9.14.23 PLCO

CITY TO ADD CROSSWALK AT INTERSECTION OF COLLINS AND J ARDEN MAYS STREETS

MICHELLE CACERES

Walking across the heavily traveled Collins Street in downtown will soon get a little easier.

At its last meeting, the Community Redevelopment Agency adopted a resolution approving a budget adjustment to appropriate $30,000 for pedestrian crossing im-

The new crosswalk in downtown will be aimed at improving pedestrian safety.

provements at Collins Street and J Arden Mays Boulevard.

The crosswalk will feature pedestrian buttons and a solarpowered flashing bacon (RRFB) designed to alert drivers the crosswalk is in use and improve pedestrian safety.

“The project comes after input from the public as well as observations by staff, there’s a pubic parking lot on one side of the road so you get a lot of people crossing there

to get to the businesses across the street,” said City Manager Bill McDaniel. “It’s a safety issue and the intersection is wider there because of the way the road is configued around the railroad tracks, it makes it difficultor pedestrians who want to cross the street.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

AMVETS POST

44 HOSTS 16TH ANNUAL PATRIOT DAY OBSERVANCE AND REMEMBRANCE RIDE

CITY TO MEET TO FINALIZE BUDGET

Hundreds of motorcyclists and veterans attended the event and raised money for local organizations.

MICHELLE CACERES

STAFF WRITER

More than a hundred motorcycles rumbled into the parking lot at the AMVETS Post 44 Saturday morning for its 16th Annual Patriot Day Observance and Remembrance Ride, an event sponsored by Ladies Auxiliary AMVETS Post 44, AMVETS Chapter 33 Riders FL and AMVETS Post 44 , Plant City, dedicated and patriotic groups of motorcycle riders with unwavering respect for the nation, flag and the miliary.

The large group of riders started at River’s Edge Bar & Grill in Gibsonton, meandered through the backroads of Riverview, Lithia, Boyette and Valrico and ended at the AMVETS Post 44 on State Road 60.

Tickets were $15 per person and benefied James A. Haley Recreational Services, local fist responders and veteran programs.

“Our mission is to bring the community together to raise money for great causes,” said Mike Graham, Commander of Post 44 and a retired Army veteran with 20 years of service.

Eric Cobb, AMVET Post 44 Riders President, led the ride from River’s Edge on a 2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide. “It was a beautiful day for a ride, we didn’t have anybody go down, lot of red lights but it was a good ride,” he said. “We love to ride and have fun and we raised a lot of money.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

MICHELLE

The City Commission has set a second hearing scheduled for Monday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall to declare its intention to adopt a capital improvement budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24.

The balanced budget totals

$108,779,353. The millage rate will be set at 5.7157 mills ($5.7157 per $1,000 of assessed property value). For more information about the budget visit plantcitygov.com.

STAFF WRITER

PLANT CITY PARKS & REC, OPTIMIST CLUB TO HOLD ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC FUNDRAISER

The 29th annual Plant City Optimist Club/Plant City Recreation & Parks Department Golf Classic Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29 at the Diamond Hill Golf Club, 13115 Sydney Road, in Dover. The shutgun-start tournament to raise money for youth programs in Plant City will start at 8 a.m., preceded by registration beginning at 6:45 and driving range access. Past years have seen nearly 100 players converge on the course for a round of fun and fellowship supporting a good cause.

The Plant City Optimist Club has been involved with local youth programs since they formed in 1962. In addition to an annual contribution to the Plant City based non-profit riends of Recreation & Parks which supports youth programs and facilities for the community, volunteer and financial asistance is also given annually to the Parks & Recreation Department for activities such as their youth flag ootball, basketball, and soccer programs as well as the annual City-Wide Easter Egg Hunt and Trunk or Treat events and various sports skills competitions. The club also hosts an annual Youth Appreciation dinner to recognize eight outstanding seniors from Plant City High School, along with an Oratorical

Contest, a Respect for Law event for atrisk middle school students and they provide at least $6,000 in scholarships each year for both college-bound graduates and those graduates seeking additional certifiations or training to go directly into the workforce. Other programs such as Plant City High School athletics, the Plant City Family YMCA and the United Food Bank of Plant City also benefit fom annual club support.

Teams, hole sponsors, raffldoor prize sponsors and tournament sponsors are still being solicited. To obtain a 2023 Golf Classic fler, to become a sponsor, or for more information about the Plant City Optimist Club, please contact Club President Pat Stottlemyer at president@plantcityoptimistclub.org or 813-494-9615.

FLORIDA SHERIFF’S ASSOCIATION RELEASES OPERATION SAFE KIDS RESULTS

The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) Task Force has released the results of Operation Safe Kids, a strategic initiative in 42 Florida counties that called attention to trafficafety in and around schools to ensure that children had a safe return to school from Summer Break.

During the Task Force Operation SafeKids, Florida’s sheriffs issued 7,218

warnings and 5,171 traffic cations, dedicated 5,900 hours during the enforcement period, delivered 5,520 educational messages and posted 80,674 social media messages throughout the state.

“Safeguarding Florida’s future through youth-focused programs and services is a key objective for law enforcement statewide. This goal has been achieved today by identifying and monitoring high-risk areas, issuing warnings and citations, and educating the public on the importance of school zone safety,” FSA President and Nassau County Sheriff Bill eeper said. “The implementation of this program highlights Florida sheriffs’ strong commitment to upholding the security of families and local communities in our state.”

The following are the specific otals numbers for Hillsborough County:

Warnings issued: 821

Citations issued: 117

Social media messages posted: 18

“We're committed to maintaining traffi safety in and around school zones because every student's journey to and from school should be a protected one,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “Operation Safe Kids isn’t about racking up citations, it’s about education. Let's all do our part to make sure our kids get to school safely!”

Operation Safe Kids contributes to two of the FSA business operations goals: To foster effective law enforcement and crime prevention for the public safety of the citizens and visitors of Florida and to protect Florida’s future by promoting public support of programs and services focused on the youth of our state.

The 42 sheriffs’ offices that participated in the operation are from Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Jackson, Lake, Lee, Leon, Marion, Martin, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Volusia, Wakulla, and Washington counties.

ROAD CLOSURES AHEAD FOR PLANT CITY

Plant City has announced that Alsobrook St. will be closed between S Park Road and Wilkin Avenue for road improvements, with the project beginning on Sept. 9 and city officials anticating the road closures to last between one and three weeks.

HUNDREDS OF MOTORCYCLISTS SHOW UP TO SUPPORT AMVETS CHARITY RIDE

Pat Clement, whose husband, a Vietnam veteran, is president of the Plant City Punishers motorcycle club, attended the event with her husband of three years, who bought her a motorcycle endorsement as a wedding present. She rides a 2010 Can-Am Spyder. “I got my endorsement when I was 56 years old so it’s never too late and riding in this event is such a blast,” she said. “Wind therapy is exactly what it is.”

