8.15.19 PLCO

Plant City Observer YO UR HOMETO WN. YO UR NEWSPAP ER .

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VOLUME 6, NO. 58

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2019

RAIN CONTINUES TO CAUSE ISSUES THROUGHOUT CITY BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Plant City is seeing record rainfall. The oversaturation is causing issues throughout the town and the City of Plant City is having to come up with creative ways to tackle the floods. SEE PAGE 6

SADYE GIBBS MARTIN TO BE HONORED WITH NEW RECREATION CENTER

City Manager Bill McDaniel proposed on Monday that the city transfer the honorarium for Sadye Gibbs Martin from the auditorium located at City Hall to the soon-to-be completed community center. SEE PAGE 5

NEWS BRIEFS

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Mt. Olive group helps students go back to school

The legacy of Plant City High School teacher Ginger Bennett Forte not only lives on in Mt. Olive Baptist Church, it’s also being carried out to help local students.

The Ginger Jewelz Group, led by a group of Forte’s close friends, got a group of Plant City-area students who attend church at Mt. Olive get prepared to go back to school with an Aug. 11 giveaway of book bags, school supplies and care baskets.

While alive, Forte made it a point to make the young girls of Mt. Olive feel loved and valuable whenever possible and had plans for a similar giveaway this year, before her passing.

“Ginger Forte was such an inspiration to all and she touched many lives, young and old,” group member Terri Green said in a press release. “The Ginger Jewelz Group will continue to inspire and encourage young girls and, most importantly, make sure they have a relationship with God. This is a way that the community will see that Ginger Forte’s legacy is being carried through the Ginger Jewelz Group.”

The students given items by the group on Aug. 11 are Jalaya House, Khadori Walker, Antwania Boyd, Valentta Hogan, Jasmine Smart, Kennedy Ware, Tashanti Clarke, Lloycia Barnum, Ayleniah Wilson and Kaniya Bennett.

The group is also working to organize an annual Ginger Bennett Forte Day in the educator’s honor.

Busy times at the Photo Archives The Plant City Photo Archives & History Center staff recently underwent and completed extensive training with the American Association for State and Local History.

The AASLH offers a four-week Basics of Archives course that PCPA director Gil Gott said covers “all phases of archival operations and includes archival procedures, acquisition, analysis, metadata records, processing, housing, storage and retrieval, and access and outreach. The course also covers all media, photographs, film, documents, papers, and various materials.

Storage focuses on acid free containers, migration of deteriorating gases, light, temperature, and humidity — always a problem in Florida.”

The PCPA is also planning to publish a periodical journal covering the history of the greater Plant City area and is opening up an opportunity for local writers, seasoned or otherwise, to contribute.

Tentatively titled “The Plant City Journal of History,” the periodical is looking for stories about anything from growing up in Plant City and tracing family history in the area to completing deep-dive research into something that happened in this strawberry town some time ago. The PCPA has put together an editorial team to help writers with story pitches, research and more. If you have photographs to go with the stories, even better.

To learn more about the periodical and writing opportunities, call 813-754-1578, email Gott at gil@plantcityphotoarchives. org or visit the PCPA downtown headquarters at 106 S. Evers St.

Missing Plant City boy and mom found Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office was able to locate Ana Francisco-Miguel and David Francisco, who went missing last week.

HCSO said Francisco-Miguel, 17, took her 6-month-old son away from their Plant City residence on foot and that both were last seen at the family residence around noon Aug. 6. The pair made their way up to Georgia, where they were found staying at a relative’s home. HCSO hasn’t released any further details at this time.

Registration underway for Florida Birding & Nature Festival

Local birders may want to get a head start on the 2019 Florida Birding & Nature Festival, for which registration is now open.

This year’s event is based out of the Hillsborough Community College campus in Brandon and features field trips around the western parts of central Florida, more than two dozen seminars with speakers such as author Kenn Kaufman, Dr. Mark Madison of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Owl Research Institute founder Denver Holt, artwork and other naturerelated products for sale and more. The festival runs from Oct. 17-20.

Register online and get more information at fbnfestival.org. Space is limited.

Sign up for PCRPD After School Program The Plant City Recreation and Parks Department is offering an After School Program for youths in grades K-5, and registration is now open.

Hosted at the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St., the program makes sure all enrolled kids have a place to study up, get a snack and have fun with their friends under adult supervision. The program runs from 1:55 to 6 p.m. most days and starts at 12:55 p.m. on early-release days. Study Hour offers kids the chance to both get their homework done and get tutoring from the staff. Indoor and outdoor activities are always on the schedule, too.

The program is closed on major holidays, Hillsborough schools’ Jan. 6, April 10 and April 20, 2020 non-student days and the Florida State Fair (Feb. 7, 2020) and Florida Strawberry Festival (March 2, 2020) days. Following Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring Break, there will be a series of full day camps requiring separate registration if parents wish to enroll their kids.

The program costs $150 per 18-week semester ($1.67 per day) and, for an extra $25, per semester, students from Bryan, Burney, Jackson, Lincoln and Wilson elementary schools can get transportation from the school to the rec center (limit of 13 students per school). Registration is accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis due to space limitations. Sign up at the Planteen center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Contact Recreation Supervisor II Julie Garretson at jgarretson@plantcitygov.com or 813-659-4200 ext. 4341 for more information.

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

MEET PLANT CITY’S VERY OWN LEATHER WORKER

When you picture a man who makes shoes by hand, you may see a hunched figure with grey hair and round spectacles.

You might envision a craftsman practicing a tradition passed down from generations who won’t share many of his trade’s secrets.

Charles Galvin doesn’t fit that mold.

At 37 years old, his calm smile and enthusiastic mannerisms break the stereotype of your traditional craftsman.

While holding up his latest creation — a pair of purple leather shoes he’s putting the final stitching on — he’ll quickly delve into the intricacies of the process and share step-by-step how he’s bringing the shoe to life.

Galvin is part of the new wave of artisan makers, spearheading the renaissance of traditional crafting right here in Plant City.

“There’s a lot of interest in returning to buying locally sourced and locally crafted goods,” Galvin said. “Some of it is because people know if they buy an item that was made right here that the money stays in the local economy.

If you’re purchasing things from major corporations, the majority of that profit goes up the corporate ladder. It’s not going into the pockets of the people who work there. This allows for people to both interact and engage with the people who are making the products

and it opens the door to a conversation that you just can’t get somewhere else.”

Galvin has spent years perfecting his leather work. He’s developed a loyal following for his belts, wallets, purses and even shirts and journals. When walking around downtown Plant City, you’ve more than likely strolled past someone wearing one of his creations.

An active member of MAKE Plant City and a frequent vendor at local markets and conventions, his following has spread throughout the country.

As much as he enjoyed stretching his talents and creating jaw-dropping pieces, a seed that was planted years ago itched for the opportunity to grow. In college, he took a course that required him to replicate a shoe for one project using only a small gauge wire and masking tape. It required him to learn every aspect of his favorite pair of shoes and piqued an interest in how the items were made. It continued to make an appearance over the years, capturing his interest until he finally caved and gave it a shot.

It was, in his own words, a “stressful disaster.”

With no formal training, he technically succeeded, but not at a level he was content with. So, with his wife Rebecca Nipper’s encouragement, he began taking classes to learn firsthand how to bring his concept into a reality.

He’s traveled the country for seminars and hands-on training, and his love of the craft has blossomed into his sole focus. While still working his full-time job, Galvin transitioned his workshop into a full-fledged shoe haven. Each pair he makes is closer to pure perfection and now he’s preparing to make his creations public.

He and his wife, who is also an artist, even selected a home to buy based on the availability of space for their respective workshops. Now living near the heart of downtown Plant City, they are able to bring their passions to life while still soaking in all that makes their community unique.

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While wearing a pair of shoes he made four years ago, Galvin leaned over his workbench, pointed at the intricate stitching on his latest project and explained why he believes everyone should own at least one hand-made pair of shoes.

