9.29.22 PLCO

CITY RECOGNIZES MANAGEMENT GRADUATES, NEW BUDGET FEATURE ADDED

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BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

FRIENDLY FINANCE SITE ROLLED OUT.

PUBLIC MANAGER GRADUATES

Twenty-two members of various Plant City agencies are now better equipped to excel in their leadership roles after graduating from the Certi fied Public Manager Program this month.

It is offered nationwide as a means of training and developing public managers and supervisors with more strategies to further serve their com munities.

ALL HANDS ON DECK

The Plant City students went through an 18-month course through Florida State University.

PLANT CITY BRACED FOR IMPACT OF HURRICANE IAN

Plant City Observer

FREE • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022VOLUME 6, NO. 215 Photos courtesy Michelle Caceres

UF/IFAS EXPANDS GEOMATICS PROGRAM

faculty added at Plant City campus.

J. SCOTT ANGLE GUEST COLUMNIST

To get a good look at how water on the beds affects strawberries’ growth, Amr Abd-Elrahman looks from the sky. His drones collect images that he converts into a map to reveal how small changes in irrigation look across an entire field

He can make a map of weeds for scientists developing smart sprayers that hit only weeds, not crops. Or how about monitoring the spread of invasive species like cogon grass that render land unusable for agriculture or recreation? Some day there could be a map for that.

We don’t have enough people like Abd-Elrahman, in academia or industry. Geomatics has broad applications in agriculture, land surveying, infrastructure, documenting damage for relief funding and more.

Thanks in part to Jack Breed, John Clyatt, and Pam and Russ Hyatt and other active board members of the Florida Surveying and Mapping Society (FSMS), we’re fixing the aademia part. Their advocacy for expansion of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences geomatics program was influential in the legislature’s decision to fund three more faculty positions.

That, in turn, will help us fix the indutry part. With more faculty, we’ll be able to prepare more graduates equipped with the skills and certifiations to define land boundaries, improve vehicle navigation systems, predict the spread of wildfies, monitor landscape-level effects of drought or detect flood-pone areas.

More than 50% of geomatics graduates from the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) School of Forest, Fisheries, & Geomatics Sciences own or are partners in their own companies, and 65% supervise a surveying and mapping department. Three-fourths of the graduates are registered in Florida. Masters or Ph.D. graduates move into academic careers or key leadership positions in government or industry.

Abd-Elrahman doesn’t just teach the students. He finds them He knows he’ll have to look harder to catch up with the demand for graduates. So he has secured a National Science Foundation grant to recruit students from low-income areas that have traditionally not been aware of the opportunities that await them in geomatics.

Of course, he’s doing it with geomatics itself. That’s right, he wants to map the teaching and learning of mapping. He can then target recruitment efforts accordingly.

I’ve owed Jack, John, Pam and Russ and the industry a thanks for their support for a long time. One of the best ways I know how is by keeping people like Abd-Elrahman.

That’s part of why we have a tenure and promotion system. We told Amr eight years ago that UF/IFAS wanted him here for his whole career and granted him tenure. It’s a pledge to support him for trying new things and not to penalize him when new ideas don’t turn out as envisioned. And that can happen a lot on the cutting edge where Amr lives. Drones can crash, data collection can be garbled and a map can misrepresent. Without the leeway to make mistakes from which we learn, scientists would stick to more sure bets, which wouldn’t do much to expand knowledge.

We cemented his relationship with UF/ IFAS even more this year when we promoted Amr to full professor. Professors, like Amr, have achieved a national reputation, and the title comes with the expecta-

tion that they will take on a greater role in mentoring faculty and students and serve the professional associations that serve the industry.

In addition to his promotion, he was recognized in April by CALS as its graduate student teacher/advisor of the year He also picked up awards this year from the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture and FSMS.

When I visited him in his CALS Plant City office this summer, his gadgetry spilled into the hallways. We talked about how to source American-made drones and how we can put imagery to work for farmers and ranchers.

No one else in Florida does this the way UF/IFAS does. Under the leadership of longtime geomatics program leader Bon Dewitt, Amr and his colleagues have put us on the map—in Plant City, in Gainesville, and in Fort Lauderdale.

