8.11.22 PLCO by Plant City Observer

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VOLUME 6, NO. 209

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2022

POTENTIAL RESIDENTIAL GROWTH NEAR GATEWAY PROJECT COMMISSION APPROVES ADDITIONAL HOUSING FOR DEVELOPMENT

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

The Plant City City Commission approved a proposal to allow more residences to be incorporated on property for the Future Land Use Map Amendment on Monday. The property’s developer requested to change the property’s future land use designations from one residence per acre to four residences per acre, increasing its density. This is also known as altering land use from Hillsborough County Residential-1 to Plant City Residential-4.

The property, which is in the process of being annexed into Plant City, is located east of James L. Redman Parkway, south of East Trapnell Road, west of CA Bugg Road, and north of Kilgore Road, spanning approximately 118 acres. James L. Redman Parkway is an arterial street, Trapnell Road is a collector street, while CA Bugg and Kilgore Roads are local streets in Hillsborough County. At one residence per acre, there was potential to build 117 homes and now the change will grant space for 471 homes.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

ST. MARY’S PREPARES KIDS FOR SCHOOL ONE BOOKBAG AT A TIME

CHURCH WAS AMONG MANY INSTITUTIONS TO GIVE STUDENTS NEEDED SUPPLIES

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

St. Mary’s Community Church was among various businesses and organizations providing students with much-need school supplies, including clothes. The church’s back-to-school event was held on Aug. 6.

St. Mary’s Community Church joined the league of organizations offering support to students heading into a new school year, providing the adequate supplies needed. The church held its event on Aug. 6 at the building adjacent to its own, and it was well attended. “The turnout was extremely well, and the good thing is that you had every race and creed that came out,” said Pastor Timothy Knighten of St. Mary’s Community Church. The church has been collaborating with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA) organization for several years to make the back-to-school event a success. They distributed bookbags with school supplies, catered to high school, middle school and elementary school students. Clothing was available for kids as well, and perishable foods were handy for families. It’s become an annual charitable effort that has been helpful to families, especially those who may be disadvantaged

“(These are) very hard times right now,” Knighten said. “Sometimes you can’t look at a person and tell what they’re actually going through. We just have to offer service to our community just to be a helping hand.” The church offers assistance throughout the year by giving out food from its pantry and clothing. Members will also prepare full-course meals and deliver them to those who are homeless and homebound as well as distribute special baskets during the holidays. During the back-to-school events, students should walk away with a smile and feel confident about starting a new semester. “I think that it gives them a sense of pride and I’m hoping that this is something that they will remember, and as they grow up and mature, that they will continue the trend and continue to help others,” he said.

NEWS BRIEFS

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2022

Two suspects in custody for local murders

Local baton twirlers compete nationally

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested two suspects in connection to a pair of homicides in Dover and Thonotosassa. Deputies took Fatima Garcia Avila, 20, into custody on July 30 and Daniel Negrete, 27, on Aug. 1. On July 18, Garcia Avila and Negrete drove together to the home of an adult female on the 3000 block of Al Simmons Road. Deputies found the female deceased due to gunshot wounds. Her husband, who was also shot, called 911. He survived the incident and was said to be in stable condition. Garcia Avila and Negrete left the residence in separate vehicles, one of which was found in close proximity to the home after it had been set on fi e. A week later, on July 26, authorities responded to the Baker Creek Boat Ramp at 12095 Thonotosassa Rd. where they found the body of an adult male who had suffered upper body trauma. Detectives determined that Negrete and Garcia Avila were there at the time of the killing and that they are directly linked to the murder. Detectives confirmed that in both incidents, the victims were not killed at random and they, along with the perpetrators, have familial ties. “These senseless killings have forever changed at least two families,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Ending someone’s life cannot — and should not — be the answer to any situation. Detectives are still connecting the dots to determine the motive behind the two murders and if there are others involved. I pray that these arrests, while they won’t bring home their loved ones, will give the families affected some closure.”

A group of local Plant City baton twirlers competed at the National Baton Twirling Association Championships (AYOP) at the University of Notre Dame last month. The twirlers, all four of them finishing within the top 15 at the competition, are a part of the Patrick Patriots Twirling Corp, led by long-time instructor Barbara Patrick. Raelyn Hudson, Lorelai Benfield Millie Rigdon and Kaylee Hudson all traveled to Indiana to represent the Patrick Patriots, joining the University of Central Florida Majorettes, led by Patrick’s daughter Lynann Hudson. Hudson finished econd in Advanced Flag, second in Beginner 3-Baton and third in Intermediate 2-Baton. Benfield finished fifth in eginner Flag, seventh in Novice 2-Baton and fifth in N vice Duet. Rigdon finished eighth in eginner Pageant, fourth in Beginner Solo, second in Beginner 2-Baton, second in Beginner Flag, sixth in Beginner 3-Baton, fifth in Novice Duet and fi st in Beginner X-Strut. Kaylee Hudson finished within the op 15 for both Intermediate 2-Baton and Beginner 3-Baton. As members of the Patrick Patriots Twirling Corp, all of the twirlers take lessons at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center and classes will begin in preparation for next year’s competition season this Thursday, Aug. 11, with beginner classes taking place from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., intermediate classes taking place from 4:30 to 5:30 and competition classes from 5:30 to 6:30. If interested in joining and to inquire about free classes for newcomers, please contact Barbara Patrick at 813-626-4554.

Photo courtesy of Lynann Hudson

LAWRENCE

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The Police Benevolent Association Attorney General Ashley Moody Sheriff Chad Chronister ElectMcClure.com

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Paid by Lawrence McClure, Republican, for State Representative.

SHADES OF BEAUTY SHADES Tonja Johnson details her life with vitiligo PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2022

Photos courtesy of Tonja Johnson

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

For the last eight years, Tonja Johnson has learned to love herself and see her beauty no matter what shade of skin color she has. She has vitiligo – a condition which has gradually taken away her pigmentation and left her with patches of discoloration all over her body. It started in 2011 when she first noticed a small, white spot on her leg that didn’t seem like anything to be concerned about, but over time it began to progress, Johnson said. “The first few spots were gradual, but once I was diagnosed, my color just disappeared like wildfire,” the Plant City native said. “It was very aggressive.” When her physician gave her the news about her condition, she was 44. Now at 52, she has lost the vast majority of her pigmentation, with only parts of her legs still showing her natural, brown skin color that once made up her entire body. Vitiligo is a life-long condition which affects an estimated 3.7 million Americans, 100 million people worldwide, and has no known cure, according to the Vitiligo Research Foundation. What is known about its formation is that an “obscure triggering event” causes stress in the pigment-producing cells of the skin, called melanocytes, the research foundation says. The immune system mistakes these stressed-out cells as intruders and in turn, begins to attack and destroy the melanocytes. However, the disease itself is not life threatening nor contagious. It affects all ages and skin types but is more noticeable on those who have darker complexions. While those with this condition all have patches on the body, the way they spread varies from person to person.

