„ Students with Disabilities increased by: 12 percentage points in Grade 3-10 ELA and 29 percentage points in Grade 3-8 Math

„ Students from economically disadvantaged families increased performance throughout the year by:

15 percentage points in Grade 3-10 ELA

36 percentage points in Grade 3-8 Math

“Nothing is more enriching than being part of a child’s growth journey into thriving and wellness.”

Our Location:

“I was impressed with his attendance rating at those meetings, in three years he attended 30 meetings,” said Jones.

The second seat, formerly occupied by Tristin Wright, was filled y Jeremy Griner, who is occupying Wright’s seat until her term expires on July 1, 2024.

Mayor Nate Kilton thanked residents for their willingness to serve. “We appreciate people who are willing to participate in the civic work of our community,” he said.

“This is our fi st year with the new progress monitoring assessments and we are extremely proud of the growth our students made throughout the course of the school year. The results indicate the tireless efforts of our teachers, administrators, school-based, and district staff to ensure our students are on track with their learning. We also appreciate our community partners and other stakeholders who stand with us to provide resources and support to ensure student success,” says Interim Superintendent Van Ayres. To make an appointment with Dr. Alabsi, please call 863.284.5000.

STUDENTS IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS SHOW GROWTH ON NEW STATEWIDE ASSESSMENTS

Students in Hillsborough County demonstrated impressive achievements in

SUMMER STAYCATION

Escape the heat by exploring a nearby museum.

It’s definiely feeling like the dogs days of summer with no respite from Florida’s punishing heat and high humidity. This week’s staycation encourages a visit to one (or all) of the many air-conditioned museums, all within an hour drive of Plant City, where visitors can stay cool while learning something.

While some museums do have admissions fees, free admission is available to select museums using the Discovery Pass available through the Hillsborough County Public Library. The passes are available on a fist-come, fist-served basis. One Discovery Pass, which provides a one-time admission or tour to an attraction on the date specified may be checked out per adult library card. Participating museums include the Tampa Bay History Center, Glazer Children’s Museum and others. For more information visit hcplc.org/services/ discoverypass.

Another program, Museums for All, encourages people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum-going habits. Families and individuals receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefis can gain free or reduced admission to more than 1,000 museums throughout the United States, including MOSI, Glazer Children’s Museum and Tampa Bay History Center in Tampa and Florida Children’s Museum in Lakeland, simply be presenting their EBT card and photo ID. For more information about this program visit museums4all.org. Also, don’t forget to ask about discounts for military and veterans, teachers and fist-responders.

ROBERT W. WILLAROD RAILROAD MUSEUM

AND TRAIN VIEWING PLATFORM

102 N. Palmer St., Plant City

Tucked right in downtown in the old Plant City train station, this free museum features a sizable collection of train memorabilia including a completely restored 1942 Whitcomb Locomotive. Visitors can also sit on the train viewing platform, a great place to catch a train going by in the evenings. The museum is open TuesdaySaturday 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

For more information about the museum visit willafordrailroadmuseum.com.

gravity on its Sky Trail Ropes Course. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Regular admission prices are $14 for adults and $10 for children ages three to 17. Children two and under are free. For more information visit mosi.org.

GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa

THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM

701 Channelside Dr., Tampa

There’s a lot to explore during a visit to the aquarium, from its 80-foot glass dome in the Wetlands to the 500,000-gallon Coral Reef habitat. From sharks to fish and otters to seat turtles, children will be amazed at some of the creatures that inhabit this planet. The museum is open Monday - Sunday 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Ticket prices fluctuae based on several factors, including weather, day of week, holidays, local events and attendance patterns. For more information visit flaquariumorg.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY (MOSI)

4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa

Located across the street from the University of South Florida, this museum is a scientific plyground for the young and young-at-heart. It features more than 100 hands-on activities. Guests can lie on a bed of nails (ouch), explore optical illusions, challenge themselves with brain puzzles, explore another world in its NASA-funded Mission: Moonbase lunary colony, learn about the solar system in the Saunders Planetarium and defy

COMMISSION APPROVES

At last week’s city commission meeting, commissioners unanimously voted to approve the purchase of one TruNarc Narcotics Analytic Instrument from ThermoFisher for $26,252.30. The purchase is being funded by money in the capital account ($5,000), a transfer from the non-capital line item ($10,000) and Federal Equitable Share Fund Balance ($12,000).

The TruNarc device is a handheld narcotics analyzer that utilizes cutting-edge technology to enable police officers to analyze and identify a wide range of illicit drugs, including opioids, narcotics, stimu-

lants and other controlled substances, without the need for physical contact of the substance.The device emits a laser light beam and analyzes the chemical signature produced by the substance. The device compares the chemical signature with an onboard library of hundreds of signatures of common drugs and other common substances that it is likely to encounter. Based on the comparison, officers can presumptively identify if the suspected substance is illegal or not.

