FREE THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022VOLUME 6, NO. 159 While the 2022-2023 budget proposal was not vot ed on after its July 25 workshop, that evening did have several projects approved, that will push forward. 1. BRIDGE AND CULVERT STRUCTURE REPAIRS Plant City City Manager Bill McDaniel will finalize engineering work orders for services for bridge and culvert repairs in the amounts of $139,285.60 and $117,163.27 respectively. The city owns 37 bridge or culvert structures that require periodic inspection and maintenance, repair, or replacement. After comprehensive inspections and engineer ing evaluations were conducted in 2020, it was determined that repairs to the following five struc tures need to, and will be scheduled for completion. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 CITY REPAIRS AND REMODELING PROJECTS APPROVED YOUR HOMETOWN. YOUR NEWSPAPER OCity bserver HOMETOWN. YOUR NEWSPAPER.YOURHOMETOWN.YOUR OPlant City bserver YOUR HOMETOWN. YOUR NEWSPAPER. Bridges and police department renovations/new equipment on the way STARTING ON PAGE 1A 2022HASPREVIEWFOOTBALLARRIVED BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
We welcome the opportunity to become the medical home for your entire family at our Plant City location, offering Primary Care, Pediatrics, and Rheumatology. Now Accepting New Patients To make an appointment, please call: • 863.284.5000 for Primary Care or Pediatrics • 863.284.5115 for Rheumatology myLRH.org/Plant-City Your Health. Our Promise. Our Doctors: Offering same-day appointments! Alabsi,HumamMD Pediatrics Mahboob,Durkhani863.284.5000MD Rheumatology 863.284.5115 Fernandez,RodriguezSandra MD Internal Med. Primary Care Moncayo,Adriana863.284.5000MD Rheumatology 863.284.5115 Plant City High School Publix Winn-Dixie LRH 511 AlexanderWest St ALEXANDER STREETJAMESLREDMANPARKWAYJAMESLREDMANPARKWAYALEXANDER
PlantCityObserver.com2 PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022
Youth Fall Fishing Derby Winners On Saturday, Aug. 13, the City of Plant City Parks & Recreation Department hosted the 25th Annual Youth Fall Fishing Derby.Atotal of 85 kids ages 5-15 participated in the Derby. Awards were presented for First Overall Caught Catfish First Overall Caught Bass. Age groups of 5-10 and 11-15 were also presented awards for Most Fish Caught and Largest Fish Caught. First Overall Bass Caught: Remigio Sanchez (12): .8 lb Bass First Overall Catfish Caught: Charlote Pinault (12): 2.2 lb Catfis Most Fish Caught (5-10 age group): Garrett Garvin (6), 22 total fish with the biggest weighing .2 lb Largest Fish Caught (5-10 age group): Jackson Sherrard (8), 2.6lb Bass Most Fish Caught (11-15 age group): Piper Waters (11), 8 total fish Largest Fish Caught (11-15 age group): Tyler Waldron (12), 3.2 lb Alligator Gar The overall number of total fish aught at the derby was 85. The next Youth Fishing Derby will take place in the spring on March 11, 2023. Plant City residents in Phase II of the City’s new Cart-To-Curb automated trash collection program will begin service during the week of Aug. 22. STREET Residents in Phase II of Cart-To-Curb Program Begin Service the Week of Aug. 22 Plant City residents in Phase II of the City’s new Cart-To-Curb automated trash collection program will begin service during the week of Aug. 22 Starting that week, trash for Phase II residents will be collected with the City’s automated trash collection trucks. The new trucks use a mechanical arm to lift specially designed “carts” (cans) and empty them into the truck body without the driver having to leave the cab. Phase II residents received the carts used in the program between July 25 and Aug. 19. The new carts are accompanied by bags with a solid waste guide and other important information for residents. Residents should check their bags to see if they are one of eight lucky residents in Phase II who will win a prize package. Carts are available in three sizes for the new program: 95, 65 and 35 gallons. To change your cart size or request an additional cart, call (813) 659-4222 after Oct.Half3. of the City’s single-family residential customers converted to automated trash collection last August. The other half are converting this year. The Aug. 22 collection week will mark the completion of fully converting Plant City’s residents to automated trash collection. Cart-To-Curb is increasing the efficiey of trash collection in Plant City, creating a healthier work environment for employees, reducing operating costs, and improving the cleanliness of our residential neighborhoods. To learn more about Cart-To-Curb, visit plantcitygov.com/mycart, call (813) 7579208 or email solidwaste@plantcitygov. com.
Photo courtesy of the City of Plant City
Photo courtesy of the City of Plant City
ANDY MCDONALD YOUNG AGRICULTURALIST OF THE YEAR
Andy McDonald is a fifth generation Plant City farmer – a line of work his father taught him. For over 20 years, he has served on the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, of which he was named president of twice. He is the farm manager at Sweet Life Farms, having managed over 500 acres of land.
Reggie Holt, CEO/president of Farm Credit of Central Florida, offered his assis tance in presenting the accolades to each winner.From 1997 to 2007, he served as the senior vice president and director of Agri business Lending, which manages Farm Credit’s commercial, corporate, and capi talHemarkets.attended East Carolina University, graduating with a bachelor’s in science for business administration and specializing in banking and finance. At Florida South ern College he received the Master of Busi ness Administration (MBA), attended the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University, as well as Harvard Busi nessAlsoSchool.present was Florida House Repre sentative Lawrence McClure, who repre senting District 58 and is seeking re-elec tion for District 68. Seeing that Plant City is an economic driver for strawberry produce in the coun try, he along with Florida Senator Dan ny Burgess proposed the idea of naming strawberry shortcake as the state dessert. The legislature approved and passed the bill.“I think the strawberry shortcake bill is something that was a fun process,” he said. “Really, the importance of it was to bring awareness to all we do here in Plant City.”
McClure is a part of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Sub committee and was one of 14 lawmakers to be named as the 2021 Champions for Agri culture by the Florida Farm Bureau. This year he sponsored the Nutrient Application Rates bill which was signed into law. It “authorizes citrus producers to use specified recommendations to tailor nutri ent application rates; requires producers to keep records and to enroll in and imple ment best management practices; requires recommendations for nutrient application rates by state universities and Florida Col lege System institutions to provide appli cation ranges and authorizations; provides presumption of compliance with certain requirements for citrus producers; directs UF/IFAS (University of Florida-Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences) to ana lyze use of site-specific nutrient manage ment for certain crops, develop research plan and recommendations, and submit annual reports to Governor and Legisla ture,” according to the Florida House of Representatives.“We’retryingto strike a balance between water quality which is so important to us,” McClure said. “It’s something we’ve com mitted to on a state level, but also making sure our farmers have what they need to be able to produce food…I’m very proud to work on agricultural issues in Tallahassee.”