The two different types of vitiligo are nonsegmental or generalized, and segmental. Nonsegmental vitiligo is the more common type as the white patches appear symmetrically on both sides of the body. Segmental vitiligo occurs when the white patches appear only on one segment or side of the body. This typically develops at a young age and usually stops spreading after one to two years. The Vitiligo Research Foundation also states that genetics can likely be a factor and that the disease is often diagnosed with those who already suffer from autoimmune illnesses such as: • Thyroid Disease • Addison’s Disease • Type 1 diabetes • Lupus • Rheumatoid arthritis • Alopecia Johnson herself, is a diabetic and has Graves’ disease, a type of thyroid disease. Although the disease doesn’t cause any physical pain, she said that she can’t stay out in the sun for extended periods of time because without pigment on the skin, she is more susceptible to getting sun burn. However, there is an emotional and psychological pain that comes along with vitiligo. “I went through a period of time, when I was first diagnosed, of suicidal thoughts,” Johnson said. “It was hard being able to look at myself in the mirror every day and find (myself) beautiful.” While she noticed the disease literally progress every day, her husband, immediate family, and church, all continued to reassure her that she was still beautiful even though she felt it was diminishing. Her dark moments in life motivated her to assist others who were feeling the same trauma. In 2018, Johnson founded Beautifully U nblemished – a support group for those suffering from vitiligo.

“From my pain, my passion and my purpose became alive because now I’m helping other individuals that are living with vitiligo, have a better quality of life,” she said. The demographics of the group vary as it’s made up of both men and women as well as different races. The ages of the group members are across a long spectrum with the youngest being 4 and the oldest being 80. Although some children are too young to comprehend their condition, it’s the parents who have anguish and sometimes feelings of guilt, Johnson said. She encourages parents to speak with the school principal before a new semester begins and find a way to educate the other students about the condition in order to deter any bullying. “We’ve had some powerful conversations with the little ones dealing with this at school,” she said. Johnson said that she has experienced discrimination in public based on her looks and will see people staring at her and whispering. Although it wasn’t malicious but people not being educated about her condition, she still felt marginalized, and she had days where she contemplated going outdoors or staying inside. Johnson also said that she was frustrated and feeling her identity as an African American woman was being taken away from her. “Now to have lost my color, that I struggled so hard to love, it’s just taken it to a whole different level that ‘okay, I have to love me for who I am. I don’t want to be that 15-year-old that was struggling because my skin was too dark (and) I don’t want to be that 52-year-old now that’s struggling because it’s too light…so I have to find a balance.’ Now I’m in a place where I’ve embraced my skin,” she said. Typically, she’ll briefly explain her condition when introducing herself to others for the first time, to take away any awkwardness

and encourage those in her group to become comfortable around others. “It can be difficult for someone who’s maybe not an extrovert,” Johnson said. “Maybe they’re an introvert and they’re getting the stares – people looking or questioning ‘did you get burned?’ We talk about those instances, what you can do and how to protect yourself.” Group members who are single have also expressed their fear of not being able to find a significant other because of how they look. Johnson is also a strong advocate in physicians not only diagnosing the problem, but taking it a step further and helping to educate the patient about what they have and to refer them to support groups. Beautifully Unblemished started in Central Florida and began to branch out into other regions of the state. The organization is currently planning on offering its services to those in South Florida. The group meetings have been somewhat of a safe haven for those with vitiligo and has helped them shed the additional clothes they put on to hide their patches, she said. June 25 is recognized as World Vitiligo Day, which was initially created by a Nigerian woman in 2011. The first local Vitiligo Awareness Walk is set to begin on Sept. 24. and will be held at the Al Lopez Park, 4810 N. Himes Ave., in Tampa.

“It’s going to be a day of celebration, so we’re going to be celebrating those individuals that are living and thriving, and even those that are not living and thriving,” Johnson said. For those who have not registered online, they can do so from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. The walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. after a welcome and introduction is given. Aside from lively music, there will be numerous vendors and BayCare hospital will be on site to offer health screening. The event will be inclusive to those with and without vitiligo. To register for the walk, volunteer, or sponsor the function, visit www.BeautifullyUnblemished. com. She still strives to help others struggling with vitiligo to join the group and hopefully gain peace of mind. “If you allow it to get the best of you, you’re going to live a defeated life,” Johnson said. “My biggest motto is ‘I have vitiligo, it does not have me.’”

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2022

PLANT CITY

This week on Cops Corner: Plant

Observer

City Police investigate a stolen blower, a structure fire and a sleeping driver. istock

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Sports Writer / Taylor Jenkins tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com Staff Writer / Brian Fernandes bfernandes@plantcityobserver.com Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez

JULY 29 BLOWING HOT AIR 300 block of W. Bates St. Theft: An officer responded to the listed location in reference to a theft and met with the victim who stated that after leaving a blower air mover on his patio, he later discovered that it was missing. After reviewing the security footage, the officer noted that at approximately 10:05 a.m., an unknown individual backed a pickup truck with no tag attached into the driveway, exited the vehicle, removed the blower from the patio and place it in his truck. The victim stated that he did not know the individual and did not give him permission to drive on the property or remove the blower, but stated that he just wanted his blower back and would sign a waiver of prosecution if it was located. Before completing the report, two other officers located the pickup truck and conducted a traffic top. The individual matched the description of that in the security footage and agreed to answer questions regarding the incident. After being told that he was wit-

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nessed removing the blower, the individual claimed that his vehicle was overheating and took the blower to repair it. He stated that he left the blower at a separate residence and officers escorted him to the residence where it was collected. The blower was transported back to the victim where he signed a waiver of prosecution. WHERE THERE’S SMOKE… 1300 block of E. Church St. Arson: Officers responded to the listed location in reference to a structure fi e. TOO FAST, TOO FURIOUS 1300 block of E. Church St. Fleeing to elude: Officers attempted to conduct a traffic top on a vehicle with a broken tail light, but the driver of the vehicle subsequently fled the a ea. WAKEY WAKEY

sleeping on the couch. An FCIC/ NCIC check showed them to have two active HCSO warrants. Their identity and warrants were confirmed and the individual was subsequently arrest and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

24-Hour

WATER REMOVAL

Storm Water, A/C Leaks, Broken Pipes, Toilet Overflow

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

800 block of Morse St. Residential burglary: An officer responded to a vacant residence at the listed location in reference to a delayed residential burglary.

