9.12.19 PLCO by Plant City Observer

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YO UR HOMETOW N. YO UR NEWSPAP ER .

VOLUME 6, NO. 62

YOUR HOMETOWN. YOUR NEWSPAPER

. YO UR NEWS PAP ER . PCPD KICKS OFF NEW DRONE PROGRAM Plant City Police Department now has two drones at its disposal to use for a variety of projects throughout the city.

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BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Plant City Police are already discovering the possibilities of use for their new drones are “only limited to the scope of their imagination.” PCPD decided to use its Federal Equitable Funds this year to purchase the two devices which, along with the

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accessories and controls, cost approximately $8,000. Chief Ed Duncan said a large part of the decision to purchase the devices came due to the fact that for years PCPD has remained reliant on other operations that have air support to come to their aid in an emergency. “HCSO would send us their helicopter and when you’re talking about a missing child or a senior citizen that has gotten lost, those minutes spent waiting for air support to arrive are too valuable to spare,” Duncan said. “And really, after a lot of research and thought, I realized there were many possibilities of ways we can utilize these devices.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

The refreshing and soft SnoBall creations found only at a Pelican’s SnoBalls have officially made their way to Plant City.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

NEWS BRIEFS

Courtesy photos

From left: The City of Plant City issued a proclamation for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month; Strawberry Crest principal Dave Brown; Wish Farms groundbreaking ceremony

City issues Childhood HCPS announces Dorian Cancer Awareness make-up plan Month proclamation Mayor Rick Lott proclaimed September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month during Monday night’s city commission meeting. Plant City resident Emily Pierce and her daughter, Morgan, were among those who attended the proclamation ceremony. Emily Pierce is the executive vice president of the Florida chapter of the Jensen’s Heart of Gold foundation and is a relentless fundraiser for both cancer research and family assistance. Morgan Pierce has been bravely battling neuroblastoma for more than 10 years. Jensen’s Heart of Gold Foundation’s annual Play for a Cure event is coming up soon. The free day of play, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 21, offers games, goodies, food and fun at the train depot for kids. Play for a Cure is meant to raise awareness for local kids fighting cancer. The foundation, which has chapters in Alabama and Florida, provides financial assistance to families fighting childhood cancer. For more information about the event, visit jensensheartofgold.com/play.

After Hurricane Dorian prompted Hillsborough County Public Schools to give students the day of Sept. 3 off, the goal was to find a way to make up for lost time without major changes to the calendar. Now a plan is in place. County officials announced Tuesday that to make up for lost time, the following four Mondays will no longer be early release days: Sept. 16, Sept. 23, Sept. 30 and Oct. 7. That means there are no more early release days until January 2020.

Brown announced as principal of new high school Hillsborough County Public Schools also announced Tuesday that Strawberry Crest High School principal David Brown, who opened the school in 2009, has been tapped to start another new school. Brown was appointed principal of Hillsborough’s newest high school at Tuesday’s school board meeting. The school, which has yet to be named, will be located in the Riverview area and is set to open its doors in August 2020.

Wish Farms breaks ground Wish Farms held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new corporate headquarters Tuesday morning in Plant City. Wish bought a 36-acre plot just south of Interstate 4, near Hope Lutheran Church, in August 2018. It will include a 20,000-square foot office and a 138,000-square foot warehouse. “Today’s groundbreaking for the new corporate headquarters of Wish Farms is a special occasion,” city commissioner Nate Kilton said. “It marks the progress and innovation of a long-standing Plant City company that has spanned generations. The new office building will be a state-ofthe-art facility that, combined with the warehouse currently under construction, will be a Plant City landmark along the I-4 corridor. I wish them much success in the years to come.”

White appointed to Library Board The City of Plant City appointed Dodie White to its Library Board on Monday night. White, a lifelong resident of Plant City, will serve the remainder of a three-year

term that began July 1, 2018. She served on the Board of Managers for Plant City Entertainment for approximately 28 years, from 1989 to 2017, and currently holds positions with the Arts Council of Plant City, United Food Bank of Plant City, the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center Advisory Board, Plant City Christmas Parade, Inc. and the Veteran’ s Monument Park Committee. She is a Florida Strawberry Festival Ambassador and is heavily involved with the Neighborhood Village and Queen’s Exhibit. “My goal in anything I do is to make a positive impact, and I hope to be able to do that with our wonderful library,” White said when applying for the position.

Steers weighed at festival Last Saturday was steer weigh-in day at the Florida Strawberry Festival. According to festival chair Sandee Parke-Sytsma, roughly 110 steers were weighed, tagged, vaccinated, wormed and had their identities recorded. For dozens upon dozens of young agriculture students, the day was an important step taken before next year’s slate of festival ag shows. The 2020 Florida Strawberry Festival, which carries a theme of “Our Perfect Vision,” runs from Feb. 27, 2020 through March 8, 2020.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

COMMUNITY CHIMES IN ON FATE OF DOWNTOWN A Town Hall on Tuesday night regarding the future of downtown Plant City brought dozens of attendees’ ideas to the forefront of the formation of a strategic Downtown Vision Plan.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

First United Methodist Church opened its doors to a packed house Tuesday evening as members of the community gathered to share their hopes for the future of downtown Plant City in a Town Hall. The meeting was held to gauge the community’s input on the current assets of downtown as well as where there was room for improvement. In June the City of Plant City and Main Street Plant City partnered together to hire Community Design Solutions to create a strategic Downtown Vision Plan. “Downtowns are extremely important because they’re the only places in the community that are unique and original,” Randy Wilson, presenter with Community Design Solutions, said. “I want you to think about right now, the places, these great places you have in your community, for example out toward where your big box retailers are. Those retailers are awesome and so helpful for your community, but guess what? I can see those same things in South Carolina. But I can only see the assemblage of historic buildings you have here in Plant City in one place on the planet, and that’s downtown Plant City.” Calling downtowns the “heart and soul” of communities, Wilson stressed the importance of having a flourishing downtown if the city wants to encourage continued, meaningful growth. Wilson said the goal of Community Design Solutions is to offer a handful of “specific stra-

tegic tactics” rather than 100 vague ideas. They want to be able to leave Plant City with a roadmap on how to create genuine and deep change in the next three to five years. Looking at the filled pews of the church, Wilson shared he also is a pastor. Asking for a spirit of camaraderie, he said there were only two ground rules for the evening: Treat each other’s opinions with respect and keep your answers short so everyone has a chance to share. He assured the attendees his company had a formula that worked and that they based the analysis on the participation of the members of the communities they entered. “We’re not going to solve every problem in Plant City,” Wilson said. “We just don’t have the time, effort or money to do that. So we’re just going to keep to our area of focus on downtown so we can place our focus on that area.” Then he entered a quick, but enlightening, Q&A. Having spent the day meeting with members of the community, Wilson already had a strong grasp of what the community hoped to see in its downtown. Few comments seemed to take him by surprise and when they did, he asked for a brief expansion on the answer before ensuring it was written down and moving on to the next raised hand. Wilson asked the attendees to sum up in one word the essence and character of downtown Plant City. Answers ranged from the naming of iconic landmarks, like the railroad and historic buildings downtown, to more metaphorical aspects like its friendliness and diversity. Some

of the critiques were blunt, saying downtown is “dull,” “plain,” “barren,” “vacant” and “boring.” The characteristics most seemed to agree on were the fact that the charm of Plant City lies deep in the heart of its downtown sector and the community was reluctant to lose that in the push for an evolving space. Wilson then asked for the community to picture a postcard of downtown that they would want to send to a friend or loved one. What would be on it? What image captures the essence of Plant City? Again, answers were visual icons like the train platform, strawberries, the one mural still downtown and the historic homes and businesses in the area. Some said they thought of the unique events held downtown every year, while others said they think of the Veterans and McCall parks. The answer, according to Wilson, may involve a collage of some of those results. Visualization is key to success, he said, and without a strong branded image of downtown it will be difficult to easily identify what the character of that section of town truly is. He then led the discussion down more passionate paths, asking what the community wished they could do or get in their downtown core. Hands immediately popped up around the sanctuary. The attendees want a bookstore, a market hall, more restaurants and affordable residential areas. They want a children’s park and maybe a walking trail. Some said they want a brewery, others a food hall or event space. Many mentioned wanting busi-