The UF/IFAS CALS (College of Agri cultural and Life Sciences) offers classes, through the Hillsborough Community Col lege – Plant City branch, to build knowl edge on farming and cultivating land with crops, while working towards a degree.
ASTIN AGRIBUSINESSFARMSOF THE YEAR
PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUAST 18, 2022 3PlantCityObserver.com ANNUAL EVENT RECOGNIZES LOCAL AGRICULTURALISTS TILE & GROUT STEAM CLEANED 50 cents per Sq.Ft. CARPETS STEAM CLEANED 3 ROOMS $90 Includes Hallway cleaned Free Emergency Storm Water, A/C Leaks, Broken Pipes, Toilet Overflow WATER24-HourREMOVAL Carpet Repairs Carpet Restoration & Dyeing Minimum Service job $70.00 2022 AWARDS PRESENTED TO FARM/PRODUCE ADVOCATES.
Astin Farms is a fourth-generation, family-owned business, currently owned by Sam Astin. “My dad and my grandfather were farm ers,” he said. “I started going with my dad when I was 3 years old to the field. We’d go to the field everyday…just continued right along, never stopped. I enjoyed it.” Astin’s daughters Madison, Payton, and Baylee, assist him in managing the busi ness.The company set a precedent by becom ing the largest independent strawberry producer in Florida. During harvest sea son, Astin Strawberry Exchange in Plant City, and Astin Family Farm in Riverview provide packing, cooling, and shipping services. Together both represent over 1,500 acres of strawberries and 400 acres of blueberries, which are sold across the U.S. and Canada. “It’s very rewarding to have the oppor tunity to do all that (and) support the com munity,” Astin said. J.D. SUPPORTERCAULEYOFYOUTH IN AGRICULTURE
Several businesses and individuals from the community who play a pivotal role in harvesting natural resources were awarded at the Salute to AG function held on Aug. 11. The Greater Plant City Chamber net working lunch was an opportunity to pres ent plaques to the 2022 winners of five cat egories respectively: Agriculturalist of the Year; Young Agriculturalist of the Year; AG Educator of the Year; Agribusiness of the Year; Supporter of Youth in Agriculture. Those who claimed this year’s titles are:
ROBERT WILDER AG EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
Wilder is a seventh-generation Floridian and a sixth-generation Plant City native. His father was an agriculture teacher, his mother taught English, and the familyowned orange groves and cattle. Growing up, Wilder was involved in the FFA and 4-H organizations, tending to plants, swine, chickens, and steer. While in FFA, he competed in the For estry and AG Mechanics Contest. In 2012, he graduated with an AG Opera tions Management degree at the University of Florida before becoming an agriculture teacher at Tomlin Middle School, starting in Wilder2016. currently teaches floriculture and fundamentals of agriculture and helps in operating the FFA produce stand on Fridays at the middle school – selling fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers. He enjoys coaching, forestry, vegetable judging, nursing, landscape, and floricul ture.
REED AGRICULTURALISTFISCHBACHOFTHE
J.D. Cauley is a Plant City native, who was raised in Lithia and was one of five children in the family household. His father was a dairyman, and his mother was a homemaker.Heattended Plant City High School and later transferred to Kathleen High School, where he was inspired to help educate youth about agriculture. In 2004, Cauley joined the Florida Strawberry Festival Swine and Steer Com mittee, which he continues to serve on. He began raising cattle under the Circle C Cat tle Company for the youth who participate in the Strawberry Festival. Cauley volunteers for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reserve, special izing in the AG division, and was named as the 2022 Reserve Deputy of the Year.
YEAR Reed Fischbach is the owner of Fisch bach Land Company and is a licensed real estate broker who specializes in commer cial, agricultural, and transitional land. He graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s in science degree after his grandfather encouraged him to invest in land after his schooling. In 2008, Fischbach Land Company was established.Fischbach serves on the board of Farm Credit of Central Florida, Brandon Region al Hospital, and the Hillsborough County Agriculture Economic Development Council.Also,he is a member of the Realtor Land Institute, Florida Strawberry Growers Association, and other industrial groups.
BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
PlantCityObserver.com4 PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 FOLLOW US Facebook: Plant City Observer Instagram: @plcobserver Twitter: @PlantObserver Plant City Observer is locally owned by Ed Verner, Karen Berry, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes The Plant City Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC. ©Copyright Plant City Media LLC 2018 All Rights Reserved PlantCityObserver.com Publisher / Karen KBerry@PlantCityObserver.comBerry Managing Editor / Sarah SHolt@PlantCityObserver.comHolt Sports Writer / Taylor tjenkins@plantcityobserver.comJenkins StaffWriter / Brian bfernandes@plantcityobserver.comFernandes Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.comLancaster TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850 Advertising / Richard richard@plantcityobserver.comBrame Advertising / Karen kberry@plantcityobserver.comBerry 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, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850. SEND US YOUR NEWS 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, Mail:PlantCityObserver.com.SHolt@ThePlantCityObserver,110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B, Plant City, FL 33563 Publishers of the Plant City Observer 110 E. PlantSuiteReynolds,100BCity,FL33563(813)704-6850 Observer PLANT CITY O This week’s Sudoku answers This week’s Crossword answers Jumbles: ISSUE DIMLY THRILL FLABBY Answer: The painting of the moonshiner’s equipment was a -- STILL LIFE AUG. 5 UNLOCKED AND LOADED 700 block of S. Collins St. Vehicle burglary: Officers met with the victim at the listed location who reported that an unknown suspect made entry into his unlocked truck.
This week on Cops Corner: Plant City Police investigate a sleeping driver, a machete-wielding citizen and a missing pressure washer.
CORNERCOPS
AUG. 6 RAZOR’S EDGE 2900 block of James L. Redman DrugPkwy.investigation: On Aug. 6, an officer was dispatched to the listed location in reference to a suspicious person waving a machete. One individual was subsequently taken into custody for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia and later transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.
CAUGHT RED HANDED 2600 block of James L. Redman RetailPkwy. theft: Officers met with a loss prevention associate at a business at the listed location in reference to a theft. One individual was subsequently arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail.
AUG. 9 MISSING IN ACTION 500 block of S. Johnson St. Petit theft: An officer responded to the residence at the listed location in reference to the delayed theft of a pressure washer and met with the victim who stated that his Craftsman pressure washer, valued at $480, was taken from the bed of his work truck the night before. Surveillance video captured the theft and showed one individual arrive in a white truck before removing the pressure washer from the victim’s truck. A search of the area was conducted and the suspect’s truck was located. The owner was read his Miranda warnings, admitted to the theft and took officers to a different location where the pressure washer was recovered.