TO ADVERTISE

INTERNAL DISPUTE

N. Park Rd. / I-4 DUI: An officer responded to an intersection at the listed location in reference to a driver asleep at the wheel. The individual was subsequently arrested for a DUI and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

300 block of S. Frontage Rd. Warrant arrest: Officers responded to a hotel at the listed location in reference to a disturbance between a customer and management. Upon arrival, the officer met with the manager who advised them what room the customer was occupying. The officer met with the customer and advised them that they were requested to leave by management. An FCIC/NCIC check revealed that the individual had an active warrant out of Polk County and an active warrant out of Vermilion, Ill. The warrants were confirmed and the individual as subsequently transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

JULY 31 GASSED UP 4600 block of W. Hwy 574 Grand theft: An officer responded to a gas station at the listed location in reference to the theft of diesel fuel.

CARPETS

Call (813) 704-6850

Advertising / Richard Brame richard@plantcityobserver.com

NAP TIME

1800 block of Alabama St. Warrant arrest: Officers made contact with an individual at the listed location while they were

Emergency

NO ONE’S HOME

AUGUST 1

Advertising / Karen Berry kberry@plantcityobserver.com

The Plant City Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. The Plant City Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

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We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, send your information via: Email: Sarah Holt, SHolt@ PlantCityObserver.com. Mail: The Plant City Observer, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B, Plant City, FL 33563

BIG BREAK 2100 block of N. Park Rd. Burglary: An officer met with the manager of a business at the listed location in reference to a stolen ATM.

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CAME OUT SWINGING Collins St. / Alsobrook St. Burglary w/ battery: An officer responded to a business at the listed location and met with the victim who reported that a man had jumped on his vehicle and was trying to strike him.

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The Plant City Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC.

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ISSUE DIMLY THRILL FLABBY Answer: The painting of the moonshiner’s equipment was a -- STILL LIFE

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Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2022

CITY COMMISSION ALLOWS MORE DEVELOPMENT HOUSING

PROPERTY TO SEE MORE RESIDENCES ADJACENT TO GATEWAY PROJECT. BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

It’s also west of the site for the MixedUse Gateway District development project which is allowed 16 homes per acre. Access to the property is from East Trapnell Road, a two-lane undivided collector road from S.R. 30 to Wiggins Road. Although Trapnell Road does not have bike or pedestrian facilities, Redman Parkway has sidewalks on the west and east sides and 5-foot bike lanes on both sides. As far as educational institutions, Trapnell Elementary, Turkey Creek Middle, and Durant High School are all expected to reach or exceed their capacity given the existing currency reservations and the impact of the new map amendment. Total school capacity for Trapnell Elementary is 488 students, 1,226 students at Turkey Creek Middle, and 2,738 students at Durant High – all reported to the Florida Inventory of School Houses (FISH). In these instances, state law requires the school district to consider if additional capacity exists in adjacent concurrency service areas. The property for the future land use consists of wetlands that will be protected and maintained by the rules of the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County, Southwest Florida Water Management District and/or the City of Plant City. The natural features will provide an additional buffer between the parcels and the properties designated at the Mixed-U se Gateway. Also, enough potable water and wastewater capacity is available per the city’s utility department. There will be an estimated demand of 164,850 gallons per day (GPD) for both water and sewer, which can be reached with the existing capacity of Plant City water treatment plants and the water reclamation facility. However, seeing that the water distribution and collection systems are not accessible near those parcels, the developer will be responsible for extending the services to the

point where those systems are accessible. The Hillsborough County Community & Infrastructure Planning Department objected to the initial map amendment due mostly to the lack of an accompanying indepth transportation analysis. The Hillsborough County Planning Commission – Transportation staff conducted a traffic analysis which found that the initial land use plan category could possibly generate up to 59 average peak-hour peakdirection trips. Now with the approval for four residences per acre, it could potentially rise to 238 trips. The city will perform an indepth transportation analysis for this project as part of its required Planned Development (Zoning) District. The current municipal policy mandates that both the map amendment and rezoning be heard and considered for adoption on the same hearing date before the city commission. The Plant City Comprehensive Plan foresees the municipality eventually having a population of more than 70,000 people in Plant City. The Imagine 2040: Plant City Comprehensive Plan describes Residential-4 as areas that “..offer safe, quiet, and attractive environments for people to live…” and that “…single family homes on individual lots are the predominant use in these areas…”. The Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission found the map amendment to be consistent with the Imagine 2040: Plant City Comprehensive Plan, approving the proposal with a vote of 7-1. The Plant City Planning Board also agreed that it met the guidelines and passed the proposal by 5-1.

Photos courtesy of City of Plant City

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2022

VOTERS MEET CANDIDATES LOOKING TO SERVE COMMUNITY LOCALS CAME OUT TO HEAR FROM THOSE RUNNING FOR OFFICE BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

It was a momentous and informative day at the Trinkle Center on Aug. 9 as residents had the opportunity to meet candidates running for local offices and hear their case as to why each should be elected to office, on Aug. 9. The facility had rows of booths set up with candidates waiting to speak with voters. CIRCUIT COURT:

Florida is divided into 20 judicial circuits and those running are non-partisan – no affiliation to a political party. If a candidate does not receive 50% plus one on the primary ballot, the Top 2 candidates will move on to the general election.

CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR THE FOLLOWING CIRCUIT COURT SEATS ARE:

1. 13th Circuit Court Judge Group 6

Belinda Noah Wesley Tibbals

2. 13th Circuit Court Judge Group 37

Nancy L. Jacobs Jared Smith

3. 13th Circuit Court Judge Group 14

Melissa Black Alicia Whiting Bozich Linette “Starr” Brookins Mike Isaak

U.S. REPRESENTATIVES:

The population of each state determines the number of congressional members each of the 50 states elects. Florida currently has 28 congressmen and women. U.S. House District 15 is made up of Plant City, Brandon, Lakeland, and as far north as Minneola. There are five democrats and five republicans running for the seat with no incumbent.

THE CANDIDATES FOR U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 15 ARE: Gavin Brown (D) Alan Cohn (D) Eddie Geller (D) Cesar Ramirez (D) William VanHorn (D) Demetries Grimes (R) Laurel Lee (R) Kevin McGovern (R) Kelli Stargel (R) Jackie Toledo (R)

Gellar is a former comedian who is running for the seat for the first time. “I’ve been doing activism for the last decade and essentially after Jan. 6…seeing what’s happening to our country, seeing an insurrection on our capitol, made me realize our politics are so toxic,” he said. “People need to stand up for democracy.” He noted a woman’s right to choose, universal healthcare, and fighting climate change as part of his top agenda. Stargel has a history serving in both the State Senate and the State House of Representatives. She has spent her time in office trying to prevent abortion by supporting the Unborn Victims of Violence Bill, the Parental Consent Bill, and the 15-Week Abortion Ban. Stargel said she plans to continue with that effort as well as helping to balance the state’s budget. “The State of Florida, I’m proud to say, has over $20 billion in savings,” she said. “As far as today, what I hear most about is the economy. I think people are very frustrated. They’re very afraid of what the future’s going to look like.”