The program’s expansion and Amr’s growing role as a mentor and leader is good news for Hillsborough, Polk and Florida. The better we are at making sense of spatial relationships, the more informed our decisions will be on how to grow our food and how to grow our communities.

Photos Courtesy Kaitlyn Harwell

J. Scott Angle is the University of Florida’s Senior Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources and leader of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).

Chosin Few

BY FELIX HAYNES

Seventy years after the Korean War’s Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, 91-year-old Plant City resi dent and retired U. S. Marine Ser geant Joe DeMello, received a box of Tootsie Rolls in the mail, with the label “Tootsie Rolls salutes The Chosin Few. We are proud to have been with you.”

Korean War and Chosin Reser voir veteran DeMello, originally from New Bedford, Massachu setts, first enlisted in the United States Marines in 1948 at age 17. He had to overcome the opposi tion of his father, a World War II Army veteran of the Battle of the Bulge. After boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, he was assigned to Camp Pendleton, California. When North Korea attacked South Korea on June 25, 1950, DeMello was sent to Korea with the First Marine Division.

In August, 1950, DeMello was wounded for the first time when a Chinese bullet went through the flesh of his thigh. He was evacuat ed to Japan, and when his wound healed he was returned to the Division as a replacement.

After the Division’s storied September, 1950 amphibious assault behind enemy lines on the west coast of Korea at Inchon, U. S. General Douglas MacAr

thur wanted to exploit the huge success of Inchon and force the reunification of North and South Korea. Assigned to D Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Regiment, First Marine Division (Reinforced), then 19-year-old Sergeant DeM ello was part of the 30,000-man advance of the 1st Marine Divi sion, a part of two Army divi sions, and a unit of British Royal Marines north to North Korea’s border with China, to the Chosin Reservoir.

China responded with a sur prise attack of its own on Novem ber 27, 1950 by sending 120,000 of their soldiers south across the Yalu River to surround the Marine, Army, and Royal Marine Allies at the Chosin Reservoir. American Marine Major General O. P. Smith said, “Retreat, hell. We’re not retreating, we’re just advancing in a different direction,” turned his attack 180 degrees and ordered a fighting withdrawal.

During the two and a half week battle the Marines ran short of vital 60-millimeter mortar ammunition, without which they could not hold off the Chinese Army “human wave” attacks. Using the code for mor tar ammunition, “Tootsie Rolls,” a radio operator called for the

precious ordnance. In addition to air-dropping the ammunition, the Marines sent “Tootsie Roll” candy. In the 30-degree-belowzero cold the Navy medics thawed the Tootsie Rolls in their mouths, along with packets of morphine, to dress wounds and reduce pain.

The Allies fought through the 78-mile road from the Reservoir to Hungnam, the nearest Kore an port, and the Chinese Army opposed General Smith’s men every step of the way. Allied casu alties included an estimated 1,029 killed, 4,894 wounded, 4,582 wounded, and 7,338 non-battle casualties, chiefly from frostbite. With the cold and 230 sorties per day of close air support from five U. S. aircraft carriers oper ating offshore and a Marine air wing, the Chinese experienced nearly 20,000 battle casualties and 30,000 nonbattle wounds.

Suffering sev eral wounds in the Chosin Res ervoir battle, DeMello was one of the battle’s wounded. The heel of his right foot split open from the frost

bite, but he determined to remain in the fight. Then he was thrown in the air from an explosion and his back was the first thing to hit a hard embankment.

DeMello was placed in a U. S. airplane, whose crew was risking their lives in the battle to land and evacuate wounded men, but with the pain and the morphine he was given he does not remember much about his evacuation. Over many months he was sent to Japan, Cal ifornia, Bethesda Naval Hospital, and finally a hospital in Boston. In Boston he met Hilda, the woman who was to be his wife of over 60 years. He was also invited by Pres ident Truman to attend a function at the White House with a group of recuperating servicemen, where he met Winston Churchill’s daughter Sarah.

Despite efforts over many years by military doctors who kept oper ating and who made several brac es and body casts, he could hardly walk at times. His back remained a problem until the Marines final ly discharged him. He returned home to New Bedford, Massa chusetts, where a civilian doctor operated on his back yet another time and finally fixed it. Today Sgt. DeMello walked upright into his interview for this story in the way all our Observer readers would wish, with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye.

The Observer salutes Joe DeM ello and all the veterans of Korea, the Forgotten War.

