10.5.23 PLCO

Caring just for YOU.

Worried about fitting an appointment into your busy schedule? Dr. Sandra Rodriguez Fernandez and her team at our Plant City location make booking visits easy, so you can get back to crossing things off your to-do list!

Need an appointment soon? We are accepting new patients and offer same-day appointments.

Our Primary Care Doctor:

Sandra Rodriguez Fernandez, MD Internal Medicine

Dr. Sandra Rodriguez Fernandez offers English and Spanish speaking appointments!

To make an appointment with Dr. Rodriguez Fernandez, please call 863.284.5000.

Our Location:

PARKS & REC ANNOUNCE UPCOMING OCTOBER EVENTS

REELIN’ WITH A RANGER - OCT. 14

FROM 8:30 TO10:30AM

“Reelin with a Ranger” is an interactive family fishing derby (catch and release event) and open to all ages three and up. Admission is a $10 non-refundable registration fee per team. Teams may consist of up to six anglers. Pre-registration is required and will be accepted until Thursday, Oct. 12 by 5 p.m. The derby will be located at the Plant City Stadium back parking lot off of Gordon Food Service Dr. Participants will fish from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. with awards to follow. Check in at 8:15 a.m. In addition to the derby there will also be outdoor games, and food trucks on site! All anglers must bring their own pole, bait and bucket (used to transport fish to weigh station) and anglers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

For more information and to preregister, visit www.forms.plantcitygov. com/232643670819159

PUNT, PASS, KICK - OCT. 21, 8:30 TO 10:30 A.M.

The Optimist Tri-Star Football Skills Competition is a fun, free event for all youth ages six through 15. Participants have one attempt at each - punt, pass, kick - and total distance combined is their score. Awards for top three in each age group: 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15. Boys and girls compete separately. Tennis/ gym shoes or cleats only - no bare feet! Registration on arrival at site, competition starts at 8:30 a.m., ends at 10:30 a.m. and awards will be presented at 11am.

MONSTER MASH - OCT. 27

FROM 6 TO 9 P.M.

Things are starting to get a little spooky over at the Plant City Parks & Recreation department as they gear up for their 2023 Monster Mash event. The event is set for Friday, Oct. 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Plant City Stadium, 1810 E Park Rd., and is sure to be a gourd time! The family friendly event will consist of a trunk or treat area, scare zone, games and more! BayCare Kids is also joining in and creating a BayCare Boo Bash area for the littles.

Any organization, business or individual looking to give back to the community can do so by either becoming a sponsor, trunk spot, or vendor. They cannot put on events like this without the generosity of sponsors. From spooky decorations to thrilling games, their support ensures a festive experience for all attendees.

Please contact Special Events Coordinator, Ivanna Ibarra to get involved at iyibarra@plantcitygov.som or call 813-6594255.

LOCAL RESIDENTS TAKE ACTION TO CLEAN UP PLANT CITY

Saturday morning Julia Olszewski and her mom, Karen spent some time collection trash from their retention pond in their community that runs along Mud Lake Road. This is not the first time they have volunteered their time to remove garbage from that area. Julia says “I do it because I care about how our community looks and I care about our wildlife.” Among the refuse was found plastic bags, various drink bottles, take-out containers and even an opened can of beans; to name a few. “I think back to the time when ‘Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute’ was the slogan of the day and we need to bring that back” says Karen. “There is so much trash around our road ways that people just discard out their vehicles’ window which is not only

an eye sore but ends up in our waterways and affects the wildlife. We can do better at taking care of the beautiful nature that is around us by simple putting our trash in the garbage where it belongs.”

The Plant City Police Department (PCPD) may be short a few officers but they’re now plus one K9 officer.

“Andy”, a two-year-old Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd mix, worked his first shift with his handler, Officer John Amole, Monday night.

Amole and Andy completed 480 hours of training through Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to be certified as a law enforcement canine/handler. The training included tracking, narcotics detection, bite work and searches. He’s particularly adept at sniffing out meth, heroin and cocaine.

This is Amole’s first time as a K9 handler. Prior to joining PCPD two years ago, he worked for another state law enforcement agency. Prior to that, he was in the Air Force, where he first came in contact with K9 units. “In my job I worked closely with them, it really interested me and when this opportunity presented itself here I jumped on it,” said Amole. “Now I have a partner.”

PCPD’s K9’s play an important role in keeping everybody- themselves, their handlers and the community- safe in dangerous situations. Amole will patrol the streets with Andy, who is calm and mildmannered until he gives him a command.

