8.16.18 PLCO by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY

Observer

Adopt a furry friend. SEE PAGE 6

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 6, NO. 7

FREE

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018

What’s up with Walden Lake? City commissioners may soon hold Today’s Bank accountable for lack of maintenance. SEE PAGE 7

Political powwow

YOUR TOWN

The Chamber of Commerce is hosting a candidate forum Tuesday night.

SEE PAGE 3 Justin Kline

Crossing Collins and Drane Street just got safer.

Safety first Thanks to the City of Plant City, pedestrians now have another crosswalk in historic downtown. Two Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons were installed on Collins and Drane Street. These devices will use LED flashing beacons and pedestrian warning signs to provide a “highvisibility strobe-like warning to drivers.” The city has 10 of the RRFBs in place and, as more funding becomes available, they plan to add more beacons across town.

MAKE meets Ms. Ruby

Revamping the parks The proposed budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year allots more than $1.4 million for local parks. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Several of Plant City’s parks could soon get some much-needed improvements thanks to the city’s proposed budget for the 20182019 fiscal year. With an estimated cost of $1.465 million, the projects will

revamp Ellis-Methvin Park, Snowden Park, Brewer Park and the Tennis Center. “We’re always looking at ways that we can improve our park properties,” Jack Holland, director of the Recreation and Parks Department, said. “Since 2008, 2009, money has been pretty tight with decreased revenues for our general fund, money coming in from property taxes and such, so we really haven’t been able to do a whole lot in the past years since then. Now that the economy is turning a little bit better SEE PARKS, PAGE 4

Breanne Williams

Snowden Park may soon get new lighting along its walking trail thanks to the proposed city budget.

MAKE Plant City, a group of creatives and makers in the local community, held a special evening with legendary folk artist Ms. Ruby Williams. Williams grew up in nearby Bealsville, a community formed by freed slaves in the 1860s. In Plant City, Williams is known as much for her art as she is for her renowned produce stand on State Road 60. On Tuesday night she discussed her art career, the struggles she faced along the way and the love she has for her community. Her art has been displayed in galleries and museums across the country including the Smithsonian Anacostia Museum in Washington D.C.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018

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in question have already been or will be “taken care of” financially. Adryana’s is the latest restaurant to have occupied the gated unit at 115 Eat Reynolds and failed to stick around. Bella Mare Ristorante opened in November 2016 and lasted roughly one year in the space. Before Bella Mare there were restaurants like City Pizza, which lasted just over a year and a half, and the Catering Company & Cafe.

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After six months in town, Adryana’s Latin & Italian Cuisine abruptly closed its doors for good on Aug. 9. The restaurant, located at 115 E. Reynolds St., shut down overnight and the space was made available for rent within a day. Julio Pagan, who owned the restaurant with fiancee Reina Flores, said business was too slow for Adryana’s to continue operating, especially in June and July, and that they planned to “close, regroup” and consider trying again elsewhere. “It’s just been very rough for me,” Pagan said. The closing came two days after several former employees of the restaurant took to Facebook to accuse Adryana’s ownership of not paying their wages on time or at all. Pagan said the employees

Plant City’s roads are finally getting fixed, but that apparently hasn’t stopped complaints from coming in. To keep the public as informed as possible, the city has created an online resource for everything anyone wants to know about the resurfacing projects. All roads in question are listed, the extent of their repairs described and their locations highlighted on an interactive map anyone with a computer can view instantly. Phone numbers for city engineers are listed for people to call if they have any further questions. To view the city’s online resource page, visit plantcitygov. com/civicalerts.aspx?aid=644. The 32-street resurfacing project as a whole is expected to be completed within the next month. More information is available on the Plant City Observer website at plantcityobserver.com/ article/road-repairs-ahead. The article in question, “Road repairs ahead,” ran in the July 12 issue and features an in-depth explanation of the project as well as a schedule of each road’s resurfacing date.

LAWRENCE MCC

Our Common Sense Leader in Ta

LAWRENCE MCCLURE Support our Vital Ag Industry

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LAWRENCE MCCLURE

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Improving School Safety

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Our Common Sense Leader in Tallahassee

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018

GETTING INFORMED AT THE

POLLS Thanks to the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Plant City residents will be able to meet more than 50 candidates running in the upcoming election. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

eing informed when you step into the voting booth is essential to a functioning and thriving democracy. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce has spent months ensuring local voters have a chance to be fully prepared when they begin filling out their ballots this election cycle. Dubbed the Plant City Candidate Forum, the event will be held on Aug. 21 and feature more than 50 candidates that will represent Plant City at the local, state and federal level if elected in November. Christine Miller, president of the chamber, said this is the first time a political event of this size and nature has ever come to town.

