8.3.23 PLCO

NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT PLANT CITY PHOTO ARCHIVES

DAVID MOON HAS BEEN HIRED TO REPLACE SAMANTHA POIRIER AS THE NONPROFIT CONTINUES TO REMEMBER AND SHARE PLANT CITY HISTORY.

UNITED

FOOD BANK OF

PLANT CITY RECEIVES GENEROUS DONATION FROM FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

The Florida Strawberry Festival presented the proceeds from its annual Strawberry Ball held Saturday, April 29, to the United Food Bank of Plant City yesterday at the Festival grounds.

The 49th Annual Strawberry Ball, presented by Brewington’s Towing & Recovery, featured dinner, dancing and a live auction and raised a total of $50,000 for the food bank.

so thankful that this event can provide such needed funds to the Food Bank of Plant City.”

Plant City Photo Archives has named David Moon as executive director.

Moon replaced Samantha Poirier, who was hired in 2021 but resigned after accepting a position at an archival institution in Massachusetts.

“It’s been a great learning experience for me and I’ve really appreciated the support of the community and how welcoming everyone was,” she said. “I’m hoping to

take what I learned here and keep building on that.” Moon, who has worked for the Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau as a Web Designer and Marketing Coordinator, is experienced in Internet management and social media as well as fundraising via crowdsourcing. He also founded the Chattanooga Historical Society in January 2014 after noticing a lack of online Chattanooga history apart from Civil War documents and photographs. It began as a grassroots effort to expand Chattanooga’s online historical footprint, focusing on the post-Civil War era.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

“We are so appreciative of the community support received for the Strawberry Ball,” said Florida Strawberry Festival Chairman Danny Coton. “The ball committee works so hard hard to produce a great event. We are

The semi-formal event has been hosted by the Florida Strawberry Festival since its inception. Traditionally, the ball was held prior to the Festival’s opening as a kick-off o the season. Several years ago, however, the committee voted to host the ball after the Festival as a post-event celebration. Additionally, members decided to include a live auction and sponsorship opportunities to raise funds for charity.

The 50th Annual Strawberry Ball will take place April 27, 2024.

MICHELLE CACERES

STAFF WRITER

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Plant City Photo Archives welcomes David Moon/bids farewell to Samantha Poirier.

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Dr. Sandra Rodriguez Fernandez offers English and Spanish speaking appointments!

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SHARING THE ROAD WITH SCHOOL BUSES

As students get ready to head back to school, The Plant City Police Department would like to remind residents to be extra cautious and alert around school buses, crossings and bus stops. Remember that vehicles traveling in BOTH directions on two-lane roads and multi-lane paved roads must stop for a school bus with flashing lighs and STOP arms extended. Penalties for passing a stopped school bus include: moving violation subject to citation, requirement to complete a basic Driver Improvement Course upon conviction, four points on your driver license and a minimum fine f $165. Review school bus safety tips for motorists and more at flhsv.gov.

PLANT CITY ROTARY WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

The Plant City Rotary Club inducted two new members to its organization, whose motto is Service Above Self. Commissioner Mary Mathis and Executive Director of Plant City Main Street Dawn Hyatt were welcomed to the help continue its mission to work selflessly to help the club grow as it actively participates in community events and provides financial suport to local, national and international charities.

GARY AND NICK WISHNATZKI “ARRESTED” AT WHEELCHAIRS 4 KIDS ANNUAL JAIL & BAIL EVENT

The notorious duo, Gary “The Head Pixie” and Nick “Wish-Nasty” Wishnazki, were arrested for Berry Trafficking at lt week’s Wheelchair 4 Kids’ annual Jail and Bail event, hosted by Eddie V’s. With utter disregard for the highly addictive nature of their fruit, they were caught passing out samples of Wish Farms strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and pineberries to the general public. The felons were brought before honorary judge, Fox 13’s Charley Belcher, and told if they could pay their bail they’d be released. In the weeks leading up to the event, all participants fundraised their “bail money” by sharing their crime stories with friends and family. The Wishnazkis raised $10,500 in bail money with the support of 26 donors.

This year’s event raised $195,000 for Wheelchairs 4 Kids, a nonprofit dediated to improving the lives of children with physical disabilities by providing wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifiations as well as other assistive equipment at no charge to families through their Let’s Roll Program.

TECO OFFERS FULL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NEW LINE WORK TRAINING PROGRAM

TECO has teamed up with Hillsborough Community College (HCC) to offer its new Electrical Line Worker Training Program for those wanting to kickstart a career in the electric utility industry.

Dr. Deborah Kish, the HCC Brandon campus president, said Tampa Electric’s support, both financially and as a pogram advisor, is “absolutely crucial for us to provide this vital training.”

Qualifying students will have the opportunity to learn fundamental skills needed to become a line worker trainee in the electric utility industry. Tampa Electric initially pledged more than $300,000 for scholarships and program equipment through its Workforce Development Fund, meaning more folks who couldn’t afford this training before can now pursue their dreams by taking advantage of scholarship support.