When the ride was over, the party was just getting started. Following the arrival of the procession of motorcycles, an opening ceremony was held, with the crowd of people standing for the national anthem and pledge of allegiance, with many veterans stoically saluting the flag There was also a 21-gun salute and Taps was played. Food and refreshments were served, Double Barrel Band entertained the crowd and merchandise vendors sold their wares. More than 70 gift baskets were raffled ff, thanks to the generous support of members and local businesses and a live auction was held.

Three groups received $5,000 each from the proceeds of last year’s event: Mission 22 (a nonprofit that provides support to active service members, Veterans and their families, including suicide prevention), Veterans Helping Veterans, Inc. and Plant City Police Department (PCPD). In lieu of a cash donation, AMVETS Post 44

purchased several pieces of equipment for PCPD, including scene curtains and a plotter printer for its Criminal Investigations Unit. Captain Robert McClellan accepted a symbolic check at the event.

“This is an absolutely awesome event and the police department is tremendously thankful for what they’re doing,” he said.

McClellan, like most people who were alive during the 9/11 attack, recalls where he was and what he was doing when he found out terrorists had infiltated the United States in an attempt to destroy its democracy and citizens, an event that would forever alter the New York skyline.

“I was in Puerto Rico at a naval station, had just come off a lae night shift and was in my bed when my roommate told me to turn on the tv,” he said. “The moment I turned it on I saw the second plane impact the south tower and we immediately went to work securing the base and locking it down.”

Patriot Day, observed each year on Sept. 11, is a day to commemorate the lives of those who died in the 2011 terrorist attacks on the Wold Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Virginia and those who perished on the hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 that crashed in Pennsylvania. For Graham, while 9/11 impacted the lives of those who lived through it, the day should recognize all generations of veterans who’ve sacrified for others. “September 11 was impactful in our lifetime but I think back to our Vietnam veterans and our WWII and WWI veterans, it’s a continuity of never forget-

CORRECTION:

ting everyone that sacrified and have done everything they have so we that are alive today and the next generation have all the things we have,” he said.

Christy Layton, Ladies Auxiliary President for AMVET Post 44, said it’s more important than ever to remember the events of 9/11. “I think unfortunately the farther we get away from it I think a lot of people forget what it’s about and why we’re here,” she said.

“For me, it’s about getting the community back together because when 9/11 happened our country really came together and formed a big community and I think we’ve lost that. This is our little way to get that back and also give back to some of those organizations that have to deal with some of the things that happened because of 9/11.”

During the ceremony the keynote speaker, retired Jersey City police officer Joe Sandwith, who shared his experiences during the day of the attack and the days following it; rescuing individuals who jumped into the river between New York and New Jersey in a desperate attempt to leave the city, seeing temporary triage center set up for victims that would never come, seeing New Yorkers covered in soot. The day impacted him and his children. “My kids all wanted to join the service after 9/11, that year or two after was the largest increase of people joining the military,” he said. “There are so many unsung heroes out there.”

Follow the AMVETS Post 44 on Facebook for further information on upcoming events or visit amvetspost444.org.

the “City Officials Propose Balanced Budget For Next Fiscal Year” article from August 17, the General Fund budget subcategories were incorrectly stated as having yearover-year percentage increases when in fact the figures were a percentage of the total budget.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

The fundraising event raised thousands for local charities.

COPS CORNER

This week on Cops Corner, Plant City Police investigate: A missing backpack, stolen perfume and an errant gunshot.

SEPTEMBER 1

BAG SECURED

3300 block of Silverpond Dr.

Petit theft: An officer responded to the police department and met with the victim who reported that a backpack and package was stolen from their front porch at the listed location.

CLEAN PLATE

100 block of Pearl St.

Stolen tag: Officers responded to the listed location and met with the victim who reported that their license plate was stolen.

THE TRUCK STOPS HERE

2200 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Stolen vehicle recovery: Officers met with the complainant at the listed location who advised that a rental vehicle was stolen, but recently located.

SEPTEMBER 2

YOU GOTTA GO

1700 block of E Baker St.

Trespass after warning: An officer responded to a business at the listed location in reference to a disturbance. One individual was placed

under arrest and subsequently transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

SMELLS LIKE TROUBLE

200 block of W Alexander St. Retail theft: An officer met with the manager at a business at the listed location who advised that approximately $8,000 worth of men’s and women’s perfume was stolen.

DOUBLE TROUBLE

600 block of E Baker St. Motor vehicle burglary: An officer met with the victim and advised that an unknown person entered their vehicle and stole two guns.

SEPTEMBER 3

GOING OFF SCRIPT

300 block of S Frontage Rd. Vehicle burglary: Officers met with the victim who reported medication taken from their unlocked vehicle.

SHOT IN THE DARK

600 block of Lincoln St.

Shooting into an occupied residence: Officers responded to the listed location and met with the victim who advised that there was damage to their residence from a gunshot.

HOUSE CALL

400 block of Walter Dr.

Residential burglary: An officer met with the victim at the listed location in reference to the residence being broken into.

SEPTEMBER 5

CARD SHARK

1000 block of N Crystal Ter.

Fraud: An officer met with the victim at the listed location in reference to fraudulent transactions appearing on their credit card.

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PEDESTRIAN SAFETY ADDRESSED BY CITY COMMISSION, APPROVED CONSTRUCTION OF DOWNTOWN CROSSWALK

Motorcycle parking will also be added in front of Whistle Stop Cafe.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

The new crosswalk will be constructed in-house and will be a joint venture between several city departments, including Streets and Stormwater, Trafficngineering Department and Parks and Recreation.

Fred Baxter, CPM, Manager of Traffi Operations, said the parking spot in front of The Whistle Stop will be converted into parking for motorcycles to create better line of sight at the crossing. “We want the best possible solution for advanced visualization of not only the pedestrian signal but the actual pedestrians themselves when using the crosswalk,” he said.

Whistle Stop owner Marti Lofstrom, who’s pleased that the crosswalk will offer people a safer way to cross the

street, doesn’t mind the motorcycle parking. For her, it’s a nod to her late husband, Jerry, who passed away almost a year and a half ago. “He was a motorcycle rider and he would have been tickled for that,” she said. “He would be happy because we need to take care of our motorycle riders too.”

Rich Sarmento, coowner of Spirit Art Gallery, was happy when he heard the news. “I have customers that park in the parking lot across the street and have to walk across Collins Street, and have to walk further down the street to find a crosswalk so this is definitely needed,” he said. “I love it, it’ll generate more foot traffic io the store for us and will be safer for customers.”