The washer was returned to the victim at which time he stated that he did not want to press charges due to recovering his property and signed a waiver of prosecution.
AUG. 10 WINDOW PAINS 2300 block of Maki Road Burglary: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who reported that the rear window of the residence was shattered and the home had then been entered.
WHAT A LONG, STRANGE TRIP 300 block of W. Grant St. Stolen/recovered car: Officers met with the complainant at the listed location who stated that her niece took her vehicle without permission and fled the cene. Officers patrolled the area in an attempt to locate the vehicle but the search yielded negative results. While officers were still at the scene of the incident, the suspect returned in a different vehicle. Upon reading her Miranda rights and questioning her, the suspect stated that she did take the vehicle and alerted officers where they could locate the vehicle. The vehicle was subsequently located at a parking lot nearby. The vehicle was then returned to the victim who signed a waiver of prosecution.
AUG. 7 ONE BAD DREAM 1800 block of Jim Johnson Rd. DUI: Officers were dispatched to the listed location in reference to a suspicious vehicle with an individual asleep in the driver’s seat. One individual was taken into custody and charged with possession of a controlled substance, DUI, DUI refusal and HTO. The individual was subsequently transported to Orient Road Jail. DOOR JAMMED 1400 block of S. Alexander St. Business burglary: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who reported that the glass door of the business was broken and that the business had then been entered. AUG. 8 CLEAN PLATE 1800 block of W. Washington St. Stolen tag: An officer responded to the residence at the listed location and made contact with the victim who advised that the tag assigned to his vehicle was stolen some time after picking up the vehicle from his mechanic earlier.
2. POLICE DEPARTMENT FLOORING REPLACEMENT McDaniel is now authorized to go forward with a job order with Commercial Interiors Inc., for the Police Department Flooring replacement project, for $236,580.83. The Plant City Police Department build ing is approximately 55,000 square feet with a combination of different flooring types including carpet, tile, and vinyl com positionApproximatelytile. 16,000 square feet has been replaced, and the remaining 39,000 square feet of existing flooring is worn and needs to be replaced. There is $221,870 available in the CIT Fund for the project. A budget adjustment for $15,000 is included in the agenda.
PROJECT
• North Crystal Terrace over the drain age canal: spall repair details, embankment restoration details and direction for object marker replacement
CITY
BRIAN
LAWRENCE
Paid by Lawrence McClure, Republican, for State Representative.E RepMcClure
THE STRUCTURES ARE LOCATED AT: • East Cherry Street over the drainage canal: spall and crack repair details and direction for object marker placement
• Two years of TraffiCloud web services to all six apps (remote management-imag ing, data, alerts, mapping and premier care warranty)•Red/blue flashing strobes The SpeedAlert 18 combines radar feed back with variable messaging for maxi mum versatility to resolve speed com plaints, slow speeding, or sharing timely notifications.Itcompiles traffic data, volume, speed, and time, as well as provides feedback by displaying certain messages (“Slow Down” or “Have a Nice Day”) or dedicated mes sages (“Flood Warning” or Amber Alert). APPROVES TO FIX BRIDGES, PROVIDE NEW POLICE EQUIPMENT
The consultant will perform data col lection, field exploration, and site inves tigation to collect the information needed to prepare construction repair details and permit documentation, including survey ing.• Environmental- The consultant will perform a field investigation at two loca tions, the bridge at East Calhoun Street over Eastside Canal and Risk Street over Westside Canal, to document existing environmental conditions and perform field flagging of wetland and other surface water limits for subsequent survey loca tion.•Survey- The consultant will perform survey tasks in accordance with all appli cable statutes, manuals, guidelines, stan dards, handbooks, procedures, and current designSurveymemoranda.serviceswill include horizontal and vertical project control, along with established reference points • The consultant will develop a prelimi nary Engineer’s Estimate of Probable Con struction Cost. Task 2: Design, Construction Details, Permitting, Utility Coordina tionTaskPhase3:Preparation of Bid Specifica tionsTask 4: Bidding Assistance and Award Review Task 5: Post Design Services
3. EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM FISCAL YEAR 2022 LOCAL SOLICITATION FUNDS A resolution now authorizes the pro posed use of grant funds through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assis tance Grant Program Fiscal Year 2022 Local Solicitation.Thefederal government allocated $15,525 to the Plant City Police Department under the grant program. The grant is nonmatching and formula-base, meaning the funds are already allocated to the city for law enforcement purposes. The police department vetted the pro posed uses and specific conditions to ensure grant requirements are met. The grant also requires a 3% allocation of $508.40 for the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) The police department will now be able to use the funds for a message sign to enhance law enforcement capabilities and services in the community. SpeedAlert 18 Combined Radar and Message Sign: • ATS five trailer mounted with 90-wattsolar assist • All features activated perpetually (Bluetooth- dating – imaging)
SCOPE OF SERVICES TASK 1: DATA COLLECTION AND SITE INVESTIGATION
Attorney General Ashley Moody Sheriff Chad Chronister
Courtesy of the City of Plant City
Endorsed by The Police Benevolent Association
• East Calhoun Street over the East side Canal: spall and crack repair details, embankment restoration details, and bank erosion control installation details
• Sydney Road over Sparkman Branch Utilizing the city’s ongoing contracts for engineering services, staff has developed work orders with Burgess and Niple, Inc. to provide services to the project. One work order provides for design, per mitting, and construction phase services for minor structural and bank stabilization advancements.Thesecond work order provides the same services plus additional geotechnical investigations and significant structural design at the Sydney Road location. The Sydney Road culvert crossing needs significant reconstruction of the upstream headwall system and portions of the down stream headwall, as well as other repairs.
• Risk Street over the Westside Canal: spall and crack repair details, embankment restoration details, and bank erosion con trol installation details
City moves forward with bridge repairs andpolice installations. FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
PlantCityObserver.com PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 5
McClure
ElectMcClure.com D RepMcClure
PCPD OFFICER AWARDED FOR DUI ARRESTS 287682-1 BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER Quentin Garrell recognized for apprehending impaired drivers
Like other officers at the Plant City Police Department, Quentin Garrell knows all too well what it’s like to pull over someone for a DUI and make an arrest. Having made the most DUI arrests last year for PCPD earned him an accolade at the 2022 Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Florida Law Enforce ment Recognition and Training Symposium, from July 29 to July 30, at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. In his six years at the Plant City Police Department, he has dealt with approximately 100 DUI cases.“I’ve done DUIs all throughout the city,” Garrell said. Driving under the influence can be a common occurrence during the daytime as it is at night and Garrell’s earliest DUI pullover was at 4 Therep.m.are multiple cues that an officer can pick up on for whether someone is operating a vehicle when“Theimpaired.officermight sit behind them for one light cycle or two light cycles and then get out of their vehicle and walk up to the car,” said Captain Al Van Duyne of the Plant City Police Depart ment. “That can happen at 3 in the afternoon or 3 in the morn ing.”
