8.10.23 PLCO

SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING ANNOUNCED TO DISCUSSED BUDGET

City officis want input on the city’s budget for the next fical year.

Join city commissioners at a special city commission meeting to discuss the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024. The meeting will be held Monday, August 14 at 5 p.m. at the Nettie Berry Draughon Municipal Building (City Hall), located at 302 W. Reynolds St.

In an effort to maintain transparency, the public is invited to attend and weigh in on the budget, which serves as a spending plan and investment in the community and its workforce.

The adopted budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 included $46,781,370 in the General Fund while the total budget (including Water/Sewer, Solid Waste, Stormwater, Streets and several special revenue funds) was $96,395,983.

BURNEY ELEMENTARY TO CELEBRATE

The millage rate was set at 5.7157 mills, which included a 1.0 mil dedicated solely to street resurfacing and related maintenance. It is proposed that next year those funds will cover the repaving of a large section of Collins St. For more information about the budget visit plantcitygov.com.

A centennial birthday deserves a celebration, whether you’re a person or a structure. Burney Elementary, located at 901 E. Evers St., will get its celebration this month.

Principal Brooke Quinlan said the community is welcome to attend the event, held at the school on Thursday, August 24, that will include speakers who are former alumni and staff, a tour of the original structure with student historians sharing facts about the building, a walking museum featuring photos of the school’s rich history and refreshments.

“We’re trying to get the word out to invite the community to the event,” said Quinlan.

The two-story red-brick school, constructed in 1923, was named after Esther Dorothy Burney, who, with her husband Professor E.G. Burney, were two of Plant City’s earliest teachers. They taught in a one-room schoolhouse opened in 1885. In their lifetime, they witnessed Plant City schools grow from its 1885 enrollment of approximately 20 students to its 1931 enrollment of almost 2,000 students.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

MICHELLE CACERES

STAFF WRITER

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

ILA SIMPSON CELEBRATES 95TH BIRTHDAY

Plant City resident Ila Vaughn Simpson celebrated her 95th birthday on August 10 with family and friends. The spry senior, who was born August 10, 1928, enjoys working in her garden, canning and freezing home-grown vegetables and cooking for loved ones. A Georgia native, she married Burnell Simpson in 1945 and lived on a 20-acre farm in Lithia for 37 years. The couple was together 62 years until his passing in 2007. Simpson’s family includes three children, fie grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS HELP SENIORS WITH NECESSARY EXPENSES

Seniors looking for government benefis to meet their needs can visit benefis. gov to learn about and determine eligibility for government programs available to help elderly people. These programs,

including Medicare and Health Care Option, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offer assistance with medical expenses, food and other items. The website is a place to not only find information about benefis but also a place to find olunteer opportunities.

HOPE LUTHERAN OPENS MONTHLY FOOD PANTRY

Hope Lutheran Church, located at 2001 N. Park Rd., will host its mobile food pantry in conjunction with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, on Thursday, August 17 at 6 p.m. Anyone needing grocery assistance is invited to attend the event as it strives to eliminate food insecurity. For more information, contact the church office at 813-752-4622.

UNITED FOOD BANK OF PLANT CITY HALFWAY TO ITS GOAL FOR NEW BUILDING

The glass is half-full for the United Food Bank of Plant City because its “Building Our Future Capital Campaign” is halfway to its $5 million goal, raising $2.5 million for a new facility that will not only allow it to expand its storage capacity and distribution capabilities but also enhance its ability to serve fresh and nutritious food to families facing food insecurity. “The new building will allow us to increase our im-

pact and efficiey,” said Executive Director Mary Heysek in an email to supporters. “Together, we can create a lasting impact on the lives of the individuals and families in our community.” Donating is simple and there are several ways to contribute:

1) Online at ufbpc.org.

2) Mail In Donation. Mail a check payable to United Food Bank & Services of Plant City (702 E. Alsobrook St., Suite H, Plant City FL 33563).

3) Corporate Partnerships. For more information call 813-764-0625 x5.

PLANT CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT ENCOURAGES DRIVERS TO SLOW DOWN IN SCHOOL ZONES

School buses are now driving around Plant City as the new school year begins. During morning and afternoon commutes, Plant City Police Department reminds drivers that crossing guards will be at various

intersections within the city making sure students stay safe as they make their way to school and back home. Be mindful of active school speed zones and obey crossing guards displaying signals to stop.

BRUTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY TO HOST FAMILY HISTORY CLASS

Are you related to a famous person? Have a secret history tucked in a branch of your family tree? Find out August 14 starting at 5:30 p.m. at Bruton Memorial Library’s Family History class, where residents can discover their roots and build their family tree using family search software. The class is free. Learn more and register at hcplc.com.

Community Helps Get Students Ready For Back To School

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Over the weekend, the local community came together in a show of support for students gearing up for the upcoming school year. A series of “Back-to-School” events were held, providing essential resources and a festive atmosphere that not only helped children prepare for classes but also fostered a sense of unity.

Last Friday, Plant City Housing Authority hosted a back to school bash, complete with waterslides, bounce houses music and food. Give Back Cuts was offering free haircuts and backpacks were given to children who needed them. The event theme, “Express Yourself Through Art” was accomplished thanks to Winthrop Arts Factory’s mobile workshop, where kids were painting kites, t-shirts and other projects.

Another highlight of the weekend was the “I Luv My First Responders” Appreciation event at the Plant City Stadium. Organized by Danny McIntyre of iImpact PC, the event drew crowds of citizens where, in addition to meeting local fist responders, food was served and members of the local Buffalo Riders passed out backpacks and school supplies to children.

