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THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

MIDTOWN BIDS HAVE ARRIVED BREANNE WILLIAMS

Four bids have come in for the city’s fourth try to bring Midtown to life. A meeting this morning will fully detail each of the proposals.

STAFF WRITER

Attempt number four at bringing the Midtown district to life is officially underway. On June 8, City Manager Bill McDaniel announced the city sought out potential partners for the grand dream and received four bids for the proj-

ect. Three of those groups were from Florida — Green Mills Group out of Fort Lauderdale, Housing Trust Group in Coconut Grove and Mosaic Development in St. Petersburg — and DevMar Development is from Birmingham, Michigan. The bids display a wide range of proposals for the property and a meeting will be held this

morning at City Hall to present the bids. Residents can attend either in person or virtually. If you choose to attend, you have to complete a COVID-19 screening when you arrive, wear a mask and social distance. Public comments were received yesterday afternoon. You can listen to the audio live by calling +1 562-247-8321 and

enter access code 597-311-298# and you can stream the meeting on the City of Plant City’s Facebook or YouTube pages.

SEE PAGE 6

WALDEN LAKE CLUBHOUSE

NO MORE

Walden Lake’s clubhouse was demolished this week in Walden Lake, LLC’s first step toward the future.

SEE PAGE 5

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

NEWS BRIEFS

Schools roundup Hillsborough County Public Schools announced June 30 the Class of 2020 will graduate virtually following a spike in COVID-19 infections. “Each school will have a drive-thru diploma ceremony with social distancing in mind,” HCPS said in a series of Tweets. “We have also contracted with an outside vendor to provide virtual graduation videos for each school. Our district explored the possibility of holding graduations outside at each high school stadium. However, the seating arrangements at our sports stadiums would prove even more difficult for social distancing. Our staff reached out to other outdoor venues but the cost to rent the facilities and sanitize them between graduations was not fiscally possible. Our staff consulted with the health department and medical experts were in agreement that we should avoid any large gatherings.” Superintendent Addison Davis also announced this week that face coverings will be required when students and staff return to school in August. The Florida Department of Agriculture announced July 1 the new guidelines for free and reduced-price meals or free milk for students who meet the requirements of the National School Lunch, School Breakfast and Special Milk Program. “We’re proud to partner with USDA to serve free and reduced-price school meals to over two million Florida children, ensuring access to fresh foods for students throughout the state,” Agriculture Com-

missioner Nikki Fried said. “For the many children that count on these meals, school lunches provide dependable nutrition that helps students stay focused and succeed academically.” The guidelines are viewable online at fdacs.gov/Food-Nutrition/Nutrition-Programs/National-School-Lunch-Program/ Family-Application-for-Free-and-ReducedPrice-School-Meals. Free and Reduced Price applications are being sent to homes and those interested in applying are asked to complete the forms and return them to their child’s school. Households receiving SNAP or TANF benefits only need to list their child’s name and SNAP/TANF case number on the applicaiton. Households may apply for the program at any time during the school year. Visit the website for more information.

BayCare Faith Community Nurses working in local medical clinic Clients of the San José Mission Clinic, 3228 San José Mission Drive, Dover, are still able to get treated by BayCare’s Faith Community Nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. BayCare announced last week the nurses, who work with BayCare in a partnership with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, are still able to offer primary care services at the facility. San José offers free medical services to

migrant workers and underserved individuals in Hillsborough County not covered by another program or insurance. Though there is no COVID-19 testing available there, nurses are fully equipped with PPE and perform as many services outside as possible to help with social distancing. Primary care, acute primary care, follow-up and referral services, screenings, routine well woman exams, health promotion and disease prevention services are offered there. Routine clinics are held on Mondays and diabetic/hypertensive patients are seen the first Friday of each month. The clinic registers patients between 5 and 7 p.m., begins seeing patients at 6 p.m. and stops when all registered patients have been seen.

Plant City Black Community and Information Meeting St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, 108 S. Warnell St., is hosting an informational meeting for the community from 7 to 8:30 p.m. tonight. All who attend will be required to wear face masks and practice social distancing. Masks will be provided for those who do not have one. Call Maurice Wilson at 863-804-9788 or Patricia McDonald at 813-305-9232 for more information.

Virtual career fair for veterans Call 813-707-7376 for more information.

Vote by Mail numbers up The Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections office is urging residents to consider voting by mail, citing a large increase in mail-in ballot requests. Craig Latimer’s office said more than 290,000 Vote by Mail ballot requests are in the process of being fulfilled. That is nearly double the number fulfilled in the initial mailing in the 2016 Primary Election. The deadline to register to vote or change your party affiliation is July 20. The deadline to request a Vote By Mail ballot is August 10. Early voting will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 3-16. Mail ballots can be requested at VoteHillsborough.org or by calling 813-744-5900.

DAV and Recruit Military are preparing to host a virtual career fair for veterans of the United States Armed Forces next week. The Tampa Virtual Career Fair for Veterans will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 16 and is open to “all members of the military community, past and present, as well as military spouses and dependents.” It’s a free event that looks to turn around an unemployment trend among veterans that RecruitMilitary said is “holding steady” around 9 percent. The firm said veteran unemployment jumped from 3.8 percent in march to 11.8 percent in April and has held around 9 percent since May. Register online and get more information at recruitmilitary.careereco.com/ Fair/EventDetails?fairId=66d56996-85234756-9688-abb100d2225f.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

HOLDS FOURTH OF JULY EXTRAVAGANZA

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

Photos by Breanne Williams

This was the first large event the church has held since the start of the pandemic. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

City Pointe Church held a large Fourth of July-inspired event on Sunday to allow the community to socialize with friends and loved ones while also introducing them to the church’s new Next Gen pastor. Pastor Scott McIntosh welcomed all who stepped through the church’s doors and wove back outside toward the fenced-in playground area with a smile and a fist bump. Tables were spread across the lawn under the boughs of the old oak tree. Families and friends congregated around each table thankful for the overcast skies and gentle heat. The “Red, White and New” event was held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and featured traditional Fourth of July activities with a twist. Red, white and blue cookies were on display for all to enjoy. Church member Matt Bowers catered with his company, Matty B’s BBQ, to ensure everyone got a plate piled high with barbecue and snow cones were freshly ground, staining the mouths of all the kids who waited in line for the sweet treats. McIntosh walked around, pulling Jessey Bradshaw behind him, to greet those gathered and introduce them to the newest leader of their church. Bradshaw is City Pointe’s new Next Gen pastor and the organizer of Sunday evening’s event. “I am from right here in Plant City and we, my wife and I, we really liked the outreach (City Pointe) does, we love their name in the community,” Bradshaw said. “They’re doing such a great job and we wanted to be a part of that. We like helping people and being a part of people’s lives and showing them the love of Christ.” Bradshaw has been a pastor for 15 years and felt called to start the next chapter of his life at City Pointe. He and his wife have a heart for children’s ministry and are excited to work toward growing the Next Gen group and building their outreach in the community. When he talked with McIntosh about potentially coming on board, he had one question: “Do you have a GaGa pit?” When McIntosh laughed and said yes, it sealed the deal and the partnership was formed. The pit was on full display Sunday evening and was always full of