6 PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 PlantCityObserver.com
Photo courtesy of Quentin Garrell
Like other officers on the road, he tries to look for the signs that indicate that a driver may be impaired. He has had to pull over individuals that have been swerv ing from one lane to the next. Once the vehicle has stopped and Garrell has approached the driver, he’s had to observe if there is slurred speech, if that person is having a difficult time pulling his or her license from their wal let, if they’re stumbling out of the vehicle, or if they have watery and bloodshot eyes. Sometimes the smell of alcohol is so strong that he’s able to pick up on it the moment the driver rolls down their window, he said. Garrell has had encounters with a repeat offender who’s had a fel ony DUI and may be facing time in Driversprison. will be, for the most part, willing to follow instruc tions once pulled over by an offi cer, he “Yousaid.dohave some that…they’ll be compliant for a period of time but then whenever it registers that they’re getting arrested, that’s when the non-compliance will start,” he added. In most cases, there will be two officers on the scene should the driver become unruly, Van Duyne noted.“Me personally in my experi ence, because of the amount of DUIs that I’ve done, whenever I’m driving behind that vehicle and I suspect impairment and now I’m going to pull (them) over, I personally will already call (an officer),” Garrell said. “I already know that there’s a possibility of whenever I get up there, this is going to go further into a DUI investigation.”Garrellhasalso learned with experience that an officer can’t always assume that a person is under the influence when they’re exhibiting unusual behavior on the road…it’s possible that they could be having a medical emer gency.“That was one of the big eye openers to me,” he said. “Medi cal episodes and an impairment sometimes can mimic each other, so it takes that ability to say, ‘okay this isn’t medical, it’s impair ment, or this is impairment, it’s notInmedical.”oneinstance Garrell was off duty at a gas station and noticed a woman who was exhibiting DUI cues. He contacted authorities and waited until deputies arrived on the scene. However, once they were present, the signs the woman was showing had sub sided, which was an indication that maybe she was impaired by something else other than alco hol, which takes more time to wear off, Garrell said. DUIs not only constitute as alcohol-related but drug-related as well. Even unintentional drug impairment can be enough to get a driver arrested for a DUI. Once Garrell pulled over some one who had taken prescribed medication but was advised not to when operating a vehicle. He let the driver go with a warning.Coming across DUI cases is also something personal for Garrell, who lost a friend to a drunk driver. “It brings back that feeling of ‘I wish that person could have been stopped before my friend was killed,’” he said. While he is appreciative for the trophy he had won, he still understands that addressing DUI cases is another important part of the job that he will continue to handle.
The art world lost one of its prominent painters, Ruby C. Williams when she passed away on Aug. 8 in Plant City. The Bealsville native was known for her bright-colored paintings of people, ani mals, and those that reflected her life as a farmer.Itwasn’t until the late 1980s when Wil liams began to discover her artistic side. She opened up her own produce stand on State Road 60 and painted signs to attract people to stop by. One of her patrons was Rodney Hardee, a folk artist and art collector from Lakeland who purchased one of her signs, which was the first painting she ever sold. It was a ripe, red strawberry painted on a square plywood.Also,Bud Lee, a Plant City-based pho tographer who was a freelancer for Esquire and other national magazines, was also intrigued by her work. Her stand was not only gaining recognition for its fruits and vegetable, but for her signs as well. After meeting other artists and visiting museums in other regions of the south and in New York, she began not to limit herself to just signs, but to pictures. Later in life, she would be known for her signature look: clothing that was designed with her painting. “This is an accomplished, national art ist,” said Bonnie Carr, a friend of Williams. Carr was not an art enthusiast until she met Williams and saw the appeal of her paintings, several of which she has dis played in her home. Williams was born and raised in Beals ville, where she learned to have an appre ciation for farming and agriculture. She and her family moved to New Jersey in the 1960s where she drove a bus, became a minister, and established a church. She was working as an evangelical minister at the Community Baptist Church of Love, along with its founder Frederick LaGarde Sr., who was a civil rights leader and a friend to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, in New Jersey.In1967, Williams’ husband left her and their children. Through that dark period, she began to secretly create her own paint ing and continued to minister to at-risk youth.“Ijust thought she was a courageous pioneer for good,” said her friend Lorna Taylor. “Whether it was in her early days in ministry or as she ministered through her art, she broke through multiple barriers, and she was undeterred by circumstances and also by skeptics.” She returned back to Bealsville with her children, where she began to focus on farming and establish her produce stand. She would share her foods such as tur nups, black-eyed peas, and okra. Carr was one of those who received the products of her farming, and would often sit under a tree on Williams’ property and converse with her. When Carr had knee replacement surgery in 2019, Williams would check up on her almost every day. “It was that kind of deep interaction that I had with her,” Carr said. Her artwork gained popularity and in 2005 10 of her paintings were exhibited at the Smithsonian (Anacostia) Museum in Washington D.C. They were also featured in books and other exhibitions such as the Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland, and the American Visionary Art Museum. In 2013, Hillsborough Community Col lege’s Gallery 221 recognized Williams as a Florida folk art legend, with an exhibition put on by curator Katherine Gibson. The painter went on to receive more accolades, including the 2005 Department of State Division of Historical Resources Preser vation Florida Folk Heritage Award, the 2009 Folk Art Society of America Award of Distinction, and the 2017 Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture and the Arts Life time Artistic Achievement Impact Award. One of her well-known pieces is a pianoplaying cow which stated, “I Give Better Buttermilk.”Herwork was also inspired by social issues in which she wanted to address. “It Costs to Hate” was one of her mes sages that would be painted in big, bold let ters on a bright-colored background. “She was concerned that just in our environment, it was a heated time politi cally and…she wanted that message out there,” Carr said. Her artwork is featured throughout the U.S. and globally, and continues to be recognized by art enthusiasts. “I think that her life was a leading exam ple and I think in her passing, she rises to the ranks of an icon,” Taylor said. courtesy of Bonnie Carr
PlantCityObserver.com PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 7
LOCAL, NATIONALLY KNOWN ARTIST PASSES AWAY RUBY WILLIAMS WAS RECOGNIZED FOR PAINTINGS AND AGRICULTURE BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER Photos
LOCALS HELP FIX VETERAN’S ROOF ELKS LODGE AND PRATTCO ROOFING ACT OF CHARITY
BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
Stan Pratt (left) stands next to Eric Peavy.