Police Chief James Bradford, who gave a presentation to commissioners about the device, said it will give officers the ability to

A visit to the Glazer Children’s Museum will have children exploring the world around them through imaginative play. They can master money in Central Bank, save the day in the Firehouse, scoop sweets in the Ice Cream Parlor and grocery shop at Publix. The museum is open Tuesday - Sunday 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Regular admission prices are $18 for adults and children, however admission to the museum is free for the whole family on the fist Tuesday of every month from 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information visit glazermuseum.org.

FLORIDA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

600 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland

This Lakeland gem offers a 47,800 square feet state-of-the-art facility with plenty of interactive exhibits for children to explore. It’s a combination of fun and education. The museum is open Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 per person; children under two are free. For more information visit explorefcm.org.

presumptively identify illegal substances through plastic or glass, thus limiting offiers’ exposure to lethal substances.

“The drug problem is ever-present, with traffickingf methamphetamines, heroin, and emerging threats like fentanyl and carfentanyl impacting communities worldwide,” he said. “We as law enforcement officers need to quickly identify suspected narcotics in the field o help keep drugs, and drug dealers off the treets,” he said. “The TruNarc instrument provides a safer way to conduct investigations.”

By minimizing direct contact with the substances, the device enhances officer

safety and reduces the risk of accidental exposure to dangerous drugs. It provides a valuable layer of protection during the investigation of potentially hazardous situations.

City Manager Bill McDaniel acknowledges the importance of providing police officers with the necessary tools and technology to combat drug-related crimes directly. “This is a much safer, faster and effective way to establish probable cause that the substance is an illicit narcotic,” he said. “You don’t want to be exposing officers to any hazards unduly.”

COPS CORNER

JUNE 22

week on Cops Corner, Plant City Police investigate: A fraudulent withdrawal, a stolen vehicle and a missing firearm

TRAILER TRASHED

600 block of E Laura St.

Stolen vehicle: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who reported that their enclosed trailer was stolen.

JUNE 23

FROZEN IN TIME

300 block of Faison St.

Petit theft: An officer responded to the listed location and met with the victim in reference to the theft of food from a shared freezer.

STICKY FINGERS

2600 block of James L Redman Pkwy.

Petit theft: An officer responded to a business at the listed location in reference to a theft in progress. One individual was subsequently arrested for theft and transported to Orient Road Jail.

MO’ MONEY, MO’ PROBLEMS

200 block of E Trapnell Rd.

Fraud: An officer responded to the listed location and met with the victim who advised that $500 was withdrawn from their account.

JUNE 24

CRASH AND DASH

3500 block of Trapnell Grove Loop

Stolen vehicle: An officer responded to a business at the listed location in reference to a hit and run vehicle crash. A vehicle abandoned at the scene was discovered to have been reported stolen.

PONY UP

1400 block of Plantation Blvd

Stolen/recovered vehicle: An officer responded to the listed location and met with the victim who reported their Ford Mustang stolen. The vehicle was later recovered.

JUNE 25

CAR TROUBLES

1000 block of Robin Dr.

Criminal mischief: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who reported that their vehicle had been damaged.

O

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com

Sports Writer / Taylor Jenkins tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com

istockJUNE 26

BREAKING BAD

2300 block of W Baker St. Business burglary: An officer responded to a business at the listed location and met with an employee who stated that an unknown individual broke the front glass door and entered the business.

CLEAN PLATES

2000 block of N Frontage Rd.

Stolen tag: An officer responded to the listed location and met with the victim in reference to a tag stolen from their vehicle.

JUNE 27

GONE GUN

3400 block of Birdie Hawkins Dr. Vehicle burglary: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who advised that their vehicle was burglarized, resulting in a fiearm being taken.

StaffWriter / Michelle Caceres michelle@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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CITY COMMISSION TO CONSIDER RFP PROPOSAL FOR RESTORATION OF HISTORIC 1914 BUILDING

MICHELLE CACERES

STAFF WRITER

Construction Inc. (“ATELIER”), Cassie Gardner, CEO, General Contractor, All Trades Historical Restoration, LLC. (“All Trades”) and Brian Wilder, CPA, Munro & Wilder, (“MW”) Owner Restorer of Mirror Lake Lyceum.

The Remediation Advisory Team for Phase II is comprised of Miles Ballogg, National Brownfields ractice Leader, EnSafe, Inc., (“EnSafe”), Kelly Bishop, Principal, PG, Brightwater Solutions, LLC (“Brightwater”), James Greenfield Principal Scientist, Greenfield nvironmental, Inc., (“Greenfield”) and Bagg Crane, President, ADS Abatement & Demolition Services, Inc., (“ADS”). The proposal details the experience of each team member, which includes decades of experience in grantwriting and the successful completion of many historic preservation projects. Phase one, which will span one year, will consist of “sealing the envelope and waterproofing the tructure,” which includes repairing the roof, windows, doors, lintels and brick masonry. In phase two, that will run concurrently with phase one and take approximately two years, environmental concerns will be addressed, including lead paint and asbestos remediation. In phase three, which could last seven years, the fo-

PLANT CITY SHOWS PROUDLY DISPLAYS ITS PATRIOTIC SPIRIT

cus will be interior restoration and implementation of programming and services.