children wanting to play the latest craze. The game essentially has people stand inside a pit — usually wooden, though City Pointe has a blow-up version — and press against the wall. A dodgeball is dropped inside and the players chant “GaGa Ball” before they slap the ball across the ring. If it hits from the knee down, you are out. The game has quickly taken the country by storm and there was even an entire episode of Bob’s Burgers in Season 8 dedicated to the obsessive tournament. City Pointe held a tournament of its own that evening and the top three competitors walked away with their very own trophies. “We just wanted everyone to have a good time,” Bradshaw said. “Everybody is very stressed right now and it’s nerve-racking because everything is up in the air. But we wanted to say that if you feel comfortable and want to come out and fellowship, we will have an event outside and kind of spread out so you can do so with your family. And we know that the city does an incredible fireworks display every year, but this year they couldn’t, so we are going to do a small show at the end of the event.” Sure enough, the front of the church was lit up as trails of fireworks shot into the sky around 8:30 p.m. Surrounding neighbors were also able to take in the display. The fireworks were donated to the church by another community member and Bradshaw said that just shows how strong the giving and community minded nature of this town is. McIntosh said his church and churches across the nation are in a season of change right now. “Everything that can be shaken has been shaken, and that’s cool because you just hear the other part of the story about everything that is going wrong, but we are seeing firsthand the part of the story where people are stepping up and helping each other and doing what they can to help when they see a need,” McIntosh said. Part of that change toward the start of the pandemic came with the church switching to streaming its services. It was a door McIntosh said he didn’t even realized was closed. Once it was opened, he said, a whole new wave of “attendees” arrived and he is “filled with joy” thinking of the diversity the “Lord has brought into the house.” People from all different back-

grounds and walks of life have been tuning in and he believes there is a growing momentum, a new level of excitement he has never seen before. Even now that the doors are officially open, the room itself is never full but the online pews continue to be packed. He said he’s looking forward to seeing what this will mean for the church as a whole once the pandemic is over and people are safe to move about freely. To help combat anxieties for those who are eager to sit in one of his pews Sunday morning,

McIntosh has a unique program in place to silently indicate one’s thoughts on personal space. When you enter, you have the choice between three differently colored bands. If you slip on green, it means you welcome any socializing and aren’t opposed to hugs or close conversations. Yellow, which McIntosh said is what he wears, means you are friendly and want to say hello, but don’t want to get close enough to touch. Red means you are happy to be there, but want to stay far away from everyone and do not want

others to approach. He said he’s seen a few of those hugging the corners of the church, safely singing and worshiping with the rest of the congregation. There were anywhere from 75 to 100 attendees present Sunday evening. Everyone must have been “green” because there was ample socializing to go around. According to the county’s Emergency Policy Group, religious organizations are exempt from much of the orders, including the mask mandate.

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

PLANT CITY

Observer

This week on Cops Corner: Plant City Police investigated a stolen Schwinn bike, a vandalized car, a garage theft, a kicked-in

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

door and more.

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

JUNE 26 STUCCO SWIPED Via Cortona Street/ Mud Lake Road Theft: Walden Pointe’s Homeowners’ Association reported the theft of $200 worth of 2x2-foot precast styrofoam/stucco wall caps from a property.

JUST CAN’T STAY AWAY 900 block of Monroe Street Trespass and drug possession: A woman was observed by officers on a property where those same officers previously trespassed her. She was arrested and transported to HCSO Orient Road Jail without incident.

GONE LIKE A ROCKET 3000 block of James L. Redman Parkway Theft: This victim reported to police that their light blue/grey Schwinn Rocket 2 27-inch bicycle, which was valued at approximately $100, was stolen.

PUMP THE BRAKES 1400 block of South Collins Street DWLSR/HTO: Officers conducted a traffic stop on a gold Toyota Camry for running a stop sign. Upon contact with the driver, the officers realized he was Driving With License Suspended or Revoked. He was placed under arrest and transported to Orient Road Jail.

BAD BORROWER West Washington Street/ South Empire Street Theft, motor-vehicle: This victim reported he loaned his white 1997 Ford F-150 with a Florida tag to someone, but it was not returned.

TERRIBLE TOUCH-UPS 1300 block of East Warren Street Criminal mischief: Officer responded to the above listed location in reference to unknown suspects spray-painting the victim’s vehicle and residence.

JUNE 27

Universal Crossword Edited by David Steinberg July 9,

JUNE 28

Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez

suspect entered her unsecured garage and removed a plastic bin with miscellaneous household items that were valued around $200. They also took fishing rods and reels, which were valued at $75.

CLOSE SHAVE 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway Retail theft: This suspect was found to have stolen more than $30 worth of razors from Walmart. He met APAD criteria and was JULY 1 released after agreeing to participate in the program with appropri- FAKE IT ‘TIL YOU MAKE IT ate documentation. 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway FIVE-FINGER DISCOUNTS Fraud: Walmart loss prevention 3200 block of Delaware Avenue reported someone purchased Vehicle burglary: This victim $1,000 worth of gift cards using reported an unknown suspect 10 counterfeit bills. entered his vehicle and forcefully removed his Pioneer radio, valued JULY 2 at $199. Then, a victim at a home JUST FOR KICKS nearby on West Reynolds Street 500 block of South Lake Street was found to have had his vehicle Criminal mischief: Officers made burglarized as well. During this of- contact with a complainant who fense, the unknown suspect stole stated his door was kicked open. $2,600 worth of DeWalt laser rotaries.

Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

JUNE 30

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GARAGE SALE 400 lock of Lindsay Anne Court Burglary residence: This vic2020 tim told police that an unknown

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THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

WALDEN LAKE STARTS NEW CHAPTER

Crews began demolishing the old clubhouse at Walden Lake this week in the first step toward the future for the property. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The first line toward future development at Walden Lake was crossed this week as the old clubhouse was finally demolished. In its heyday, the country club was a shining gem in the community. The building was always full of life as people gathered for dinners, brunches, weddings, banquets, photo-ops and more. It’s been a vacant shell for years. Plagued with squatters and trespassing issues, the old building became a picture straight out of a horror film. Boarded windows, cracked walls, worn banisters and algae-covered stones were everywhere you turned. Furniture was strewn about the abandoned rooms and spilled over into some of the hallways. Things had been left behind, abandoned to rot in the two-story tomb. Adjacent to the clubhouse is the community’s pool, which at one point turned green with algae. Together they were a monument of shattered dreams and mismanaged potential. With the clubhouse’s demo-

lition comes the start of the next chapter in the community’s book. When Walden Lake, LLC acquired the property in March 2019, the company began to unveil a plan for the area that would rework the entire hub of the property. They asked the current residents for input and sent out a survey to determine what the priorities for the community were. The results were split. Carmine Zayoun, co-partner of Walden Lake, LLC, has frequently said the plan is for Walden Lake to soon have a core “city center.” That area, which is around the current clubhouse and the surrounding clearing, would feature buildings with retail on the bottom and high-end apartments on the top. Those retail options would feature businesses that would hopefully make the hub a “one-stop shop,” where residents essentially would rarely have to leave Walden Lake to have access to their preferred businesses. It would also hopefully draw outside customers in and make Walden Lake the highlight of the city once again for those who want to spend a day relaxing and

having fun in a leisurely environment. The company used examples of having stores like cafes, dog groomers and other small businesses all peppered among the retail spots. Representatives of Walden Lake, LLC said they were “very keen” on transforming the center to mimic a property Zayoun built in Orlando called Majestic at Baldwin Park. The property is approximately 425 acres and, as far as other development goes, the plan has long been to mimic the existing areas. If they build new milliondollar homes, they will put them by the existing million-dollar homes. Condos would go by similar homes and high-end luxury homes would go by matching units. This way, the community seems to flow. They hope to “keep the community together” and allow the new development to mesh naturally with the existing one. The exact details of the planned development have yet to be announced, but are expected to soon arise with the ball now officially rolling.