“I look forward to being able to get drugs off the streets of Plant City and being able to do the work that needs to be done for the city,” he said.

FIRST DAY ON JOB FOR NEW PCPD K9 ANDY

PHOTO COURTESY OF PLANT CITY OPTIMIST CLUB

IT’S FALL, Y’ALL

Happy Fall, y’all! Summer is officially in our rearview mirror, and as morning dew points begin to drop down into the sixties (brrr), it’s time to get outside and enjoy some popular fall festivals, pumpkin patches and corn mazes in the area. There is no shortage of fun family events for adults and children of all ages. Below is just a small sampling of not-to-be missed events to add to your calendars.

FALL HARVEST DAYS AT KEEL FARMS + CORKY’S CORN MAZE

Location: 5210 Thonotosassa Rd.

Dates & Times: Saturdays (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.) and Sundays (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.) in October

Admission: Free

Join us for Fall fun that the whole family will love! We have activities for all ages including Hay Rides, Corky’s Corn Maze, Camel Rides, Pumpkin Patch, 30 Craft + Food Vendors, Pumpkin Painting, Kid Zone by Rockin’ Bouncies, and Special Releases of Fall Wines, Ales, and Ciders! Admission and parking are both FREE for this event!

LUM’S FALL FESTIVAL

Address: 4898 James L. Redman Pkwy

Dates: Oct. 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22, 28 & 29, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Cost: $5 per person or $15 for a family pack

Plenty of fall fun abounds at this familyfriendly festival, including games, inflatables, vendors, food, pumpkin carving, and feed the farm animals and more. A night-time event will be held on the 28th where kids can dress up and go trick-ortreating with all the farm animals.

32ND ANNUAL HUNSADER FARMS

PUMPKIN PATCH FESTIVAL

Location: 5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton

Dates & Times: Saturdays and Sundays between Oct. 14 - 29, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Admission: $15 for ages 11 and up, children 10 and under are free. $5 parking (cash only)

Every day of this long-running festival consists of a craft show, live music and shows, pumpkins, games, hayrides, a corn maze, pony rides, scarecrow displays, a petting zoo and food galore. For more information visit hunsaderfarms. com.

HOWL-O-SCREAM AT BUSCH GARDENS

Location: 10165 N. McKinley Dr., Tampa

Dates & Times: Select Nights until Oct. 31, 7 p.m. to close

Admission: prices starting at $44.99

Howl-O-Scream returns in full force, taking over the entire theme park with haunted houses, scare zones, sinister shows and more. This event is intended for mature audiences. For more information or tickets visit buschgardens.com.

SIR HENRY’S HAUNTED TRAIL AND OMINOUS DESCENT

Location: 2837 S. Frontage Rd., Plant City

Dates & Times: Weekends until Nov. 4

Admission: From $27 per person

Celebrating its tenth season, this outdoor immersive attraction features horror trails, escape games, laser tag and a haunted hayride. This season, tickets must be purchased online in advance so grab them before they sell out.

SHIMMERING LIGHTS FALL FESTIVAL

Location: 2302 N. Dover Rd., Dover

Dates & Times: select nights Oct. 5 - 29, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Admission: $8 for ages 3 and up in advance and $9 at the gate

Sunkissed Acres has teamed up with Sunshine Illumination to create a family-friendly 1/3 mile walking trail with hundreds of themed lighted displays, pixel animated props, outdoor movies, a light maze, scavenger hunt, games and face painting. Check out the calendar for FOAM nights. For more information visit showpass.com/shimmering-lightsfall-2023/.

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

HAUNTED JAIL TOUR

Location: 455 N. Broadway, Bartow

Dates & Times: Fri. & Sat., Oct. 20 - 21 and Oct. 27 28, 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Admission: $15 donation per adult to United Way of Central Florida, children under 10 can tour for $5 Back by popular demand, for two weekends only, is this family-friendly event, in addition to a spooky haunted jail tour, features a street carnival with arts and crafts booths, a dunk tank, bounce houses and more. The Newman BBQ food truck will be on hand selling refreshments. Tickets are sold in-person at the event until the 10 p.m. cutoff. For more information visit polksheriff.org.

RAPRAGER FAMILY FARMS FALL FALL

PUMPKIN FESTIVAL HAUNTED FARM

Location: 16907 Boy Scout Rd., Odessa

Dates & Times: Various dates and times

Cost: $16.95 per person online, $19.95 per person at the gate, 2 years and under are free

From pumpkins to hayrides, a petting zoo to a haunted maze, there’s plenty to do at this fall favorite. Newly added attractions include a vendor market, feeding the

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

cows, axe throwing, pumpkin painting, an inflatable maze and more. For more information or tickets visit rapragerfamilyfarms.com.