“This event in particular of course came out of the Governmental Affairs Committee,” Miller said. “Plant City residents, they vote, they do their research, they care about the candidates that they want to put forward to represent their issues and there really wasn’t an organized force or an organized place for them to come together to date on this side of the county. So the (GAC) took it on as one of its tasks to create that space for that to happen.” Historically chambers are created to have a political voice for the businesses in their area. If something came along or was on the books that would impact local businesses they could unite through the chamber as a collective voice. Miller was adamant Plant City join the mix and last

CONFIRMED CANDIDATES

See full list of invited candidates online at plantcityobserver.com. LOCAL County Court n LaShawn Strachan, Group 8 n E. Michael Isaak, Group 8 n Jack Gutman, Group 8 n Lanell Williams-Yulee, Group 8 n Jared Smith, Group 5 n Bill Yanger, Group 5 n Adam Bantner, Group 2 n Lisa Allen, Group 2 n Greg Green, Group 2 Circuit Court n Jamey Moody, Group 25 n Robin Fuson, Group 25 n Starr Brookins, Group 25 n Cissy Boza Sevelin, Group 25 County Commission n Todd Marks, District 7 n Sky U. White, District 7 n Mark Nash, District 7 n Kimberly Overman, District 7 n Ray Chiaramonte, District 7 n Joe Kotvas, District 5 n Elvis Piggott, District 5 n Mariella Smith, District 5 n Victor Crist, District 5 n Andrew Davis, District 4 n Stacy White, District 4 School Board n Melissa Snively n Kelso Tanner n Scott Hottenstein n Robert A Pechacek n Karen Perez n Mitchell Smithey Sheriff n Chad Chronister n Gary Pruitt

Soil & Water Conservation n Joshua Carrasco, District 1 n Michael Hegarty, District 1 n Fransico Pierre-Louis, District 3 n Matt Gozdor, District 5 n Ray Young, District 5 STATE Governor n Bob White Commissioner of Agriculture n Baxter Troutman Attorney General n Ashley Moody Chief Financial Officer n Jeremy Ring Florida House of Representatives n Phil Hornback, HD 58 n Lawrence McClure, HD 58 Florida Senate n Kathy Lewis, District 20 FEDERAL U.S. House District 15 n Kristen Carlson, District 15 n Danny Kushmer, District 15 n Sean Harper, District 15 n Ross Spano, District 15 n Neil Combee, District 15 n Ed Shoemaker, District 15 n Andrew Learned, District 15 n Raymond Peña, Jr., District 15 U.S. Senate n Lateresa “L.A.” Jones Confirmed as of 8/15/18

October the GAC was formed. The format of the GAC is similar to those seen in chambers throughout Hillsborough and Polk County where committee members meet to gear policy toward the local business communities. But simply fighting for local businesses wasn’t enough for Miller and her team. It was crucial to them that Plant City have some type of forum for the community to be able to learn firsthand what potential candidates were promising if elected. The response has proven the perceived gap was more than real. More than 50 candidates have already responded to attend the event and mingle with the public. There will also be a straw poll throughout the event to give a gauge of where those candidates stand in the Plant City community and Eastern Hillsborough County. “I personally like to be very educated when I vote and I knew this didn’t exist because I looked for it for myself,” Miller said. “I would have to go to Tampa or Brandon or somewhere else to see any form of forum.” The forum is free and open to all members of the public. When they enter the Trinkle Center they will face a large section filled with candidates’ tables where they have the opportunity to shake hands, take photos and discuss specific issues with the respective candidates. The straw poll ballot boxes will separate the mingling masses from the stage and array of chairs where the public can sit and listen to each candidate give their stump speech. Marsha Passmore and Hannah Benton are the MC’s for the evening and will be introducing the candidates. Miller said it is expected to be a full house Tuesday night. “Clearly by the response that we’ve seen I believe that the community will begin to look for us to continue this event and the candidates will have us on their radar as well,” Miller said. Though one can absolutely get informed by researching each candidate’s stances and voting history there are few events of this size available to actually meet and get to know the men and women running for office. Putting the event together was a massive undertaking and Miller said it would have been impossible without a variety of chamber staff, Deanna Hurley, who was one of the most involved members in kickstarting the event, Martin