Included in the proposal is the funding sources the EHHS will utilize for the restoration, which includes an already secured $1.5 million from the 2022-2023 Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners budget. It has plans to procure additional funding from income producing projects, grants from both public and private sources and funds from donors. According to the proposal, one of the team members, EnSafe, has significant experience in applying for and being awarded cleanup dollars to address phase two needs.

EHHS President Shelby Bender, who’s been following historic preservation for at least 45 years, is hopeful the commission will accept the EHHS’s proposal, the goal of which is to successfully preserve the 1914 building and increase its economic viability. Time is of the essence as the building continues to deteriorate due to deferred maintenance.

“The East Hillsborough Historical Society’s motto is preserving the past for the future,” she said. “This building has served multiple generations and it can continue to serve as a community gathering place for generations to come.”

Residents of Plant City came together Tuesday with plenty of southern charm to celebrate Independence Day as the annual July 4th festival wrapped up with a spectacular fieworks display that lit up the night sky. The stadium served as the backdrop for the festivities, where families and friends gathered to enjoy an evening filled with atriotic fun, food and entertainment.

Live musical performances by local bands provided the perfect soundtrack for the evening event. The festive atmosphere fostered a sense of togetherness, as people from all walks of life mingled and shared their love of country.

As the sun set below the western skyline, anticipation grew for the fieworks display. The show left spectators both young and old in awe as a kaleidoscope of

colors exploded in the sky accompanied by thunderous booms that reverberated throughout the stadium.

Parks and Recreation Director Julie Garretson was thankful for her staff ’s hard work, including special event coordinator Ivanna Ibarra. “Ivanna did an incredible job growing the event offering more vendors, food trucks and plenty of activities,” she said. “We are estimating that about 7,000 to 8,000 people were in attendance and we’ve gotten great feedback from residents that were in attendance.”

One of those residents was Kim Kokoszka Kinder.

“The event was so organized and well run and it was so easy getting into and out of the stadium,” said Kinder.

She loved the fieworks show. “It was awesome,” she said.

As the last fiework in the finale aded away, residents left the stadium with hearts full of cherished memories and a sense of community and national pride.

Commissioners will discuss the proposal at a special meeting on Monday, July 10 at 5 p.m.

Thousands of residents come out for good food, music and a stunning fieworks display.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Photo courtesy of Plant City Parks and Recreation

Photo courtesy of Ashley Flack

AMVETS POST 44 MAKES LIFE-CHANGING DONATION TO NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 2013, K9 PARTNERS FOR PATRIOTS HAS HELPED OVER 750 VETERANS AND THEIR PETS COMPLETE SERVICE DOG TRAINING.

A Certified Mater Dog Trainer, Peter has trained dogs professionally since 1987 and has trained service dogs since 1997. Previously operating a for-profit dog taining organization, she closed down operations to kickstart K9 Partners for Patriots in 2013, a non-profit do-training organization that offers services to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder/traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma at no cost to the veteran.

“It was founded because I saw the need,” Peter said. “I had a for-profit do-training business and I saw veterans coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan and they needed some help. They would sign up for my obedience classes but struggled in a civilian environment. It’s a God thing. I felt like God was telling me that I could do something so I closed my business and founded K9 Partners for Patriots. The whole goal is to give our veterans a mission. Many have lost camaraderie so we can give them camaraderie again but we give them a mission, that’s that they’re going to do all of the training on their own dog – or a dog we give them. It gives them a purpose, a function, it helps keep their mind occupied, there are less thoughts

of suicide because they’ve got a dog to work with and they come once per week for a six month program with instructional homework every day that they have to do to reach a total of 360 training hours.”

K9 Partners for Patriots currently serves veterans from 41 different counties throughout the state of Florida, along with veterans that come from out of state for training. Since 2013, Peter and the organization have assisted 751 veterans. The training is dependent on each individual veteran, but services that the dogs provide at the conclusion of their training includes waking their owners during nightmares, redirecting their focus during flashacks to avoid escalation, assist their owners in managing emotions and panic attacks and also building the confidene to re-adjust to public situations.

“We have some area rooms in our buildings like restaurant, cafe area, doctor’s office, pet store, we have grocery carts, then we take them grocery shopping and we take them out to eat,” Peter said. “We do all of these things after we’ve trained them inside the facility where they’re comfortable so that they can little by little take their life back.”

The fundraising efforts for this specific cause was spearheaded when AMVETS

Post 44 Commander John Cameron and his wife

fist discovered the organization and toured their facility. Instantly loving the cause, Post 44 inquired about the entire cost of putting a veteran and their dog through the training program and then began looking at how they could make it happen. The Post’s Ladies Auxiliary and the Riders – two groups within Post 44, alongside the Veterans and the Sons of AMVETS – took the challenge on as a team, holding cornhole tournaments, a ride, steak shoots and commander bartending days to raise funds.