This week on Cop’s Corner police investigate stalking, counterfeit money, burglary and more

SEPTEMBER 16

IT WASN’T ME

800 Block Valencia Rd

Officers responded to the listed address in reference to a dispute.

One individual was arrested for two out-of-county warrants and for providing a false name to a law enforcement officer and was transported to Orient Road Jail.

SEPTEMBER 17

NOT MY CARD

1800 Block of James L Redman Parkway

Officers responded to the location in reference to an anonymous tip that a subject with a warrant was inside. Upon arrival, officers located a white male

with two HCSO warrants for fraudulent use of a credit card and grand theft. The individual was arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail.

SEPTEMBER 18

He Uses Windows

500 Block of N Plant Ave

Officers responded to the abovelisted location in reference to a violation of a stalking injunction complaint. An individual was arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

SEPTEMBER 19

BE CAREFUL WHO YOU CALL

1000 Block of W. Ball St

Officers responded to the above location in reference to a theft. Before arriving, Dispatch ad-

vised that the complainant had a possible active arrest warrant out of Hillsborough County. A NCIC/FCIC check revealed an active Hillsborough County arrest warrant for failure to appear for Prostitution. The warrant was confirmed y HCSO.

FUNNY MONEY

2000 Block of S. Frontage Rd

Officers responded to the above location in reference to a customer paying with a fake $100.00 bill.

SEPTEMBER 22

IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME

3200 Block of Park Rd

Officers responded to the above location to investigate the report of an alleged business burglary and theft.

YOU CAN’T BE HERE

1200 Block of Townsgate Ct

Officers responded to the above location in reference to a trespass call. An individual was arrested and issued a Notice to Appear.

NO PUN HERE

1800 Block of E. Alabama St

Officers responded to the above location in reference to a shooting with injuries.

NOT ALL IT’S CRACKED UP TO BE

2000 Block of N. Wheeler St

Officers responded to the listed location in reference to an alarm call with possible glass break.

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Plant City Observer

CITY OFFICIALS COMPLETE PUBLIC MANAGER COURSE

DIGITAL BUDGET BOOK NOW AVAILABLE

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

THE CLASS OF 2022 GRADUATES ARE:

• Assistant City Manager Mercedes Hermida-Perez

• Tina Barber of the Code Enforcement Division

• Lauren Shatto of the Finance Department

• Chief David Burnett of Plant City Fire Rescue

• Deputy Chief James Maxwell of Plant City Fire Rescue

• Deputy Chief Tim Mossgrove of Plant City Fire Rescue

• Cristi Charlow of the Human Resources Department

• Director Paul Shaver of Bruton Memorial Library

• Lori Thibert of Bruton Memorial Library

• Director Julie Garretson of the Parks and Recreation Department

• Robyn Baker of the Planning and Zoning Department

• Sgt. Gerald Baker of the Plant City Police Department

• Lieutenant Mike Ward of the Plant City Police Department

• Capt. Robert McLellan of the Plant City Police Department

• Capt. Al VanDuyne of the Plant City Police Department

• Jessica Alexander of the Plant City Police Department

• Sgt. Stevie Carmack of the Plant City Police Department

• Robert Rosenstein of the Procurement Division

• Director Wayne Everhart of the Streets and Stormwater Department

• Fred Baxter of the Traffic Operations Department

• Tonya Grant of the Utilities Department

• City Manager Bill McDaniel

The graduates were recognized during the Sept. 12 Plant City City Commission meeting.

NEW DIGITAL BUDGET BOOK

Plant City residents now have an easier way of viewing the town’s annual budget with the use of the Interactive Digital Budget Book.

During that evening’s commission meeting, Budget Manager Lauren Shatto gave a presen tation on the program that was rolled out by the Finance Department.

“Previously, the budget book was published as a PDF,” she said. “This PDF was not user friendly. It was cumbersome when trying to navigate through the different sections of the budget book.”

Users had to go back to the table of contents whenever they wanted to go to another section, and none of the charts or data would properly interact with the users.

The new budget book is a website providing the same content and is not only user friendly but offers dynamic information and has a builtin ADA compliance checker.

It features an introduction, budget overview, and fund summaries – each with their own sec tions to choose from.