Plant City resident Ashleigh Smallwood attended the event with her children. “I homeschool and we did a tour of the fie station earlier this year and they wanted to come to see the police and fie equipment,” she said.

She also appreciated the school supply giveaway.

Ali & Gracie’s Back to School Bash a hit!

“It’s expensive today, especially with three, you have to have three times everything,” she said. “It’s crazy.”

Amazon gift cards were also distributed to local teachers. Plant City educators

Heather Maxwell and Shayna Johnson were thankful for the cards that they’ll use to purchase school supplies for the classroom.

Maxwell, a science teacher at Strawberry Crest, said it’s nice to know the community is supporting her at the start of the school year. “We have so many things to figue out and prepare and this gift means others want to support us as we try to create the best environment for our students,” she said.

Maxwell said while the district does give them a budget for school supplies that varies from year to year, it’s usually not available until October.

Finally, on Monday, the library passed out school supplies and offered free health and vision screenings. A lucky few qualifying residents even received Chromebooks.

Ten-year-old Mia, was all smiles as she walked out of the library with her new laptop. The Florida Virtual School student now has more flxibility to access lessons. “It means a lot to me because I can do my work indoors or outside,” she said.

The collaboration between community members, local government and business leaders not only benefied parents and students but showcased the community’s solidarity.

As school drew nearer, Hungry Howies’ owner Ali Sobh partnered with Outback Steakhouse’s managing partner intern Gracie Martinez to host Ali & Gracie’s First Annual Back to School Bash in conjunction with Plant City-based nonprofit Operation Paying It Forward.

The event was held at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center on Saturday, offering food, refreshments, school supplies, free haircuts and fun to hundreds of local kids as they prepare for their upcoming school year.

“This has just blown my mind, Ali’s mind, it’s just crazy,” Martinez said. “We weren’t expecting it to be this way for the fist annual Ali and Gracie’s Back to School bash so it’s definiely exciting to see and how the community came together for us.”

In past years, Sobh has hosted back-toschool events through he and his father’s Hungry Howies restaurant located at 208 N Alexander St. He says that he saw a need in the community as he returned to Plant City after college and that his back to school events have progressively grown larger and larger over the years, leading to him reaching out to Martinez in an attempt to combine their philanthropic efforts this year. Martinez has engaged in a number of charitable efforts throughout her time with Plant City’s Outback Steakhouse, located at 1203 Towngate Ct., and jumped at the opportunity. Collecting funds, along with over 2,000 pieces of school supplies through a donation and rafflevent at Outback, the team began additionally reaching out to local businesses that would be willing to promote themselves and provide food, drinks and/ or other amenities to attendees, with Sobh and Hungry Howies providing them with credit in return.

“Gracie was doing a back to school event, I was doing one and I knew that they always did a drive for school supplies, so I reached out to Gracie and said that I’m doing one too and that we should do one together,” Sobh said. “We’re two of the more powerful businesses in Plant City so I said what a great opportunity to work together. I know that Outback’s structured a little different with corporate but Gracie is the face of their social media and does all of their charity events so I reached out to her and she was glad to partner with me and do it bigger.”

With volunteer efforts from Pelican’s Snowball, Citi Ice, Cheat Meals and Zeus’s Training Hall, along with free haircuts provided by Golden Era Barbershop, pizza provided by Hungry Howies, a stand with chips and hot dogs manned by Plant City Police, inflaables from Joyful Jumps and face painting from Martinez, the event provided a ton of fun for families and kids as the summer winds down.

“It’s a really awesome back to school event,” local parent Lubna Shahen said. “I brought my kids, this is their fist time here, but I love it. It’s fun. The kids are enjoying it and it’s a great thing that they did for the community, they gave their time and effort to make the kids happy.”

Operation Paying It Forward is a 100 percent volunteer-based nonprofit oganization based in Plant City and founded in 2018, aimed at helping residents throughout the Plant City community as well as rural areas in eastern Hillsborough County and parts of Western Polk County.

“This event was community driven,” Michelle Valdes of Operation Paying It Forward said. “We don’t have major sponsors, we don’t have grants or anything like that. This is community-run, communitydriven, 100 percent volunteers and no one makes a penny off f this event, it all goes back into the community.”

TAYLOR JENKINS STAFF WRITER

JULY 28

STICKY FINGERS

2600 block of James L. Redman Pkwy.

Theft: An officer met with a loss prevention employee at a business at the listed location in reference to a theft.

ADDING INSULT TO INJURY

300 block of N Alexander St. Felony warrant arrest: An officer responded to the South Florida Baptist Hospital in reference to a wanted subject being discharged from the hospital. Upon arrival, contact was made with one individual who had an active PCPD warrant for burglary of an occupied dwelling, criminal mischief and assault. The warrant was confirmed and the individual was subsequently arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

JULY 30

FIGHT NIGHT

600 block of N Maryland Ave.

Simple battery: An officer responded to a business at the listed location in reference to a simple battery complaint. A waiver of prosecution was signed for the incident.

JULY 30

DAMAGED GOODS

100 block of S Every St. Criminal mischief: An officer responded to a business at the listed location and met with the owner in reference to damaged property.

AUGUST 1

LOST AND FOUND

2200 block of N Park Rd. Warrant arrest: An officer responded to the listed location and arrested one individual for a violation of parole warrant out of the Polk County Sheriff ’s Office. The individual was subsequently transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

AUGUST 2

CLEAN PLATES

2300 block of Maki Rd. Stolen tag: An officer made contact with the victim at the listed location who stated that they woke up in the morning and observed that their license plate was missing from their vehicle.

