01.24.19 PLCO

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VOLUME 6, NO. 30

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

COMMISSION ROUNDUP: Reappointments and talks of new ag distribution facility It’s a new year in Plant City and city officials are eager to dive headfirst into setting the tone for 2019. SEE PAGE 10

Introducing your 2019 Strawberry Festival

Queen and Court

Courtesy of Bill McDaniel

From left to right: Olivia Frazier, First Maid Madilyn Conrad, Queen Kendall Gaudens, Jada Brown and Kennedy Cullins.

The new royals are fired up and ready to serve their community and the festival they all hold so dear. SEE PAGE 3 FOLLOWING IN THE STEPS OF DR. KING

Volunteers joined the Improvement League of Plant City in the annual MLK Day of Service on Monday morning.

SEE PAGE 8

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

NEWS BRIEFS

SEND US YOUR RECIPES The 2019 Florida Strawberry Festival will be here before you know it and we’re already hungry.

The Plant City Observer’s 2019 Festival Guide will feature a strawberry-themed recipe section and we’re looking for some of the tastiest recipes in the community. Whether it’s strawberry pie, cookies, salads or anything you’ve got that makes for a “berry” sweet treat, we’d love to feature it in the upcoming guide and give you a shout-out. Your recipe will be seen by thousands of people and just might be the next big hit in kitchens inside and outside of Plant City.

Woman’s Club recognizes MLK Day The GFWC Plant City Woman’s Club hosted a day of recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Jan. 21 called “His Dream, Our Destiny.”

Six elementary and middle school students presented essays they had written about King and how his tireless crusade for civil rights has impacted their own lives decades later. Jeanette Richardson detailed the history of the Negro National Anthem, which was then sung by attendees, and Keith Worth recited King’s’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech from memory. Opening remarks were given by Karen Griggsby and Dr. Daniel Middlebrooks.

The students who presented essays were Mikaiah Walker, Angelo Mejia, Tavarus Burgess, Jolen Worthen, Alyecia Wright and Acharia Taylor.

If interested, please send your recipes and a photo of the dish (if possible) to Staff Writer Breanne Williams at bwilliams@ plantcityobserver.com

by Feb. 11.

Railroad crossings to close for repairs CSX released Monday a list of railroad crossings in Plant City that are to be closed for repair in the next few weeks.

Drivers should prepare to take detours and other alternate routes to avoid the construction for two to five days at each crossing, though bad weather or other problems could prolong the closures. The following public roads will experience repairs.

Jan. 28

East Haines Street Collins Street Laura Street East Alabama Street Alsobrook Street

Periphery art exhibit opens Jan. 30

Sparkman Road

Jan. 31

Trapnell Road C.A. Bugg Road

Feb. 4 Colson Road

Feb. 5 Jan. 29

Gordon Food Service Drive East Park Road East Alexander Street extension

Old Hopewell Road Keysville Road

Periphery: An Exhibition kicks off tomorrow evening and promises to “tastefully push the boundaries of what is usually found in Plant City.”

The conceptual art show, hosted by Miel Arts and Join the Circus Productions, features work that comes from artists’ “personal places” and focuses on marginalized communities and unique perspectives. Awards for best in show and honorable mentions will be given out and most art featured will be available for purchase. Food will be available and there will be live music courtesy of Sunni and Carlito, as well as a live painting show by artist Icat.

The show runs from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and again from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday at the Bing Rooming House Museum, 205 S. Allen St.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

KENDALL GAUDENS DONS THE CROWN The 2019 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Pageant is always one of the most cherished events of the year. Plant City High School senior Kendall Gaudens walked away Saturday evening with the coveted crown.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Kendall Gaudens doesn’t have generations of her family tree branching out of Plant City. Her parents own HD Wheels on Reynolds Street and brought their family to the strawberry town when Gaudens was a mere three years old.

She may not have been born into a family teeming with connections, but Gaudens said she has never thought of anywhere else as home.

“I do consider myself raised here, I don’t remember anywhere else,” Gaudens said.

“I think that’s something that makes this town special. Everyone here is so welcoming, so kind. My parents have lived all over, but they said this has been the best place one could ever raise a family. I really did fall in love with Plant City.”

For Gaudens, Plant City has been her entire world, yet she knows that when she set foot on the vibrant festival grounds as a child she was looking at the experience with a fresh set of eyes. She’s walked in the shoes of an outsider coming in for the first time and because of it she said she feels aptly prepared to open her arms as Queen and show everyone just what makes Plant City and the Florida Strawberry Festival a one-of-a-kind experience.

“I decided a long time ago that I wanted to go out for Strawberry Queen,” Gaudens said. “I’ve always looked up to her and her court. I really encouraged my sister to go out for it when she was in high school. She made the court and in a way I wanted to live vicariously through her.”

Last year was the first time Gaudens was old enough to don an evening gown and show off her passion for the festival. However, she had already committed to show a steer. She used the mentorship of a family friend to help guide her toward success, pouring everything she had into raising the perfect steer.

When she tackles something, she gives it 100 percent. She decided to push off her dream for one more year and focus on her animal.

“I wanted to do it on my own, to earn the reward on my own of having accomplished this task,” Gaudens said. “I knew it would take up a lot of my time and I didn’t want to do either if I couldn’t give them everything I had. So I chose to focus on my steer and to go out for Strawberry Queen next year.”

Gaudens is no stranger to pageantry.

While her sister was serving on the Strawberry Queen’s court, she had just won the crown for Junior Royalty Queen.

“It still hasn’t sunk in yet,” Gaudens said. “There were 30 other contestants and they were all so smart and well-spoken, everyone was so amazing this year. Never in a million years did I dream they would choose me. My goal was to make it to top 10. I struggled to imagine I would be considered a leader of a group. It was such an honor and then my friends were called to be on the court as well. I couldn’t believe we had the opportunity to represent the festival.”

The shock was apparent as Gaudens had a delayed response to her number being called for Queen. She paused, scrunching her face as she glanced down at her number to confirm it was in fact her that had been chosen. Then she burst into tears, which Gaudens said is so unlike her she still is surprised.

Now that the weight of the crown has fully settled on her golden locks she is ready to dive into making sure she can impact as many people as she has the chance to meet while she’s serving under this title.

She summed up her goal for the next year perfectly with her answer to the question on stage: What do you feel would be the most important quality to have as the 2019 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen?

For Gaudens, it’s making sure everyAs for girls coming up behind her who are one feels loved. Repeating the oft chanted looking at her court with admiration she mantra from Maya Angelou she smiled to only has one simple piece of advice: just the massive crowd as she said, “People believe in yourself. may not remember what you said, people “You can do it, just remember this may not remember what you did, but they isn’t about you,” Gaudens said. “People will always remember how you made them get worked up about their dress, hair or feel.” makeup, but that’s not what this is about.

Her love for the festival began when You’re going to be part of something much she was a child. Her best friend’s mother, bigger, representing all of the festival and Susan Batley, has volunteered at the bus lot Plant City. Trust God has a plan for you. for as long as she can remember. Every year Keep those two things in mind and you’ll she would check her daughter and Gaudens have the perfect mindset to remain calm out of school for one special day and take and still be excited for the pageant.” them to enjoy the festival. They would help her at the lot, run around playing games and eating fair food and they told us about this strawberry fritter, Q&A WITH KENDALL: soak in the ambiance that only which is at the Lions Club booth. I’ve never What was your first thought when your comes once a year. had that before and it really sounds exciting. name was called?

Looking back, Gaudens said I was in complete shock. This was something she knows that was only possible What are you most looking forward to I wanted for as long as I can remember. After because of the immense safety about the festival? working so hard for so long, I’m so honored measures the festival ensures are Seeing all of the people. Last year we had and shocked. It just seemed almost unatin place to keep the fairground over 526,000 people attend from all over tainable to me because there were so many monitored and protected. The the nation. It is going to be really cool to see amazing girls this year. It honestly still hasn’t energy at the bus lot was infecthat many people and get to show them what hit me yet that all of this is real. tious and to this day she joins her makes the festival and Plant City so special. friend in volunteering, jumping What was your family’s reaction? on incoming busses and letting What is your most used emoji?

The first person I saw was my older sister, the attendees know what events The laughing face emoji. Honestly probably who was the first maid in 2016. I was crying a are going on that day and hand95 percent of the time when I’m texting it’s a lot, but she may have been crying even more. ing out stickers to remind them joke.

My family, well I guess you could say we were where the bus is parked. bawling hysterically. Especially since Madi “I’ve been able to experiWho is someone you admire? Who is a and Kennedy were called as well. My parents, ence the festival as the guests woman you admire? my other older sister, really it was humbling do,” Gaudens said. “This festiThis girl Jade at our school. She’s an ESE to see them so proud of me. I’m so thankful val, really this entire town, has student and my buddy though football for them. impacted my life and made me season with cheer. She gets her hair done at into the person I am today. I am the cosmetology building and I’ve seen them How would you describe your personality so thankful and honored to be give her some really wild hairdos and she just in one word? able to use this opportunity to loves it. I admire her so much. She’s taught Comfortable. I think I come across as a very serve the festival with the same me that no matter what you’re doing or who comfortable person. If I’m ever anxious or compassion, love and support you are that you can find joy and strength in scared or upset I can hide it and be very that has been showed to me all every moment. A woman I admire would be personable. You’d never know. I like to make these years.”

Carrie Underwood. She’s one of those people people comfortable around me so I kind of She’s one of the brightest stuwho went through fame and has never really adopt that calm presence. dents in her class and is set to changed under all that pressure. I can’t imaggraduate high school with an AA. ine how she does it and raises a family at the What’s something interesting about you?

From there the plan is to pursue same time. I look up to her a lot.