Under “Fund Summaries” is “General Funds” which displays all funding information with an interactive chart that can be increased in size and can be changed to a bar chart.

There’s also the option to choose “Funding Sources” and “Departments.”

All departments are housed in one centralized location for the users’ convenience. Before they were only found in their respective funds.

“Capital Improvements” has another interac tive chart with all of the project information, and a tab to view debts is also available.

The department page consists of the same content as before, with program descriptions, personnel information, and the charts for the departments.

It also allows users to zoom in on the page while still maintaining high resolution.

It is currently operational and can be found by going onto the city’s website, www.PlantCityGov. com, clicking on “Departments” then “Finance” and then “Budget.”

The streets of Historic Downtown were filled with an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 people on Saturday celebrating all things Germany at Plant City Main Street’s inau gural Oktoberfest.

Many cities across the U.S. celebrate Oktoberfest and this year Plant City joined in the festivities. German heritage or not, many donned lederhosen and dirndl giv ing the event a more authentic air. Also lending an air of authenticity, the open container law was set aside for the evening and beer and wine sales were held on the street so revelers could imbibe while stroll ing through the vendor booths, trying their hand at ax throwing and listening to Ger man music played by live bands.

A bratwurst cooking contest was held during the event with a $500 prize available to the winner. Results of the contest were not available at press time.

Oktoberfest originated in 1810 in celebra tion of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, who became King Louis I, to Prin cess Therese von Sachsen-Hilsburghausen.

It is now a 16-to-18-day folk festival that runs from mid to late September to around the first Sunday in October.

FAZOLI’S MANAGER HONORED DURING

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Leadership role helps secure award for Leslie Pena.

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Expressing pride in her ethnicity is something Leslie Pena has done now more than ever as her employer, Fazoli’s, recog nized her for National Hispanic Heritage Month in September.

In honor of the holiday, the restau rant chain gave its Hispanic staff workers throughout the country the chance to enter their own story about their lives and expe riences at Fazoli’s.

The top three winners were awarded with a gift card, one being Pena from the Plant City branch.

“I feel honored,” the 18-year-old said. “I never really thought much of it. I just thought it was something fun…I wasn’t expecting to win. I just wanted to have fun.”

Pena is no stranger to National Hispanic Heritage Month as she has celebrated it with friends, preparing food from differ ent Latin cultures.

Her parents are Mexican immigrants who taught her to embrace her ethnic background.

Although Pena is bilingual, her parents have always encouraged her and her sib lings to speak in Spanish at home.

“I only speak English amongst my sib lings,” she said. “When it comes to our par ents, we have to speak in Spanish.”

Fazoli’s decided to incorporate the month-long event as part of its newlyimplemented program – Dare to Excel. Its purpose is to expose the diversity among employees and to encourage potential recruits to join the team. It also was an opportunity for Pena to share her personal testimony about her experience with Fazo li’s and what inspired her to work for the eatery.

At age 16, she started working at the initial Plant City branch before it was closed and relocated outside of town. Her goal was to bring an additional source of income to her household.

Pena worked there for a year starting off as a dishwasher and moved up the ranks to operating the steam table, but her job did not remain secure for long.

One day she received the news that her general manager was moving the restau rant from its location near the intersection of Alexander Street and James L. Redman and settling down in Tampa.

Earlier this year however, she learned that Fazoli’s was making a comeback to Plant City on the very same property as the first one.

The new branch was now under the management of the Keys Group, operated by brothers Rodney and Brady Keys.

As the remodeling of the building neared completion, Pena did not hesitate in responding to the “Hiring Now” sign outside.

“I knew Leslie had the potential to win and I am happy that she pursued it because I knew that she would win…her story is very compelling,” Rodney said.

Pena is now a high school graduate and part of the management crew at the Plant City Fazoli’s restaurant.

She intends to continue her education to become an entrepreneur, and eventually open her own bakery and café.

Her leadership role at the restaurant will only help her ease into becoming a busi nesswoman, Pena said.

Fazoli’s will be celebrating its 56th anni versary this coming January and like the many years before it, the establishment will continue to support its employees to achieve their goals, Rodney said.

“We have prided ourselves in helping our

employees rise from their first position up to business ownership, and it’s our job to make sure that when Leslie’s ready to open her bakery, that she knows how to do it,” he

said. “So that’s exactly what we want her to achieve – all of her goals and that’s what we’ve always done at the Keys Group.”

