parked in
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
It
PLANT CITY RECOGNIZES WEEK, EDC SHOWS MEETING HOLDS DETAILS ECONOMIC TRENDS
One of spectacles event was the traditional that rode
Sept. 17, 2022, marks the 235th anniversary of the draft ing of the U.S. constitution.
procession of motorcycles
PLANT CITY’S POST 44 HONORED FALLEN SOLDIERS AND FIRST RESPONDERS
the
onto the open field “The riders’ group is required to be either AmVets, Ladies of Auxiliary, or Sons (of AMVETS),” said John “Doc” Cameron, commander of Post 44.
Alice Jones, chaplain for the Echebucsassa chapter of Daughters of American Revolution was present for the proclamation.
of Jodi Wood Dozens of motorcyclists put on a display as they pulled onto the premises of Plant City’s AmVets Post 44 for the 15th Annual Patriot Day Observance and Remembrance Ride, on Sept. 10.
PROCLAMATION FOR CONSTITUTION WEEK
BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
Courtesy
PROCLAMATION,
The bikers left their rides an orderly fashion - a display that added to the festivities.
CONSTITUTION
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
The U.S. Congress recommended to the president, in 1956, that Constitution Week be held from Sept. 17 to Sept. 23, in which the Daughters of American Revolution played a role in.
during the
ANNUAL JOB GROWTH. COMMISSION
BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
Attendees were AmVets
Post 44 in Plant City, to pay homage to those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, due to terrorist attacks on the country.
FREE • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022VOLUME 6, NO. 213
A proclamation was presented recognizing Sept. 17 to Sept. 23, 2022 as Constitution Week in Plant City at Mon day’s city commission meeting.
The day of observance also honored local veterans, such as retired Army Captain Gerry Lawrence who was wrapped with a quilt from the Quilts of Valor for his service.
“Issuing the proclamation every year from the City of Plant City is extremely important to us,” she said. “A lot of times we fail to remember that Sept. 17 is Constitu tion Day. That constitution gave you the right to be here tonight. That constitution set up this form of government where we have a mayor, and we have a council that you can bring grievances to or ask things of. It is the constitution that guarantees us certain individual rights…”
present at the
was an event to reflect on a memoable day in American history, with the 15th Annual Patriot Day Observance and Remembrance Ride on Sept. 10.
LOCAL AMVETS OFFER FUN AND DONATIONS DURING PATRIOT DAY
Plant City has announced that there will be multiple road closures on Sept. 24 as the city celebrates their fist annual Oktoberfest. Road closures will run from Palmer St. to Evers St. and MLK to Reynolds St., lasting from 12 p.m.
will
Parks & Recreation to host Night Hike at McIntosh Preserve Plant City Parks staff or a spooktacular guided Night Hike at McIntosh Preserve on Oct. 8, beginning at 7 p.m.Participants be led on an easy two-mile hike while taking in the views of the night sky. This will be a quiet event as to embrace the sounds of the night and experience the solitude of the dark. Flash lights are recommended for emergency purposes, but walking will be in the dark for most of the trip.
Those who wish to attend can sign up for either event in-store or by contacting The Crafted Butterfly diectly at 813-704-4034.
With a $30 entry fee, contestants can show off their skills during the cooking competition which will run from 6 p.m. to 8 Patronsp.m.will sample each dish, score competitors, and cast ballots. The contest will be limited to 10 participants who have a chance to win a $500 1st Place Prize.
Join
The Crafted Butterfly to host Craft N Chat, Halloween craft class
The Crafted Butterfl, 102 S. Evers St., Suite 106, is welcoming the season with festive fall decor as they host their Craft N Chase event on Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Guests are invited to bring in any project they’re working on to enjoy crafting and interacting with fellow likeminded creatives. In addition, The Crafted Butterfly will also host their Tim Holts-themed Halloween class on Sept. 24 from 1 to 5 p.m.
The deadline to enter the bratwurst cooking contest is Sept. 16 at 5 Registrationp.m.can be done online at PlantCityMainStreet. org. Those of age can take advantage of the biergarten (beer garden.) Registration will be $85 for exhibitors; $45 for non-profis; $55 for informational participants; $200 for food trucks. For additional information, please contact Dawn Hyatt at Director@PlantCityMainStreet.com, call (813)358-8898 or visit www.PlantCityMainStreet.org.
PlantCityObserver.com2 PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 BRIEFSNEWS % APY* 3-YEAR CE Risk-FreeRTIFICATEAT Earnings Straight Ahead FEDERALLY INSURED BY NCUA. Visit TraxCU.com to open your 36-Month Certificate today! You can now invest your hard-earned money in a safe account without any risk of losing your investment for 36 months. PLUS , deposits of $100,000 or over receive an extra .20% ! Just sit back, relax, and watch the earnings roll in. ACT QU I CKLY!OPEN Y O U RETACIFITRECHTNOM-63 T O DAY! Limited Time O er. Rates subject to change or cancellation at any time without notice. Certificates opened prior to 9/1/2022 are exempt from newly published rates and will continue to earn the current yield. APY = Annual Percentage Yield as of 9/1/2022. A penalty will be imposed for early withdrawal. Visit www.traxcu.com/cdspecial for full terms and conditions.
Plant City to experience road closures for Oktoberfest later this month
to midnight. Hosted by Plant City Main Street, the event will take place at 100 N. Collins St. in Historic Downtown Plant City from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Live entertainment will amplify the scene as patrons enjoy amenities such as an exhibitor market, food trucks, a costume contest, axe throwing, a bratwurst cooking competition, plus more.
“After two years, I kind of real ized after playing college baseball, I had enough,” Ferry said.
He also has different methods to go about doing certain proce dures and grants the patients the option to choose which they feel best suits them.
“If you’re good at what you do, whether that be dentistry, medi cine, owning a restaurant, serv ing good food, you’ll do well in Plant City,” he said. “You don’t only have to advertise, word of mouth is so great. If you know what you’re doing, you’ll be jam packed.”Thereferrals he has received has brought people from outside Plant City to his office for dental care, especially snowbirds.