LONG LIST

2500 block of James L. Redman Pkwy.

Drug arrest / felon in possession / simple battery: An officer responded to the listed location in reference to observing a battery. One individual was subsequently charged with possession of cocaine, armed traffickinof fentanyl, possession of marijuana, felon in possession of a fiearm, felon in possession of ammunition and simple battery. The individual was subsequently transported to Orient Road Jail.

HOME GOODS

500 block of Allen St.

Theft: An officer made contact with the individual at the listed location who stated that their push mower and pop-up tent were missing.

DRINKS ON ME

1800 block of Jim Johnson Rd. Grand theft: An officer met with the complainant at the list location who stated that 15 cases of Hennessy cognac were stolen from the loaded area, valued at $5,130.

AUGUST 3

SWIMMING UPSTREAM

SR 574 / Lake Boulevard

DUI arrest: An officer conducted a traffictop in reference to a vehicle driving the wrong way. One individual was subsequently charged with DUI and driving with a suspended/revoked license and turned over to Hillsborough County Sheriff ’s Office.

CAR TROUBLES

1700 block of N Park Rd. Vehicle burglary: An officer met with the victim at the listed location in reference to a delayed vehicle burglary complaint.

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BURNEY ELEMENTARY TO CELEBRATE 100TH ANNIVERSARY THIS MONTH

Burney Elementary School’s centennial celebration kicks off ugust 24.

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

Did you take the Observer with you on vacation? Send your pictures to Associate Editor Taylor Jenkins at tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

Through the years, the building has served in a number of capacities. It was an elementary school (serving grades one through six), a sixth-grade center, a “strawberry school” (that would close during strawberry harvesting season so children of farmers could help their families in the field), the temporary location of Tomlin Junior High School and an exceptional education and alternative education center.

The school received much-needed facelifts in the last several decades. In 2002, the front windows were replaced and new offices constructed. A decade later a contractor replaced aging mortar and cement around the bricks and new structures were added to the site. Its name was changed to Esther D. Burney Elementary.

This year, a sprinkler system was installed and the building repainted.

Assistant Principal Megan Braglin has rich history with the school. She was a student at the school when it was a sixth-

grade center. Her mother, Dr. Mary Knox, was the guidance counselor. Her father, David Knox, was a sixth-grade teacher.

“I went to Bryan Elementary but used to ride the bus here after school and the lunch ladies would share their leftovers and they used to cook from scratch,” said Braglin. “I remember the blondies they used to make and in the fall they’d make and sell homemade sweet potato pies.”

Fast forward to this school year. Quinlan expects student enrollment will be between 350 and 370 students. She also plans on bringing back the Halloween Carnival as part of its 100th anniversary celebration.

If Esther Burney were alive, would she be pleased to see her school still educating students? Quinlan thinks so.

“Our core of what we are is exactly what Esther D. Burney wanted, which was her vision to make sure every child is educated for the sake of the community,” she said.

For more information about Burney Elementary visit hillsboroughschools.org/ burney.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Member FDIC

BOSTON: Juan Alvarez and his father-in-law JeffWalden brought a copy of the Plant City Observer along with them to visit Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.

Photo Courtesy of East Hillsborough Historical Society

LOCAL BUILDING EARNS SPOT ON 11 TO SAVE LIST

The 1914 High School Community Center is on its 2023 list of the most threatened historic places in the state.

The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation recently announced the 2023 Florida’s 11 to Save, a list of the most threatened historic places in the state, at the 2023 Preservation on Main Street conference. The 1914 High School Community Center made on the list.

East Hillsborough Historical Society (EHHS) President Shelby Bender was the fist to know. She did, after all, submit the application to be included in this year’s list.

“Making the 11 to Save will bring a greater public awareness of the need for historic preservation of the building and that greater awareness will help us focus on the funding that’s needed,” said Bender. “It takes it outside our neighborhood to garner support from people who recognize the need for funding.”

Each year, the Florida Trust announces its 11 to Save sites, which are nominated by the public and reflect the hitoric places that matter to local communities. The program is designed to increase the public’s awareness of the urgent need to save Florida’s historic resources, highlight the breadth of Florida’s unique history, inspire unique collaborations and empower local preservationists and community groups in their work to preserve Florida’s rich history.

The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation is the state’s nonprofit dediated to protecting Florida’s extraordinary heritage and history. Founded in 1978, the Florida Trust has collaborated to save irreplaceable Florida treasures like the Historic Florida Capitol and is a statewide partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

“The 2023 Florida’s 11 to Save reflect the extraordinary breadth and depth of

stories that make up the cultural mosaic of our state,” said Florida Trust Board President Mike Cosden. “By safeguarding these sites, we’re not just preserving buildings and landscapes, but also the diverse histories and voices that contribute to our shared heritage.”

Other historic buildings that made the list include: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, Thelma Boltin Center in Gainesville, Community of Royal, Community of East Palatka, Ormond Beach Yacht Club, Opa-locka Bank, Port Charlotte High School, Mount Olive AME Church in Jacksonville, Hollywood Beach Hotel and Central Academy in Palatka.

Bender hopes that making the list will heighten the awareness of preserving the former school building, designed by Tampa- based architect Willis R. Biggers. Active since 1914, the year of its construction, the Georgian Revival school ceased being used as an educational facility in 1972. Added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 4, 1981, the school building has been occupied by the East Hillsborough Historical Society and used as a community center since 1977. Today, its future is in question as city leaders as the building’s owner, evaluate what to do with the historic structure that is falling into disrepair.