File photos

In Walden Lake’s heyday, the clubhouse and golf course were packed with life and maintained to high standards. But several changes in ownership throughout the 2010s threw things into turmoil before the course, clubhouse and pool were finally closed to the public.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

MIDTOWN BIDS HAVE ARRIVED Four developers have submitted bids to try and make Midtown a reality. A public meeting this morning will bring more details. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

HOUSING TRUST

Housing Trust was all-in and its proposed redevelopment plan encompasses a segment of blocks labeled “A-J.” It aims to emphasize “connectivity to the downtown area via Evers Street.” The entrance along Evers will show a four-story building with groundlevel commercial spaces that have views of the Village Green Park. It said the workspace in the commercial area on the northern edge of the park can be utilized for a variety of things including offices, retail or a fitness center. The other three stories would have 33 residential units with 128 regular and diagonal parking spaces. Across the street, there is a proposal for nine two-story townhome units complete with balconies and front porches. If you keep driving down Evers, you get two other blocks of residential space with 15,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. There will be 112 residential units on the second, third and fourth floors. East of North Collins Street, two blocks have another fourstory building with one story of “tuck-under parking,” ground level units and three stories of residential space that would encompass 86 residential units.

A block at the intersection of Evers and West Alabama streets would have a playground and plaza with outdoor cafe-style seating. Behind this plaza would be a three-story commercial building. Parking would be located behind this building. If you keep heading south on Evers, you get one block of a fourstory residential building that would have 192 units with an outdoor pool, picnic pavilions and a playground. The inside would have a community room, small catering room and a multimedia room. The apartments proposed here are tailored for a senior lifestyle. Parking for 190 spaces are on the backside of the building. Across the street is another four-story residential building with 92 units that would have one, two and three-bedroom options. Following north of this building is a proposal for nine two-story townhomes with two and threebedroom options. This grand plan is split into four phases with a heavy emphasis on connectivity to downtown. MOSAIC DEVELOPMENT

Mosaic Development has a slightly different approach. Springing off of the parks and infrastructure currently in place, the company said it proposes having mixed-use development anchored by two apartment communities. The proposed communities would mesh well with downtown by embracing “rich historic architecture of the downtown area by emulating complimenting façade components,” the proposal read. One of the apartment complexes would be a three-story structure and the other will be four-stories with a podium-style parking amenity. There are also plans for two townhome-style live/work developments, office space, retail space and overflow parking. The multifamily communities will have up to 199 apartments within the three stories. It will be a mix of “studio, junior one-

bedroom, two bedroom and twobedroom with den units.” There will be ground floor amenities, a social clubhouse with management offices, a fitness center, heated pool, outdoor kitchen, cowork lab, billiards and recreation and a dog park. The second apartment community will have approximately 199 units and a one-story podium parking structure with amenities similar to those listed at the other apartment. This parking area, however, will allow approximately 6,000 square feet of nonresidential, flexible commercial space on the ground floor. Mosaic is asking the City of Plant City to fund the one-level parking podium. As for the townhomes, the ground floor will be built for retail/work and there will be 13 1,600 square foot units and a single two-story structure with 5,000 square feet of ground floor retail, plus 5,000 square feet of office above the ground floor retail space. This will feature around 60 parking spaces. The next lot is being proposed as a single-story retail building of approximately 6,000 square feet. There will be limited parking of around 45 spaces. Mosaic said it will not be the developer of this site, but as the master developer it will market development to other retail developers. Focusing on the park, the company then wants to add a 5,000-square foot retail space near the area and provide a “jewel-box” restaurant in a park setting. It becomes a walkable district that connects all of the retail and living components of the entire project. It’s estimated to have around 50 parking spaces. It also plants to market the development of this area out to another retail developer. In total, there are two townhome lots, three multifamily lots, a parking lot and a combination of retail/office/commercial for the rest of the facilities.

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between Alabama and Renfro streets and have restaurant and retail space on both sides of Collins Street at Alabama Street. The development is proposed to have a total of four phases. “Under the development, a total of 18 studios, 374 one-bedroom units and 81 two-bedroom residential apartment units for a total of 473 apartment units with an additional 18,430 square feet of retail, restaurant and café space will be added to Midtown and the Plant City urban center,” the proposal reads. GREEN MILLS GROUP

DEVMAR DEVELOPMENT

DevMar is looking at all of the parcels of Midtown as well. Focusing on the Village Green Park as the center, it plans to expand it to a “newly developed activity park to the south of the fountain park, which will be developed into a combined park feature with common amenities for the residential component of the development, such as a clubhouse, swimming pool and sand volleyball courts.” This will be a two-block park and will be surrounded on the north, east and south by multistory residential rental apartments along with retail, restaurants and cafes. DevMar said the intent is to concentrate the restaurants and cafes on Evers and Renfro streets and have them face the park with piazza-style sidewalk dining seating. Then it aims to include multi-story residential along both sides of Collins Street

Green Mills is proposing the smallest plan of the four. Instead of tackling the entire area, it is dedicated to making one piece of the larger dream come to life. It proposed to develop 75 to 100 residences for active seniors or workforce housing within a mixed-use, mixed-income, four-story mid-rise building. The ground floor will have a variety of uses including residential amenities, retail and art gallery space. The plan is to put the building in one of four alternative locations within the CRA-owned properties of Midtown. The count of apartments will depend on which location they land on. The group also plans to enhance the streetscape of the roads abutting the property and add “decorative pavers, benches, landscape, decorative street lighting, shade trees and store fronts close to the sidewalks.”

PUBLIC NOTICE OF TESTING The City of Plant City will conduct smoking testing on the mainline sewer system beginning July 14, 2020 through July 17, 2020 on the following streets; W. Morrell Drive, Tangerine Court, W. Langford Drive, Cedar Drive, Hughes Drive, Hickory Street, McLeod Drive, Essex Drive, W. Prosser Drive, Oakwood Estates Drive, Fox Gate Court, Tozier Place, Citrus Landing Drive, Orange Bud Way, S. Evers Street, Waller Street, Spanish Oak Lane, Oak Pointe Place, Crum Street, W. Strickland Street and W. Alsobrook Street. If you have any questions, please call Angel Soto-Diaz at 813-757-9288 ext. 4725.