Base price: $78,700
Price as tested: $80,840
FERNANDES
He also has believed in valuing his patients’ time by not having
He even chose not to put up a sign outside his building to attract potential patients. People have
Fuel capacity: 24 gallons
them wait for long periods of time to be “Youseen.have to have some flex ibility with your scheduling to see a patient,” Ferry said.
capacity of withstanding 500 pounds of weight.Therobust Sierra boasts a mammoth bright and multi-dimensional grille with eye-catching Vader chrome accents, surrounded by revamped LED headlights with C-shaped elements. The rear also shows off C-ormed LED features within the tail lamps and integrated dual exhaust tips. Our 5’ 8”-foot box offers 63 cubic feet for stowage. Step into the airy interior and you will notice the redesign asap. The driver now faces a 12.3-inch diagonal digital cluster instead of the previous analog gauges. The prior 8-inch infotain touch screen is a sweeping horizontal 13.4-inch instrument panel. It includes built-in Google Assistant, maps, etc., if you are a fan, along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Alpine Umber interior implies you get full-grain leather appointments for the seats, instrument panel and center console, and lest we forget, a microsuede headliner! And absolutely stunning openpore Paldao wood on doors and center console. Moreover, if you want to be more visually amazed (we aren’t kidding here!), the embossed topographic maps of Mount Denali, highest peak in North America will do just that! The maps have been laseretched on front/rear seats, door panels and fender vent badges. Other notable features include dual auto a/c, 16-way power heated/cooled massage front seats, two glove boxes, 60/40 rear-fold seat, leather-wrapped steering column, power
Length: 231.9 inches
NEW GMC SIERRA DENALI ULTIMATE MODEL IS A SIGHT TO BEHOLD!
Dr. David Ferry is retiring from his practice after serving Plant City for 45 years.
City: 15 mpg Highway: 20 mpg
Dentist David Ferry is retiring after serving Plant City for over four decades
In October, he will officially hang up his white coat and leave the building he has worked in since 1976.
Helping to make patients com fortable is also a team effort, he said.The dentist’s goals and the staff’s goals have to be in sync to better serve everyone who comes in for dental work.
NITISH S. RELE
However, Ferry has already found a new dentist to be at the helm of the office – Dr. Hussein Abdulameer. He is a cosmetic dentist who earned his Bachelor of Dental Surgery in Ukraine and then continued his schooling in
Width: 81.2 inches
the U.S. Abdulameer attended the Indiana University School of Den tistry, where he was recognized by the Dental Student Progress Committee for his clinical per formance.Helived in Indiana, New Hampshire, and Boston before moving to Tampa. In the Tampa Bay region, he worked in a highendNowpractice.hewill be serving Plant City at the very same office where Ferry had established his career of over four decades.
Height: 75.5 inches
He understands that going to see a dentist can be an intimidat ing experience for kids and adults alike. To help ease any anxiety, he has done various paintings on his wall and always has music play ing.He explains to patients that he too can empathize with their fear.
Maria is also retiring from her long career as a dental hygienist and will soon have a replacement.
Tires: P275/50R22
Weight: 5,240 pounds
He was born and raised in New Orleans where he attended a Jesuit high school. His love for baseball earned him a sports scholarship and he attended Loyola University New Orleans.
Plant City Dentist to Leave Practice
BRIAN STAFF
WRITER
Wheelbase: 147.4 inches
said that he’s crazy for not doing it, however he prefers that people continue to refer others his way and that they choose to come back because they are satisfied with the service that he and his staff pro vide.His team consists of a recep tionist, two assistants, and two dental hygienists – Maria and theirFerrydaughter-in-law.saidhehasbeen under standing of the difficult circum stances and financial constraints that his patients may be dealing with and may not be able to pay full price for the dental work they need. He has tried to work out plans where they don’t have to pay everything at once, but can receive services gradually over time, providing that it’s not an issue that needs to be addressed immediately.Amongthe other hats that he wears, he is a landscaper, photog rapher and even a painter which has come in handy at the office.
The two dentists she worked for offered Ferry a position as the third dentist at their office, how ever he was encouraged not to because he may not have a voice in making big decisions.
A 6.2-liter V-8 engine, mated to a 10-speed auto transmission, cranks out 420 horsepower @ 5600 rpm and 460 pounds-feet of torque @ 4100 rpm. Handling the suspension is an independent coil-over shock front and a solid axle rear. The power rack-and-pinion electric power steering has an unswerving and communicative feel, making the truck easy to place at sharp curves. GM’s Dynamic Fuel Management system deactivates up to four of the eight cylinders for fuel savings. Tow capacity is an amazing 8,900 pounds. And yes, you can turn on the optional hands-free driver assistance Super Cruise while trailering too on select highways. The six-position Multipro tailgate comes handy as a table, an extension or a step to load items onto the lightweight carbon-fiber bed. And 12 fied tie-downs each have a
Dr. David Ferry is a dentist who has been helping his patients maintain and develop beautiful smiles, but now after 46 years, he is ready to retire from his practice in Plant City.
SIERRA DENALI AWD
He met his wife Maria dur ing his schooling when she was working as a dental hygienist. She herself came from a family with a medical background as her father was the first OBGYN at the South Florida Baptist Hospital.
Web site: www.gmc.com
Indeed, the Sierra is a well-designed workhorse that you can go cruising on the highway or off the baten path. It boasts an outstanding performance with plentiful tow capacity and a gigantic but even more high-tech and classy cabin than before.
“I love technical stuff, so every thing we have here is digital, it’s state of the art stuff,” Ferry said. “Whatever is easier for them, I want to do it.”
During a visit to Plant City, Fer ry said that he instantly fell in love with the town due to its peaceful atmosphere and little traffic. It was here that he decided to open up his practice.
Nitish S. Rele operates motoringtampabaycom and Khaas Baat, and was an automotive editor/columnist for the Tampa Tribune. Email him motoringtampabay@gmail.com.at
He initially wanted to be a phy sician but majored in biology and chemistry after losing his interest in playing his favorite sport.
PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 3PlantCityObserver.com
“I tell everybody, ‘I don’t like being on that side of the chair either, but I’ve got to do it. I hang on and get through it and I’m going to try and make it as easy as I can for you.’”
side steps, etc. Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag for second row, stability/traction and trailer sway control with hill start assist, lane-change and rear-cross traffic ales, front/rear park assist, fourwheel antilock brakes, rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights are standard.
Basically, it is a souped-up version of the twin from the other stable, Chevy Silverado. And just like its sibling, the GMC Sierra Denali 1500 4WD Crew Cab truck has been overhauled inside-out for 2022. However, the power train has been retained, at least the 6.2-liter engine so that this solidly built full-size pickup ensures quick acceleration from any speed, ample passing ability and accurate handling/balance. The fourwheel-drive system can be driven in auto, 2WD, 4Hi or 4Lo modes depending on road/weather conditions.