nesses that were open after 5 p.m. and open on Sundays and Mondays. Riding the wave of participation, Wilson alluded to downtown as a coin and asked for the attendees to consider both sides, or the things they liked and disliked, and to reflect on what stood out as the best and worst qualities of the district. Answers began to repeat as the consensus slowly began to come to fruition. Downtown has charm, a special ambiance, especially around the holidays, that you rarely see anymore in other cities. Downtown has culture, filling the streets for its parades and special events, and an interconnected business and resident network that makes many feel like they’re part of a family. However, the group was also able to quickly identify some massive flaws with the current downtown. Vacancies are a dime a dozen in the sector and many — including current and former business owners — said they needed to ask why that was the case. Rising rents, lack of advertising for the area, non-cohesiveness between businesses and nonexistent affordable housing in the area, all repeatedly came up as concerns. Traffic in the area also was mentioned quite a few times as people questioned whether the downtown area truly was pedestrian-friendly when so many cars fly by without giving pause to crosswalks or those strolling near the edge of the road. Some of the attendees focused on the fact that Plant City still struggles to establish its official culture. When they wanted to have a night on the town or go

out for a special event, they said, they had to turn toward Lakeland or Tampa to find a venue or experience that fit their needs. Others said without a focus on more green space or art, the area would never stand out as anything more than a handful of quaint historic buildings. Wilson closed the Q&A by asking for one word of advice or warning for his group. Interacting with all of the suggestions, he assured the attendees they would reflect on everything that was said before turning around a final result. The group also invited members of the community to share their opinion at surveymonkey. com/r/plantcity. The survey site said it will take approximately one to one and a half hours to complete as it is an in-depth questionnaire. A large part of Community Design Solution’s plan involves ensuring everyone has an input on the plan. Communication is key, according to the group, and Wilson said this final plan doesn’t belong to the city or Main Street, but to the entire community. He wants them to understand its ins and outs and he wants them to all walk away knowing what the future goal for the area is. Today the group will announce an initial summary presentation in a meeting at FUMC at 3:30 p.m. Community Design Solutions will upload a video presentation on YouTube for those who can’t attend and Main Street Plant City will dive into the results of the study in their next Topics on Tap event at The Corner Store, 121 W. Reynolds St., at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 24.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

PLANT CITY

This week on Cops Corner:

COPS CORNER

Observer

Plant City Police investigated a stolen trampoline, employee theft, a stolen firearm, a curious

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

creeper and more.

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

AUG. 30

SEPT. 1

PRESCHOOL FIRE DRILL 900 block of East Renfro Street False alarm of fire/possession of marijuana: Officers responded to a report of a man intentionally pulling a fire alarm at a preschool. He was placed under arrest for possession of marijuana and charged with false alarm of fire. The man was transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

LOADED PURCHASE 1 Police Place Recovered stolen firearm: This complainant reached out to police after checking the serial number on a 9mm Sig Sauer handgun that was in his possession and learning the gun had been reported stolen to Lakeland Police Department. Officers confirmed the firearm was stolen and took possession of the gun, placing it in PCPD evidence. A report was completed and the make and model, serial number and details of how the firearm was obtained were all documented.

ROOKING THE SYSTEM 3500 block of West Baker Street Petit theft: A woman committed an theft in the amount of $140 from the company she worked for. Based on the information obtained in the investigation and the woman’s criminal history, she qualified for the APAD program.

SEPT. 2

SNACK ATTACK 1700 block of North Park Road Criminal mischief: This complainant told police that sometime between Aug. 30 and Sept. 2, someone damaged a vending machine at the property while attempting to make entry into it.

SEPT. 4 CURIOUS CREEPERS 2700 block of Wilder Reserve Drive Unlawful trespass: During the night of Sept. 3, someone entered three of the complainant’s unlocked vehicles. There was no damage to any of the cars and nothing appeared to be missing, though it was obvious someone had been riffling through. The complainant said she only wanted the incident documented and signed a waver.

RENT BANDITS 900 block of Loganderry Lane Burglary vehicle: At an unknown time during the past two weeks, someone entered this complainant’s unlocked vehicle and removed all of her rent cash from her wallet. She told police she needed a report so her landlord would not force her to pay a late fee. She then signed a waiver of prosecution. SWIPER NO SWIPING 2200 block of Oak Avenue Theft: This victim stayed at Community Care Center for a short recovery and had his wallet, which contained $230, stolen.

The Plant City Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. The Plant City Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

PCPD KICKS OFF NEW DRONE PROGRAM Plant City Police Department now has two drones at its disposal. FROM PAGE 1 BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The drones — Mavic 2 Enterprises — are designed specifically for first responders and Duncan said the rate at which technology continues to advance over the years has led to small crafts being able to do incredible work. One of the drones has a 4k zoom lens and is ideal for detailed views, photos and videos at higher altitude. The second drone is equipped with a FLIR thermal lens, which will come in handy when searching for lost children, fleeing suspects or even for locating “hotspots” in structure fires. Duncan said if they are using the drones for search and rescue or to monitor a fleeing suspect, an entire team will be able to have a visual. As an operator flies the drone, the camera feed can be linked to a monitor or device for the group to assess. As the operator focuses on flying, his team can search the image for the subject in question. The drones can also be used for traffic control and to monitor large crowds. During the Florida Strawberry Festival, PCPD handles traffic surrounding the event and security outside the festival grounds. Having a drone powered up and ready to roll at any moment will help them be able to quickly assess the backup of vehicles so they know how best to direct traffic. In the case of a disaster or civil unrest, the drones will act as an asset for monitoring a situation for officers on the ground. The City of Plant City has already turned to PCPD for assistance using the new purchases. Right before Hurricane Dorian headed toward Florida, PCPD went out with city officials and flew over some of the major

ponds and waterways, like those found in McIntosh Park, to check for blockage and monitor water levels. In the past, the city has had to pay a third party for access to that type of assessment. Now it can use its own drones to quickly turn the project around. The operators of the drones have to pass the FAA Part 107 test and will undergo two weeks of training to learn how to professionally operate the aircrafts. PCPD has also used the drones to undergo a safety security assessment of several of the city facilities. With three battery changes, they are able to do up to two hours of flight time. The devices have an optimal five-mile range and can go up to 45 miles an hour. Captain Jerry Stwan said one of the greatest attributes of the devices are the 10 sensors for omnidirectional obstacle avoidance. These drones will, via sensors, be nearly impossible to crash, and thanks to a built-in radar, will return to the launch site at the click of a button, when the battery becomes critically low or when the controller loses connection to the device. Duncan said part of his responsibility as Chief is to utilize funds in the most effective and useful manner. Some drones cost upwards of $30,000 and he said he isn’t convinced his department has any need for something of that capacity. “It’s important to evaluate the need for our specific community,” Duncan said. “If a child is missing, those are very intense moments. If an elderly person wanders off we have to exhaust a lot of our efforts to locate them as quickly as possible. These drones, they’re going to make a massive difference in our capabilities as a department. The main focus is strictly to enhance

our response, to immediately be able to make those choices in a crisis that can be the difference between success or failure.” Officer safety played a key role in his decision to kick off the program. If an armed suspect has fled and is lying in wait for officers to arrive to an ambush, PCPD now will be able to quickly launch a drone, identify the suspect’s location and “take control of the situation.” Using a speaker built into the drone, they are able to share messages with those beneath the device and can hopefully prevent any officer from having to walk into a dangerous situation. “There’s an indoor use as well that we as officers can’t overlook,” Stwan said. “There have

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been several active shooter situations in our community over the past few years where this technology would have come in handy. One was a warehouse out on Amberjack (Blvd.), there was the Save-A-Lot warehouse. As first responders, we had to go in there. This guy had already shot two people, caught the place on fire and now we’re going in this big warehouse to find him. It would’ve been great to have this drone, put it inside the building and we could've put eyes on him and even talked to him through the remote. With the escalation of active shooter situations even if Plant City High School, if it were to ever God forbid happen there, we could very possibly put

a drone out in there to quickly find this guy.” Every single time the devices are launched, Stwan said, PCPD will log its flight. Whether for practice or a mission he said they want a detailed log of its usage. Duncan said that will help him be able to evaluate the success of the program at the end of the year and decide if they need to look into expanding it further. Of course, Stwan explained, all drone operations must comply with Florida State Statute 934.50, which protects the privacy of privately owned property and sets the guidelines for evidence collection.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