THOSE RUNNING IN THE GOVERNOR’S RACE ARE: Ron DeSantis (R) Hector Roos (L) Carmen Gimenez (NPA) Jodi Jeloudov (NPA) Piotr Blass (NPA) Kyle Gibson (NPA) James Thompson (NPA) Charlie Crist (D) Cadance Daniel (D) Nikki Fried (D) Robert Willis (D)

The Republican primary election was canceled, advancing incumbent Ron DeSantis as the sole member of the party to head to the general election. COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES:

The Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services regulates and promotes the agricultural industry. The office also protects consumers from price gouging and credit card scammers. The commissioner is a state office and the fourth member of the Florida cabinet.

THE CANDIDATES FOR THIS SEAT ARE: Naomi Blemur (D) Jacques Rene Gaillot, Jr. (D) Ryan Morales (D) James Shaw (R) Wilton Simpson (R)

ATTORNEY GENERAL:

Ashley Moody is the incumbent who holds the seat as attorney general and has advanced passed the Republican primary, and will run against:

Aramis Ayala (D) Jim Lewis (D) Daniel Uhlfelder (D)

STATE SENATORS:

There are 40 State Senators in Florida and there is a race for Florida Senate District 23. Both the Democratic and Republican primaries have been canceled respectively advancing Republican Senator Danny Burgess of District 23 to the general election to run against Democrat Michael Harvey.

STATE REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 68:

There are 120 members in the Florida House of Representatives, and District 68 oversees Plant City, Dover, Lithia and surrounding communities.

Lorissa Wright is the sole Democrat and in the general election, will run against either: Lawrence McClure (R) Paul Hatfield (R

STATE REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 69:

Florida House of Representatives District 69 includes Valrico, Dover, and other parts of the Greater Plant City area. Andrew Learned is the sole contestant in the Democratic Party and will move on to the general election to face either:

Danny Alvarez (R) Megan Petty (R)

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS:

The Hillsborough County charter creates seven commission positions and the county is divided into four commission districts, plus three more commissioners that serve countywide. District 4 represents Eastern Hillsborough County and moves into the

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

general election with Republican candidates Noelle Licor and Michael Owen on the ballot. “I want to make sure that infrastructure is keeping up with development because that’s not what’s been going on,” Noelle Licor said. “Basically, the county is digging the hole deeper with infrastructure with every rezoning that’s approved and permit that’s used.” Addressing the need for more county schools, fire stations and fixing low water pressure are also on her agenda. District 5 is a countywide seat that will go straight to the general election with Democrat Mariella Smith and Republican Donna Cameron Cepeda. Smith is the incumbent trying to hold on to her seat, and stay focused on the agenda she set out for. “My first term has been very satisfying,” she said. “I was a community advocate for 20 years before I ran for office, working on community plans, environmental protection, taking groups of citizens to the county commission to talk about issues that impact our quality of life, our transportation, our environment.” District 7 is also a countywide seat and Kimberly Overman will be running as the only Democrat and in the general election will face:

Chase Harrison (R) Joshua Wostal (R)

SCHOOL BOARD:

The school board in Hillsborough County is divided into five districts, with two additional countywide districts. The school board positions are non-partisan. A candidate must receive 50% plus one of the votes on the primary ballot, and the Top 2 will go into the general election. The candidates for Hillsborough County Public Schools Board of Education District 4 are:

Hunter Gambrell Patricia Rendon Danielle Smalley

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2022

The running for School Board District 5 are:

Roshaun Gendrett Joe Kelly Alysha Legge Louis D’Autorio Karen Perez

There was also an opportunity to turn in a ballot for the Plant City Straw Poll. The winners for the mentioned seats are: Governor – Ron DeSantis Attorney General – Ashley Moody Chief Financial Officer– Jimmy Patronis Commissioner of Agriculture – Wilton Simpson State Senator District 23 – Danny Burgess County Court Judge Group 14 – Melissa Black School Board Member District 4 – Patricia Rendon School Board Member District 6 – Alysha Legge Soil and Water Conservation District 2 – Ryan Gill Soil and Water Conservation District 3 – Adam Young U.S. Representative for District 15 – Laurel Lee State Representative District 68 – Lawrence McClure State Representative District 69 – Daniel Alvarez State Representative District 70 – Mike Beltran Board of County Commissioners District 4 – Michael Owen Board of County Commissioners District 5 – Donna Cameron Cepeda Board of County Commissioners District 7 – Joshua Wostal Circuit Judge 13th Judicial Circuit Group 6 – Wesley Tibbals Circuit Judge 13th Judicial Circuit Group 37 – Jared Smith

FAIRNESS. EXPERIENCE. INTEGRITY. 7 Years as a Circuit Court Judge

University of Florida Graduate

Associate Administrative Judge Family Law Division

4th Generation Florida Native

Faculty Member of the Conference of Circuit Judges Presided in Plant City Courthouse 2019-2021

Youth Sports Volunteer

20+ Years of Legal Experience

Married with 3 Children

Tampa Bay Times Recommends Judge Wesley Tibbals “The incumbent, Wesley Tibbals, has been a leader in Hillsborough’s court system, and voters should give him another term...Tibbals takes the job seriously, and that professionalism is essential for maintaining public faith in the judiciary. ” - 7/22/22

Primary Election dates: August 23, 2022. General Election Date: November 8, 2022.

Committed Hundreds of Hours of Pro Bono Service as an Attorney Ad Litem for Children

www.JudgeTibbals.com

Paid by Judge Wesley Tibbals for Circuit Court Judge, 13th Circuit, Group 6

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8/8/22 4:29:42 PM

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2022

PlantCityObserver.com

Event Welcomes New Faculty to Plant City Schools

FIRST-TIME INSTRUCTORS SUPPORTED WITH SCHOOL SUPPLIES BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

It was a welcoming day for incoming educators at Plant City schools, as they were recognized during the New Teacher Coffee event on Aug. 5. Hosted by the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, the morning function held at the TECO Expo Hall was a way of embracing fi sttime teachers in town. More than 150 instructors and principals combined, were present along with returning staff as ell. As the program began, they were given a warm welcome by Little Miss Plant City as well as the fi st maid and three court members as they led the crowd with the pledge of allegiance. “We’re partners in this with you,” said Plant City Mayor Nate Kilton. “It’s your job to be educators, but it’s not your sole responsibility. We do it together: parents, teachers, churches. All these other groups come together to help these young people.” Teachers had large bags waiting for them filled with chool supplies such as pencils, pens, notebooks, crayons, sanitizer and more. Faculty was also awarded with raffle g eaways and one teacher even received a brandnew laptop. Rebecca Jones was one of the new instructors present at the New Teacher Coffee event. She will be starting her role as a reading and social studies teacher at Knights Elementary School. “I found my love for teaching as a peer professional,” Jones said. Before she discovered her passion for teaching, Jones was a child psychology major. She said that she has already started a bond with the faculty at the school and is anticipating

