9.16.21 PLCO by Plant City Observer

FREE • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

VOLUME 6, NO. 162

CITY BUDGET PROPOSES NEW AMENITIES FOR COMMUNITY The tentative budget BREANNE WILLIAMS for the upcoming fiscal STAFF WRITER year highlights several The upcoming fiscal year’s budget reimpactful projects the its tentative approval by commiscity hopes to soon bring ceived sioners this week, sending it on its way to the community. to a final vote at the end of the month. Throughout the presentation, City Manager Bill McDaniel outlined a variety

of impactful projects the city intends to kick into gear over the course of the next year. Residents will soon have a rather refurbished downtown and a string of amenities are scheduled to start popping up throughout the community.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

AMVETS POST 44

HOSTS 14TH ANNUAL PATRIOT DAY OBSERVANCE AND REMEMBRANCE RIDE

Motorcycles drove in a long line down State Road 60 Saturday morning as riders paid their respects to the lives lost on Sept. 11 in the annual Remembrance Ride. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The AMVETS Post 44 on State Road 60 had hundreds of attendees at its 14th annual Patriot Day Observance and Remembrance Ride. On the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11 the AMVETS Post 44 wanted to ensure it held a memorial event that none would soon forget. More than 100 motorcyclists arrived at the Rivers Edge Bar & Grill in Gibsonton at 9 a.m. Saturday and rode down to the AMVETS Post 44 in a remembrance ride. Tickets were $15 per person and benefited the James A Haley Recreational Services as well as local first responders and veteran programs. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Photos courtesy of Jodi Wood of Hillbilly Photography, LLC

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

PlantCityObserver.com

NEWS BRIEFS

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

Courtesy of PCPD. Courtesy of the City of Plant City

Lone Oak to honor the church’s 100th anniversary Lone Oak Baptist Church received a proclamation from city commissioners on Monday evening in honor of the church’s 100th anniversary. “Since it’s humble beginnings in a pole barn in 1921, the Lone Oak Baptist Church has been an important part of the Plant City community,” Mayor Rick Lott said. Pastor Kerry Beaty, as well as many members of the church’s congregation, attended the commission meetings to receive the proclamation. The 100th Homecoming will be held at Lone Oak Baptist Church, 3505 Lone Oak Rd., will be held on Sunday, Sep. 19. For more information, visit www.loneoakbaptist.org.

Elks Lodge of Plant City makes donation to United Food Bank Volunteers from the Elks Lodge of Plant City held a Thank You Dinner for volunteers from the United Food Bank. In addition to the dinner, the Elks Lodge presented a $2,500 check to Mary Heysek with the United Food Bank of Plant City. The donation money was received as a grant from the National Elks. Elks are a community service organization that invest in their community with programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, meet the needs of veterans and improve the overall quality of life. They strive to be placed where neighbors can come together, families can share meals and children can grow up in a positive environment. Courtesy of Judy Wise

Plant City Parks & Rec, Elks Club to host National Hoop Shoot Contest In partnership with the Plant City Elks Club, the Plant City Parks & Recreation department will host the 2021-2022 Elks National Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest. The preliminary round will take place on Sunday, Sep. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sadye Gibbs Martic Community Center, 302 South Maryland Ave. Boys and girls from eight to 13 years old are eligible to compete in the event. Winners will advance to the Lodge level competition, with a chance to advance to Districts, States, Regionals and ultimately the National Finals in Chicago. For more information, visit www.elks.org/hoopshoot or contact George Domedion at 813-2402727.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

REMEMBERING 9/11

THE AMVETS POST 44 HELD ITS 14TH ANNUAL PATRIOT DAY OBSERVANCE AND REMEMBRANCE RIDE As the country paused Saturday to remember the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, many CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 in the community headed to the AMVETS Post 44 to pay their respects.

Top Right: Raffle baskets for the event. Bottom right: Emcee Parti Patti drawing a raffle ticket. Above: AMVETS Department of Florida Commander Eddie Bullock was the guest speaker. Photos courtesy of Jodi Wood of Hillbilly Photography, LLC.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