SCHMOOZAPALOOZA AIMS FOR A TOUCHDOWN BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce is throwing a tailgatethemed community showcase next week that is sure to quickly become a treasured favorite. There’s no better way to get to know your community than through a massive tailgate. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce is merging a football-themed tailgate party with an elaborate business trade show in its new event, “Schmoozapalooza 2019.” The event will act as a fun and exciting bridge between the community and the businesses that call Plant City home. The $10 ticket gets each resident through the door and invites them to take part in exhibitor booths, complimentary food and beer samples from local restaurants, swag bags, games, giveaways and more. “We knew there was an opportunity missing in the community to give businesses the chance to participate in a kind of business expo where they can share what they do with people and we can bring all of the businesses together to showcase in one place,” Sophia Hyde, community relations manager for the Chamber, said. “A few years ago there was an expo, but it had fallen away. We wanted to bring it back, but bring it back with a lot of fun so people would be really excited to come out to it.” It’s a unique opportunity for local businesses to be showcased in a way that’s fun for the community and will leave them wanting more. In fact, 47 businesses have agreed to participate. If everything goes according to plan, the event will act as a pseudo-party for the community. They’ll be able to find

a new business to fall in love with while also participating in games, enjoying a live DJ and spending some time with their families at the festivities. Plant City’s chamber based the event on a “very successful event” the Knoxville chamber puts on, according to Hyde. Under their mentorship, Plant City was able to morph the event to fit our specific community and using a football tailgate theme seemed like the perfect way to jump into a jovial spirit. “The reason theirs is so successful is not only does it attract the business community, but the public loves to come to it as well because of everything from the free samples from local restaurants to the beer and the wine and all of the games with the tailgate theme,” Hyde said. “Both the businesses win and the public wins. It’s a really great opportunity for everyone to come together.” In a phrase, Schmoozapalooza is a community showcase. The very things that make Plant City such a great place to work, play and live are all together under one roof. Community members will see old favorites and hopefully will stumble upon something they didn’t even know existed. Be prepared to party. While strolling the aisle you’ll see a variety of active games at many of the individual business stands and there will also be crowd favorites, like yard pong, to keep the energy high at the event. “We’re wanting everybody to have fun and to learn something about their community they didn’t’ already know,” Hyde said. “Hopefully there’s great networking that takes place, new relationships are built and it all happens in a fun way.”

IF YOU GO

SCHMOOZAPALOOZA 2019 When: Sept. 19 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Where: HCC Trinkle Center, 1204 N. Park Rd. Tickets: $10 per attendee

REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW

Some of the exhibitors and event partners include: Hillsborough Community College Southern Hospitality Focus Magazine Fryed Egg Productions Hillsborough Title In the Field Magazine Minuteman Press Plant City Observer South Florida Baptist WellMed Axiom Bank A Chair Affair G5 Goudie & Kohn PA Graphite Media Mainstreet Paychex Pepin Distributing Pregnancy Care Center Railroad Industrial FCU

Rhodes Group SBDC Stahl Insurance Suncoast Credit Union Tooth Caboose Ty Tison for Judge YMCA Labor Solutions Maid Easy Cleaning St. Leo University State Farm - Courtney Paat Enjoy Complimentary Samples From: 1916 Irish Pub 911 Catering Charley's Dairy Queen Duke's Brewhouse Jimmy John’s Keel and Curley Krazy Kup Norma's O'Brien's Irish Pub Publix Roots Snellgroves The Corner Store Winn-Dixie

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SEEKS INPUT

ON COMMUNITY’S PRIORITIES FOR SUPERINTENDENT

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

DOCTOR’S NOTE:

FINDING YOUR PERFECT BALANCE Having a good physical balance is important for maintaining overall good health.

Hillsborough County Public Schools is seeking feedback on its search for a new superintendent for our district. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The people now have the opportunity to share their thoughts on what they hope to see in a superintendent for Hillsborough County Public Schools. Hillsborough County’s school district oversees billions of dollars spread across approximately 250 schools. Superintendent Jeff Eakins is expected to retire at the end of this school year and the district is inviting residents to complete a short survey to identify what the community’s top priorities in a candidate are. More than 200,000 students go to school five days a week in Hillsborough County. The hundreds of thousands of parents of those students often feel left out of their children’s educational process, as evidenced by the many complaints lodged toward the school board and spread on social media each school year. Now it seems they have a chance to be heard. The district and Ray and Associates, its search firm, have created a survey to narrow down the qualities people hope to see in the next superintendent. What’s more important, a doctoral degree or a focus on

the area’s cultural diversity? Do you want a proven leader or someone who has new ideas? Is a trustworthy nature the most important thing to you or do you value someone who values and promotes positive student behavior and a safe learning environment more? There are 33 qualities listed on the survey and responders are asked to only select 10. The survey will be available until 8 a.m. on Sept. 22. Eakins has spent 31 years in the district and has played a heavy role in shaping the current trajectory of our educational system. The new superintendent will have a massive responsibility on their shoulders as the county has a variety of budget issues, staffing issues and an ever increasing number of enrolled students. Those interested in taking the survey should head to the school district website at sdhc.k12.fl.us/ and look for the section marked “Superintendent Search.” The survey is available in a variety of languages and Ray and Associates will also host four public meetings to gauge the community’s opinions as well. Each meeting is at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at Jefferson and Bloomingdale high schools on Sept. 17, Gaither High School on Sept. 18, and Middleton High School on Sept. 19.

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We are often told that life is all about maintaining a “healthy balance.” Trying to manage time for your career, loved ones and yourself are typically the first priorities that come to mind. While all of these are important, there are others that are equally important to your well-being that tend to be overlooked. Having a good physical balance helps you safely perform everyday tasks such as walking, running, getting up and out of chairs and climbing stairs without tripping. Unfortunately, as you get older, balance disorders begin to appear. Falls are estimated to be the leading cause of serious injury and death in people older than 65 years. For this reason, physicians highly recommend receiving proper therapy if you begin to experience balance difficulties. Luckily, programs like FYZICAL Therapy & Balance offer science-based therapy that focuses on evaluating and treating balance disorders. With Falls Prevention Awareness Day on September 22nd and Physical Therapy Month coming in October, now is the perfect time to come in or get checked out. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or a loved one, FYZICAL is there to help design a custom program to suit your needs. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, therapists recognize that balance and walking are crucial for independent living, as well as for other activities in life. That is why they offer an array of programs to treat balance disorders: Fall Risk Assessment Gait Assessment Functional Training Vestibular Rehabilitation Balance Retraining Computerized Dynamic Posturography

struggling with vestibular complications frequently encounter issues with balance or movement-related dizziness. FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers offer vestibular rehabilitation to patients who frequently experience dizziness. This feeling can be described as any of the following: Feelings of unsteadiness Wooziness (queasy and disoriented) Lightheadedness Feelings of passing out Sensations of moving, spinning, swaying, tilting, or whirling Sensitivity to movement, light or sound

Symptoms can occur whether you are sitting or standing, and can last seconds, minutes or even days. Some estimates state that as many as half of all cases of dizziness are due to vestibular conditions. Therapists at FYZICAL are dedicated to working with you to create a treatment plan to reduce dizziness-related problems and improve your ability to function in everyday activities. Balance disorder and dizziness are not something that you have to live with. FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals in a healthy way. You will become fitter, faster, stronger, and more independent than you have ever been before.

Although balance disorders are a primary risk factor for falls, dizzinessrelated issues pose an equally threatening risk. The vestibular system is responsible for telling the brain how your head is oriented — up, down, tilted, etc. People

FYZICAL is an affiliate partner of Florida E.N.T. & Allergy. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call 813-879-8045 or visit Florida E.N.T. & Allergy online at www.FloridaENTandAllergy.com.

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After some brief delays, the city is finally on its way to seeing the long-promised quiet zones for the railroad near Midtown come into existence. During a Community Redevelopment Agency meeting Monday evening, a unanimous vote authorized the executive director to approve the advance payment of $449,676.00 for the construction of fourquadrant gates at Wheeler Street and other safety improvements along the railroad. This is far from the first time the CRA has gone through the steps of getting the Quiet Zone implemented on the railway. Unexpected hurdles continued to take them back to the drawing board and with the burgeoning Midtown District on the horizon they were eager to get this change in place. “They initially went through this process months ago,” City Manager Bill McDaniel said. “A design was created and the city was given a price for the installment. Then CSX looked at the plan and wanted to add this and that. Ultimately it’s entirely their call, so our only choice was to go through with it. The new plan obviously had a price change when they came forward with the redesign, but we’re ready now to approve the updated plan and get this rolling.” On Aug. 6, the construction agreement for the quiet zone between CSX and the city was officially and fully executed. However, CSX required the city pay up front for the work. The four-quadrant gates at Wheeler Street will fully stop traffic in both lanes and CSX will also be installing back lights at East Baker Street and East Reynolds