“The better the handmade shoe, the longer it lasts,” Galvin said. “If you have a high-quality shoe and you take care of it, it can last you 20 to 30 years.

There are places to get it resoled and if you find a good cobbler, you’re talking about an investment that’s going to last you a lifetime. And they’re made specifically for you. Any issue you have, any preference, you can get that addressed in a shoe that’s created just for you. They’re more comfortable and all around just such a better quality.”

Out the gate, Galvin said, the shoes he’ll offer will be designed based on the visions he conjures in his head. He’ll have a certain amount of designs and leather types available and will sell a few pairs of each. Eventually, he said, the plan is to expand to more customizable options.

The shoes take approximately 18 hours of labor to create, which is spread over the course of several days to allow for gluing, setting and other necessary pauses.

Galvin prides himself on creating products you won’t see in a general store. Leather shoes are typically black or brown, but his creations can range in all aspects of the color spectrum.

In October, he said, he’ll open up his full workshop to holiday commissions and will make everything under the sun once again until things settle down in the new year.

“I just like seeing something that comes from my head materialize and be spread into our world,” Galvin said.

“The response people have had to my work has been incredible. I’m hoping that continues with my venture into shoe making.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Follow Galvin Leatherworks on Facebook, Instagram and Etsy.

Visit: galvinleatherworks.com Call: 407-595-9445

CHARLES GALVIN is transitioning his leatherworking business into a focus on handmade shoes. The Plant City resident is making wearable art that lasts a lifetime.

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PLANT CITY

Observer

This week on Cops Corner:

COPS CORNER

Plant City Police investigated stolen meat, counterfeit $20 for tacos, stolen fishing gear, a

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

stolen mower and more.

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

Advertising / Richard Brame richard@plantcityobserver.com

AUG. 2 WHIRLWIND TAKEDOWN 800 block of Douglas Street Criminal mischief: Someone damaged this complainant’s Whirlpool washing machine.

TACO-TASTIC 2400 block of James L. Redman Parkway Information report: While visiting the Taco Bell on James Redman, someone used a counterfeit $20 bill to purchase their meal.

FAILED ESCAPE 600 block of Sandalwood Drive Criminal mischief (GTA attempt): An attempt to steal a 2006 Nissan Altima was made at the victim’s residence. During the attempt the vehicle sustained ignition and dash board damage.

AUG. 4

at an unknown time during the evening hours of Aug. 3, someone removed six Lews fishing reels, two Duckett fishing rods and four Halo rods from his boat.

AUG. 5 SWIPER NO SWIPING 1500 block of South Alexander Street Vehicle burglary: Officers made contact with a man who was detained by the victim while entering the victim’s vehicle. The man was arrested for burglary and transported to Orient Road Jail.

WHERE’S THE BEEF? 2200 block of James L. Redman Parkway Theft: This complainant reported that at approximately 3:30 p.m.

AUG. 3 an unknown man entered the business and selected a variety of AUG. 6 MECHANICAL FAILURE miscellaneous meats and exited 700 block of Whitehurst Road Burglary/Grand theft: This com- the business without rendering MOWED OVER Editedpayment.

by David Steinberg August 16,600 2019 plainant reported to police that block of during an unknown time between Northwest Drake Street 39 Scientific ACROSS *Celtics great 7 Mature, Grand theft: LINE AND STINKER July 28 and Aug. 3, an unknown 49HOOK, This victim told 1 Online Bird, to fans a CD officers thatinstrument’s 1100 block of East Cherryas Street suspect entered two sheds and sometime during Theft fishing equipment: removed an unknown the night of Aug. 5, an unknown display auctionamount site of (firstof 2+ 8 Sans This reported that auto mechanic’s tools. ___ suspect40 stole an orange self-pro“Today” 5 Puerto lastcomplainant 2) intermission

Universal Crossword

Advertising / Karen Berry kberry@plantcityobserver.com

AUG. 7

CONTACT US

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, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103.

AIRPORT SHENANIGANS 4000 block of Airport Road Criminal mischief: Officers responded to the Plant City Airport and learned that a man entered the airport and caused damage to a plane during the night.

If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

AUG. 8 PICKED FROM THE PATIO 2900 block of Franklin Street Theft: Officers met with this victim who advised them that two crowbars and two auto stands were missing from his back patio area.

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To contact us, send your information via: Email: Sarah Holt, SHolt@ PlantCityObserver.com.

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pelled Honda lawn mower, which they had left on their carport. The machine was valued at $800.

This week’s Crossword PREVIOUS PUZZLEanswers ANSWER

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RECREATION CENTER

NAMED AFTER LEGENDARY CITY LEADER

The iconic and legendary Sayde Gibbs Martin will further have her legacy cemented in Plant City history after commissioners announced they planned to name the new community center in her honor. FROM PAGE 1 BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Sadye Gibbs Martin is a name Plant City will remember for years to come. A pioneer in her own right, Martin is being honored once more by the city after commissioners unanimously agreed Monday evening to name the new community center after the former mayor.

For those who knew Martin, the proposal was an unexpected but widely supported choice. Several in the commission meeting stood to offer their thanks to commissioners for the decision, voicing their adoration of Martin during their public comment.

“As I undertook the city commission’s assignment to come up with a proposal for naming the new center, I entered a moment of reflection and realized the city

has a tradition of naming after community leaders,” City Manager Bill McDaniel said when explaining his suggestion for the name.

McDaniel went on to add that Martin was known to all as a leader who dedicated her entire life to ensuring Plant City was a welcoming and wonderful place for everyone to call home. Many in the community grew to love her when she was an educator. Commissioner Mary Mathis fondly reflected on having Martin as her first-grade teacher and shared a brief story of her impact on local education.

Following the end of her time in the education system, Martin set her sights on digging into the core of the city and entered the field of politics. She broke multiple glass ceilings during her ascent and her impact is still rippling through the community today.

Martin was the first woman to become mayor of Plant City and was the first female African-American elected mayor of a major city in the entire state of Florida. She served as mayor for seven terms and as vice mayor for four terms, sitting at the dais for a total of 15 years.

Her passion for her community led her to get involved in a variety of organizations across town and, despite her busy schedule, she was always seen with a smile and had a hug for those she held dear. She served in several organizations including the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, Florida League of Cities, the Florida Strawberry Festival and was responsible for the establishment of the Plant City Boys & Girls Club.

In 1999, city commissioners designated the city commission meeting room as the “Sadye

Gibbs Martin Auditorium,” but McDaniel said they finally have the opportunity to name something even larger in her honor.

The city will transfer the honorarium for Martin from the auditorium to the community center at its dedication. The center is set to be completed in May 2020 with the ribbon cutting in June 2020.

But McDaniel didn’t stop there.

During the meeting, he laid out a four-part plan. First, he wanted to propose the name of the center be established to honor Martin. Then he wanted to recognize the recreational space that lies between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Park Road, Maryland Ave. and the southernmost cityproperty line of the complex as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex.

Though many referred to the old recreation center site as the MLK Complex, it never formally had been clarified as that in writing and McDaniel said it was time to get that straightened out.

He also wants to erect two large signs up at the complex to indicate what the facility is and what its history is. Increasing signage

at city projects has been a pet project of his for the past year and the city has received many positive reactions from the community toward the initiative.

The last part of the plan ties back into item one. The final step would include transferring the Martin name from the auditorium to the building during the center’s dedication. This would mean the auditorium would then be called the City Hall auditorium or the city commission auditorium. It would also open up the possibility of the city one day renaming the space in honor of someone else should the time ever come where they felt it was necessary.

“It’s always great to hear about the folks that came before us and to remember that we’re in a great place right now in Plant City because of the hard work of people that have been here for decades, and it wouldn’t be the city it is right now without (Martin’s) efforts and the efforts of a lot of people,” Vice Mayor Nate Kilton said. “To remember that and to give honor to that, I think this is very appropriate.”