Hillsborough County agreed to allocate $1.5 million to the city for the building’s restoration, which Bender said will cover phase one of her three-phased approach to make improvements to the building. She said local leaders have been working on an interlocal agreement to transfer the funds since June. “I don’t have an update on that, I was told the city was working on getting the money transferred from the county to the city to hold in escrow,” said Bender.

Learn more about the 11 to Save list at www.FloridaTrust.org.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

PLANT CITY AUTHOR WRITES BOOK ABOUT FORWARD-THINKING NAVY VETERAN

Residents can purchase a copy of the book “Kenneth Whiting: Remembering a Forgotten Hero of Naval Aviation and Submarines” at online retailers Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Kennth Whiting and Whiting Field (a Naval Air Station at Milton, Florida) were named after him, the general public is unaware of his achievements. “Whiting was a major factor in the development of naval aviation and he’s been forgotten, this book is a way to remember him,” he said. “It was a tragedy that there wasn’t a book written about all of his accomplishments.”

In the 1980’s, Whiting’s oldest daughter started researching her father’s life, intending to write a biography about her father but she passed away before it could be written.

Notably, Haynes’ father served as a communications officer aboard the USS Kenneth Whiting. He remembers stories his father would tell about life on the ship. This was one more reason why he felt the story needed to be told and he would be the one to tell it.

JADA BROWN CROWNED MISS TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER

The win qualifiesher to compete in the Miss Volunteer America pageant in June 2024.

Local author Felix Haynes has just released his fourth book, a nonfiction biography, which tells the inspiring story of highly decorated Navy veteran Kenneth Whiting, who was the fist naval officer to conceptualize a ship that would one day prove invaluable to the US Navy, a ship able to operate airplanes, what we now call an aircraft carrier. He is often referred to as “the father of the aircraft carrier.”

Where would the Navy be (where would movies like “Top Gun” be) without Whiting’s vision?

The book, titled “Kenneth Whiting: Remembering a Forgotten Hero of Naval Aviation and Submarines”, chronicles the journey of Whiting, born at Stockbridge, Massachusetts in 1881, from his time as a Naval Academy cadet to his time commanding submarines to becoming a naval aviator during World War I. Whiting was the last naval officer taught to fly y Orville Wright himself. It also takes a deep dive into how he came up with the idea for the aircraft carrier and his participation in converting the USS Jupiter to the USS Langley, the Navy’s fist aircraft carrier.

While many Navy sailors recognize Whiting’s name, seaplane tender USS

Beginning in 2017, Haynes spent fie and a half years, some of that time during the COVID-19 pandemic, examining Whiting’s life, including extensive research and interviews, offering readers a vivid and authentic depiction of his illustrious career as well as his personal life. He visited Whiting Field, where the Navy trains its pilots. He spent a week at the naval air station, sorting through stacks of fils during the day and eating amberjack at Pensacola’s finst restaurants at night. He drove to Maine to interview one of Whiting’s granddaughters. He stayed in her garage apartment for a week, sifting through her family fils and eating Maine lobster. He visited the National Archives in Washington D.C. and the Nimitz Library at the Naval Academy to uncover more documents about Whiting.

Years passed.

“My wife asked me at the beginning of this process how long it would take and I told her three years but it took a lot longer,” said Haynes. “It was all in my head and meant many days of waking up at 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. and writing for four or fie hours, that was my life,” he said. “It was a labor of love.”

When it came time to publish the book, he received offers from three publishers but declined them because they wanted editorial control. He decided to have Page Publishing in Pennsylvania print the book. “They made suggestions but at the end of the day I was able to say what was included in the book,” he said.

Haynes’ book can be purchased online at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

Plant City native Jada Brown, a court member in the 2019 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Scholarship Pageant, is wearing another crown.

Brown, a senior majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry at Lane College in Jackson, TN, captured the Miss Tennessee Volunteer title on Saturday, July 29 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, Tennessee. The pageant, a service-oriented scholarship program, honors young women who demonstrate a genuine commitment to making a positive impact in their communities through volunteer work and who embody the values of service, compassion and leadership.

After winning the title, her phone was flooded with alls and texts from Plant City residents offering heartfelt congratulations. “My strawberry sisters, my strawberry moms, Di Lott, Donna Keel, Paul Davis, my former teachers at Strawberry Crest, my friend group, it feels like all of Plant City has reached out to me,” she said.

As Miss Tennessee Volunteer, Brown will serve as the Governor’s Official Spesperson for Character Education in schools and be a Goodwill Ambassador for the newly-

formed Miss Volunteer America partnership with St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Championing the platform “The Beauty Within Our Hands,” the 21-year-old presented an American Sign Language (ASL) song performance to “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman for the talent portion of the pageant.

“One of my sisters is deaf so part of my platform is educating students and teaching them beginner-friendly signs,” she said.

During her time as Miss Tennessee Volunteer, she promises to be the very best role model she can be and to strive to be a shining light when she enters every school to speak to youth. “I was taught to leave things better than I found them and that will be my mission for the next year while I travel the state of Tennessee, spreading my message about ‘CARE’ as my Character Eduction trait,” she said.

Brown qualified or the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Scholarship Pageant after winning a local preliminary pageant title, Miss Lane College, in March. It was her fist time competing since the Queen Pageant. While she was nervous, she said it felt good to be on stage again and said the lesson learned in the Queens Pageant quickly came to mind. “The Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Pageant was an amazing experience and really shaped me into the woman I am today,” she said. “It taught me interview skills and how to talk to people.”