8 PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 PlantCityObserver.com
Plant City resident Eric Peavy and his wife Valerie now have a secure roof on their home. The Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 and Prattco Roofing ame together in a charitable effort to rebuild a new, much-needed roof. Peavy, an Iraq War veteran, couldn’t afford to have it fied and due to its age, it wasn’t covered with insurance. “It’s so much more than providing a service or something to the community,” he said, “it’s about saving a life. If that didn’t happen, where would I be today.” Judy Wise, of the local elks lodge, tried to help Peavy get a brand-new roof as soon as she learned of the dilemma three years ago. She made a request to a company that was offering to supply a new roof to one veteran, however, the services went toward another veteran. Wise and Peavy had another encounter after it was discovered that the veteran’s home had leakage. Several volunteers from the elks lodge went to the house to fix it but had o call in additional help when they found out that the issue was bigger than they expected.InMay,Peavy’s insurance company notified him that thee was a possibility that he may not receive coverage unless he had a new roof. Wise requested Army of Hope funds from the Florida State Elks Association to help Peavy.TheArmy of Hope program provides financial asistance to the families of deceased, disabled, and deployed members of the military. The association granted the request, allocating over $6,000 to the lodge. Wise sought out a roofing company that would be willing to provide the labor for free. Ed, the husband of Wise, was put in contact with a fellow lodge member’s son-in-law – Stan Pratt, the president of Prattco Roofing When he was told of Peavy’s situation, he did not hesitate in offering his services without charge. “He explained the situation to me, and I told him, ‘Yeah, that’s great. We’d love to help him,’” Pratt said. We appreciate everything that men and women in service do for us.” All Pratt asked is that the elks lodge provide the materials needed, and he would take care of the labor, the permit, taxes, insurance, and hauling away trash. The charitable act was met with gratitude from Peavy who is still trying to adjust to civilian life after returning from the military in The2013.Bowling Green native made a long career in the service, which began 25 years ago in Florida. “I was trying to get into the special forces because that’s what my dad was in,” Peavy said. “There was a unit here that was in the National Guard, so I transferred after I did security for the governor here. It was Jeb Bush at theHistime.”father served in the Vietnam War and his grandfather served in the Korean War. After serving a year in Miami, he was deployed to Iraq. Nine years ago, he returned home as a staff ergeant after being infliced with serious injuries, and has since, struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).“When I moved here, it was totally because of health reasons and needed to be close to the VA hospital,” he said. Despite his psychological ordeal, he pushed forward, went back to school and received a degree in nursing. Wise is now assisting Peavy in receiving 100% of disability benefis for veterans. To show his appreciation to Prattco, Peavy gave him the very same flag he flew while overseas, which Prattco has placed outside the front of his office. “That made me feel great,” he said. “That really touched my heart. He was so appreciative.”
The act of kindness presented by Elks Lodge #1727 and Prattco Roofing has eaffirmedeavy’s faith that the community always tries to help out its own. “Knowing that somebody’s thinking about you or caring about you…I mean that’s enough to get you through the next day,” he said.
DOCTOR’S NOTE:
Nasal discharge is commonly caused by allergies, infections, and nasal polyps. Additionally, food, medications and hormone changes can trigger it. Symptoms include runny nose, wet nose, phlegm into throat from the nose, coughing and bad breath. If you or a loved one experience any of the symptoms above and suspect one of these conditions may be to blame, there are multiple treatment options available! Florida E.N.T. & Allergy’s board-certified physicians are specially trained to assess each individual and determine the best course of treatment to relieve symptoms. One size does not fit all. One of the many treatment options for individuals who suffer from sinus and nasal issues is Balloon Sinuplasty. Under topical (local) anesthesia, a physician inserts a guide wire catheter equipped with a tiny balloon through the nostril in order to gain access to the blocked sinus passageway. The balloon is inflated, gently opening and widening the sinus passageway. It is then deflated and withdrawn, leaving an open sinus passageway that restores normal sinus drainage and function. Compared to traditional sinus surgery, Balloon Sinuplasty is minimally invasive, and recovery time is quicker.
” - 7/22/22 TibbalsAd-ENDS-PCO-5x8.indd 1 8/8/22 4:29:42 PM
A 2017 study from the National Library of Medicine (NIH) stated that Balloon Sinuplasty was successful in treating 94% of chronic sinusitis cases among 30 children who underwent the procedure. “The benefits from the surgery last beyond two years and the studies have shown, at two years when the study stopped, that the effects are equal to traditional sinus surgery as they are for the balloon procedure.” says Florida E.N.T. & Allergy Partner Otolaryngologist, Dr. Scott A. Additionally,Powell.there are many other procedures available to address the conditions mentioned above - the VivAer® Procedure, RhinAer® Procedure, ClariFix® Cryotherapy, SINUVA™ and PROPEL® Implants, Septoplasty, Turbinate Reduction, and Turbinate Coblation to name a few. The physicians of Florida E.N.T. & Allergy have served the Tampa Bay community for over 45 years. Their boardcertified physicians and doctors of audiology have completed extensive education and clinical training as well as specialized training in their area(s) of expertise. From pediatric allergies to fitting hearing aids, their caring and experienced providers specialize in ear, nose and throat care for the entire family using comprehensive, cutting edge technologies. For more information about Florida E.N.T. & Allergy or to schedule an appointment to address your ear, nose, throat and/ or allergy questions, visit www.floridantandallergy.com or call (813) 879-8045. by Judge Wesley Tibbals for Circuit Court Judge, 13th Circuit, Group a Circuit Court Judge Bay JudgeRecommendsTimesWesleyTibbals
6 7 Years as
CALLING ALL SINUS SUFFERERS! Paid
is essential for maintaining public faith in the
Are sinus issues affecting your everyday life? According to the CDC, sinus symptoms affect more than 28.9 million adults with sinusitis! Don’t live life with nasal issues when there are so many sinus treatments available, right here in the Tampa Bay area. Below are a few of the most common nasal-sinus conditions that individuals experience: Sinusitis is an infection in the lining of the sinuses near the nose, which can occur after a cold or allergy flae-up. Symptoms include a runny nose that lasts longer than 7 to 10 days, headaches, facial pain, bad breath, cough, fever, sore throat, swelling around the eyes and drip in the throat from the nose. Sinus/nasal congestion refers to obstructed (blocked) breathing through the nose and is a common symptom of many different medical conditions. Symptoms include inflammation f the blood vessels within the tissue lining the nose, and increased mucus discharge. Nasal obstruction is an underlying disorder that causes nasal passages to be blocked or obstructed. Symptoms include a nasally voice, nasal drainage, breathing through the mouth most of the time, recurrent sinus infections, and snoring or sleep disturbance.