A timeline for the project has not yet been finalied but Baxter has a target completion date of November.

LOCALS TASTE “BREW-TIFUL” NEW BEER MADE FROM RECYCLED WATER AT KEEL FARMS

The

brew named “Deja Brew” can be purchased on tap and in a growler or can, at Keel Farms.

The question of what to do with approximately 400 gallons of ultra-purified recycled water from Plant City’s Advance Water Treatment Plant was answered by Keel Farms owner Clay Keel.

Keel toured the city’s One Water Demonstration Facility several months ago with Leadership Tampa and tasted the clean, direct potable reuse (DPR) water. He thought it was good and he could make beer with it.

The wastewater does, after all, go through an advanced multi-step treatment process which involves a membrane filtation, reverse osmosis and ultraviolet/advanced oxidation process system. The resulting product is clean, clear and nutrient-free. “At Keel Farms our principles are quality, sustainability and community and this was right up our alley on sustainability and it’s also innovative,” he said.

Keel took two, 200-gallon wine tanks, filled them with the ater, took them back to his brewery, and began the process of turning water into beer. “We’ve never used anything other than our well water to make beer in the last 10 years and the water that came out of this system was like distilled water, there was nothing in it,” said Keel. “It’s unique as a brewer because we could build the water to the beer as we

wanted it.”

The final poduct was approximately 225 gallons of a pale lager, hopped with Nelson Sauvin, a New Zealand hop that imparts a grape-like flvor to beers. The product was manufactured for public consumption, some of which was consumed at a “hoppy hour” tasting event he hosted at Keel Farms last week and sponsored by multiple organizations including WaterReuse and American Water Works Association (AWWA). It was attended by Plant City’s city manager, mayor and city commissioners, Utilities Operations Division staff, Southwest Florida Water Management District staff, representatives from Hazen and Sawyer and Florida Water Environment Association and several neighboring city and county utility departments.

During the event Lynn Spivey, Plant City Utilities Director, whose division maintains four water production plants 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to provide an ample supply of safe and depending drinking water, said of the potable reuse project, “Our perspective is that all water has value and we want to maximize the use of all water. Beer-making from recycled water has been done in other states really successfully to help people get over the ‘ick’ factor of recycled water.”

For Plant City resident Heather Bauer, whose husband Tony works for Plant City

Utilities Maintenance, her fist thought was ‘ick’…until she tried it. “At fist I thought, yea, maybe that’s a little gross, the fist time I sipped it I thought ‘I’m drinking pee’ but it tasted like grapefruit beer,” she said. “The good taste was enough to put it out of my mind, it was actually really good.”

Water experts were more easily convinced. James Uzdavinis, Senior Project Manager at Tetra Tech, said “Having been around water professionals that run the water plants, I’d say the water is very safe, it’s treated fist for normal wastewater treatment and secondly it’s treated for water quality standards for drinking water. I’d say it’s very safe.”

City officials aee. The future of Plant City water depends on finding alernative uses for the finie resource. “Water is a key resource for the state and even more for Plant City because it’s our home,” he said. “It’s all about securing Plant City’s water future for generations to come.”

Mayor Nate Kilton also weighed in on the issue. “We’re proud of our utilities department for being forward thinking,” he said. “It’s not just what we’re doing right now and for today, it’s about looking to the future because we have generations to come behind us. We’re working hard in Plant City to think about those things.”

During the event, attendees could also vote for their favorite name for the beer:

“Deja Brew”, “Osmosis Ale”, “H2Brew” or “ReNew Brew”. The name with the most votes, announced at the end of the event, was “Deja Brew”.

It’s not too late to give “Deja Brew” a try. Keel Farms will be selling the brew on tap and in growlers and cans until it’s gone. “We’ll probably have it on sale for the next month or so, so come on down and try it,” said Keel. Keel Farms, located at 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., is open Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m - 11 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m - 11 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

To learn more about Keel Farms or “Deja

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

CITIZENS BANK & TRUST CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF PLANT CITY BRANCH

The event included food, networking and highlighted its community gathering room.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

A new bank has opened in Plant City at 3019 James L. Redman Pkwy.

Citizens Bank & Trust, that for the last year had been working out of a temporary location at 1803A James. L. Redman Pkwy., hosted its grand opening celebration last week. A lively affair, it was attended by local dignitaries, bank executives and community members.

The grand opening celebration was pretty sweetthe perfect opportunity for customers to nosh on a dinner of briskets sandwiches with all the fixins and the sweet indulgence of gourmet cookies while getting a taste of what sets Citizens Bank & Trust apart from other banks.

One of the highlights of the 3,660 square-foot building is an innovative offering: a spacious community room that features a separate entrance, a large conference table with comfy chairs, a refrigerator stocked with water bottles and even a pellet ice maker. For Sandra Couch, Plant City Branch Manager, the community room is just one tangible expression of how the bank is a good neighbor, and it can be reserved free of

charge for various community-driven organizations, from religious groups to charitable organizations. So far, Heroes’ Heart and several churches have reserved and used the space. “We are the epitome of a community bank and when I asked the bank owners for a community room where police officers can come eat their lunch or groups could meet they agreed,” she said. “I want to take care of my community.”

The community seems to be taking care of them. In the year since the branch opened, the bank has collected $35 million in deposits. “That by far exceeds any office we’ve opened from scratch, we’re off o the best start we’ve ever had here in Plant City,” said Greg Littleton, Citizen Bank & Trust President and CEO. “The support from the Plant City community has been unbelievable.”

Littleton said opening a Plant City branch seemed like the right move for the family-owned community bank that hails from Frostproof. “We felt like Plant City was a market we would do well in because it’s similar to some of the markets we serve in Polk County,” he said.

“With tellers that provide face-to-face communication and when customers call us they get a human being that answers, we provide good old fashioned customer service.”

The branch, which offers a full line of banking services, including residential and commercial loans, mortgages and investments and trust services, is also staffed with loan officers who can make decisions quickly. “I have the CEO’s cellphone so if I need something for one of my customers, I can call and get an approval immediately,” said Couch.

Citizens Bank & Trust, established in 1920, operates 17 full-service offices in Polk, Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

One of the bank’s owners and a board of director, Jinx Chaney, attended the grand opening event. “We’re happy to be here, we’ve always felt like Plant City was our kind of people,” she said.

For more information about Citizens Bank & Trust visit citizens-bank.com. To book the community gathering room contact Couch at (813) 652-8090 or via email at Sandra.Couch@citizensbank.com.

ACHIEVE PLANT CITY CELEBRATES 12TH ANNIVERSARY/INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY

GED, attending Hillsborough Community College and then earning a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from the University of South Florida.