In addition to her role as Miss Lane College, Brown will hold the Miss Tennessee Volunteer title through 2024 and receive an $11,000 scholarship. She has also earned the opportunity to compete for the Miss Volunteer America crown on June 22, 2024.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Photos courtesy of Miss Tennessee Volunteer

SPORTS FEATURED FUTURE: DYLAN LAPOINTE

After four years of varsity baseball at Durant, Dylan LaPointe will be continuing his athletic and academic career at Florida Atlantic University.

“My time at Durant was awesome other than my freshman year being cut short by COVID,” LaPointe said. “But after that it just felt like it went by so fast, I wish that I could go back and keep playing, high school was a lot of fun. You meet a lot of friends on the baseball team and you get close, you’re there as a team to play but then hang out after school too because everyone’s so close, you build that team chemistry and everyone’s just tight together.”

As a freshman, LaPointe saw action in five varsity contests before COVID-19 cut the Cougars season short after just seven games. But in his sophomore year, LaPointe wasted no time becoming a consistent presence behind the plate for an experienced Cougars’ pitching staff – highlighted by future MLB Draft Pick Sean Hermann – that posted an unbelievable 1.06 ERA, along with quickly becoming one of the more dangerous bats in a Durant lineup that earned a Final Four appearance in 2021. As a sophomore LaPointe finished the season with a batting average of .380 to go along with a team-high 30 hits, 23 runs batted in, 13 doubles and one home run. In a season that was capped off by a solo go-ahead home run in the fourth inning of a 2-1 regional final victory over Osceola that sent the Cougars to the State Final Four, LaPointe was named to the All-813Preps First Team – one of just two sophomores in Hillsborough County to earn that distinction.

In the fall of his junior year, LaPointe committed to Florida Atlantic.

“I didn’t really have many big schools talk to me but I had Jacksonville University, FIU, HCC, I only had like five offers,” LaPointe said. “But what made FAU stand out was that they were at my Jupiter tournament in the beginning of my junior year and as soon as the game was finished they called me, they said they loved me, they said that they’d love to get me on campus to look around and talk to the head coach so I went

to talk to their coach and took that visit and it just felt like home. Everything they did was so nice, the coaching sounded like it was really good, they did everything like they should as a DI and it just felt like where I belonged, like home.”

As a junior, now committed to play collegiate baseball at a major Division I program in Boca Raton, the offense didn’t slow down for the power hitting catcher. In 2022, LaPointe’s batting average crossed over the .400 mark as he once again led the Cougars in most offensive categories, including a team-high .425 average, 31 hits, 23 runs batted in, five doubles, two triples and five home runs as the Cougars claimed their second consecutive district title and a regional semi-final appearance. And once again, the accolades rolled in for LaPointe as he was not only named to the All-813Preps First Team for the second consecutive season, but did so with the 6A-7A Hitter of the Year distinction.

In the fall of his senior year, the Cougars claimed the area’s annual George M. Steinbrenner Fall Classic, hosted at the New York Yankees Spring Training Complex and George M. Steinbrenner field, before LaPointe signed his national letter of intent and officially committed to FAU in November. In Durant’s spring season, LaPointe once again paced the Cougars’ with a teamhigh .420 average, 34 hits, 10 doubles and two triples while his 17 runs batted in and five home runs trailed only behind junior Noah Morales. And as LaPointe had now long established himself as one of the most dangerous hitters in the baseball hotbed that is Hillsborough County, on the heels of an unsurprisingly stellar senior season in which the Cougars claimed their third consecutive district title en route to another regional semi-final appearance, he once again found himself as a member of the All813Preps First Team for the third straight year.

“Some days we would just focus on tee work, fundamentals, drills and then some days we’d do soft toss and progressively we’d get into batting practice from coaches, then go to a machine to see some harder stuff and then we’d go to live pitching once our pitchers get developed,” LaPointe said

about his offensive development at Durant. “That just translated straight to the game. You’d critique your swing all the way from the tee, to soft toss, to the coaches, to the machine, to the pitching against our teammates.”

Outside of his high school baseball with the Cougars in the fall and spring, LaPointe joined the Ostingers Baseball Academy at eight years old and played with them all through high school, a competitive baseball program based in Lithia that regularly features MLB Draft selections and collegiate players in their growing and largely local alumni base, along with former Featured Futures in Blaine Rowland and Tanner Rollyson – committed to the University of Florida and Florida Southern, respectively. LaPointe talked about his time with the Ostingers and the opportunity the organization provided him to face top levels of competition in a familiar setting, not just in his high school season in Hillsborough County, but around the country on a year-round basis.

“I was with the Ostingers since I was eight so I knew the guys really well and like I’ve said, you need that team chemistry,” LaPointe said. “Since we were all from the same area and know each other really well and don’t fly people in, that gives us an advantage. When you fly people in they

could just be playing for themselves and not as a team but for us, we’re all local and play against each other in high school and sometimes even wanted to play together on our high school teams but that’s basically just an extension of high school. We all form together and make a nice team along with guys from all of the high schools around us.”

Between his success with Durant and the Ostingers, winning is nothing new for LaPointe as he prepares to join an Owls program that has finished above .500 every season since 1996 and has made an NCAA Tournament appearance in six seasons since 2010.

“I’m pumped for it,” LaPointe said. “I can’t wait to get down there. You get to move away and live on your own, that’ll be interesting, but I think that it’ll be a lot of fun. Getting to meet new people on the team, getting to build that team chemistry again, I think it’ll be a great experience and a great time.”

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

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.

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

LOOK FOR THE PLANT CITY OBSERVER’S 2023 FOOTBALL PREVIEW IN NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE!

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

Each year the Plant City Observer releases their annual Football Preview ahead of the high school football season — and 2023 is no different!