CIVICS 101

U.S. Congress consists of two bodies, the Senate and the House of Representatives. There are 100 Senate members — two from each of the 50 states — and 435 House members, which vary based off of the state’s population. Terms: Senators have six year terms and one-third of the Senate seats and all of the 435 House of Representatives seats are open for election every two years. At the state level there is the Florida Legislature, which consists of the Florida Senate and House. There is also the Supreme Court of Florida and lower courts. The executive branch of Florida’s government is made up of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, the Florida Cabinet (Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture and Chief Financial Officer) and several executive departments. Each office can only be held by someone for two four year terms.

Clay, the committee chair of GAC, and Clay Joyner, a chamber intern who is a political science major at Florida Southern College. The hope for the chamber is many youth will also come to the event or get involved so they can see these type of forums exist. “Hopefully this will help educate not only current potential voters, but young folk as well,” Miller said. “We’re working on getting a few young government groups to come out and participate in the event. It’s so important to engage young people in the process so they can see it exists. That way when they’re old enough to vote they know how important it is to get informed and pick the candidate that best represents their views.”

IF YOU GO PLANT CITY CANDIDATE FORUM When: Aug. 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Where: Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Road. Who: Come get to know more than 50 candidates running to represent Plant City.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018

PLANT CITY

Parks FROM PAGE 1

we’re able to do some improvements that are really needed.” Snowden Park, 1702 Waller St., is expected to have new lighting installed along its walking trail, which will help make the experience safer and more enjoyable for those hitting the track. The city is proposing to allot $50,000 for the installation. Holland said people frequently use the walking trails at multiple parks and the lighting should be able to extend the hours it is able to be safely enjoyed. The half-mile trail circling Brewer Park has also been a community favorite. Holland said originally the park was simply a retention pond. After renovating it to make room for the runoff from the upcoming Midtown project and adding the trail, they were “shocked” at how many residents began using the track every day. Now the city is planning to install bathrooms at the park, using a proposed $115,000, to help meet the needs of the high traffic that comes through the area. City Manager Bill McDaniel said the proposed budget addresses the needs of the users of the city’s parks and helps ensure they have an improved quality of life while they utilize the facilities. “There are a lot of great things being proposed for the upcoming year, but look just at Brewer Park,” McDaniel said. “That park is used by so many people and it is woefully lacking in that it doesn’t have any restroom facili-

Breanne Williams

The Plant City Tennis Center often is home to league play and high school tournaments as well as private lessons and walk-ups.

ties. Those type of changes and improvements we have planned are really going to make a big difference in the lives of those who use the parks.” New lighting is also coming to the parking lot of the Plant City Tennis Center, 120 N. Wilder Road, with the proposed $35,000 set aside by the city. Part of EllisMethvin Park, the center currently has six lighted HydroGrid clay courts, four lighted hard courts, a viewing balcony, pro shop and two single-use restrooms. The center draws players from all over and sees anywhere from 200 to 900 people a month, averaging 400 guests each month, according to Holland. He said the lighting in the parking lot has been an issue for years. Because of the high traffic to the center, the proposed budget

is allocating $275,000 to create a restroom and shower facility that will bring it on par with other venues of its size. Many who take lessons or play a few games prefer to hit the courts before work or after they get off. The four shower stalls will allow them to be able to rinse off before work or before heading home. Ellis-Methvin Park is also scheduled to have a new concession-restroom facility constructed at its location. The city is proposing to set aside $990,000 to jumpstart the project.

If the budget is approved in September the new budget will begin on October 1. Holland said whatever funding is approved will be used to begin the projects as soon as possible with hopes of getting them completed in that fiscal year. Holland also said the Recreation and Parks Department plans to soon begin a survey of all of the parks in Plant City. They hope to map out a detailed list of improvements needed throughout the city, like looking at fencing around ball fields, lighting and overall quality of equipment. They already are examining the playgrounds at each location. Some are 10 to 15 years old, with some being even older. Holland said the weather and wear and tear have caused quite a beating on the heavily-used units and its pieces are some of the more expensive units to replace. In some instances, he said it may be more financially viable to tear them down and simply start from scratch, rather than attempting to find replacements for outdated and thus more rare pieces. The Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex is home to one of the highlighted playgrounds. Holland said it should be getting a new play set by the end of 2018. They are currently in the design phase for the new unit.

Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver. com Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc mleduc@yourobserver.com Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver. com

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

Advertising / Chandler Workman CWorkman@PlantCityObserver. com Advertising / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “I’ve never liked the word ‘celebrity.’ I like to photograph people who are good at what they do.” – Annie Leibovitz Puzzle Two Solution: “I was not prepared for fame. It hit me hard, and I did not have the capacity to cope.” – Al Pacino

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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. 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, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33563

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

Back to her roots, Jayme Harris, Plant City native, PCHS graduate c/o 1990 and USAF veteran has officially opened her boutique in Downtown Plant City.

This week’s Crossword answers

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2018

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Arts council raises banner

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018

HEALTH OBSERVED

Justin Kline

Soon, banners like these will fly all over downtown Plant City to celebrate the community.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

he Arts Council of Plant City’s movement to bring eye-catching banners to town kicked off on Thursday at the Bruton Memorial Library. At 5:30 p.m., members of the Arts Council, city commission and more gathered outside to commemorate the hanging of the group’s first red and green banner, located at the corner of North

Wheeler Street and McLendon Street. The banner is the first of 50 to be displayed around downtown Plant City as part of the Arts Council’s Lamppost Banner Program. “I think, once the sprinkling happens around town, it’s gonna be a real exciting time for the downtown area,” Arts Council president Marsha Passmore said. Passmore called the banner project one of the biggest the group has, along with the annual downtown display of the lifelike J. Seward Johnson sculptures. “I’m quite honored to be asked to help be a part of this. It was a collaborative effort and I think we came up with something big,” banner designer Paul Hetrick said.

CUTTEST CRITTER Do you want Plant City to see how cute your favorite pets are? Send your pictures to Staff Writer Breanne Williams at bwilliams@ plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

Preparing for School Year Success By Nelida Rivera, RN, Florida Blue Registered Nurse

It’s hard to believe summer is drawing to an end and kids are already heading back to school. Here are a few tips to help prepare your child for a healthy and successful school year.

Read together. Get your child excited about new subjects by reading together for 20 minutes a day. Visit your local library to check out age-appropriate books that interest your kids—all for free!

Be involved. Parents who are active in their children’s education can have a very positive impact on their success in school. Ways to get involved include: • Talk to your child about their classes. • Meet their teachers and school administrators. • Get to know other parents. • Go to school events. • Volunteer to help in the classroom.

Designate a study area. Set up a special, quiet and safe place that’s just for school work.

Stick to a routine. Having the same bedtime and wake-up time every day will help your kids get a better night’s sleep. And remember to build in enough time for a healthy breakfast to get their day started right. Skipping breakfast can make kids feel tired, restless or irritable. Get up-to-date on shots. Vaccines help your child, and those around them, to stay healthy. Pack smart. Make sure your child’s backpack never weighs more than 10 to 20 percent of their body weight. Heavy packs can strain developing muscles and joints. Be organized. Get a calendar for your refrigerator or wall to keep track of things like: • After school activities • Sporting events • Project due dates • Teacher meetings • Doctor visits and more! Each week, review your calendar together to stay on top of upcoming events.

OH, RENALDO: Renaldo is unfor-goat-able, according to his twin owners who watched him be born. He is a pygmy goat and lives on a Plant City farm. This silly billy spends his days butting into his owners’ lives and kidding around with his family.

Cook healthy meals. Kids who eat regular, healthy meals often do better in school. Try to incorporate the following food groups into their daily diet. • Protein: lean meats, seafood, poultry, eggs, beans, soy products and unsalted nuts/seeds • Fruits: apples, bananas, berries, and citrus • Vegetables: red, orange and green leafy items, plus beans and peas • Grains: whole-grain breads, cereals, crackers, pastas and rice • Dairy: milk, yogurt, cheese or fortified soy products Also, try to sit down to eat together as a family every night. It’s a great time to catch up after a busy day and enjoy a relaxing, healthy meal! Partnering with your child to get organized, involved and healthy will make for a successful and memorable school year. Nelida Rivera is a registered nurse at the Florida Blue Center in Winter Haven where she teaches free health and wellness classes that are open to the public in addition to providing health coaching and assessments.

(863) 291-0140 www.FloridaBlue.com

Health Observed allows brands and businesses to connect directly with the Observer’s readership — and participate in the conversation — by creating engaging content on the Observer’s digital publishing platform. For more on Health Observed, email us at kohara@yourobserver.com.