After entering the professional workforce, Ibarra decided to not only make a difference in her own life and the lives of her children but others in the community that needed literacy skills to bridge the gaping chasm between misery and hope.

“Everything we do is about literacy and instilling a love of reading in the adults and children we serve,” she said. “All of our focus is on helping them learn to read.”

Working out of space in the Wesley Center of First United Methodist Church of Plant City, Achieve Plant City offers families access to its program for $65 per semester. This cost includes the adult English classes taught by teachers hired by Hillsborough County Pubic Schools (HCPS), preschool classes for children and tutoring and homework assistance for elementary-aged students two afternoons a week.

the reading room. “We’ve been supporters of Achieve from day one, we love Anjelica and we want to contribute,” he said. “My ten team members came together and brought lots of books from home.”

This year, Achieve Plant City celebrates 12 years of empowering adults to thrive in the community, and break the cycle of poverty, by providing the most basic of needs: the literacy skills needed to reach their full potential.

Founded by Anjelica Ibarra, Achieve Plant City has grown from its grassroots beginnings to become a positive force for hundreds of families looking for a better life for themselves and their children.

“I had established a family literacy program in the West Tampa area but I had always wanted to bring it to Plant City so in September 2011, we opened here,” said Ibarra, who knows fisthand the impact an

education can have in lifting families out of poverty.

Born in Mexico, her family emigrated to the U.S. for work, harvesting onions and watermelon in south Texas before eventually making their way to Plant City. They lived a migrant lifestyle with most of her family, which included ten children, working in the field, traveling from one state to the next, picking strawberries in Florida, onions in Georgia and the Carolinas and cucumbers in Ohio before returning to Plant City.

“I grew up without any books at home, without even considering reading, there was no value placed on reading or education,” she said. “It was pretty hard to focus on education when you’re just trying to survive.”

She mustered the courage to break the cycle when she was in her 20s, getting a

Jenny Kime, Family Literacy Coordinator, who taught at HCPS, has been working with the nonprofit sine 021. “This is the best things ever, a family literacy program is really the way to make a change and move a family to that next income level,” she said. “Here we’re helping adults that can help their kids and that impacts the whole family.”

The organization recently set up a literacy room on the building’s third floo, sponsored by Suncoast Credit Union. Empty shelves quickly filled with boos for all ages thanks to generous donations from local residents and businesses.

Longtime Achieve Plant City supporter and State Farm insurance agent Tony Lee, along with his wife, carried boxes overflwing with books, from Harry Potter to the I Survived series to classics like The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, into

Ibarra said donations are always appreciated. “Without the support of the community, the nonprofit ouldn’t survive,” she said.

It continues to add additional programming options. It now hosts a family reading night every month, where multigenerational families can gather for reading, activities and treats. It also added Storytime To Go, a project where they bring storytime to different locations throughout Plant City and children leave with a book to take home.

Achieve Plant City is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 a.m - 5:30 p.m. It accepts registrations on a rolling basis. “Give us a call, our enrollment policies are flxible, we want to be there for anyone who wants to learn,” said Kime.

For more information about Achieve Plant City, to register for its classes or to find out hw to volunteer, visit achieveplantcity.org or call 813-752-4010.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

The nonprofit has been psitively impacting the lives of the community they serve for more than a decade.

SPORTS

DURANT ROLLS OVER BLOOMINGDALE TO REMAIN UNDEFEATED

The Durant Cougars made their way to Bloomingdale on Friday night, coming away with a 38-7 victory over the Bulls to stay undefeated and move to 3-0 on the season.

With Durant winning the coin toss and deferring to the second half, a short kickoff left the Bulls opening their first drive at the 43-yard line. A short pass to the left was moved up the left sideline across midfield as Bloomingdale immediately found a first down at the Durant 43 and they kept churning upfield with a short carry on first and a hard carry up the middle that gave them another first down at the Durant 30. But after a big tackle for loss put them behind the chains on the ensuing first down, backto-back sacks led by defensive lineman Jerome Parham and Caleb Waters put an end to the Bloomingdale drive. Lined up to punt, the snap went high over the head of the Bulls’ punter who scrambled to recover and broke to the sideline to make up whatever yards he could, only to be forced out of bounds at the Durant 43-yard line where the Cougars took over.

Durant’s offense was immediately moved backward as a tackle for loss on the first down carry set up a second-and-long, but a run from quarterback Mike Ryan to set up third-and-one and a completion to junior Damari Styles converted a first down to the 35. A first down carry from junior Emmanuel Lee gained eight before he picked up five more on second to move the chains up to the 23. The next first down carry resulted in a loss of one, but another completion to Styles put the Cougars down at the nineyard line for a first-and-goal. Another pair of carries from Lee put the Cougars on the board as he fought his way down to the two on first down and hit the right edge for a score on second, giving Durant a 7-0 lead with 4:23 left in the first quarter.

Taking over at the 32 for their next drive, Bloomingdale once again found a way to keep the chains moving as they cruised across midfield with a number of strong runs from sophomore Otis Reed and some short completions from quarterback Dillon Rose-Bailey mixed in, to set up a first down at the Durant 35. But once again, the Bulls couldn’t sustain the full drive before being moved back for a first-and-20 following a holding penalty. A short completion for a gain of three followed by an incompletion on second once again set up a third-andlong before an incompletion once again put an end to another promising Bloomingdale drive as they punted away to the Durant 31.

An unsuccessful series for the Cougars left them quickly punting back to Bloomingdale. The Bulls took over at their own 24 for their next drive, but for the first time on the night, Durant’s defense would allow no room for the Bulls to move. A short pass on first gained five, a short pass on second gained two and an incompletion on third marked a quick end to the Bulls’ third drive. Once again lined up to punt the ball away, this time from deep in their own territory, another high snap left the ball bounding for the Bloomingdale end zone. As the punter once again looked to recover the rolling ball and make something out of nothing, he was immediately hit by senior linebacker Brant

Bovee which sent the ball out of the back of the end zone for a safety to pout the Cougars up 9-0.

On the ensuing safety kickoff, Styles hauled in the kick and broke free for a huge return up to the Bloomingdale 30 to instantly put the Cougars in a promising offensive position - and they cashed in just a few plays later. A first down carry from Lee moved the ball up to the 21, followed by a second down carry to the 16 from Christian Gambrell. Another strong run from Lee gave Durant a first-and-goal at the four and on the next play he punched in his second touchdown of the night. The two-point conversion attempt that followed was thwarted by the Bloomingdale defense, but the Cougars had none-the-less found themselves up 15-0 in the second quarter.