The program is a four-month journey packed with 420 hours of training. Once completed, students will earn certifiations in OSHA 10-hour, Bucket Truck Rescue, CPR & Automated External Defibrillaor use, Pole-Top Rescue and First Aid.

“We rely on skilled line workers to safely and reliably maintain our electric grid and to engage with our customers in the community,” said Tampa Electric’s President and CEO Archie Collins. “This program will help to diversify the pool of candidates that we draw from to sustain our team of line workers into the future.”

To learn more about the program, which is scheduled to begin fall 2023, visit tampatraining.com/Electrical-Line-Worker.

TD Bank Opens Plant City Location With Fanfare and Festivities

The bank showed its philanthropic side and willingness to be good neighbors by donating to several community charities.

Community residents came out last Saturday to show their support for TD Bank’s new Plant City store, located at 308 Alexander St. Celebrations included a ribbon cutting, food, entertainment, games and prizes.

The office features an advice center format with multiple universal stations, allowing bankers to accommodate the needs of customers, whether it’s a quick checking or savings account transaction or a more involved financial dicussion. The office also features a 24/7 ATM, safety deposit boxes, a drive-thru with three lanes and a drive-thru ATM.

“TD Bank doesn’t offer your traditional teller lines and platform stations,” said Randy Estrada, Market President of North Florida at TD. “Our store offers the versatility to be able to have conversation with our customers about milestones in their lives, like purchasing a home, obtaining financing or their small business, retirement planning or establishing a fist banking relationship.”

The bank’s store manager is Jonathan Rosado, a local resident who was the former store manager of its Apollo Beach location. “He was the perfect fit for us because he’s not only a local resident but a very tenured, seasoned banker,” said Estrada.

TD Bank prides itself on showing up- for local fundraisers, volunteer events and community gatherings- and they’re excited to continue the momentum across Tampa Bay and across the state in the coming months.

As part of the celebration, TD Bank and the TD Charitable Foundation presented a community grant to the Boys and Girls Club in support of its Summer Bridge Book program and a

sponsorship presentation with United Food Bank of Plant City’s Empty Bowls Project. TD Bank is a Presenting Sponsor for the November event.

“We have a fantastic team here and that’s just our toe in the water of the things we plan to do as being good corporate citizens in Plant City,” said Estrada. “We’re not just providing financial olutions, we also believe in rolling up our sleeves and providing sweat equity and making a difference in the communities we serve.”

Plant City resident and TD Bank customer Tia Bednarczyk attended the grand opening and was thrilled the bank now offers a Plant City store. She appreciated the free breakfast sandwich and plant and produce giveaways but was more grateful her bank will now have a footprint in Plant City.

“I run a nonprofit dachshund escue and had to drive to Brandon and Lakeland to make bank deposits,” she said. “I had a deposit I had to make and everyone inside was super friendly and having a bank in town that I can do business with that doesn’t cost the rescue money is a double bonus.”

The opening marks the 164th location in the state of Florida and the 24th location in the Tampa Bay area but the growth isn’t stopping there. Between now and October it will be opening up four additional locations in Florida. “We pride ourselves on the growth we’re experiencing and we continue to entrench ourselves in local communities through volunteerism,” said Estrada. “We want to take our customers from their very fist bank account to defining hw they’re going to settle down in retirement and everything in between.”

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

JUNE 21

YOU GOTTA GO

2700 block of Thonotosassa Rd.

Trespass after warning: An officer responded to the business at the listed location and made contact with an individual that had previously been trespassed from the business earlier that morning. The individual was subsequently arrested for trespass after warning and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

KEY EVIDENCE

400 block of Hunter St.

Criminal mischief: An officer responded to the listed location and met with the victim who advised that their vehicle was keyed by an unknown individual.

CRASH LANDING

N Alexander St. / W Reynolds St.

Warrant arrest: During a crash investigation, an officer came into contact with a suspect who, following an NCIC/FCIC search, was

reveled to have an active violation of parole warrant. The warrant was confirmed y the Hillsborough County Sheriff s Office and the individual was subsequently arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail.

JULY 23

DOGGONE THIEF

1700 block of N Barnes St.

Theft: An officer met with the victim at the list location who advised that their dog was stolen from the front yard.

JULY 24

BREAKING BAD

400 block of W Cherry St. Vehicle burglary: Officers met with the complainant who stated that her husband’s vehicle was broken into that morning.

THROUGH THE FIRE AND FLAMES

N Alexander St. / I4 Overpass

Vehicle fi e: Officers responded to a semitruck that was parked under the I4 overpass, fully engulfed in flams. Plant City Fire Rescue subsequently arrived and extinguished the fire.