Combine & Save.

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E Fowler Ave

Fowler Ave near I-75 Tampa, FL 33617

Bus: 813-989-2037 jimmy.fisher.caos@statefarm.com

Good things happen when you combine your home and auto insurance with State Farm®. Like saving an average of $894.* Plus, you’ll have a good neighbor like me to help life go right.

CALL ME TODAY.

*Average annual household savings based on 2016 national survey of new policyholders who reported savings by switching to State Farm.

Courtesy Tiffany Martinez, Champion Public Relations Specialist Leslie Pena is a part of the management team for Fazoli’s Plant City branch.

CADILLAC XT6 PACKED WITH TECH, LUXURY

BY NITISH S. RELE

Except for new colors and standard cooled front and heated outboard rear seats in Sport and Premium Luxury versions, the 2023 Cadillac XT6 continues as is. Our Sport AWD test-drive made for an exciting ride, responding with quickness in any driving situation while loaded with luxury and tech goodies.

The midsize and posh six-seater SUV is equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine cranking out 310 horsepower @ 600 rpm and 271 pounds-feet of torque @ 5000 rpm. It is mated to a smooth 9-speed auto gearbox. A MacPherson strut front and a fie-link independent rear sport suspension work well to absorb unpleasant road bumps or curves. Steering response with the electric power rack-and-pinion is instant and precise. Tow capacity is good enough at 4,000 pounds. Drive modes include tour, sport and snow/ice.

A V-Series inspired mesh grille with heavily darker accents and details, flaned by LED headlights, boost the bold look of the XT6. Step into the cabin and performance-inspired carbon fiber trim povide an upscale and well-appointed look. An 8-inch color touchscreen in the center stack includes capactive controls, haptic feedback, gestures and voice recognition (yes, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available). To accommodate drivers of all heights, Cadillac has equipped the CT6 with a power tilt/telescopic three-spoke steering wheel. There is plenty of room –78.7 cubic feet behind the fist row; and total passenger volume is a laudable 149.9 cubic feet. Amenities are tri-zone auto a/c, eight-way power driver and front-passenger heated seats, remote start, sun roof, third-row power fold seat, hidden cargo hold bin, hands-free lift gate and hands-on

CUE (Cadillac User Experience).

Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, driver knee airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes, forward collision, rear cross traffic lane change and side zone blind alerts, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, front/rear park assist, stability and traction control, rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.

The XT6 flauns a powerful engine, adequate gas mileage and plentiful creature comforts. What more can you ask for in a Cadillac SUV? And if you want some vim and vigor in the ride, then the Sport trim is the right choice!

Nitish S. Rele operates motoringtampabaycom and Khaas Baat, and was an automotive editor/columnist for the Tampa Tribune. Email him at motoringtampabay@gmail.com.

XT6 SPORT

Tires: P235/55R20 all season

Wheelbase: 112.7 inches

Length: 198.8 inches

Width: 77.3 inches

Height: 68.9 inches

Fuel capacity: 19 gallons

City: 18 mpg

Highway: 25 mpg

Weight: 4,690 pounds

Base price: $60,895

Price as tested: $75,715

Web site: www.cadillac.com

DYLAN TICE GUEST COLUMNIST

With Friday being Durant High School’s homecoming game, the bleachers were even more packed than normal as the Cougars hosted an 0-4 Lennard team that entered the week looking for their first win of the season.

Durant entered the contest with a 3-1 record, their lone loss coming earlier in the month by way of a 15-14 final against Bloomingdale before bouncing back last week with a 21-13 Redman Cup victory over Plant City.

The field was wet and the weather con ditions were muggy as yet another daily Florida shower moved through the area just before the game was scheduled to start. Luckily, there were zero delays and kickoff was right at the scheduled time.

Lennard received the opening kickoff and struggled on their opening drive. They were immediately backed up due to a chop block penalty. Durant linebacker Hale Sollmann laid a huge, booming hit to set the tone for the Cougars, forcing the Longhorns to punt. And while the Longhorns opened the game with a three-and-out, it only got worse as Durant blocked the punt and took over at Lennard’s 20-yard line. Durant didn’t do much in their first opportunity on offense despite great field position, but ultimately cashed in a field goal on the first drive, put ting the Cougars up 3-0 with eight minutes left in the first quarter

Holding a lead, the Cougars attempted an onside kick, but it was recovered by Lennard and they were set up to start their second drive right around midfield. Lennard tried to attack Durant with short passes to their run ning backs, but were once again kept short of a first, leading to another punt. Durant followed Lennard’s three-and-out with one of their own on the following drive, punting it right back to the Longhorns.