GARDEN STREET MARKET

Location: 1405 N. Wheeler St.

Dates & Times: Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Cost: free to enter, pumpkins for purchase

Pop in to pick out your perfect pumpkin or pose for a photo opportunity.

TURKEY CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL

FIRST ANNUAL GOBBLER TRUNK OR TREAT

Location: 5005 Turkey Creek Rd., Plant City

Dates & Times: Oct. 23, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Cost: Free

This community celebration will feature a food truck rally and pumpkin patch (for purchase), trunk or treat and games and activities.

PLANT CITY PARKS & RECREATION

PRESENTS MONSTER MASH

Location: Plant City Stadium, 1810 E. Park Rd.

Dates & Times: Fri., Oct. 27, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Cost: $5 cash parking- free admission

This annual event is sure to be a kidpleaser with a trunk or treat, scare zone, games, free activities and food vendors (additional cost).

RIVERWALK HALLOWEEN LIGHTED

BOAT PARADE

Location: Tampa Riverwalk, Tampa

Dates & Times: Sat., Oct 28, 6:30 p.m.9:30 p.m.

Cost: Free

Join Friends of the Riverwalk and the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation for a Halloween boat parade along the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa.

HEART TO HART HARVEST BRUNCH

Location: The Cellar, 303 S. Collins St., Plant City

Dates & Times: Sat., Nov. 4, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Cost: $25 per person

Indulge in a sweet and savory brunch experience at this event, hosted by the Janice Hart Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a community of caregivers, which also includes a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and vendors. For more information or tickets visit givebutter.com/Heart2Hart.

FOX SQUIRREL CORN MAZE

Location: 6151 Varn Rd., Plant City

Dates & Times: Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 7 to Nov. 5, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Admission: $12 (including tax), children three and under are free

Fall into a world of autumn enchantment at the Fox Squirrel Corn Maze where weekends come alive. This event is like a one-stop-shop with a corn maze, pumpkin patch, large jump pad, hayrides, u-pick flowers and tons of games and goodies. For more information visit foxsquirrelcornmaze.com.

This week on Cops Corner, Plant City Police investigate: A burglarized car, stolen food and missing packages.

SEPTEMBER 22

SOUNDING OFF

200 block of Parks Springs Cir.

Vehicle burglary: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who stated that their vehicle was burglarized the night before, resulting in their bluetooth speaker and portable phone charger being stolen.

SEPTEMBER 23

STICKY FINGERS

2600 block of James L. Redman Pkwy.

Theft: An officer met with a loss prevention employee at a business at the listed location who reported a theft from the business.

SEPTEMBER 24

SHOT IN THE DARK

S Gordon St. / Jenkins St.

Shooting/criminal mischief: Officers responded to the listed location in reference to a shots heard complaint. Upon arrival, a vehicle was discovered to have been damaged.

SEPTEMBER 25

MEAL PLAN

4600 block of SR 574

Petit theft: An officer responded to a business at the listed location and met with the complainant who reported a theft of food from the business.

ONE TOO MANY

S Maryland Ave / E Alsobrook St.

HTO: While investigating a traffic crash, officers arrested one individual for driving while HTO (habitual traffic offender) status and providing a false name to law enforcement.

SEPTEMBER 27

GONE MISSING

100 block of W Prosser Dr.

Petit theft: An officer met with the regional manager of a business at the listed location who advised of a theft from the establishment.

THE COMPLETE PACKAGE

1000 block of N Knight St.

Petit theft: An officer responded to a residence at the listed location and met with the victim who reported that Amazon packages were stolen from their front porch.

DOUBLE CHECKED

1400 block of Walden Oaks Pl.

Fraud: An officer met with the complainant in reference to a fraudulent check.