I can juggle pompoms. Before games on mechanical engineering at the Friday nights we cheer with Sparkle Effect University of Florida. It’s a career What is a book or story from childhood cheerleaders. One day I remember trying to she can take anywhere and its that had an impact on your life? juggle three pompoms and I was actually OK one of the things that drew her in Mine was the SkippyJon Jones books. I love at it. It doesn’t last for too long, but I’m getmost. Eventually she’ll be ready these books so much. They were fun to read ting better. to settle down and start a famand taught me to not be scared at all what ily. When she is, she said there’s anyone else does or says. They taught me to What are you most excited to eat at the nowhere other than Plant City be my own person. festival? she would dream of making that We were just talking to the Lions Club and a reality.

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

2019 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL QUEEN AND COURT: FIRST MAID

Madilyn Conrad “I’m really excited to experience the festival with these four. While I’m very active in the festival every year, I’m usually only staying around the ag side of the grounds. To be able to branch out and really experience everything, especially with this group, that’s something I’m excited about.”

What was your first thought when your name was called?

I never really thought, I’m super involved in the festival, but more on the ag side, I never really thought this was something I could do. Then I said to myself that I needed to get my priorities in line and if I wanted to try it, I should. There was no reason I had to just do one or the other. Whenever I was called, I remember feeling it was signification of relief. Kendall and Kennedy and I have grown up together so to all be able to do this, it’s very exciting.

What was your family’s reaction?

My family is pretty much everything for me. I’m often overwhelmed to know I have that much support and love. My dad is a typical cowboy and to see even him tear up a little, that shocked me.

I have so much support in my corner.

My little brother was excited, too, and I had friends from up north come down for this.

How would you describe your personality in one word?

Probably calm. I never get super worked up about anything. I’m a girl so sometimes I do get a little emotional, but that’s honestly really rare. Oh and I never meet a stranger. Anything that’s thrown at me I just take and calmly respond too.

What’s something interesting about you?

Most people know I’m really into agriculture and showing, but I’ve actually been to 28 states and won 42 belt buckles. It’s something I take very serious-

ly and I work very hard to ensure I’m competing at my best level.

What are you most excited to eat at the festival?

Pickle Barrel steak tips. I’m obsessed with them. Obsessed.

What are you most looking forward to about the festival?

I’m really excited to experience the festival with these four. While I’m very active in the festival every year, I’m usually only staying around the ag side of the grounds. To be able to branch out and really experience everything, especially with this group, that’s something I’m excited about.

What is your most used emoji?

That one that’s the blushing face with the hands up.

Who is someone you admire? Who is a woman you admire?

Tim Tebow due to the fact that he’s gone through college football, the NFL, MLB and still has held onto his faith and his principles. He lives the Gospel of Jesus and doesn’t let anything distract him. That’s a super admirable quality. A woman I admire is my great grandmother. She’s 87 and still gets on the lawn mower every day. She doesn’t stop and I really admire her a lot.

What is a book or story from childhood that had an impact on your life?

Mine is probably Ramona and Beezus because my sister and I probably acted a lot like them… I read probably every single book published by Beverly Cleary.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

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2019 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL QUEEN AND COURT: COURT MEMBER

Olivia Frazier “The Island Noodle Stand. It’s so good. I cannot wait to stop by. I really, really love it.”

What was your first thought when your name was called?

I remember first I looked at my mom and found her in the crowd. Then I immediately started crying. This is something we all have wanted forever. There was so much emotion in the room that night. It was so exciting to be chosen.

What was your family’s reaction?

They were overwhelmed. My brother, he was who I was surprised was so emotional. He and I are super close. To see him tear up, that struck me. That’s when this all started to sink in. Then my mother was emotional too. I’m so close to her and she watched me go through all the hard work and coaching to get here. She’s definitely been the backbone of our family. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without her.

How would you describe your personality in one word?

Free. Through all of high school I’ve really come to love who I am and what I stand for. I feel more confident and comfortable with myself and with meeting new people.

What’s something interesting about you?

I do people’s makeup, I freelance with it. It’s not just a hobby, it’s something I take very seriously. I’ve done professional jobs for proms and I recently just did my first wedding. It’s not my career choice, but it’s something I love a lot and I hope to keep doing for a long time.

What are you most excited to eat at the festival?

The Island Noodle Stand. It’s so good.

I cannot wait to stop by. I really, really love it.

What are you most looking forward to about the festival?

I’m most looking forward to all of the musical stuff. Not just the 24 big acts at the grandstands, but also the free entertainment in the tent. This year is also the beginning of the Battle of the Bands, which is going to be really cool.

What is your most used emoji?

That emoji that is winking and kissing at the same time with a heart.

Who is someone you admire? Who is a woman you admire?

My grandma. She was a pastor’s wife for almost 40 years and I’ve never met someone more accepting or hospitable. She loves everyone where they are and has truly taught me what it means to genuinely care for others.

What is a book or story from childhood that had an impact on your life?

A lot of the American Girl Doll books really made an impact on me. I learned so much without even realizing it about not just history, but how culturally the times were in all of their lives. Sometimes whenever someone talks about a certain decade I instantly think back to a story I read from one of those books.

2019 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL QUEEN AND COURT: COURT MEMBER

Jada Brown

“To experience the festival from a different look.

To interact with people and really show the festival off from a diverse point of view. Meeting all the people who attend is something I’m really looking forward to.”

What was your first thought when your name was called?

It was kind of nerve wracking because I was the last name called. I just remember it being almost a sigh of relief. I looked out into the crowd and saw my family and we were all so excited. I remember feeling overwhelmed, but so happy.

What was your family’s reaction?

My family was very stoked. My nannie, she was crying and I felt very happy she was proud of me. At one point she almost left the building because she was so nervous when they were calling names. For her to be able to see this, that meant the world to me. My whole family was so happy and proud that I was able to accomplish this.

How would you describe your personality in one word?

Outgoing. I love interacting with other people. Through the pageant process I gained 30 new friends. I hope to gain even more while representing the festival.

What’s something interesting about you?

I’m culturally diverse. In the past there’s not been very many culturally diverse people on the court so I’m honored to be able to add that outlook to the group and to be able to represent others during the festival. I know what this means, after all I’ve been looking at the court my whole life.

What are you most excited to eat at the festival?

Those really big strawberry milk-

shakes with fruity pebbles and a whole slice of cake on the top. I can probably finish one by myself. They look so good.

What are you most looking forward to about the festival?

To experience the festival from a different look. To interact with people and really show the festival off from a diverse point of view. Meeting all the people who attend is something I’m really looking forward to.

What is your most used emoji?

The smirk emoji. I send that one all the time.

Who is someone you admire? Who is a woman you admire?

Both of my grandmothers. My mom’s mom is very supportive. Even if she

can’t physically help me she finds a way. She bought me my dream dress for the pageant, it meant so much to me. My other grandma recently passed away, but she showed so much love to us… She was one of the strongest women I know. A woman I admire is the current Miss America, Nia Franklin. I love working with children and she and I have that in common. She’s such an inspiration.

What is a book or story from childhood that had an impact on your life?

The Magic Treehouse books. When I read the books as a child they lead me into a fantasy adventure that took me all over the world. They went everywhere and saw all kinds of things throughout history.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

2019 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL QUEEN AND COURT: COURT MEMBER

Kennedy Cullins “I’ve never tried deep-fried Oreos. Or deep-fried butter, but that doesn’t sound good. So really I guess I just want to try all of the deep-fried snacks people rave about.”

What was your first thought when your name was called?

I was extremely shocked. I was the first one called and I was so nervous.

I tried not to look at my mom because I knew I would start crying immediately. This is my second year doing this so to be chosen, well it really meant so much to me.

What was your family’s reaction?

My mom was crying, I was crying. She jumped out of her seat and for some reason ripped up the program she got so excited. My aunt was so so happy.

She was jumping up and down. I’m naturally a shy person and I think everyone was just so proud to see me come out of my shell and be able to present myself with such confidence in front of all those people.

How would you describe your personality in one word?

Adaptable. I am a shy person, but depending on the environment I’m in I can come out of my shell if I need too.

I can pretty much match the environment I find myself in.

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What’s something interesting about you?

I’m really good at poker, which isn’t a super useful skill. But I did learn how to have a good poker face.

What are you most excited to eat at the festival?

I’ve never tried deep-fried Oreos. Or deep-fried butter, but that doesn’t sound good. So really I guess I just want to try all of the deep-fried snacks people rave about.

What are you most looking forward to about the festival?

I’m most looking forward to being a part of the festival family. We have such an amazing group of directors and staff. Every year more than 1,000 people volunteer to make the festival happen. Without them it wouldn’t be the “hit” it is.

What is your most used emoji?

The rolling eyes emoji. It mainly goes to my mom.

Who is someone you admire? Who is a woman you admire?

My mother is probably who I admire most. She has raised me as a single mom my entire life while having two jobs and at the same time going through nursing school. She raised my brother and I and even though she worked all day she still managed to help us get everything we’ve ever needed. She’s my hero.

What is a book or story from childhood that had an impact on your life?

Fancy Nancy. My grandma’s name is Nancy and she’s very stylish and fancy so the books always made me think of her.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

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JOHN BRIGGS “CASTING FOR THE UNKNOWN” Local artist John Briggs is fully immersed in the fourth major period of his works of art. His newest exhibition, “Casting for the Unknown,” is now on display at the Melvin Art Gallery.

Courtesy photo

Briggs’s latest work is on display at Florida Southern College.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Breanne Williams

John Briggs has spent nearly all his life creating art and now owns a studio in Plant City.

Few artists in Plant City are as esteemed and cherished as John Briggs.

