PLANT CITY
Observer
Rotary day of fun returns. SEE PAGE 6
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 6, NO. 6
FREE
Fire funds found
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2018
YOUR TOWN
Fire Station Three is back on track thanks to the recent addition of $632,000 to its budget. See Page 4 Breanne Williams
Local gamers level up Thanks to the popularity of streaming sites like Twitch, gaming can be a career.
‘Yer a wizard, Harry’ Few days are as magical as July 31, also known as the birthday of The Boy Who Lived. When J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter into existence all those years ago she also forever cemented that often hot day in July as an international day of celebration. Brick City Bricks joined in the magic and threw a Harry Potter birthday bash. Two birthday cakes — exact replicas of the slightly squashed version from the films — were served to all those who stopped in. The movies were playing non-stop throughout the store and there was a special discount on several themed LEGO sets.
Solving the ‘Murder at Mike’s’ There’s been a murder at Mike’s 50’s Cafe and you’re invited to crack the case. Courtesy photo
BeardedGuysGaming was founded by two Plant City residents who are taking Twitch by storm. BREANNE WILLIAMS
Two Plant City men have turned their passion for gaming into a full-time career.
BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
F
or many gamers, the prospect of evolving leisurely playing into a full-time career is nothing more than a pipe dream. Two Plant City locals have turned that dream into a reality. Upon first glance, their massive beards and shiny heads — one shaven, one naturally bald — makes Joe Pradera and Matthew
Storey appear to be twins. While no familial blood runs through their veins, their friendship, which was sparked decades ago in the sixth grade, created a brotherhood that has drawn in virtual admirers of more than 32,000 followers. “I’ve been playing video games all my life,” Pradera said. “Matt was always more of the ‘play outside’ kind of guy. He and I met in SEE GAMERS PAGE 3
STAFF WRITER
A murder is coming to Plant City. This year’s Mystery Dinner Theater, hosted by the Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library, is adding a dash of 50s nostalgia to its comically devious repertoire. Join some of the hottest residents in town at a new restaurant called Mike’s 50’s Cafe. Everyone is gathered for its grand opening, but as the night progresses secrets are bound to come out. SEE MIKE’S PAGE 7