Lennard started the drive with a personal foul on Durant, moving the Longhorns to midfield, and they began slowly moving down the field. The Longhorns worked their way up to the Durant 35-yard line, but Soll

IN

mann came up big again with a huge tackle for loss. The very next play, senior defensive back Xavier Peavy came up with an inter ception – his first of the season – and the Cougars took over at their own 24-yard line as the first quarter came to an end with the Cougars still holding a 3-0 lead thanks to that blocked punt.

The first drive of the second quarter had all the action and penalties. Durant started the drive with a big run from junior running back Alex Daley, only for the play to be called back due to a penalty. The very next play, fol lowing a false start, the Cougars completed a long pass to get them the first down. And then following the chunk play, Durant kept moving forward with a facemask penalty on Lennard, moving the Cougars to the Long horns’ 33-yard line. After all the penalties, Durant ultimately turned the ball over on downs.

Lennard still couldn’t get anything going on offense and punted after another threeand-out. Durant leaned on the run game the following drive and it paid off as senior running back Caleb Connell broke off a 33-yard touchdown, notching the first touchdown of the game for either side. The Longhorns went three-and-out once again as they simply couldn’t get into any sort of offensive rhythm in the first half and Durant took back over at their own 38-yard line. An unsportsmanlike penalty on the Longhorns and a 20-yard reception by Connell put the Cougars into field goal range right before the end of the half, but Durant wasn’t able to convert on the kick and took a 10-0 lead into the break.

The third quarter began and Durant wasted no time extending their lead as wide receiver Jeremiah Gines brought in the kick off and took it to the house for an 85-yard return. Quarterback Mike Ryan punched in the two-point conversion and moved the Durant lead up to 18-0 in a flash.

After struggling for the entire first half, Lennard was desperate to get the offense going to start the third quarter and they did just that with a big 30-yard gain from senior Duval Galite. Then a facemask penalty on Durant pushed Lennard inside the Cougars

30-yard line. Despite the Longhorns finally putting together their best offensive drive of the night, it came up short as the ensuing field goal attempt missed wide left.

Durant ended their following drive with a punt and Lennard followed up their best offensive possession with a turnover as a bad snap slipped away, recovered by Soll mann to give the Cougars possession right back. After the recovery, Durant drew three penalties on the drive by way of an unneces sary roughness and back-to-back defensive pass interference flags. Durant finished the drive with a field goal, moving the lead to 21-0.

Durant started their next drive on their own 33-yard line following yet another Len nard punt and the Cougars fell victim to their first and only mistake of the game in the fourth quarter, coughing up a fumble that was returned for a touchdown by Len nard senior Jehad Dolcine. The score would cut the Durant lead to 21-7 but the Cougars would run out the clock on their fourth win of the year and move to 4-1.

Offensively, Ryan completed 11 passes on 24 attempts for 143 yards. Connell led the rushing attack with 80 yards and a touch down on 29 carries, followed by 29 yards on seven carries from Daley. Gines hauled in a team-high four receptions for 65 yards, followed by 39 yards on two receptions from Connell and the trio of Elian Gonzalez, Jayden Forte and Treon Williams combined for 39 yards on five receptions.

Defensively, senior linebacker Jacob Reed led the unit with nine total tackles. Senior Greg Smith racked up 3.5 tackles for loss, followed by 2.5 from Ty Merkle two from Sollmann and one each from Gage Aroz and Jerome Parham.

Across town, Strawberry Crest moved to 5-0 with a 22-6 win over Zephyrhills Chris tian Academy and Plant City notched their first win of the season, moving to 1-4 with a 19-7 win over Hillsborough High School.