Street. Crossbucks and signage will be constructed at the pedestrian crossing at East Herring Street. The $449,676.00 for the project came from the CRA funds. City Engineer Michael Schenk said he anticipates construction to begin at the sites within two months of the final payment with another month or so of work necessary for CSX to get the improvements done to each and every crossing in question. The addition of a quiet zone would mean residents of the upcoming Midtown District would not hear the loud train whistles during the middle of the night. Currently, trains loudly announce their presence as they drive through downtown, warning both pedestrians and commuters to stay clear of the tracks. Conductors base their whistle blowing on the Federal Railroad Administration’s specific requirements, which detail how long, when and where the train must sound its horn. Designated quiet zones act as an exemption to the FRA’s strict horn rules, but the city is only asking for the zone to encompass the section of track that wraps around the Midtown district. If there is an emergency or any safety issues, however, the train may disregard the zone and sound the horn. Because of safety concerns for areas without constant auditory warnings — especially at night when cars and pedestrians may fail to see how close the train actually is and attempt to go through the crossing — CSX requires a plethora of safety precautions to any track and crossing in the zone. The track that runs through the heart of downtown is not part of the quiet zone, so it will not see any construction or changes.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

SFBH SEEKS ACTORS FOR UPCOMING PLAY South Florida Baptist Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Faith Community Nursing program are hosting a play in January to spread awareness on endof-life issues and how you can take a proactive role to help ease your family through those trying times.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The end of one’s life is not something most take the time to contemplate, preferring to push off thoughts of mortality in favor of soaking in the moments of bliss found in the normalcy of existence. But it’s something no one can avoid. And without the proper planning, it can add a whole new level of stress and hurt to those left behind. South Florida Baptist Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Faith Community Nursing program are hoping to get the community thinking about the future. Using a play by Bryan Harnetiaux titled, “Holding On, Letting Go,” the hospitals will present a show that encapsulates the challenges faced by families through a loved one’s declining health. A panel following the play will address the benefits of advance directives — forms that detail your choices for health care and treatment should you become unable to make your own health

decisions due to being sick or hurt — and share stories of their own experiences with the program. “It has always kind of been a priority for us to help the public learn about advance directives and why they are so important to have in place,” Linda Wilkerson, manager with Faith Community Nursing, said. “Through our program we had an assessment and began exploring ways to educate the community. We did a similar play 10 years ago by the same playwright and it really seemed to help bridge that gap between our side of healthcare and the general community. We thought it would be a good idea to do one again.” Lois Green Dunson, director and BayCare employee, said the hospital is having auditions for the play on Sept. 30 and Oct. 2 and hope to find local, talented actors to help bring the rawness of Harnetiaux’s script to life. The play focuses on the story of a married couple, Bobby and Lee, as Bobby’s health begins to decline. Emotional topics like hospice and end of life issues and how

that effects an entire family are presented via a moving tale on stage. Sometimes it takes watching it happen to someone else, even a fictional character, for the weight of an issue to truly sink in. Dunson and Wilkerson both said they hope by the end of the night everyone in the audience will have begun thinking about what plans they have in place should they be unexpectedly thrown in a similar situation. And it’s not a discussion they want to see just take place in the more senior community. The hope is residents of all ages will turn up and begin to take a serious look at their future. “Working in the ER, there’s been too many times where I’ve seen people blindsided by a tragedy or even if they’ve had some warning still faced with really hard decisions because there wasn’t a plan in place,” Dunson said. “It’s such an emotional time and it’s hard to make those decisions when you’re in the middle of it. If those conversations have already been had, if there’s documented proof of what the person

wants, it takes such a weight off everyone because the family can be sure their loved one’s wishes are being fulfilled. There’s no guessing, there’s no guilt over making a ‘wrong decision.’ Everything has already been decided.” The auditions will be held at the Swindle Medical Arts Building, 1601 West Timberlane Drive, at the Entrance B Conference Room. Any actors interested in auditioning are welcome to pop in during the three hour window. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script and no prepared monologues are necessary. The group is also looking for Cast of Characters: Lee (Leoneta): Female, 50s, Bobby’s wife, NCAA basketball coach Bobby: Male, 50s, Lee’s husband, has end-stage liver failure May: Female, 70s, Bobby’s mother Virginia: Female, age open but younger than Lee, a hospice registered nurse

volunteers for stage, lighting and sound crews. The play will run at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 10 and at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 11 at Plant City Entertainment. An interactive Q&A discussion will follow each performance. This production of “Holding On, Letting Go” is presented through an agreement with Hospice Foundation of America, a nonprofit, charitable organization providing leadership in the development and application of hospice and its philosophy of care. Contact Wilkerson at linda. wilkerson@baycare.org or Dunson at lois.dunson@baycare.org for more information.

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Gabe: Male, early 30s, a hospice medical social worker Roger: Male, age open but older than Bobby, a hospice chaplain

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

PELICAN’S SNOBALLS HOSTS SWEET GRAND OPENING

CUTEST CRITTER

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

The refreshing and soft SnoBall creations found only at a Pelican’s SnoBalls have officially made their way to Plant City. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Summer never seems to truly come to an end in the Sunshine State. Luckily for Plant City, a new frozen treat company has officially opened. Pelican’s SnoBalls has slowly built up a cult following throughout the United States. The New Orleans-style company prides itself on offering more than 100 flavors of sweet “smooth, fluffy snow.” Greg Davis, his wife Billie Jo and the rest of his family are helping local residents fall in love with the colorful treats. They held the grand opening of the business, located at 610 S. Collins St., on Sept. 6 and a large portion of the community showed up to offer their support. At 2 p.m. the parking lot was full, even though the afternoon had already begun to enter the hottest part of the day. With the sun blazing above, the line to the order window curved as much under the offered shade as possible. Many families took their sweet treats — with many ordering Shark Attacks and Unicorns — to the colorful indoor seating. A few brave souls, however, challenged the sun in that age-old contest: finishing the shaved ice before it melts. The outdoor venue is filled with hula hoops, corn hole and a giant connect four board. Children, buzzing from their sugar highs, ran around the picnic tables, laugh-

ing and enjoying the company of their friends. Several customers finished their SnoBall and promptly got back in line to take home one of the business’s iconic tie-dye t-shirts, vowing Davis had just made them lifelong fans. Davis said the SnoBalls are unlike anything Plant City has seen before. Unlike a snow cone, which he said can often be hard and full of jagged ice, SnoBalls are genuinely more like balls of soft, icy fluff. “These are really fluffy shaved ice, where a traditional snow cone is really hard and crunchy,” Davis told the Observer in July. “They’re completely different, and once you have a SnoBall you will realize what you’ve been missing. With Florida being such a hot and humid environment yearround, having this refreshing treat available is really going to be a benefit to the Plant City community.” With the heat continuing to break records, the crowds have yet to die down. If you want to try one of more than 100 flavors for yourself, the business is open from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

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MEADOW: Meadow began her life as a purr-fect model as a kitten. She was merely two months old when this picture was taken and already had mastered the art of voguing. She is now about nine months old and is full of energy and mischief. She loves to pull straws out of cups and play inside of her mom’s laundry hamper. She keeps her family on their toes and puts a smile on their faces.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH By Joe Battle Director, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and Clinics

Suicide is a problem across the nation, and especially amongst veterans. It’s estimated that 20 veterans die by suicide every day and that is absolutely unacceptable. While September is Suicide Prevention Month, we here at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital are working diligently every day to end this epidemic, because even one veteran’s life lost to suicide is one too many. We have dedicated health care professionals and mental health providers available to help veterans who may be experiencing a crisis. Help is also available around the clock through the Veterans Crisis Line, a toll-free Mr. Joe Battle, Director, James A. Haley confidential resource available to service Veterans' Hospital members or veterans in crisis, as well as concerned family and friends. All you need to do is call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, text to 838255, or chat at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat. But just as there’s no single cause of suicide, no single organization can end veteran suicide alone. We need the help of everybody — family members, friends and community partners. This month — and every month — we encourage everyone to #BeThere for Veterans. This campaign recognizes the fact that preventing suicide begins with simply the willingness to Be There for a Veteran in crisis. You don’t need special training to support a veteran going through a difficult time. Even small gestures, like checking in to see how a veteran is doing or taking them out for coffee and a talk, can make a big impact and even save a life. The Tampa Bay community has joined in as well. We have partnered with the Hillsborough County Commissioners (who have joined with VA for the Mayor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and their Families), Crisis Center of Tampa Bay/2-1-1, Mission United and the Hillsborough County Veterans Services and Health Care Services to ensure that no veteran faces a crisis alone. We also work closely with our community partners in Hernando, Pasco and Polk counties, as our VA facilities throughout Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands work with their local communities. Every veteran is important, and working together we can help end the scourge of veteran suicide.

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FOCUS ON FITNESS: GET ROLLING

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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If you don’t already own a foam roller, pick one up and reap the benefits.