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PLANT CITY TACKLES MASSIVE RAINFALL Courtesy of the City of Plant City

The city offered free sandbags to local residents

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Florida has put its “Sunshine State” nickname to the test this summer as a nearcontinuous wave of rain has impacted communities across the state. It’s certainly caused quite a few issues right here in Plant City.

Though excessive rainfall is by no means an anomaly for Florida, the last few months have come with rainfalls that have pushed the local ecosystems to the limit and led to flooding throughout the state. It’s a situation City Manager Bill McDaniel said they’ve been studiously monitoring and attempting to work around.

On Aug. 3, when the forecast for more heavy rains came in, the city quickly

opened a sandbag station on Spencer Drive to offer residents a chance to help protect their homes. All they needed was a city utility bill or electric bill and ID to prove their residency and they could load up with the freshly filled bags.

There’s been more rain so far in August than there was in the entire month of July.

June itself had 12.12 inches, according to the city’s rain gauge, and the land is simply oversaturated.

“Here’s what concerns me. We have the peak of hurricane season coming in September, we’re not even there yet and with the massive amount of rainfall we’ve had over the past few months, we are entering a worrisome period,” McDaniel said.

“I’m very concerned if the tropics heat up and we’re hit with a tropical depression or a hurricane, even a minor one, that we’re going to have some real problems.

We’re already so surcharged with water. People are getting flooded and they’re upset and rightly so.”

The issue, while multifaceted, lies

largely in the canals that carry rainwater away from the city being overwhelmed with an influx of water. McDaniel said they get many inquiries regarding blockage issues in the storm-drains, but he said they’re working fine. It’s simply that there’s nowhere for that water to go.

McDaniel said he went to examine the Eastside Canal to monitor its levels and you can actually watch as the canal lowers how the water throughout the city disappears.

“We can’t stop rain and we can’t make water disappear if there’s nowhere for it to go, but we are making efforts to help in every way we currently can,” McDaniel said.

Part of those efforts include the sandbag operations and digging out ditches while others involve the city blocking streets once they flood to ensure no vehicles are harmed attempting to drive across them. He referenced a tier system when explaining the city’s course of action.

There are things they can immediately do to help, which is tier one.

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Courtesy of the City of Plant City

City crews raced against the clock to finish a repair on East Timberlane during the storm.

Some interim projects include the work the city is doing around Wilson Elementary School to combat stormwater issues. The city agreed to sink $800,000 into installing 11 drainage inlets to manage the corner flooding and street flooding that frequents the area.

Tier two includes things the city is currently working on that are further down the road, like possibly adding more ponds and outlets to the community to funnel excessive rain away from neighborhoods.

Tier three is also underway, but will require several more years of data before any action can be taken. Recently, the city decided to dedicate its funds to creating a Stormwater Master Plan. When it comes back in approximately two years, it will have a comprehensive analysis of the city’s stormwater system and how to address any potential issues that arise.

It will cost several hundred thousand dollars to complete, but the city was adamant it wanted to have the data in hand so it would know how best to tackle future issues. The city is partnering with the South Florida Water Management District to complete the study and is splitting the cost with the agency.

The city learned firsthand how tricky the rising water can be when it ran into a bit of an issue during street repairs last week.

Crews were repaving a section of East Timberlane Road when, suddenly, things went awry. The heavy machinery for the repaving along with the massive vibrations from the equipment led to the collapse of a stormwater pipe under the road, which McDaniel said is decades old. The city was faced with a hole in the road along with the collapsed

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pipe and began the process of fixing it. First they thought the pipe was 36 inches, so they made the arrangements. Once they had it exposed in its entirety, they realized it was 48 inches and adjusted for that. While working on that, they realized they had a conflict with a manhole that was in there as well, so the city had to bring in a new concrete manhole.

Just as things began to turn back toward the side of progress, the skies opened up. The city was using two de-watering pumps and the rainwater still overwhelmed them, leading to a pseudo river on the street. The fastmoving water pouring into the hole eroded even more areas and led to further ground collapse. The next day, when McDaniel said he went to the scene, a large Trackhoe had slid into the hole during the collapse.

During Monday’s commission meeting, Mayor Rick Lott shared stories of residents bringing the crew food and water as they worked through the night to tackle the issue and said despite the barrage of problems everyone remained in good spirits. Thanks to the long hours, the issue was resolved and the road paving continued.

“I went out in that heavy rain and I saw the flooding with my own eyes,” McDaniel said. “I felt for everybody. This was breaking my heart. These are their homes, this is their neighborhood and it’s underwater. As city manager I take that responsibility and I ask myself, ‘What can we do about this?

What are the solutions to this?’ Because I don’t want to see people flooded like that.

I’m not relying on somebody telling me about this. I’m going out and seeing it with my own eyes.”

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE Did you take the Observer with you on vacation? Send your pictures to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

the New York Times and a bagel, Mike Oratowski read the Plant City Observer at One New York Plaza in the Financial District in Manhattan.

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NEW YORK CITY: While many New Yorkers would start their Friday morning with a copy of

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2019

CITY CUTS

RINGS IN NEW SCHOOL YEAR

Breanne Williams

Haircuts were only $10 during the event.

One thing that makes the Plant City community so unique is its continued dedication from local business owners to give back to their community.

Marco Ramirez, owner of City Cuts Barbershop, throws a unique back-to-school event every year to show his appreciation for local residents. Despite the dreary weather, his shop at 1803 James L. Redman Parkway was filled to capacity all day long as folks lined up to get $10 haircuts and participate in the annual event.

Two long rows of chairs inside the shop remained full throughout the day and at many points there were even people standing in the corners and leaning up against the walls to take advantage of the deal. Volunteers from Universal Insurance

of Plant City Inc. were also on site to help with the festivities.

Attendees were welcomed with free food and drinks and entered into giveaways for a variety of door prizes. Backpacks filled with school supplies were also handed out during the event. Doors opened at 9 a.m. and some of the barbers participating in the event said there was hardly a moment the seats weren’t filled with customers, both young and old alike. They estimated they gave far more than 100 haircuts throughout the day.

Ramirez recently opened a second location at 5306 U.S. Highway 92 in February of this year. The back-to-school party is just one of the many unique events City Cuts holds each year. Follow them on Facebook for more information about upcoming events.

Once again, City Cuts Barbershop opened its doors with a special back-to-school event for the community, offering affordable haircuts, giveaways and a variety of prizes all day long.

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TURNS EYES TO PLANT CITY The XFL is planning on setting up shop at the Plant City Stadium following an unanimous vote during Monday night’s commission meeting.

Courtesy of the City of Plant City

Commissioner Mike Sparkman with a XFL cap.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The XFL Football League has long been a topic of passion for avid football fans.

Some think the idea is genius as it vows to offer an outlet for football fanatics to continue enjoying their preferred sport long after the Super Bowl while simultaneously offering players another potential route to the NFL or to play for a few more years before they officially retire. Others are less than optimistic and remember its Icarus flight nearly two decades ago, when it

lasted merely one season before burning out. However, owner Vince McMahon is determined to make it succeed this time and is setting all the chess pieces in place to take home the glory when games begin in 2020.

Plant City might be the perfect place for its athletes to prepare for a heavy year of play.

The agreement between the City of Plant City and Alpha Entertainment, LLC, which owns the XFL, will offer portions of the

Plant City Stadium facility for practices, training, offices, a media center and other similar items. With a two-year term, the contract can be reevaluated and expanded if needed.

During training, the entire team and its coaching staff — approximately 70 to 80 people — will relocate to Plant City for approximately five months. Whether they’re staying in hotel rooms or renting homes, it’s sure to be a boost to the local economy. The players will fully immerse themselves into the community and for a few months a year, Plant City will once again have a major sports team housed in its back yard.

City Manager Bill McDaniel said the renovations to the stadium that the league requires will be fully funded by Alpha Entertainment, LLC. The group reached out to the city around the state time the Sheffield Sports Village deal was coming to an end. The timing was perfect and McDaniel joked that even though he isn’t even remotely interested in football, he dove right into his research to see if this would be a good fit for the city.