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UPDATED PLANS WOULD BRING WORKFORCE HOUSING TO WALDEN LAKE

According to a news release, the plans, which address the issue of limited housing choices for middle-income Floridians, a demographic often overlooked amid the luxury multifamily housing boom, are in compliance with Florida’s recentlyenacted Live Local Act (Ch. 2023-17, Laws of Fla., codified at §166.04151, Florida Statutes). Signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in March, the Act, which took effect July 1, is a comprehensive statewide workforce housing strategy aimed at empowering Florida families by enhancing their access to affordable housing options within the communities they serve. The new law makes it easier for affordable housing projects to get approved quickly without going through a long public hearing process to change a property’s zoning (no more 12 hour planning board meetings). It allows for affordable housing to be built in areas that are currently zoned for

commercial or industrial use. Walden Lake as a whole is a Community Unit District with the property in question listed as a golf course. Projects that qualify for the Live Local Act can be approved administratively and local governments cannot force the developer to change the zoning, get special approval or change the overall plan. Local governments must approve, approve with conditions or deny applications within 120 days following receipt of the completed application.

“The Walden Lake property qualifies for administrative approval under the Live Local Act because the existing planned development zoning for the property allows a for-profit golf course and other commercial activities,” said Jacob T. Cremer, Esq., shareholder at Stearns Weaver Miller, referring to Florida legislation that allows housing to be built on commercial land.

“This is a visionary project that supports the state’s efforts to provide more attainable housing for Floridians.”

The project will appeal to a broad range of incomes, with 40 percent of the units available to those making up to 120 percent of the area median income, following state income guidelines. The majority of the units will be available at market rate.

“We look forward to working closely with the City’s Planning and Zoning staff again to move Walden Lake forward together and provide much-needed housing options in Plant City,” added Cremer.

For longtime Walden Lake resident Patti Campbell, who has lived in the community for 34 years, even though she doesn’t live in an area directly affected by the proposed development other than increased traffic, vehemently opposes the latest proposed plan. “I find it disrespectful of them (Walden Lake LLC) to continue to try and squeak by with development plans that don’t comply with the City of Plant City’s Comprehensive Plan in any way, shape or form,” she said. “Trying to pull a fast one by using the Live Local Act and making

it seem like it applies in this situation is something I’d never support. The clock is ticking and I’m praying that the City of Plant City will deny this plan before the 120 days is up.”

It’s now a waiting game.

Commissioner Bill McDaniel confirmed receipt of the new plans. “We have received the preliminary plat for the proposed Walden Lake development and our staff are reviewing it in light of the Live Local Act,” he said.

Planning and Zoning Manager Julie Ham said her staff is currently reviewing the submittal. “Right now we don’t know how it qualifies for the Live Local Act, we’re making that determination,” she said.

The clock is ticking and Walden Lake LLC is committed to seeing the project through. “My client’s invested in the community and we’re here to stay,” said Kremer.

The City has 120 days to make a determination about the viability of the project.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

LOCAL SENIOR TAKES PRIDE IN COMMUNITY, PICKS UP LITTER TO KEEP CITY CLEAN

Dedicated resident sets example of civic responsibility.

In a quiet but impactful act of environmental service, a local resident, Ron Rouisse, has taken it upon himself to literally clean up his community, one piece of trash at a time. Armed with a pair of gloves, a trash picker and a bucket, Rouisse, 76, who’s lived in Plant City for three years, has made a commitment to making his city cleaner and more beautiful.

He can often be seen in the early morning hours walking the streets of Plant City, picking up discarded water bottles, wrappers and other debris. His dedication to this task has not gone unnoticed by those who live in the area, many of whom have offered words of praise and thanks. A city employee gave him a safety vest. A couple citizens gave him a hat to wear to protect his head from the sun.

His service also caught the attention of local leaders. “I am so impressed with his personal commitment to our community and his obvious determination to make a meaningful contribution to our quality of life,” said Commissioner Mike Sparkman. “I applaud his efforts to make a positive difference.”

Rouisse admits his commitment is motivated as much from a sense of duty as it is to relieve boredom. “To be honest it’s a matter of not wanting to sit in my apartment, it drives me crazy because it’s such a long day,” said Rouisse, who lives at Plant City Towers. “Finally I decided I can do something out in the community and I like being outside, getting exercise and meeting new people.”

One of Rouisse’s routes takes him from

his apartment, east on Baker Street to Felton’s, where he turns around and heads back via Reynolds Street. Along the way, he empties his bucket, which he fills quickly with litter, at nearby dumpsters. He’s become adept at using the grabber to pick up items as small as cigarette buts and flossers and as large as old clothes and dirty diapers, which he said is one of his least favorite items to pick up. He also is on the lookout for nails on the roadway that can attach to a vehicle’s tires.

Picking up litter isn’t the safest community service. He was once hit by a car while walking in a crosswalk hard enough to knock him down. Rouisse, while shaken up a bit, was undeterred. “The next day I was back out picking up trash, it wasn’t enough to stop me,” he said.