Ferry stated that in all of that time, helping others create a new smile has been the most reward ing part of his career.
CONTACT US The Plant City Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. The Plant City Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B.
StaffWriter / Brian bfernandes@plantcityobserver.comFernandes
business at the listed location in reference to a parking lot crash. One individual was subsequently arrested for DUI with property damage and no valid driver’s license.
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1200 block of Gordon Oaks Dr. Vehicle burglary: An officer responded to the listed location in reference to a vehicle burglary and met with the victim who advised that they left their vehicle unlocked and items were missing.
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4000 block of W. Hwy. 574 DUI: An officer responded to a
2700 block of Thonotosassa Rd.
1200 block of N. Lime St. Residential burglary: An officer met with the victim who stated that the home at the listed location had been broken into, resulting in multiple items missing.
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Fleeing to elude: An officer attempted to conduct a traffictop on a vehicle, but it subsequently fled the loation.
Publishers of the Plant City Observer 110 E. PlantSuiteReynolds,100BCity,FL33563(813)704-6850 Observer PLANT CITY O This week’s Sudoku answers This week’s Crossword answers This week’s answers Jumbles: ANNUL BLEAK DAMAGE SCREWY Answer: There’s a Jumble cartoon each day because the artist has never -- DRAWN A BLANK This week on Cops Corner: Plant City Police investigate a parking lot crash, a flattened tire and a home burglary. istockCORNERCOPS TILE & GROUT STEAM CLEANED 50 cents per Sq.Ft. CARPETS STEAM CLEANED 3 ROOMS $90 Includes Hallway cleaned Free Emergency Storm Water, A/C Leaks, Broken Pipes, Toilet Overflow WATER24-HourREMOVAL Carpet Repairs Carpet Restoration & Dyeing Minimum Service job $70.00
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3700 block of Capri Coast Dr. Residential burglary: An officer responded to the listed location, a new construction home, in reference to a burglary complaint.
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The Plant City Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC.
Warrant arrest: An officer responded to the listed location in reference to a suspicious person complaint. Upon arrival, contact
To contact us, send your information via: Email: Sarah Holt, Mail:PlantCityObserver.com.SHolt@ThePlantCityObserver,110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B, Plant City, FL 33563
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was made with two individuals who were trespassed from the property by management. An FCIC/NCIC check revealed that one of the individuals had an active warrant out of Hillsborough County for petit theft. The warrant was confirmed and the individual was arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.
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Plant City Observer is locally owned by Ed Verner, Karen Berry, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes
TrespassingPkwy. after arrest: Officers responded to a business at the listed location in reference to a trespass warning violation. One individual had previously been trespassed from the location on Aug. 26 and was subsequently arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.
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500 block of S. Morgan St.
Criminal mischief: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who alerted them that they discovered that the front passenger’s side tire of their vehicle was flat at aound 6 a.m.
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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 5PlantCityObserver.com
Veterans Labor Force Participation Rate and Size between ages 18 to 64 are highest
Plant City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Annual Report
Then there’s the mean commute time where Florida is ahead at 27.9 minutes compared to 26.9 minutes in the country and 26.8 minutes in the city.
CONSTITUTION WEEK, PROCLAMATION PRESENTED.
tent for the most part above that wage growth with a couple of differences in 2017 to 2018,” Austin said.
(From left to right) Plant City City Commissioner Jason Jones is joined by Vice Mayor Michael Sparkman, Mayor Nate Kilton, Alice Jones, Commissioner Bill Dodson, Commissioner Mary Mathis, and City Manager Bill McDaniel,
BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
Jake Austin, president of the Plant City EDC was present at the most recent city commission meeting to detail the results the organization has had in the past year.
In regards to the cost of living, the annual average salary in Plant City is $63,554, slightly higher than that of Florida which is at $59,712. However, Plant City is trail ing behind the national average which is at $66,637.PlantCity is also excelling with the Labor Force Participation Rate and Size (civilians age 16 and over) at 67%. That is ahead of Florida at 58.8% and the U.S. at 63.2%
Also, the percentage of children from single parent families is 44.1% in Plant City, 38.5% in Florida, and 34% around theIndividualscountry. that are uninsured are at 14% in the city, 12.7% in the state, and 8.7% in the country.
Deliveries have also gone up from its yearly average of over 382,000 square feet to 1.6 million square feet in the last year.Rent Growth rose from 3% to 18% over the year, and sales volume jumped from its yearly average of $35.6 million to $43.9 million in the past year.
In 2015, Plant City caught up to the Flor ida and U.S. average employment growth and has maintained higher growth than the state and national levels for the most part.
During 2020, in the wake of the COVID pandemic, Plant City did substantially well in comparison to the state and nation.
As for the Prime-Age Labor Force Par ticipation Rate and Size (ages 25 to 54), the city is ahead at 84.7%, with the state trailing behind at 81.5% and the nation at 82.4%.Theveteran population from ages 18 to 64 is ahead at 5.4%, compared to the state at 5.2% and the nation at 4.5%
With net absorption, Plant City has an average of over 327,000 square feet annually, which has risen to 2.1 million square feet this past year.
In the last year, construction has had an optimistic outlook with an addi tion of 1.6 million square feet of new commercial construction, 2.1 million square feet of absorption (more leas ing than new construction); vacancy rates are at 7.7%; annual growth for rent is at 18.6%. Vacancy usually rises 5.3% every year with less leasing, but has dropped by 3.5%.
“Since 2015, we quickly crept up to the state and national average for average wage growth for Plant City and we stayed consis
“Our first goal and first priority of the organization - Goal No. 1 is to attract, nur ture, and retain major employers for Plant City,” he said. “The main reason is because they contribute to either the local average wage or the tax base. It’s kind of the bread and butter of the Economic Development organization…”It’salsomeant to promote and enhance Plant City’s quality of life focusing on key economic indicators. In addition, it pro motes and enhances Plant City’s workforce through strategic partnerships that focus on strengthening our talent pipeline and making connections between workers and employers.Thecompanies: Builders Best; Enchant ed Christmas; Lowe’s; West Rock; Famous Supply; USP Home; DASI; BodyArmor; Gerdau-Plant City; and Box Tech are all either manufacturing or distribution com panies.Inthe past year, they have provided 685 jobs combined, over $141,000,000 in capi tal, with over 2 million square feet in com mercial space.
in the city at 80.2%, then country at 76.8% and the state at 74.6%.