“Being a retired army veteran, I spent time in Afghanistan and so it’s always been important to me, and everyone here at the post, to make sure we never forget 9/11,” Mike Graham, commander of Post 44, said. “Watching us pull out of Afghanistan on its 20th anniversary, well there’s a lot emotions, a lot of thoughts there. Everyone here cares about veterans and first responders. We’ve been doing this event for 14 years. We don’t want people to forget and it’s easily forgotten. So we use this ride to help make sure people remember what happened that day and also can then turn around and help some good causes.” The opening ceremony began at 11 a.m. and the group gave checks to two causes. The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches received $3,888 and James A Haley Veteran’s Hospital received $5,000. The party was scheduled to last until around 4 p.m. when the motorcyclists poured back out of

the parking lot and headed home until next year’s event. The opening ceremony was led by Eddie Bullock, commander of the Florida Department of AMVETS. Bullock “joined the AMVETS in 2011 and assumed positions as AMVETS National Diversity Team Member, Department 1st Vice, Department 2nd Vice, Scholarship Chairman and Juniors Coordinator, District III Commander, District III 1st and 2nd Vice, Post 26 Adjutant, Provost Marshal and Chaplain,” according to the Florida Department of AMVETS. He served a 20-year career in the United States Navy and currently works as the Middle East Chief Future Operations for the Department of Defense Information Systems Agency. The crowd stood for the national anthem and pledge of allegiance and then there was a 21-gun salute and Taps was played. Following Bullock’s speech The Redline Band began playing and the attendees sat down for lunch or walked the market on-site. Vendors were selling everything from handmade crafts to unique motorcycle gear. There were also raffles with more than 60 baskets,

an auction, a 50/50 drawing and three grand prize giveaways. This year’s event was sponsored and supported by The Fran Haasch Law Group; Aj Mobility; MobilityWorks; The Sirata Beach Resort; Elite Roofing Services; JF Kicks; The River’s Edge Bar and Grill; Lakeland Harley-Davidson; SFBMC MacDill; Untouchables MC; CVMA FL 20-10 ; Patti Mawn Alley and the band Blind Sighted. AMVETS Post 44 has developed a strong following over the years for its continued dedication toward the 9/11 Remembrance Ride. However, it was just one of many events held Saturday throughout the country as people came together to honor the lives lost 20 years ago on Sept. 11. In Hillsborough County there were 5k runs, memorial events and a variety of ceremonies held in Plant City, Lithia, Tampa, Brandon, Riverview and Temple Terrace. Though the AMVETS Post 44 hosted this event, many other Posts turned up in honor of the ride. Several motorcycle clubs committed to the memorial event as well, including some riders

who brought along their pups — most of whom were wearing the American Flag . Community organizations and nonprofits set up booths at the vendor market to share details of services available to first responders and military. As the clouds rolled in many hunkered down under the tents or on the Post’s patio. Stories of their years of service in the military were shared by several in attendance and a large group of the motorcyclists said they had been attending the event every year since its inaugural ride. “We keep this going because we care about our veterans and our first responders and want to make sure that we never forget what happened on 9/11,” Graham said. “People come and pay their respects and then spend the day

with some good camaraderie and support some good causes.” You can follow the AMVETS Post 44 on Facebook for further information on upcoming events. Or visit amvetspost44.org. Graham said people can also get in contact by giving the Post a ring at 813-756-6944.

Bottom left: The national anthem was sang during the opening ceremony, followed by TAPS and a 21-gun salute. Bottom right: Marine Corp League stands at attention as TAPS is played. Below: AMVETS Post 44 Bar Manager and prior Marine Danni Rumer poses as Rosie the Riveter

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

PLANT CITY

This week on Cops Corner: Plant

Observer

City Police investigate stolen beer, bullet holes in the wall of a home and an object thrown through a fast food window.

SEPT. 3

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

NO SHOES, NO SERVICE 2100 block of W. Reynolds St. Theft: Officers met with the owner of a store located at the listed location who subsequently reported a theft of shoes.

Sports Writer / Taylor Jenkins tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com

SEPT. 5

SEPT. 4

BREAKING NEWS 2100 block of North Park Rd. Vehicle burglary: Officers met with the victim who advised them that his car had been broken into while parked at the business at the listed location. The suspect was arrested for burglary of an unoccupied conveyance and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com

istock

OUT OF THE PARK 2600 block of E. Cherry St. Vehicle burglary: Officers responded to the athletic facility at the listed location and learned that two vehicles had been broken into during a soccer game. LIGHTS OUT Sammonds Rd. Flee to elude law enforcement officers: Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop due to the vehicle traveling without headlights, however the vehicle then fled the scene.

OH SHOOT F. St. Shooting into an occupied dwelling: Officers responded in reference to bullet holes that had been found on the side of a home at the listed location.

BEER RUN 2700 block of Thonotosassa Rd. Theft: Officers responded to the business at the listed location and made contact with a staff member who subsequently reported that beer had been stolen.

SEPT. 7

SEPT. 8

Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

GLITTER AND GONE 4000 block of Concord Way Theft: Officers made contact with the victim who reported their jewelry stolen a year ago. THIS IS NOT A DRILL 1800 block of Turkey Creek Rd. Business burglary: Officers made contact with the victim who reported that numerous tools had been stolen from his business by an unknown suspect.