Throughout his life, Rouisse, a licensed practical nurse who shunned the idea of putting down roots, has meandered from state to state, helping people wherever he could. Born in Massachusetts, he’s lived in Connecticut, Maine, South Dakota (working on a Sioux Indian reservation) and Washington. Always more prone to giving than receiving, he spent time volunteering in orphanages and medical clinics in faraway countries such as Mongolia, Haiti, Swaziland, China, Ghana and the Philippines.

For now, Rouisse is content to do what he can to better the city where he currently lives. Even though he knows he won’t be able to continue picking up trash forever, he finds the work satisfying. “You can’t always do work that lets you see what you’ve done,” he said. “I can look back at what I’ve done and see that it looks better.”

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Plant City resident Ron Rouisse has made it his mission to keep Plant City’s streets free of debris.

PLANT CITY POLICE SEEKING PUBLIC’S HELP IN IDENTIFYING SUSPECT IN VEHICLE BURGLARY

The incident occurred in the Strawberry Hill Plaza on Sept. 16.

The Plant City Police Department (PCPD) is asking the public for help identifying a male suspect captured on video breaking into a parked vehicle.

The PCPD released a video, captured on Sept. 16 at approximately 1 p.m. by a witness sitting in their vehicle in the Strawberry Hill Plaza, on their Facebook page of the man they say is a suspect. The witness watched the man, who was wearing a black Nike baseball hat, grey Under Armour hooded shirt, dark pants, black sneakers and gloves, break the left rear window of a grey pick-up truck. The witness then began filming the incident on their cellphone as the man entered the vehicle through the broken window and emerge a few moments later carrying a yellow envelope containing money in his right hand. Walking away from the vehicle, the video shows the man switching the envelope to underneath his left arm. He was seen leaving the area in a silver Honda Pilot SUV bearing Florida tag B5D-NZF.

According to police, prior to arriving at the plaza, the victim withdrew money from a local bank and may have been followed to the plaza by the suspect. After the victim arrived at the plaza, leaving the vehicle in the parking lot, the male suspect

form of robbery committed by criminals. A jugging takes place when a criminal will watch and follow a victim as they depart from a banking institution, ATM machine, check cashing location or other location after having withdrawn a sum of money. Once the victim leaves, the criminal follows the victim to their next location, where they can be threatened or assaulted. The suspect then demands or takes the money from the victim or may wait for the victim to leave the vehicle before burglarizing the vehicle and taking the money.

“We are thankful the witness came forward to provide this lead,” said PCPD Chief James Bradford. “We hope a sharp-eyed tipster will recognize this suspect and call the police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Manuel Diaz at (813)7579200. Tips can also be sent using the Crimestoppers program by going to www. crimestopperstb.com or calling 1800-873TIPS. Anonymous tipsters who contact Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay who give information which law enforcement confirms it led directly to the arrest of an adult or juvenile will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.

CUTEST CRITTER

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

MOLLY: Kathy Flemister sent us this photo of her doxidoodle, Molly.

HILLSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE- PLANT CITY SECURES $1.35 MILLION GRANT TO CREATE BETTER OUTCOMES FOR ITS STUDENTS

In a significant boost to higher education in the community, Hillsborough Community College’s Plant City campus has been awarded a grant of $1,352,277 million to employ data-driven, research-based methods to remove barriers to enrollment and increase the number of full-time students pursuing and successfully completing a degree or program.

Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development Mechel Albano, E.D.D., who was instrumental completing the lengthy grant application, found it difficult to contain her excitement when she learned that her grant titled “Supporting Students Through Innovative Practices” was approved.

“I had just finished reading the email when I started hearing shrieks down the hall,” said HCC Plant City campus President Marty Clay, PhD.

The joyful noise was coming from a usually subdued Albano, who had just received a phone call from her grants manager letting her know they’d won the grant. “I was just so overjoyed at the possibilities of what we can do for our students in Plant City and across the college,” said Albano, who has worked at the college for 15 years and also was a student at the college in the 1980’s. “This means a lot to me,” she said.

The grant funds, dispersed over a fiveyear period and provided through the U.S. Department of Education’s “Strengthening Institutions Program” (SIP), will be allocated to several key initiatives, including:

„ Migrate the college’s business intelligence software to a cloud-based environment, thus enhancing data collection and analysis;

„ Expand the use of student early-alert software from fully-online classes to

classes with on-campus meetings;

„ Extend the use of artificial intelligence chatbot software to an estimated 400 HCC Plant City students;

„ Include technology into Plant City SLS 1106 (First Year Experience) sections to further emphasize student program completion and career development;

„ Provide professional development workshops to support its faculty in bringing innovative teaching practices into their courses;

„ Provide enhanced opportunities for outreach to both students and their families.