An onside kick attempt was unsuccessful from Durant, giving the Bulls the ball at midfield to start their next drive, and Bloomingdale immediately broke off a big chunk play as Rose-Bailey found Reed streaking down the middle of the field for a huge completion inside the 10 and down to the Durant five-yard line. A first down carry put the Bulls just inches from pay dirt and they appeared to find the end zone on a quarterback sneak on second, but a false start penalty moved them back to the six instead. A huge sack from Parham moved Bloomingdale back to the 18 to set up a long third-and-goal, but Rose-Bailey was able to rectify the big loss with a touchdown completion to senior receiver Darien Martin as the Bulls cut into the Durant lead at 15-7 with 5:34 left in the first half.

Another big return on the next Bloomingdale kick, this time from Lee, moved the Cougars into Bulls territory at the 48 as they looked to answer back, but a big run on first down was nullified with a fumble - recovered by Bloomingdale at their own 20-yard line. And with a chance to move down the field and potentially tie up what was now just a one-score game, Bloomingdale’s offense was unable to move the chains as they punted back to the Cougars three plays later.

Opening their drive at the 50, Gambrell kickstarted the series with a 12-yard run to the 38. And following a six-yard completion to Styles, Ryan dropped back in the pocket and fired deep over the middle as he found junior Jayden Cornelius in stride for the 32-yard touchdown pass to give the Cougars a 22-7 lead heading into the half.

It was a slow start to the second half as both teams were held scoreless throughout the third quarter, but moving in Bloomingdale territory to start the fourth, the Cougars extended their lead to 25-7 with a field goal from junior Isaiah Sawyer.

After Bloomingdale began their following drive at the 35, a fumbled snap was quickly picked up and thrown away on first down before a sack on second moved the Bulls back to the 23. On the resulting thirdand-long, linebacker Hale Sollman flew into the backfield and got to the quarterback for a strip sack as the ball was recovered by Waters and taken to the Bloomingdale 21-yard line.

As an incomplete pass and a short carry for just one quickly set up a third-and-nine for the Cougars, Cornelius took over at quarterback and darted to the right edge and up the sideline for a 20-yard rushing touchdown to put the Cougars up 31-3.

“He’s a coaches son,” head coach Claybo Varnum said. “His dad was a high school quarterback and then he was a receiver at the University of Florida, so football is in his blood. Some of it I don’t even think he has to think about it, it’s just natural. So to have a guy that’s a six-tool player that can play receiver, he can play running back, he can play safety, corner, quarterback, you can put him anywhere, he doesn’t get tired, he never wants to come out and he’s got some serious swag about him. So to have a guy like that where you can fit him in wherever you want is immense.”

Durant added one more score on a picture perfect 30-yard touchdown pass from Ryan to sophomore Treon Williams as their defense kept Bloomingdale off the board for the remainder of the contest and moved Durant to 3-0 on the year.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Varnum said. “This is a hot rivalry between these two teams, it’s getting hotter by the day, and tonight was about us kind of rectifying and proving that we’re in this thing. We’re not some fluke, we don’t care what the past looks like or what people have said, we’re here to play hard, to play fast and to beat people. Huge win for us as a program.”

Offensively, Ryan completed 12 of his 17 attempts for 155 yards and two touchdowns while adding two carries for 16 yards. In the backfield, seven different Cougars registered carries on the night, led by Lee with 97 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. Behind Lee was Jean with 44 yards on nine carries, Gambrell with 36 yards on six carries, Parker Klangthamniem with 14 yards on six carries, Kristien Cook with 12 yards on two carries and Cornelius with 20 yards and one touchdown on his lone carry of the night.

“It’s so nice to coach a team where it really is, ‘next guy up,’” Varnum said. “It’s not fake, it’s not something that you just say, it really is that the next guy is up and he runs. We had a lot of guys tote it tonight and they all did really well. They’re all guys that we have faith in, that we love, that come to work every single day. They’re guys that might have thought, before Dominic Jones got hurt, that they might get 10 touches this year but now they’re getting 10 per game. It’s a committee group, coach Vincent Buggs does a great job with them and they really showed up and ran it right down their throat tonight.”

At receiver, Cornelius paced the unit with 51 yards and one touchdown on four receptions, followed by Ajani Peavy with 22 yards on three receptions, Jaylin Torres with 27 yards on two receptions, Damari Styles with 25 yards on two receptions and Williams with 30 yards and one touchdown on one reception.

Defensively, Sollmann and Bovee each registered double-digit tackles with 11 and 10 respectively while Sollmann, Bovee, Wyatt Zinke and Parham each notched two tackles for loss, accounting for eight of the team’s 12.5 registered tackles for loss on the night. Additionally, Sollmann, Bovee and Zinke each notched two sacks to account for six of the team’s 9.5 registered sacks on the night.

“Huge props to (defensive coordinator Bruce Gifford) this week, hammering home that we had to tackle,” Varnum said. “We saw Reed on film against Sumner and Armwood

and he ran really hard against them and broke off some runs so we knew that he’d be tough. We knew that Rose Bailey would be tough from last year. So a heck of a job from coach Gifford to come with the mindset of, we’re not going to do anything crazy, we’re just going to tackle well, we’re going to slant well, we’re going to get to our spots well and it resulted in a huge win.”

Across the Plant City area, Plant City moved to 2-1 with a 34-23 win over Steinbrenner and Strawberry Crest dropped to 2-1 with a 34-9 loss at the hands of Robinson.

For the Raiders, quarterback Chris Denson completed 12 of 19 attempts for 259 yards, a pair of touchdown passes and one interception while adding 110 rushing yards on 14 carries. In the backfield, Tony Marshall led the charge with 184 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 27 carries, followed by 25 yards on three carries from Jaden McCants and six yards on one carry from Josh Gueh. At receiver, Zykee Joyce crossed the 100-yard mark with 113 yards and one touchdown on five receptions, followed by Gueh with 81 yards on three receptions, T.J. Knighten with 41 yards and one touchdown on two receptions and C.J. McClain with 24 yards on two receptions.

Defensively, Dillan Sumner paced the unit with nine total tackles while Davin StoneGrant led the defense with one sack, one interception and three tackles for loss, followed by a pair of tackles for loss each from Michael Bell and Chase Dexter.

The Chargers’ offense was led by their run game on Friday night as Blunt totaled 101 rushing yards on 21 carries, followed by 11 yards on two carries from Arnulfo Castillo and four yards on one carry from Stevie Parkmond, with their lone touchdown coming on a six-yard touchdown reception to Hunter Hall - also marking the only catch of the night for Crest’s receivers.

Defensively, Zayveon Springfield led the unit with one interception and six total tackles while the Chargers also racked up 13 total tackles for loss, with Oscar Valdez, Quintin Walker, Malachi Johnson, Didier Godonou Dossou and Troy Eskew notching two each.

