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.