BLAST FOOD 2400 block of James. L Redman Pkwy. Criminal mischief: The victim reported to officers that a customer threw an object into the drivethru window of the business at the location, shattering it,

Advertising / Richard Brame richard@plantcityobserver.com Advertising / Karen Berry kberry@plantcityobserver.com

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. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

NEW FISCAL YEAR, NEW PROJECTS The city delved into some of the projects it hopes to get rolling over the next fiscal year at this week’s budget presentation.

Graphics courtesy of the City of Plant City

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

“I’m always excited when we are in a fiscal position to be able do the things we are doing, but it really comes down to the projects we are doing because they are direct benefits to the community,” McDaniel said. “We enhance quality of life with these amenities, so those are the things I get the most excited about.” DOG PARKS The success of the renovations to the Gilchrist Heights Dog Park, 905 North Knight Street, last fiscal year showed a desire in the community for areas for residents to coexist with their pets in public. Gilchrist Heights is a massive double gated park that has a variety of pet amenities, waste bag dispensers and receptacles, fresh water for both the pups and their owner, seating area and massive open parks for the dogs to run around in. A new bridge connects the gated area to the parking lot. The upcoming budget proposes the city add two more —

albeit smaller dog parks — to the community. “When we finished Gilchrist Heights Dog Park you want of course to have that repeat success,” McDaniel said. “These will be smaller than that one, but what we have seen is to have a dog park beside walking trails like Brewer Pond, or in existing parks, those really are the best assets we can have. Strategically, it also spreads the dog park amenity around the community so our residents will have one located near them. These are also going on property we already own, so it financially makes a lot of sense.” The city is proposing to allocate $85,000 from the General Fund for a dog park at Mike Sansone Park, 1702 N. Park Rd., and $45,000 from the CRA fund for a dog park at Marie B. Ellis Park, 601 E. Laura St. EVERS STREET/COLLINS STREET For the past two years the city has been exploring some big changes to Evers Street. The street has become a flourishing hub in downtown and after Plant City Main Street partnered with

the City of Plant City to develop a downtown vision plan, it became clear there was a massive amount of potential lying along Evers. The plan includes a streetscape build out to include “street leveling, string lighting, conventional streetscaping, landscaping, and other visual and functional improvements. Undergrounding the utilities and upgrading the water and sewer will also be considered.” The city is also considering enhancements to support the area to become an event venue. Currently the proposed timeline is to begin a study in Oct. 2021, seek community involvement in Dec. 2021, begin the design in March 2022 and begin construction in Dec. 2022. The Evers Street project also includes the revisioning of the alley, however, as it is private property that transfiguration will only occur as long as the city reaches an agreement with the property owners. “The brick streets there need to be re-leveled, I want to address sidewalks, I want to address the string lighting, create more of a sidewalk cafe atmosphere if you

will and just take that holistic approach to that two blocks of Evers Street where we have such a thriving business district,” McDaniel said. “We are also doing something similar over on Collins Street, I’ve got a new complete street project on Collins from Baker (Street) down to Laura (Street). It won’t be exactly the same thing as Evers because you’re not dealing with brick streets there, but I also want to get in some of the similar amenities to help that particular stretch of downtown.” The plan is to ultimately redevelop Collins Street from Baker Street down to Laura Street with amenities like landscaping and sidewalk treatment. The Evers Street improvements are slotted for $500,000 from CRA funds and Collins Street has $100,000 designated. Utilities along Evers Street will run the city $110,000 and will come from the Water/Sewer Fund. BOARDWALK PATIO Toward the edge of downtown by the south depot parking lot the city is proposing to build a boardwalk and deck-style cov-

ered patio area over the retention pond currently at the site. McDaniel called the area an “underutilized space” and said that by building an elevated boardwalk the area can become a “destination” for people when the pond isn’t full due to rain. There will be lights, tables, chairs and bench seating on the boardwalk and the idea is that with the Performance Pizzas @ Stage 201 pizza restaurant opening soon across the street, the loyal customer base from the Power Shop Fitness gym, the increased business on Evers Street and the upcoming Wheeler Street Station development, which will bring more residents and visitors to town, the addition of a boardwalk will add a much anticipated amenity to the area. People can walk, shop, eat and sip on coffee with their friends and loved ones on the patio and then continue about their afternoon downtown. The budget shows $250,000 will be allocated toward this project if approved.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