“Some of these programs are already in place at the college but we’re taking them a step further,” said Albano.

Its business intelligence software identifies trends and measures how successful students are in their classes. That data is fed to artificial intelligence advising, a program that can provide round-theclock accessibility for students and offer personalized support tailored to each student. The first year experience course, geared toward first-time college students, will include a career assessment to help students narrow down their academic and career plans.

“It’s in everyone’s best interest to get students through these programs as quickly as they can and as successfully as they can and we’re a really great place to start because our costs are low and we really focus on instruction,” said HCC Plant City Dean of Academic Affairs Joseph Borrell, PhD.

On average, HCC’s Plant City campus, which is the smallest of the college’s five campuses, serves approximately 10,000 students each year. Fall enrollment is

5,700 students. It hasn’t increased tuition costs in at least nine years. “We’ve been doing more with less for a long time,” said Clay. “We’ve held the line on tuition so it would stay affordable to students but this grant gives us a revenue stream to offset that and continue to provide a quality education to students without increasing costs.”

The grant will help the college achieve one of its goals of making students more successful, more employable or better able to continue their education at another institution.

What a cause for celebration.

For more information about Hillsborough Community College visit hccfl.edu.

Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development Mechel Albano celebrates a $1.35 million grant the college received to enhance student outcomes..

NEW STOP AND NO PARKING SIGNS IMPROVE SAFETY ALONG BUSY ROADWAY

Drivers should adhere to all road signs or face the consequences.

temporary and will be removed within two weeks.

RICK LOTT APPOINTED TO THE BANK OF TAMPA’S PLANT CITY ADVISORY BOARD

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

In a move aimed at enhancing road safety and traffic flow, city officials have installed a series of all-way stop signs and implemented strict no-parking regulations along Wilder Rd. between East Sansone Boulevard and the Plant City Tennis Center, a notoriously busy and accident-prone thoroughfare.

The improvements come after residents expressed concerns about the driver safety because, during sporting events at Mike Sansone Park, drivers parked along the right-of-ways on Wilder Road, causing line-of-sight issues for motorists turning from Cherry Street. In response to these concerns, the city’s transportation department partnered with Hillsborough County, who owns and maintains Wilder Road, to come up with a solution to the problem. After investigating the problem, city officials determined the best course of action would be the all-way stop to act as a traffic calming feature and the no parking signage. “Hillsborough county got on board rather quickly and they fully supported the change,” said Traffic Operations Manager Fred Baxter.

The improvements, with the county providing the signage and the city providing the installation, were completed Sept. 25.

Here are the key changes:

1. All-Way Stop Signs:

Two stop signs have been strategically placed at the intersection of Wilder Road and Cherry Street. This change now forces vehicles on all sides of the intersection to come to a complete stop before proceeding. It should be noted the flashers are

Implementing allway stop signs will lead to more orderly traffic and minimize the chances of accidents caused by drivers failing to yield the right-of-way.

2. No Parking Zones:

In addition to the allway stop signs, strict no-parking regulations have been enforced on a section of Wilder Road. These zones are clearly marked every 100 feet with signage to inform motorists of the restrictions. No parking will be allowed on Wilder Road between East Sansone Boulevard and the Plant City Tennis Center.

Plant City Police Department urges residents and commuters to adhere to the new traffic control measures and respect the no-parking zones. “The Plant City Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of all who attend city parks and sponsored events,” said PCPD Captain Al Van Duyne. “This includes enforcing all applicable state statutes and city ordinances, in an effort to reinforce our position that safety is paramount for all park visitors.”

For the second time in a month, a local resident and civic leader has been appointed to an advisory role. The Bank of Tampa announced the appointment of Rick Lott to its Plant City Advisory Board.

“All of us at The Bank of Tampa are pleased to welcome Rick to the Plant City advisory board,” said Scott Gault, Hillsborough County market president at The Bank of Tampa.

“His significant leadership experience and lifelong Plant City roots will enable him to provide our Plant City advisory board with valuable insight as we continue to expand The Bank of Tampa’s brand of banking to Eastern Hillsborough.”