“Our Post and the community came together in a huge way for this and really stepped up,” said Ladies Auxiliary President Christy Layton. “We raised the money in a matter of about three months which is pretty amazing. Like I said, the Post and all of the members really stepped up to make this happen. It started out as a Riders and Ladies event but it really ended up being an entire post event. Our AMVETS stepped up, our Sons stepped up and the community of course stepped up to make all of this happen.”

AMVETS Post 44 has raised over $100,000 for charity each of the past two years with their major fundraisers includ-

ing Toys for Tots and their annual Golf Fundraiser and 9/11 event, with several smaller fundraising efforts taking place throughout the year and every dollar raised going back into the community.

To learn more about AMVETS Post 44, how to join or how to simply help with their fundraising efforts, visit www. amvetspost44.org. Upcoming fundraisers include a Ride To Remember Kensington Winchester and subsequent Gun Raffl on Saturday, July 8 and their annual 9/11 event taking place on Saturday, Sept. 9.

“The way to join us is just to come meet us,” Layton said. “Come to the Post and see if you like it. If you like the people and you like what we do then we can get you in. If you’re a veteran you can join the AMVETS, all you have to have is an honorable discharge with a DD214. If you’re not a veteran but your father, sister, brother, mother was a veteran and you’re a female then you can be a female you can join the Ladies Auxiliary, if you’re a male then you’d be a Sons of AMVETS member.”

For more information on K9 Partners for Patriots, including their team, their mission and ways to help, visit www.k9partnersforpatriots.com.

Kathy, along with Americanism Representative Patti Alley,

TAYLOR JENKINS STAFF WRITER

Supreme Court Decision on Race Places More

Importance on Community Colleges

FELIX HAYNES

Hillsborough Community College, and others like it, will likely see a rise in their importance and impact on education in the wake of last week’s decision by the U. S. Supreme Court to ban the use of race as a criterion for university admissions.

With the goals of making up for past discrimination and of increasing diversity in classrooms, for the better part of fie decades, most American universities have used race as at least one criterion for admissions decisions. With the Court’s recent decision, universities deciding to retain those goals will need to base admissions decisions on indirect factors like the life experiences and socioeconomic status of students.

But there is another entire branch of higher education, community colleges, with a long proven track record of filling the gap and increasing racial and socioeconomic diversity in classrooms. Florida boasts 28 geographically-dispersed public colleges in this branch of higher education, and although many have removed the word “community” from their titles, by state law they must still operate as community colleges.

Our own Hillsborough Community College localizes this geographical dispersion by operating fie campuses in Hillsborough County: Plant City, Brandon, Ybor, Dale Mabry, and Southshore.

Since President Harry Truman fist called for a whole new branch of higher education called community colleges, these colleges have operated with open enrollment, lower tuition than universities, and by offering a set of programs that meet the educational needs of their local community and economy.

Community colleges have offered a new, parallel, and open path to a university degree. Students could enroll in a com-

munity college, earn a two-year associate in arts degree by taking the same lower division courses they would take at a university, and then transfer to a university to complete the last two years of a bachelor’s degree. The state of Florida has underscored the importance of this parallel path to a university degree by requiring that students who successfully complete an associate in arts degree at a Florida community college be guaranteed admission as a junior to one of Florida’s public universities.

After four years of successful enrollment at a Florida community college and a university, a student can achieve the same bachelor’s degree goal that they could have reached by initial acceptance at a public university. By following this path, a Florida student of color need not be harmed because universities are prevented from using race as a criterion for admission. Those same students can be admitted to higher education through the open door of community colleges.

Once enrolling at a community college and already taking advantage of lower tuition, students of any race with limited financial esources can access a goodly number of financial aid pograms to help them to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, room, and board.

In the wake of last week’s Supreme Court ruling, universities will undoubtedly place new importance on considering the challenges which students who apply for admission have faced in their lives in place of their race, but the community college open enrollment associate in arts and university transfer route which has been in place for many years will continue to offer a path which has never been challenged legally for all students to access our American higher education system.

Utilities Department Wins Awards At Florida Water Resources Conference

“Only rain should go down that drain,” said Super Murph (a.k.a. Plant City Utilities Chief Plant Operator Patrick Murphy) in an entertaining and informative YouTube video about not dumping leaves or debris in storm drains.

The video, one of the “Conserving Water for a Cleaner Plant City” series of public service announcements produced by Fryed Egg Productions last year to provide residents with tips aimed to help them do their part and follow best practices to support the City’s water supply, helped Plant City earn a Public Education Award at the Florida Water Resources Conference. Other video topics included: grease management, irrigation, Florida-friendly landscaping and storm drain maintenance. The award recognizes events/campaigns for signifiant accomplishments that foster and support the development of public outreach programs as well as integrate public education.