GIRL SCOUTS TO HOLD UPCOMING RECRUITMENT EVENT

Local students who are interested in joining Girl Scouts will have the opportunity to learn more about the organization at the end of the month at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Students interested in becoming a Girl Scout are invited out to a recruitment event on Sept. 28 that will connect families to local troops. The Plant City Strawberry Girl Scouts are hosting the event from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center, 302 S. Maryland Ave. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring their child and learn all about the local organizations. “We are having a Girl Scout information night and recruitment event,” Courtney Paat, recruitment coordinator for the Strawberry Girl Scouts, said. “This is normally something that happens in individual schools, but we can’t get on campus because of the pandemic so rather than doing individual school events we are doing a community wide information and recruitment night at the community center. Parents can come and learn more about Girl Scouts and what we do in the community and get their questions answered.” Paat said the Girl Scouts typically follow the traditional school year. Established troops

have already begun meeting and following the event at the end of the month the interested girls will be grouped off according to their age and new troops will form. There are already many events scheduled for the upcoming year including many community service projects, a United Food Bank fundraiser, a valentine’s for veterans event, a pretty in pink breast cancer awareness event, a Halloween dance, Christmas caroling, a spring community picnic and field day, a Mother’s Day event, a Meals on Wheels fundraiser and an Earth Day event with the Plant City Commons Community Garden. On top of their community events the individual troops will be focusing on badges, which are based off of life skills and building skillsets like leadership qualities and financial management. There is also a large focus on outdoor adventures, like camping, where the scouts get to learn about being outside. Paat joked that after being behind a computer for the past year and a half this will be a longanticipated break for most of the young scouts. Older scouts will focus on obtaining the highest awards

— gold, silver and bronze — and can use the scouts as a way to log community service hours for Bright Futures Scholarship. Paat said that Girl Scouts focuses on “building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.” She said the hope is many families will come out to learn more about the organization, which started more than 100 years ago in Savannah, Georgia. “With everything that’s been happening girls need to get back outside, they need to be back with their peers,” Paat said. “One thing that Girl Scouts says is it’s a leadership program specifically for girls. All the skills, badges, activi-

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ties are written specifically with girls in mind. This is an opportunity for students to get back out there and get connected with their peers, build that collaboration and friendships and through the activities learn the skills they’ll need moving forward in their lives.” The event is open to all girls from Kindergarten to 12th grade in the Plant City area. New troops will be formed following the event and the organization is looking for new members as well as parent volunteers. For more information and to RSVP head to the Plant City Strawberry Girl Scouts Facebook page. You can also head to gswcf.org/join or call 1-800-881-GIRL.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

CFA, NEW VISION CAT CLUB HOSTS CAT SHOW IN PLANT CITY

151 cats spanning 29 different breeds were in attendance for the show. TAYLOR JENKINS STAFF WRITER

New Vision Cat Club, the Cat Fanciers’ Association’s original Bengal breed club and a licensed club within the association to hold shows in Central Florida, held their most recent CFA Cat Show in Plant City this past weekend. The most recent show was the club’s fourth held at the Expo Hall, with each one getting easier and getting better according to show manager Rich Nolte. New Vision Cat Club has also held shows in conjunction with Rebel Rousers Cat Club in Georgia and one in conjunction with a TICA (The International Cat Association) club in Orlando. New Vision Cat Club began in 2016 when the Bengal breed was accepted to compete in the CFA. They are a non-profit organization that holds competitions for all breeds included in the CFA, from household cats to pedigree breeds. The organization then uses proceeds from each event to supports other non-profits that include animal rescues and animal shelters, in addition to hosting rescue animals at their events. “We love to use these events to bring people to the [Cat Fanciers’ Association] as well as supporting your local rescues,” New Vision president Rich Nolte said. The Cat Show took place on Saturday and Sunday, with 151 cats in attendance

and 29 different breeds being judged. Patrons and cat owners alike walked through the Teco Expo Hall on the Strawberry Festival Ground to get a glimpse at the four-legged contestants or purchase cat-centric wares from any of the multiple vendors offering products that ranged from toys for your furry friends to catthemed tableware and clothing. One aspect of the show that New Vision Cat Club is looking forward to bringing back with their next installment is their popular cat agility competition. After the COVID-19 pandemic halted much of the club’s activity, the agility competition has yet to return along with the shows. The New Vision’s Cat Club will also be holding their end of season show the last weekend in April at the Expo Hall where they plan to reach their maximum attendance of 225 cats. “I love the Cat Fanciers’ Association because it helps me bring up my son and my daughter in a wholesome, family friendly environment,” Nolte said. “I grew up showing rabbits in 4H and FFA and this is something that my daughter really wanted to get into. So this provides some of the same family fun and fellowship that 4H and FFA does, this just happens to be the Cat Fanciers’ Association branch of that animal showmanship.” For more information on the Cat Fanciers’ Association, visit www.cfa.org.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

SPORTS LOCAL PREPS

SCOREBOARD Football - Sept. 10 BRANDON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 DURANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 SPOTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 STRAWBERRY CREST. . . . . . . . 7