NOTIFICACION PUBLICA

La ciudad de Plant City conducirá una prueba de humo en el sistema de alcantarillado principal en las calles, a partir del 14 de julio de 2020 hasta Julio 17, de 2020; W. Morrell Drive, Tangerine Court, W. Langford Drive, Cedar Drive, Hughes Drive, Hickory Street, McLeod Drive, Essex Drive, W. Prosser Drive, Oakwood Estates Drive, Fox Gate Court, Tozier Place, Citrus Landing Drive, Orange Bud Way, S. Evers Street, Waller Street, Spanish Oak Lane, Oak Pointe Place, Crum Street, W. Strickland Street and W. Alsobrook Street. Si usted tiene alguna pregunta, por favor llame a Angel Soto-Diaz at 813-757-9288 ext. 4725.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

MASK ORDER ONCE AGAIN ALTERED

The county’s EPG has decided to alter the mask mandate once more in an effort to lessen the burden placed on business owners while still having penalties in place for those who don’t comply. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The mask order, which was implemented two weeks ago by the Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group, has once again been altered. The initial order was created to place the burden of compliance on the business operator rather than on individuals. It was argued that this decision would help lessen the load on law enforcement officers, as they would not be required to chase every call about someone not wearing a mask and instead could focus on businesses that were not implementing safe policies. That didn’t sit well with many local business owners who felt it was unfair for them to have to act as “enforcement” with customers, especially those who unfortunately dealt with less than amicable citizens. One of the first calls of complaint the EPG heard was from a business owner who said they told everyone to wear a mask in their business and, at the start, everyone

complied. Then one of the customers took his mask off. When an employee asked him to put it back on, he began yelling and broke a pool cue over his knee. Others have since called in saying they felt unfairly punished for the actions of their customers. Many claimed to “be doing everything right” and still dealt with customers refusing to comply. So, the EPG decided to try and fix it. The mask mandate said people have to wear a face covering inside a business if they are unable to maintain social distancing. The definition of businesses was updated last week to include nonprofits selling goods and services inside. The rewrite of the mandate this week removed criminal sanctions and replaced the verbiage with civil citations. Essentially, a business now can be issued a civil citation if it doesn’t make an effort to enforce the rules.

The order also now defines what that effort should look like. Businesses need to have signage at the entrance to let people know masks are required. The employees also need to make public announcements routinely throughout the business that masks are required and then also have to individually ask customers to comply if they see said customers are not doing so. If all of those boxes are checked, the responsibility then shifts from the shoulders of the business operator to the individual customer. If someone refuses to comply with the business’ request and does not meet one of the exceptions to the rule, they could be subject to a civil citation which could come with a fine of up to $150. Few conversations regarding the mandate have gone seamlessly in the EPG meetings and this alteration wasn’t any different. Supporting the new order were Hillsborough County Commission Chair-

man Les Miller Jr., Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Temple Terrace Acting Mayor Andy Ross and county commissioners Kimberly Overman and Sandy Murman. Opposed were Plant City Vice Mayor Nate Kilton, Sheriff Chad Chronister and School Board member Melissa Snively. Chronister also brought up his concern with the order and concealed weapons carriers in the county. Though County Attorney Christine Beck did not believe there was any conflict, the board agreed to clarify in the order that the mandate is not intended to conflict with state law for concealed weapon permit holders. This received a 5-3 vote as well, with Miller, Castor and Overman dissenting. Further review of the state law, however, found there is no such provision that would exempt a concealed weapons permit holder from wearing a mask.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SCHEDULED FOR MORGAN PIERCE BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Plant City lost one of its brightest stars on June 25. “A Celebration fit for a Queen” will be held in her honor at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grimes building at 7 p.m. July 12.

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aged to dress in the colors of the rainbow. White paper bags for luminaries are available to decorate and write messages at the front doors on the evening of the celebration. Visit sparklyflower.wordpress. com for more information.

Many in the community have also been flooding her mother’s inbox with stories, memories and pictures of Morgan as a way to honor the young girl. If you have a story you wish to share, you can email it to elpierce.79@ gmail.com.

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ing for others — and immediately slipped into the role with a grace and quiet courage that left a mark on everyone she met. She was confident and opinionated and knew that to impact change, you often have to fight for it. She understood what it meant to fight better than most ever will and though she was often tired, she never stopped advocating for others when she felt her voice could make a difference. Her family is holding a Celebration of Life for her at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 12 at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grimes building. As an homage to the lasting impact Morgan made in Plant City the event is being dubbed, “A Celebration fit for a Queen.” If possible, those who plan to attend are asked to RSVP for the event via Facebook so the family can insure there is enough space at the festival grounds to follow COVID guidelines and social distancing. All are welcome to attend and are asked to wear masks. To honor Morgan’s bright spirit, attendees are encour-

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Morgan Pierce successfully captured the hearts of everyone she met. She embodied the spirit of her community. Her kindness, courageous nature and compassion for others were breathtaking to behold. When she spoke, others listened and this community was forever changed for the better through her leadership. Morgan died on June 25 at the age of 17 after nearly 13 years of non-stop cancer treatment. Much of her journey was chronicled in her family’s blog, sparklyflower.wordpress.com, where the family shares their love, their long fight and Morgan’s fearless spirit throughout. “She was not at home, but as fate would have it, she died at the very hospital she spent years raising money to help find a cure for Neuroblastoma, MUSC Children’s Hospital,” wrote Emily Pierce. In 2018, Morgan was crowned Junior Royalty Queen. She was used to the public eye — she spent the majority of her life advocat-

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

IN THE HEART OF PLANT CITY WITH lant City AT HEART

JULY 9, 2020

SPORTS

FOOTBALL PROGRAMS ADAPTING TO COVID RESTRICTIONS Hillsborough County’s high school football teams have eased back into offseason training and hope to reintroduce the ball in Phase 3 next week.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A wave of optimism is surging through Hillsborough County’s high school football programs now that they’re allowed to get back to work. Teams began a county-mandated threephase process in June. After two weeks of strictly outdoor conditioning, Phase 2 allowed teams to get back into the weight rooms. If all goes well enough, teams can enter Phase 3 next week. That’s when the football itself can be brought into the picture, which will open up the ability for teams to focus more on positional drills. “We’re going by what they county mandated for us,” Plant City head coach James Booth said. “Thankfully we got to Phase 2 when you’re seeing a lot of other counties go back to Phase 1.” Every program in the county has had to split the players up into separate groups for every activity they do. For example, Durant will bring one group of players — which head coach Mike Gottman called “the bigs” — into the weight room at 7 a.m. They lift until 8:30, then leave the field house so the coaching staff can buckle down and sanitize everything before the next group comes in at 8:45. While one group is lifting weights, the other is outside doing conditioning. It’s weird compared to what the Cougars and everyone else in the county is used to, but complaints are hard to come by. “The kids were pretty good,” Gottman said.”They’re eager. They came back with a really good attitude. I don’t have anything negative to say. Some kids found ways to work out and lift, they’re looking really good. Overall, very positive behavior from them. Eagerness is there and they want to get better. They understand we have limited time, so I think them being off so long has helped their want to lift weights and get in shape. That’s been positive.” The teams that are getting back into their weight rooms essentially have to sanitize nonstop, which means the cleaning and sanitation supplies they’re provided are getting burned through. The weights and equipment have to be wiped or sprayed down after each use and again after a group leaves. Coaches are masking up and players are all given the option to do so, as the county’s face mask ordinance does include an exemption for kids playing sports. All of the coaches want to make players and their parents feel as comfortable with the process as possible. “There’s some fear about going into the weight room and if someone wants to wear a mask, they’re more than welcome to,” Booth said.