Currently, the facility is used by the International Softball Federation and the XFL wants to do many interior renovations before the training starts. They’re trying to

get in early to get started and are in the process of speaking with the current tenants to see if they can get early access to portions of the property to begin the preliminary work.

The renovations will begin Nov. 2 and the team hopes to be ready to roll by the time December training begins.

“We always want to make sure that we are protecting the assets of the community,” Vice Mayor Nate Kilton said. “It’s great that we have the opportunity to utilize the assets we have in Plant City that are underutilized.”

Kilton said by entering this partnership, Plant City is “stepping up” and showing the city is prepared to be a part of the greater Tampa Bay sports scene. He said it’s crucial the city really starts to think about its Urban Forest and ensure there is a planned long-term use for all of its assets.

Following the unanimous vote in support of welcoming the team, Mayor Rick Lott joked he still could “throw the pigskin” and said maybe he could walk on the team as long as no one tackles him. Representatives from the XFL passed out ball caps to the commissioners and members of the audience to “hype up the team spirit.”

“Well I guess let’s play ball here in Plant City,” Lott said.

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Dear Editor,

In the interest of complete transparency re: the previous article on “Walden Lakers Thoughts On Development” please include the below information in your next publication. Also, would you please advise that it will be included and confirm the publication date.

“The recent article about “Walden Lakers Share Thoughts On Development” left out some very important information. Specifically, the survey responders only represented 618 (27.6 percent) of the total 2,241 Walden Lake residents. Additionally, the article states that Option C was created to address the issue of having a massive traffic impact on Clubhouse and Timberlane. What it doesn’t say is whether this impact was based on a formal traffic survey or if this was just someone’s informal analysis, nor did it state that Option C would have a massive negative impact on Griffin Blvd. Also, it failed to mention that Option C would also help reduce the negative impact on home values for whose homes that abut the land purchased by the developers, including homes owned by some WLCA HOA board members. It also failed to mention that, in turn, Option C would, however, reduce the home values for those residents living near Griffin Blvd.

A large number of Walden Lake Residents have already expressed strong opposition to Option C because of the potential for the WLCA Board of Directors (without 2/3 total membership approval) swapping/conveying the “Polo Field/Sports Complex” common area to the builders/developers and the negative impact to traffic on Griffin Blvd.

Lastly, it is the opinion of this writer that the survey itself and its results were unreasonably long and difficult to fully comprehend, thereby discouraging many residents from even bothering to complete it.

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PCPD CRACKS DOWN ON DANGEROUS DRIVERS Each year, when students head back to school, PCPD receives calls of commuters driving erratically, passing school buses and flying through school zones. This year, they’re designating some officers solely for ensuring compliance on school routes.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

As children headed back to school this week, officers with Plant City Police Department made sure commuters remembered to adjust their driving tactics for the influx of students.

With early morning bell schedules, many young drivers and school buses pour into the road right in the heart of rush hour. It happens every year, yet some commuters fail to plan accordingly and will channel their road rage into illegal habits.

“Something new we’re doing this year is two of our four officers in the mornings will be traveling around the city along known school routes and wait for school bus violations,” Sgt. Al Van Duyne, spokesman for PCPD, said.

It’s an issue they’ve been monitoring for years, but this is the first time they’ve decided to designate specific officers solely for the task of school route safety. If they see anyone refuse to stop for a school bus, go around a stopped bus or drive erratically through a school zone, the driver will be stopped.

Van Duyne said PCPD always makes an effort to be more vigilant in school areas during a few waves of the school year.

However, the hope is if they can heavily crack down during the first week of school, they can get people back into the practice of making room on the road for the morning school commuters.

In Florida, the easiest rule to go by is to simply stop when you see a school bus stopped with its signs out. Whether it’s

a two-way street or a highway, all drivers moving in either direction must stop if the bus is preparing to pick up or drop off children. The drivers must stay parked until the signage is withdrawn and all children are clear from the roadway.

However, if you’re driving on a highway that is divided via a raised barrier or an unpaved median that is at least five feet wide, you don’t have to stop if you are moving in the opposite direction of the bus. Keep in mind that a painted line is in no way considered a barrier. If you’re on the road and on the same side as the bus, you have to stop regardless of how large the roadway is.

Every year, PCPD is reminded of the prevalence of the issue when a string of complaints roll into the department from those who have witnessed the dangerous driving around town. Van Duyne said the department is simply “trying to come up with different ways of being proactive” and hopes to continue to promote safeguards for the city and all of its residents.

The officers will continue their unique patrols through the first week of school

Courtesy photo

Learn the rules of the road or be prepared to get pulled over.

and PCPD will then evaluate the results and determine if it needs to expand the program even further. If there are still many violations and stops, Van Duyne said they’re prepared to crack down on the issue until they see compliance.

“As the city grows and we have more traffic and buses and kids and schools, we definitely don’t want something like this to become a problem,” Van Duyne said.

“We figured this year is as good a time as any to really show we take this seriously.

We don’t want to see anyone, whether it’s young children on their way to school or other drivers, get hurt just because someone was in a rush and decided to violate the law. Adjust your schedule and make sure you leave enough time for the increase in traffic and possible school bus stops.”

AUGUST 15, 2019

SPORTS

Quick Hits AREA PARKS HOSTING TOURNEYS

Quiarra Cooper is a veteran Plant City Dolphins cheerleader. See Page 13

GAME OF THE WEEK:

PALM HARBOR UNIVERSITY AT STRAWBERRY CREST

Global Sports Alliance Baseball’s Florida Gulf Coast League action is coming to Plant City for back-to-back weekends of tournament play.

The GSA event will use multiple fields at the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex and Mike Sansone Park this Saturday and Sunday as well as Aug. 24 and 25. The tourney action has start times from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.

CITY FLAG FOOTBALL REGISTRATION STARTS UP The 53rd season of the Plant City Recreation and Parks Department/ Optimist Youth Flag Football Program is nearly here and all area boys and girls age 4-15 (as of Nov. 1, 2019) can sign up now.

Kids in five age groups play Saturday mornings at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex, 2602 E. Cherry St., from Sept. 14 through Nov. 2. There are no practices, no pads and no coaches — teams have weekly meetings and “instructing officials” make sure everyone on every team has the chance to make a play with the ball.

The department advertises the league as a means to “provide basic training in football skills and rules along with positive leadership to build the character and overall citizenship of the players.”

The cost is $35 per player for the eight-game season and that includes accident insurance and a jersey. Register by Aug. 28 at the PCRPD’s main office, 1904 S. Park Road. Call 813659-4255 for more information.

SIGN UP FOR TOPSOCCER The Outreach Program for Soccer (TOPSoccer) is hosting sign-ups soon and Plant City-area players are welcome to join.

The Brandon-based league, which caters to special needs players age 5 and up, will begin registering players Aug. 9 at the West Florida Flames Soccer League fields, 3104 S. Kings Ave., Brandon. Athletes can sign up from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday and from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday.

All players are required to have a copy of their IEP at registration. High schoolers and adults interested in volunteering are asked to attend one of the registrations.

TOPSoccer uses a “relaxed format” with no practices, scorekeeping or team standings and rankings. The program is free for families thanks to sponsors’ support. The season begins Sept. 7 and ends Nov. 16.

For more information, call Ken Muzyk at (813) 657-5271 or email Fred Englehardt at brandontops@aol.com.

TOPSoccer also has a Facebook page, facebook.com/BrandonTOPSoccer, that is updated regularly.

File photo

The Strawberry Crest Chargers are getting ready for their first taste of real football action this week.

Phillip Prior’s first game as the Chargers’ head coach is Friday night.

The purpose of every preseason game is for teams to get a legit feel for who they have and what they might be capable of. In Strawberry Crest’s case, though, Friday night’s game goes way beyond that.

Phillip Prior hasn’t been with the Chargers for long — he came aboard in late July after Ron Hawn retired — and much of his time in Dover has been spent learning about the players themselves and building up relationships with them.