There are areas in which Plant City needs to improve on such as poverty which sits at 14.4%, higher than the state at 13.3%, and the nation at Households12.8%.receiving food stamps/ SNAPS are at 15.5% in the city compared to 13.3% in the state, and 11.4% at the national level. Disconnected youth sits at 4.1% in Plant City, 2.8% in Florida, and 2.5% in the nation.
ANNUAL ECONOMIC TRENDS PRESENTED BY EDC
During the memorial event, there was a raffle drawing, prize giveaways, plus an auction with many custom-made items, including a grill which sold for $3,750. Food and live entertain ment was also provided.
“I serve more today than I ever served in the service by working at the VA…and working with the veterans.”
Red Jensen who works at the hospital was in attendance to accept the funds.
“The AMVETS Post 44 has been our biggest supporter for our maternity care baby showers,” she said.Its agenda is to provide muchneeded supplies for single, veter an mothers who are transitioning into that new phase of their lives and maybe seeking another career path.Tenace was a maternity care coordinator when the service was implemented seven years ago and
has seen the number of mothers cared for go from 75 to over 200 since it began.
He currently has a Harley Davidson motorcycle with a side car which he takes advantage of whenever possible. Aside from his bike, Jensen said that he is content with working at the hos pital where he is able to assist other veterans who he can empa thize with.
The funding from Post 44 that helps to push the initiative for ward, has left Tenace in awe.
The former Navy officer, who is now wheelchair bound, initially came to the medical institute in 1994 after suffering injuries from a motorcycle wreck in New York.
In order to make these dona
“It’s been well worth it,” he said. “I’d been a statistic if I had stayed in New York.”
Another recipient was Florida’s Sheriffs Youth Ranches receiv ing over $5,000 as well as the VA Maternity Center at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital being awardedTammy$3,517.Tenace who does wom en’s health and research outreach work at the maternity center, was present to accept the donation.
“It’s difficult to put into words,” Cameron said. “I mean that’s what we want to do, that’s our goal: veterans helping veterans and that’s what we live for.”
Also, donations were given out to various groups and organiza tions. A huge check was presented to the Spinal Cord Injury Center at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hos pital in Tampa, by Post 44.
American heroes celebrated at annual function.
Post 44 event grants funds to various organizations
It was a day to not only have fun, but to commemorate the lives lost to ensure a safer America and provide the necessary funds for numerous agencies.
BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
“The women veterans are the fastest growing veteran popula tion and it’s exploding,” she said. “We used to be less than 10% of the veteran population and now we’re heading up towards 13% in just the last 10 years.”
Courtesy of Jodi Wood Dozens of motorcyclists put on a display as they pulled onto the premises of Plant City’s AMVETS Post 44 for the 15th Annual Patriot Day Observance and Remembrance Ride on Sept. 10.
PlantCityObserver.com6 PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022
“We provide them with rec reational funds and this year we provided a check for over $15,000,” Cameron said.
Lee Kirby was one of the doz ens of bikers who pulled up on the field of Post 44, accompa nied with his Pitbull Dotson and Chihuahua. The day’s event was another memorable moment in what would seem like a neverending trip cross country. In three weeks, Kirby rode through Tennessee, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, while not being deterred by rain.
tions possible, Post 44 raises funds by holding charity events, through bartending revenue, raf fles, and steak shoots.
“I put about 40,000 miles a year on my bike if not more,” he said.Last year he broke his neck and back in an accident but was back to riding again once he got out of hisHiscast.love for bikes and for vet erans made the trip worthwhile.
“Every time I think about it, I get goosebumps,” she said. “I don’t think that there’s anything in words, it’s all action. To see them come together as a team and say ‘we want to help women veterans and their families’ is just amazing to us. We’re so grateful and so thankful for them.”
Jensen said he is grateful for being transported to the veterans’ hos pital which he praises for its care.
At the Arthur Boring Build ing, Denyve Boyle, philanthropy director at the Community Foun dation Tampa Bay, explained how her institution operates.
PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 7PlantCityObserver.com
gender-based health and safety concerns, that often require addi tional support to reach their full potential,” said Marlene Spalten, president and CEO of Communi ty Foundation Tampa Bay. “We’re proud to support area non-prof its that are working to provide opportunities and build support for our community’s women and girls.”Over the years, Communi ty Foundation Tampa Bay has encouraged philanthropic sup port toward scholarships for stu dents, access to civil and legal representation, as well as safe places for youth to stay after school hours.
To accomplish this, it tries to provide opportunities for educa tion and training by giving easier access to grants, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement. It also establishes stronger business
and educational partnerships to develop more skilled workers as well as supporting shorter and less expensive schooling.
In November 2020, LEAP began Complete Tampa Bay (CTB) coaching sessions to help get stu dents involved in education and training programs.
LEAP and partners have led the effort in expanding a high schoolbased, volunteer-led College and Career Center, which has impact ed nine schools with grant-fund ed site Theremanagers.tendsto be higher gains in financial aid applications for students at schools with College and Career Centers.
The completion coach has helped over 1,500 students with information on getting started with post-secondary plans and has assisted over 800 students in furthering the application and enrollment process.
Having recognized Tampa Bay’s growing demand in the work force, the foundation partnered with corporate, educational, and governmental agencies to form the LEAP Tampa Bay College Access Network.
In addition to distributing grants, the foundation also helps donors meet their charitable goals.“We do this by working along side people who want to be phil anthropic in many different ways,” Boyle said. “They want to leave a legacy in our community, and they want to do good and well. Charitable giving is on the rise. There is a huge wealth trans fer that is happening.”
“At Community Foundation, we help to inspire charitable giv ing and we work alongside indi viduals, we work alongside com panies, and we work alongside groups of people who want to do good as a whole for the benefit of the community,” she said.
Plant City locals were given insight on how charitable nonprofit organizations can better assist their neighborhoods with Community Foundation Tampa Bay, at the latest Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce lun cheon, on Sept. 8.
It also has what is called the annual competitive grant process, where it selects which organiza tion to distribute funds to after
Established in 1990, the foun dation serves Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties by awarding grant money to local agencies so they can continue to do charitable work in the community.
Since its beginning, the foun dation has collected $350 million from donors and has funded vari ous non-profits and has accrued more than $210 million in assets to ensure giving in the future.