At least one school, Strawberry Crest, is cutting out the weight room entirely for the time being. Crest head coach Philip Prior said the Chargers likely won’t re-enter the weight room “until the season or a little longer” in an effort to nip that problem in the bud. “It’s hard to do a lot of those things when you’ve got to disinfect everything, wipe it down and keep six feet apart,” Prior said. “Our weight room’s not really conducive to that.” The Chargers have instead doubled down on the outdoor conditioning everyone started the three-phase process with. Prior and the Crest coaching staff put together a six-week plan focused firstly on getting everybody’s conditioning back up to where it needs to be, then adding movement drills that apply directly to the on-field product as well as some position-type drills that can be done without the football for the second phase. “It’s been really good,” Prior said. “You can tell that our kids missed being together with the team, working out… coaches have been impressed with the kids. Kids are responding well to everything we’re putting in front of them. I’m really proud of our coaching staff and how we’ve adapted. We’ve done a great job and put together a great six-week plan.” Teams’ inability to use the football until Phase 3 has been a hindrance, but they’re working around it to do as much as they possibly can for each position group. “A lot of the stuff has been conditioning based and trying to incorporate some installs through the conditioning,” Booth said. “We’ve got a running conditioning emphasis per day and within the groups we have set, we’re doing some skills drills. Backpedal, cones, footwork, all that kind of stuff. We’re able to do that and not having the ball, you try to do QB footwork on the run game, drops, simulate throws, receivers can run routes — you’re just not catching it.” As teams get more freedom to work with, they’ll have to exercise even more caution. One positive test can shut a program down for two weeks, and enough spread out around the county could force everyone to have to backpedal into a previous phase at the very least. Players and coaches have to be careful outside of practice and prove they’re coming to school every day without symptoms. Everyone knows the stakes: if you do what’s asked of you now, the likelihood of a fall sports season happening is a lot better than it otherwise could be. “It’s just like anything else,” Gottman said. “There’s a little bit of a learning curve. We always cleaned, but we’ve got more to it now… we’ve been pretty cautious. We don’t want it to happen to us. If it does, we have to shut down.”

FOCUS ON FITNESS: REGULAR EXERCISE MAY BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

Keep your family healthier by making exercise a regular activity for you all to do together. Some of the things that can affect our immune system include stress, sleep, nutrients from food and obesity. Regular exercise helps boost our immune system by reducing stress and contributing to a more restful sleep. Exercise also encourages us to eat more nutrient-dense foods that help us perform better during our workouts and aid in reaching or maintaining a healthy weight. A healthy body composition (amount of body fat and muscle mass) is key in keeping our bodies healthy and regular exercise plays an important role in weight management. Exercising as a family teaches children from a young age the importance of taking care of themselves, what to put in to their bodies and what their bodies can do. When we exercise, we also feel good about ourselves and the more we move, the more we understand the need for food as fuel for our muscles. As a mom of three, I know it is not always easy to get kids up and moving. Here are five fun things you can do together as a family to keep your body moving and reduce your risk of catching a cold, flu or infection. 1. Build an obstacle course in the yard and run it together as a family. Take turns or even make it competitive by timing each person to see who can get through it the quickest. Here’s a tip: Let the kids participate in setting it up. I’ll bet they will have some great ideas! 2. Play games together. Kids tend to get bored with repetitive exercises. Games will keep them engaged, so they will not feel like they are “working.” A family game of kickball is a fun way to get your heart pumping and does not require a lot of skill, making it a fantastic choice for all ages. Switch things up and play reverse kickball, where you run the bases backward. Have a Nerf gun war. They are so much more fun when mom or dad gets involved! All you need are a few Nerf guns, some ammunition and some boxes or trees for hiding. Smaller families can enjoy hopscotch,

jump rope or hula hoops. Get as creative as you like. Family dance party, anyone? 3. Go for a walk. Most kids are not very enthusiastic about taking an “afterdinner walk” with their parents. Make it more interesting by calling it something exciting like and Adventure Hike or Nature Walk. Invite them to bring a bag or basket to collect things (leaves, sticks and rocks can be used for crafts later), or ask them to see how many creatures they can spot along the way. 4. Run or bike together. One day, we will run 5Ks again. Many races offer shorter distance runs for younger kids and it is so exciting to receive a medal at the end. Include them in choosing a race to run together. Now is also the perfect time to dust off your bicycles and take off those training wheels. 5. Kids emulate what they see. If you are a parent who is a regular gym-goer, it is not unusual for kids to want to participate in the same kind of exercise they see you doing in the gym. Start with bodyweight exercises like jumping jacks, squats, push-ups and crunches. You can use these four exercises in a circuit format and do it along with them for a certain number of repetitions or time. Anything that you enjoy doing for exercise, whether it is Yoga, Zumba, running or biking, are things they are likely to enjoy doing with you. How much exercise is enough? Kids should get at least 60 minutes of exercise per day, but the good news is it does not have to be all at once. Have fun incorporating some of these in to your daily routine and the whole family will reap the immunity-boosting health benefits.

Angela Fulgieri is a Program Director for the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA. Write her at observerfitness@gmail. com.

Quick Hits

PCHS HOOPS CAMP CANCELED

Plant City High School’s annual summer basketball camp has been canceled for 2020, the Plant City Parks and Recreation Department announced Tuesday. The department and PCHS boys head coach Billy Teeden decided to cancel the camp, which was scheduled for June 13-16, due to the rising rate of positive COVID-19 tests in Hillsborough County. “While it is extremely disappointing to cancel this long-running camp, Coach Teeden felt it was in the best interest of the campers and our department fully supports this decision,” director Jack Holland said in a press release. “Refunds will be processed for all participants and we look forward to hosting the camp again in 2021.”

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

FOOTSTEPS OF FAITH: YOUR GREAT CLOUD

Do you have someone in your life willing to cheer you on and push you to go as far as you possibly can?

DR. DANIEL MIDDLEBROOKS

On Wednesday, July 1, the 4:30 a.m. alarm went off and I hopped (OK, I rolled and fell) out of bed. The alarm comes early, but there is a special purpose for this day. This morning would allow me to do something that I genuinely love, which is to be a presence of encouragement and help. Before I go into details about the purpose of this day, let me back up one week. I arrived at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, to help re-start the class that we had to close due to the pandemic. I was there for two weeks in March and had the honor of working with and encouraging these incredible men and women that were nine weeks into their 18-week training. When the pandemic began to be a security concern in Virginia, the decision was made to close the school and send everyone home until it could be safe to start again. For more than two months, these warriors waited for the call to come back. Once it came, they were placed in quarantine in individual rooms at the academy. Their meals were brought to their doors and they were given two hours a day — one hour in the morning and one in the afternoon — to go out into the sun. It was a type of solitary confinement, but with better beds and good food. On Friday, June 26, the quarantine was lifted and the first day of classes began. The schoolhouse started humming with

student activities. The protective postures of masks, twice-daily temperature checks and color-coded armbands helped keep the environment safe and secure. As the Chaplain I greeted, waved, welcomed and prayed with many — at a distance. As a safety precaution, I was neither allowed into the classrooms nor to sit with them in the cafeteria to ensure I did not bring anything in with me. Remember: they were in quarantine, I was not. I was the wild card, and that was a description I would live up to because they never knew what to expect from me. July 1 was the day of their final physical fitness test. If they did not pass this, they would go home. I met the groups in the gym and prayed over them before they started. I learned earlier that no one can cheer during the PT test. The reason given to me was to allow the testers to hear the number of reps and times for the students’ event, which consisted of sit-ups, a 300-meter sprint, push-ups, a one-and-a-half-mile run and, finally, pull-ups. I told the future agents I would be waving my arms as a silent visual cheer for them as they ran. During the sprint rotations of four, I positioned myself at the rounding of the corner of the track. As they turned, I began to wave my arms. I wanted them to see someone who believed in them and was proud of them. As they prepared for their long run, I planned something different. This time, as they