For the Chargers, quarterback Jordan Lewis attempted just two passes on the evening, completing one for 10 yards to sophomore Thimothee Woods while the team totaled 255 rushing yards. Junior

Devin Blunt led the charge with 106 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries, followed by 49 yards on seven carries by sophomore Gage Reibsome, 40 yards and a touchdown on three carries from senior Quincy Hart, 38 yards on seven carries from senior Ryan Weems and 22 yards and a touchdown on four carries from Lewis.

Weems led the defense with 10 total tack les while junior Quintin Walker notched a team-high three tackles for loss and both of the team’s sacks. Hart hauled in one of the Chargers’ three interceptions along with seniors Jaden Baker and Marcus Springfield – bringing his season total to a team-high three interceptions.

Plant City had two different quarterbacks log snaps on Friday, with senior Antwann Mitchell completing six of his 10 attempts for 91 yards and a touchdown while fresh man D.J. Howard completed five of his seven attempts for 62 yards. Mitchell also added 18 rushing yards on three carries.

Junior running back Jaden McCants led the team’s ground game with 88 of the team’s 127 total rushing yards and a touch down on 23 carries, also adding nine receiv ing yards on two receptions. Junior Jaylen Smith led the receivers with 87 yards on four receptions, followed by 37 yards on one reception from T.J. Knighten and 11 yards on one reception from Judah Bendorf. Junior Dominic Jones had just five yards on two receptions but hauled in the team’s lone receiving touchdown.

Senior Tahuji Miller led the Raiders’ defense with 15 total tackles. Davin StoneGrant totaled four tackles for loss, followed by one each from Tahuji Miller, Temarce Miller and Matthew Bollinger. Stone-Grant also had 2.5 sacks, followed by .5 sacks from Bollinger.

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

Did you take the Observer with you on vacation? Send your pictures to Associate Editor Taylor Jenkins at tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

CUTEST CRITTER

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

MYA AND BENNY: Jose Gonzalez sent us this photo of his pups Mya and Benny, two dogs that go crazy for treats, fetch and chasing each other around the house.

ENGLAND: Bob Hunter took a copy of the Observer with him on a trip to England with his daughter, photographed here in front of Stonehenge outside of London.

“All around Nova Scotia, Ingonish, Cape Breton, Prince Edward Island etc. Great vacation, very laid back. Nowhere to stay was made in advance, just wandered around finding paces on the way.”

- Donna Davis Jones

“Fiji, the most beautiful place and people.”

- Joey Lynn

“England. So beautiful, and the castles! I loved high tea and the quaint villages too.” - Pamela Mills

“To Switzerland, Rome, Paris, Venice, Monaco and many more with an EF tour group. Wonderful memories” - Cynthia Davis Van Camp

“Hawaii, it’s peaceful.” - Candi Baldwin

“Ireland! We rented a car and drove all over the country and stayed in Bed and Breakfast Inns.”

- Arienne Plyler Middlebrooks

“Scotland. Skye is my home away from home.” - Mandi Miley Davis

legacy and lifestyle that’s been created, cultivated and continued here with our $25 million transformation is one where all are included, and actively flourish together as a whole and with the greater community.

“Las Vegas - Grand Canyon - FlagstaffSedona with a rented convertible.” - Dennis Carroll

Brenda Faye Simpson

Brenda Faye Simpson “Nana”, 71, of Plant City, Florida, born in Plant City, on August 25th, 1951, entered into eternal rest surrounded by family on September 25th, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Estela Rubio

Estela Rubio, 83, of Plant City, Florida, born in Havana, Cuba on November 15th, 1938, entered into eternal rest on September 25, 2022. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

CALENDAR

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1

TOUCH A TRUCK 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 102 N. Palmer St. The community is invited to the inaugural Touch A Truck event. This free family-friendly event will feature interactive stations, face painting and more.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1

BLUEGRASS JAM!

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. This is an open invitation for local Bluegrass musicians and fans to come to the Krazy Kup loft and jam, clap hands, stomp feet and enjoy! Krazy Kup holds their Bluegrass JAM on the fist Saturday of every month.

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 at president@plantcityoptimistclub.org or by phone 813-299-6503.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5

FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Federal, state and local opportunities are constantly changing. If you’ve served any time in the military, retired or non-retention, and would like to review your benefis please take advantage of free assistance at the Bing House Museum, 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walk-ins welcomed or call 813-704-5800 to set a specific tim.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6

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.