Associate Administrative Judge Family Law Division Faculty Member of the Conference of Circuit Judges Presided in Plant City Courthouse 2019-2021 20+ Years of Legal Experience University of Florida Graduate 4th Generation Florida Native Committed Hundreds of Hours of Pro Bono Service as an Attorney Ad Litem for Children Youth Sports Volunteer Married with 3 Children FAIRNESS. EXPERIENCE. INTEGRITY. www.JudgeTibbals.com Tampa
“The incumbent, Wesley Tibbals, has been a leader in Hillsborough’s court system, and voters him another term...Tibbals takes the job seriously, that professionalism judiciary.
PlantCityObserver.com PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 9
should give
and
10 PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 PlantCityObserver.com
Redesigned two years ago, the 2022 Nissan Sentra continues to be an alluring ride. It can be even more if you opt for the brand-new Midnight Edition package, which comes with lovely black exterior trim and black 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The powertrain maintains its status quo, which means the small sedan boasts a spirited, great-to-drive attitude, with speedy acceleration and nimble handling/balance. A 2.0-liter direct-injection inline-4 cylinder engine puts out 149 horsepower @ 6400 rpm and 146 pounds-feet of torque @ 4400 rpm. Our test drive was mated to a fairly silent continuous variable transmission. An up front strut suspension and a rear multilink system soak obstacles with skill and self-assurance. Providing positive on-center response is an electric power steering. Want to save on gas as fuel prices go up the roof? Turn on the green eco button to the left of the steering wheel. Boomerang-shaped reflecor LED headlights flank the dark chome V-motion grille to portray a forceful look. Boosting the appearance further are lower body side sill extensions, black-painted outside mirrors, and a rear spoiler and chrome tip. The practical cabin is plentiful with creature comforts such as dual auto a/c, fla-bottomed and tilt/telescopic steering column, 60/40 split fold rear seat, leather steering wheel and shifter, power-slide moon roof, overhead sunglass holder, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and six-speaker audio. The 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist, located between tachometer and speedometer, displays vital info. Trunk space is an admirable 14.3 cubic feet. We recommend opting for the SR Premium Package, which will fetch you such wonderful features as thin projector LED headlights, power sliding glass moonroof with tilt feature, heated steering wheel and front seats, six-way power driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar, 8-speaker Bose premium audio, among others. Dual front and side airbags, side airbag curtain for both rows, front knee airbags, ve hicle dynamic and traction control systems, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, blind spot and lane departure warnings, rearcross traffic ale, auto emergency brake with pedestrian detection, tire pressure monitoring system, three-point front seat belts with pretensioners, rearview camera and daytime running lights are standard. Slotted between the smaller Versa and the Altima sedan, the reasonably priced and fuel-efficiententra responds with agility and grip in all driving conditions. First-time owners, please put this pleasant and energetic car at the top of your list to test drive. You won’t be disappointed.
GAS-SIPPER NISSAN SENTRA IS AN INEXPENSIVE, ENJOYABLE CAR SENTRA (SR) Tires: 215/45R18 Wheelbase: 106.6 inches Length: 182.7 inches Width: 71.5 inches Height: 57 inches Weight: 3,084 pounds Fuel capacity: 12.4 gallons City: 28 mpg Highway: 37 mpg Base price: $22,100 Price as tested: $27,615 Web site: www.nissanusa.com
NITISH S. RELE Nitish S. Rele operates motoringtampabaycom and Khaas Baat, and was an automotive editor/columnist for the Tampa Tribune. Email him motoringtampabay@gmail.com.at
FEATURE MAGGIEFUTUREPATE Featured
CALL
The logo lockups were designed to
TAYLOR
*If medically appropriate for those 18 years of age or older GROUP QUIT Free of
There’s never been a more important time to quit. TODAY: Tobacco Free Florida’s www.tobaccofreeflorida.com/quityourway
expert-led sessions to help you quit all forms
tools and services at
3. 4. TFF BRAND GUIDE TFF.COM / FDOH LOCKUP
with
Learn more about all of
PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 11PlantCityObserver.com
Taylor Jenkins is the Sports Writer at the Plant City Observer. Email: plantcityobserver.com.tjenkins@ Future is a summer series where the Observer will highlight local student athletes who are preparing to continue their athletic and educational careers at the college level, or those who have already begun that journey. JENKINS SPORTS WRITER
tobacco.
contain both logos, respecting the brand guidelines of each. The logos separated by a barthat isthe same thickness as logotype,with rounded corners to match the softness of our logo. We will maintain the clear space established on page 6 between the bar and both 1. Full color Logo Lockup On full color executions,the full color lockup is preferred, but it can ONLY be used in full color and only against awhite background. It cannot be placed in awhite box. 2. One-Color Logotype Lockup The One-Color Logotype Lockup is the most commonly used version. It can only be used against awhite background or as a Reverse White Logotype. 4. Reversed Logotype Lockup The reversed logotype lockup can be used against black bacground or againstthe NEWTFFADA BLUE 3. Black and White Logotype Lockup Depending on the type of materials, we could use In most of our printed materials and communications, we are required to show the Tobacco Free Florida logo in conjunction with the Florida Department of Health or SWATlogo. For those pieces of communication, we created the following logo lockups. More than DOUBLES your chances of success! Develop personalizedyour quit plan. FREE replacementnicotinepatches,gum,orlozenges.* Virtual Group Sessions -OR- In-Person Group Sessions Pre-registration is required. Sponsored by: Participants can receive $50 - $125 in gift cards for their participation.* *While supplies last 813-974-7886
QUIT TOBACCO
A Plant City native, Maggie Pate began playing tennis at six years old at the Plant City Tennis Center. By the time she reached middle school, she moved her training to the Brandon Tennis and Aquatic Center where she realized that she really wanted to take her training more seriously and potentially build a future for herself in the sport. Pate recalls how when she first started at BSAC she really began to progress as a player and needed to take the next step when she asked herself, “what is the next step?” She looked at all of the competitions, the practice, the hours and hours of work put in and wondered what she was ultimately working for. That’s when she set a goal to not only play tennis in college, but earn a Division I tennis scholarship.While she played four years at Durant, she continued to train with Golub Tennis at BSAC, competing at both the high school and national level in competitions across the country, ranging from National Clay Court Championships in South Carolina to National Hard Court Tournaments in San Diego. “High school tennis isn’t particularly a big things, it’s not like baseball where you get a ton of coaching and exposure to colleges,” Pate said. “But I definitely wanted to be a part of a team and I loved my tennis coach there, her and I really developed a special relationship. So that was a time to really enjoy my tennis, aside from the more serious tournaments that I was having to play. My time at Durant was great. I feel like I really came out of my shell there and the high school tennis team was an opportunity for me to connect with people younger and older than me that I wouldn’t necessarily normally talk to.” It was in that time where she recalls one of her best tennis memories, winning her first national tournament when she was in high school, overcoming full-body cramps in the South Carolina heat during her semi-final match before going on to win in the finals. “Those