The Chargers will look to get back into the win column next week as they return home to host Leto while the Cougars and Raiders will meet at Durant for the annual Redman Cup rivalry matchup.

“It’s going to be a bloodbath,” Varnum said. “There’s bad blood between us, there always is and that’s what a rivalry is about. I love it and I hope they love it as well. I love the competition, I love the feeling I get when I’m working to get ready for that game. I know they’ll be ready, I never think that the score of that game will be a wide margin, I know it’s always going to be close and that’s what I want. I want their best effort, I want their best, I hope they’re healthy because we’re going to be healthy and we’re ready to roll.”

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

The Cougars moved to 3-0 with a 38-7 victory over the Bulls on Friday.

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

PLANT CITY ATHLETE JOINS

TEAM AT WARNER UNIVERSITY

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

As noted by Sports Illustrated, just 18 high schools in the state of Florida fielded flag football teams in 1998. But by the 20022003 school year, when the sport began with a single classification offered by the Florida High School Athletics Association, it had already grown rapidly with 146 schools offering varsity flag football teams and 92 teams listed in the single classification series – with many of the programs concentrated in Duval, Leon, Orange, Pinellas, Palm Beach and Broward counties.

Within a decade, that number grew to 177 programs competing in the single classification state series with 24 other schools playing an independent schedule. By the 2014-2015 school year, 197 schools fielded flag football programs in the state series as the FHSAA granted the sport a second classification, by 2018-2019 the FHSAA moved flag football from recognized status to sanctioned status. In a recent high school athletics participation survey done by the National Federation of High Schools for the 2021-2022 school year, over 15,700 student athletes participated in girls flag football across seven states, with Florida leading the charge at 311 active programs and 7,809 girls participating.

In the Tampa Bay area, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers began hosting the Buccaneers Girls Flag Football Preseason Classic at their practice facility in 2019, an event that has since grown to include over 50 flag football teams from across the state in a five-day event that features dinner, facility tours, meet and greets with current players and the largest flag football tournament in the country. Additionally, the organization founded the Women’s Summit for Careers in Football in 2021 and became the first NFL team to create academic scholarship programs for girls who play organized football and are passionate about pursuing a career in sports – made possible through a $250,000 commitment from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation.

In 2020, the NFL, NAIA and Reigning Champions Experiences announced a twoyear partnership to pave a pathway toward making women’s flag football an official sport for the NAIA beginning in 2021 and in 2021, the NJCAA also announced that they would launch girls flag football as an emerging sport in a joint effort with the NFL and RCX, providing $10,000 grants to 15 member colleges as part of the initiative.

In 2021, Warner University in Lake Wales, Fla. became one of four Florida schools alongside St. Thomas, Keiser and Webber International to field a team in the inaugural NAIA season. And now preparing for their

third year of collegiate competition, the Warner Royals have found a local addition in the form of Plant City High School alumna Tolaisha Perry.

A track and field athlete in her first two years at Plant City, Perry said that she originally had no interest in joining the Raiders’ flag football team, being dragged to tryouts by a friend in her junior year. But it didn’t take long for Perry to take to the sport, finishing her high school career with 85 total tackles, 46 sacks and one interception over the course of two seasons as a rusher for the Raiders.

Upon finding out that there was an opportunity to play flag football at the collegiate level, Perry began putting film together and reaching out to schools. She began touring schools and spoke with both Hesston College and Kansas Wesleyan, both in Kansas, before becoming the second player in PCHS history to sign their national letter of intent to play flag football at the collegiate level.

“Warner was so family-oriented, when I came it just made me feel like I was home,” Perry said.

Now enrolled as a freshman, Perry says that a strong freshman group has made acclimation at Warner a smooth transition, both in regards to the academic and athletic phases of the process.

“I wouldn’t say that it’s been easy, but it hasn’t been tough,” Perry said. “The

team has been welcoming and the freshman group that’s here has been with each other, making sure that we hold each other accountable for going to practice, going to weights, making sure that we’re going to class and doing our homework so that’s made the transition from high school to college easier. Everyone is together, helping and making sure that no one is struggling.”

In a short time, flag football has rapidly picked up steam since its recognized status at the high school level. And now Perry has the opportunity to compete as one of the nation’s first true waves of flag football athletes at the college level.

“It’s cool because it’s giving women the chance that they can play football too,” Perry said. “It’s giving them a chance to stand out and say that we can do it too. Flag is just so exciting to play because the opportunities that are coming with it, how it’s growing every day, it’s just developing more and more. I would say that it’s about to take over because it’s giving people a chance to do something that they love without just playing it in high school and being done with it. The fact that it’s at the college level, that it will eventually move to bigger universities, is good for everyone… And the fact that I can be in the beginning of it and help the sport grow is a lot, it’s meaningful.”

Tolaisha Perry became the second girl in Plant City High School history to sign her national letter of intent to play collegiate flag football.

Local AUGUST 2023 sales and trend information courtesy of The Crawford Group.

HOME OWNERSHIP BLUES … moving vans gone, furniture set in place, bags unpacked just relaxing in your new home and now you receive your fist utility bill, Oh my! Shocked by the amount. I believe we all have these reactions and look at ways to lessen the shock next month. I recently ran across the following article from M Tracey, contributing editor of Realtor® Magazine, Eight Ways to passively cool your home, office.

As temperatures soar in many areas across the country, homeowners are looking for relief while also keeping their utility bills in check.

Steve Wilson, director of technical underwriting at home insurance group Hippo, says “passively cooling” your home will put less burden on your air conditioning to manage the indoor temperatures. After all, he warns, cranking up the AC to lower the indoor temperature will cause your system to work harder and lead to soaring energy costs. Wilson’s advice: Keep the thermostat to a commonly maintained temperature throughout the day—it should vary no more than 10 to 15 degrees, even while you’re away—and rely on other steps to keep your home cool.

“Surprisingly, there are things you can do to keep cool while maintaining your energy costs and, in turn, energy usage by maximizing efficiey of cooling systems through DIY home maintenance and upgrades,” Wilson says. He offers the following tips:

1. CLOSE THE BLINDS. Using window coverings can reduce heat entering the home by up to 77 percent, according to the Department of Energy. To block as much heat from entering as possible, use blackout or light-colored curtains with plastic backings, Wilson says.

2. OPEN INTERIOR DOORS. This will allow air to move freely throughout the house, Wilson says. However, “if there’s a room in your home with a lot of windows, keeping the door closed is the best way to keep cool air inside,” he adds.