In fact, during the 2022 com petitive grants cycle provided more than $1 million to 46 nonprofit organizations in Tampa Bay.This includes over $209,000 toward eight agencies that pro mote the empowerment of wom en and “Womengirls.face unique economic and societal pressures, along with
Also, LEAP and partners began a scholarship within the Fuse Guaranteed Admission to USF Program, which has awarded
almost $2.7 million to over 480 students at Hillsborough Com munity College and St. Peters burg College, Pasco-Hernando State College, and University of South Florida since 2018.
For more information about Community Foundation Tampa Bay, visit www.CFTampaBay.org.
Community Foundation Tampa Bay allocates grants to non-profit
Philanthropist on How Foundation Shares Donor Funds
The goal of the program is to have about 60% of working adults qualified with a college degree or a high-quality certificate by 2025.
BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
Denyve Boyle, the philanthropy director at Community Foundation Tampa Bay, spoke about how the organization distributes charitable funds to Bay Area neighborhoods, at the recent Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce luncheon, on Sept. 8.
they have submitted an applica tion.Through the donor advised funds, people donate money to the foundation, where it is put into an account and they can choose who receives it, when and how much as well as get a tax reduction.
In addition, it has partnered with hospitals and agencies to form the Mental Health First Aid Initiative.Theprogram provides practical skills to address mental health, its prevalence in the community, and decrease its stigma.
“If someone in your communi ty is having a mental health crisis, your nonprofits, your businesses will be able to be better equipped to have conversations with the people in your community who might be having a mental health crisis,” Boyle said. “This was a big issue after COVID.”
8 PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 PlantCityObserver.com
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A second down carry for Bloomingdale moved them up to the 30-yard line and a penalty pushed the ball up to the 15. Two plays later, facing a third-and-one at the six-yard line, Rose-Bailey took a QB keeper down to the two-yard line and into the end zone for six on the next two plays, giving Bloomingdale a 6-0 lead in the first.
After taking over at the 26-yard line, a series of carries from Daley, Connell and starting quarterback Mike Ryan moved Durant up to midfield before Ryan fired a rocket up the left sideline to a diving Jer emiah Gines, hauling in the spectacular catch to put the Cougars at the seven-yard line. A holding penalty backed Durant up to first-and-goal from the seventeen, but Connell would ultimately put Durant on the board three plays later as he hauled in the screen pass on third-and-goal from the 12
Offensively, senior quarterback Jordan Lewis completed two of his three attempts for 44 yards, both going to sophomore run ning back Gage Reibsome. But Lewis’ arm wasn’t needed much in the big win as the Chargers totaled 358 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns as a team, with six dif
ferent players registering a rushing touch down in the contest. Junior Devin Blunt led the charge with 158 rushing yards and one touchdown on 10 carries, followed by Reib some with 83 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, senior Ryan Weeks with 79 yards and one touchdown on eight carries, senior Coby Burger with 20 yards and a touch down on four carries, Lewis with six yards and a touchdown on four carries and senior Marcus Springfield with five yards and one touchdown on two carries.
While still without a win, the young Raid ers’ roster will host a major rivalry matchup against Durant this week as they look to get their first win under new head coach Michael Clayton and reclaim the Redman Cup following a 29-6 loss at the hands of the Cougars in 2021, Durant’s first Redman cup victory since 2017. Prior to the contest, Plant City High School will celebrate 50 years at their current campus with an open house beginning at 5:30 p.m., allowing any community members that wish to attend an opportunity to come back to PCHS and walk the halls ahead of the big game. Following the open house, Plant City will then move out to the athletic complex where they will christen their new field turf football field as “Raider Field” with a field dedication at 6:45.
SPORTS
Durant will look to get back in the win col umn next Friday as they head across town to Plant City and face the 0-3 Raiders in the annual Redman Cup rivalry matchup.
THE COUGARS MOVED TO 2-1 WITH A 15-14 LOSS TO BLOOMINGDALE ON FRIDAY NIGHT. DURANT FALLS NARROWLY TO BLOOMINGDALE, PLANT CITY AND STRAWBERRY CREST CONTINUE RESPECTIVE STREAKS
Despite keeping the Bulls off of the board entirely in the second half, the clock ultimately ran out on Durant’s comeback attempt and they fell just short, moving to 2-1 on the season.
Plant City fell to 0-3 this past week fol lowing a 52-14 loss to Steinbrenner. No stats were made available following the contest.
Ryan completed eight passes on 22 attempts for 73 yards and one touch down. Senior receivers Jeremiah Gines and Elian Gonzalez led the team’s receiving unit with 38 and 33 receiving yards, respectively, both coming on two catches each. Behind Connell, Daley added 26 rushing yards on 26 carries and Ryan totaled 17 rushing yards on his three Defensively,carries.senior linebacker Jacob Reed led the unit with 10 total tackles, followed by sophomore Hale Sollman with nine. Soll man, Gonzalez, Peavy, senior defensive end Ty Merkle and senior defensive lineman Greg Smith each notched one tackle for loss. In addition to the interceptions from Jordan and Forte, Peavy added a forced fumble and two pass breakups while Merkle blocked one field goal.
“When you’re playing a good football team you can’t spot them anything,” Varnum said. “You have to win all three phases and Bloomingdale won two of them.”
Taylor Jenkins is the Sports Writer at the Plant City Observer. Email: plantcityobserver.com.tjenkins@
On the following kickoff things began to spiral for Durant. The kick was sent down the field and rolled toward the Durant end zone, picked up by Daley who took a knee in the end zone for what appeared to be a touchback, only for officials to rule that he gained possession inside the one and downed the play in the end zone for a safety, extending the Bloomingdale lead to 8-0. On the safety kickoff, Bloomingdale receiver/ defensive back Derek Owens raced up the sideline and returned the kick for another Bulls touchdown, building their lead to 15-0 in just a matter of seconds. But Durant would fire back on their next drive.
“I think that outside of Xavier Peavy, everyone has an interception already this season,” Varnum said. “And those came in crucial moments too. Those guys, they’re all returners from last year. It’s the same four in the back end and they played extremely hard tonight. We told them at halftime too, we said that we have to get turnovers and dang it, we did. They really answered the bell and I’m extremely proud of these guys. Now we didn’t do everything that we wanted to do in the second half here to win the game, but I’m extremely proud of these guys.”