For decades, his work has ensnared the imagination as he traipsed from masterpieces of realism to breathtaking biblical works to landscapes so pristine and tranquil one felt as if they were sitting on the banks of the very rivers his brush brought to life. Over the past few years he has swiveled again and an exhibit of his massive symbolic minimalism artworks titled, “Casting for the Unknown,” is now on display at the Melvin Art Gallery at Florida Southern College.

“These are all from a body of work that was done in the last three years,” Briggs said. “I had taken some photographs and did a study of people fishing in Naples. The paintings are a turn away from the realist paintings I have always done. This work is entirely different than that. The paintings depict nude figures casting nets in the surf.

The works feature a stark, yet abstract element. They capture that which is implied in the abstract, that which is found in all of my prior narrative, landscapes and figurative works.”

Though the paintings may be simple in the design they are crafted with such ingenuity that the viewer cannot help but cast their thoughts and perceptions of the world into the very nets loosely held by the abstract figures knee deep in the tranquil waters.

With Briggs there is always a deeper story hidden within the depths of his work. He said as a child he thinks he may have been

dyslexic, that reading was something he always struggled with. Sports also never came easily to him, but from a young age he was able to pick up nearly every artistic skill he put his mind to. He excelled in music and drawing and fell in love with finding a way to channel his life experiences into works of art.

His father cut meats in a small business and Briggs grew up drawing on the butcher paper he found lying around the shop. After serving in the military Briggs used the GI Bill to pursue a masters degree in the arts.

He cut his teeth on crafting figurative paintings and then became an exemplary name in the industry with his landscapes.

From there he transcended to narrative work and created some exhibits that were 16 feet tall globes telling stories of navigating through a dog-eat-dog world or delving into the terror and despair of spending an eternity in hell. One of his iconic masterpieces, “And We Ran the Road Past the Fourth Wind,” stretches 9’6” by 18’ by 18’ in the top floor of his studio in the heart of downtown Plant City.

Now he said he has entered the fourth major period of his work. Seascapes that encompass a figurative and narrative story run in loops through his mind. “Casting for the Unknown” showcases the complexity of this minimalistic feat.

“I think when I started these paintings I wasn’t sure where I wanted to draw the line between putting enough information to tell a story and leaving enough abstract so people could derive their own message

from the work,” Briggs said. “I wanted quiet paintings that would scream at you if you let them scream at you. I hope that’s what I’ve accomplished.”

At the opening reception more than 120 people wove through the gallery admiring the massive works on display. Briggs said everyone seemed to love the collection and many remarked they were “mysterious paintings.” The response on his Facebook page echoes those sentiments as viewers praise Briggs for the uniqueness of each abstract work.

Much of Briggs’ work, he believes, is autobiographical. Whether drawing upon memories of his childhood or delving into his passions for nature after watching the destruction of the Everglades his works of art have captured the fervor residing in his soul. It may have taken a long time for his father to understand why his son chose to build a career as an artist, but Briggs said he has never regretted pursuing his gift.

“I think painters are meant to be painters just as doctors are meant to be doctors and lawyers are meant to be lawyers,” Briggs said. “It’s important people follow what they’re about. I think that’s why having art in schools is so good. I don’t think any country can be first in the world and second in the arts. It’s a two-edged sword. The country must champion arts even when the artists create works that question the status socially or morally of the country.”

Briggs has mastered a variety of skills in the industry and has taught at the Ringing College of Art & Design, the University of

South Florida, Disney and Hillsborough Community College. Hundreds of students have sharpened their skills under his tutelage and though he said he is now too old to lead a classroom he is always open to sharing advice for any aspiring young painters.

“My best advice to anybody that would want to be a painter is, if you enjoy painting, you should paint and share it with your friends and anybody that will look at it, but don’t expect to become some big name or change art history,” Briggs said. “It used to be you competed against everybody in your state and then everybody in New York, but now because of the internet you’re competing against the world. But if you have to say something you need to say it. Don’t let fear hold you back.”

IF YOU GO John Briggs “Casting for the Unknown” Where: Melvin Art Gallery at Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. Lakeland, FL 33801 Gallery Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday Free admission Call: 863-680-4743 for more information

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

Following in the steps of Dr. King Volunteers joined the Improvement League of Plant City in the annual MLK Day of Service on Monday morning.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Breanne Williams The students above are from local Girl Scout Troops and PCHS AVID. They volunteered with many other residents in the annual MLK Day of Service.

Plant City is full of residents that wish to make the world a better place. That energy is something many channel into their everyday lives, using small acts of kindness to ensure they leave their community better than they left it.

Early Monday morning, a group of approximately 40 volunteers met at the Bing Rooming House Museum bundled in layers of sweaters and scarves as they split up into groups to tackle a variety of community projects for the annual MLK Day of Service, hosted by the Improvement League of Plant City.

“I came out because I love to just see the smile on their faces,” Joanna Ruiz, an 11th grader from Plant City High School AVID, said. “We do this all together, this isn’t one person, we come together as a group and we actually help make a change in our community.”

The projects were all across town this year, ranging from the Bing Rooming House Museum to the Community Garden at Hillsborough Community College.

Though every year is a mix of volunteers, this year the eager workers leaned toward the younger generations. PCHS AVID as well as Gentlemen’s Quest and Ladies Quest, Girl Scout Troop 1157, Troop 658 and Cadet Troop 889 as well as a handful of individual volunteers all came together to honor MLK. “The premise of Dr. King was serving others,” William Thomas Jr., president of the Improvement League, said. “Dr. King’s legacy was about serving others, addressing the needs of others across all lines.”

The Day of Service has been hosted by the Improvement League for four years. It’s a way to carry on Dr. King’s legacy, When two high schoolers laughed as they learned how to use a post hole digger to help the museum with some of its major landscaping projects, they embodied the empathetic nature the national holiday set out to convey.

A group of giggling girl scouts that dug their hands deep into the dirt surrounding a tomato plant learned how the garden helps grow produce for the local food bank. They saw firsthand how their service would help be one small link in a long chain of giving back and assisting those in need.

The Day of Service puts one of Dr. King’s greatest messages into the hands of its community.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said.

In Plant City, the Improvement League has decided to help the community answer that question. Each year they take suggestions from residents on projects that are in desperate need of some touch ups and aid.

Over the past four years they have tackled everything from homes to cleaning up HCC. Thomas said it is one of the MLK Festival’s greatest events, something that helps bring everyone together to spend their day helping someone else. If everyone applied that mindset more frequently he said there would be far less issues plaguing society.

“You know our theme for the festival this year is, ‘Unity Starts Here; The Work

Continues,” Thomas said. “Collaboration, of mulch around as they helped restore acceptance, extending a helping hand to the historic building, which is inarguably others, that all is a part of what unity is a cornerstone of the community, to a prisabout.” tine state.

At the Community Garden, the young When the sun reached the highest point scouts got their hands dirty and helped in the sky the temperatures had risen to tend the barrels and plant new seedlings. be brisk, but manageable, the hordes of Courtney Paat, troop 889 leader, said she volunteers gathered around a table and wanted the kids to participate in the event enjoyed a catered lunch as they reflected to give them a chance to see the impact of on the work they’d accomplished. community service.

“I guess we came this year for the same “I wanted to expose them to something reason they do every year,” Jakelyn Vazquez, they don’t get to do every day,” Paat said. an 11th grade AVID student, said. “We just “They’re seventh graders, they’re right at wanted to help make this place look great. the age where they’re learning about giving We want to help, it’s as simple as that.” back and everything that means. Having that experience — in addition to what the gardens do for the community and the food bank — it may help them discover something that will spark an interest.”

Karen Bornstine, president of the community garden, opened the gates to the garden at 8 a.m. It was flirting with a mere 50 degrees and yet the troops were eager to get started. She said she was excited to be able Breanne Williams to be a part of the experience once again.

She hopes the young scouts remember the The Bing House received interior improvements. garden is an essential part of the community and said they are welcome to host their projects or events within its oasis.

“We came out because we like the environment and helping support sustainable gardens and stuff like that as well as Bright Futures, getting some volunteer hours,” Acacia Sallis, a tenth grader in Troop 658, 1/24/2019 Keiser - Lakeland said.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

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MLK FEST UNITES COMMUNITY The 33rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Arts Festival drew thousands to Plant City for a day filled with joviality, impressive music and mouth-watering food.

Breanne Williams

Above left: Dowdell Middle School participated in the annual drumline contest at the MLK Festival.

Above right: Mayor Rick Lott tossed beads to the crowd during the MLK Freedom Parade.

Left: Plant City High School’s Ladies Quest happily marched and waved to the crowds at the parade.

Lower left: The Strawberry Crest Chargers got hyped as they waited to participate in the annual drumline challenge.

Bottom left: Students from Lincoln Elementary Magnet School had the opportunity to wave, toss beads and march in the parade.

Bottom right: This young parade walker wore just as many beads as he tossed. His enthusiasm was matched by the revelry of the crowds at the parade.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Plant City came out in masses to celebrate the 33rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Arts Festival.

By noon, much of the free space along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard was occupied as families camped out for the unique MLK Freedom Parade. Everyone from local churches to prominent city officials participated in the parade, which concluded around 2 p.m. at the MLK Community Center baseball fields.

As soon as the parade finished the annual drum line competition jumped into action at the baseball diamond.

Schools competed for the grand title of victor and walked away with checks to show off their hard-earned talent.

For the rest of the day a live band provided soulful entertainment while the community wove in and out of the vendor booths, took photos of their children playing the numerous games and chowed down on some of the best home cooked food in all of Plant City.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

COMMISSION OVERVIEW

REAPPOINTMENTS AND TALKS OF NEW AG DISTRIBUTION FACILITY

Courtesy of City of Plant City

Up to 1.414,175 square feet of land along South Wiggins Road could potentially be used for industrial purposes.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The new year has kicked off with a bang as city commissioners set the stage to help continue the potential development and growth of Plant City.