Next week’s guide will feature schedules, rosters, major weekly matchups and comprehensive previews for Plant City, Durant and Strawberry Crest, along with a trip down memory lane as we look back at the best images from the 2022 season and beyond.

As the season creeps closer, Strawberry Crest will be looking to build on their momentum under Phillip Prior after posting their first winning season since 2013, Durant will look to keep the wins rolling after back-to-back eight-win seasons under head coach Claybo Varnum and the Cougars’ first district title since 2014 and Plant City will look to get back to winning ways under their third head coach over the past three seasons as Terrence Hicks takes over for his first year leading the Raiders’ program.

With in-depth interviews from all three head coaches and all the crucial information that you need to prepare for the 2023 season, make sure you don’t miss the 2023 Football Preview in next week’s special issue of the Plant City Observer.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Local JULY 2023 sales and trend information courtesy of The Crawford Group.

Simple ways to increase your property’s value prior to selling... Owners always ask us, what can I do to get the most value and quick close for my property? While every owner’s financial psition and housing scenario is different, there are many common (minimum cost) solutions to this question once the owner has committed to selling their home and property.

The easiest and least cost solution that any potential seller can start with is to clean and declutter the home. The kitchen and primary living areas should be the focus but don’t forget about the closets, utility and garage. Although you may have decorated your home to your taste and style, you want to appeal to the mass buyers looking out there. Start the packing process now, if you don’t expect to take an item to your new home, think about donating it. Limit personal photos and collections, it’s easier for the potential buyers to envision their possessions with clean walls and counters. Decluttering and removing items will give the appearance of more space in the room.

The next items pertain to the initial view that potential buyers see when visiting the property. How does the front yard, front door, exterior painting, or landscape standout? The buyers fist impression is captured when they drive up to the house. Has the yard been mowed, is there any color in the landscaping, new mulch? Does the driveway need to be pressured washed? These are easy fies and cost minimum. Painting the front door and exterior adds value, and this has a slightly higher dollar expense, but adds value to the overall price when selling.

Do you have any unfinished pojects, superficial dfects, or deferred maintenance at the home, if so try to get them resolved. A buyer will take any item found and use it to discount the price point. Fix the torn screen, squeaky door, replace the batteries in the smoke detectors, etc. Your agent should be able to highlight other items they see and provide the potential scenarios to heighten your return on your property. The decision is ultimately the seller’s, but I can give numerous examples on both sides where money was either gained or

lost in the transaction. Although you may not recoup dollar for dollar, a small investment into readying a property will deter discounts sought by a savvy buyer.

As we look at the Plant City housing data from July 2023, our market area sold 107 homes for the month continuing to surpass the year-to-date average of 86 units per month. People are still buying homes at these increased mortgage costs. That number comprised of 22 new construction homes which should continue due to the new housing developments. The area has several new communities starting to build out. Our housing inventory remains under pressure and last month decreased to around 1.48 months’ supply, which is still considerably less than what inventory supply is needed for a normal market period. The inventory outlook will continue to be stressed and tighten up. Our ADOM, average days on market, last month was 33.4 days about double the time it took last year to go under contract.

As we look back pre-pandemic, pandemic and rising mortgage rate period, our market peaked back in May/June 2022, then had slight declines in market values through Feb. 2023, when it appeared to turn positive again. Now we have had fie months of increases in the average sold price and average price per square foot of homes sold in Plant City.

In July our average sold price was $402,777, a 1.7 percent increase over June, a six percent increase year-to-date and 2.6 percent over the previous July 2022. When we look at average price per square foot, July 2023 was $210.04 per square foot, a slight increase from June but 4 percent increase year-to-date. This trend has continued and will increase substantially when the mortgage rates stabilize. 30-year average mortgage rates came in for the month of July at 6.86 percent and its still trending up for the time, the Fed paused the rate increase in June, but initiated a 0.25 percent rate increase in July. I believe in the coming months; the Fed will start reversing interest rates and watch what happens to buyers entering the market.

If you are in the market to buy or sell your home, please seek an experienced professional Realtor® to assist you in this transaction process. There are too many consequences, going it alone without proper representation. Get the real scoop on our market. If you have any questions, want a market value analysis of your home, or see what's available to purchase, please reach out.

M Crawford Crawford Group

SALES SNAPSHOT

The following residential properties were a sample listed as sold on the Greater Tampa Realtors Association MLS in July 2023 for the Plant City Market Area.

The home at 3608 Fortner Rd sold July 11 for $135,000. Built in 1958, it has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and 572 square feet of living area.

The home at 1706 E Alabama St sold July 3 for $175,000. Built in 1965 it has 3 bedrooms, 1 bath and 1240 square feet of living area.

The home at 702 Seminole Sand Rd sold July 15 for $215,000. Built in 2000 it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1488 square feet of living area.

The home at 2213 Preservation Dr sold July 27 for $272,500. Built in 1992, it has 2 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1488 square feet of living area.

The home at 3507 White Dandelion Ct sold July 20 for $286,990. Built in 2023, it has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bath and 1673 square feet of living area.

The home at 3433 Trapnell Ridge Dr sold July 19 for $320,000. Built in 2006, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1550 square feet of living area.

The home at 4040 Gallagher Dr sold July 5 for $330,000. Built in 2019, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 924 square feet of living area.

The home at 901 Sandalwood Dr sold July 6 for $345,000. Built in 1986, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1510 square feet of living area.

The home 2599 Bridle Dr sold July 28 for $380,000. Built in 1986, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 bath and 2587 square feet of living area.

The home at 3118 Emerson Pl sold July 14 for $399,900. Built in 1992, it has 4 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1463 square feet of living area.