Across town, Strawberry Crest moved to 3-0 for the first time in school history with a commanding 42-8 win over Robinson High School, following a 28-7 win over King in Week 1 and a 21-0 shutout victory over Spoto in Week 2.
Crest’s 42 points scored is their largest single-game total since rattling off a 46-0 September victory over Brandon en route to a 7-5 season in 2012.
TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER
uprights before officials ruled that the play was blown dead for an offside penalty on Bloomingdale and the repeated field goal attempt rattled off the right goalpost, turn ing the ball back over to Bloomingdale.
“When you come into a game like this, you’re going to get shell shocked in the first half,” Varnum said. “Bloomingdale’s played two tough teams so they’ve been through these snafus early. But we responded well in the second half, they scored 15 points to start the game and they didn’t score again. That’s a testament to our defense playing well. Our offense drove up and down the field, we just didn’t execute at a high level. So I feel good, I feel good that our guys are resilient. We had another chance there late, the defense got a big stop, but it’s early. It’s Week 3. You want to beat these guys, they’re right down the road, they’re a good football team but at the end of the day I’m extremely happy with how our guys responded in the second half and we have a long season ahead of Offensively,us.”
Bloomingdale took the opening kickoff up to the 30-yard line and started the game with a fumble on their first play from scrim mage, but they were able to jump on the loose ball and avoid potential disaster to start the game. On the very next play, start ing quarterback Dillon Rose-Bailey connect ed with receiver Kendall Jones deep down the left sideline to quickly put Blooming dale all the way down inside the red zone at the Durant 10-yard line. A holding pen alty on first put them behind the chains to set up a first-and-20, and three short runs only got the Bulls back up to the 9. Facing fourth-and-long, a false start penalty set up fourth-and-14 and an incomplete pass allowed Durant to take over on downs deep inside their own territory.
The Cougars finally got a chance to take their first lead of the night in the fourth. Following the interception from Forte, giv ing Durant the ball at the 28, the Cougars worked their way into the Bloomingdale red zone and left them with first-and-10 at the fifteen. A false start penalty immediately put them behind the chains and they were ulti mately forced to settle for a field goal, fac ing fourth-and-12 from the 17. But in another turn of fate, the field goal sailed through the
In a move that defined much of their offense for the evening, senior running back Calub Connell entered the game at quarterback with junior running back Alex Daley manning the running back spot. A pair of holding flags on the drive ultimately left Durant with a fourth-and-long, without con verting a first down, and they would punt to their own 47-yard line.
and battled through tacklers and into the end zone for the Cougars’ first score of the night, cutting the deficit to 15-6 before the first half came to an end.
Durant took the kickoff out to the 40 to begin the second half and Connell took the first carry for five yards before Ryan fired deep downfield again, hauled in by senior receiver Elian Gonzalez at the Bloomingdale 25. Connell took yet another carry for five yards on first down to keep the Cougars on schedule and passes on second and third down fell incomplete, but a defensive hold ing penalty on third gave Durant another chance and moved them up to the 12. Con nell took over at quarterback again and took a carry down to the five on first down before once again plowing through traffic and div ing for the goal line to give Durant another touchdown and cut the Bloomingdale lead to one score. Ryan found receiver/defensive back Jayden Forte on a screen pass to the left on the two-point attempt and converted, leaving the score at 15-14 with 8:29 left in the thirdConnellquarter.finished the evening with a teamhigh 91 rushing yards and one touchdown on 22 carries, adding one completion on one attempt for 29 yards and hauling in his lone target for the 12-yard touchdown in the first half.“We thought we had a look,” head coach Claybo Varnum said on Connell playing so much of the game out of the wildcat for mation. “We watched a lot of film and liked the look we got, putting him in there for that look, so we trusted it and it was good for us. We drove up and down the field, we just couldn’t close in the red zone so that’s tough.”Both defenses dominated most of the sec ond half from that point, with Bloomingdale coming up with stop after stop and Durant doing the same, along with two crucial inter ceptions from Forte and Zaevion Jordan.
Durant hosted Bloomingdale on Friday, looking to remain undefeated and move to 3-0 but ultimately fell just short as the Bulls came away victorious in a 15-14 final.
ROGERS NISEI KARATE FEDERATION PRESENTS FIRST ANNUAL STRAWBERRY OPEN
“A couple of those losses in the tournament were to some really, really good schools and when we went to the tournament we weren’t quite full strength with everybody,” Dodson said. “We’ve had some injuries plague us a little bit already this season but we put up a heck of a match against Newsome, we just had a really nice match against this Freedom team, they’ve got some extremely great players so they’re a tough team to beat.”
razor thin margins separating the fist two sets of the match, Crest would run away with the third and fourth sets to take the match win. After an 11-11 score in the third set, Crest would go on a huge run
to hold a 19-13 lead late — the largest set lead of the night to that point — and would cruise to a 25-18 victory. The ensuing set saw much of the same, with Crest commanding a 15-3 lead early before clinching the win with a 25-13 victory in the fourth and final et.
Led by new head coach Robert Dodson, Strawberry Crest volleyball came away with a 3-1 victory over Freedom on Tuesday — a team that entered the evening 4-1 on the season — to move the Chargers to 6-4 on the year. While going 2-3 in tournament play earlier in the month, their win on Tuesday leaves Crest at 4-1 in regular season play.
“I’m just excited,” Dodson said. “We’ve got all the talent in the world here, it’s just a matter of time before we put it all together. Being that this is my fist year at the helm, I’m at the mercy of the team trying to learn my offenses and my defenses and some of these girls have now had three varsity coaches in three years and every one of us has had a different offense and different defense. So I’m trying to incorporate what Coach Jamee did last year with us, putting my own little twist on a couple things here and there, but I’m also just trying to keep them together and trying to have that family atmosphere. And we’ve got such great leaders, Brooklyn Zajac, Alissa McBee, Morgan McGuire, Savannah Schwarz. This team is deep and they’re hungry, they’re ready and if we can just pull it all together I think we’re pretty much an unstoppable team in my opinion.”
STRAWBERRY CREST VOLLEYBALL TOPPLES ONE-LOSS FREEDOM
The fist set of the match was neck-andneck throughout, with both teams exchanging points before Crest battled back from a 10-8 deficit o take a 11-10 lead, only to trail 16-14 shortly after. But Crest knotted it back up at 17-17 before rallying to win the fist set 25-22.Inthe second set, Crest quickly jumped out to a 6-1 lead but Freedom clawed their way back into the set to tie it at 10-10. More back-and-forth play left the two teams tied late at 18-18 and despite Crest keeping the set alive after trailing 24-21 — tying it up at 24-24 — they would ultimately drop the set 26-24 to leave the match tied at 1-1 after twoDespitesets.