City commissioners reappointed seven members to their corresponding boards and set up several public hearings for the meeting next Monday.

G&D Farms, Inc. may soon have a warehouse or distribution facility on its nearly 65 acre property along South Wiggins Road at the Rice Road intersection. In last week’s commission meeting, commissioners voted to set up a public hearing on Jan. 28 to discuss initiating a map amendment for the land in question.

The current area is in active agricultural production and is zoned as an R-1 — residential one — and it is seeking to alter the land usage to industrial, which will allow the future development of a distribution warehouse

if the owner sees fit. The land could have a maximum floor area ratio, non-residential development potential of up to 1,414,175 square feet of industrial uses.

G&D Farms has approximately 600 acres of strawberries, with 125 acres being organic crops.

The name was dedicated to owner Gary Wishnatzki’s grandfather, Harris Wishnatzki and his partner Daniel Nathel.

Plant City Fire Rescue had no issue with the proposed development, nor did the Recreation & Parks Department or the Utilities Department.

However, Ed Duncan, Chief of the Plant City Police Department, did voice his concern to Jay Collins, AICP and senior planner, in an email regarding the development.

“Law enforcement concerns would be the increased volume of traffic in these areas,” Duncan wrote. “The intersection of Park Road and Roberts Ranch Road

is currently very congested and challenging for motorist to cross safely.”

The proposed amendment does fit with the city’s comprehensive plan, so the vote next week at the public hearing will determine how G&D Farms moves forward with the development.

The same evening, Jon Poppell was reappointed to the Plant City Housing Authority Board. His term was up on Dec. 31, 2018 and Mayor Rick Lott and the commissioners unanimously voted to approve his reappointment.

Bruce Rodwell, Bonnie Carr and Douglas Driggers were reappointed as members of the Planning Board of the City of Plant City for a three year term. Bettye Goodwine and Judy Vogel were reappointed as members of the Board of Adjustment for a three year term. Harold Falls was reappointed as the City of Plant City’s representative to the

employ a minimum of 70 new full time employees with an average annual wage of at least $58,383.

It said it would also make a capital investment of at least $10,000,000 prior to the start of any exemption that would be granted under the program.

Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee of the Environmental Protection Commission for a two year term. It was also pointed out that David Butcher, who serves as the representative for Plant City on the Hillsborough County Citizen’s Advisory Committee of the Metropolitan Planning Organization, will not be seeking reappointment when his term ends on Feb. 1. The city will soon be selecting a new representative to take his place.

A public hearing will also be held on Jan. 28 regarding giving an Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for Redrock Pavers, Inc. Florida allows local governments to grant said tax exemptions to qualifying new businesses with the successful passage of a referendum.

Plant City voters approved the referendum in 2010 with 68 percent of voters for and 32 percent of voters against the exemption.

Redrock has told the city it will

Courtesy photo

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

PLANT CITY

This week on Cops Corner, Plant City Police investigated the notorious hamburglar, mischievies pirates and a gift card king.

Observer

COPS CORNER

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com

JAN. 11

TV TWINS 2600 block James L. Redman Pkwy.

Theft, retail: Two unknown men walked into Wal-Mart and walked out with two televisions.

TRAILER HEIST 2200 block of E. Timberlane Ave. Trailer theft and recovery: A homemade trailer was parked near the roadway of this home and at approximately 5 a.m. the owner’s daughter was coming home and saw it was being taken by a white Ford box truck. She pursued the vehicle until she lost sight of it. While enroute, PCPD officers found the trailer in the roadway at S. Alexander St. and W. Timberlane Rd. No additional suspect information was obtained and the owner signed a waiver of prosecution.

JAN. 12

HAMBURGLAR STRIKES AGAIN 900 block of Loganderry Ln. Vehicle burglary: The complainant told officers that during the night of Jan. 11 someone broke into her vehicle and stole a Visa card. She canceled the card, but discovered it had been used that same night at a McDonalds in Dover.

SOCIAL SECURITY MIXUP 700 block of Douglas St. Vehicle burglary: Someone broke into the complainant’s vehicle during the night of Jan. 11 and stole three social security cards. They also took a pair of brown Charlotte Russe lace up boots.

JAN. 13

REEFER SPOTTED S. Alexander St. and W. Dr. King Blvd.

Drug investigation: Officers headed to the scene to attempt to locate a wanted person. While there they came in contact with others in a vehicle at the location. Marijuana was found inside the car and everyone was warned of the fact it was illegal. They were then released from the scene.

cul-de-sac with the driver’s door open.

Someone had also removed the steering column plate and damaged the ignition switch. They failed to get the vehicle started though and fled the scene.

LUCRATIVE LAPTOP 600 block of W. Baker St. Vehicle burglary: During the night of Jan. 13 someone broke into the victim’s 2009 Toyota Matrix. They entered the unlocked vehicle and took a RCA laptop computer, which was valued at $245, as well as $40 in loose bills from the console.

CAMPING BEHIND BARS 1500 block of Pinedale Meadows Lp. Theft: These thieves got away with a horde of camping treasures when they broke into the victim’s garage. They walked away with a sliver and black wheels hover board, valued at $100, as well as a three man tent, valued at $50, and a nylon tackle box containing fresh and salt water lures, valued at $300.

TAILGATING BIKERS Thonotosassa Rd. and N. Alexander St. Information report: The complainant told officers that while riding a friend’s bike an unknown Hispanic male drove up behind him in an unknown make and JAN. 15 model gray vehicle. The driver began IPAD BANDITS yelling at the complainant claiming he 800 block of Sandalwood Dr. stole the bicycle. He pulled behind the Vehicle burglary: Suspects entered JAN. 14 complainant so the complainant began this victim’s 2018 gray Hyundai and UNLOCKED AND OPEN to ride away. He was followed. After took a gray nylon book bag. Inside was a FOR BUSINESS getting alarmingly close the complaingeneration five iPad, valued at $500 and Alexander Woods Townhomes ant stopped, which cased the vehicle a new HP notebook computer valued at Vehicle burglary: Officers came out to to strike the bicycle. The driver fled the $450. this apartment complex in reference to Edited

by David 25, 2019None of the five scene. No injuries or damage to theSteinberg fiveJanuary vehicle burglaries. bicycle were reported. cars had any signs of forced entry and JAN. 16 Stand into have ben37 ACROSS 51 Cook known 11 Diamond all appeared unlocked.

MARKS THE SPOT for his a studio 1 X Out of bed Head’s island GIFT CARD KINGS block Redman Pkwy JUMP STARTtype TO NOWHERE 200 block of Via Cortona S. 12 Alcohol 6 2800 Brings to of James L. Apples 38 Hoax Criminal mischief: This complainant 400 block of Abigail Rd. Theft: The complainant told officers a in antiknock a close 54 Alternative 39 Mountain officers her vehicle to wasBudget parked in a Vehicle theft attempt: Thedrive complain15 Snatches 10 told “Zip-a-___hazard package was stolen from her front step.

Wendy’s parking lot55 when an unknown ant told officers parked his green Inside was $95 worth of gift cards.

17 Motley ___he had 43 Doo-Dah” All-Star Basesuspect scratched Xs into the front 2004 Jeep in his driveway while it washit, 18 “The God13 Slug’s trail starting clearing bumper and put a 12-inch scratch on unlocked on the night of Jan. 13. When dess of Pop” 14 Fully pitcher informally the side door. She requested police he woke up in the morning he found 23 Vichyssoise stretched 56 Polygon part 44 Privy to document the incident. the Jeep had been pushed out onto the

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

Jensen’s Heart of Gold Gala returning to Trinkle Center The 2019 gala will take guests back to the Roaring 20s and raise money for families affected by childhood cancer.

Next month’s Jensen’s Heart of Gold Gala is a Roaring 20s-style party that should have a much happier ending than that of the Great Gatsby.

The gala is an annual fundraiser to help families dealing with childhood cancer and invites all to come in their best black and gold attire to put the “fun” in “fundraiser” around Valentine’s Day. Now in its sixth year, the gala has shifted between Plant City and Lakeland over the years and is expected to bring around 300 people to the Trinkle Center at Hillsborough Community College on Feb. 16.

Money raised at the gala will go directly to families in the Jensen’s

File photo

The annual Jensen’s Heart of Gold Gala is the organization’s flagship fundraising event.

Heart of Gold Foundation network in Central Florida for a multitude of uses. Some families need the money to cover bills, groceries and other important expenses while paying for their children’s treatment. Other families need the money to create happy memories for themselves and the children in the form of Disney trips, birthday parties and anything else that could put a smile on a kid’s face. None of the families who come to Jensen’s for help are turned away.

“Our families can utilize the funds for anything they have a need for at the time… it’s really about supporting these kids with cancer and their whole families

while they go through treatment,” event organizer Emily Pierce said.

Last year’s gala raised approximately $40,000, Pierce said. She and the rest of the Florida chapter are hoping the Feb. 16 gala will at least match last year’s totals, which helped more than 50 families in central Florida.

“The more we make, the more families we can help,” Pierce said.

“I want to help every single family that comes to us with a need.

We haven’t turned anybody down yet — I want to continue that good work.”

Pierce, executive vice president of Jensen’s Florida chapter, helped bring a chapter to Florida 10 years ago after meeting Jensen

Byrd and his family when her own daughter, Morgan, started cancer treatment in New York City.

Byrd’s family started his namesake organization in Alabama after his death and Pierce, inspired by Plant City’s action to help fund Morgan’s treatments, brought it home in 2011. The gala has become the Florida chapter’s flagship event.

In addition to ticket sales, money will be raised through silent and live auctions, a gift card drawing and a special birdcage display sponsored by RAOK Boutique.