forming a bond with her new students. Emily Melgoza will also be an instructor at Knights Elementary School, teaching reading and writing. As a child, she would pretend she was a teacher at home back in Illinois. “I’m so excited to be starting my fi st year,” Melgoza said. She has been familiar with working with students as she was an aid during an after-school program, fi e years of which she worked at Knights Elementary School. In regards to kindergarten and elementary school teachers, employment is projected to grow by 7% each year from 2020 to 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Also, there will be approximately 124,300 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers, each year on an average, during the same decade. Hillsborough County Public Schools have reached the Top 20 academically among Florida’s 73 school districts, a drastic progression from when it was ranked at 35 academically in 2019. Since that same year, Hillsborough County schools have excelled, with fewer of them receiving a ‘D’ or an ‘F’ on the grading scale. The improvement shows that 96% of the county’s schools are receiving a ‘C’ or higher on the scale. This is attributed to the effort that teachers make in the classroom, said Addison Davis, superintendent for Hillsborough County Public Schools. “I thank each of you for your willingness, your courage, dedication…to stand up and help our children grow intellectually, socially (and) emotionally,” he said. “Not everyone has the ability to. I encourage you not to just show up, but become a very instrumental part of your community. Plant City is an amazing place.”

Davis also expressed his desire to have teachers’ salary increase by 6.5%. Vanessa Perez will be a new social worker at Pinecrest Elementary School. “My fifth-g ade teacher was defini ely an inspiration,” she said. “That was something I wanted to do ever since I was little. I wanted to help out my community.”

SPORTS

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THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2022

FEATURED FUTURE: JACKSON KNOTTS

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. Photos courtesy of Jackson Knotts

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Jackson Knotts excelled in his four years at Plant City High School as a member of both the football team and track and field team, doing so in relatively non-traditional roles. On the football team he played safety as a senior, but made his largest impact as a four-year starter at long snapper. On the track and field team he notes that he wasn’t the fastest kid, and originally wanted to compete in pole vaulting, but ultimately became a state-qualifier and set a state record for javelin. “My time at Plant City was awesome, it was like the best four years ever,” Knotts said. “Playing football for Coach (James) Booth and the team, especially my sophomore and junior years when we were really good. We were still good my senior year, but those other years were so much fun. Then on the track team with Coach (Brian) Brubaker was great. He taught me a lot of stuff and it was cool to grow in a sport that I had never tried to play. Learning how to do something new and then doing well in it was really fun.” As a senior on the track and field team, Knotts won a district championship in javelin, a regional championship, earned a third place finish in the FHSAA’s 4A division at the

state meet and even set a new FHSAA state record with a 57.23-meter throw at the 2021 Bob English Invite in Lakeland. On the football field, he had flown up national rankings as a long snapper, ultimately finding himself ranked 12th nationally and second in the state of Florida at the position, according to Rubio Long Snapping’s class of 2021 rankings. “I originally didn’t want to do it at all,” Knotts said. “But my dad kind of made me do it a little bit and then he got a snapper from USF a while back, his name is Alex Salvato, and he gave me lessons and I kind of learned the technique and how to snap. Once I started improving I really started to like it, now I love doing it. So that’s kind of how I got into it. Varsity needed a snapper and I told coach I could do it so he called me up my freshman year, that was exciting.” Knotts argued that Salvato was once in the same boat that he had found himself in. He wasn’t too tall, he wasn’t too big, but through long snapping he was ultimately able to serve as USF’s starting snapper for three years from 2014 to 2016, finding the road to playing college football that Knotts had always dreamed of.

“He told me, ‘you can play football at another level if you do this,’ and that’s something that I’ve wanted to do all my life,” Knotts said. With offers from Troy, Marshall, Kansas and Texas Tech, Knotts had built a relationship with Texas Tech’s special teams coordinator at the time and weighed all of his options, but ultimately felt like joining the Red Raiders was the best decision for him. “Weighing out my options I just saw the best future for me at Texas Tech,” Knotts said. “There’s a lot of connections, a lot of alumni that have gone on to be successful and shoot, it was the best decision that I possibly could have made.” Knotts joined the team last fall as a preferred walk-on and earned a starting spot at deep snapper as a true freshman, playing in all 13 games on either field goal or punt protection, the only true freshman to appear in every game for Texas Tech in 2021. He was even credited with a tackle in the season opener against Houston. This past January, in a video that ultimately made the rounds on social media, Knotts was called to the front of the room during a team meeting and was surprised

with the announcement that he had been put on scholarship. “That was a really special moment for me because that’s what I’ve always dreamed of, playing college football and doing it on a full scholarship,” Knotts said. “Coach (Joey) McGuire called me up to the very front and told the team that I’d be on a full scholarship and everyone went crazy. It was really cool but also seeing people on Twitter, them commenting how happy it made them, that just made me even more happy. It was a really cool moment in my life and I’ll never forget feeling that way and then calling my parents right after and letting them know.” Knotts and Texas Tech will open their 2022 season against Murray State on Saturday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m and the game can be viewed on ESPN+.

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

PLANT CITY REPRESENTED AT AAU JUNIOR OLYMPICS Several Plant City youth athletes took to North Carolina earlier in the month to chase gold at the 2022 AAU Junior Olympics. TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Several youth athletes from Plant City headed to Greensboro, N.C. in late July for the 2022 AAU Junior Olympics. With over 19,000 competitors, from age 6 to 18, across 12 different sports, the Junior Olympics signifies the largest multisport event in the United States. From Plant City, seven swimmers and six karate competitors were in attendance. In swimming, the local competitors were Noah Jones, Saige Starford, Sophie G riffis, Zealand Ploch, Andrew Beck, Carolina Mattison and Elise Mattison. Jones finished in the top 8 in every event that he competed in, with his best finishes coming by way of a third place finish in the 400 meter individual medley and a fourth place finish in the

200 meter backstroke. To make it all the more impressive, Jones was 15 years old and competing in the 15-18 year old age group for the first time. Additionally, Beck finished fourth in the 1,500 meter freestyle, the longest distance event of the meet for the 15-18 year old age group, and finished as a top 8 swimmer in the 400 meter freestyle. All of the swimmers in attendance swim at the club level with Blue Wave Swimming, a part of High 5 Inc. in Brandon, coached in part by Jamie Peterkin. Peterkin swam at the collegiate level with the University of Kentucky and competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, representing Saint Lucia.