3. RUN CEILING FANS IN REVERSE. Have a fan rotating counterclockwise so that it pushes air down to the floor and creates a cool breeze for the room. Ceiling fans can help lessen the burden on your air conditioner.

4. INSTALL WINDOW FILM. This can help block heat while still retaining light and not interrupting views from the home. Add this special film aound the windows to help reduce cool air from escaping your home.

5. REMOVE INCANDESCENT LIGHTBULBS. These bulbs produce as much heat as they do light. Instead, use compact fluoescent lamps and LED lighting, Wilson suggests.

6. WATCH YOUR ELECTRONIC USAGE. Many electronics can give off heat. “If you’re not using the printer, toaster or microwave, it might make sense to leave it unplugged,” particularly in the evening when you’re not using them, Wilson says. Also, avoid using appliances that let off xcessive heat, such as a dryer, until temperatures drop in the evening. This will help avoid bringing extra heat inside your home.

7. CHECK YOUR HOME’S INSULATION. Insulation isn’t just for heating a home; it can help cool it, too. “Insulation is a layer of material in your walls, ceiling, floor and oof that moderates the temperature inside your home,” Wilson says. “It helps block the heat from entering your home.”

8. USE HOUSEPLANTS TO ABSORB HEAT. Place sun-loving plants in the windows. They can help absorb solar energy, Wilson says. In fact, a NASA Study shows that plants can “sweat,” which ultimately helps remove heat from your indoor air and provides a subtle cooling effect.

AS WE LOOK AT THE PLANT CITY HOUSING DATA, August 2023, our market area sold 88 homes for the month continuing to surpass the year-to-date average of 86 units per month. People are still buying homes at these increased mortgage costs. That number comprised of 24 new construction homes which should continue due to the new housing developments. The area has several new communities starting to build out. Our housing inventory remains under pressure and last month increased slightly to around 1.55 months’ supply, which is still considerably less than what inventory supply should be for a normal market period. The inventory outlook will continue to be stressed and tighten up. Our ADOM, average days on market, last month was 36.7 days, about double the time it took last year to go under contract.

In August our average sold price was $389,061 a 6.9 percent increase year-todate but a 1.9 percent decline over the past 3 months. These numbers just tell us we are in a stable market and with the increased mortgage rates are keeping the market from another spike in prices. When

we look at average price per SF, Aug 2023 was $203.60 per square foot, a slight decrease from July but still showing growth year-to-date. This trend has continued and will increase substantially when the mortgage rates stabilize.

30-year average mortgage rates came in for the month of August at 7.07 percent a 3.1 percent increase over July’s average. The FED is getting closer to their inflation number, the new CPI numbers should be out at the printing of this article, hopefully the trend continues to move favorable in their view. These current mortgage rates will retreat once the FED starts reversing their rates and watch out for the stifled demand of home buyers.

If you are in the market to buy or sell your home, please seek an experienced professional Realtor® to assist you in this transaction process. There are too many consequences, going it alone without proper representation. Get the real scoop on our market. If you have any questions, want a market value analysis of your home, or see what's available to purchase, please reach out.

M Crawford Crawford Group

SALES SNAPSHOT

The following residential properties were a sample listed as sold on the Greater Tampa Realtors Association MLS in Aug 2023 for the Plant City Market Area.

The home at 2705 Wilder Park Dr sold Aug 21 for $150,000. Built in 1990, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1276 square feet of living area.

The home at 913 W Cherry St sold Aug 22 for $230,000. Built in 1924 it has 4 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1524 square feet of living area.

The home at 1406 E Laura St sold Aug 11 for $260,000. Built in 2005 it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1290 square feet of living area.

The home at 3009 Oakview Ln sold Aug 28 for $295,000. Built in 1974, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1130 square feet of living area.

The home at 705 N Pennsylvania Ave sold Aug 15 for $330,000. Built in 1942, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1652 square feet of living area.

The home at 1203 N Barnes St sold Aug 30 for $350,000. Built in 1948, it has 4 bedrooms, 2 bath and 2070 square feet of living area.

The home at 3519 Wild Bramble Ct sold Aug 18 for $378,990. Built in 2023, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 bath and 2371 square feet of living area.

The home at 2745 Horseshoe Dr sold Aug 4 for $389,990. Built in 1988, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1692 square feet of living area.

The home 401 Hemlock Dr sold Aug 1 for $400,000. Built in 1976, it has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath and 2122 square feet of living area.

The home at 1605 Teakwood Dr sold Aug 2 for $425,000. Built in 1978, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 2073 square feet of living area.

The home at 1503 Tropical Oasis Ave sold Aug 15 for $447,095. Built in 2023, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 bath and 3313 square feet of living area.

The home at 3319 Ranchdale Dr sold Aug 11 for $525,000. Built in 2011, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 bath and 2764 square feet of living area.

The home at 2702 Pine Club Dr sold Aug 25 for $594,900. Built in 1988, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 bath and 2618 square feet of living area.

The home at 3904 Keene Rd sold Aug 15 for $690,000. Built in 1986, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 bath and 3736 square feet of living area.

The home at 2108 N Golfview Dr sold Aug 8 for $850,000. Built in 1986, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 bath and 4667 square feet of living area.

The home at 5047 Varn Rd sold Aug 17 for $1,200,000. Built in 2001, it has 6 bedrooms, 4.5 bath and 5157 square feet of living area.

Data pulled from GTAR MLS as of 9/6/23 for the Plant City market area.

We asked Plant City: What is the best moment in sports you’ve ever seen?

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR

“If I’m recalling right, Warren Sapp got an interception and ran with it for a touchdown, yep a fun moment!” - Carrie Jeanne

“Lots of professional stuff but the best moments were when my sons were playing little league for Bloomingdale. One son was just not that into playing and was alway sent into the outfied. The ball was hit high and he went back to make the catch. Luck was with him and he made it, like out of a movie. The other was my younger son playing catcher. Foul tip at home sent the ball up. He ripped off his mask ran to the back fence and made the play. Proud mom here!” - Lisa Potter

“I was present in South Florida the year Steven Stamkos clinched the Rocket Richard trophy (the year he shared it with Sidney Crosby.)” - Stephanie Connoy

“Cowboys vs Giants on Sunday.” - Julio Gonzalez

“2001 World Series, Game 7.” - James Eric West

“Secretariat, Belmont Stakes.” - John Stabile

“One second left on the clock, Alabama vs. Auburn, Auburn ran it back 100 yards for the winning touchdown.” - Rebeka Attaway Moore

“Ben Zobrist’s game-winning RBI double in Game 7 of the 2016 Cubs’ World Series run.” - Lisa Westmiller Johnson

“Billy Buckner… Let’s the ground ball go through his legs in the ’86 World Series Game 6, allowing the Mets to win that game and then the Mets won Game 7 and the championship.” - Tony Mendolia

“I would say the gymnastics at the Olympics, always a thrill to watch the amazing athletes go show their talent.”