Lott brings nearly 30 years of c-suite leadership experience to The Bank of Tampa’s Plant City advisory board. He serves as co-owner of All Florida Mechanical Services, a commercial HVAC Mechanical contractor that provides high-quality service and maintenance of all HVAC systems throughout the state of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee and Georgia. He is the former Plant City mayor and currently serves as secretary and treasurer of the Plant City Economic Development Council.

The Bank of Tampa, one of the largest community banks in the Tampa Bay Area with offices in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Sarasota counties as well as a loan pro duction office in Pasco County, has been privately held by its employees, directors and clients since its inception in 1984. Its assets total more than $3.2 billion, with outstanding loans greater than $1.4

LOCAL RESIDENTS AND FFA STUDENTS BEAUTIFY HISTORIC SCHOOL BUILDING

The historic Turkey Creek School building got an exterior spruce-up thanks to funds left over from the Turkey Creek High School Alumni and Friends Association.

What do you get when you combine a couple of civic and preservation-minded local residents, a sum of money, a historic building and a class of middle school ag students?

You get a school beautification project.

Last week, FFA students at Turkey Creek Middle School, led by ag teacher Jessica Hawkins, planted low-maintenance foliage around the front entrance of the historic Turkey Creek School building that sits vacant on the school property. The project was funded by leftover money the nonprofit Turkey Creek High School Alumni and Friends Association Inc., established in 1997, had to spend to close its account. After partnering with the school board to install a new fence around the historic structure, their account still held a couple hundred dollars. After careful consideration, they decided to purchase plants to beautify the front of the building. Ag students, eager to get their hands dirty, assisted with the project.

Dee Dee Grooms and Dana Fortinberry, whose alumni association boasts more than 600 members on its Facebook page, is grateful for the community support for their fundraisers through the years. From a brick fundraiser to golf tournament, members of the community raised funds to support the aging structure. “We wanted

to let everyone know what we’re doing with the money because it had been sitting in an account for years,” said Fortinberry. “We needed to dissolve the account but wanted to put the money to good use and if nothing else we’ll have the outside looking good.”

Turkey Creek School has witnessed generations of students pass through its hallowed halls. It was a symbol of pride and a testament to the community’s commitment to education. However, in recent decades, those hallowed halls have fallen into disrepair and its future remains uncertain. Currently it sits vacant, the newer school buildings surrounding it as a reminder that, once a building becomes worn out, it can be replaced.

“I was in one of the last middle school classes in the mid-90s to attend school in the building and it was really cool,” said Hawkins.

The very first Turkey Creek School, established in 1873, was actually a oneroom log cabin. In 1908, the initial five-acre property was purchased by the Hillsborough County School Board from Tampa Bay Land and Lumber Company and a two-story frame building was constructed on the site. Six students graduated from the school, named Turkey Creek High School, between 1908 and 1909. The following year, the school board closed the high school and, until 1928, it served as a

primary school, serving students in grades one through eight.

The school was fondly referred to as a “strawberry school,” which opened in summer and closed in winter so students could help their parents, many of whom owned farms, with the strawberry harvest.

In 1927, a two-story brick building was completed (the building that still stands on the property today) and once again high school courses were added to Turkey Creek School. The last senior class graduated from the school in 1972, when Turkey Creek, Pinecrest, Plant City and Marshall high schools were consolidated into one school: Plant City Consolidated Senior High School.

Fortinberry and Grooms were members of the last graduating class.

They became advocates for the building ever since the 1990s, when they learned from then-principal Ron Frost the school board wanted to tear down the structure and erect a parking lot, they’ve advocated for the building’s survival. “I ran into Dee Dee at the old K-mart and she said something needed to be done to save the building, that’s how it started,” said Fortinberry.

In 2001, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

No task was too challenging. “My brother-in-law Ludo Van Den Bogaert was instrumental in getting a matching grant from the state,” said Fortinberry. “He filled

out the grant application and then we took a group of people and drove to Tallahassee to a meeting with the State Historic Preservation Board where we tried to get the grant money.”

They were awarded a grant to repurpose the building but when the school district told them they were going to reopen the building to use as classes again, they had to give the money back to the state. The district later reneged and the building continued to sit empty.

“I was so mad that I went to our school board member and told him we had given up that money so he agreed to take care of the outside,” said Fortinberry. The brick was reappointed and the windows replaced.

In 2005, the Hillsborough County Commission allocated nearly $4 million for the closed building to be used as a library. Budget cuts brought those efforts to a screeching halt.

Yet the building still stands. “It’s been through every hurricane we’ve had and she’s still standing like a grandmother,” Fortinberry remarked.