The home at 3905 Cooper Rd sold July 28 for $430,000. Built in 1977, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1672 square feet of living area.

The home at 1727 Oakwood Estates Dr sold July 9 for $465,000. Built in 2006, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 bath and 2411 square feet of living area.

The home at 3213 Alcott Ave sold July 14 for $535,000. Built in 1995, it has 4 bedrooms, 2 bath and 2411 square feet of living area.

The home at 207 N Franklin sold July 14 for $839,900. Built in 1887, it has 5 bedrooms, 4 bath and 4372 square feet of living area.

The home at 707 N Collins sold July 31 for $1,100,000. Built in 1905, it has 7 bedrooms, 6 bath and 4740 square feet of living area.

We asked Plant City: What is your favorite thing about Plant City?

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR

“In 1944, I was delivered to my Mom by Dr. Maguire in a small room over Whites Drug Store… I’m still here for reasons unknown. I love my hometown.” - Sara Jackson Cross

“All the Farms plus the strawberry and produce places. I also love the little downtown area and the shops, they’re so cute.” - April Espina

“My neighborhood, Laurel Lake. I love PC and wouldn’t live anywhere else.”

- Judy Martin

“Those beautifully landscaped, well maintained flower beds on Reynolds St. downtown.” - Vic Hamilton

“My many memories of her past. And the Plant City Photo Archives, and the Plant City Observer.” - Ed Verner

“Strawberries!” - Carol McNeil

“Strawberry Festival.” - Shelley Inez Bullock

“That I was blessed to be raised there, the friendships and memories it has given me by being such an awesome place to grow up, raise my families and now grow old there. PC 4-Life!” - Kim Blanchard

“The support our community has for youth in agriculture.” - Kendall Donaldson

“My son and daughter live there.”

- Albert

Rimes

“The Strawberry Festival.” - Janet Crane Davis

“Sweet Missions, Strawberry Festival, good southern people.” - Ashley Going

“The single thing that makes or breaks any place (and I have lived in a few) are the people. Plant City has the nicest.”

- Loretta Burns

“Family and strawberries.” - Wesley Ezekiel

“Parkesdale, Downtown shops, Mi Casa.” - Lynsey Gauley

“Everyone knows everyone.” - Deanna Shaw

“The fact that it’s a regular-sized city but has a small town feel. Love love love P.C.!” - Maria Sauve

“The people.” - Evelyn Madonia

“The old 1914 school that was my Jr. High back in the early 70’s. The old McCroy’s , Hookers… The good wholesome days.” - Cynthia Davis Van Camp

“My friends, the same friends I went to school with. Seeing them at every class reunion. Meeting them at restaurants in town and town gatherings and now I’m growing old with them here. I couldn’t get that anywhere else.” - Peggy

Gipson Williams

“The memories of what it was like growing up in the 60’s and 70’s.” - Melody Yancey

“Looking at places and remembering what used to be there... Drive In theater, Sunny South Drive In, the original Publix... Strawberry Drive In... list goes on and on.” - Sally Knight Raburn

“The Whistle Stop.” - Allen Berrebbi

Jean Blake

Jean Blake, 90, of Plant City, born on March 5, 1933, entered into eternal rest on July 29, 2023. She was a secretary for the Plant City YMCA, and for the CocaCola Bottling Company, and a member of First United Methodist Church Plant City. She was a long time member of a bridge club, which consisted of some of her closest friends. She loved her family dearly, and enjoyed bridge, traveling, nature, reading, movies, history, and politics.

She is survived by children, Donna Churchill, and James Blake (Kathy); grandchildren, Dr. Lindsey Churchill (Daniel Santos), Jay Blake, and Jessica Lane Blake; great-grandchild, Phoenix Churchill-Santos; siblings, Martha Canady, and Frances Beaty; and sister-in-laws, Connie Hudson, Connie Beaty, and June Beaty.

A memorial service was held August 7, 2023 at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 South County Road 39, Plant City. In lieu of

flwers, and in honor of her granddaughter Jessica Lane Blake, memorial contributions may be made to the International Retts Syndrome Foundation at https://www.rettsyndrome. org/donate/.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Nigel A. Thornton

Nigel A. Thornton, 90, of Brandon, born on June 8, 1933, in Oneida, Tenn., entered into eternal rest on July 30, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Gwen Chipman

Gwen Chipman, 83, of Plant City, born on Aug. 17, 1939 in Detroit, Mich., entered into eternal rest on July 31, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Marian Rose Riter

Marian Rose Riter, 95, of Plant City, born on Oct. 13, 1927, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, entered into eternal rest on July 29, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Cheryl Sullivan Brown

Cheryl Sullivan Brown, 76, of Lakeland, born on Dec. 30, 1946, in Plant City, entered into eternal rest on July 30, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Carol Lynne Rassizi

Carol Lynne Rassizi, 70, of Zephyrhills, born on Aug. 4, 1952, in Lansing, Mich., entered into eternal rest on July 27, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

Mary Helen Law Everidge

Mary Helen Law Everidge, 91, died peacefully on August 3, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Cruz Oquendo, Sr.