Have you ever walked into a gym or health club and seen people rolling around on a cylindrical piece of foam? This is a self-massage technique called foam rolling. Foam rolling is a relatively new technique that some swear by, and others believe is a waste of time. Foam rollers are used before a workout to stimulate blood flow and prepare the body for movement, or post-workout to promote recovery. Foam rolling involves applying pressure to muscle and connective tissue to help relieve pain, relax muscles, and restore mobility. It is done by lying on the ground with the foam roller placed between the body and the ground. The key is to roll slowly, using your body weight to apply pressure. When you find a trigger spot, roll back and forth gently until you feel it release. You should feel a little discomfort, but not pain. The recommendation is to spend 30 seconds to a minute on each area with steady pressure.They are proven to reduce muscle soreness and increase flexibility, and some believe they can help improve athletic performance. While recent studies support that it is an effective method to improve flexibility and reduce DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), more research is needed to support any claim that it improves athletic performance.

One area of the body that can benefit from foam rolling, particularly for runners, is the iliotibial band (IT band). The IT band runs up the outside of the leg from just below the knee joint to the top of the hip. To massage a tight IT band, lay on your side with the foam roller under your bottom hip. Cross the other leg over and rest the foot on the floor with the knee bent. Using your forearm, roll along the outer thigh from the hip to just above the knee. Repeat on the other side. IT band syndrome is a common injury in runners and foam rolling could aid in preventing it. If you are already injured, it is best to consult with a physcian so as not to worsen the condition. Because of foam rolling’s increasing popularity, you can find rollers available at most fitness centers, in some group fitness or yoga classes and in personal training sessions.

Angela Fulgieri is a Wellness Experience Director for the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA. Write her at observerfitness@ gmail.com.

Bradley Guasto was clutch in Durant football’s Monday night win over Blake. See Page 14

Quick Hits AREA PARKS HOSTING EVENTS

SPORTS

GAME OF THE WEEK: LAKELAND AT PLANT CITY

The Parks and Recreation Department/Optimist Club Youth Flag Football League is back for its 53rd season, which kicks off at 8:30 and 9:45 a.m. Saturday on multiple fields at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex. The league has 164 players on 20 co-ed teams throughout five age groups, which cover ages 4 through 15. The season begins this weekend and runs every Saturday through Nov. 2. Florida USSSA Baseball will host its September Classic tournament in Plant City next weekend. That tourney runs from Sept. 21-22 with games starting between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on both days. Games will be played on multiple fields at Plant City Stadium, the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex, Mike Sansone Park, Ellis-Methvin Park and the MLK fields.

WHITE BOUND FOR EUROPE FOR BILLIARDS TOURNEY Trenton White recently became one of four youth picked to represent Team USA’s U17 squad in the European Pocket Billiard Federation World Championships in Cyprus, which runs from Nov. 21-23. Because travel expenses are not covered by Team USA, White and his family are looking for any help they can get from the community. To donate to White’s travel fund, visit gofundme.com/f/world039s-team-usa.

USTA SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR NEW LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

The United States Tennis Association’s Florida chapter is recruiting volunteers for a new developmental program that grows professional skills and leadership qualities for “potential future leaders” in the organization. Thirty Florida residents age 18 and older will join the USTA Florida Leadership Academy’s 2020 class. Prior tennis experience or knowledge is not required, but passion for the industry is. There will be two in-person workshops in Orlando scheduled for Nov. 22-23, 2019 and May 29-30, 2020. Online classes will be available between workshops starting Sept. 30. “We’re very excited to launch this new program, which is just one part of our new volunteer recruitment and engagement program,” USTA Florida Executive Director Laura Bowen said. “USTA Florida has a rich history as a volunteer-led organization, and I’m looking forward to building a new class of diverse volunteers to help lead us into the future.” Visit USTAFlorida.com/LeadershipAcademyAPP for details and to apply.

The undefeated Dreadnaughts visit the Raiders this Friday night. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

An old rivalry is set to be renewed this Friday night at 1 Raider Place. Back in the day, as older Plant City Raider fans will tell you, PCHS versus Lakeland on either team’s home field was must-see stuff. In an era before Strawberry Crest and Durant, folks remember, that was a good, old-fashioned crosstown rivalry. But that rivalry was affected by reshuffling and growth to the point where it became a thing of the past — the Raiders and Dreadnaughts last played each other on Oct. 29, 2004, before this year’s high school freshmen were born. That was a 49-7 win for a Lakeland team with future NCAA champions and pros Chris Rainey, Mike Pouncey and Maurkice Pouncey, just getting started. Not much has changed in theory for Lakeland. That’s still a program playing at a championship level with a wealth of blue chip college recruits rostered. Plant City, meanwhile, is coming off of one of the best seasons in program history and is looking to turn some more heads en route to another playoff appearance. One way to look at Friday’s game is as the toughest test the Raiders will face all season. With Tampa Bay Tech, Armwood and Jesuit on the schedule, that says a lot. There are still good teams left for Plant City to play after this week, but no game’s going to be as hard as this district opener.

In a role reversal from last week, where Gaither focused heavily on trying to beat the Raiders with Tony Bartalo’s arm, Lakeland’s offense starts from the ground up. Running back Demarckus Bowman, who is committed to play for Clemson next year, has only needed 35 carries to rack up 462 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Last week, Bowman ran 15 times for 226 yards and two touchdowns against a George Jenkins team that fared much better than most against LHS. The Dreadnaughts ran for 263 yards and four touchdowns the prior week against American Collegiate Academy. Bowman, Jha’kari Martin, Reggie Kellum and Zaire Davis each chipped in a touchdown and Kellum led the group with 116 yards. Bowman also caught a 32-yard touchdown pass in the game. Lakeland did not have stats for last week’s win against George Jenkins recorded on MaxPreps. com at press time, but the Dreadnaughts picked up a 38-6 win fueled largely by the special teams unit making big plays in the second half. Lakeland held a 12-6 lead at halftime but blew the game wide open in the third quarter by returning a blocked punt for a touchdown and then scoring on a punt return shortly afterward. Plant City held Gaither to just 3.2 yards per carry and 58 total rushing yards last Saturday and has kept most running backs it’s faced in check in 2019, which should inspire some more confidence in the front seven. Only two backs have gained more than 30 yards against the Raid-

ers: Jesuit’s Ricky Parks (15 touches, 91 yards, one touchdown) and Tech’s Osmanis Aguilera (31 touches, 123 yards, three touchdowns). The Raiders give up an average of 106 rushing yards per game, and they’ve also been adept at getting to the quarterback with eight sacks on the year. Lakeland won’t make it easy for Plant City’s offense to get going, but the Raiders might try to keep running with what worked last week. Moving Mario Williams to the outside

and letting Reagan Ealy work out of the slot resulted in 220 of Plant City’s 257 receiving yards and Ealy added a touchdown catch to the mix. If Lakeland can do to the run game what Gaither did — the Cowboys held Zamir’ Knighten to 10 yards on eight carries, and held Makenzie Kennedy to 11 yards and one score on 11 touches — then the Raiders will need to get Williams and Ealy open as much as possible.

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? SATURDAY NIGHT NOTES

Thoughts on Plant City’s game against Gaither, as seen from the sideline. SEE PAGE 13

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

SATURDAY NIGHT NOTES

CHARGERS SCORE UPSET WIN OVER RAIDERS

Thoughts on Plant City’s game against Gaither, as seen from the sideline.

Strawberry Crest picked up its second win of the season at home against Plant City Tuesday night.

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

One thing I’ve often said about Plant City football these past few seasons is that when you have a player like Mario Williams on the field, you’re never really out of a football game. Last weekend’s game against Gaither was further evidence of that. Williams didn’t score any touchdowns this time around, but he made his eight catches and 143 receiving yards count by getting the Raiders to good field position when they really needed it — especially in the second half, when his big play ability helped Plant City make it a one-score game when it previously felt like it could be out of reach. This is what I was talking about when I wrote last week that the Raiders needed to prioritize finding new ways to get him the ball, not that my opinion was going to sway the coaches one way or another, and they did just that. Gaither mostly played really well and I could see how they managed to beat Plant the prior week. That’s a very good team with one very big disciplinary problem. You have to either be really lucky or really good to commit 22 penalties in a game and still win it. That lack of discipline ended up being a big benefit for Plant City as it fought to stay in the game and keep the chains moving. Now that I’ve finally gotten to see the Raiders in regular-season action, things make more sense than it did when all I could do was check out box scores and other recaps from the previous two games. This team isn’t lacking talent across the board and I do believe that when the Raiders get rolling, they’re going to be hard for teams to stop. Jesuit found that out the hard way. But watching the team does feel like seeing it learn about itself on the fly, figuring out what will work going forward and what won’t. It looks like a team that lost a bunch of key players to college football and graduation, and is figuring out how best to make up for at least some of that production. I have no doubt that last year’s PCHS team, which had a wealth of experience to back up its talent, would have beaten this Gaither team last week. This could also be a really good team if and when the puzzle pieces fall perfectly into place. Based on what I’ve heard and now seen this season, there are a couple of shoutouts I want to make based on last week’s performance. This isn’t to say only two Raiders played well, but rather to give credit to some folks I haven’t written as much about in the past as others.