WINDOW PAINS

1300 block of E Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Criminal mischief: An officer met with the victim at the residence at the listed location in reference to a shooting/criminal mischief complaint. Upon arrival, officers were advised that a window was damaged.

RAISING EYEBROWS

2300 block of N Park Road

DUI arrest: An officer responded to a business at the listed location in reference to a suspicious vehicle complaint. Upon arrival, one individual was arrested for DUI.

JULY 25

ROCK AND ROLLING

N Dort St. / Victoria St.

Throwing deadly missile / criminal mischief / warrant arrest: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who reported that a rock was thrown at their vehicle’s windshield. One individual was subsequently arrested for multiple warrants and throwing a deadly missile into or at a vehicle and criminal mischief. He was transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com

Sports Writer / Taylor Jenkins tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com

StaffWriter / Michelle Caceres michelle@plantcityobserver.com

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TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

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CONTACT US

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OFOLLOW 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 Observer LLC. ©Copyright

This week on Cops Corner, Plant City Police investigate: A keyed car, a missing dog and a dangerously thrown rock.

DAVID MOON TAKES HELM OF PLANT CITY PHOTO ARCHIVES

“The story of the actual city and its industrial growth and the people that lived there was lost because the Civil War overshadowed that history,” he said. “We started to mass a collection of physical assets which turned into an archive which turned into a nonprofit which turned ino the historical society.”

With a passion for history and a proven track record of leadership in cultural preservation, Moon looks forward to his new role to preserve Plant City’s rich heritage

and promote historical education. “This was a unique opportunity to step into something I felt like I had experience with and could help move forward,” he said.

One of his primary goals is to bring history closer to people’s lives, making it more accessible and engaging for residents of all ages. “There’s so much history here with a lot yet to be discovered,” he said. “While more than a hundred thousand photos have been digitized, I plan to take it to the next level to attract a worldwide audience where people can access the photos online instead of just at the archives.”

Moon is accepting physical and digital images to add to the current collection. As

a non-profit oganization funded entirely by private donations, he’s also encouraging people to make a one-time financial donation or consider becoming a member, starting at $35 per year.

Plant City Photo Archives President Ed Verner, who, along with search committee chairman Bill Thomas, Robert Trinkle, Marion Smith, Felix Haynes, Faychone Durant and John Haney, hired Moon after n exhaustive three month search, is pleased with their selection.

“His past work and passion for photohistory spoke well of him on paper but also he really reached out to study our past and current track in ways that let us know how truly interested he was in the Plant City

Photo Archives, specifially.,” said Verner. “Usually one can be a bit wary of a candidate being sycophantish with false ‘interest’ and yet with Mr. Moon it was apparent that he has the passion and knowledge that we were hoping for.”

Verner said as the organization has aged, there’s now a lot of work to be done to re-engage with its membership and broaden its support base. “Mr. Moon appears ready and eager to move in those directions with us.”

The Plant City Photo Archives, located at 106 S. Evers St., is open Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information visit plantcityphotoarchives.org or call 813-754-1578.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

NEW YOUTH LEADERSHIP COMMISSION EMPOWERS STUDENTS FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE

The City of Plant City Youth Leadership Commission will educate participants interested in learning more about

There’s a new youth leadership program in Plant City.

The City of Plant City Youth Leadership Commission is a program spearheaded by Commissioner Jason Jones designed to encourage high school students to foster personal development and servant leadership. The program aims to provide a platform for young individuals to enhance their leadership skills and gain valuable insights into the workings of local government. It’s open to sophomore, junior, and senior high school students from all educational backgrounds, including those attending public, private, and homebased schools.

Through the monthly educational programs hosted by local community leaders, members of the Plant City Youth LeadershipCommission will have the chance to expand their knowledge about various aspects of local government. They will learn about the roles and responsibilities of different city departments, City Clerk, City Attorney, City Manager, Mayor, City Commissioners and community services. Additionally, they will gain an understanding of the decision-making processes involved in policy development and implementation.

Jones, who modeled the program after similar programs in other municipalities, realized Plant City’s youth would benefit fom this program after recollecting his own experience attending a local government meeting as a youth, which he’s never forgotten, and also bringing his children to commission meetings. “When the meetings were over they’d ask me so many questions about what they saw and heard, what the city manager does, what the motions mean,” he said.

He realized a youth leadership commission would be a way to expose more youth to commission meetings and educate them

about their local government and its many committees composed of volunteer citizens. “The student-led program will help students grow to become future leaders here in Plant City,” he said.

Several local leaders have joined the program board, including former high school principal Marsha Passmore, educator Carmel Keel and local banker Wesley Joyner.

Upon completion of the program, participants will gain an understanding of how local government and leadership principles, possess enhanced communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills and a sense of civic responsibility.