It’s the latest a school in the Plant City area has had to replace a head coach in quite some time. Hawn, also an outside hire, was brought in to Crest in December 2015. James Booth, the only other outside head coaching hire in recent years, got to Plant City in April 2017. Though something similar to this year’s coaching change happened in June 2016, when the Raiders went from Greg Meyer to Robert Paxia, that was a promotion from within the program and Paxia already knew exactly who and what he had to work with.

So, Friday’s game will be as much or more of a learning experience for Prior as it will be

for many of his players. But he knows the deck’s been stacked against him in an unusual way, so Prior is staying positive and focusing on the things the team can control.

“The last couple weeks have kind of been a big install for us, doing a lot of new things, so this week is all about making sure we approach it like it’s a game week and have it be more perfecting of our techniques, perfecting of our scheme,” Prior said. “Being a little bit more crisp than we have been the last couple of weeks.”

What’s already clear is the team’s quarterback situation: Prior confirmed Monday that senior Caleb Goodson is “the guy” for 2019. Goodson does have previous experience at the position, having played under center in five games in 2017. He did stay involved in the offense in 2018, seeing action as a receiver, and will get help from returning players like Ethan Calaway, Kadin Durgan, Jadyn Girard and Andre James-Williams who lined up on offense with him last season.

It will also be interesting to see how the defense plays out now that key contributors like

Cody Newman and Josh Young have graduated. Durgan, who also contributes as a safety, defensive lineman Sebastian Fernandez, defensive back and linebacker Jake Craig bring leadership to the defense as experienced returners.

The Palm Harbor University Hurricanes are coming off of a 3-7 (1-5 district) record in 2018 in which they lost five of their final six games, lost top quarterback and rusher Wyatt Beasey and leading tackler Gunner Wilson to graduation.

Though the Chargers would like to win the game, in-house stuff is priority number one with the team and PHU will be able to show the Chargers some things they may not have been able to see yet.

“With it being a kickoff classic, our biggest thing is we’re not really gonna worry too much about the opponent,” Prior said.

“Obviously we want to prepare our kids for what they’re gonna do but, ultimately, we’re gonna worry about us. We’re gonna worry about getting our stuff in, getting as much of it on film so we can coach that up, we’re just gonna do our stuff and be who we are.”

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

TIME AGAIN FOR MY ONE SHAMELESS PLUG The 2019 Football Guide hits the streets with next week’s issue.

SEE PAGE 13

The Chargers are aiming to win each rep and try to make the first home game of 2019 a positive experience before starting the regular season with two games on the road before a Sept. 6 bye.

OTHER AREA ACTION DURANT @ Lake Gibson, 7:30 p.m.

PLANT CITY vs. Spoto, 7:30 p.m.

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The 2019 Football Guide hits the streets with next week’s issue.

This is, without a doubt, the best time of the year. I’ll not hear otherwise.

We’re all falling back into the routine school brings to us, directly or indirectly.

For me, that means my job just got much more action-packed. While most people would probably flip a desk when they get stuck working every Friday night for the foreseeable future, I’m in my element.

I also happen to write all or most of a big preview every year, which is a blast.

I’d be lying if I said I put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into our annual Football Guide. First, nobody makes me bleed my own blood. Second, I haven’t teared up since the first time I got through Chapter 6 in Red Dead Redemption 2. When it’s this hot and humid outside, though, no man alive can go more than five minutes at a practice without glistening like Hulk Hogan in the ‘80s. I definitely put a lot of sweat into it.

There’s no shortage of optimism at everyone’s practice field this time of year.

It’s contagious. This is the one time of year where everyone’s got the benefit of having a blank slate in front of them.

There’s always something special about that first game you play, at least going into it. Doesn’t even matter if it’s the preseason game you’re counting. I think we’re all just so glad to have football back that, no matter what you told yourself about your team’s prospective future, there’s that little part of you that still gets excited when the band (or in Plant City’s case, the pre-recorded pump-up song) gets going and the team makes its grand entrance onto the field. There’s too much pomp and circumstance to not hit you in some way, even if you’re someone like me who’s bound to the “no cheering in the press box” rule. I like to see all of our teams do well and stay hyped for four quarters. I just have to have a poker face and call it all just as it happened.

Plant City head football coach James Booth told me early this week he thinks Class 7A football is the best in Florida, if not the best anywhere. I’ve seen enough to co-sign his opinion. In this class, in this neck of the Florida woods, we’ve got access to some of the best high school football games you’ll ever see outside of neutral sites like, say, a state champion-

ship game. If you want to triangulate it to the greater Plant City area, we produce some of the best athletes in the country. Two of the last four Guy Toph Award winners came from here.

Four and five-star recruits come from here. One of these days, we’ll get football state champions out here. I’ve worked in Hillsborough County, Polk County, Lee County and Collier County. This one is, pound-for-pound, tops for me.

I don’t know everything about every team in the Tampa Bay area. But I know plenty about the three that matter most to you readers. I want you all to be prepared for the start of the regular season next week. I want anyone who picks up that section next Thursday to be able to hold their own in a water cooler talk about the game. I want you to not only know what you’re getting yourself into by rooting for a team, but also to know what positives you can look at before anyone plays the year’s first meaningful snap. I know those aren’t always easy to find, so I’m doing my best.

We’ve got preseason games tomorrow night and I hope you’ll all make some time to go see our kids put in work, even if the final score doesn’t matter. I’ll be in Dover for the first game of the Phillip Prior era and I can’t wait to get back on the sideline.

Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Observer.

Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

Quiarra Cooper

Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at JKline@ plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.

Quiarra Cooper has seen plenty of success in her time with the Plant City Dolphins.

The three-year cheerleader, always eager to show her skills flipping and tumbling, has been on the sideline for plenty of football wins and been in the thick of national competition in several United Youth Football League national cheer championships here in Plant City. Cooper and the Dolphins have won UYFL gold and she wears her championship jacket with pride.

How did you feel when you finally got it?

It was good.

How long have you been with the Dolphins?

Three years.

What’s your favorite subject?

Math.

How did you get into cheerleading?

I used to play basketball and there was a cheer team. I watched them all the time and I wanted to do it.

What made you stick with it?

It was fun, and I have friends on the team.

What’s your favorite thing about the sport?

Flipping.

What’s the coolest thing you can do?

A back flip.

Do you play any other sports besides cheerleading and basketball?

At school, I play sports sometimes if I sign up, like volleyball and track.

What school do you go to?

Tomlin Middle.

What’s a sport you never tried but would if you could?

Soccer.

What athletes do you look up to?

Gabby Douglas, the gymnast.

How do you get ready for a big meet and get in the zone?

Stretch and watch videos from last year of competitions that we won.

What do you do best as a cheerleader?

Tumbling and doing flips.

What’s your favorite cheerleading memory?

The UYFL nationals last year.

What was that competition like?

It wasn’t that hard because other teams were not that hard to go against.

What’s something about cheerleading you think everybody should know before they try it?

It’s hard.

What’s some great advice a coach has given you?

Don’t think you can’t do something.

What’s a big obstacle you had to beat in cheerleading?

I wanted to learn how to do a flip and I couldn’t do it. But then I got it. It took six months. When we went to UYFL last year, I got it.

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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2019

FOCUS ON FITNESS:

RAIN FINALLY SUBSIDES FOR WEEKEND SPORTS

MEDITATION HAS MANY BENEFITS

Plant City parks were finally able to host sports events over the weekend after back-to-back rainouts.

Mind, body and soul alike can improve if you take just a few minutes each day to meditate.

Justin Kline

The Florida Elite Football & Cheerleading Kickoff Classic started Aug. 10.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Heavy rainfall in Plant City recently killed off several weeks’ worth of baseball and football tournaments, but the skies finally gave local parks some reprieve over the weekend.