STRAWBERRY CREST EARNS FIRST VICTORY OF THE SEASON

Volleyball - Sept. 9 DURANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 BLOOMINGDALE . . . . . . . . . . . 3 PLANT CITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 RIVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 HILLSBOROUGH . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 STRAWBERRY CREST . . . . . . . 3

Volleyball - Sept. 14 DURANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 EAST BAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 SPOTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 PLANT CITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 STRAWBERRY CREST . . . . . . . 3 FREEDOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

With a 7-0 win over the Spoto Spartans on Friday, Strawberry crest moved to 1-2 on the season and matched their win total from 2020. “It does [mean a lot],” head coach Phillip Prior said about getting their first win. “We still have an opportunity to have the best record that this school’s had in a very long time and that’s our ultimate goal as a program and this is one of those game’s where it’s a step in the right direction.” Despite the game originally being scheduled to be played at Spoto, the game was moved to Strawberry Crest earlier in the week. In a game that saw a mix of offensive struggles followed by strong defensive stands when eventually backed up, Strawberry Crest was ultimately the only team to put points on the board to take the victory. The Chargers got the ball to start the game and were immediately put into plus territory following a big return from running back/cornerback Ryan Weems across midfield. Strawberry Crest moved into the red zone and quarterback Coby Burger fired for the end zone on fourth down but the pass fell incomplete. Defensive pass interference was called on Spoto but it wouldn’t gain enough to overcome the fourth-and-13 spot for a first down. The

Chargers’ field goal unit was deployed but the kick was subsequently blocked and returned to the Spartans’ 24-yard line where Spoto would take over for their first possession. Spoto would gain just one first down before punting back to the Chargers. Strawberry Crest would answer with another successful drive, sitting just outside of the red zone before once again facing a fourth down situation, this time with four yards to gain. Quarterback Dylan Peeples rolled out to his right and fired to the sideline for receiver Marcus Springfield but the junior wideout wasn’t able to keep his feet in bounds despite hauling in the pass and the Chargers turned the ball over on downs at the Spoto 22-yard line. Two plays later, facing a third-and-8, Spoto was able to convert with a big completion over the middle of the field but a holding penalty brought the play back and left the Spartans with a third-and-18 to overcome. The ensuing snap was fumbled for a loss and Spoto was backed up further, standing under the shade of their own goalposts as the punt team took the field. And on a play that would ultimately decide the game, defensive lineman Brock Craig was able to get into the backfield and block the Spoto punt before outside linebacker Steel Craig jumped on the loose football for a touchdown. Strawberry Crest converted the extra point and took a 7-0 lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.

Throughout the second half both teams narrowly failed to turn scoring opportunities into points and despite Strawberry Crest getting down inside the red zone multiple times, even driving down to the Spoto one-yard line late, the game would end 7-0. Some notable scoring opportunities include two passes that fell just incomplete, intended for Springfield, both coming on fourth down that would have secured a first down inside the five-yard line and a touchdown if completed and a fumbled snap inside the five-yard line late. So sustained drives were there and chances for more points came along with them, a promising silver lining for an offense that’s still looking to hit their stride. “It’s always been those things but it’s like a bad snap here or there, we’ve got to avoid the long yardage situations,” Prior said. “When we’ve got opportunities to score on touchdown passes, we’ve got to convert on those opportunities. But we see that sustained success, we know what that feels like, now we’ve just got to make that happen in other places.” Running back Ryan Weems was the top performer for the Chargers, hauling in an interception in the end zone as time expired in the first half on top of a number of strong runs throughout the game. “He ran really hard for us,” Prior said. “We were down a running back tonight

so we have a rotation back there because those guys are turning right back around and playing defense. But he did a great job, he gained the hard yards for us and he ran the ball phenomenally for us tonight.” Weems finished the game with 116 rushing yards on 18 carries, securing the win with one final first down to send the Chargers into victory formation. Defensively Steel Craig proved the difference maker with a number of plays in addition to his special teams touchdown, also recovering a Spoto fumble and returning it for a touchdown in the fourth quarter before the score was called back on a block in the back penalty. “Our defense is the strength of our team,” Prior said. “They came out here, they got a lot of turnovers, they gave us the ball with great field position. Now what we’ve got to work with on the offensive side of the ball is converting off of those turnovers and putting some points on the board.” Strawberry Crest will be on the road next Friday as they face a local opponent in Armwood High School. “There’s a lot left to be desired,” Prior said. “We know that the score shouldn’t have been that but I told the guys to enjoy it because they deserve it. We fought for the win and hopefully some of those battles and some of those things that we went through in this game, we can fix them and we’ll be better off for it.”