JUSTIN KLINE

As good as it is to have Williams and a thousand-yard running back like Zamir’ Knighten on offense, you can’t have just two players make up an entire offense. James Booth told me before the season that he was expecting Reagan Ealy to be a solid contributor in 2019 and I now totally understand what he saw then in the junior. Ealy picked up 77 yards and a touchdown he had to fight to get that Saturday night. That kid took his chance getting a new starting role and ran with it. If the Raiders can get the ball into his and Williams’ hands often, they can do some damage in a variety of ways. I’ve heard plenty of good things about Antron Robinson since he’s been a Raider and I’m probably going to hear even more now that he’s out there looking like a real-deal focal point of the defense. I was wondering who on any unit would take the biggest step up when the core of Plant City’s defense, last year’s formidable linebacker trio that ended up playing in college, graduated. As well as Plant City’s been known for its linebackers, the school has also had a steady stream of legit defensive backs over the years I’ve been here and Robinson’s playing about as well right now as any I’ve covered. He’s listed on MaxPreps as having 11 total tackles in each of his two games played and ended the Gaither game with nine of his coming solo. Good stuff. The main takeaway from the Raiders’ past two games is, even when you still have all-star talent spread around a roster, replacing lost all-star talent doesn’t always come as quickly as you’d like for it to. The Raiders’ schedule, which I’d argue is the toughest in all of Hillsborough County, isn’t going to offer the team many moments to get comfortable. And this week’s matchup comes against arguably the best team that has and will come through the Plant City area in my seven seasons covering this beat. But with the team’s capable coaching, plus great talent on offense, defense and special teams, it’s still too early to write off the Raiders no matter how Friday’s game against Lakeland goes.

Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Observer. Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

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The Strawberry Crest High School gymnasium was packed with cheering fans for Tuesday’s crosstown rivalry game with Plant City, and the home fans left with heads held high. Crest (2-8; 2-0 district) picked up its second win of the season and first of September with a 3-0 win over the Raiders (3-3; 1-1 district). The win snapped a sixgame losing streak for the Chargers and the loss snapped a two-game win streak for Plant City. The Chargers were very much in control for the first two sets, picking up 25-10 and 25-16 victories over the Raiders. But Plant City composed itself for the third set and

gave the Chargers all they could handle in the most dramatic set of the evening. Though Crest only trailed once — Plant City scored the first point — the teams battled to four ties throughout the set. The Raiders attacked Crest well enough to throw the Chargers off of the rhythm they’d built up earlier in the game and always stayed within five points or fewer. Plant City forced a 21-21 tie late in the set after being down, 21-17, but the Chargers stayed one step ahead and secured the win with a 25-22 score. All three schools will play tonight: Durant (1-5; 0-1 district) travels to Freedom (1-6; 0-4 district), Plant City travels to George Jenkins (5-2; 0-0 district) and Crest travels to Newsome (4-1; 2-0 district).

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

DURANT VS. BLOOMINGDALE, 7:30 P.M. The Durant Cougars now own the best overall record of all Plant City-area teams after Monday’s 27-6 win at Blake, which was called early due to bad weather that resulted in several delays. As good as the win was for the offense, which now averages exactly 27 points per game, it was even more dominant for the Durant defense. The Cougars racked up 61 tackles (eight for a loss), three sacks for a loss of 31 yards and three fumble recoveries. Durant will get ready for next week’s Alafia River Rivalry game at Newsome with Friday’s home game against Bloomingdale. The Bulls followed up their 28-13 season-opening win over Newsome with an early bye week, followed by last Saturday’s 28-0 shutout loss to Armwood. Though it was a good look for Bloomingdale’s run defense, which gave up two touchdowns but also just 87 yards on 31 total touches, Hawks quarterbacks Cam’ron Ransom and Hunter Helton combined to complete 13 of 19 pass attempts, throw for 267 yards (212 from Ransom) and complete two touchdown passes (both Ransom’s) with no interceptions. Bloomingdale did not enter stats on MaxPreps.com for last week’s game but did for its Week 1 win over Newsome. True to form, the Bulls favored the run (26 plays for 237 yards and three scores) and were led by shifty senior Dominic Gonnella’s 170 yards and three touchdowns on 11 carries. Lance Alderson completed seven of 15 pass attempts for 103 yards and a touchdown. Friday’s game will be Bloomingdale’s first on the road of 2019.

STRAWBERRY CREST VS. KATHLEEN, 7:30 P.M. Also hosting a Friday night home game is Strawberry Crest, which will be fresh off of a bye week and ready to go against the visiting Kathleen Red Devils. Kathleen, which has yet to win a game in 2019, is coming off of a 19-9 loss to Ridge Community that also proved to be the lowest score its defense has allowed thus far. Kathleen has not submitted any game or season stats online, but Ridge pounded the Red Devils to the tune of 383 rushing yards and three total touchdowns courtesy of quarterback Keymari Odum, who himself gained 218 of those rushing yards. The Red Devils have now given up at least 255 rushing yards in all three of their games. That’s probably music to the ears of the Chargers, who have been vocal about committing to the run under new head coach Phillip Prior. The Chargers have called almost twice as many running plays as passing plays and have gained 283 yards and four touchdowns through two games. Friday’s matchup looks like it could be big for SCHS rushing leader Jhadin McKinnie, who has 102 rushing yards and touchdowns this season. If Crest can at least hit a field goal against Kathleen, the 2019 Chargers will have scored more points through three games than the 2018 Chargers did in 10 games (43 points).

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Bradley Guasto

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Of all the personnel decisions the Durant Cougars made in the offseason, moving senior Bradley Guasto to outside linebacker was among the best. Guasto has thrived in his new role with the team and leads a defense that’s allowing just eight points per game in 2019. Against Blake on Monday, Guasto led all Cougars with 10 tackles (seven solo, three assisted) and four tackles for loss, and he also recorded a sack for a loss of 10 yards. He now has 24 total tackles on the season, plus three sacks and nine tackles for loss. You played well Monday night and have been playing well all season, really. What’s working for you this year? I’m playing a different position now. I think I get to utilize my speed a little bit more. As far as containment goes and getting into the backfield, I have more opportunities. How has the switch to a new position been going? It’s been pretty easy. Just the increase in opportunity to make plays. I have more opportunity to get into the backfield, all in all. When I talked to you for the Football Guide, you were big on the movement for the team to stay positive. Three weeks into the season, how’s that working out for everybody? I definitely think the players are more motivated than they were last year. The positivity’s definitely gone up… I think we’re doing good. What motivates you? You know, I’ve been playing for a long time. I don’t really know. I’ve always really liked football and I’ve been playing since I was little. Do you have goals you set for yourself when you go out on the field, or do you take things play by play? I always try to do the best of my ability. I try to help the team out as much as possible.

How long have you been playing? Since I was about 12 or 13. What made you stick with the game? My little league coaches, they always tried to help me out. Especially starting out. I wasn’t really the most knowledgeable player, but they saw my potential and I started to see it as well.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

OTHER AREA FOOTBALL ACTION

Any college plans? I would like to go D-I. Hopefully local. I’m not really sure what I want to go for yet, but there’s still time. What’s your favorite subject in school? Science. How do you get in the zone for a game? I think about my assignments and what I have to do. Sometimes I’ll visualize what’s gonna happen before it actually happens. What’s your proudest moment as a Cougar? Maybe my commitment to staying here. A lot of other people have left, but I’ve stuck through it.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

REAL ESTATE

August 2019 real estate transactions

August 2019 sales information was obtained from the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser. ALEXANDER WOODS The home at 209 Alexander Woods Drive sold August 5 for $137,000. Built in 2013, it has two bedrooms, two and a half baths and 1,466 square feet of living area. AVONDALE GROVES The home at 1511 Avondale Ridge Drive sold August 2 for $305,000. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,467 square feet of living area. COUNTRY HILLS EAST The home at 561 Lindsay Anne Court sold August 6 for $177,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,242 square feet of living area. HILLSBOROUGH The home at 14621 Blackjack Road sold August 13 for $77,000. Built in 1975, it has one bedroom, one bath and 684 square feet of living area. The home at 4006 Heathcoe Road sold August 2 for $550,000. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 3,382 square feet of living area.