Jack Lawrence & Jon Garon - A Special Night of Bluegrass

7:00 TO 8:30 p.m. at E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Two Stellar Guitarists will be at a special Bluegrass Night - Jack Lawrence, the long-time musical partner of Doc Watson and Jon Garon, who has played with Vassar Clement and the John Denver Band. The Loft at Krazy Kup offers a unique opportunity to enjoy quality, award winning bluegrass talents, in one of the most intimate venues in the area. It’s like being in the band, up close and personal. Grab your tickets now as seating is limited and you don’t want to miss this show.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8

OPEN MIC NIGHT

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Open Mic Night is back at Krazy Kup. Join them for a fun night where you get to be the star of the show. Come out, strut your stuff and shw everyone what you’ve got.

WATERSONG

7:30 – 9:00 p.m. Eastside Baptist Church, 1318 East Calhoun St. The Chorale, under the passionate direction of Artistic Director, Coleman Flentge, is excited to present this flwing musical offering of varied musical styles, genres, and languages.The musical selections will include the joyful Black Gospel, The Storm is Passing Over; American Folk song, The Water is Wide; classical Franz Schubert’s, Der Tanz; as well as beautiful Korean and Latin pieces. Familiar pieces such as, Desperado will also be performed, as will the traditional, energetic South African freedom song, Ishotsholoza. Tickets are available at www.pccchorale.org; FB.com/ plantcitycommunitychorale; from any Chorale member or by calling 813-9657213. Tickets may also be purchased at the Walden Lake Car Wash or at the door the night of the concert. Tickets are $15.00. Children 12 and under are free.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13

CHAMBER NETWORKING LUNCH

11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Networking Lunch with Guest Speaker,

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15

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, Oct. 15, 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.

I LOVE PLANT CITY

FORECAST

THURSDAY, SEPT 29

High: 77

Low: 71 Chance of rain: 92%

FRIDAY, SEPT 30

High: 78

Low: 71 Chance of rain: 56%

SATURDAY, OCT 1

High: 83

Low: 69 Chance of rain: 35%

SUNDAY, OCT 2

High: 85 Low: 69 Chance of rain: 24%

MONDAY, OCT 3

High: 85 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 20%

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from

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Sept 29 7:20a 7:16p

Friday, Sept 30 7:21a 7:15p

Saturday, Oct 1 7:21a 7:14p

Sunday, Oct 2 7:22a 7:13p

Monday, Oct 3 7:22a 7:12p

Tuesday, Oct 4 7:23a 7:11p

Wednesday, Oct 5 7:23a 7:09p

MOON PHASES

Oct. 25 New Oct. 2

RAINFALL

LAST WEEK: 3.70 in.

YEAR TO DATE: 50.00 in.

Shipping point:

Oct. 9

Sept.

MONTH TO DATE: 10.69 in.

SEPT. AVERAGE: 6.99 in.

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Tyler

Catcher

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PlantCityObserver.com PLANT CITY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 15 Across 1 MS-__ 4 He’s Santa in “Elf” 9 Fish-and-chips fis 12 Andean stew tubers 14 Geoffey of fashion 15 “You have a point” 16 Hanukkah moolah 17 Cut with sharp teeth 18 Greasy spoon sign 19 Board game endings 21 Dudes 22 Sonora floa 23 Jungian inner self 24 Anti-apartheid org. 25 Actor Werner of “Fahr enheit 451” 26 Element #50 27 More squalid 30 Scrape (out) 31 Crackerjack 32 Restricted road area 33 High-__ image 34 Red variety of this puzzle’s circles 36 Larry __, former Phillies All-Star shortstop who was 2001 N.L. Manager of the Year 39 Meat-eating aids 40 River to the Baltic 44 “Invisible Cities” author Calvino 46 Copper orgs.? 47 Happy, but not cheerful or upbeat? 48 Spoonful, say 50 Was in the cards 51 Group with rackets 53 Long __ 54 Slightly cracked 56 Glass-half-empty sort 58 Computer giant 61 “Amen!” 62 Memorable mission 63 Director Kazan 64 “I’m up for it!” 65 Sashimi selection 66 Initial request for an answer? Down 1 Church doctrines 2 Airline on “Lost” 3 Florida

Suzanne Torres Tankersley grabbed this colorful photo of Plant City’s iconic water tower.

Great health care is closer than you think.

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