Cruz Oquendo, Sr., 85, of Dover, born on May 31, 1938, in Jayuya, Puerto Rico, entered into eternal rest on August 3, 2023. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral. com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Charles Dry

Charles Dry, 74, of Seffne, born on Jan. 26, 1949, in Haines City, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 5, 2023. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral. com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Gerald Edward Jordan

Gerald Edward Jordan, Sr., 59, of Lithia, born on February 21, 1964, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, entered into eternal rest on August 5, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Charlotte Ann Ashworth

Charlotte Ann Ashworth, 76, of Plant City passed away Aug. 3, 2023 at her home. A memorial service was held Aug. 8, 2023 at New Hope Freewill Baptist Church, 3101 Sydney Dover Road, Dover. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Margaret Patricia Cope

Margaret Patricia Cope On the blessed day of July 30, 2023, our dear sister Margaret Patricia Cope, was called home by our Heavenly Father from her abode in Thonotosassa, Fla. A Funeral Service was held Aug. 4, 2023 at First Thonotosassa Missionary Baptist Church, 10650 McIntosh Rd Thonotosassa, FL 33592. Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Terry Allan Watson

Terry Allan Watson, a man known for his outgoing nature, sense of humor, and selflss love, passed away peacefully in his hometown of Plant City, Fla., on Aug. 6, 2023. Born on Aug. 19, 1967, in Plant City, Terry’s zest for life and love for others radiated throughout his 55 years. Services will be held privately. Condolences can be made at haught.care.

Dr. Jerry Lee Jamison

Dr. Jerry Lee Jamison, 73, of Olive Branch, Miss. went to be with the Lord on Aug. 5, 2023. Dr. Jamison was born on May 20, 1950 in Louisville, Ky. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in engineering from the University of Louisville and worked for the CIA as an engineer. He later went on to medical school at the University of Louisville and ended his career as an internal medicine specialist at the VA Medical Center in Zephyrhills, Fla. Dr. Jamison was a believer in Jesus Christ and a member of East Shelby Church of Christ. Prior to moving to Memphis, he served as an elder at Seffner Chuch of Christ in Seffne, Fla. In his free time, he enjoyed studying the Bible. He was an intellectual thinker and problem solver. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Eloise Jamison; and his sister, Judy Watkins. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Karen Jamison; son, John Jamison (Star); daughter, Camille Adams; grandchildren: Caitlyn Corrine Adams, Shiloh Ann Jamison, and Judah Jack Jamison; and nephews, Bruce Watkins (Michelle) and Burt Watkins.

The family will receive friends for a time of visitation at Brantley Funeral Home on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023 from 3 to 3:30 p.m. with a memorial service to begin at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flwers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in his honor. Online condolences may be expressed at brantleyfuneral. com.

BEST BET FRIDAY,

AUGUST 11

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 The Avengers. All are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for the event.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

OPEN MIC NIGHT

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

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16

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.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17

ARTS COUNCIL ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP

6 to 8 p.m. at 102 N Palmer St. The Arts Council of Plant City invites all to make their way down to the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum to mingle with friends and catch up on the latest “art gossip” around town as they enjoy a glass of wine or beer and munch on delicious Hors d’Oeuvres. These is no charge for the event but the Arts Council asks that you please RSVP with a text or email by Aug. 14 if you wish to attend so that they may adequately plan for food and drink. RSVP to Dodie at 813-927-0595 / dodiewhite@msn. com or Marsha at 813-245-2244 / mappmore@msn.com.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

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

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22

LIFE RECOVERY - ADDICTION RECOVERY GROUP

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 2103 Mud Lake Rd. The Plant City Church of God hosts Life Recovery on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, a free, Christ centered, 12-step group addiction recovery program for all those in need. Family is welcome to join alongside attendees and for more information, call or text Debbie at 813-763-1562 or Laverne at 813763-1530.

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

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25

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. August’s theme will be Marvel vs. DC.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

BLUEGRASS JAM

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. This is an open invitation for local Bluegrass musicians and fans to come to the Krazy Kup loft and jam, clap hands, stomp feet and enjoy! Krazy Kup holds their Bluegrass JAM on the fist Saturday of every month.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

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 influene 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.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

16TH ANNUAL PATRIOT DAY OBSERVANCE AND REMEMBRANCE RIDE

12 to 5 p.m. at 5521 E. SR 60. AMVETS Post 44 will host their 16th Annual Patriot Day Observance fundraiser benefitting loal fist responder charities and other veteran programs in the Plant City Community. The event begins at noon and will end at roughly 4 p.m., with food, refreshments, live music from the Double Barrel Band, merchandise vendors, raffles, an auction, a 50/50 raffl and three grand prize giveaways. Entry into the Patriot Day Remembrance Event is free and all are welcome, but tickets must be purchased for drawings, food and for beverages. If you aren’t able to attend but would like to support AMVETS Post 44 through a donation, you can do so at www. amvetspost44.org/donate.

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

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10

MOON PHASES

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture AVOCADO TILE & GROUT STEAM CLEANED 50 cents per Sq.Ft. CARPETS STEAM CLEANED 3 ROOMS $90 Includes Hallway cleaned Free Emergency Storm Water, A/C Leaks, Broken Pipes, Toilet Overflow 24-Hour WATER REMOVAL  Carpet Repairs  Carpet Restoration & Dyeing  Minimum Service job $70.00

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

Kelsey Spell snapped this photo of the sun setting over Plant City from the Publix parking lot on James Redman Pkwy.

In Hillsborough County, your choice for quality care is simple.

You have a leader in clinical excellence right in your backyard.

At South Florida Baptist Hospital, you get compassionate, high-quality care from an experienced team. You’re our primary focus, so we combine outstanding health care with state-of-the-art technologies to bring you exceptional clinical outcomes. You can get specialized treatment in a number of areas including heart care, cancer care, obstetrics, orthopedics and much more. We’re committed to being your partner for continued health and wellness, and giving you the extraordinary care you deserve. Make the easy health care choice–South Florida Baptist Hospital, located at 301 North Alexander Street in Plant City.

To learn more, go to BayCareInHillsborough.org or scan this code.