The home at 13841 E. Highway 92 sold August 2 for $165,000. Built in 1954, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,300 square feet of living area. The home at 1703 N. Maryland Ave. sold August 15 for 350,000. Built in 1947, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,319 square feet of living area. The home at 505 W. Renfro St. sold August 9 for $30,000. Built in 1954, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,089 square feet of living area. The home at 5415 Shakespeare Drive sold August 2 for $465,000. Built in 1977, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 4,741 square feet of living area. The home at 1703 N. Shannon Ave. sold August 26 for $70,000. Built in 1960, it has one bedroom, one bath and 644 square feet of living area. The home at 4112 Webber Road sold August 2 for $193,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,128 square feet of living area.

GWALTNEY ACRES

TRAPNELL RIDGE

The home at 1510 Sydney Washer Road sold August 2 for $545,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three and a half baths and 3,682 square feet of living area.

The home at 3702 Trapnell Grove Loop sold August 1 for $212,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,530 square feet of living area.

The home at 2316 Village Green Blvd. sold August 13 for $138,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two and a half baths and 1,985 square feet of living area.

MAGNOLIA GREEN

WALDEN LAKE

WASHINGTON PARK

The home at 3404 San Moise Place sold August 13 for $230,700. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, two and a half baths and 2,505 square feet of living area.

The home at 1402 Sandalwood Drive sold August 9 for $193,100. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,530 square feet of living area.

The home at 603 N. Gordon St. sold August 7 for $185,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,290 square feet of living area.

The home at 3322 Silvermoon Drive sold August 2 for $275,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,809 square feet of living area.

WOODFIELD VILLAGE

PINECREST The home at 2401 Moody Ave. sold August 12 for $185,000. Built in 1952, it has one bedroom, one bath and 1,014 square feet of living area. STONEY CREEK The home at 13206 Creek Crossing Lane sold August 6 for $565,000. Built in 2008, it has five bedrooms, five and a half baths and 4,598 square feet of living area.

The home at 3057 Sutton Woods Drive sold August 6 for $340,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,650 square feet of living area. The home at 4101 Thackery Way sold August 9 for $230,000. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,805 square feet of living area.

The home at 1024 Redbud Circle sold August 5 for $185,000. Built in 1983, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,795 square feet of living area. The home at 1335 Redbud Circle sold August 9 for $180,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,078 square feet of living area.

The home at 207 Valencia Court North sold August 5 for $180,000. Built in 1979, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,718 square feet of living area.

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Terry Mooty Dykes, 73, a longtime resident of Plant City, entered into eternal rest on September 8, 2019, at his home. He had a brief but difficult bout with pulmonary fibrosis while also dealing with Type 2 diabetes and MCI (mild cognitive impairment) for the past several years. He was born in Albany, Georgia, on March 16, 1946, to Terry and Peggy (Mooty) Dykes. He was raised in Albany and, later, Dothan, Alabama, with his sisters Billie (Dykes) Strickland, Peggy (Dykes) Reed, and Betty (Dykes) Kofmehl. He attended Lyman Ward Military Academy in Campbell, Alabama, for his high school years due to his mother’s untimely death from meningitis. His father traveled much of the Southeast selling items for Air Products, Inc. He joined the Navy in 1967 and served as a sonar technician for six years. In 1971, he married Barbara Fulford from Plant City, and they began their new life together in Jacksonville, while he was stationed at Mayport. He enjoyed skydiving and, later, bicycling. After his Navy duty was completed, he attended Hillsborough Community College

Mellanie Lois Brownlee Groome

Ellen ‘Grammy’ McRobie

Ellen “Grammy” McRobie, 81, of Lakeland, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 7, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Mellanee Lois Brownlee Groome, 91, of Lakeland, entered into eternal rest on September 9, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Mt. Enon Cemetery, North Frontage Road, Plant City. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

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Betty Sue Harvey Smith

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Betty Sue Harvey Smith, 86, of Lithia, born in Lithia on Nov. 2, 1932, entered into Heaven on Sept. 8, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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James ‘Jimmy’ Thomas Crutchfield James “Jimmy” Thomas Crutchfield, 74, of Plant City, FL, entered into eternal rest on Sept.7, 2019. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

Linda Jean Lodge

Maria Del Carmen Servin Marez Maria Del Carmen Servin Marez, 88, of Plant City, passed away Sept. 7, 2019. Services were held Sept. 11, 2019 at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

Linda Jean Lodge, 61, of Plant City, passed away on Aug. 25, 2019. Graveside services were held Sept. 9, 2019 at Springhead Cemetery. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.

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Zenaida Edith Lucena

Brenda Sheryl Crawford Brenda Sheryl Crawford, 69 of Lakeland, passed away Sept. 7, 2019. A graveside service will be at Noon, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019,

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

OBITUARIES

Terry Mooty Dykes

to earn a two-year degree in electronics. He worked for the Coronet mine in Springhead (Plant City) for twenty-two or more years as an instrument technician. During that time, he became an amateur ham radio operator and participated in a couple of disaster drills the county sponsored. Around 2002, he entered the local 915 I.B.E.W. apprenticeship program in Tampa to become an electrician trained for commercial building. Mr. Dykes was a Christian and attended several local churches over the years with his wife and son, Samuel Terry Dykes. He was preceded in death by his parents, Terry and Peggy Dykes, and by his step-mother, JoNell Dykes. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter-inlaw (Joy), and two precious grandchildren (Kylie and Tyler). He is also survived by his three sisters and their beautiful families. A funeral service will be held Saturday, September 14 at 11:00 A.M. at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 S County Road 39, Plant City, where the family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 A.M. Mr. Dykes’ body will rest in the Shiloh Cemetery in Plant City beginning Saturday, September 14 after a graveside committal that will include a military flag presentation to the family. Already, however, his soul is with God and Jesus in Heaven. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Zenaida Edith Lucena, 28, of Plant City, passed away on Aug. 28, 2019. Services were held Sept. 9, 2019 at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

YOUR CALENDAR

Ruth Decker Armstrong, 93, ofmemorial that truly unique and meaningful with personal, compassionate care since 1896. Plant City, celebrates went to be Ileanna Amberiz-Bravo, ageprofessionals, 1 the with life it the represents. As your Dignity Memorial Lord on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019. day, of Plant >City passed away 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability Ruthcreate was aborn Sept. 21, 1925 in on Sundaywe’re Sept. 1, 2019.toIleanna Travelfamilies Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement dedicated helping O S E RV E our community Covington, was born Aug. 31,and 2019. unique meaningful memorial that trulyKentucky. mpassionate care since 1896. celebrates the life itfor represents. Fond memories and expresemorial professionals, A visitation and service Ileanna was held Saturday, Sept. sions of sympathy may be Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability Proudly and supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. shared at www.WellsMemorial. 7, 2019 at Wells vement Travel Assistance > TheMemorial Compassion Helpline® com. Event Center. Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemoroudly supportingrial.com the PlantforCity Festival. theStrawberry Amberiz-Bravo family. WELLSMEMORIAL.COM ®

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Wells MeMorial & event Center

10:42 AM and join10/27/15 professional Charlotte Kocian as she delves in the basics of Medicare and the process involved in receiving your benefits. Questions are welcome. No registration necessary.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 13 DUPLICATE BRIDGE

1 p.m. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 Carey St., is now 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com hosting a weekly Duplicate William Roy Clendening went to helping create a O S E RV E our community Bridge game, the most widely be with thewe’re Lorddedicated Sept. 5,to2019 atfamilies unique and meaningful memorial thatvariation truly mpassionate care since used the1896. age of 90. 75_C.indd 1 10/27/15 10:42of AM contract celebrates the life it represents. emorial professionals, bridge in club and tournament Mr. Clendening was born in Service Guarantee > National Plan play. Contact Walt Arnold at Seymour, Indiana, andTransferability was a vement Travel Assistance > TheofCompassion 813-752-1602 for more informalifetime resident Plant City. Helpline® tion. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be at www.WellsMemorial. roudly supportingshared the Plant City Strawberry Festival. FRESH GROUNDED FAITH com. 7 to 9:30 p.m. Featured Bible teacher Jennifer Rothschild is joined by author Angie Smith, Karen Abercrombie (Miss Clara from the movie War Room) and WELLSMEMORIAL.COM worship leader Michael O’Brien at First Baptist Church of Plant City, 3309 James L. Redman Wells MeMorial & event Center Parkway. The two-day event is Nicholas PlanT CiTy ‘Nick’ also held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 John Shelton II p.m. Sept. 14. Get your tickets at 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com freshgroundedfaith.com/plantNicholas “Nick” John Shelton II, city-fl-19/. 45, of Tampa, passed away on 75_C.indd 1 10/27/15 10:42 AM Thursday Sept. 5, 2019. Nicholas was born June 21, 1974 in Live SATURDAY, SEPT. 14 we’re dedicated to helping families create a O S E RV E our community Oak. unique and meaningful memorial that truly mpassionate care since 1896. Servicescelebrates will be held at it4 represents. p.m. OPEN MIC NIGHT the life emorial professionals, on Sept. 14, 2019 at Wells Memo- 8:33 to 10:33 p.m. Join Krazy Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability rial Funeral Home. Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., vement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® Fond memories and expresfor the krazy fun Open Mic sions of sympathy may be Nights every second Saturday. shared at www.WellsMemorial. The event is open to everyone. roudly supportingcom. the Plant City Strawberry Festival. Krazy Kup wants to hear what you’ve got. Sign-ups for Open Mic happen the night of (around 8 p.m.), so just come on by and rock the mic. WELLSMEMORIAL.COM PlanT CiTy Clendening