tournaments were kind of like our Cooperstown,” Pate said. “That was really how you got exposure to coaches and the entire recruiting process was playing in these tournaments all across the nation. I did miss a lot of school but the administration at Durant was always so supportive of me and my athletic ambitions.”Shebegan speaking with college coaches during her junior year of high school and began taking visits during the fall of her senior year. She visited UConn, James Madison, Mercer, Gonzaga, College of Charleston, among others, and ultimately found her home at Furman University in South“WhenCarolina.Istepped on Furman’s campus and met the team and the people and felt the academic vibe, I knew it was the fit for me. I said this is where I’m meant to be,” Pate said. “I feel like a lot of people said that when you know you know, and I very much believe that’s true. Obviously I’ve transferred now but I still stick to my gut, I’m glad I went to Furman. I truly felt like that was the perfect fit for me and I did thrivePatethere.”nowheads to Appalachian State as a transfer ahead of her senior year with two years of eligibility left, allowing her to finish her undergraduate degree there and get her graduate degree covered by scholarship as well. Despite speaking with several schools, she not only felt like App State offered her a chance to succeed on the tennis court, but also academically as they could easily transfer her upper level college credits and allow her to continue earning her degree smoothly. “I knew that I was going to be leaving Furman for graduate school regardless and I really wanted to enjoy these last few years of my tennis career so I decided to go ahead and make the switch,” Pate said. “I talked to a lot of schools, it was very crazy, but App State was really the best fit for me academically and hearing the girls talk about the coaching staff and how it was the best coaching they’ve ever had, which I feel like you don’t hear too often in college tennis, it just seemed like the perfect fit and everything fell into place here.”And while she doesn’t necessarily see a future in tennis beyond the collegiate level, she attributes so much of her success in life thus far to the sport that she’s competed in for so long. “I think for me, as soon as I’m done with my NCAA eligibility, that will be the time when I’m ready to hang it up,” Pate said. “I don’t have any ambitions past this but I definitely feel like tennis was the vehicle that made all of these opportunities in my life possible. I feel like not many people can say that they got out of college debt free so that’s a really big thing for me. I value tennis, I love it, but I definitely feel like it’s what’s led me into the rest of my life and set up my life from here.”
“We were sitting in the Orange Bowl the night the Dolphins stopped the Bears from having a perfect season.” - Sally Knight Raburn “Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers hooked me way back in the day! But Brady is still the GOAT!” - Bradley Siebenthal “My favorite sports moment… Watching UF whoop Ohio State 41-14 in Phoenix.” - Lisa Gideon Galloway “Many years ago when I still lived in Rochester, New York, we would go to the Buffalo Bills games on occasion in the 70’s. One time we went in snowmobile suits. We rode down in the elevator at the Sheridan Hotel with Bob Griese and some of the Dolphin teammates. They graciously gave us their autographs. Great weekend.”
12 PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 PlantCityObserver.com YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR 289704-1 TOWNAROUND
With football season getting closer, what is your favorite football memory or favorite football player ever and why?
- Sharon Marie Elizabeth “Ronde Barber running back an interception to seal the NFC Championship against the Eagles in Philadelphia to send the Bucs to the Super Bowl in 2003.” - Robbie Jordan
M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1
Carl DekleSpurlin
813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com
LarryHOPEWELLFUNERAL.COMLoucks
Larry Loucks, 72, of Plant City, Fla., born in Ypsilanti, Mich. on June 27, 1950, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 6, Expressions2022. of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
PlantCityObserver.com ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES
MillerAlfredHOPEWELLFUNERAL.COMEugene
Alfred Eugene Miller, 84, of Lakeland, Fla., born in Dover on Jan. 29, 1938, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 5, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com. Maria HerreraContrerasA.
Velma TrunzoMae Velma Mae Trunzo, 93, of Plant City, Fla., born in Harwick, Pa. on May 20, 1929, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 6, Expressions2022. of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com. Luther ‘Luke’ Floyd Hunter Luther “Luke” Floyd Hunter, 73, of Dover, Fla., born in Pikeville, Tenn.on July 29, 1949, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 8, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.
Carl Spurlin Dekle (“Spur”), age 100, of Plant City, FL transferred to his heavenly home with Jesus on August 9, 2022. The Silver Star recipient was a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps. A Celebration of Life service was held at Plant City Church of God. Online condolences may be sent to the family heathfuneralchapel.com.at
HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM
OBITUARIES
Maria A. Contreras Herrera, 43, of Plant City, Fla., born in Tamazula, Jalisco, Mexico on March 9, 1979, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 8, Expressions2022. of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.
HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM
Thomas Francis Lyons Thomas Francis Lyons born in Detroit, MI, of Plant City, Florida passed away on July 1 2022 at the age of A79.Celebration of Life will be held for Tom Lyons August 22, 2022 at 10 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church, 1104 N. Alexander St Plant City, Fl 33563. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.
HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM
HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM
HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM
HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM
Betty Louise Pope Betty Louise Pope, 82, of Plant City, Fla., born in Homerville, Ga. on Feb. 19, 1940, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 12, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
Rachel Louise Hunter, 79, of Lithia, Fla., born in Jackson, Miss. on Nov. 22, 1942, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 13, Expressions2022. of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com. Eloise Kerrn Eloise Kerrn, 75, of Plant City, Fla., born on Oct. 13, 1946, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 12, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
Clare Roberts-TalbotElizabeth Clare Elizabeth RobertsTalbot, 56, of Lithia, Fla., born in Bristol, England on July 16, 1966, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 1, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.
HunterRachelHOPEWELLFUNERAL.COMLouise
PLANT CITY SOCIAL DANCE 6 to 9:30 p.m. at 4401 Promenade Blvd. DJ Ken will be hosting the Plant City Social Dance every Saturday throughout the month of August at the Strawberry Square Dance Center. Cups and water will be available and the event’s cost is $7 per person. For more information or a chance to look at sample playlists, visit www.djkenmiller.com.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 BLUEGRASS NIGHT 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E J. Arden Mays Blvd. Krazy Kup will host Bluegrass Night featuring Justin Mason & Blue Night, a group of musicians who truly love to play Bluegrass music and entertain. From traditional favorites to hearfelt originals, when they take the stage it is all Justin Mason & Blue Night. Admission is $15 and tickets can be purchased in-house or in advance at www.eventbrite.com to enjoy coffee and a show full of the sweet sounds of Bluegrass music!