That’s exactly what the videos do; break down the complex water and wastewater treatment processes to make it easy to understand and teach residents how to do their part to maintain the water supply.

“The videos were just the Utilities Department reaching out to citizens to try to put some tidbits of information out there for them so they’d remember something with a little humor in it,” said Murphy, who’s worked for the city for 20 years.

Plant City received a second award when Murphy received the Leroy H. Scott Award, recognizing a wastewater treatment plant operator who did the best job in operating a plant.

“That’s the top award you can get in the state of Florida,” said a surprised and thankful Murphy. “I love this job, I do this for the safety of the citizens and the protection of the environment, that’s the satisfying part of working in this field”

He’s also appreciative of the support he receives from city leaders. The city commission recognized the department for its achievements at its meeting last week.

“Not only does our water quality continue to win awards but once again our staff are recognized within their peer group for their outstanding contributions, the videos were an outstanding example of an effective way to communicate with the public,” said City Manager Bill McDaniel.

The department was recognized for its pubic education campaign.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

OUTGOING CX-9 A WORTHY PASSENGER-, CARGO-HAULER

Say goodbye to the CX-9 at year-end as the Mazda flaship crossover gets replaced by the larger CX-90 for 2024. We have always been fans of the CX-9 for its tremendous performance, and more than anything, its ability to carry passengers and cargo in comfort.

Under the hood of the 2023 CX-9 is once again a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine putting out 227 horsepower @ 5000 rpm and 310 pounds-feet of torque @ 2000 rpm. The powertrain is equipped with the direct-injection Skyactiv, which uses a torque boost via a high compression ratio to increase fuel economy. Power is routed through the traditional but seamless 6-speed automatic transmission. Suspension is handled via an independent MacPherson strut in the front and a multilink rear with stabilizer bars at both ends. The electric-power assist steering is direct and precise. And the CX-9 is available in several trims to meet the needs of the diverse buyer. Tow capac-

ity is an impressive 3,500 pounds. The familiar fie-point grille decked in titanium gray metal finish is surounded by LED headlights while the rear also gets LED tail lamps and dual exhaust tips. Nappa leather and splashes of rosewood and aluminum trim lend classiness to the roomy cabin. The quilted/piped, second-row Captain’s chairs, which can slide fore and aft, as well as the 50/50 third-row seat, will be useful if traveling with children. Analog instrument gauges are crystal clear in the 7-inch meter display. Also standard are a tri-zone auto a/c, 8-way heated power driver and 6-way passenger seats, 10.25inch infotainment screen coupled with the command control, power lift gate, head-up display, tilt/telescopic steering column, second-row window sun shades, pushbutton start and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.

Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag for all rows, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution, dynamic stability control and traction control, antiskid system with rollover sensor,

front seat active-head restraints, threepoint front seatbelts with pretensioners, rear backup sensors, blind spot and 360-degree monitors, lane keep assist/ departure warning, rear cross traffic ale, front/rear crumple zones and tire pressure monitoring system are standard. Lest we forget, G-Vectoring Control (uses engine timing for more accurate steering inputs) and Smart City Brake Support (designed to reduce rear-end collisions by stopping at low speeds before a frontal impact).

The CX-9 may become history soon, but it was never your run-of-the-mill crossover SUV. It offers generous power, quick acceleration, excellent people- and cargo-hauling capabilities, and in the looks department, it scores a point or two for bold styling. We are confident is substitute, the CX-90, will live up to the reputation. And some more!

CX-9 AWD (SIGNATURE)

Tires: P255/50R20

Wheelbase: 115.3 inches

Length: 199.4 inches

Weight: 4,409 pounds

Fuel capacity: 19.5 gallons

City: 20 mpg

Highway: 26 mpg

Base price: $48,460

Web site: www.mazdausa.com

Nitish S. Rele operates motoringtampabay.com and Khaas Baat, and was an automotive editor/columnist for the Tampa Tribune. Email him at motoringtampabay@gmail.com.

AT THE PLANT CITY PLAYHOUSE

SPORTS

FEATURED FUTURE: GREG SMITH

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.

After four years with Durant High School football, Greg Smith has committed to continue his academic and athletic journey at West Virginia Wesleyan College.

Despite now having the opportunity to play ball at the college level, Smith says that when he was younger he almost never played football at all. Despite his parents encouraging him to play at the youth level, he wasn’t sure if playing was worth the risk of injury. But after some convincing, he eventually started youth football at seven years old — with youth Pro Bowls and even a National Championship in seventh grade coming along the way before making his way to Durant.

“At first I never wanted to play football,” Smith said. “My parents wanted me to play but I never did because when I was little I just thought that I would immediately start playing against the big players and I was worried that I’d get hurt, but once I saw little league I said sure, I’ll try it, and that was that.”