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

ALAFIA RIVER RIVALRY PREVIEW Durant will head to Newsome on Friday for the latest contest between these two major local rivals. TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

The Durant Cougars will look to move to 4-0 this Friday night as they head down the road to Newsome High School for the Alafia River Rivalry. Born of a natural geographic rivalry, Newsome sits just a few miles up the road from Durant. In fact, if you look across the field and over the line of trees that sits to the south of the Cougars’ football stadium on a Friday night in the fall, you can see the lights that shine from Newsome’s football games. To add even more to the rivalry, Joe E. Newsome, the namesake for Newsome High School, is the grandfather of Durant’s newest head coach Claybo Varnum. After 18 years under former head coach Mike Gottman, Varnum has lead the Cougars’ to a 3-0 record to start the year with wins over Sumner, Lennard and Brandon. And once a team known for their smash-mouth, hard-nosed defense and a penchant for controlling the ball on the ground, Durant has outscored their opponents 110-18 through three games, most recently coming off of a 59-0 shutout of Brandon. The Cougars have been led offensively by junior running back Calub Connell who has totaled 312 rushing yards and five touchdowns, as well as senior quarterback Marcus Miguele. Miguele has done his own damage in the run game with 199 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground, but has thrown the ball well over the past two games and has now totaled 258 yards and five touchdowns through the air heading into Week 4. Wide receiver Jeremiah Gines has been the typical target with 145 receiving yards

and four touchdowns. To add to the backfield, running back Alex Daley made his return to action last Saturday against Brandon where he notched 36 yards and his first touchdown of the season on five carries. When Durant heads to Newsome they’ll face a 2-1 Wolves team led by fourth-year head coach Christian Yockey, a team that is fresh off of an 8A Regional Finals appearance in 2020. Newsome has racked up wins over Lennard and Steinbrenner to kick off 2021, with their lone loss coming in a 16-10 overtime contest against Bloomingdale. The Wolves are led by a stable of running backs, most notably senior Jason Albritton

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and junior J.C. Roque. The duo have combined for 701 rushing yards and six of Newsome’s eight offensive touchdowns on 106 carries through three games. A lot will be asked of Durant’s front seven if they plan on keeping Newsome from continuing that stretch of dominance in the run game, led by inside linebackers Jacob Reed and Austin Bovee. Reed and Bovee pace the Cougars with 28 and 16 total tackles, respectively, while combining for eight tackles for loss. Up front, the junior defensive line duo of Leo Tabakovic and Gage Aroz have added a combined three sacks and seven tackles for loss of their own.

The Wolves and Cougars will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sep. 17 at Newsome High School.

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

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

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We asked Plant City: What is your favorite way to spend the weekend in Plant City? “Keel & Curley Winery at Keel Farms was fun this past weekend!” - Ashley Gentry Aguilar “There’s really not a lot to do in Plant City. I wish Plant City was building more places to have fun at instead of all the homes being built.” - Lisa McManaway Bowe “Driving through downtown and checking out all the cute stores.” - Susan Heath Moeller “Cued Ballroom dance with Rapid Ballroom at the Stardust Dance Center.” - Pamela Johnson

“Visiting the fluffy cow at Cow Creek Farm is the best way to spend the weekend.” - Jess Turner “Any Park will do! Either that or the Bike Shows or Car Shows if you still have them.” - Robert Kyte “Golfing outside of Plant City. We need a golf course!” - Robbie Bryant

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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Angel Jacobs, 48, of Lithia, Fla., born in Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 23, 1972, entered into eternal rest on Sep. 4, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Marion ‘JR’ Leroy Joseph ‘Joey’ Lee Davis Tarlton Marion “JR” Leroy Davis, Jr, 85, of Wimauma, Fla., born in Balm, on Aug. 2, 1936, entered into eternal rest on Sep. 4, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Joseph “Joey” Lee Tarlton, 40, of Plant City, Fla., born in Lakeland on Nov. 30, 1980, entered into eternal rest on Sep. 6, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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Russell ‘Russ’ Findley

Russell “Russ” Findley, 85, of Lakeland, Fla., born in St. James, Jamaica on May 8, 1936, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 27, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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Jack Hayden

Jack Hayden, 70, of Balm, Fla., born in Hannibal, Mo. on March 22, 1951, entered into eternal rest on Sep. 4, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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Linda Turner Linda Turner, 81, of Plant City, Fla., born on April 28, 1940, entered into eternal rest on Sep. 12, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Tommy Lay

Dwayne B. DeShong

Tommy Lay, 88, of Lakeland, Fla., born in Tampa, on May 31, 1933, entered into Dwayne B. DeShong, 73, of eternal rest on Sep. 8, 2021. Valrico, Fla., born in Plant City Expressions of condolence on Jan. 20, 1948, entered into at HopewellFuneral.com. eternal rest on Sep. 6, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com. HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Betty Frances Schwendeman