Taylor Jenkins is the Sports Writer at the Plant City Observer. Email: plantcityobserver.com.tjenkins@
PlantCityObserver.com PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 11
The event was an open karate tournament hosted by two of Rogers’ students in “Rhino” Mike Thomas and Clyde “Quiet Elephant” Newton Jr. The tournament saw around 70 people in attendance, with around half of those competing and representing various martial arts dojos across the state, ranging from Clearwater to Tampa to Plant City to Jacksonville, while some competitors even made the journey from as far as South Carolina.
Dodson is currently in his second year as a staff member at Stawberry Crest, now in his fist year as head coach of the volleyball program featuring over a decade of previous head coaching experience at Middleton High School. He takes over a program that finished the 021 season with a 13-8 record, earning a district final apparance and regional quarterfinal apparance in their lone season under head coach Jamiee Marino.
“For the fist time, I think it went well, it went excellent,” Rogers said. “And being in the fall, we were competing with little league, football, college football and the most important thing, weather. But I think it went really well.”
Under new head coach Robert Dodson, the Chargers have raced out to 4-1 in non-tournament play.
The Rogers Nesei Karate Federation, founded by Plant City native Rudy Rogers, presented the fist annual Strawberry Open Tournament of Champions at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center.
TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER
The new open karate tournament was held for the first time at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center.
Rogers Nisei Karate took a lot from their fist-time event, giving them a clearer picture of what they want for the tournament in the future, ranging from date of the event to the venders that they plan on using. Eventually the organization would like to shift the timing of the tournament to line up with Strawberry Festival season, aligning with their original plan, so that it takes place either shortly before or after the festival, but they do indeed envision the event as a long-standing staple for Plant City to look forward to each“We’reyear.trying to tie it in with the Strawberry Festival,” Rogers said. “We were supposed to have this in May but we had to push it back to September. That’s what we want to do, we’ll definiely try and have it in the spring moving forward.”
TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER
“The power to clone myself because Lord knows I need about four more of me.” - April Farkas
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“The power to heal myself and others quickly.”
“The power to refil things. Fridge empty? Refil it. Gas tank empty? Refil it. Bank account low? Refil it!” - Jennifer Jordan
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We asked Plant City: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
“Definiely teleportation.”
ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES
Gwendolyn “Gwen” Doris Shirley, 96, of Lithia, Fla., born in Parrish, on Aug. 14, 1926, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 6, 2022. Expressions of condolence at neral.com.www.HopewellFu-Stapler,andCarterAdamEllington;great-great-grand-childrenEverestQuinEstesandRainerMarieEstes.MassofChristianBurialwillbeheldonSept.15,2022at10a.m.atSt.ClementCatholicChurch,wherethefamilywillreceivefriendsbeginningat9a.m.Grave-sidecommittaltofollowatFloridaNationalCemetery,Bushnell.Inlieuofflwers,memorialcontributionsmaybemadetoSt.Clem-entCatholicChurchatstclementpc.org.ExpressionsofcondolenceatHopewellFuneral.com.
Fla., passed away on Sept. 8, 2022. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.
Bonnie Balliet Wilson
Shirley‘Gwen’GwendolynHOPEWELLFUNERAL.COMDoris
Bonnie Balliet Wilson, 65, of passed away on September 12, 2022. Services will be held Onlineprivately.condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.
Gutowski, Betty Theresa, 96, of Plant City, Fla., born Dec. 22, 1925, in Schenectady, N.Y., entered in eternal rest Sept. 9, 2022, with family at her bedside. She was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church. She loved her family dearly, and enjoyed traveling, camping, sewing, and golfing
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 74 years, Arthur Frank Gutowski. She is survived by her children, Gail Marie Riggins of El Dorado Hills, California, Glenn Alan Gutowski (Susan) of Holly Hill, Florida, Dr. Gregg Walter Gutowski (Cindy) of Plant City, Gary Arthur Gutowski of Centennial, Colorado, and Gwen Marie Ford (Darryl Williams) of Plant City; grandchildren, Jill Marie Mimbs (Steve), Derik Gregg Gutowski, Adam Ross Riggins, Scott Walter Gutowski (Kelly), Jill Marie Ellington (Matt), Kent Brewer Gutowski, Glenn Alan Gutowski Jr., El lis Martin Gutowski, Martin Walter Gutowski, Nicole Marie Ford, and Zachary Michael Ford; greatgrandchildren Kyle Wesley Mimbs, Kasey Kirby Estes (Landon), Nyel Halia-Liora
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PARKS & REC GOLF CLASSIC 2 to 7 p.m. at 13115 Sydney Rd..The Plant City Optimist Club and the Plant City Parks & Recreation Department will host their 28th Annual Golf Classic fundraiser tournament at Diamond Hill Golf & Country Club on Oct. 1. The shotgun-start tournament will kick off at 2 .m., followed by a putting contest and driving range access, with the event aimed at raising money for youth programs throughout Plant City. To obtain a 2022 Golf Classic fler or for more information about the Plant City Optimist Club, please visit their web site at www. plantcityoptimistclub.org or contact Club President Mike Williamson by email president@plantcityoptimistclub.orgator by phone 813-299-6503.
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.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
IMPROV NIGHT
7:30 to 9 a.m. Join the Plant City Toastmasters for breakfast, laughs, and fun; there’s no better way to start your Thursday mornings. Bring a chair and a mask. The Toastmasters also offer Zoom meetings for those who can’t make it in person. Visit the Facebook page, facebook. com/PlantCityToastmasters, for meeting locations and information.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 303 N. Evers St. The Plant City Garden Club will be holding Advanced Design Florida Classes at First United Methodist Church over three Wednesdays in September, beginning Sept. 14 and ending Sept. 28. The design classes will be instructed by flwer show judges and are open to the public. You will need to bring your own materials and containers, including scissors/clippers and a bag lunch for each class. Registration is required and the classes will cost $30 per class or $80 for all three. Contact Jan Griffin a billjangriffin@gmaicom for registration form. For more information, call Jan Griffin at 3-716-6691.