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STORY TIME WITH PRINCESS BELLE

4 p.m. Join Princess Belle from Beauty and the Beast for Story Time at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. She will read stories and visit with 40 princesses. Registration is required and the event is limited to 40 princesses between the ages of 3 and 9. Spots are filling up fast, so reach out ASAP.

PLANT CITY COMMUNITY LADIES BIBLE STUDY 10/27/15 10:42 AM

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MONDAY, SEPT. 16 PLANT CITY DAYBREAK ROTARY CLUB

7 to 8 a.m. The Plant City Daybreak Rotary Club holds a meeting every Monday morning. Now the group will be meeting in the Community Meeting Room of the Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place. Guests are welcome.

READ WITH TANNER THE THERAPY DOG

5:30 p.m. Tanner the Therapy Dog comes to Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., every Monday to listen to children read to him on the couch. Tanner is an Australian Shepherd Reading Therapy Dog certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. For children of all ages.

CUB SCOUT PACK 734

6:30 p.m. Cub Scout Pack 734 is having its first pack meeting and new member registration at Cork Elementary School. Cub Scouts include boys and girls from grades K-5 and is very much a family-friendly activity. Pack 734 draws from the north Plant City area, but there are no boundary lines for participation. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend. See pack734. info for additional information.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 17 STORY TIME (TODDLER TIME)

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

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This Plant City Community Ladies Bible Study runs the first Wednesday of every month from September until May at the Planteen Recreation Center, 201 N. Dort St. There will be salad, desserts and a covered dish lunch at the study and attendees are invited to bring an item to share. All ladies in the community are welcome. Donations are $1.

READ WITH BONNIE THE THERAPY DOG

4 to 5 p.m. Bonnie the Therapy Dog comes to Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., every week for children to have the opportunity to share a book and some soft pats on the head. Join Bonnie on the couch in the children’s section and read to her some of your favorite stories.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 19 SCHMOOZAPALOOZA 2019

3 to 7 p.m. Schmoozapalooza, HCC Trinkle Center, 1204 N. Park Road, is a high-energy networking event hosted by the Plant City Chamber of Commerce for the entire community, members and non-members alike. The best way to describe this new Chamber event is a football tailgate party meets a business trade show. Schmoozapalooza will feature exhibitor booths, complimentary food & beer samples from Plant City’s favorite restaurants, swag bags for all attendees, a live DJ, giveaways, interactive games and more. Tickets are $10 and are on sale now online at the Chamber’s website, plantcity.org.

Tampa Bay is a crossroads for migrating birds? It’s one of the best places in the state to see the real Snowbirds: the birds that nest in the Arctic and winter in Brazil. Join Tampa Audubon Society president Mary Keith for a presentation on the wildlife. She will even share where you can spot these beautiful creatures.

BREASTFEEDING AND NEWBORN CARE CLASS

6 to 8 p.m. South Florida Baptist Hospital is hosting a Breastfeeding and Newborn Care Class that covers several aspects of newborn care, such as breastfeeding, bathing, diapering and safety risks. This class is held the fourth Thursday of every month. Participants may bring one guest to classes. Please bring a notepad to take notes. Snacks will be provided. The class is in the ICU Conference Room, 2-South. Registration is required and free. Call 1-855-269-4777.

BLUEGRASS NIGHT WITH BLUEGRASS ALIVE

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Bluegrass Night at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., with “Bluegrass Alive” and guest Cody Nieves. Bluegrass Alive hails from Central Florida and brings some creative instrumentation, warm harmonies and pizzazz. Blending Bill Monroe’s distinct blue grass genre with vintage country, gospel and Americana in a show that a family or a group of friends can enjoy together. Tickets are $10 on Eventbrite and in-house and limited seating will be available.

MIGRATING BIRDS OF TAMPA BAY

5:30 p.m. Come on out to Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., for a special presentation on Tampa’s bird migrations. Did you know that

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Universal Crossword Edited by David Steinberg September 12, 2019 PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

FORECAST THURSDAY, SEPT. 12 High: 92 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 20%

FRIDAY, SEPT. 13 High: 88 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 50%

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Sept. 12

7:12a

7:37p

Friday, Sept. 13

7:12a

7:36p

Saturday, Sept. 14

7:13a

7:35p

Sunday, Sept. 15

7:13a

7:33p

Monday, Sept. 16

7:14a

7:32p

Tuesday, Sept. 17

7:14a

7:31p

Wednesday, Sept. 18

7:15a

7:30p

WEATHER

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MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, SEPT. 14 High: 83 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 80%

SUNDAY, SEPT. 15 High: 87 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 80%

AVOCADOS

Shipping point: Central Florida $7-$9

Sept. 29 New

Sept. 13 Full

Oct. 3 First

Sept. 24 Last

RAINFALL Monday, Sept. 2

0.10

Tuesday, Sept. 3 0.07 Wednesday, Sept. 4

0.00

Thursday, Sept. 5 0.00 Friday, Sept. 6

0.00

Saturday, Sept. 7 0.00 Sunday, Sept. 8

0.00

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2019 35.18 in.

2019 0.44 in.

2018 21.93 in.

2018 0.56 in.

GOLD & SILVER

Diamonds & Precious Gems,

9/12

Table Talk by Greg Johnson

ACROSS 1 Prairie crop 6 Breaks up with 11 “___ Always Sunny in Philadelphia” 14 Value 15 “Peace” hand gesture 16 You-know-___ 17 “Beats me” 19 Woof relative 20 Android counterpart 21 Wide-mouthed drinking glass 22 Kung pao chicken morsel 24 Trees producing fragrant wood 27 Proactiv target

28 “If it fails, it fails” 33 Soothing plants 34 Filling desserts, in more ways than one 35 Reply to an oversharer 36 Name that anagrams to “go in” 37 Substitute 39 Stamp for invoices 40 Floor protector 41 Blacken in a bistro 42 Beach birds 43 “Mom will be upset” 47 Beyonce’s son, whose name is a title 48 Applications 49 Aspirin form 52 “The Marvelous ___

Maisel” 53 Slider’s exterior 56 $$$ for later years 57 “No need to apologize” 61 Dorsal ___ 62 Most desirable 63 Play place 64 MacFarlane’s raunchy bear 65 Native Oklahoma people 66 Two foursomes DOWN 1 Major 20th-century conflict, briefly 2 Santa syllables 3 Geologic time periods 4 Off-road racer, for short

5 “Crush on You” band 6 “Slavonic Dances” composer Antonin 7 L.A. Coliseum sch. 8 1,000 G’s 9 Keyboard scrolling key 10 Reacts to dust, say 11 Greedy declaration 12 Traffic sign direction 13 Like brie 18 Zippo 23 Word before “pump” or “pocket” 24 Noted Egyptian queen, informally 25 Shows up for duty 26 Long, thin snax 28 Pelvic bone 29 Where an iced tea cocktail originated 30 Boring Tinder opener 31 Happy expression 32 Bed bouncers, often 33 Farm prefix 37 Pa. MLB city 38 “Old World Style” pasta sauce 39 Trivia contest venues 41 Convoy communication device 42 Noncommittal assent 44 TV’s Robertson or Pizzolatto 45 Talk pointlessly 46 Fantasy baddie 49 Wrap it up 50 The “E” of HOMES 51 Name in moving and storage 53 Sitter’s handful 54 Chocolate craving, e.g. 55 Da’s opposite 58 Org. for teachers 59 You may trim one off a T-shirt 60 Non-Rx

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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