Betty Frances Schwendeman, 84, of Plant City, Fla., born in Chiefland on June 11, 1937, entered into eternal rest on Sep. 3, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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Nancy Faye Avery Capps

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Chris Brian Hogue Chris Brian Hogue, 51, of Plant City, FL passed away on Sept. 7, 2021. There will be a Memorial Gathering Thursday, Sep. 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Plant City, 3309 James L. Redman Pkwy. Plant City, Fl 33566. A Celebration of Life will follow at 12:00 p.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

Nancy Faye Avery Capps, 83, of Plant City, Fla., born in Dunn, North Carolina on Nov.27, 1937, entered into HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM eternal rest on Sep. 9, 2021. Expressions of condolence Rosalbed Neri at HopewellFuneral.com.

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away on Aug. 27, 2021 at her home in Las Vegas, Nev. She is survived by her son Scott McClure (Kim), Las Vegas, Nev.; daughHAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM ter Kim Long, Overland Park, Kans.; brother Wedsel Lowery Dan McClure (Debi) 29 Palms, Calif.; twin Jr. sister Sharon Garrison, Lakeland, Fla.; sister Wedsel Lowery Jr., 85, of HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM Plant City, FL passed away Gloria Winchester (Jerry), Plant City, Fla.; on Aug. 7, 2021. Katie Lee five grandchildren and Funeral services were Montgomery held Sep. 9, 2021 at Haught two great-grandchildren. A private memorial will Funeral Home Chapel, 708 Katie Lee Montgomery, W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. be held by her family. 76, of Zephyrhills, Fla., Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. passed away on Sep. 9, Online condolences may 2021. Funeral services were be left for the family at held September 15, 2021 Jerilyn haught.care. at Haught Funeral Home Morrell Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant Jerilyn Morrell, 76, of City, FL 33563. Plant City, Fla., passed HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM Online condolences may away on Aug. 8, 2021. The be left for the family at family will receive friends haught.care. Saturday, Sep.18, 2021 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Eastside Baptist Church, 1318 E Calhoun St, Plant City, FL HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM 33563. Funeral services will William Ernest follow at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be left for the Barnes family at www.haught.care William Ernest Barnes, Karen Walters 64, of Dover, Fla., passed away on Sep. 2, 2021. Ser(McClure) HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM vices will be held privately. Karen McClure Walters, from Plant City, passed away on Sep. 8, 2021. A Funeral Mass was held Sep. 15, 2021 at St. Clement Catholic Church 1104 N. Alexander St. Plant City FL 33563. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

Castillo

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

Rosalbed Neri Castillo, 52, of Plant City, FL passed

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Angel Jacobs

YOUR CALENDAR

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

BEST BET FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN 5 to 9 p.m. at McCall Park, 100 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. All are recommended to bring chairs and blankets.

THURSDAY, SEP. 16 PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS

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.

SUNDAY SEP. 19 MONTHLY POTLUCK LUNCH

11 a.m. at 1801 E. Cherry St. Head to Grace United Methodist Church on Sunday to take part in their monthly potluck lunch. The event is open to all who wish to join and will take place following the church’s 10 a.m. service.

FRIDAY, SEP. 17

FRIDAY, SEP. 24

FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS

BLUEGRASS NIGHT

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 benefits 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 time.

ONEBLOOD WELLNESS DRIVE

TOMMY PATRICK AT DUKE’S

10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 302 McLendon St. Giving begins with you. Register now to be a life-saving donor at Bruton Memorial Library’s OneBlood Donation Drive. Participants will receive a special “thank you” gift. For registration, contact Kelly at KLibengood@PlantCityGov.com.

7 to 11 p.m. at 2212 James L. Redman Pkwy. Head down to Duke’s Brewhouse on Friday for food, drinks and live acoustic music from Tommy Patrick.

SATURDAY, SEP. 18

TUESDAY, SEP. 21

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE IN

TEENS TEACH TECH FOR 21STCENTURY SENIORS

3 to 6:30 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Classic Cruise-In is back on Saturday, Sep. 18, rain or shine. Cars and trucks manufactured in or before 1996 can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music will be provided by DJ John Paul Gasca.

WEDNESDAY, SEP. 22

SUNSET SOUNDS

4 to 5 p.m. Who knows the latest technology better than teenagers? All seniors looking to learn how to navigate the Internet and keep up with an ever-changing digital world can learn from the best every Tuesday afternoon at the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St. Call 813-659-4256 for more information.

6 to 8 p.m. at 5202 Thonotosassa Rd. Sunset Sounds is a summer music series featuring acoustic music from local artists. Head over to Keel & Curley Winery every Wednesday evening to enjoy music, food, drinks and sunshine on their patio.