The cage, filled with jewelry crafted and provided by the boutique, is locked and only one key

can open it. Guests can pay $30 to grab a key off of a tree at the gala and whoever holds the lucky key will get to take home all of the jewelry.

The Bay Kings Band is back to get guests on the dance floor and a buffet-style dinner spread will be provided by Second Plate Catering. Two families in the Jensen’s network — including Byrd’s own family — will be present to share their experiences and meet guests.

Individual tickets cost $75 per person and eight-person tables can be reserved for $400. Order tickets online at www.jensensheartofgold.com/gold-gala.

CUTEST CRITTER

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

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

Did you take the Observer with you on vacation? Send your pictures to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

Lizzy Loo is a year old Corgi and has a passion for helping mom with the horses at the stable. With her paw-fect leadership skills she keeps things in a neigh-borly order.

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VENICE, ITALY: Mark Morton brought the Observer on a family trip to Italy. Mark, Lucy and Jean Morton recently took a vacation to Italy and brought the Observer with them.

One of their stops was Venice, the iconic city known for its abundance of waterways.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

NEW FESTIVAL QUEEN CROWNED

13

THE 2019 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL QUEEN CROWN WAS AWARDED TO KENDALL GAUDENS.

A

new queen and court were crowned last night at the annual Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Pageant.

Kendall Gaudens was crowned queen, Madilyn Conrad is her first maid and Kennedy Cullins, Olivia Frazier and Jada Brown make up her court.

This year, 31 girls competed for the coveted crown. In the morning they participated in a seven minute personal interview with the judges.

That evening from 6 p.m. until nearly 10 p.m. the girls showed off their causal wear and evening gowns, participated in a public speaking competition and then top 10 answered an impromptu question.

They were asked, “What do you feel would be the most important quality to have as the 2019 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen?”

THE 2019 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL WILL BE FEB. 28 TO MARCH. 10.

KENDALL GAUDENS IS A SENIOR AT PCHS.

GAUDENS WAS CROWNED THE 2019 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL QUEEN

QUEEN: KENDALL GAUDENS

QUEEN:

FIRST MAID:

KENDALL GAUDENS

MADILYN CONRAD

FIRST MAID:

COURT:

MADILYN CONRAD

OLIVIA FRAZIER JADA BROWN KENNEDY CULLINS

COURT: OLIVIA FRAZIER JADA BROWN KENNEDY CULLINS

MISS CONGENIALITY: AUTUMN MILLER

TOP 10 KENDALL GAUDENS MADILYN CONRAD OLIVIA FRAZIER JADA BROWN KENNEDY CULLINS MEGHAN WHITE EMMA MILLER TARYN STORTER REAGAN MESSICK KIERSTEN STRUTH

2018 QUEEN ALLY BURT

THE 2018 QUEEN AND COURTS SAID FAREWELL

KALEIGH BAKER

STEPHANIE ST. MARTIN BIKOWSKI AND SCOTT BIKOWSKI

SOME OF THE FORMER QUEENS MADE AN APPEARANCE AT THE EVENT

ADDITIONAL CONTESTANTS

JESSICA TILLIS

JADE’A BROOME

HALEY CHANCEY

EMMA POOLE

TARYN STORTER

JORDAN BRAMLEY

14

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

BRENDA DIXON

ERIN GRAHAM

FAITH NAGY

|

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

KATHERINE RUPPERT

REAGAN MESSICK

EMILY SUAZO

JESSICA JOHNSON

LILY BATLEY

KAMILLE LONG

LAUREN LAMOUTTE

SHAKIRA JARAMILLO

MEGHAN WHITE

AUTUMN MILLER

EMMA MILLER

REAGAN TEARS

KYLA VARNUM

ALLEE NORIEGA

FAITH JOHNSON

RACHEL STEVENS

KIERSTEN STRUTH

Congratulations

OLIVIA FRAZIER 2019 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Court Member

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

15

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

|

PLANT CITY’S NEWSPAPER

YOUR HOMETOWN, YOUR NEWSPAPER

Over six and a half years ago my many serious attempts to purchase the Plant City Courier and return it to local ownership came to an end. Dozens of times over the preceding decade, I had watched that paper wither, misuse journalistic talent, reduce staff, close offices, ignore phone calls and sometimes obtusely trample the greater good of Plant City. Like many of us, I had grown to have affection and pity for writers who cared like George Newman and Dave Nicholson, and for editors like Kevin Brady, but the Courier was ultimately owned by big city lawyers who couldn’t find Plant City on a map, even with Google.

When we started the Plant City Observer in 2012, it marked a new mindset: one of knowing how if buying and joining them wasn’t an option, then beating them would be the next best thing. Four years later, in May 2016, it was with mixed emotions we at the Observer covered the closing of the Plant City Courier.

Now, 2019 marks the first time in a generation Plant City’s newspaper is operated, laid out, and managed entirely by local ownership. Over the past three issues you have heard from owners Karen Berry, Felix Haynes, and Nate Kilton, and now I join them in heralding how the Plant City Observer covers home from home. We have enjoyed essential benefits from past associations and partners, and in many ways our Plant City paper was like a great kid on a bike, but with training wheels. But as of this new year, the training wheels have been removed and at last we are riding on our own. We may wipe out a time or two, but we are gonna make it.

What do we want from you? In a nutshell, we want you to read the paper. We want you to engage with our electronic media. We want your stories, complaints, letters to the editor, and suggestions. We have excellent writers who work full-time to stay in touch with Plant City news – make sure you know them and how to reach them.

If you are a business, we want you to communicate with our 20,000+ readers via advertising. If you are retired and

without a business, maybe you will think about sponsoring an ad for your favorite charity or suggest having your civic club advertise their message to our readers.

And don’t buy the lie that print advertising doesn’t work. Unlike many daily newspapers, hyper-local print weekly newspapers can and do succeed. And likewise, don’t buy into how social media has doomed true journalism. Social media is great for those who want to control their narrative and it has a growing place in the minds of all Americans, but the honor of reporting local community news beyond spin is sacred and essential.

Karen, Felix, Nate and I have diverse opinions and skills, and yet all of us are passionate about Plant City’s news and our newspaper. We hope you, too, will celebrate and support how Plant City again has its own newspaper.

Best,

Ed Verner

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

Plant City Observer NEWSPAP ER .

YO UR HOMETO WN. YO UR NEWSPAPER

YOUR HOMETOWN. YOUR

FREE

•

Meet the 2019 Strawberry Festival Queen Contestants SEE PAGE 6

LIKE US

17, 2019 THURSDAY, JANUARY

VOLUME 6, NO. 29

DRIVERS PCPD WARNS OF RISKY of its

has been working to tackle the ideology For the past several years PCPD SEE PAGE 3 the risky driving throughout town. community in hopes of reducing

Plant City Times and Observer

EANT

2019 JUNIOR ROYALTY PAG

FOLLOW US

@PlantObserver and @PCTOSports

TO ADVERTISE CALL 813-704-6850 Courtesy of the Florida Strawberry

Rowen Ashford Morgan, Kennedy

Duncan, Lylah Anne Linares

JUSTIN KLINE

SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The new Baroness, Duchess, Princess and Queen were crowned the evening of Jan. 12.

and Avery Surrency became

Florida Strawberry Festival

Festival

royalty on Jan. 12.

the shared their thoughts on why Junior Royalty Pag- also so Strawberry Festival has been Kennedy tively, in the 2019 Rowen Ashford Morgan, pageant was held at Florida in its 84 years of existence. and Avery eant. This year’s Family Agricultural successful Duncan, Lylah Anne Linares Strawberry the Charlie Grimes Strawberry FesSurrency became Florida Center at the Florida competed Festival royalty on Jan. 12. tival grounds and 106 girls The girls were crowned Baroness, in the four age groups. Each contestant respecDuchess, Princess and Queen,

SEE PAGE 7

CITY SEEKS SPORTS VILLAGE DEVELOPER

State Road 39 SION

Y EXPAN extending utilities FOR UTILIT EYEDcommissione rs have taken the first step toward City future development in the area. along State Road 39 to encourage SEE PAGE 5

As the city waits for bids to come in to develop the long-awaited Sports Village it has begun to put pieces in place to make the transition easier for the future developer.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The Request for Proposals to redevelop the city-owned property that was once eyed to be the Gary Sheffield Sports Village is up and will hopefully set the stage for the future of the property.

The city didn’t want to waste any more time than necessary getting the project up and running again so it decided to have a relatively short window for proposals to be submitted. The RFP was published on Jan. 10 and the bids are due Feb. 7.

In a mere two weeks the city should know how many candidates are vying for the chance to redevelop one of the hottest commodities in town.

“The City is seeking a project that brings a dynamic integrated set of uses to the area in the form of a Sports Village, including sports facilities, dormitories, hotel rooms, meeting rooms, restaurants, retail, residential, entertainment venues and other complementary uses,” reads the RFP. “The City is looking for such a development that will stimulate additional economic development, create new revenue streams for the city through an increased ad valorem tax base and create jobs for the Park Road Corridor and environs.”

The RFP is seeking development of at least the 74.66 acre stadium parcel, however the total package would include the

stadium land as well as a 52.51 acre urban forest parcel and a 6.17 acre adjacent parcel if the bidder desired.

Currently, the zoning of the stadium parcel is R-1A, which is a Single Family Dwelling District, and the Urban Forest Parcel is M-1A, which is a Light-Industrial District.

To help make the transition easier the city is beginning the steps to have zoning amended.

“This is basically changing density zoning and everything else to facilitate the project,” McDaniel said. “(The commission meeting) set the public hearing so the fun will occur at the next meeting.”