Applicants must be a resident of the City of Plant City or have a Plant City residential mailing address and be able to attend the mandatory orientation on September 21 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. They must also be able to commit to one year of service on the commission, attending the Monday, September 25 city commission meeting, attend monthly meeting the fourth Thursday of every month from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., attend at least two city commission meetings each term, attend at least one citywide function or event, serve as an ambassador for the City of Plant City and volunteer a minimum 10 hours at any citysponsored event.

The deadline to submit an application is Friday, September 8.

Each Plant City commissioner will select two members and the mayor will select three members out of eligible applicants. The 11 students selected to be on the Plant City Youth Commission will be notified y September 15.

“We already have a student in the community interested in participating and we haven’t even pushed it out there yet,” said Jones.

More information about the Plant City Youth Commission and its application can soon be found at plantcitygov.com and on the city’s social media channels.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Commissioner Jason Jones is spearheading the Youth Leadership Commission.

COMMUNITY EVENT OFFERS KIDS EXCITING ENCOUNTER WITH FIRST RESPONDERS

The Plant City Stadium will be alive with activity on Saturday, August 5 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for the third annual community picnic with fist responders.

The event, organized by a collaborative effort between local authorities, emergency services and iImpact PC, aims to dispel any apprehensions children might have towards fist responders and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for their crucial roles in safeguarding the community.

First responders, including fiefighers, police officers, paramedics and EMT’s will be on hand to interact with community members in a fun and engaging atmosphere. They’ll also have several pieces of equipment they use every day on display, including motorcycles, fietrucks and the PCPD’s BearCat. Children will be able to sit on the motorcycles, press the fietruck’s horn and check out inside the BearCat.

“It’s beautiful to watch the children get excited about what these men and women do for a living and even the officers enjoy talking about their equipment and how they use it to save lives,” said iImpactPC founder Danny McIntyre. “This is a great way for our fist responders to just relax and interact with the community.”

The annual event started three years ago following a conversation between McIntyre and PCPD Chief James Bradford. “During that conversation we talked about how kids are afraid of the police so we wanted to find a ay to bridge the gap between fist responders and the community they serve,” said McIntyre. “This event is to help

youth understand that fist responders don’t just work in our community but serve in our community and are a part of what makes Plant City strong.”

Bradford considers it an essential lesson that children be taught to respect the law and trust police officers and understand that in addition to fighting crim, they also offer help in times of crisis. “We want our children to be informed of everything relating to safety, and for kids to know that the police are the ones that keep people safe is paramount to a healthy mindset,” he said. “Children can be comforted in knowing that the police will help them when they have no one else to turn to, especially if they are afraid, lost, or in danger.”

Event attendees will receive t-shirts. The fist 500 children that come will receive a backpack and school supplies but there’s a catch. If a child wants a backpack, they’ll be given a wristband then will have to visit at least two stations, where fist responders will put a mark on their wristband. Children can then take their wristband to the Buffalo Soldiers, who’ll be passing out the backpacks and school supplies.

The fist 100 teachers that attend will receive a $50 gift card, a tumbler and a lunch box that says ‘I Love My Plant City First Responders.’

The event, which will also include free food (hot dogs, chips, bottled water, kettle corn and sno-cones) is completely free.

McIntyre said the event is for everyone and he hopes it will inspire some children to consider their future career goals.

“We had kids who attended last year tell their parents that when they grew up they wanted to be a policeman or a fiefigher,” said McIntyre. “To me, that makes it worth it.”

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

This Saturday the community is invited out to a free picnic at the Plant City Stadium where they can get to know their local first esponders.

SUNSHINE BIG DOG RESCUE LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE PROGRAM ENABLING SENIORS TO FOSTER FEE-FREE AND PROVIDING SUPPLIES

Sunshine Big Dog Rescue is implementing a new program to match seniors age 65 and older who love dogs but may not have the resources to financially are for a dog. The rescue, known for its dedication to finding orever homes for abandoned and neglected canines, is now offering a Senior Foster Program, a unique opportunity for seniors who yearn for companionship and a sense of purpose that comes from caring for a pet to foster dogs without any fees and providing all necessary supplies to ensure a smooth and fulfilling experience.

“I have fie or six long-term foster dogs who need love and attention,” said Sunshine Big Dog Rescue Owner Wendi Boswell Schulte. “These dogs can be fostered with a matched senior until such time the senior decides to adopt, switch dogs or opt out.”

Foster applications can be submitted

on its website. Schulte then completes a screening process, which includes a home visit and visit history of the applicant’s veterinarian (if they’ve owned pets in the past) to make sure they’re a good fit or the program. She then matches the senior with a dog based on individual needs.

“We’ll find a dog that maches their energy level, we’ve got dogs that will encourage seniors to get out and walk or just want to be couch potatoes,” she said.

There is no fee for the program. The rescue covers all the dog’s medical care costs. “If the foster needs food, a crate or toys I’ll provide that for the seniors too,” she said.