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Enjoy Bluegrass music? Then look no further. Head down to Krazy Kup and enjoy live Bluegrass entertainment from Richard Wilson and Flatland Bluegrass. All are welcome and admission is $15.

SATURDAY, SEP. 25 COMEDY NIGHT

7 to 8:30 p.m. 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Head to Krazy Kup for a night of awesome laughs and clean comedy with comedians who have graced stages both big and small. The event will be headlined by Taylor Mason, a ventriloquist, musician and standup comedian who has carved out a career in comedy spanning over the past 25 years. In addition to Taylor, the event will feature comedians Donnie Stopa and Roger Hughes. The event is open to all ages, admission is $15 and you can purchase your tickets in-person at the event or in advance on www.eventbrite.com.

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FORECAST

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

THURSDAY, SEPT 16 High: 88 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 58%

FRIDAY, SEPT 17 High: 86 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 58%

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Sept 16

7:14a

7:31p

Friday, Sept 3

7:14a

7:30p

Saturday, Sept 17

7:15a

7:29p

Sunday, Sept 18

7:15a

7:28p

Monday, Sept 19

7:16a

7:27p

Tuesday, Sept 20

7:16a

7:26p

Wednesday, Sept 21

7:17a

7:24p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, SEPT 18 High: 87 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 58%

SUNDAY, SEPT 19 High: 87 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 41%

MONDAY, SEPT 20 Carol Ann Mathis took this photo of a sunrise at Brewer Park in Plant City.

ONLINE

High: 86 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 39%

Across 1 Queens stadium namesake 5 Elevated vantage point for Wile E. Coyote 9 Sister of Sasha 14 Many a gamer 15 Oodles 16 Freezes 18 Red River city 21 Fronded plant 22 Exit in a hurry 23 Oodles, with “a” 24 They, in Calais 25 Drawn from diverse sources 29 Hound for payment 30 Words of urgency

33 Partners 34 TV component? 35 He hit his 600th homer exactly three years after his 500th 36 Medical suffix 40 Caesar’s next-to-last words 44 “Take a hike!” 47 Intro suggesting uncertainty 51 Way off 52 Be decided by 53 Sot’s woe 54 Caesar’s last day, e.g. 56 __ act 57 Summers in Bordeaux 59 Pre-road trip detail ...

and a hint to what certain parts of three long answers were doing as you solved them 64 Make certain 65 Island in Micronesia 66 Big name in digital imaging 67 Jovial 68 Modern address letters 69 “Got it” Down 1 DOJ bureau 2 Shipwreck site 3 “Want to know the culprit? I’ll tell you!” 4 Many an MIT alum

5 Ralph Ellison’s “Invisible __” 6 “Livin’ Thing” rock gp. 7 Cold dessert 8 Stick on 9 Central dividing point 10 Here, in Juárez 11 Albanian money 12 Tristan’s love 13 Filmmaker with a distinctive style 17 One before a king? 19 “It’s __ the other” 20 Try to strike 24 Old Peruvian 26 Old TV component 27 “__ Miz” 28 Wile E. Coyote collectible 31 Surfing tool 32 Bridal shop array 37 Source of some tadpoles 38 “Okay to come out yet?” 39 Norms: Abbr. 41 Asian holiday 42 Competition 43 Strip of gear, as a ship 44 Econ. yardstick 45 Environmentalist’s prefix 46 Principle 47 Cruelty named for a marquis 48 Ultimatum phrase 49 “Just stop, okay?!” 50 Production 51 World Cup soccer org. 55 Omit a part of, perhaps 58 Asian takeout option 60 Mdse. category 61 Angkor __: Cambodian temple 62 Trickster 63 Encl. with a résumé

Oct. 6 New

Oct. 12 First

Sep. 20 Full

Sep. 28 Last

RAINFALL LAST WEEK:

MONTH TO DATE:

3.21 in.

4.96 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

SEP. AVERAGE:

41.62 in.

AVOCADO Shipping point: South Florida $12.00-$27.00

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

7.09 in.

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

Protect your family and yourself. Get vaccinated and stay safe. Protecting your loved ones and yourself is more important than ever. The new Delta variant of COVID-19 is 50 percent more contagious and it’s spreading rapidly through our communities, ﬁlling our hospitals with sicker, younger patients. The COVID-19 vaccine has proved to be the best option to help avoid serious complications and hospitalization from the coronavirus. Continue to mask up and practice social distancing, but give your family and yourself the best chance to stay well by getting the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. Protect yourself and the ones you love. Learn more: BayCare.org/GetVaccinated

OUR NETWORK BayCare Behavioral Health • BayCare HomeCare • BayCare Laboratories • BayCare Medical Group BayCare Outpatient Imaging • BayCare Surgery Centers • BayCare Urgent Care

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