Combine & Save. Good things happen when you combine your home and auto insurance with State Farm®. Like saving an average of $894.* Plus, you’ll have a good neighbor like me to help life go right. CALL ME TODAY. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas, Dallas, TX State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm Florida Insurance Company, Winter Haven, FL State Farm Lloyds, Richardson, TX1606205 Jimmy Fisher, Agent 6920 E Fowler Ave On Fowler Ave near I-75 Tampa, FL 33617 Bus: 813-989-2037 jimmy.fisher.caos@statefarm.com *Average annual household savings based on 2016 national survey of new policyholders who reported savings by switching to State Farm. 866.588.7604 K eiserUniversity.edu Keiser University is a private, not-for-profit university Business Administration concentrations include: Entrepreneurship • Hospitality Management International Business • Marketing • Finance Human Resource Management • Transportation and Logistics CHOOSE A CAREER YOU LOVE. KEISER UNIVERSITY CAN HELP. Day, evening, and online programs available 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1
PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS 7:30 to 9 a.m. Join the Plant City Toastmasters for breakfast, laughs, and fun; there’s no better way to start your Thursday mornings. Bring a chair and a mask. The er Zoom meetings for those who can’t make it in person. Visit the Facebook page, facebook.com/PlantCityToastmasters, for meeting locations and SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 KLEAN KOMEDY NIGHT 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E J. Arden Mays Blvd. Head down to Krazy Kup for a night of awesome laughs and clean comedy featuring comedians that have graced stages both big and small. Hosted by Hugo Pinto, the show will feature Bay Area comedian Jay Legend and headliner Donnie Stopa. You may have seen Stopa on “The Daren Streblow Comedy Show” or Roku’s “Creative Motion Network” before, but this show will surely be a krazy funny night that you won’t want to miss. Admission is $10 and can be purchased in-house or on www.eventbrite.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26 LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN 5 to 9 p.m. at 110 N. Collins St. The Last Friday in Downtown Food Truck Rally is held with a new theme each month. There will be live music, market vendors and food trucks. The event is family and pet friendly and all are recommended to bring chairs and blankets. August’s theme will be Marvel vs. DC in Downtown PC.
PlantCityObserver.com and trucks manufactured in or before 1996 can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music by DJ John Paul Gasca.
PlantCityObserver.com PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 15 Across 1 Supplies food 7 Lord with a namesake sports trophy 14 Showy bloom 15 “The Miser” playwright 16 Levi’s alternatives in the bargain bin? 18 Rial spenders 19 Ascended 21 Humdinger 23 Bright red semi? 27 Song heard in the film “Marley & Me” 31 Sign of success 32 Sign of success 33 Arte who co-owns MLB’s Angels 34 Prayer __ 36 Dog collar for obedience school? 41 Sported 42 Steamed cantina dish 43 I in Innsbruck 46 Mogadishu is its cap. 47 Getty of “The Golden 48Girls”Kibbles ‘n Bits? 51 Petition 52 Relaxation 53 Smarts 57 Inept patsy on water 63skis?Captain Marvel, for one 64 Walking on air 65 Taken in 66 Parlor pieces Down 1 Govt. agency in many 2020 headlines 2 Spa emanation 3 Title Marx Brothers set4tingJack of “Rio Lobo” 5 Gifford’s “Live” successor 6 Like logs 7 Huge hit 8 Passel 9 Niger neighbor: Abbr. 10 Nothing 11 Suspicious 12 E on a scoreboard 13 Private aye 17 Often-steamed serving 20 It may be inflaed 21 Ceremonial display 22 “__ out?” 24 First name in daredev25iltryTakes the bait, say 26 Software subsidiary of IBM since 2019 28 Peace Nobelist Walesa 29 Focused, jobwise 30 Entirely without 34 Outlaw 35 To a degree 37 Villa-studded Italian 38lakeGreek city known for 39olivesBuilding additions 40 Strongly suggest, with 43“of”Bar staple 44 Onomatopoeic dance 45 Quieted 47 Touch up, perhaps 49 Surgeon’s opening? 50 Dominated in competi54tionThrew off 55 Where to find a heo 56 Norse patron 58 Unruly head of hair 59 Trading place 60 Tchaikovsky’s Sympho ny No. 5 __ minor 61 First “Jeopardy!” guest host after Alex 62 Harris and a horse ONLINE Follow us on social media: @PCObserver on Instagram, @PlantObserver on Twitter and Plant City Observer on Facebook. I LOVE PLANT CITY Send your photo submissions to staff writer Taylor Jenkins at @PlantCityObserver.com or hashtag #iloveplantcity on Instagram for @igersplantcity to feature. Kathy Flemister took this photo of a rainbow over Alexander Street in Plant City this week. Sunrise Sunset Thursday, August 26 7:00a 8:03p Friday, August 27 7:00a 8:02p Saturday, August 28 7:01a 8:02p Sunday, August 29 7:01a 8:01p Monday, August 30 7:02a 8:00p Tuesday, August 31 7:02a 7:59p Wednesday, Sept 1 7:03a 7:58p FORECAST WEATHERTHURSDAY, AUGUST 18 High: 90 Low: ofChance76rain:58% FRIDAY, AUGUST 19 High: 91 Low: ofChance75rain:65% SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 High: 94 Low: ofChance76rain:24% SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 High: 94 Low: ofChance75rain:51% MONDAY, AUGUST 22 High: 94 Low: ofChance75rain:42% SUNRISE/SUNSET YEAR TO DATE: 34.17 in. MONTH TO DATE: 1.96 in. AUG. AVERAGE: 8.85 in. LAST WEEK: 0.28 in. MOONRAINFALLPHASES Aug.New27 Sept.First3 Sept.Full10 Aug.Last19 AVOCADO Shipping point: South $10.00-$25.00Florida (C) 2021 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC. Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
16 PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 PlantCityObserver.com
Great health care is closer than you think.
South Florida Baptist Hospital is more than just a small community hospital. We’ve got a wide array of specialty care and surgical services that you don’t have to travel far to get. Our surgeons are experts in minimally invasive robotic surgical procedures that provide lots of benefits, including shorter hospital stays, decreased blood loss and smaller incisions that reduce the risk of infection. Plus, faster recovery times that mean you can get back to your normal activities sooner. You’ll find comprehensive orthopedic care—whether you’re an athlete who needs sports medicine services or you’re someone who needs a total joint replacement. Our all-inclusive gynecology program offers high-quality care to the women and mothers in our community with a variety of women’s care services. We’ve even been designated as a Center of Excellence for our weight loss surgery program, meeting nationally recognized standards and providing outstanding care to our patients. And all of this extraordinary care exists right here in Plant City. Learn more: SouthFloridaBaptistSurgery.org
21-1493769-0521