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came around the bend as a massive group, I had red and blue pom poms waving in the air. The looks on their faces were priceless. Some shook their heads in disbelief, many smiled and gave a thumbs up and some changed their faces from “Can I do this?” to “I know I can!” I waved the whole time. It did not seem that long to me because I was not the one running. My job was the cheering. Theirs was the hard part: running the race. Two principles emerge that both the students and all of us need to understand. First, the race of life is not won by the fastest, but by those who are willing to do whatever it takes to push forward and finish strong. Through blood, sweat, and tears, these future FBI agents train and discipline their bodies and minds. They dedicate their lives to protect and serve us, even during a time where it feels society in general will not protect them but rather make them a target. Second, we all need someone in our corner cheering us on to finish, to help us put one foot in front of the other, one day in front of another, one mission in front of another. I guess that is why the author of Hebrews painted this vivid picture in Chapter 12 of a great cloud of witnesses cheering us on. Steve Green, in his song “Find Us Faithful,” emphasizes this principle. “Surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses, let us run the race not only for the

prize, but for those that come behind us. Let us leave to those before us a heritage of faithfulness passed on through Godly lives. Oh, may all that come behind us find us faithful.” Who do you have in your corner cheering you forward in this race of life? That will depend on whether you are willing to cheer others on in theirs, even if you look a little foolish doing it. I can guarantee this: there are no fools in faith, only faithful followers that create a momentum to help others make it to the end and finish strong. My prize that day was hearing “Thanks, Chap!” hundreds of times. Who will thank you?

Dr. Daniel Middlebrooks is the Senior Chaplain of First Call Church and the CEO/President of Chaplaincy Care, Inc.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR We asked Facebook: Would you prefer sending your kids back to school in the fall or enrolling them only in virtual

classes, or do you have another idea for the school board to consider?

“My kids both did great with virtual school. Their safety is much more important.” — Kristy Smith “My kids did great with Edsby but my younger son needs someone to keep him focused. I'm a single mother and I have to work. I can't be there to monitor him all day. It's a catch-22.” — Jennifer McPherson Stuart “I am an elementary school teacher and I prefer face to face. However, I understand if anyone living in their home has health issues that it would not be the best decision for them.” — Miranda Harwood “My kid will be back in school this fall with her mask on. And we will take care

go back to school with teachers and kids.” - Jennifer McKevitt

of the mask the same way that we took care of other things that she may not want to wear out in public like shoes, clothes and her seatbelt. If I gave her the option of not doing these things, she wouldn't have done them... (Even now, if I told her that she could go to school barefoot, she would) But they were non-negotiable and she knew it. I will be dealing with her mask the same way.” — Kristen Sorensen Holloway

“We chose to go back to school! We will be educating our children about the importance of masks, hand washing/sanitizing and social distancing. We are both essential workers and we are grateful for this option, and blessed to have teachers willing to teach our babies! I would like to ask the school board to have an ample amount of hand sanitizer stations. And maybe come up with a cute video that explains how to stay sanitized, social distance and wear masks properly for the littles.” — Stephanie Eisenbach

“I guess we are sending my kid back to school. I would much rather keep him home but being a stay at home mom with a toddler who needs attention as well, there is no way he would learn anything.” — Kristin Wright

“Split the time to 4 hours a day and cut out the extra curricular activities. Have a morning shift that ends at 11:30 so they can eat lunch and for the parents that chose the 12 to 4 for their kids. Have them eat lunch before class. Therefore the classes would not be so crowded and the morning teachers could catch up with answering questions for students/parents,

“I would like my son to go back to school, but I am nervous getting sick. But the e-learning, I don't agree with. Needs to be on a set schedule like 9 to 1. Zoom meetings and more work. I think in the beginning, maybe mid-September, see how things go and I would love for him to

grade papers and get ready for the next day. We need to concentrate on math, reading, writing, social and science. The children would not have to wear the mask but only 4 hours instead of 8 hours.” — Celena Chris Thrasher “I was really hoping for schools to reopen under model B with the 40% in person schooling (with masks) and 60% elearning. This would hopefully decrease class sizes and minimize exposure while still providing the opportunity for traditional instruction, extra help when needed and at least some sense of normalcy.” — Harmony Lacey “Omg get these kids Back to school and back to normal life we already had to miss graduation SMH” — Graciela M. Gonzalez “At school with the OPTION for a mask. My son has terrible time breathing due to allergies. With a mask it will be impossible for him to breathe.” — Diana Webb

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“I think it’s very important for kids to get back to school. I’m very worried about them getting sick. I think we should maybe start school a little late this year and see where we are, maybe late September.” — Brenda Snapp

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

REAL ESTATE

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

JUNE 2020 REAL ESTATE

Local June 2020 sales and trend information courtesy of the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser and The Crawford Group. Permit information was obtained from the City of Plant City.

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued in Plant City for the month of June 2020, in order of dollar amounts. Address

Plant City-area real estate sales are still down from this point in 2019 thanks in large part to COVID-19, but the market appears to be growing stronger. Last month, 85 properties sold with an average sale price of $132.32 per square foot. That’s a 20 percent increase in units sold and a 5 percent increase in price per square foot from May 2020. Though there were four more properties sold in June 2019 (89) than in June 2020, there was a 15 percent increase in average sale price per square foot compared to June 2019 ($119.65 per square foot). Mitchell Crawford, of the Crawford Group, said that Plant City is now in the busiest part of the buying/selling season and hopes potential buyers will take advantage of “all-time low” mortgage lending rates in the low 3 percent range. “These factors continue to help the property values steadily increase,” Crawford said. “We are still in a strengthening market. Buyers are continuing facing limited property choices and multiple offer situations in their purchasing decisions. By all means, all parties need to have professional representation throughout this process to assist in the various forms of negotiations and contract addenda.” SALES SNAPSHOT The following properties were listed on the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s website as having sold in June 2020.

The home at 2702 Pine Club Drive sold June 1 for $340,000. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,618 square feet of living area.

The home at 3704 W. Reynolds St. sold June 5 for $67,000. Built in 1966, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,470 square feet of living area.

The home at 2913

The home at 2304

Aston Ave. sold June 1 for $300,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,653 square feet of living area.

Trapnell Road sold June 5 for $100,000. Built in 1930, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,712 square feet of living area.

The home at 1008 Barbour Drive sold June 1 for $155,000. Built in 1961, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 948 square feet of living area.

The home at 3210 Thackery Way sold June 8 for $300,000. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,216 square feet of living area.

The home at 901 N.

The home at 3616

Maryland Ave. sold June 1 for $190,000. Built in 1953, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,271 square feet of living area.

Pioneer Country Trail sold June 9 for $485,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,215 square feet of living area.

The home at 1512 Teak-

The home at 3709 Trapnell Grove Loop sold June 9 for $216,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,545 square feet of living area.

wood Drive sold June 1 for $285,000. Built in 1977, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,992 square feet of living area.

The home at 106 S. Gordon St. sold June 2 for $18,000. Built in 1954, it has one bedroom, one bath and 712 square feet of living area. The home at 3424 Trapnell Ridge Drive sold June 3 for $157,600. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,719 square feet of living area. The home at 609 S. Gordon St. sold June 4 for $130,000. Built in 1971, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 972 square feet of living area.