As a freshman, Smith had an opportunity to play in four varsity games but spend most of the season on junior varsity. And by his sophomore year, he began to find time in the rotation along the defensive line as he totaled five tackles and two tackles for loss across four games. As a junior he became a captain and his production began to creep up with 22 total tackles, three tackles for loss and the first two sacks of his career in

eight games at defensive tackle. As a senior this past fall, his second year as a team captain, he had become a staple along the Cougars’ front seven — starting in 11 games and notching 31 total tackles and 2.5 sacks as his tackle for loss numbers jumped to a team-high 13. And as he developed as a player on the field, Smith noted how he grew as a person and a leader within the Cougars’ program.

“When I first got to Durant I was pretty quiet, I really only talked to people I knew,” Smith said. “I didn’t really talk to everyone on the team even though they were my teammates but as I got into the program more, became a captain, I gained those leadership skills. If someone was slacking off I had to fix it, I had to help them get what they need done so the team doesn’t have to sacrifice. Like I said, I was quiet, but as I went to more camps and things like that I would have to talk to coaches. When I was at school I had to communicate with teammates, help them get into shape and get ready for football and that also helped me in the classroom. If I needed help, I’d be more vocal with my teachers and ask for that help which improved my grades. If there was a younger player that had something to deal with at school but were nervous to talk to the coaches about it, they’d come talk to me and I could help them.”

A Hillsborough County All-Conference selection an All-American nominee from both O-D and Dream USA, Smith had put himself on the radar with his tendency to battle into the backfield through double-

and triple-team attention from opposing offensive line and standing out at camps across three different states. And as his play improved, the attention he received from college programs began to ramp up.

“I wouldn’t say the recruitment process was difficult but I didn’t totally understand it at the time,” Smith said. “I wasn’t really thinking about it at first but I knew that I wanted to go to college. I had a couple of schools looking at me but I went to a lot of camps, I know I did that. Every summer I would train and go to camps non-stop so that more and more schools could look at me. Eventually I made an NCAA ID so that I was in the college database where schools could see me, my build, my grades.”

After conversations with a number of schools that included Valdosta State, Ball State and Virginia University of Lynchburg, Smith received an offer from West Virginia Wesleyan — a football program with familiar ties to Durant as former Cougars in Nate Brennan and Logan Mayo are already a part of the team, along with a commitment from Smith’s more recent teammate Elian Gonzalez, a wide receiver that graduated alongside Smith this spring.

With a pair of visits to West Virginia Wesleyan and former teammates to join, Smith found a home in Buckhannon.

“It was great to talk with all of the schools but with West Virginia Wesleyan I already knew people up there,” Smith said. “So even though it’s far from home, I know people. Those guys have already been up there. Nate Brennan’s been up there for two years,

Logan Mayo’s been up there for a year, plus Elian will be with me so that’s four people that I already know so I said, I think I’ll be comfortable with this. Then I took a visit, I got to spend a night on campus in one of the dorms and I really liked it. Plus I like the cold, so when I heard West Virginia and the snow, I liked that.”

On the football side, Smith noted the coaching staff at Wesleyan liked his drive, his motor, his ability to get into the backfield and go after the ball quickly — that they were ready for him to get up to West Virginia and do that for the Bobcats.

“It really feels good,” Smith said. “When I first started playing I felt like a lot of people got to play in college but not a lot of people made it to the NFL, but really, not a lot of people even get the chance to play in college. So when I was able to have an opportunity to go to school for a lower price and also have a team that really wanted me to be there, it felt good. I was just like, I’m one step closer to where I want to be.”

STRAWBERRY CREST PLAYERS TAKE ON USMC BUILT TO LEAD FOOTBALL CAMP

With two players in attendance, one Charger was named Defensive MVP

The United States Marine Corps Sports Leadership Academy held their annual Free Community Clinic late last month, a football camp where enlisted Marines and coaches train local players while also aiming to instill participants with intangible qualities that will make them Built to Lead in every aspect of life.

Strawberry Crest saw a pair of their players in attendance, with wide receiver/defensive back Steve Parkmond II and defensive lineman/fullback Rodney Addison taking on the challenge.

While football camps are nothing new to high school players, Crest's representa-

tives spoke about the emphasis on leadership and development off the field from the unique, USMC-driven camp.

“It was fun, it was a good opportunity to get better,” Parkmond said. “You don’t have that many chances in the summer other than 7-on-7 or some workouts to go against players that aren’t at your school, to workout and show your talents to college coaches. And they teach you more than you might expect to learn at a camp there, it’s about more than football at the Marine camp. They teach you about life, respect, more about being a man, I think it helps a lot because football isn’t forever. As much as people want it to be, its not forever. A lot of coaches will tell you that, like Coach [Phillip]

Prior says, it’s not about the next four years, it’s about the next 40. There’s a whole life after and you can’t only focus on football.”

Addison echoed Parkmond’s praise of the camp’s ability to both help players sharpen their skills on the field while also taking in valuable life lessons, but additionally, Addison was named the camp’s Defensive MVP after the long session in the Florida sun.