Photos courtesy of Chris Welbon Karate Club

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2022

PLANT CITY ATHLETES STAND TALL AT HIGHEST LEVEL

Plant City’s local swimmers put together one of the top team performances at the event while each of the karate competitors brought home medals.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

In his role as part of building up the competitive program, Peterkin has seen this generation of Plant City swimmers play a part in the growth of Blue Wave Swimming. “We did excellent,” Peterkin said about Blue Wave’s performance as a whole at the Junior Olympics. “We were fifth pla e overall out of, I believe, somewhere around 26 teams, and we were the head of all teams that participated as their own organization. What I mean by that is, all four teams ahead of us were combined state teams. There was a combined Arkansas state team, including numerous clubs, there was a combined New York state team, there was a combined Florida team and then fi st place overall was New England who had somewhere around 75 athletes compared to our 27. Of course numbers wise, they have the depth to win, but from a quality standpoint, almost every one of our athletes had a top 8 finish which is remarkable to have that kind of quality from a small group. So I was super proud to see where we were this year. They probably exceeded certain expectations that I had, which is good. And I don’t throw pride around loosely, so for me to be so proud

Photos courtesy of Jason Jones

of their effort and their attitude, which is what I would say was probably the biggest transformation, it was excellent.” On the karate side, six competitors took to the Junior Olympics from Chris Welbon Karate Club, bringing home 11 gold medals and 19 combined medals in total. The event marked the end of a strenuous competitive season, bouncing right back after several competitors from the karate club participated in both the AAU National Championships and World United Karate-Do Federation world Championships back-toback earlier in July. “I’m extremely proud,” Welbon said. “For these guys to do as many tournaments as they did in a row too, to do Nationals and Worlds and then turn around a week later and go to the Junior Olympics, it’s very taxing on the body and the mind, so to stay focused and stay intense like that, it reflec s their training and that’s how it needs to be. So I’m super proud of them, not just them going and competing and doing

well, but winning so many golds, so many fi st place finish s.” Individually, Nathan Gould, 16, won silver in Kobudo for nunchucks, bronze in Kobudo for bo staff and sil er in team Kumite. Elijah West, 15, won gold in Kobudo for bo staff, silver in Kobudo for double nunchucks, bronze for Kata and gold in team Kumite. Cooper Bayes, 11, won gold in Kobudo for bo staff, silver for kata and silver for Kumite. Carter Bayes, 11, won gold in Kumite and bronze in Kobudo for bo staff. T.J. Bright, 10, and Brendan McMurphy, 14, both swept their competitions, winning gold in every event they competed in, as Bright brought home four gold medals and McMurphy brought home three. In addition to his four golds, the second consecutive year that he’s won all golds at the Junior Olympics, Bright was also awarded the Joel Ferrell Memorial Award. In each sport, the Joel Ferrell Award is given to one male and one female competitor to recognize not only the athletic

ability of the participant, but their sportsmanship in competition as well. Along with a unique trophy, each recipient’s name is engraved on a special plaque at the AAU National Headquarters in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. “He puts in a lot of work,” Welbon said. “He’s one of those kids where even though he’s young, he’s here at the dojo three or four nights a week, he’s doing private lessons on the side and then I hear from his grandma that he’s training on the weekends by himself. So it’s one of those things where he’s very focused, for being a young kid he’s very focused. Whatever he puts his mind into he’s going to be successful, whether that’s martial arts or school or whatever, he’s really a phenomenal young man and I look forward to seeing what he’ll grow up to be.” For McMurphy, his three gold medals were a bit of a comeback story after an MCL injury forced him to miss

competing in both Nationals and Worlds, even though he was still in attendance to support his team. “It felt great, especially after the injury,” McMurphy said. “I was really upset when the injury happened and I really wanted to compete, but it felt really good to come back and win.” Now at the end of their competitive season, Chris Welbon Karate Club combined for 155 total medals across their six major tournaments in 2022, featuring 39 gold medals, 37 silver medals and 79 bronze medals.

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

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2022

REAL ESTATE

JULY 2022 Real Estate Transactions

Local July 2022 sales and trend information courtesy of The Crawford Group. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! NOT… Hopefully you have teamed up with a seasoned and experienced Realtor to provide enlightenment to the recital of news media headlines concerning the current state of the real estate market. Inexperience may cost you money in the transaction. What’s happening in real estate news. There are many legitimate news providers that opine doom and gloom. Regardless, these sensational headlines have been circulating since the beginning of the year or longer. All have been warning of the market collapse. So where is this the US market collapse? Nowhere in sight! Some recent inciting headlines: ~“US home prices are about to tumble as demand for new home craters” (Business Insider). ~ “The housing market is entering the most signifi ant contraction in activity since 2006” (Fortune) ~ “Scary times: builders are slashing home prices and slowing construction as buyers pull back, survey shows” (MarketWatch). None of these headlines have come to light. One of the main culprits ~ these analysts / reporters base their findin s on total US Data, which groups the entire US, data is typically three plus months old and then try to extrapolate the findin s for a localized area. Or they take one data point over time to create a narrative which is not complete without a summary. The state of Florida will always have more people wanting to relocate here than away from here for many obvious reasons, weather, taxes, and other activities. This creates a higher demand for the existing housing supply. Our housing market isn’t invisible and has taken a few hits like other parts of the country;

mortgage rates have increased signifi antly, inflation has estricted individual purchasing power, while average home prices still gain ground. Left to its own merits, the supply demand model will correct itself over time. One area that has seen the most corrective modifi ations involves the pricing strategy for sellers. The days are bygone when you could throw any price on a listing and get multiple offers bid up. Days on market are becoming more critical, buyers contemplate issues with a home that has been on the market too many days. So, it’s extremely important to gain the correct pricing on day one. Pricing higher to have more negotiation range doesn’t work and typically will backfi e causing the seller to lose money in the process. As we continue to look at the Plant City housing data, we had one property sell for more than $3.5 million which would have skewed the data for this uncharacteristic purchase, and I limited it from the data points for average selling price. July-2022, our market area saw 81 homes sold, a slight decrease from the previous month but looking at year over year numbers basically even on par. The average selling price per square foot was $202.46, which accounted for a 5.4 percent decrease over last month, but when compared to the YTD average it accounted for a 1.7 percent gain. The average selling price was $376,222 in July or a 1.8 percent increase over last month and compared to the YTD average it amounts to a 3.7 percent increase. At the moment its hard to define the t end, but it appears that the market peaked in May and is starting to decline slightly. One of the factors of the supply

demand model, with higher interest rates for mortgages you tend to see prices decline in relevance. The active inventory increased for the fourth month in a row, July saw an increase to 2.18 month’s supply, a 153 percent increase over July 2021. We are gaining ground on the equilibrium of 4-6 month’s supply levels, but still have probably six months from obtaining that equilibrium, and buyers gaining an edge over the sellers. While comparing the Median prices month over month data, July finished with a Median ales price of $373,500 which was greater than June’s number by 11 percent. The average days on market (ADOM) for July was 18.7 days, a slight decrease over June’s 19.5 days. What does the near-term future in real estate look like? Inventory levels will continue to gain more supply, which may lead to increased ADOM levels. Mortgage rates have been erratic but on the upward trend. National news reports more negative situations in the real estate market overall than here in Florida. My simple explanation, many more people still want to relocate to Florida and communities like Plant City. This in turn creates a higher demand for our properties. As always, if you are in the market to buy or sell your home … seek out an experienced professional realtor to assist you in this transaction process. There are too many consequences to go it alone without representation. If you have any questions, 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 2022 for the Plant City Market Area.

and 1790 square feet of living area. The home at 3108 Emerson Pl sold July 8 for $385,000. Built in 1992, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1856 square feet of living area.