Permit

Amount

2727 Henderson Way

Completion

$11,500,000

3775 Fancy Farms Road

Roof

$959,000

2262 Pixie Way

Mechanical/HVAC

$409,000

1301 S. Frontage Road

Billboard

$323,851

409 N. Alexander St.

Occupancy

$320,000

3602 Fancy Farms Road

Occupancy

$312,000

1911 S. Wiggins Road

Electrical

$219,890

2511 James L. Redman Parkway

Plumbing

$187,744

4702 Sydney Road

Mechanical/HVAC

$170,933

1708 Johnson Pointe Road

Electrical

$156,300

3003 Bridgeman Court

Single family detached

$156,300

3011 Bridgeman Court

Single family detached

$156,300

3008 Bridgeman Court

Single family detached

$156,300

501 W. Tever St.

Occupancy

$150,000

1705 Johnson Pointe Drive

Electrical

$135,480

4702 Sydney Road

Roof

$135,150

2851 Thonotosassa Road

Accessory structure

$125,900

2715 Holly Bluff Court

Residential alteration

$125,712

1204 W. Washington Court

Occupancy

$125,000

813 W. Warren St.

Single family detached

$120,000

The home at 1922 Horseshoe Drive sold June 9 for $250,000. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,668 square feet of living area. The home at 2621 Jim Johnson Road sold June 11 for $175,000. Built in 1960, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,643 square feet of living area.

CRAWFORD & ASSOCIATES CRAWFORD & ASSOCIATES

Outstanding Agents. Outstan Outstanding Agents. Outstanding Results. Outstanding Agents. Outstanding Outstanding Agents. Outstanding Results. R CRAWFORD & ASSOCIATES

CRAWFORD & ASSOCIATES

(813)967-0168 or (813)305-1616

2803-4 James L. Redman Parkway, Plant City Florida 33566 (813)967-0168 or (813)305-161 (813)967-0168 or (813)305-1616 (813)967-0168 or (813)305-1616 (813) 967-0168 (813) 549-9412 Office: (813) 305-1616 | Fax: (813) 754-8099 Email: Malissa.Crawford@Gmail.com

James L.Plant Redman Parkway, Plant 33566 City Flor 2803-4James James2803-4 L. Redman Parkway, City Florida 33566 2803-4 L. Redman Parkway, Plant City Florida Office: (813) 305-1616 |Office: Fax: (813)(813) 754-8099 Email: Malissa.Crawford@Gmail.com RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE 305-1616 | Fax: (813) 754-8099 Email: Malissa.Crawford@G

288047-1

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

Office: (813) 305-1616 | Fax: (813) 754-8099 Email: Malissa.Crawford@Gmail.com

W E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E our community with personal, compassionate care since 1896. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, ®

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

we’re dedicated to helping families create a unique and meaningful memorial that truly celebrates the life it represents.

> 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability > Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline®

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

PlantCityObserver.com

City, passed away on Tuesday June community 30, 2020. Donald was born May

is11, all 1923about. in Avon, Ohio. He was a

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM veteran. Wells MeMorial & event Center Fond memories and expressions PlanT CiTy we’re dedicated to helping families create a813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com W E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E our community sympathy be shared attruly www. uniquemay and meaningful memorial that with personal, compassionate careof since 1896. celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, WellsMemorial.com for the Tomlin > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability family. > Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® ®

M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

Neil J. Davis

10/27/15 10:42 AM

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival.

Neil J. Davis (“Gator”, to his friends), 94, of Plant City, born in Dewayne Bingham Bartow on Nov. 25, 1925, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Dewayne Bingham, 77, of Dover, WELLSMEMORIAL.COM Christ on June 29, 2020. born in Milledgeville, Tennessee He attended the infamous on Nov. 2, 1942, entered into Wells Joseph MeMorial & event L.Center Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys, eternal rest on July 1, 2020. PlanT CiTy WellsMemorial.com Sr. Pennington and was the oldest known memExpressions of condolence at 813-752-1111 ber of the White House Boys. HopewellFuneral.com. Joseph L. Pennington Sr., age He was a veteran of the United 92, of Plant City, passed away on States Army, Air Force, and Wednesday July 1, 2020. Joseph was Marine Corps, serving in WWII born January 15, to1928 Plant we’re dedicated helpingin families createCity, a W E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E our community unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. in the military police. He was an Florida. celebrates the life it represents. HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM As your Dignity Memorial professionals, investigator with W.C. Crumbley Fond memories and expressions > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability > The Compassion Helpline® at www. Charles ‘C.L.’> Bereavement TravelofAssistance U.S. Marshall’s Office in Tampa sympathy may be shared in the mid ‘40s. He retired from WellsMemorial.com for the PenningR Giddens GTE, where he was a member ton Proudly supporting thefamily. Plant City Strawberry Festival. of IBEW Local 824, serving as Charles “C.L.” Giddens, 85, of Vice President and Chief Union Plant City, born Dec. 15, 1934, Steward in the early ‘60s. He was entered into eternal rest on July a family historian and enjoyed 4, 2020. WELLSMEMORIAL.COM gardening. Expressions of condolence at Wells MeMorial & event Center He was preceded in death by HopewellFuneral.com. PlanT CiTy Linda D. McCormick his wife, Sara Coleman Davis; and 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com siblings, William “Bill” Davis, and Linda D. McCormick, age 69, of Peggy E. Smith. Valrico, passed away on ThursHe is survived by his children, day July 2, 2020. Linda was born HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM Alan S. Davis, Carole D. Ellis (WilDecember 31, 1950. liam), Brenda E. Davis, and Wayde Emory Ruffin Fond memories and expresC. Davis; brother, Dusty W. Davis sions of sympathy may be shared (Dorothy); 7 grandchildren; 11 Mr. Emory Ruffin, born March 29, great-grandchildren; and close 1939, died June 28, 2020. friends, Ed Nelson, Lee Surett, Graveside Services were held and Jim Crews. July 6, 2020 at Garden of Peace Special thanks to the White Cemetery. House Boys Organization for Winslow Honors Funeral Chapel. their love and support. And a special thanks ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND from Carole Ellis to Ms. Stacy Johnson, for EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

Taking care of each other is what

community

M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

is all about.

10/27/15 10:42 AM

M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

10/27/15 10:42 AM

Evelyn Annie Virginia Beckley Fowler Evelyn Annie Virginia Beckley Fowler, 97, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, passed away on the 4th of July, 2020. She was born Feb. 1, 1923 in Winchester, Frederick County, Virginia. The daughter of Joseph Luther Beckley and Mary H.Yearley. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James T. Fowler Jr. and four siblings, Charles, Allen, Betty and Mary Louise. She is survived by two children and their spouses, Leeanna K. & Barry Gray of Lawrenceville, James T. Fowler III & Sue Fowler of Fort Myers, FL, 8 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, 19 great great grandchildren, several nieces,

nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Mrs. Fowler had many occupations in her lifetime but retired after 34 years of faithful service from the Hillsborough County School System as a supervisor in the food service department. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Lawrenceville Ward, and relief society, She was past president of the Angus R. Goss Marine Corp. League auxiliary of Florida, member of the Girl Scouts and the 4H club of America. Funeral Services were held July 8, 2020 at the chapel of Byrd and Flanigan Funeral Home, with Bishop Richard Branham officiating. Committal Services and Interment will be held Friday July 10, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. in the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL beside her husband James T. Fowler. In lieu of flowers please make contributions in her honor to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Humanitarian Fund 328 Patterson Road Lawrenceville GA 30045. Arrangements by Byrd and Flanigan Crematory & Funeral Service, Lawrenceville. 770962-2200.