Schulte admits she sometimes shares a little too much about the dogs…and their quirks. “I want to make sure all my adopters know I’m a resource for them throughout the dog’s lifetime,” she said. “I’m always here to take the dogs back.”

Lakeland resident Melissa Gosney adopted Duke, a hound mix in December 2021. She fist saw pictures of the puppy, now three, on Petfinders website. She sent

her a message that she was interested in the animal. “She called me and we had a phone interview where we talked for an hour about our experience with pets and she shared Duke’s backstory,” said Gosney.

Duke, who came to Sunshine Big Dog Rescue from a shelter in Alabama, had been hit by a car. “Wendi shared information that I thought was important, I have other family members who adopted from other rescues and they didn’t get the same level of detail,” said Gosney. “She was so straightforward about him and his health history and any needs he might have.”

After Duke joined their family, Duke got an ear infection and was too scared to have drops put in his ears. Gosney called Schulte, who told her to bring him to her so she could show her some tricks to get the drops in his ears. “It feels like a partnership,” said Grosney.

Schulte gets most of her dogs from shelters throughout Florida.

Available dogs include Morgan, a fieyear-old Staffordshire Terrier mix. Morgan came to Sunshine Big Dog Rescue after

a Pasco County shelter employee called pleading to save her. Morgan was minutes from being euthanized. She adores adult humans and cats but isn’t a fan of children. She’s deaf but knows hand signals. She loves to ride in the car.

Schulte, who’s a physical therapist, has dreams of one day opening an assisted living facility attached to a dog rescue so that residents can benefit fom the dogs. “That’s my long-term goal, I just need funding,” she said.

For more information about Sunshine Big Dog Rescue or to learn more about the Senior Foster Program visit sunshinebigdogrescue.com/become-a-foster.

With this innovative program, not only will abandoned dogs find emporary loving homes but seniors will also experience the joy and fulfillment that omes from fostering a dog in need, a win-win situation for both man and man’s best friend.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

SPORTS FEATURED FUTURE: EZRA CARPENTER

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

After four years of varsity soccer at Strawberry Crest, Ezra Carpenter has committed to continue her academic and athletic journey at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, N.C..

Stepping onto campus as a freshman, Carpenter immediately made an impact on the Chargers program as one of the only freshman to see significant varsity action that season. In her first year with the team, Carpenter finished the season tied for the team lead with 12 goals while adding a pair of assists en route to the best single season win total in school history as they finished the year at 11-4 while claiming the program’s first district championship.

As a sophomore, Carpenter’s production soared. Across 15 matches, Carpenter scored a team-high 23 goals with five assists as the Chargers once again posted another historic season, finishing the year at 13-3 and claiming their second consecutive district championship behind two goals from Carpenter in a 2-0 finals victory over Bloomingdale.

As she quickly grew into a steady leader on the field, Carpenter used her experiences as a young starter to become a leader off of the field for Crest as well, looking back on her time as a new freshman and the anxiety that comes along with it to help bring along other young players that were new to the program.

“I was one of the only freshmen to play my first year,” Carpenter said. “I started as a striker and I scored my first goal against Plant City but the two games before that I was a nervous wreck. I was worried about impressing my teammates that were primarily juniors and seniors and so over the years I think that helped me try and become a kind of role model for the younger girls throughout the years. I tried to include every

single person on the team, I tried to make friends with everyone on the team and kind of make it a big happy family, just making sure that no one felt left out or like they didn’t belong there. And that translated to the field, we could all help each other and figure out how we all played and use that to the best of our ability to win games…Our coach would try to get everyone to play and after going through it I knew for a fact that some of them were a little worried, some wouldn’t come out of their shell so I tried to encourage them, talk to them, communicate with them on and off the field to help them warm up. Even if it was just to me at first, but at least just to let them out of their shell because I know how it felt. It’s a new environment, you want to make the most of it, you want to impress your teammates, you don’t want to feel like you’re a burden to anyone else on the field and I can understand that – I’ve always had that little bit of anxiety with that as well and it’s normal, it’s natural. So I wanted to make sure that they felt normal, they felt natural and that they could play to their best without ever feeling like they didn’t belong.”

And in her junior season, while the Chargers took a step back in the win column with an 8-4-3 record that culminated in a loss in the district semi-final, Carpenter had found herself on state leaderboards as her 29 goals – an average of 2.2 goals per game throughout her 13 matches played that year to go along with a career-high six assists –put her tied for 32nd in the state of Florida for the winter season.

As for club soccer, Carpenter began playing soccer at four years old through Fishhawk before moving over to the West Florida Flames Soccer Club at nine. She started her time there playing with the Flames’ standard team as opposed to their Development Academy team due to the fact that it allowed her to continue playing middle school soccer as well, but eventually transi-

tioned to their Girls Academy League team in high school. And upon joining the Flames GAL team, the potential for playing in college began to look like a reality.