Commissioners agreed to set a public hearing for Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m. in City Hall to discuss the map amendment and text amendment. If passed, it will change the land use designations of the parcels of land to Mixed Use- Residential/Commercial.

Other properties lying near the area, including a triangular shaped parcel owned by Hillsborough County, may also be on the table for development if negotiations are successful.

City Manager Bill McDaniel said he expected both James Talton, partner of GCJ Sports, and MLB legend Gary Sheffield to place bids on the development.

Both were once partners with GCJ Sports before their collaboration dissolved.

JANUARY 24, 2019

SPORTS Quick Hits TOURNEY TIME Jadyn Strawder is a stat leader for Plant City basketball.

See Page 19

Elks Soccer Shoot winners

Four kids from the Plant City area won state championships in the Elks Soccer Shoot and advanced to the Jan. 20 Southeast Region finals in Umatilla. Of the four local soccer stars, two placed first in the event.

Ultimate frisbee, baseball tournaments filled Plant City parks over the weekend.

U-14 Girls: Ashley Jeronimo — 1st in state, 1st in Southeast Finals U-14 Boys: Jahir Villasenor — 1st in State, 2nd in Southeast Finals U-16 Girls: Kiana Kropp — 1st in State, 2nd in Southeast Finals U-16 Boys: Angel Guerra — 1st in state, 1st in Southeast Finals

Senior softball tourney Don’t forget to check out the ISSA-WBSC World Tournament of Champions this week in Plant City.

The Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex started hosting games on Tuesday and the action continues through Sunday afternoon.

The home run derby and the all-star game, both featuring the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team, are scheduled for 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday, respectively, at Plant City Stadium.

Tri-Star hoops comp Tomlin Middle School will once again host the city’s annual TriStar Skills Competition for the area’s young hoopers.

Kids can put their basketball dribbling, passing and shooting skills to the test in the Tri-Star competition, to be held at 9 a.m.

Feb. 2 in the school’s gymnasium at the corner of West Oak Avenue and North Edwards Street. The competition is open to kids age 8-13 and the top three winners of each age group will get trophies.

The Plant City youth rec league team with the highest attendance (in uniform) will receive a free pizza party. All kids can compete for free.

For more information, call 813659-4255 or visit plantcitygov. com.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

L

ast weekend may end up one of the busiest of 2019 for Plant City’s three largest parks.

The city hosted two sports tournaments at Ellis-Methvin Park, Mike E. Sansone Park and the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex on Jan. 19 and 20: Tampa Bay Ultimate’s 2019 Janus XXVI tournament and Greater USSSA Baseball’s Battle for the Rings.

Athletes young and old from the southeast, though mostly within Florida, took to the city’s top sports fields for the events.

The Janus XXVI tournament brought 37 teams in four divisions to the Ellis-Methvin and Otis M. Andrews fields for two afternoons of Ultimate. Most of the teams hailed from Florida — specifically central Florida — but teams also came from as far as Georgia and South Carolina to play.

Also known as “ultimate fris-

bee,” the sport tasks players with advancing a disc downfield until it’s either caught in the end zone or intercepted.

The non-contact game is like a cross between rugby and basketball (once a disc is caught, the holder can only pivot on one foot until they choose to pass to an open teammate). Ultimate was invented in America in the mid-1960s and has since become sanctioned and played worldwide at the amateur and professional levels.

Meanwhile, the USSSA’s Battle for the Rings brought 26

teams from around Florida to Ellis-Methvin and Mike Sansone parks.

The travel ball tournament featured five divisions from 10U up to the high school level and included 12 of the organization’s top 100-ranked teams in the state. Each team got to play at least four games.

Youth soccer sign-ups The 43rd PCRPD/Optimist Club Youth Soccer Program season is coming up soon.

The league is open to youths age 4-18 with boys, girls and co-ed divisions split up by age (determined as of June 1, 2019 — birth certificate required). The season begins in late March and games are played on Tuesdays and Saturdays through the end of May. Last season, 1,300 players participated.

Registration costs $35 and covers insurance and a jersey. Sign up by 4:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at the PCRPD office, 1904 S. Park Rd., or by mail.

For more information call 813-6594255 or email recinfo@plantcitygov.com.

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

JUSTIN KLINE

Don’t get mad, get real

I Almost no outcome from a sporting event is worth getting furious over, but it happens anyway.

woke up Monday morning and opened Twitter, only to be greeted by a now-viral video of an angry, shirtless man murdering a TV with a right hook during Sunday’s Rams-Saints game. It’s just 13 seconds long and plays out like so: a made field goal leads to the punch, the guy’s friend backing away and the puncher walking offscreen complaining loudly (with words I can’t print) about the Saints losing in a way calmer tone than you’d think given what just happened to

the TV. I must have watched it about 30 times that morning — it’s pretty funny even if it almost seemed staged.

It also made me wonder where the line is drawn for sports-induced rage.

Where does it stop being funny and cross over into concerning territory?

One of the many things I love about sports is how they can stoke our emotions for better or worse. It’s hard to top the sensation you get when a

SEE KLINE, PAGE 19

18

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

|

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

SPORTS

UPCOMING GAMES

BOYS BASKETBALL

Jan. 15

Jan. 15 Newsome 62, Durant 60 Plant City 68, East Bay 62 Strawberry Crest 76, Lennard 55 Jan. 16 Strawberry Crest 62, Durant 60 Lennard 58, Plant City 53 Photos by Justin Kline

Mykel Oyola looks to make pass between several Riverview defenders.

RAIDERS PICK UP TENTH WIN OVER RIVERVIEW JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Plant City shook off a slow start Tuesday night to reach win number 10 over the Riverview Sharks.

The Raiders (10-7; 7-2 district) didn’t have an answer for Riverview in the first quarter, ending with a 21-10 deficit on its home court.

But Plant City settled down and refocused, and the team spent much of the second quarter controlling the tempo on a 16-5 scoring run. The Raiders were able to tie the game at 34-34 with under a minute left to play and freshman Drew Walden put the home team ahead with a layup just seconds before time in the first half expired.

Both teams played at a breakneck speed in the third quarter and the Sharks were able to muster enough offense for a few lead changes, but Plant City’s defense only got better as time went on. The Raiders rebounded well enough to set up plenty of second-chance opportunities and Justyn King electrified the crowd with several swats and a coastto-coast dunk as PCHS cruised through the fourth quarter.

With the win, Plant City joins Tampa Bay Tech as the only teams in Class 8A-District

9 with 10 or more wins. The Raiders are currently projected as a 2 seed in the upcoming district tournament, which begins Feb. 12 at Plant City High School.

In other area action, Durant took a 78-43 loss to Tampa Bay Tech at home and Strawberry Crest scored a 38-22 win at Bloomingdale. On the girls’ side, Plant City took a 54-31 loss to the Sharks while Durant took an 87-16 loss to Tech at home and Crest edged ahead of Bloomingdale in a 52-50 final score on the road.

Jan. 18 Durant 57, Bloomingdale 55 Plant City 55, Strawberry Crest 49 Jan. 19 Durant 76, Palm Harbor University 72 Jan. 21 Strawberry Crest 85, Tenoroc 52 (MLK Shootout at Lake Wales) Jan. 22 Tampa Bay Tech 78, Durant 43 Plant City 72, Riverview 60 Strawberry Crest 38, Bloomingdale 22 Jan. 24 Durant at Lennard, 8 p.m.

Plant City at Tampa Bay Tech, 8 p.m.

East Bay at Strawberry Crest, 8 p.m.

Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Times & Observer.

Email: jkline@ plantcityobserver. com.

Jan. 25 Durant at Plant City, 8 p.m.

Newsome at Strawberry Crest, 8 p.m.

Feb. 9

Durant 3, Spoto 0 Plant City 5, Wharton 1 Plant 3, Strawberry Crest 0

Plant City vs. Kathleen, 11:30 a.m. (Mosaic Stinger Shootout at Bartow HS)

Jan. 18

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Durant 1, Wharton 1 Plant City 2, Steinbrenner 2

Jan. 15 Newsome 32, Durant 21 ]East Bay 55, Plant City 31 Lennard at Strawberry Crest, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 16

Jan. 22 Bloomingdale 5, Durant 0 Plant City 4, Armwood 0 Wharton 1, Strawberry Crest 0 GIRLS SOCCER

Strawberry Crest 44, Durant 39 Lennard 48, Plant City 15

Jan. 11

Jan. 18

Durant 6, Brandon 0 Strawberry Crest 3, Robinson 1

Bloomingdale 44, Durant 36 Strawberry Crest 70, Plant City 16

Jan. 14 Bloomingdale 2, Plant City 0

Jan. 22 Tampa Bay Tech 87, Durant 16 Riverview 54, Plant City 31 Strawberry Crest 52, Bloomingdale 50

Jan. 15 Durant 8, Spoto 0 Wharton 2, Plant City 1 Plant 6, Strawberry Crest 0 Jan. 17

Jan. 24 Durant at Lennard, 6:30 p.m.

Plant City at Tampa Bay Tech, 6:30 p.m.

East Bay at Strawberry Crest, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 25 Durant at Plant City, 6:30 p.m.

Newsome at Strawberry Crest, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 29

Strawberry Crest 4, Armwood 1 Jan. 18 Durant 3, Wharton 0 Steinbrenner 5, Plant City 0 Jan. 22 Bloomingdale 2, Durant 0 Plant City 5, Armwood 0 Strawberry Crest 3, Wharton 2 DISTRICT TOURNAMENTS

King at Durant, 8 p.m.

Strawberry Crest at Gaither, 8 p.m.

King at Durant, 6:30 p.m.

Hillsborough at Plant City, 6:30 p.m.

Strawberry Crest at Gaither, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 30

Jan. 30

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Plant City at Armwood, 8 p.m.