The Plant City Garden Club will be holding Advanced Design Florida Classes at First United Methodist Church over three Wednesdays in September, beginning Sept. 14 and ending Sept. 28. The design classes will be instructed by flwer show judges and are open to the public. You will need to bring your own materials and containers, including scissors/clippers and a bag lunch for each class. Registration is required and the classes will cost $30 per class or $80 for all three. Contact Jan Griffin a billjangriffin@gmaicom for registration form. For more information, call Jan Griffin at 3-716-6691.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 303 N. Evers St.
PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1
ADVANCED DESIGN FLORAL CLASSES
LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN
5 to 9 p.m. at 110 N. Collins St. The Last Friday in Downtown Food Truck Rally is held with a new theme each month. There will be live music, market vendors and food trucks. The event is family and pet friendly and all are recommended to bring chairs and blankets. September’s theme will be Lord of the Rings - September in the Shire!
OPEN MIC NIGHT
14 PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 PlantCityObserver.com BEST SATURDAY,BET SEPTEMBER 17 STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN 3 to 6:30 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is back on Saturday, Sept. 17, rain or shine. Cars and trucks manufactured in or before 1996 can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music by DJ John Paul Gasca.CALENDARYOUR NEW MEMBER SPECIAL OFFER: JOIN FEE Offer valid thru 9/20/22 $0FIND YOUR Y AT PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA 1507 YMCA Pl., Plant City | 813 757 6677 | tampaymca.org FIND YOUR BALANCE. FIND YOUR Y.
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.
ADVANCED DESIGN FLORAL CLASSES
BLUEGRASS JAM!
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Improv night is making its way back to Krazy Kup this month and all are welcome to join in for a hilarious night of interactive side-spitting comedy. The event is free of charge and fun for patrons of all ages.
Saturday, Sept 17 7:14a 7:31p
Monday, Sept 19 7:15a 7:28p
FORECAST WEATHERTHURSDAY, SEPT 15 High: 85 FRIDAY, SEPT 16 High: 86 SATURDAY, SEPT 17 SUNDAY, SEPT 18 High: 89 Low: ofChance72rain:38% MONDAY, SEPT 19 High: 89 Low: ofChance73rain:23% SUNRISE/SUNSET YEAR TO DATE: 43.39 in. MONTH TO DATE: 4.37 in. SEPT. AVERAGE: 6.99 in. LAST WEEK: 2.03 in. MOONRAINFALLPHASES Sept.New25 Oct.First2 Oct.Full9 Sept.Last17 Shipping point: South $16.35-$28.00Florida (C) 2022 CONTENTTRIBUNEAGENCY, LLC. Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture OKRA
PlantCityObserver.com PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 15 Across 1 Slim advantage 5 1411EmbracesIntelseekerManyacharacter on HBO’s “Euphoria” 15 Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup Cans,” e.g. 16 Vientiane people 17 *Generous reward 19 __ al-Fitr: end-of-Ramadan feast 20 Skater Midori 21 Author’s representative 22 Northeast Corridor express train 24 Gliding ballet step 26 Cut loose 27 *”I sussed that out a while ago” 33 One-named “Body Party” singer 36 Sicilian peak 37 Cut off 38 Chewy Hershey candy 39 Like some serious flws 40 Christmas candle scent 41 “__ cost you!” 42 Old Roman road 43 Put in a bibliography 44 *Family dinner reservation request, perhaps 47 Designer Saarinen 48 Like Camembert 52 Back in style 54 Quickness 57 Romance 58 Dept. phone number 59 Retreated on the same trail ... and what each answer to a starred clue has? 62 Grow older 63 Aerie newborn 64 Tennis icon Arthur 65 Former space station 66 Renaissance fair rides 67 “Watch __ space” Down 1 Work __: moral belief 2 “Murder by __”: 1976 Neil Simon spoof fil 3 Salami choice 4 Pierre’s “fin” to Peter 5 Highest point in an orbit 6 Taj Mahal feature 7 Receptive 8 “What’s __ is prologue”: “The Tempest” 9 __TV: reality channel 10 Namesake of a Venice 11basilica“Youcan give me an answer tomorrow” 12 Sand transporter 13 Jedi Grand Master 18 Obama daughter 23 Plot 25 Park carriage, or one pushing it 26 Agreement 28 “I like it” 29 Mammal at an aquar30iumEat (up) 31 Bistro pour 32 Didn’t dillydally 33 Lit __ 34 Scintilla 35 Assurance after putting a Band-Aid on a 39boo-booInventory tracking method for a CPA 43 Like corned beef 45 Wears down 46 Large jazz combos 49 Knee-deep (in) 50 Sweet Japanese rice 51cakeFarm fittins 52 Paper package 53 VFW member 54 Bigger than big 55 Qualifie 56 Winter coaster 60 Breakfast grain 61 Club that may be flipped with joy ONLINE Follow us on social media: @PCObserver on Instagram, @PlantObserver on Twitter and Plant City Observer on Facebook. I LOVE PLANT CITY Send your photo submissions to staff writer Taylor Jenkins at tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com or hashtag #iloveplantcity on Instagram for @igersplantcity to feature. Dale Tetro caught this beautiful photo of the mural in Downtown Plant City.
Thursday, Sept 15 7:13a 7:33p
Tuesday, Sept 20 7:16a 7:27p
Friday, Sept 16 7:14a 7:32p
Wednesday, Sept 21 7:16a 7:26p
Sunday, Sept 18 7:15a 7:29p
Sunrise Sunset
Great health care is closer than you think.
16 PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 PlantCityObserver.com
21-1493769-0521
South Florida Baptist Hospital is more than just a small community hospital. We’ve got a wide array of specialty care and surgical services that you don’t have to travel far to get. Our surgeons are experts in minimally invasive robotic surgical procedures that provide lots of benefits, including shorter hospital stays, decreased blood loss and smaller incisions that reduce the risk of infection. Plus, faster recovery times that mean you can get back to your normal activities sooner. You’ll find comprehensive orthopedic care—whether you’re an athlete who needs sports medicine services or you’re someone who needs a total joint replacement. Our all-inclusive gynecology program offers high-quality care to the women and mothers in our community with a variety of women’s care services. We’ve even been designated as a Center of Excellence for our weight loss surgery program, meeting nationally recognized standards and providing outstanding care to our patients. And all of this extraordinary care exists right here in Plant City. Learn more: SouthFloridaBaptistSurgery.org