“It was good,” Addison said. “It just shows how much my work has paid off over my years at Crest, putting in all that work on the field and in the weight room.”

The USMC Sports Leadership Academy is in its seventh year with over 160 clinics in six different sports conducted, including lacrosse, soccer, basketball, football, vol-

leyball and wrestling. The Academy offers free one-day sports clinics to different cities each yer, including 47 total clinics in 2023 alone. At each event, Marines are integrated into the day and interact with the athletes through four leadership development sessions, a physical training session, a team building session, and offer overall motivation throughout the day, along with staff of coaches that help develop players’ sportspecific abilities on the field. For more information on the USCM Sports Leadership Academy, visit www.usmcsports.com.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

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

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

ALAN’S AIR CONDITIONING HOSTS FIRST ANNUAL HOT DOG EATING CONTEST

With the sun sitting high over Plant City on a hot summer afternoon, Alan’s Air Conditioning brought the competition as they kicked off the 4th f July weekend with their fist annual Hot Dog Eating Contest.

“We just brought Alli Perkins on as our new marketing director and we were looking for some things to do to obviously get our brand out there but also do some things with the community and get to know some other businesses,” Alan’s AC owner Brian Lewis said. “She came to me with the idea, and we’re all foodies around here, so I figued let’s do it here, let’s host one. We reached out to local businesses –some of them were clients of ours, some of them were vendors of ours but some were just people from around the community that wanted to be a part of the contest.”

At noon, all seven competitors took their seats at the table on stage as pans filled with 0 hot dogs were placed before them and pitchers of water were filled o help the participants down those dogs quicker. A few minutes later the clock

began ticking and each competitor raced to see who could devour the most before their 10 minute time limit elapsed. With a variety of strategies and levels of urgency deployed – whether competitors dipped their buns in water or ate their hot dogs and buns separately, whether they took a “slow and steady” approach or jumped out of the gate firing on all ylinders – the race was on.

Through the fist few minutes everything seemed calm, without much struggling to speak of from the eaters. But as the field cossed over into the back half of their 10 minute time limit, the pressure mounting from the sheer volume of hot dogs consumed became evident. The brows became furrowed, the sweat on their foreheads and strain on their faces was clear.

As the final econd expired, officialsgan walking down the table to assess the damage, note each competitor’s number of hot dogs and crown a winner. And despite valiant efforts from all seven competitors, only one man could be crowned a champion – with the honor going to Rodger Bone, representing Plant City’s

Safe Choice Tree Service & Hauling with a total of 8.5 hot dogs eaten.

“It was my fist ever hot dog eating contest,” Bone said. “It was friendly, it was nice, it was well setup and I feel like it was a great thing for the community and to get friends together. Other than that it was fun, it’s going to hurt later when I go back to work, but that’s about it. To prepare I just wanted to see if I could eat more than like four hot dogs, so earlier in the week I set up a dozen hot dogs and ate those, but they were a little easier to eat because they were different, the Oscar Mayer hot dogs, so they were a little bit smaller. Then I got here, saw those bigger hot dogs and got a little nervous, but it all panned out in the end.”

The event was sponsored by Plant City Premiere LUX Cine & Pizza Pub, providing all of the food for the fist annual event.

“I thought it was awesome,” Lewis said. “I think the guys were surprised that the hot dogs were as big as they are. A lot of them kind of had a game plan going into it, but I think that when they saw the size of these wieners they said, ‘oh man, that’s not going to work.”

With seven competitors hungry for hot dogs and competition, only one could come away victorious.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR

“My meme and papa at ABC Pizza. I miss the nights they used to take me there when I was a little and I miss them so much and love them.” - Robert Gardner

“My Grandma, to introduce her to my children.” - Audra Elizabeth

“My mother. The best friend I ever had, and a wonderful mom.” - Gereva Gambrell

“My grandparents because I love and miss them so much.” - Mykel Shelley

“My dad because I love and miss him so much.” - Wendy Marlow

“My grandma, would love to catch up. It’s been too many years.” - Timothy Ritter

“I would say Anne Frank what a story to tell of her journey.” - Cynthia Davis Van Camp

“Jesus. He needs to come again. Soon.”

- Linda Pettinger Bevis

“Thomas Jefferson because I want to know what he thinks of today’s politics and if this was the vision they had when they were drafting up the Constitution.”

- Jo Anne

We asked Plant City: If you could have dinner with any person in history, living or dead, who would it be and why?