The home at 1110 E Laura St sold July 11 for $133,000. Built in 1952, it has 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bath and 1230 square feet of living area.

The home 3102 Thackery Ct sold July 6 for $405,000. Built in 1992, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1856 square feet of living area.

The home at 1104 Woodlawn Ave sold July 26 for $220,000. Built in 1957, it has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and 718 square feet of living area.

The home at 1452 Tahitian Sunrise Dr sold July 29 for $447,445. Built in 2022, it has 6 bedrooms, 3 baths and 3326 square feet of living area.

The home at 6902 Stafford Rd sold July 11 for $250,000. Built in 1966, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1056 square feet of living area.

The home at 2805 Spring Meadow Dr sold July 1 for $474,900. Built in 2000, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2081 square feet of living area.

The home at 424 Pevetty Dr sold July 26 for $275,000. Built in 1956 it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1407 square feet of living area.

The home at 3012 Barret Ave sold July 15 for $525,000. Built in 1992, it has 4 bedrooms, 4 baths and 3202 square feet of living area.

The home at 3601 Pierce Harwell LP sold July 7 for $290,000. Built in 1985, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 bath and 2058 square feet of living area.

The home at 2904 Spring Hammock Dr sold July 5 for $566,000. Built in 2000, it has 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and 2649 square feet of living area.

The home at 4002 Thonotosassa Rd sold July 22 for $345,000. Built in 1969, it has 5 bedrooms, 3 baths and 2943 square feet of living area. The home at 1210 N Orange St sold July 20 for $370,000. Built in 1953, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1807 square feet of living area.

The home at 3409 Carpel St sold July 29 for $3,500,000. Built in 2009, it has 5 bedrooms, 6.5 baths and 8937 square feet of living area.

The home at 1402 Mimosa Dr sold July 1 for $375,000. Built in 1957, it has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2022

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

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We asked Plant City: If you could time travel back to any year, what year would it be and why? “1989, it was so much fun!” - Jim Brown “1983/1984 before my Mom died. I was only four and would have loved more time with her.” - Sarah Tickel VanCamp

“1975 I was only 16 years old and it was the best time of my life with all my siblings dancing, beach and no worries!” - Farah Perez “1999, to see my mom and tell her how much I love and miss her.” - Lizzie Blasioli

“1983 and tell my younger self in What sports games to bet on.” - Dan Segale “2013 to get ahead on bitcoin.” - Stephen Galindo “1984, too many reasons to list.” - Pamela Kimberly Skidmore

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Taking careScott of Jessie each other is what

memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Plant City Building Fund at fbcpc.com. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

OBITUARIES

at Haught Funeral Home Miles Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant Jessie Scott Miles, 46, City, FL 33563. Funeral serof Lehigh Acres, Florida vices will follow at 11 a.m. passed away on Monday, Online condolences may Aug. 1, 2022. Jessie was be left for the born Dec. 4, 1975. we’re dedicated to helping families create a W E ’ R Efamily P R O U D TO at S E RV E our community and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. haught.care. Fondunique memories and celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, expressions of sympathy > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability The Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Assistance may be> shared at www. WellsMemorial.com for the R Miles family. Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival.

community

is all about.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Richard Hess Cynthia Ann Holt Cynthia Ann Holt, 80, of Plant City, Fla., formerly of Wurtland, Ky, born in Greenup, Ky. on Sept. 10, 1941, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 6, 2022. She was a member of First Baptist Church Plant City, Order of the Eastern Star, and a Kentucky Colonel. She retired from the Greenup County Public School System. She was preceded in death by husband, Zane Holt. She is survived by children, Joe Holt of Bristol, Indiana, and Sarah Holt of Plant City; 3 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and brother, Tivis Potter (Rancalee) of Worthington, Kentucky. A memorial service will be held Aug. 11, 2022, at 3 p.m. at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 South County Road 39, Plant City, where the family will receive friends beginning at 2 p.m. In lieu of fl wers,

Richard Hess, 82, of Lutz, Fla., born in St. Petersburg on July 12, 1940, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 3, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Tomas ‘Don Tommy’ Mozqueda Torres

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Jerrold Paul Williams Jerrold Paul Williams, 57, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on July 20, 2022, because of a motorcycle accident. Jerrold was born on April 26, 1965, in, Lakeland, Florida and grew up in Plant City, Florida. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haughtfuneralhome. com.

Carol Diana Davis

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy

Rosemarie Carol Diana Davis, 73 Taking care of J. of Mulberry passed away Smith each other is what 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2022

Janice Buser Davis Janice Buser Davis, 79, of Plant City, Fla., born June 6, 1943, entered into eternal rest on July 23, 2022.No services are planned at this time. A private graveside service will be held at a later date by the family.

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August 10, 2022. The family will receive Rosemarie J. Smith, 84, friends from 10 to 11 a.m., of Plant City, Fla., passed August 13, 2022, Haught away on Tuesday, July 26, Sandra G. Kirby Funeral Home Chapel, 708 2022. Rosemarie was born W Dr MLK Jr Blvd, Plant June 19, 1938. Sandra G. Kirby, 78 of we’re dedicated to helping families create a W E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E our community and meaningful memorial that truly Plant City entered into personal, compassionate City, with with a memorial ser- care since 1896. Fondunique memories and celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, vice to follow at 11 a.m. expressions of sympathy Heaven’s Gates on Aug. > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability Online condolences may may be at www. 2, 2022. She was born on The Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Assistance > shared we’re dedicated to helping families create a W E ’ RE P RO U D TO S E RV E our community be left for the family at WellsMemorial.com for thecare sinceOct. 1943. memoandFond meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate 1896. 1, unique R celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, haught.care. Smith family. ries and expressions of Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry> 100% Festival. Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability sympathy be shared > Themay Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Assistance at www.WellsMemorial.com R for the Kirby family.

community

is all about.

Taking care of each other is what

community

is all about.