The wet, but not too wet, grounds at Ellis-Methvin Park and the Otis M. An-

drews Sports Complex were suitable for football on Aug. 10 and 11. The sports complex hosted the Plant City Dolphins and Seffner Seahawks in the opening weekend of TCYFCC action on Aug. 10. The complex, along with Ellis-Methvin, also hosted the 2019 Florida Elite Football & Cheerleading Kickoff Classic, which was in Plant City on both days and featured 20 teams.

Justin Kline

The Plant City Dolphins started their 2019 season Aug. 10 against the Seffner Seahawks.

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Meditation is a method of relaxation where an individual sit’s quietly, clears the mind, and may focus on the breath.

The goal is to reduce stress, anxiety and bring inner peace.

We all lead busy, hectic lives and often times it is difficult to quiet the mind, but there are health benefits for those that are able to meditate for as little as 5 minutes each day.

I know this must be true because my Fitbit says so. All I need to do is touch the “Relax” button and, for five minutes, it tells me to “be still… take deep breaths” and even when to inhale and exhale. It may sound silly, but I am that person that always left yoga class early because I just could not relax and it seemed like a waste of time. The soft music and the instructors’ verbal cues to “lock my thoughts up in a box and put them away for later” were not enough to quiet my active brain. As soon as I would begin to find peace, thoughts would come rushing in. “What to cook for dinner?” “My toes are cold and I should have put my socks on.” “Did I put the clothes in the dryer?” I would lay there, fidgeting, trying to find a comfortable position, and make a mental to-do list for the following day, all the while wondering how the rest of the participants could just lay there, unmoving, in their deep state of relaxation.

The first time I was able to actually able to find that same deep state of relaxation, I left feeling more well-rested after 10 minutes of meditation than I had after a good night’s rest.

If you can find a way to quiet your mind, whether it is using your Fitbit to guide you, doing guided meditation in a class, spending a few moments in your office with your eyes closed or retreating to your bedroom after a long day, you will be amazed at how relaxed your body feels and all the benefits that come from mediation.

To name a few things, meditation is said to help with digestion, sleep and physical appearance. Some even say it makes them happier. Mindfulness can help reduce the stress and anxiety that “knot” your stomach. Food won’t break down properly if there is continued ten-

sion in the abdomen. Through daily meditation, you can reduce the triggers that cause digestive problems. Do the stresses of what you need to do the following day keep you up at night? Do you toss and turn? It can help you sleep better.

Studies show that people who meditate actually have higher levels of melatonin.

Meditating before bed will put you in a more relaxed state and will allow your body to fall asleep more easily. It can also make you look younger. Stress accelerates aging, and meditation can help cut back stress in your life. Think of the stiffness and tension that makes lines on your face.

By reducing that tension and relaxing your face, those lines disappear, making you naturally appear younger.

Letting things go also makes us happier and calm. By practicing mindfulness, we are able to push away thoughts of negativity.

HOW TO MEDITATE • Find a comfortable position, though not so comfortable as to fall asleep.

• Be mindful of your breathing. Inhale and exhale deeply (you may repeat it to yourself, if that helps you to concentrate) •As thoughts pop in to your head, acknowledge them, and then return to the focus on your breathing. With consistency, you will eventually be able to stop the flow of thoughts and find your inner peace.

Angela Fulgieri is the Wellness Experience Director at the Plant City YMCA. Contact her at observerfitness@gmail.com.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2019

SPORTS SCORES AND MORE FOOTBALL

VOLLEYBALL

AUG. 16

AUG. 15

Durant at Lake Gibson, 7:30 p.m.

Spoto at Plant City, 7:30 p.m.

Palm Harbor University at Strawberry Crest, 7:30 p.m.

Plant City at Lake Gibson, 6 p.m.

Strawberry Crest vs. Bartow, 6 p.m.

AUG. 23

AUG. 20 Hillsborough at Durant, 7 p.m.

Bartow at Plant City, 6:15 p.m.

Steinbrenner at Strawberry Crest, 6 p.m.

King at Durant, 7:30 p.m.

Plant City at Jesuit, 7:30 p.m.

Strawberry Crest at Leto, 7:30 p.m.

AUG. 22

AUG. 30

Spoto at Durant, 7 p.m.

Plant City at Riverview, 6:15 p.m.

Riverview at Durant, 7:30 p.m.

Plant City at Tampa Bay Tech, 7:30 p.m.

Strawberry Crest at King, 7:30 p.m.

AUG. 26

AUG. 29

SEPT. 7

Durant vs.

Strawberry Crest, 7 p.m.

Strawberry Crest at Pasco Steven Villareal Memorial Invite, 8 a.m.

SEPT. 3

SEPT. 14

Strawberry Crest vs. East Bay vs. Bloomingdale, 7 p.m.

All three schools at Seffner Christian Invite, 7 a.m.

SEPT. 4

SEPT. 19

Durant vs. Wharton, 7 p.m.

Durant vs. Strawberry Crest vs. Brandon vs. Spoto, 6 p.m.

SEPT. 5 Plant City vs. Strawberry Crest vs. Spoto, 7 p.m.

SEPT. 10

GOLF AUG. 19 Durant vs.

Bloomingdale, 2:30 p.m.

Riverview at Durant, 7:30 p.m.

Durant vs. Plant City vs. Lennard, 6:30 p.m.

SEPT. 6

AUG. 27

CROSS COUNTRY

Durant at Blake, 7:30 p.m.

Gaither at Plant City, 7:30 p.m.

Armwood at Strawberry Crest, 7:30 p.m.

AUG. 20

AUG. 22

SEPT. 13

AUG. 28

Bloomingdale at Durant, 7:30 p.m.

Lakeland at Plant City, 7:30 p.m.

Kathleen at Strawberry Crest, 7:30 p.m.

Lakeland at Plant City, 7:30 p.m.

All three schools at East Hillsborough Invite at Newsome, 6 p.m.

Durant vs.

Bloomingdale, 2:30 p.m.

Plant City vs. Armwood, 3 p.m.

AUG. 29

AUG. 24

AUG. 26

Durant at Brandon, 7:30 p.m.

Kathleen at Plant City, 7:30 p.m.

Strawberry Crest at Wharton, 7:30 p.m.

Durant at Jim Ryun Invite at Holloway Park, 7 a.m.

Durant vs. Freedom, 2:30 p.m.

Plant City vs.

Strawberry Crest 2 p.m.

SWIMMING

Plant City at Lecanto Invite at Lecanto, 8 a.m.

AUG. 27

SEPT. 4

SEPT. 3

Strawberry Crest vs. Hillsborough, 7 p.m.

Strawberry Crest at Leto Invite, 6 p.m.

Durant vs. King, 2:15 p.m.

SEPT. 20 Durant at Newsome, 7:30 p.m.

Plant City at East Bay, 7:30 p.m.

Riverview at Strawberry Crest, 7:30 p.m.

AUG. 31

JOIN US for an AREA-WIDE WOMEN’S EVENT

ANGIE SMITH

Best-selling Author & Speaker

KAREN ABERCROMBIE “Miss Clara” from War Room

MICHAEL O’BRIEN Worship Leader

Plant City

SEPTEMBER 13 & 14

FRI 7:00PM-9:30PM / SAT 9:00AM-12:30PM Location: First Baptist Church 3309 James L Redman Pkwy Plant City, FL 33566

Tickets: CALL: First Baptist Church at (813) 752-4104 for discounted tickets.

ONLINE: www.FreshGroundedFaith.com

FEATURING

JENNIFER ROTHSCHILD Speaker, Best-selling Author & Bible Study Teacher Cohosted by Many Area Churches

FRESHGROUNDEDFAITH.com | fbcpc.com

AUG. 20 Plant City vs. Freedom, 2 p.m.

AUG. 28 Plant City vs. Alonso, 2 p.m.