George ‘Howard’ Loyd

George “Howard” Loyd, 90, of Plant City, born on May 31, 1933, in Plant City, Florida, entered into eternal rest on June 27, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Ronnie Reed

Ronnie Reed, 69, of Lithia, born on May 6, 1954, in Albuquerque, N.M., entered into eternal rest on June 30, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Donna Lee Streetman

Donna Lee Streetman, age 88, of Hiawassee, Ga. went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 30, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Royce ‘Totsy’ Smith

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Royce “Totsy” Smith, 89, passed away peacefully at home on June 30, 2023. Friends and family will be received, July 6, 2023, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd Plant City, FL 33563. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

OBITUARIES

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ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

BEST BET

SATURDAY, JULY 8

RIDE TO REMEMBER KENSINGTON WINCHESTER

11 a.m. at 5521 E State Rd. 60. AMVETS Post 44 will host a Ride to Remember in honor of Kensington Winchester, with registration beginning at 11 a.m. and running from 12:15 before the dice run begins at 12:30. Registration will cost $15 per person, with an extra dice run card costing $10 and re-rolls costing $5 (one per stop.) The ride will make stops at River’s Edge, The Water Hole, Tiki Hut and back to AMVETS Post 44 where the event will feature vendors, raffles, a 50/50 drawing and live music from the Boss Hog Band. That evening at 8 p.m., Post 44 will host a gun raffle, with a $20 donation offering you two opportunities to win a Spikes Tactical Multi-Caliber ST15 AR15 and/or a Baikal Russian over/under 12 gauge 2 ¾ shotgun donated by Plant City’s Airborne Arms. A limited number of raffle tiets will be sold and you do not need to be present to win. All proceeds will benefit the amily of Kinsington James. For more information, contact AMVETS Post 44 or visit www. amvetspost44.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 8

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.

TUESDAY, JULY 11

LIFE RECOVERY - ADDITION

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 813-7631562 or Laverne at 813-763-1530.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

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 813-704-5800 to set a specific tim.

FRIDAY, JULY 14

CHRISTMAS IN JULY TOY

DRIVE – FRIDAY NIGHT FLICKS

5 to 9 p.m. at Evers St. / J. Arden Mays Blvd. Make your way to Downtown Plant City for Plant City Main Street’s Friday Night Flicks event, an opportunity to shop and dine in Historic Downtown Plant City

and enjoy a feature film under the tars. Admission is free and July’s event will feature a showing of Harry Potter. Bring chairs, blankets and toys to donate as Friday Night Flicks will serve as a host to one of the No More Umbrellas Foundation’s Christmas In July Toy Drive locations, with the chance to receive a free Sno Cone with your donation.

SATURDAY, JULY 15

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISEIN

THE BEST

LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS

8 p.m. at 101 N Thomas St. In arrangement with Concord Theatricals, Plant City Entertainment presents The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas — a broadway musical originally written by Carol Hall, Larry L. King and Peter Masterson. Plant City Entertainment will hold nine different showings throughout the month of July, with showings at 8 p.m. on July 14, July 15, July 21, July 22, July 28 and July 29 and showings at 2 p.m. on July 16, July 23 and July 30. Admission will cost $23 for adults, $18 for seniors 60+ or students, $16 for members or groups of 10+ and will hold an opening night special with two tickets for $25 on July 14. Tickets are available online with limited tickets available at the door for each performance. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. plantcityentertainment.com.

3 to 6:30 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is back on Saturday, July 15, 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.

CHICKEN DINNER FUNDRAISER

12 to 2 p.m. at 1501 N Alexander St. The Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 will be hosting a chicken dinner fundraiser. The afternoon meal will feature barbecued chicken quarters, baked beans, coleslaw and a roll while dessert will be included and provided by the Ladies of the Elks. Attendees are required to be pre-paid and orders can be placed through any local Elks member or by calling the Elks Lodge any day after 4 p.m. at 813-752-2822.

MONDAY, JULY 17

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

TOY DRIVE – KEEL FARMS

11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 5202 Thonotosassa Rd. Take the opportunity to help the No More Umbrellas Foundation on Give Back Monday. When you have dinner at Keel Farms on Monday, July 17, a portion of the proceeds will go directly to benefit the No More Umbrellas Foundation as part of their Christmas In July initiative.

To have your event included in our calendar, visit the calendar section of our website at www.PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JULY 28

LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN

5 to 9 p.m. at 110 N Collins St. The Last Friday in Downtown Food Truck Rally is held with a new theme each month. There will be live music, an expanded exhibitor market, a bounce house, a scavenger hunt, food trucks and more. The event is family and pet friendly and all are recommended to bring chairs and blankets. July’s event will celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday with the theme Harry Potter: Muggles on Main.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2

SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS WITH ESTRANGED FAMILY

6:30 to 8 p.m. at 1107 Charlie Griffind. Join other parents who are estranged from their adult children. PEAK (Parents of Estranged Adult Kids) group provides a safe place to listen, share and support others going through the 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.peaksupportgroup. com.

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

JULY 6

SUNRISE/SUNSET

93

77

of rain: 47%

92

77

JULY 7

rain: 55%

92

77

MOON PHASES

JULY 8

RAINFALL

77

TOMATOES

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

Brenda Miller snapped this photo of her summer rosin weed garden in Plant City.

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