Tomas “Don Tommy” Mozqueda Torres, 77, of Plant City, Fla., born in GuaProudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM dalajara, Jalisco, Mexico on WELLSMEMORIAL.COM Aug. 20, 1944, entered into HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM eternal rest on July 26, 2022. Thomas Billy Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy Expressions of condolence WELLSMEMORIAL.COM 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com Ross at HopewellFuneral.com. Thomas Billy Ross, Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy 87, of Plant City, Fla., 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com passed away on Aug. HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM 7, 2022. The family will receive friends August 11, 2022 from 10 to 11 a.m.

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

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10/27/15 10:42 AM

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116 North Collins Street Plant City, FL 33563 ph: (813) 567-5735 allabloomtampa.com

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YOUR CALENDAR

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2022

BEST BET SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 YOUTH FISHING DERBY 8:30 to 10:30 at 1900 S. Park Rd. The Plant City Parks & Recreation Department will host a free Youth Fishing Derby later this month. The event willl take place at the Plant City Stadium’s back parking lot and all kids age fi e through 15 are welcome to come out and participate. The competition will be catch and release and all participants must bring their own pole, choice of bait and a fi e-pound bucket. Registration is required and all participants can pre-register until Aug. 11, with additional registration permitted the day of the event from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. Pre-register at www.plantcitygov.com/parksrec and for more information, call 813-659-4255 or email recinfo@plantcitygov.com.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11 PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS 7:30 to 9 a.m. Join the Plant City Toastmasters for breakfast, laughs, and fun; there’s no better way to start your Thursday mornings. Bring a chair and a mask. The Toastmasters also offer Zoom meetings for those who can’t make it in person. Visit the Facebook page, facebook.com/PlantCityToastmasters, for meeting locations and information.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12 MOVIE TRIVIA NIGHT 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E J. Arden Mays Blvd. Bring your friends and family to grab a cup of coffee and head up to the loft to show off our movie knowledge, or just to cheer on your loved ones, with a chance to win a prize at this month’s Movie Trivia Night. As always, the event is family-friendly and free. SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 PLANT CITY SOCIAL DANCE 6 to 9:30 p.m. at 4401 Promenade Blvd. DJ Ken will be hosting the Plant City Social Dance every Saturday throughout the month of August at the Strawberry Square Dance Center. Cups and water will be available and the event’s cost is $7 per person. For more information or a chance to look at sample playlists, visit www. djkenmiller.com.

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 sh w everyone what you’ve got. SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 KLEAN KOMEDY NIGHT 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E J. Arden Mays Blvd. Head down to Krazy Kup for a night of awesome laughs and clean comedy featuring comedians that have graced stages both big and small. Hosted by Hugo Pinto, the show will feature Bay Area comedian Jay Legend and headliner Donnie Stopa. You may have seen Stopa on “The Daren Streblow Comedy Show” or Roku’s “Creative Motion Network” before, but this show will surely be a krazy funny night that you won’t want to miss. Admission is $10 and can be purchased in-house or on www.eventbrite.com. 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, Aug. 20, rain or shine. Cars and trucks manufactured in or before 1996 can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music by DJ John Paul Gasca.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26 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, market vendors and food trucks. The event is family and pet friendly and all are recommended to bring chairs and blankets. August’s theme will be Marvel vs. DC in Downtown PC. SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 BLUEGRASS NIGHT 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E J. Arden Mays Blvd. Krazy Kup will host Bluegrass Night featuring Justin Mason & Blue Night, a group of musicians who truly love to play Bluegrass music and entertain. From traditional favorites to hearfelt originals, when they take the stage it is all Justin Mason & Blue Night. Admission is $15 and tickets can be purchased in-house or in advance at www.eventbrite. com to enjoy coffee and a show full of the sweet sounds of Bluegrass music!

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FORECAST

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

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2022

SUNRISE/SUNSET Sunrise Sunset Thursday, August 11

6:56a

8:10p

High: 94 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 15%

Friday, August 12

6:57a

8:09p

Saturday, August 13

6:57a

8:08p

Sunday, August 14

6:58a

8:07p

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12

Monday, August 15

6:58a

8:06p

Tuesday, August 16

6:59a

8:05p

Wednesday, August 17

6:59a

8:04p

High: 94 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 19%

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 High: 90 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 58%

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 High: 89 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 58%

MONDAY, AUGUST 15 Kathy Flemister sent in this photo she snapped of a monarch butterfl , freshly hatched from its cocoon.

ONLINE

High: 91 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 47%

Across 1 Winnipeg NHLer 4 Dwellings 10 Retirement outfit 13 Tailless primate 14 Low-ranked British peers 15 “La Bamba” star __ Diamond Phillips 16 “No, no, more userfriendly than DOS. __!” 19 Make the same point as 20 Ran 21 Hogwarts letter carriers 22 Throws a bomb, in football 25 “No, no, flat er than sharks. __!”

29 Some Strads 30 Hosiery hue 32 “The Great” pope between Sixtus III and Hilarius 34 “Peanuts” character spelled with a hyphen until 1981 35 __ chi 36 At home with 39 Also mention 40 “No, no, bigger than Humvees. __!” 43 Former Cubs exec Epstein 45 Hardy heroine 46 Watchdog gp. created under Nixon

49 Traffi signals? 51 Two cents 52 “No, no, scarier than iguanas. __!” 57 Bottom line 58 Polite refusal 59 Numbered hwy. 60 Asian honorifi 61 Leaves befuddled 62 Org. created in response to 9/11 Down 1 Mocking remark 2 Really cool 3 Georgia __ 4 Disney monkey 5 Mop manager?

6 Promise of dire consequences 7 IKEA kit pieces 8 City about 250 miles NNW of Dallas, TX 9 Govt. ID 10 Clear of snow 11 Fleshy fold 12 Puzzle (out) 17 Alt-tab function 18 GI ID 23 Yves’ eager assent 24 Turkey, for one 25 Brine-cured Greek cheese 26 Uneducated group 27 Travel authorization for citizens of a 27-mem. union 28 Zoomed 29 Winter hrs. in IL 31 Terminate 33 Wasn’t present? 34 Education support gps. 37 Stretch (out) 38 RB stoppers 41 With 42-Down, city on the Pearl River Delta 42 See 41-Down 43 Starts to disperse, as a crowd 44 Round-tripper 47 Looks (for) 48 Befuddled 50 Serious violations 51 Brand with a paw print on its logo 53 Punctuating word indicating sarcasm 54 Long-legged runner 55 Lake Mead creator 56 Genre for Master P or Heavy D

Aug. 27 New

Sep. 3 First

Aug. 11 Full

Aug. 19 Last

RAINFALL LAST WEEK:

MONTH TO DATE:

1.39in.

1.68 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

AUG. AVERAGE:

33.89 in.

8.68 in.

OKRA

Shipping point: South Florida $16.35-$16.85

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

WEATHER

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2022

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