Plant City at Armwood, 6:30 p.m.

at Tampa Bay Tech, Feb. 4-7

Jan. 31

Jan. 31

Plant City at Chamberlain, 8 p.m.

Feb. 1

Plant City at Chamberlain, 6:30 p.m.

Armwood at Strawberry Crest, 7 p.m.

Durant at Spoto, 8 p.m.

Feb. 1

Feb. 5

Durant at Spoto, 6:30 p.m.

Brandon at Durant, 7 p.m.

Armwood at Strawberry Crest, 7 p.m.

BOYS SOCCER

Feb. 7

Brandon 1, Durant 0 Strawberry Crest 0, Robinson 0

Jan. 29

BOYS BASKETBALL at Plant City, Feb. 12-15

BOYS SOCCER

Justyn King and Drew Johnson defend the basket.

Plant City’s defense sealed a win in the second half.

Jordyn Manning advances the ball

Durant at Leto, 7 p.m.

Hillsborough at Plant City, 7 p.m.

Strawberry Crest at Blake, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11

Jan. 14 Bloomingdale 2, Plant City 0

at Plant City, Jan. 25-31 GIRLS SOCCER at Riverview, Feb. 24-31

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

SPONSORED BY SPORT CLIPS

JUSTIN KLINE

Jadyn Strawder

Don’t get mad, get real FROM PAGE 17

reason why people like Marc Antenorcruz are dead and people like Bryan Stow have permanent injuries.

You probably know somebody who gets way too angry about these things.

I know people like that. Heck, maybe you are that person. If so, no offense but you’ve got to take a deep breath and look at yourself. Living and dying by a team like that doesn’t really prove anything to anyone. You weren’t on the roster or coaching staff when the team lost the game. The athletes’ lives will go on without you just as your life will go on regardless of a win or loss you just saw. If you’re the “keep politics away from my sports” type who just wants the games to be fun distractions from everyday life, treat them that way.

If you want to break your own stuff because of a loss, that’s up to you. Just don’t take it out on other people or their stuff, verbally or physically. Nothing can justify that.

287727-1

Chris 813.417.6849

Jadyn Strawder is hoping the Plant City Raiders can once again make some noise in the upcoming district tournament and get back to regionals. He’s currently leading the team with 13.4 points and 1.5 steals per game and is also averaging 7.2 rebounds per game.

Strawder came up big last week in a tough district matchup against East Bay, leading the Raiders to a 68-62 win on the road with 24 points, seven boards and two assists.

How long have you been playing basketball?

How’s the season going, in your perspective?

I caught on to the game real easy. It wasn’t even hard at all… I could get it really fast. It came naturally to me so it was something I stayed with.

It’s going really well. We’re going day by day. Practice is important. Coach (Billy Teeden) is feeding us his knowledge of the game as best he can. We’ve got to come out stronger.

You guys are playing well in the district. The tournament’s coming up pretty soon — what are your expectations?

To get everyone off the jump. No getting in rhythm late, after halftime.

We’re gonna come out in the first quarter, ready to play.

Ask s abouu ta % 1 0 Discoun t

Tony 813.404.7819

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What made you stick to it?

My vision and attacking the basket.

Last year I was mostly shooting threes.

Now I’m attacking the basket and passing the ball a lot more, looking out for my teammates a lot more.

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Me being bigger than most everybody in school.

What’s something you’ve noticed you’ve gotten a lot better at since last year?

GOT PESTS? • Rodent Control • Spiders • Silverfish

What got you started?

There’s room for improvement. Coach has me well-placed. He knows what’s best for me. I’m just going off of that.

The only bug you should have in your home or business is the one in our logo!

• Roach & Ant Control • German Roaches HOME PROTECTION • Bees • Ground Hornets PEST CONTROL • Fleas & Ticks • Quarterly & Semi-Annual Service

A long time, I started in fifth grade. I’m a senior now.

What about you, how do you feel about the way you’ve been playing lately?

Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Times & Observer.

Email: jkline@ plantcityobserver. com.

GARAGE DOOR REPAIR & SERVICE

Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature?

Email Justin Kline at JKline@ plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.

288234-1

team or athlete you root for pulls off a major victory. Conversely, sports also have a funny way of snatching all the joy from your body with a quickness when the game works against your interests (as a lifelong Buffalo sports fan, a feeling I know all too well). But we don’t all handle these losses the same way.

If there’s anything I understand getting legitimately angry over, it’s losing a bunch of money on a bet. If the Saints or Chiefs just cost you a pretty hefty chunk of change, for example, I get it.

You just took a big hit. I’d be angry, too.

Other than that, why dwell so much on it that you break things or pick fights or just straight up act like a jerk? It’s just a game.

Sports really can bring out the worst in people. You probably know all about fans of certain American sports teams having reputations for being violent or classless or unpleasant in any other way. Go overseas and you’ll see it in an even worse way with soccer. There are hooligans and extremist groups out there that will put many of the drunken idiots fighting in parking lots here to shame.

People really want to throw hands or even draw weapons because they feel they’ve got this weird sense of duty to defend their favorite sports folks at any cost. Kicking or throwing a ball around means a lot more to some people than it ever should. That’s the unfortunate

19

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

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“How to give back to the community. Chivalry, kindness, giving back and being grateful for what you have.”

“A pottery class.”

— Kristi Albright, 38

“Any video game. I could teach how to be a good gamer.”

“I always thought it would be cool to teach philosophy through movies.”

“The history of rock and roll, the evolution of music.”

— Devin Davis, 23

— Jonathan Wall, 20

— Kay Campbell, 25

— Sarah Soltau, 32

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Elayne ‘Elaine’ Edwards

Cynthia Ann Carolyn Joyce we’re dedicated to helping families create a WE’R E PR OU D TO SERVE our community Kessinger unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896.

Orner

Baltazar Cruz Martinez, 22, of Plant City, passed away on Dec. 31, 2018.

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

Elayne “Elaine” Edwards, 75, of Seffner, born in Waterbury, Connecticut on June 2, 1943, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 17, 2019.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Plant> City, passed away on Carolyn Joyce> Orner, 57, of Riv100% Service Guarantee National Plan Transferability Saturday, Jan. 19,Compassion 2019. erview, born>inBereavement Tampa on Oct. Travel Assistance > The Helpline® A celebration of Cynthia’s life 29, 1961, entered into eternal was held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesrest on Jan. 19, 2019. day, Jan.23, 2019 at Wells MeExpressions of condolence at Proudly supporting morial. the PlantBurial City Strawberry was held inFestival.

Mount (Amy), Phillip Beasley (Melawww.HopewellFuneral.com.

Enon Cemetery. nie), Rebecca Beasley (Bobby); his siblings, Ruth Hillard (Jimmy), Bob Beasley (Wendy), Sue McNichol (Albert); three WELLSMEMORIAL.COM grandsons, three granddaughHOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM ters; nine great-granddaughters and a number of nieces and nephews, also survive him.

Thomas ‘Gene’ Wells MeMorial & event Center A memorial service will be PlanT CiTyBeasley Jr. Eugene Daniel Adrian 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com held on Sunday Jan. 27, 2018 at the Plant City Community Thomas “Gene” Eugene Beasley Perez Church Of The Nazarene at Jr., 87, of Stephens, Georgia, M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1 10/27/15 10:42 AM 3:00 p.m.

The church is located passed away on Jan. 9, 2019.

Daniel Adrian Perez, 52, of at 2402 Mud Lake Rd. Plant Thomas was born the son of the Plant City, born July 8, 1965 in City, FL 33566. late Thomas Eugene Beasley, Sr. Mexico, entered into eternal The family asks that in lieu and Buna Sisk Beasley on Jan. rest on Jan. 19, 2019. of flowers, donations be made 30, 1931.

Expressions of condolence at Thomas was a Christian and at- in Thomas’ memory to the St. www.HopewellFuneral.com. tended Clayton Church of God for Mary’s Hospice House 1660 Jennings Mill Rd. Watkinsville, thirty years. In his professional GA 30667. life he was an equipment operaBeck Funeral Home, in Claytor, as well as serving his country ton, Georgia, is in charge of the in military service.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM arrangements. If there are any In addition to his parents, his questions, please call 706-782wife, Mary Nell Beasley; two sis9599. ters, Dorothy Beasley and Ester An online Memorial Register Beasley, and one child preceded Book is available at www.beckhim in death. funeralhome.com.

His survivors include his children, Rick Beasley, Tim Beasley

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Margie L. Sutherland, 90, of William Allen Peeples Jr., 62 Plant City, passed away on of Dover, passed away Jan. 15, Tuesday, Jan.15, 2019.

2019.

Funeral services will be held A native of Plant City. at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, JanuServices will be held privately. ary 26, 2019 Wells Memorial, can be made at we’reatdedicated to helping families Condolences create a our community unique andSt, meaningful that truly ate care since 1896.

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Online condolences may be left for the family at www.wellsupporting memorial.com. the Plant City Strawberry Festival. HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

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ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

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Joseph ‘Matt’ Wright Joseph “Matt” Wright, 66, of Lakeland, born in Tampa on April 1, 1952, left to go fishin’ on Jan.19, 2019.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

the life represents.

As your Dignity Memorial professionals, Cynthia A.celebrates Kessinger, 52,itof ®

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YOUR CALENDAR

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

THURSDAY, JAN. 24 GOING BALD FOR A CAUSE LIVE

9:30 to 11 a.m. Operation Paying It Forward founder Michelle Valdes will be shaving her head for a worthy cause Thursday morning. She is inviting the community to either stream the event or come out to OnPoint CoWork Solutions, 1805 James L. Redman Parkway. She is shaving her head in honor of those who have lost someone and those who continue to fight cancer. OPIF is raising money to help a local child fighting cancer. For more information email opayingitforward@gmail.com.