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The first of 50 banners to be displayed around town went up Thursday evening.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018

Superintendent Finding visits P.C. schools fur-ever

homes

Jeff Eakins visited Tomlin Middle School and Burney Elementary School last week.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Students and faculty weren’t the only ones excited to go back to Plant City schools Friday morning. Tomlin Middle School and Burney Elementary School celebrated the first day of the new school year with visits from Hillsborough County Schools Superintendent Jeff Eakins and Plant City Police Chief Ed Duncan. The pair talked to students about their success in the classroom and getting to know their school resource officers. At Burney, Eakins spoke to Miranda Rasner’s fifth-grade class and encouraged the students to keep up their good, hard work in their last year of elementary school. Coincidentally, he was Rasner’s assistant principal when she herself was a fifthgrader. Eakins also praised Plant City schools and students for putting up some of the strongest graduation rates in the county. “I think it’s an exciting day. We know anxiety comes with that and a little bit of nerves, so we’re just asking everyone to be patient on the first day,” Eakins said. “Our goal is to teach and for our students to learn. We’re getting great results across this district and especially in the Plant City area… Burney Elementary here made some great gains academically this past year.” Burney and other elementary

Justin Kline

Jeff Eakins recognized fifth grade teacher Miranda Rasner from when she was in fifth grade and he was her school’s assistant principal.

schools in the area are slated to have resource officers on campus for the first time, so Duncan and the Plant City Police Department want to make sure students feel comfortable getting to know these officers and trusting them with any information that may be important to school safety. In the wake of tragedies such as the Parkland mass shooting, Duncan said law enforcement’s approach to the new school year is adapting to tighten up security measures. “I use the analogy of 9/11 had an impact on the airports, the school shootings around the country have had an impact on the way we do business in our schools,” Duncan said. “The bottom line is all of these officers, their priority is to make certain that they can provide a safe environment for not only the students but for the staff so they can do what they’re paid to do, which is educate our students.”

Few things in life bring as much joy to a home as a beloved pet. Plant City’s Tractor Supply is hoping to help spread that goodwill all month long with its Out Here With Animals event. Held throughout the month of August, OHWA will feature a pet supply drive, animal adoptions and more to help local rescues and shelters. Chris Black, team member at Tractor Supply, said the event is great at bringing attention to the animals in need in the Plant City community. “We like to bring attention to our local rescues,” Black said. “There are so many throughout the state and the county and people sometimes don’t realize there are rescues, some really great organizations, here in our own back yard.” If there is ever a need, Tractor Supply has stepped up to the plate. For years it has hosted the Paws event, the predecessor of the OHWA, to help connect community members to animals. The pet supply drive runs all month long and customers can drop off new sealed food, toys, cleaning supplies, beds, scratching posts and more at the store and they will then be donated to local rescues and shelters. Shoppers can also enjoy special discounts on premium pet and animal products and brands. Items ranging from treats to Purina Feed will be on promotion for the event.

Courtesy photo

All month long, customers can donate pet supplies at Plant City Tractor Supply.

Tractor Supply is also bringing back its Rescue Your Rescue operation, where customers will be able to nominate their favorite U.S. nonprofit animal shelters or rescue group to win money. The nominations are through the Tractor Supply Facebook page and the organizations are given a chance to win a portion of $25,000 in the contest. Once the nominations are in, Tractor Supply selects the 10 shelters customers can vote on from until Aug. 19. While all of the top 10 rescues will win grant money, the rescue with the most votes will receive a top grant prize of $10,000. The month-long celebration cumulates on Aug. 25 with a large pet adoption event. Several local rescues will be on site with their furry friends strewn among the halls of the store for families to meet. The rescues will feature everything from cats and dogs to dwarf goats. Black said they plan to host the adoption event inside to give the animals a break from the summer heat. If anyone is interested in taking home a furry companion they should bring proof of identification and residence. If they have other animals they should also include proof of vaccinations.