- Cynthia Davis Van Camp

“Rick Monday rescuing the US flag from being burned on a baseball fied in ’76.”

- Ed Verner

“Kerri Strug getting a 9.7 on vault with a cracked ankle, landing on one foot to win Olympic gold for the US women.”Dawn Hughbanks

“Ohio State’s WIDE LEFT as the clock turned midnight, putting the Dawgs in the championship game.” - Steve

Vinson

289704-1

“On Feb. 22, 1980, the United States beat the Soviet Union 4-3 in an ice hockey game at the Lake Placid Olympics. It was one of the biggest upsets in sports history.” - Laurie

McAuley Harris

“Obviously people are going to say the Lightning or Bucs winning their championships, and I get that. But, I’d say the greatest moment I’ve seen is when Karri Strug landed that vault on one leg in the ’96 summer games.” - Reid Hanson

“8/31/23 when I won my pro card and became the first IFBB ro Bodybuilder from the Itty Bitty Plant City. But I’m biased.” - Alphonso Cromartie Jr.

“Last year I would have had a different answer, but here is my now answer for 2023. US Open Tennis 2023 - Women’s and men’s singles finas had many moments and awesome, high-quality tennis. Tennis history with CoCo Gauff winning her firstst major gand slam and thanking God on her knees, while Novak Djokovic won a record-setting 24th major grand slam title. LLWS 2023 Final Game - Curaçao hit a grand slam to tie the score in the top of the 5th inning, but first atter in the bottom of the 6th inning for California hit a home run to win the game and clinch the championship title.” - Pamela

Pearre

“I know it sounds cliche but watching my kids play volleyball over the years. Those are the greatest moments I have seen. This is my youngest child’s last year of high school and these moments are about to tune into memories.” - Sherri

Catrett

Claire Davis

Claire Davis, 79 of Lithia, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Clifford R. Levins

Clifford R. Levins, 94, of Lake Wales, Fla., born in Florida on April 8, 1929, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 1, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Margaret Elizabeth Merritt

Margaret Elizabeth Merritt, 90, of Dover, born on Nov. 13, 1932, in Elgin, Ill., entered into eternal rest on Sept. 2, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Margaret ‘Jean’ Golden

Margaret “Jean” Golden, 76, of Plant City, born on May 15, 1947, in Quincy, Fla., entered into eternal rest on Aug. 6, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Norma Kathleen Inlow

Norma Kathaleen Inlow, 84, of Plant City, born on Feb. 9, 1939, in Sewickley, Penn., entered into eternal rest on Sept. 4, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Yovanny Isidro

Rocendo

Yovanny Isidro Rocendo, 18, of Lithia, born on May 21, 2005, in Chilapa De Alvarez, Guerrero, Mexico, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 3, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Robert ‘Bobby’ Alfred Taylor

Robert “Bobby” Alfred Taylor, 61, of Plant City, born on July 25, 1962 in Tampa, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 3, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Marina Nicole Silva

Marina Nicole Silva, a beacon of joy and love, graced the world with her presence on July 3, 1999, in Plant City, Fla. With a heavy heart, we announce that Marina’s vibrant light was extinguished on Sept. 2, 2023, in Lakeland, Fla.A Funeral Service was held Sept. 11, 2023. Condolences may be left for the family at haught. care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Christopher Michael

‘Riddles’ Riddles

Christopher Michael “Riddles” Riddles, revved his last engine in Plant City, Fla. on Sept. 2, 2023. The family will receive friends Sept. 15, 2023, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd Plant City, FL 33563. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

3 to 6:30 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Strawberry Classic CruiseIn 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.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

NOT SO NEWLYWED GAME

6 p.m. at 1501 N Alexander St. The Plant City Ladies of the Elks will be hosting a night of fun and laughs as eight brave married couples will find out if thy know each other as well as they think they do through the Not So Newlywed Game. Admission will cost $25 per person and include heavy appetizers, an evening of fun and fundraising through a silent auction and chance auction. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Els Lodge’s scholarship fund. For more information, contact Gail Lyons at 813-967-6366.

SELF NUTRITION GRAND OPENING

5 p.m. at 1003 S Alexander St., Unit 3. Self Nutrition welcomes the Plant City community to come out and take part in their grand opening. From protein waffles, protein shakes, protein mini donuts, acai bowls, protein cookies and mega tea, everyone is sure to find omething good — and good for you — at Self Nutrition.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

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, SEPTEMBER 23

OKTOBERFEST

5 to 10 p.m. at 100 N Collins St. Head to Downtown Plant City for Plant City Main Street’s second annual Oktoberfest, an exciting evening filled with lie music, traditional Biergarten and Weingarten experiences, delicious food and more. The family-friendly event will not only feature live music and both a Biergarten and Weingarten, but a variety of German delicacies, a Main Street Kid Zone, exhibitors, a stein-holding competition, axe throwing, a costume contest, rides, games and more. If your business or organization would like to align with this new Plant City tradition, sponsorship availabilities remain available. For more information, visit www.plantcitymainstreet.org/events.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 23

BLUEGRASS NIGHT

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E J. Arden Mays Blvd. Make your way to The Loft at Krazy Kup for Bluegrass Night featuring The Wandering Hours, a rare group that is not only fun and engaging with the audience, but absolute tops on their instruments, drawing from folk traditions and metamodern thinking alike with topics ranging from the perpetuity of time to some good ole drinking songs. Banjo, mandolin, fiddl, guitar and upright bass underscore the band’s thoughtful lyrics and story telling. A staple in live music circles and the festival circuit, they were named Creative LoafingTampa’s Best of the Bay in 2019 and 2020. Tickets are $15 and available in-house or online at www.eventbrite.com.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

LIFE RECOVERY - ADDICTION RECOVERY GROUP

6:30 to 8 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, 12step 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.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

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. September’s theme will be Lord of the Rings: September in the Shire.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

MOSSY HOLLOW MARKET

2 to 8 p.m. at 1401 W Highway 60. You are invited to step through the woodland portal on the eve after the Harvest full moon and into a magical forest village of fairies, mushrooms, & sprites. Visit artists and vendors as you meander through the interactive woodland experience, complete with a potions bar, stargazing tent, wishing cauldron, wandering characters, photo opportunities and festive music. Held at Metals & Nature, costumes are highly encouraged for this free and family-friendly event.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7

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.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14

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

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

SUNRISE/SUNSET

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MOON PHASES

U.S.

Dianne Silliman caught a photo of this rainbow stretching across the Plant City sky from her backyard.

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