TCYFCC AUG. 17

Brandon Broncos at Dover Patriots Plant City Dolphins at Lakeland Hurricanes Brandon Cowboys at Turkey Creek Trojans AUG. 24 Dover Patriots at North Lakeland Legends Central Florida Panthers at Plant City Dolphins Southwest Junior Saints at Turkey Creek Trojans SEPT. 7 Brandon Cowboys at Dover Patriots Plant City Dolphins at Southwest Junior Saints Turkey Creek Trojans at Brandon Broncos SEPT. 14 Dover Patriots at Turkey Creek Trojans Wesley Chapel Coyotes at Plant City Dolphins

15

16

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2019

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

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“I like music class.”

“I’m an English major, so English.”

— Olivia Schearer, 20

B:10”

“TV production.”

T:10”

— Stephen Taylor, 28

— Andrew Carroll, 19

S:10”

“Drafting.”

— Nicky Pereda, 27

“Art.” — Emily Mobley, 23

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Wells Fargo reserves the right to modify or discontinue the offer at any time without notice. Minimum new money deposit requirement of at least $25,000 is for this offer only and cannot be transferred to another account to qualify for any other consumer deposit offer. If you wish to take advantage of another consumer deposit offer requiring a minimum new money deposit, you will be required to do so with another new money deposit as stated in the offer requirements and qualifications. Offer cannot be: • Combined with any other consumer deposit offer. • Reproduced, purchased, sold, transferred, or traded. 3. The Portfolio by Wells Fargo program has a $30 monthly service fee, which can be avoided when you have one of the following qualifying balances: $25,000 or more in qualifying linked bank deposit accounts (checking, savings, CDs, FDIC-insured IRAs) or $50,000 or more in any combination of qualifying linked banking, brokerage (available through Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC) and credit balances (including 10% of mortgage balances, certain mortgages not eligible). If the Portfolio by Wells Fargo relationship is terminated, the bonus interest rate on all eligible savings accounts, and discounts or fee waivers on other products and services, will discontinue and revert to the Bank’s then-current applicable standard interest rate or fee. For bonus interest rates on time accounts, this change will occur upon renewal. If the Portfolio by Wells Fargo relationship is terminated, the remaining unlinked Wells Fargo Portfolio Checking or Wells Fargo Prime Checking account will be converted to another checking product or closed. © 2019 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Deposit products offered by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

12702 N. US Highway 301, Thonotosassa, Florida 33592 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Memorial donations in memory of Von can be made to Hospice of Hernando-Pasco, 6807 Rowan Rd., New Port Richey, FL 34653.

Betty Jane Steele, 89, of Brandon, born on July 9, 1930 in Yonkers, NY, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 8, 2019.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Patricia A. Reese Patricia A. Reese, 68, of Winter Haven, born on Dec. 24, 1950, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 9, 2019.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Sandra Lynn Moran

Sandra Lynn Moran, 67, of Dover, born on March 14, 1952 in Atlanta, GA, entered into eternal rest on Aug.10, 2019.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Della Voncile ‘Von’ Henderson

Joseph L.

Della Voncile “Von” Henderson Bernhardt passed away at home on Aug. 6, 2019 at the age of 77. She was Joseph L. Bernhardt, 92, of a longtime resident of Michigan Lithia, entered into eternal rest Center, MI and Lakeland. Von was on Aug. 6, 2019. born in Plant City on Dec. 9, 1941 Expressions of condolence at to Ellen and James Adkins and www.HopewellFuneral.com. will be forever remembered by her husband of 52 years Bill; sons Mitchell (Marilyn) and Morrice; daughters Jackie (Stephen) and Connie (David); four grandchildren; Ashley, Marcus, Katie and Matthew; six great grandchildren HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM and two brothers; Jimmy Adkins of Lake Wales, and Bill Adkins of Tampa.

Von enjoyed the outdoors and was happiest in the woods; hunting, fishing and four wheeling with her family and friends.

She traveled extensively with Bill and her family and was always looking forward to the next adlorist venture.

A celebration of her life and memorial picnic will take place on Sept. 21, 2019 at John B. Sargeant Sr. Wilderness Park,

Ernest Wayne Yates Linda Ruth Ussery Ernest Wayne Yates, 76, of Plant City, passed away on Aug. 12, 2019.

The family will receive friends Friday, Aug. 16, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563.

Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

George Frank Bennett George Frank Bennett, 88, of Plant City, born on Jan. 18, 1931 in Plant City, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 4, 2019.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

17

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2019

Linda Ruth Ussery, 63, of Plant City, passed away on Aug. 6, 2019.

Services will be held privately.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.

OBITUARIES

Betty Jane Steele

|

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Rufino ‘Rufi’ Garcia Rufino “Rufi” Garcia, 82, of Plant City, passed away on Aug. 10, 2019.

Services will be held privately.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

F

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

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

Historic Downtown 287464-1

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

18

YOUR CALENDAR

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2019

BEST BET THURSDAY, AUG. 22 RETRO MOVIE NIGHT: 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., is hosting a free Retro Movie Night. Kick back, relax and head back in time to your favorite classic movies. Make it a date night, family night, a night out with friends, or even a night away from the rest of the world. Watch for fun themes, sweet movie treats and can’t-miss showings every fourth Thursday.

THURSDAY, AUG. 15 PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS

7:30 to 9 a.m. Plant City Toastmasters is held every Thursday.

Guests are always welcome to come join the free meeting at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St.

SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB

10:30 a.m. Come on out to the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St., each Thursday to find out more about a new Shuffleboard Club. Topics being discussed are days of the week, times, skill levels and anything else you may want to know. The club is hosted by Anita Balch and she can be contacted at 808-7225821 for more information.

BLUEGRASS NIGHT

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Come on out to Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., for its monthly Bluegrass Night. The concert features the bluegrass band “Highway 41 South.” The band has been burning up the bluegrass trail for about 10 years now and is hoping to see you at their show.

Tickets are $10 and are available for purchase on Eventbrite and in-house.

SOLDERING

7 p.m. Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., is hosting a soldering workshop. Intrigued by electronics projects, but scared of soldering? You won’t be after this fun, hands-on intro.

Learn the basics of safely using a soldering iron so you can lose the fear and start creating. Limited

space available. Registration required. Please register online at plantcitygov.com/library.

FRIDAY, AUG. 16 DUPLICATE BRIDGE

1 p.m. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 Carey St., is now hosting a weekly Duplicate Bridge game, the most widely used variation of contract bridge in club and tournament play.

Contact Walt Arnold at 813-7521602 for more information.

SATURDAY, AUG. 17 STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

3 to 8 p.m. The monthly Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is held in downtown Plant City, 102 N. Palmer St. There will be a live DJ spinning some of your favorite hits, classic cars and trucks, vendors and the local shops will be open. The free car registration begins at 3 p.m.

PLANT CITY SOCIAL DANCE

6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Strawberry Square MHP, 4401 Promenade Blvd. The cost is $6 and will include slow dances, waltzes, line dances, cha-cha and more.

MONDAY, AUG. 19 PLANT CITY DAYBREAK ROTARY CLUB

7 to 8 a.m. The Plant City Daybreak Rotary Club holds a meeting every Monday in the conference room next to the cafeteria at South Florida Baptist Hospital, 301 N. Alexander St. Guests are welcome.

READ WITH TANNER THE THERAPY DOG

6:30 p.m. Tanner the Therapy Dog comes to Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., every Monday to listen to children read to him on the couch. Tanner is an Australian Shepherd Reading Therapy Dog certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. For children of all ages.

TUESDAY, AUG. 20 STORY TIME (TODDLER TIME)

10:30 a.m. Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., is hosting its weekly Story Time (Toddler Time) event. Stories and interactive activities make up this engaging 45-minute program that highlights early literacy skills and encourages reading readiness and social interaction. For children age 2 to 3 and their caregivers.

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB

12 to 1 p.m. The Plant City Lions Club holds a meeting every Tuesday at Buddy Freddy’s, 1101 Goldfinch Drive. For more information on membership call 813-924-3829.