IF YOU GO OUT HERE WITH ANIMALS What: Pet adoption day When: Aug. 25 at 9 a.m. Where: Tractor Supply, 1803 James L. Redman Parkway Bring: Photo ID and proof of residence

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813-731-0324 Alisha Atkins

Tony 813.404.7819

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018

Commissioners ‘frustrated’ by Walden Lake

STAFF WRITER

City Commission took an unexpected turn Monday night when commissioners voiced their frustrations with the state of Walden Lake Golf & Country Club. The often controversial status of the upkeep of the golf course in Walden Lake has led to numerous phone calls and emails to city commissioners, according to City Manager Bill McDaniel. On Monday night they shared their equal dissatisfaction with the handling of the property with the public. “I just think at this point in time, myself and I’m guessing the other members of this commission and definitely the residents of Walden Lake right now are getting to their wits’ end on the condition of the country club,” Mayor Rick Lott said. McDaniel said Today’s Bank, owner of the former golf course and clubhouse, recently fired its relatively new contractor and rehired its former contractor to handle the mowing and maintenance of the property. The city is essentially “handcuffed” regarding Walden Lake, explained Vice Mayor Nate Kilton, due to “the potential for anybody that purchased a property to want to have a potential

The pool has moved beyond being covered in algae and is now a deep black color. It is closed to the public.

Justin Kline

The former clubhouse is closed to the public and anyone found trespassing will be arrested by PCPD.

“I think we’re at a consensus up here that enough is enough and we want to see action,” Lott said. Several commissioners seemed to be ready to use their power to begin reprimanding Today’s Bank. Commissioner Bill Dodson said they should put their frustrations in writing, form a resolution and send it to the bank to state it has not met the requirements and could be cited for negligence of failing to meet the standards. Commissioner Mary Mathis reflected on the time she used to spend on the tennis courts at Walden Lake. Those, the clubhouse itself and the pool she

believed are “in dire need” of fixing up. McDaniel said none of the facilities were open to the public anymore, but they had discussed the state of the pool with the bank. He assured her the city would work with the bank to continue efforts to get things fixed. Kilton explained that if Today’s Bank failed to meet the required standards the city could potentially retaliate by putting its teams to work on its maintenance and thus put a lien on the property. Commissioner Mike Sparkman agreed with the rest of the commissioners that this was a vexing

situation. He said he had never seen “anything of this magnitude take so long.” The fallen and the “dangerous trees,” the wild, unmowed and “butchered grass” all along the course are things he said the bank needs to get fixed immediately. “Code enforcement is for people that will be good, law-abiding citizens,” Sparkman said. “When somebody bucks the system, well, there’s not much we can do about it. But I would be willing to file suit against them or a code enforcement lawsuit against them. I’m here. Whatever it takes. I’ve had it, I’m sick of it and I’m sick of not being able to, the people that have been complaining about it for years, I’ve not been able to do a — what the Lord would say— a damn thing about it and I’m sick of it.”

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land use or zoning change.” He said everyone sitting up on the dais feels frustrated about the situation, but that there is little they can say without causing further problems. “There’s only so much that we can do personally in that conversation and that really is a challenge for all of us,” Kilton said “I just want to make sure people don’t think that we don’t care and we’re not trying to come up with a resolution to the problem because we all want to see that happen, but we just can’t be engaged in it because of the challenges that we have with our state statutes.” McDaniel assured transparency was his utmost priority, however, and announced as a response the city now has a new page on its website that is home to and constantly updated with information about Walden Lake. It also currently states Today’s Bank has an agreement with Plant City Police Department where anyone found trespassing on the course or clubhouse property will be arrested. The site will be updated either daily or every other day and should soon contain updates on conversations between the city and Today’s Bank or the mowing contractor, as well as copies of the ordinances and the codes regarding the property. The standard for the property is no longer that of a golf course. The grass should be 10 inches or shorter and the contractor only has to mow within 200 feet from roadways. Any further in, essentially the very middle of the former golf course, can be let go.

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Commissioners discussed using ‘every power available’ to fix the situation on Monday.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018

GOOD APPEAL

SHIOBHAN OLIVERO

Preparing for Florida criminal trials T

rial remains a hopeful prospect for many facing criminal charges who want to avoid a conviction. Your first step should be to discuss your case in detail with a Florida criminal trial attorney who can help you determine if trial is your best option. In the meantime, here are some essential steps to help you prepare for your criminal trial.