She started putting videos out to schools and coaches as a sophomore and attended her first ID camp the following summer with Orlando City — her first chance to speak with college coaches. The next year consisted of Carpenter traveling throughout the southeast to different tournaments and ID camps — from North Carolina to South Carolina to Georgia and all throughout Florida. During her recruitment she talked to a number of schools that included Jacksonville, Davidson, and Florida Gulf Coast, among others. Carpenter mentioned that Florida Gulf Coast was certainly high on her list following an appealing offer, until she made contact with Lees-McRae’s coach Cally Morrill following a showcase in Greensboro, N.C.

“After that showcase I got a random email from Lees-McRae’s coach, it was out of nowhere, and she just said that she got to see one of my games and that she wanted to get to know me and asked if I wanted to come and see their campus,” Carpenter said.

Carpenter mentioned that Morrill liked her speed. her aggressiveness, her impact on the field and her leadership, all things that led to Morrill reaching out and making Carpenter one of her first recruits in her return to the Bobcats’ program. But through the conversation Carpenter learned that in addition to a potential opportunity to play soccer at Lees-McRae, the school also provided her with a great opportunity academically in her desired field.

“She also talked about a couple of the things that the school provided that would be of my interest because I wasn’t going to college just for soccer, I’m going to college for my academics because I want to be prevet, so I wanted to find a good college that could provide the education I need,” Carpen-

ter said. “Then I went there and I loved the place. It’s up in the mountains, the coach met us and took us on a tour, showed us the wildlife rehabilitation center and I got to hold some of the animals that they have at their sanctuary that can’t be released. She helped me meet the veterinarian that works there and I just fell in love with the school once I got there. The coach made my mom and I feel at home, she made my parents feel comfortable with the hands that they’re leaving me in and stuff like that, it was just a nice out-of-nowhere process that resulted in me being like, you know what, maybe this is the place for me. And while I hadn’t been in contact with her for as long as some of the other coaches, it just seemed a lot more promising.”

With all of that in mind, Carpenter subsequently received an official offer and committed to Lees-McRae later that summer.

In her senior season this past winter, Carpenter continued to score at a jaw-dropping rate with 20 goals and two assists over her 12 matches played, leading the Chargers to a 9-5-1 record and a district semifinals appearance — the program’s sixth consecutive winning season as Carpenter capped her high school career by leading the team in goals all four of her seasons at Crest.

Arriving to campus in early August, Carpenter will enroll at Lees-McRae this fall as a pre-veterinary major with a minor in wildlife rehabilitation.

Featured Future is a summer series where the Observer will highlight local student athletes who are preparing to continue their athletic and educational careers at the college level, or those who have already begun that journey.

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

PLANT CITY NATIVE DAX DRAWDY SELECTED TO USSSA ALL-AMERICAN TEAM

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Eleven year old Plant City native Dax Drawdy was recently selected to USSSA’s 11U All-American baseball team.

After receiving an invite from the competitive sports organization in January, Drawdy subsequently participated in a regional tryout in Tampa before being selected to participate with the 11U Southeast Red team at a showcase late last month in Viera, Fla. The showcase featured players from across the country, with Drawdy’s Southeast Red team including three players from Mississippi, one from North Carolina and eight from throughout Florida.

“There was Northeast, Northwest, Mid-Central, Midwest and each had different colors, so he played against kids from all over the country,” his mother Layla Drawdy said

Drawdy played in nine games over six days where he finished the showcase 9-19 at the plate with six singles, three doubles, five walks, five runs batted in and three stolen bases while playing mistake-free defense in the field. A utility player that plays all across the infield at first, second and third, Drawdy admits that he has his most fun on the mound as a pitcher.

“I play almost everywhere other than catcher but my strongest positions are first, second, third and pitcher,” Drawdy said. “My favorite position, that’s a tough question, but I think I like pitching more than anything.”

After his performance at the showcase, the Drawdy family received a letter in the mail notifying them that Dax had been one of 36 players from the 11U Southeastern division selected as an AllAmerican..

“It felt amazing to have the opportunity to do such a rare thing and I couldn’t have done it without my family,” Drawdy said.

Starting baseball at four years old with Plant City Little League, Drawdy began playing travel ball at eight and currently plays with the Plant City Bats travel ball organization where he will enter his first 12U season this fall. In addition to practice and year-round baseball, Drawdy

takes pitching lessons with Carlos Sierra and hitting lessons with Ryan Rayburn. While he’s just now entering middle school, Drawdy plans to attend Strawberry Crest High School in the future.