FAMILY. COMMUNITY. COMPASSION. VALUE. FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971 HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

OBITUARIES

www.WellsMemorial.com for Donald Taking careW.ofTomlinProudly supportingat the Plant City Strawberryfamily. Festival. the McCormick eachDonald other is what W. Tomlin, age 97, of Plant

her dedication and respect of “Captain Neil”. Services were held July 7, 2020 at Hopewell Funeral Home. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Universal Crossword Edited by David Steinberg July 8, 2020 PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

7/8

FORECAST THURSDAY, JULY 9 High: 94 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 50%

FRIDAY, JULY 10 High: 92 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 80%

platform 9 3/4 30 Horrify 34 Duck musician in “Peter and the Wolf” 36 Luau instruments, for short 37 “___ of Sunset” (Bravo show) 41 Cellular messenger 42 Sedate 43 Circle of light 44 Party with a pinata, perhaps 46 Fit for consumption 48 ... go inside a speck of dust on a clover flower 53 Dutch South African 55 Take down a peg

56 Cambodians’ neighbors 59 Like many summer drinks 62 Role in a play 63 ... travel north on the Kingsroad from Moat Cailin 65 Outskirts 66 Seller of a Double Stuf Cookie pillow 67 Kate’s sitcom friend 68 One may be white-tailed 69 Stitched 70 Fare tracker 71 Blunders DOWN 1 Getting on in years 2 Kid’s owie 3 It has six outs

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

High: 92 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 80%

SUNDAY, JULY 12 High: 90 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 60%

TOMATOES

Shipping point: Central Florida $15.95

4 Go up and down 5 Like the Atkins diet 6 Love, to Isabel Allende 7 Author Grey 8 Wound up or wound down 9 Fizzle out 10 ... sail near the island of Blefuscu 11 Berry that some call a superfood 12 “___ Lisa” 13 “No ifs, ___ or buts!” 19 Highway exit 24 New Mexico art town 26 Elizabeth Gilbert’s “___, Pray, Love” 28 “Spark” singer Amos 29 Muscular strength 31 22-Across lead-in 32 Hawaiian welcome gift 33 Timothy Leary’s trip starter 35 Girl Scout uniform part 37 “He said, ___ said” 38 Possessed 39 2001 boxing biopic 40 ... venture to the center of The Shire 42 Goalie’s feat 44 Electrician’s charge? 45 Child who’s just starting to walk 47 Word before “heart” or “touch” 49 Get in the way of 50 Front-runner 51 ___-than-life 52 Comes onstage 54 Biathlon firearm 56 “Terrible” phase 57 Corporate verb whose consonants are apt? 58 With a clean slate 60 Ancient Briton 61 Saab of fashion 64 Aries animal

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, July 9

6:39a

8:28p

Friday, July 10

6:39a

8:27p

Saturday, July 11

6:40a

8:27p

Sunday, July 12

6:40a

8:27p

Monday, July 13

6:41a

8:27p

Tuesday, July 14

6:41a

8:26p

Wednesday, July 15

6:42a

8:26p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JULY 11

Fantastic Directions by Lee Taylor

ACROSS 1 Kimono closers 5 Took it easy 10 Dalai ___ 14 ___ wolf (solitary sort) 15 Muscat resident 16 Symbol of Silicon Valley? 17 Checked off a checklist 18 To get here, go down the rabbit hole 20 Egyptian bird 21 Manitoba tribe 22 Fake name 23 Beethoven’s “Pathetique,” e.g. 25 Pop star Lovato 27 ... catch the train at

July 20 New

July 25 First

Aug. 3 Full

July 16 Last

RAINFALL Monday, June 29

0.01

Tuesday, June 30 0.07 Wednesday, July 1

0.00

Thursday, July 2 0.00 Friday, July 3

0.03

Saturday, July 4 0.09 Sunday, July 5

0.10

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2020 17.90 in.

2020 0.22 in.

2019 11.35 in.

2019 2.31 in.

WEATHER

53 Dutch South 19 Highway exit 45 Child who’s ACROSS African 24 New Mexico just starting 1 Kimono 55 Take down art town to walk closers a peg 26 Elizabeth 47 Word before 5 Took it easy 56 Cambodians’ Gilbert’s “heart” or 10 Dalai ___ Send___ yourwolf photo submissionsneighbors to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@PlantCityObserver.com “___, Pray, “touch” 14 or hashtag #iloveplantcity Instagram 59onLike manyfor @igersplantcity Love” to feature. 49 Get in the (solitary sort) summer 28 “Spark” way of 15 Muscat drinks singer Amos 50 Front-runner resident 62 Role in a play 29 Muscular 51 ___-than-life 16 Symbol of strength 52 Comes Silicon Valley? 63 ... travel north on the 31 22-Across onstage 17 Checked off Kingsroad lead-in 54 Biathlon a checklist from Moat 32 Hawaiian firearm 18 To get here, Cailin welcome gift 56 “Terrible” go down the 65 Outskirts 33 Timothy phase rabbit hole 66 Seller of Leary’s trip 57 Corporate 20 Egyptian bird a Double starter verb whose 21 Manitoba Stuf Cookie 35 Girl Scout consonants tribe pillow uniform part are apt? 22 Fake name 67 Kate’s sitcom 37 “He said, ___ 58 With a clean 23 Beethoven’s friend said” slate “Pathetique,” 68 One may be 38 Possessed 60 Ancient e.g. white-tailed 39 2001 boxing Briton 25 Pop star 69 Stitched biopic 61 Saab of Lovato 70 Fare tracker 40 ... venture to fashion 27 ... catch the 71 Blunders the center of 64 Aries animal train at The Shire platform 9 3/4 DOWN 1 Getting on 42 Goalie’s feat 30 Horrify in years 44 Electrician’s 34 Duck 2 Kid’s owie charge? musician in 3 It has six outs “Peter and 4 Go up the Wolf” PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER and down 36 Luau 5 Like the instruments, David Zaring sent in this photo of his grandson Robert Alameda and great-grandson Colton taking Atkins diet for short a father-son fishing trip. 6 Love, to 37 “___ of us on social media: @PCObserver on Instgram, ON L I N E Follow Isabel Sunset” Allende on Twitter and Plant City Observer (Bravo show) @PlantObserver on Facebook. 7 Author Grey 41 Cellular 8 Wound up or messenger wound down 42 Sedate 9 Fizzle out 43 Circle of light 10 ... sail near 44 Party with the island of a pinata, Blefuscu perhaps 11 Berry that 46 Fit for some call consumption 48 ... go inside a superfood a speck of 12 “___ Lisa” 7/7 dust on a 13 “No ifs, ___ © 2020 Andrews McMeel Universal www.upuzzles.com clover flower or buts!”

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

AN EMERGENCY IS STILL AN EMERGENCY. EVEN DURING THIS EMERGENCY.

Don’t hesitate when it comes to getting emergency treatment. Even during a pandemic, you still need to be treated immediately if you have an emergency. Debating whether or not to risk going to an emergency room during a heart attack, stroke or other health emergency—waiting even a few extra minutes—could be harmful. That’s why in

20-1126895-0520

all BayCare hospital emergency rooms, patients who have symptoms of COVID-19 are screened and treated in a separate area. This helps keep emergency room patients and our team members safe. So if it’s an emergency, don’t wait. For more information: BayCareEmergencyCare.org