ATTEND PRE-TRIAL HEARINGS

EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS

charge(s). Misdemeanor defendants should inquire about the Misdemeanor Pre-trial Diversion Program, which is a similar program that places defendants under supervision for six to 12 months, after which the court will drop the charge(s) if the defendant met all requirements. PREPARE YOUR DEFENSE

Preparing your defense involves gathering and analyzing evidence and crafting a strong argument for your case. The process through which you gather and review evidence to be submitted at trial is called discovery. Discovery affords

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Again, many criminal cases resolve well before or even immediately prior to trial. During the pre-trial phase, you might be extended an opportunity to strike a “deal” or agreement with the prosecution. These deals, also called plea bargains, typically involve the defendant exchanging a guilty plea for a lesser charge or dropped charges. This saves both sides time and money. Not all deals are worth taking, however, and you will likely incur a criminal record if you accept one. Likewise, being acquitted at

Preparing for your trial may involve additional steps depending on the facts and circumstances of your case. An attorney can help you understand the potential benefits and drawbacks of trial, so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.

Shiobhan Olivero was born and raised in Plant City. Her law office can be reached at (813) 534-0393 or by email at SOlivero@ oliverolaw.com.

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You may have to attend one or more pre-trial hearings or conferences. These hearings are necessary to ensure timely case progress and can also be held to file motions, request continuances, address evidentiary matters, discuss early resolution options or select jurors. Talk to your attorney about what is acceptable attire and behavior. Your attorney might want to do the talking for you, but it’s nevertheless important for you to attend the hearing and demonstrate your concern about — and investment in — your future.

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your attorney the chance to request records, conduct depositions and obtain testimony, investigate the elements of your case, go over the prosecution’s evidence and file motions to potentially limit what is admissible at trial. Discovery can be a painstaking process in which you examine evidence, speak with witnesses and assess the odds you are up against. But it’s a crucial planning point in the pre-trial phase, as this is when your attorney will prepare a persuasive defense on your behalf. Preparing a successful defense involves crafting an argument and presenting evidence that would cause the jury

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As mentioned above, your first step should always be to consult with a Florida criminal trial attorney. Due to the cost, time and risk involved in a trial, you should thoroughly discuss the steps leading up to trial before you embark on that journey. ment for your case. Some defendants facing felony charges might be eligible to participate in the Pre-trial Intervention Program (PTI) through the Florida Department of Corrections. This is a diversion program designed to provide certain offenders with an alternative to formal prosecution. In the PTI program, the defendant must waive his or her right to a jury trial and is subject to specific conditions under supervision, much like probation or community control. After successful completion of the intervention program, the court dismisses the

trial might be your only chance to avoid a conviction. At this point, you should consider what type of outcome you are hoping for. An attorney can help you do this by explaining the consequences of a conviction and your options for sealing or expunging your criminal record thereafter. For some, accepting a plea deal for a lesser charge is ideal. They can resolve their case, save the costs and uncertainty of trial and take steps to move on with their life. For others, pleading guilty might not be an option, especially if their job or career is on the line.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018

Summer’s calling. Attendees could buy all kinds of plants to take home and decorate interiors or outdoor gardens.

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he Mid-Florida Summer Home Show had something for nearly every homeowner when it came back to Plant City over the weekend. Also known as the Ultimate Home & Garden Show, the fifth annual convention brought more than 100 vendors to the TECO Expo Hall at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 11 and 12. Vendors from all over Tampa Bay, including vintage goods shop Shabby Chic and newcomer Royal Oriental Rugs, came to sell their wares to and give presentations for people looking to spice up an interior, improve an exterior or conduct maintenance. Many vendors offered giveaways, contests and prizes for some lucky homeowners, from Farmer Joe Plants’ gardening goods to a $15,000 home makeover courtesy of Morgan Exteriors, Inc.

Thanks to your generosity, this year’s bus was overflowing with 1,250 backpacks full of school supplies that were delivered to 26 schools. Unity in the Community, Inc., Stingray Chevrolet • Kiwanis Club of Plant City

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PLEASE JOIN US In Supporting the needy children of Plant City in other annual events. Call our Kiwanis President Sharon Moody at 813-453-7134 for more information.

AUGUST 16, 2018

SPORTS

D.J. Gordon IV loves animals as much as football. See Page 11

GAME OF THE WEEK: SPOTO AT PLANT CITY

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Football Preview coming soon The 2018 Plant City Observer Football Preview hits the streets next week, just in time for the start of the high school regular season. Flip on over to the B section of next Thursday’s paper for everything you’ll need to know about Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest as the three Plant City-area schools head into 2018. Outlooks, schedules, rosters, players to watch, predictions and more will be included in this year’s preview.