USSSA stands for the United States Specialty Sports Association, a volunteer sports governing body and nonprofit organization. Originally standing for the United States Slowpitch Softball Association, the organization rebranded in 1998 and currently governs 13 amateur sports. Slow-pitch softball, baseball, fast-pitch softball and basketball athletes make up approximately 80 percent of USSSA’s membership while the remaining nine sports account for over 350,000 participants. In 2017 the USSSA moved into Space Coast Stadium and the surrounding softball fields that previously served as the spring training complex for the Washington Nationals, officially relocating their headquarters from Kissimmee to Viera, Fla. — renaming the complex the USSSA Space Coast Complex.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

Advantage Academy of Miami, Inc. today announced an amendment to its policy for serving meals to students under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs for the 2023-2024 school year. All students will be served breakfast and lunch at no charge at the following sites:

Advantage Academy of Hillsborough, Everglades Preparatory Academy Middle School Everglades Preparatory Academy High School, Palm Glades Preparatory Academy Middle School, Palm Glades Preparatory Academy High School, Summerville Advantage Academy

The Charter School at Waterstone, West Broward Academy

For additional information: Advantage Academy of Miami, Inc., Attention: Food Service Director, 5471 North University Drive, Coral Springs, Florida 33067, (954) 414-5767, k12food@charterk12.com.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: Add a little bit of body text, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by mail:

U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or email: program.intake@usda.gov

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR

“Soap, matches, salt.” - Karla Jones King

“Tacos, beer and a satellite radio.”

- James Villa

“Boat, tent and water fitration kit.”

- Tiffany Jones

“I’d choose to be stranded on a populated island. Like England… Ireland? Japan maybe.” - Maegan Bledsoe

“Nivea skin lotion. That stuff is just great! Espresso machine. A satellite phone to call for help.” - Stina Abrahamson

“If I got stranded on an island I probably wouldn’t have planned on it, so I guess what ever I took to that island.” - Jason Wilkerson

“A yacht, enough fuel to get back, and enough food/drinks to last a week.”

- Ryan Clark

“Boat, water and food.” - Brenda Jones

“Sun screen and mosquito/bug spray.”Shelly Keely Barnes

“Depends on which island... the big island of Hawaii for instance, I’d bring my wife, kids and a plenty of cash.... Gilligan’s island is a different story, a boat with plenty of fuel and a fully stocked fridge.” - Eduardo Jose Paredes

“Don’t plan on being stranded on an island.” - Jim Adams

“My Bible, an RV and a grocery store.”

- Beverly Pat Connell

“Bible, matches, knife.” - Linda Stanaland Wetherington

“Wilson.” - Bob Norton

“Water fitration kit, sunscreen with anti-bug in it and a cell phone.” - Janet Bethart Maze

“Helicopter, fuel and a pilot.” - Rebeka Attaway Moore

“Family, restaurant and TECO!”

- Cynthia Davis Van Camp

“A boat.” - Jennifer Ann

“Fire starter, machete, water.” - Tammy Gall

“A water desalinator, a good knife and a multifunction fie starter.” - Leslie Pratt

“A boat.” - Robert Verner

“Boat, gas, food.” - Emily Brown

We asked Plant City: If you were stranded on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring?

Beryle Solomon Buchman

Beryle Solomon Buchman died July 26, 2023 at Tampa, Fla., at the age of 94. Beryle was born in Tampa in 1928, the daughter of Rudolph and Isabelle Solomon. Ms. Buchman was a graduate of the University of Florida, and a schoolteacher for 30 years, the majority teaching at Tomlin Jr. High School in Plant City.

She was predeceased by two loving husbands. She was married to Paul S. Buchman from 1950 until he passed away in 1991. In 2004, she married Jack C. Wolff and as his constant companion until his death in April, 2023. She is survived by her sons, J. Miles Buchman (Deborrah Cannizzaro) and Kenneth W. Buchman (MarDee), her brother, Marvin Solomon (Karen), three grandchildren, Katherine Buchman Roy (Rob), Stephanie Buchman Rutrick (Nelson) and Paul Scott Buchman, and three great-grandchildren,

Claire Nicole Roy, Rex Elliot Rutrick and Hal Benjamin Rutrick, and numerous nieces and nephews. Beryle had a lifelong love of learning, and had many interests and hobbies, including music, gardening, crafting, computer programing, genealogy, and ballroom dancing.

Beryle was a member of Congregation Schaarai Zedek. There will be a Memorial service Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, at Congregation Schaarai Zedek, W. Swann Avenue, Tampa, FL 33609 at 11:30 a.m., followed by a reception in the Buchman-Rachelson Social Hall.

Condolences can be expressed online at segalfuneralhome.com and memorial contributions can be made to the Amy Gail Buchman Preschool located in Congregation Schaarai Zedek, or to the charity of your choice.

Rip Lee

Rip Lee, 56, of Lithia, born on Feb. 11, 1967, in Lakeland, went home to be with his Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ on July 25, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Mitchell.

A funeral service will be held Monday, Aug. 7, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Lone Oak Baptist Church, 3505 Lone Oak Road, Plant City, where the family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. Committal to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Plant City. In lieu of flwers, memo-

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

Laurie Ann Pope, 59, of Lakeland, Fla., passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Laurie was born on Dec. 12, 1963. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www. WellsMemorial.com for the Pope family.