SHUFFLE BOARD CLUB

10:30 a.m. A shuffle board club is kicking off with an informational meeting at the Planteen Recreational Center, 301 Dort St. Equipment will be provided.

Topics to discuss are days of the week, times, skill levels and any other information people are curious about. For more information contact Anita at 808-722-5821.

ANNUAL CHAMBER GALA

6 to 9 p.m. The annual gala for the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce is back. This year combines the annual Best of Plant City Awards and the traditional Passing of the Gavel ceremony. Chairman of the Board Jason Jones will pass the gavel to the 2019 Chair Karen Kerr.

The event is at the Trinkle Center, 2206 E. Cherry St. Tickets are $75 per person, $125 at the door. Reception is at 6 p.m. and the dinner, program and awards begin at 7:15 p.m. Call 813-7543707 for more information.

RETRO MOVIE NIGHT

6:33 to 8:33 p.m. Join Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., for its monthly Retro Movie Night. This month features the 1938 film “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” starring Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland.

The event is free and held on the fourth Thursday of every month. Check out the bakery for unique treats themed after each month’s film.

MOVIE NIGHT: LOOK TO THE SKY

7 p.m. Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., is offering a movie night featuring “Look to the Sky,” from filmmaker Brett Culp. The film features the uplifting true stories of young people who have demonstrated the spirit of Superman. This feature-length documentary explores the power of hope and the importance of positive ideals, while encouraging viewers to find the superhero within themselves. Runtime is one hour and 12 minutes.

FRIDAY, JAN. 25 MINIFIG TRADING NIGHT

6 to 8 p.m. Brick City Bricks, 107 E. Reynolds St., is hosting its monthly Minifig Trading Night. Come over to Plant City’s LEGO store to trade your minifigs and give them a new home with other LEGO fans. There will be food, fun and specials.

DATE NIGHT SWING DANCE CLASS

7:30 to 9 p.m. Rapid Ballroom is hosting date night swing dance classes at Stardust Dance Center, 3613 Citrus Tree Court.

Come learn West Coast Swing,

BEST BET SATURDAY, JAN. 26 HIKE WITH VIKINGS

9 to 11:30 a.m. at Edward Medard Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Road. Preregistration is required and can be found at hillsboroughcounty.org or on the event’s Facebook page. Cost is $5.

Park rangers and members from Wyrd Brothers Productions — a volunteer historical re-enactment group focusing on the Viking age era — will lead you through Edward Medard Conservation Park’s Singing Bluffs Trail. A second event will be held Jan. 27.

Hustle, Single Swing and Jive.

Classes run through March and are $15 per lesson. Contact them today at 218-256-1873.

SATURDAY, JAN. 26 SPRING SEEDLING WORKSHOP

9 a.m. Come on out to the Plant City Community Garden, 2001 E. Cherry St., for a spring seedling workshop. Join Merlin Graber as he leads you step by step from planting medium choice and preparation to seed selection to care and feeding of your new seedlings. Suggested $10 donation. RSVP required.

Contact Karen at 813-435-8111 or 12circle8@gmail.com to RSVP.

TWO STEP DANCE LESSONS

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Two Step dance lessons are Jan. 12 to March 30 on Saturdays and are $6.00 each per lesson at Strawberry Dance Center, 4401 Promenade Blvd. Contact www. strawberrysquaredancing.com or phone 864-723-6965 for more information.

TUESDAY, JAN. 29 TOPICS ON TAP

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join Plant City Main Street for Topics on Tap at Mr. Sebas, 104 E. Reynolds St. January's event will discuss updates on the downtown alcohol ordinance committee formed at the November meeting. The community is invited to attend to learn more about Plant City Main Street's work to revitalize the downtown. Light refreshments will be served.

SUNDAY, JAN. 27 CITY POINTE CHURCH ANNIVERSARY

10 a.m. City Pointe Church is celebrating its third anniversary on Jan. 27 with a special service at 10 a.m. and a party to follow.

All are welcome to attend.

LAST WEEK

TO SAVE!

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Universal Crossword

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

23

Edited by David Steinberg January 24, 2019

1/24

FORECAST THURSDAY, JAN. 24

25 Stir up 26 Beachgoer’s acquisition 29 Wedding spinner 33 Squash, for one 35 Velvet barriers 37 World Cup cheer 38 Violin section 39 Danger 40 Clickable image 41 Show curiosity 42 Swimmer’s woe 43 Makes cookies 44 Split from the band

46 Bagel type 48 Furry feet 50 Classes that are smooth sailing 53 Pugilist destroys a circuit?

58 Former forensic TV series 59 Peace goddess 60 Leave out 61 Senate contest 62 Core belief 63 You only live ___ 64 Atop 65 Flies high 66 Stadium level

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Jan. 24

7:19a

6:02p

High: 71 Low: 43 Chance of rain: 90%

Friday, Jan. 25

7:18a

6:03p

Saturday, Jan. 26

7:18a

6:04p

Sunday, Jan. 27

7:18a

6:04p

FRIDAY, JAN. 25

Monday, Jan. 28

7:17a

6:05p

Tuesday, Jan. 29

7:17a

6:06p

Wednesday, Jan. 30

7:16a

6:07p

High: 62 Low: 41 Chance of rain: 0%

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JAN. 26 High: 64 Low: 45 Chance of rain: 0%

SUNDAY, JAN. 27 High: 65 Low: 47 Chance of rain: 10%

STRAWBERRIES Shipping point: Central Florida $18-$22.90

“Activewear” by Susan Gelfand

ACROSS 1 Agree 5 New jersey?

9 Bottle stoppers 14 Fan favorite 15 Humpty Dumpty’s shape 16 Sports stadium 17 Small inventions?

18 ___ sapiens 19 Make an offer for 20 Watch chain 21 Rodeo performer starts up a computer?

23 They go in and out

SUNRISE/SUNSET

67 “Como ___?”

DOWN 1 Instants 2 Birdbrain 3 British policeman punches?

4 Windy City trains 5 Fellow emcee 6 Declare 7 Woolly babe 8 Elevator stop 9 Taxi drivers 10 Baltimore baseballer 11 Change the decor 12 Shoelace bump 13 Without 21 One-tenth of a dime 22 Alpine call 24 Skulk 27 Bay ___ (Berkeley’s region) 28 Standards 30 Professional rider sets limits?

31 Soothing succulent 32 Cravings 33 Hosiery flaw 34 Cuban currency 36 Frosty accessory 39 Locations for figureheads 40 Purina competitor 42 Some reds 43 Sheep cries 45 First game of the season 47 Hunting canine 49 Photograph 51 Horse course near Windsor Castle 52 Tuscan city 53 Smidgens 54 Sweet sandwich 55 ’90s Warrior Princess 56 Upscale hotel chain 57 Paella ingredient 61 Regret

Feb. 4 New

Feb. 19 Full

Feb. 9 First

Jan. 31 Last

RAINFALL Monday, Jan. 14

0.00

Tuesday, Jan. 15 0.00 Wednesday, Jan. 16

0.00

Thursday, Jan. 17 0.00 Friday, Jan. 18

0.00

Saturday, Jan. 19 0.00 Sunday, Jan. 20

0.44

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2019 0.81 in.

2019 0.81 in.

2018 0.86 in.

2018 0.86 in.

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

44 Split from 12 Shoelace 42 Some reds ACROSS the band bump 43 Sheep cries 1 Agree Send your jersey? photo submissions to Associate Justin Kline at jkline@PlantCityObserver.com 46 Bagel type Editor13 Without 45 First game 5 New 48onFurry feetfor @igersplantcity 21 One-tenth of the Bottle#iloveplantcity or9hashtag Instagram to feature.

50 Classes of a dime season stoppers that are 22 Alpine call 47 Hunting 14 Fan favorite smooth 24 Skulk canine 15 Humpty sailing 27 Bay ___ 49 Photograph Dumpty’s 53 Pugilist (Berkeley’s 51 Horse shape destroys region) 16 Sports course near a circuit?

28 Standards Windsor stadium 58 Former 30 Professional 17 Small Castle forensic rider sets inventions?

52 Tuscan city TV series limits?

18 ___ sapiens 53 Smidgens 59 Peace 31 Soothing 19 Make an 54 Sweet goddess succulent offer for sandwich 60 Leave out 32 Cravings 20 Watch 55 ’90s 61 Senate 33 Hosiery chain Warrior contest flaw 21 Rodeo Princess 62 Core belief 34 Cuban performer 56 Upscale 63 You only currency starts up a hotel chain live ___ 36 Frosty computer?

57 Paella 64 Atop accessory 23 They go in ingredient 65 Flies high 39 Locations and out 61 Regret 66 Stadium for figure25 Stir up level heads 26 Beach67 “Como 40 Purina goer’s Walden Lake is an increasingly popular place for photographers to capture shots of local wildlife. ___?” competitor acquisition Robert Lavery recently spotted this great blue heron at a pond near his home in the neighborDOWN 29 Wedding hood. Robert Lavery wins this week’s I Love Plant City photo contest.

1 Instants spinner PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER Follow us on social media: @PCObserver on Instgram, 2 Birdbrain 33 Squash, O N L I N E @PlantObserver on Twitter and Plant City Observer 3 British for one on Facebook. policeman 35 Velvet punches? barriers 4 Windy City 37 World Cup trains cheer 5 Fellow 38 Violin emcee section 6 Declare 39 Danger 7 Woolly babe 40 Clickable 8 Elevator image stop 41 Show 9 Taxi drivers curiosity 10 Baltimore 42 Swimmer’s baseballer woe 43 Makes 11 Change the 1/23 © 2019 Andrews McMeel Universal cookies decor www.upuzzles.com

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

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