‘Kole Strong’ fundraiser at Beef’s Plant City’s Beef ‘O’ Brady’s restaurant is trying to help Durant offensive lineman Kolton “Kole” Smith and his family as the Cougar recovers from serious injuries from a car accident. On Aug. 30, Beef’s will donate 20% of sales from 5 to 9 p.m. plus half of the proceeds from the sale of $20 squares for the first regular-season Tampa Bay Buccaneers game to Smith and his family. The restaurant is located in the Walden Wood Village Plaza at 2418 James L. Redman Parkway.

The Raiders hope to win their second consecutive preseason game against Spoto on Friday night. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

There have been some departures from the Plant City High football team on the field and on the sidelines. Key players graduated or transferred and the coaching staff isn’t quite the same. The latter is going to be in the spotlight this Friday as the Raiders host the Spoto Spartans. Melvin Jenkins, who was Booth’s defensive coordinator in 2017, is now Spoto’s head coach and is tasked with turning around a program that won four games — none in their district — in 2017. Booth said he’s excited to see what Jenkins can do with the program now that he, like Booth last year, finally got his chance to become a head coach. This is the first time in several years that the two men aren’t on the same coaching staff. With no regular-season stakes, Friday’s game will be a friendly competition much like another scrimmage between Booth’s offenses and Jenkins’ defenses. Now that the returning Raiders are comfortable in Booth’s offense, the unit could be in for a good year even with the transfer of lead running back Eric Wilson. Junior Zamir’ Knighten is taking over the reins as the team’s feature back. With Braxton Plunk, Demario Williams, Knighten and Chris

Justin Kline

Plant City linebacker D.J. Gordon IV chases down Strawberry Crest’s Tommy Johnson during the teams’ spring jamboree matchup.

Wilson returning on offense, the unit should be productive. Plant City’s group of linebackers have two points of interest that could be put to the test against Spoto. First, Ashton Mincey is coming back to the game after recovering from an ACL tear ahead of schedule. Second, the team moved Kobe Panier from defensive back to a full-time position at linebacker. Mincey, Panier and D.J. Gordon IV most likely won’t play long in the preseason game to preserve their health, but fans could get a preview at what may be one of the strongest linebacker cores in the county. Though the Raiders hit a few bumps in the road in 2017, that preseason’s game against the Spartans was not one of them. Plant City picked up a 21-0 win that should have been a 35-0 score, but penalties wiped Tyreke Harrison’s two trips to the end zone on punt returns. Since Harrison is returning to the Raiders and hasn’t gotten slower, Spoto will probably try to keep the ball as far away from him as possible.

OTHER AREA ACTION Durant at Blake, 7 p.m., 1701 North Blvd., Tampa The Yellow Jackets were no match for the Cougars in last year’s preseason game at the Ron Frost Athletic Complex, losing 44-6. Most of the Cougars’ offensive heavy hitters from that game and the rest of last season have graduated or, in Agiye Hall’s case, transferred. One player to watch is running back David Haynes, who’s picked up some buzz on the offseason circuit and could keep up Durant’s tradition of producing highly capable running backs behind a fundamentally sound offensive line. Strawberry Crest at Seminole, 8401 131st St. N., Seminole This year’s Crest roster looks fairly different from 2017’s,

but the players will tell you the hope stemming from last season has carried over. They’re now looking to start on a high note once again with another preseason game against the Warhawks, this time in Seminole. This game will be the Gonzalez brothers’ high school debut. Jose and Juan, who respectively stand at 6-foot-9, 320 pounds and 6-foot-7, 235 pounds, made headlines in the offseason coming to Florida from the Dominican Republic and switching sports after playing baseball their entire lives. Jose Gonzalez’s size has already netted him several high-profile college football scholarship offers, though Hawn said Juan Gonzalez could turn some heads playing at tight end and defensive end this year.

VISIT THE CHILDREN’S BOARD FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER IN EAST COUNTY 639 E. ALEXANDER ST. | PLANT CITY, FL 33563 | 813-752-8700 (Behind the Walmart in Alexander Crossings)

All programs and services are provided at no cost to help your family become Healthier!

The Centers offer many events and activities that are designed for all ages to help make the whole family Stronger! • Arts & Crafts • Free Play • Family Support • Story Time • Community Resources • Family Events • Learning Success

Visit: www.familysupporthc.org Facebook @CBFamilyResourceCenters There are six Children’s Board Family Resource Centers located throughout Hillsborough County. The project is funded by the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County and administered by the Healthy Start Coalition.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

JUSTIN KLINE