HEALTH FAIR AT GRACE MANOR

2 to 4 p.m. Join Grace Manor at Hunters Creek, 765 W. Grant St., for a health fair. There will be health education, a dementia tour, door prizes, light refreshments and more. RSVP to 813743-3701.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21 RISE UP WITH KAREN KERR

7:30 to 9 a.m. Come on out to Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., for a monthly networking event, “Rise Up.” It’s a morning collaboration where the young professionals of Plant City have an opportunity to hear from experienced community leaders.

This month features Karen Kerr, president of South Florida Baptist Hospital and Bartow Regional Medical Center.

KIWANIS CLUB OF PLANT CITY

12 to 1 p.m. The Kiwanis Club of Plant City meets Wednesdays at Buddy Freddy's Restaurant, 1101 Goldfinch Drive. For club information call 813-417-7559.

READ WITH BONNIE THE THERAPY DOG

4 to 5 p.m. Bonnie the Therapy Dog comes to Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., every week for children to have the opportunity to share a book and some soft pats on the head.

Join Bonnie on the couch in the children’s section and read to her some of your favorite stories.

THURSDAY, AUG. 22 PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS OPEN HOUSE

House. Come out to learn more about the group. A light breakfast and coffee will be provided.

For more information email pctm4051@gmail.com.

SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB

10:30 a.m. Come on out to the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St., each Thursday to find out more about a new Shuffleboard Club. Topics being discussed are days of the week, times, skill levels and anything else you may want to know. The club is hosted by Anita Balch and she can be contacted at 808-7225821 for more information.

SBDC PRESENTS FINANCING YOUR BUSINESS

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come on out to Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., for a special financing workshop. Are you looking for money for your business?

Are you considering a SBA loan?

This seminar will help you zero in on the right funding choices for your business and avoid money scams. Learn how to ask for a loan, get prepared for the bank and where to find money.

Registration necessary. Please visit http://bit.ly/FloridaSBDCHC or call 813-204-9267 to reserve your seat.

7:30 to 9 a.m. Plant City Toastmasters is held every Thursday.

Guest are always welcome to come join the free meeting at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St. This month features the group’s Open

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Universal Crossword Edited by David Steinberg August 15, 2019 PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

8/15

FORECAST THURSDAY, AUGUST 15

25 Bureaucratic tape color 28 Aging 31 Govt. workplace watchdog 34 Kind of bunt or fly, briefly 35 Frontiersman Daniel 36 Big name in bouillon 38 Divest (of) 40 Sound-related 41 Medicare supplement provider 42 Cartoon scream 44 Search for 45 Policy for some dog owners 49 Ticked-off state 50 One may use location

services 51 Durango day 52 Bit of work 55 Device that can find the hidden words in 19-, 28and 45-Across?

59 “Come to ___!”

61 Cursed Biblical brother 62 “Ditto!”

63 Meadow moms 64 To be, to Amelie 65 Strange 66 “The Way We ___” (Barbra Streisand film) 67 Future watermelon 68 Informal move DOWN 1 Oil tycoon

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2019

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, August 15

6:58a

8:07p

Friday, August 16

6:59a

8:06p

Saturday, August 17

6:59a

8:05p

Sunday, August 18

7:00a

8:04p

FRIDAY, AUGUST 16

Monday, August 19

7:00a

8:03p

Tuesday, August 20

7:01a

8:02p

Wednesday, August 21 7:01a

8:01p

High: 85 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 50%

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 High: 85 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 40%

SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 High: 85 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 50%

AVOCADOS

Shipping point: Central Florida $6.50-$8.50

2 Pearl or vidalia vegetable 3 He’s a deer 4 Where a stay goes 5 1914-18 conflict 6 Cape Town coin 7 Out of bed 8 No-goodnik 9 Predisposition 10 Not ready to serve 11 Color TV pioneer 12 Candied tuber 13 “Star Wars” or “Rocky” 20 Greek god with a bow 21 Slangy neophytes 26 Choosing rhyme start 27 Rubbish 28 Bouquet ___ (herb blend) 29 More hostile 30 Like a caftan 31 Giraffe cousin 32 Nasty look 33 Short fuse 37 Attacked 39 Made soundproof 43 Furrow, as the brow 46 T h i s c l u e h a s m a n yofthem 47 Waiting for New Year’s Day, say 48 He conquered ancient France 52 Amazon’s business 53 Montague teen 54 Silly expression 56 With the greatest of ___ 57 Dreadful 58 “Old” nursery rhyme king 59 Chapel seat 60 Wonderment

19

SUNRISE/SUNSET

High: 86 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 40%

Beep, Beep, Beep by Mark McClain

ACROSS 1 Popular pear 5 Latch (onto) 9 Hide, as an acorn 13 Dominican Republic’s ___ Domingo 14 ___ avis 15 Ancient Andean 16 Plain font 17 Oklahoma’s “Wheat Capital” 18 Eden evictee 19 Blogger’s revenue source, perhaps 22 Raggedy doll 23 Mosaics, e.g.

24 A bruised one could use a massage

|

Aug. 30 New

Sept. 3 First

Aug. 15 Full

Aug. 25 Last

RAINFALL Monday, Aug. 5

1.29

Tuesday, Aug. 6 1.05 Wednesday, Aug. 7

0.94

Thursday, Aug. 8 0.22 0.32

Friday, Aug. 9

Saturday, Aug. 10 1.36 0.44

Sunday, Aug. 11 YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2019 27.84 in.

2019

2018 18.85 in.

2018 0.70 in.

7.18 in.

WEATHER

ACROSS 44 Search for 7 Out of bed 43 Furrow, as 1 Popular 45 Policy for 8 No-goodnik the brow pear some dog 9 Predisposi46 T h i s 5 Latch (onto) clue has owners tion 9 Hide, as an many of 49 Ticked-off 10 Not ready Sendacorn your photo submissionsstate to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@PlantCityObserver.com them to serve or hashtag #iloveplantcity Instagram 13 Dominican 50onOne may for @igersplantcity 11 Color to TVfeature. 47 Waiting for New Year’s Republic’s use location pioneer Day, say ___ Domingo services 12 Candied 48 He 14 ___ avis 51 Durango tuber conquered 15 Ancient day 13 “Star Wars” ancient Andean 52 Bit of work or “Rocky” France 16 Plain font 55 Device that 20 Greek god 52 Amazon’s 17 Oklahoma’s can find with a bow business “Wheat the hidden 21 Slangy 53 Montague Capital” words in neophytes teen 18 Eden 19-, 28- and 26 Choosing 54 Silly evictee 45-Across? rhyme start expression 19 Blogger’s 59 “Come to 27 Rubbish revenue ___!”

28 Bouquet ___ 56 With the greatest source, 61 Cursed (herb blend) of ___ perhaps Biblical 29 More hostile 22 Raggedy brother 30 Like a caftan 57 Dreadful 58 “Old” nursery doll 62 “Ditto!”

31 Giraffe 23 Mosaics, rhyme king 63 Meadow cousin e.g.

59 Chapel seat moms 32 Nasty look 60 Wonderment 24 A bruised 64 To be, to 33 Short fuse one could Amelie 37 Attacked use a 65 Strange 39 Made massage 66 “The Way soundproof 25 Bureaucratic We ___” Kimberly garden is one lively PREVIOUS place for critters of all shapes and sizes in tapeHatley’s color Devane Street (Barbra PUZZLE ANSWER the area.

That gives Hatley plenty of opportunities to take great photos of the wildlife, including 28 Aging Streisand this Govt. moth.

31 film) workplace 67 Future us on social media: @PCObserver on Instgram, watchdog watermelon ON L I N E Follow @PlantObserver on Twitter and Plant City Observer 34 Kind of bunt 68 Informal or fly, briefly on Facebook. move 35 FrontiersDOWN man Daniel 1 Oil tycoon 36 Big name in 2 Pearl or bouillon vidalia 38 Divest (of) vegetable 40 Sound3 He’s a deer related 4 Where a 41 Medicare stay goes supplement 5 1914-18 provider conflict 8/14 © 2019 Andrews McMeel Universal 42 Cartoon 6 Cape Town www.upuzzles.com scream coin

20

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2019

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