813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com

M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

BEST BET

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4

TRUE ARTS FESTIVAL

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1306 Larrick Lane. Come express yourself through art at the True Arts Festival. All are welcome to come paint and draw at this multifamily event, featuring food, fun, water activities, a bounce house and face painting as well. The event is free and all are encouraged to bring a chair.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5

BLUEGRASS JAM

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. This is an open invitation for local Bluegrass musicians and fans to come to the Krazy Kup loft and jam, clap hands, stomp feet and enjoy! Krazy Kup holds their Bluegrass JAM on the fist Saturday of every month.

SCHOOL SUPPLY GIVEAWAY

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 904 E Renfro St. St Mary’s Community Church will be holding a school supply giveaway this Saturday at their annex. All in need are free to arrive and receive needed supplies for this upcoming school year.

MONDAY, AUGUST 7

BACK TO SCHOOL DRIVE

3 to 4 p.m. at 302 McLendon St. Just in time for tax-free weekend, Bruton Memorial Library is taking supply donations to give to schools in Plant City and Dover. Items needed are: regular and colored pencils, crayons, glue, erasers, scissors, Kleenex, disinfecting wipes, Ziplog bags and anything else needed for the educational school system. Starting at 3 p.m., they will be distributing Chromebooks to qualifying elementary families, have health screenings for adults, vision screening for children, and different organizations in Plant City will be available to answer questions and hand out information.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8

LIFE RECOVERY - ADDICTION RECOVERY GROUP

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 2103 Mud Lake Rd. The Plant City Church of God hosts Life Recovery on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, a free, Christ centered, 12-step group addiction recovery program for all those in need. Family is welcome to join alongside attendees and for more information, call or text Debbie at 813-763-1562 or Laverne at 813-763-1530.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9

FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY

VETERANS

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Federal, state and local opportunities are constantly changing. If you’ve served any time in the military, retired or non-retention, and would like to review your benefis please take advantage of free assistance at the Bing House Museum, 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walk-ins welcomed or call 813-704-5800 to set a specific tim.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

OPEN MIC NIGHT

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Open Mic Night is back at Krazy Kup. Join them for a fun night where you get to be the star of the show. Come out, strut your stuff and shw everyone what you’ve got.

To have your event included in our calendar, visit the calendar section of our website at www.PlantCityObserver.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

3 to 6:30 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is back on Saturday, August 19, rain or shine. Cars and trucks of all makes, models and years can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music by DJ John Paul Gasca.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25

LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN

5 to 9 p.m. at 110 N Collins St. The Last Friday in Downtown Food Truck Rally is held with a new theme each month. There will be live music, an expanded exhibitor market, a bounce house, a scavenger hunt, food trucks and more. The event is family and pet friendly and all are recommended to bring chairs and blankets. August’s theme will be Marvel vs. DC.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS WITH ESTRANGED FAMILY

6:30 to 8 p.m. at 1107 Charlie Griffind. Join other parents who are estranged from their adult children. PEAK (Parents of Estranged Adult Kids) group provides a safe place to listen, share and support others going through the hurt of adult family abandonment. Meetings will include group discussions, self-care and positive inflence activities to help cops with the situation. PEAK is not appropriate for abusive relationships or mental illness. Meetings take place on the fist Wednesday of each month at GracePoint Church. For more information, visit www.peaksupportgroup. com.

I LOVE PLANT CITY

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

FORECAST

91

74

rain: 36%

AUGUST 4

SUNRISE/SUNSET

94

76

MOON PHASES

21%

93

77

24%

RAINFALL

58%

AVOCADO

ONLINE Follow us on social media: @PCObserver on Instagram, @PlantObserver on Twitter and Plant City Observer on Facebook.

Suzanne Calder snapped this photo of a hawk taking off fom a tree in Walden Lake.

(C) 2023 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

You don’t have to go far for extraordinary care.

You can count on BayCare in Hillsborough County.

You’ll find all the care you need, close to home. We have a wide range of services and facilities to meet all the health care demands of the community. Whether it’s primary care, emergency care or anything in between, you always get extraordinary care from BayCare.

Outpatient centers

n Two BayCare HealthHubs®

n Two BayCare Outpatient Centers

Publix

BayCare Medical Group offices

n Twenty-six primary care practices

n Forty-four specialty care practices

n Four hospitalists/palliative care providers

Laboratories

Rehabilitation centers

n BayCare HealthHub (South Tampa) Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation

n St. Joseph’s Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation Center

n South Florida Baptist Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation Center

n South Florida Baptist Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation Center at the BayCare HealthHub

To discover all the BayCare locations near you, go to BayCareInHillsborough.org or scan this code.

n St. Joseph’s Hospital

n St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital

n St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital

n St. Joseph’s Hospital-North

n St. Joseph’s Hospital-South

n South Florida Baptist Hospital