Even grandmothers need a little extra love. The duo remain committed to continuing their restoration efforts. “It’s sad that it’s sat for more than 20 years with nothing done to it,’ said Grooms. “It needs a lot of work done on the inside.”

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

IF IT’S HALLOWEEN, IT’S TIME FOR A PUMPKIN TIPS ON PURCHASING, CARVING OR EATING

„ You can wash stems and fruit with room temperature water and a soft brush. Make sure the fruit and stem dry quickly, and don't let moisture remain on the fruit.

„ Limit the number of days the pumpkin is outside in Florida. If the weather is dry and warm, and your display location is out of direct sun, you can put the pumpkin out a few days before Halloween – as long as you’re not carving it. If you are carving it, you can put it out on Halloween.

HOW DO YOU GET THE SEEDS OUT AND WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH THEM?

„ Scoop out the seeds with a large metal spoon and put them into a bowl. The seeds can be separated by hand, or by sieving in a colander or over a narrow-gauge wire rack -- similar to the kind you use to cool cookies.

There are two types of pumpkins: Those you carve (Cucurbita pepo) and pie pump kins (Cucurbita moschata).

MAKING PUMPKIN PANCAKES

In addition to carving the pumpkin and eating seeds, you can make traditional pumpkin pancakes, said Andrea Nikolai, family and consumer sciences agent and a registered dietitian for UF/IFAS Extension Polk County.

HERE’S NIKOLAI’S RECIPE:

You need --

• 2 cups of flour

• 1 tablespoon of baking powder

THEN:

Mix 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice) in one bowl.

In another bowl, mix together 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 ½ cups low-fat milk, ¾ cup canned pumpkin or pumpkin puree (from your pumpkin) and 2 tablespoons brown sugar.

It’s almost Halloween, so you might be in the market for a pumpkin to greet your trick-or-treaters. But not just any pumpkin – a jack-o’-lantern. If you are, now is the time to buy one.

“A lot of people want a jack-o’-lantern,” said Bob Hochmuth, assistant director of the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center-Suwannee Valley. “Demand is very high.”

With a couple of exceptions, few pumpkins grow in the Sunshine State, because of heat, humidity and white flies, Hochmuth said. Most jack o-'lantern pumpkins Floridians buy are shipped from states in the Northeast and the Carolinas.

A good jack-o’-lantern has a strong stem and does not show signs of mold, said Danielle Treadwell, a UF/IFAS associate professor of horticultural sciences.

“The best -- biggest, most unique -decorative pumpkins usually sell out early,” Treadwell said.

If you invest in one of these, keep it cool and dry, out of direct sunlight, preferably in the house, in the air-conditioning, and place it on a sheet of wax paper or parchment to protect your furniture and countertops from damage, she said.

ADDITIONAL TREADWELL TIPS ON BUYING AND PREPARING YOUR PUMPKIN FOR CARVING:

„ Avoid pumpkins with fruit or stems that have a cotton-like or powdery coating on them. It may cause the pumpkin to soften more quickly, and it may be difficult to carve.

„ Wash and dry the seeds with a paper towel.

„ Roast the seeds with a little olive and salt (or garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, etc.), spread on a cookie sheet lined with parchment at 350 to 375 degrees. Keep a close eye on them; stir them a few times. They should be done in 10 to 15 minutes.

„ Seeds from a pie pumpkin are likely to be more tender and flavorful than a large carving pumpkin since pie pumpkins are selected for their flavor, and carving pumpkins are not.

Now that you’ve removed what’s inside the gourd, you’re ready to carve it.

“If you seek a pumpkin to carve, select ones that have enough surface area to create the face or other image,” Treadwell said. “Some people prefer wide and short ones -- which are best for wide grins -while others seek tall narrow ones, which are great if you want to include eyes, a nose and a mouth.”

• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice

• 2 eggs

• 2 tablespoons of oil

• 1 ½ cups of low-fat milk

• ¾ of a cup of canned pumpkin or pumpkin puree

• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.

Add the bowl with the eggs to the other bowl and mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened.

Pour about ¼ cup of pancake batter onto a lightly oiled preheated pan.

Pancakes are ready to flip when the edges start to look a little dry and you can see small bubbles forming on the pancake surface. Flip and cook about another two minutes (or until golden brown).

ABOUT UF/IFAS

The

mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings sciencebased solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. ifas.ufl.edu | @UF_IFAS

“Pizza and wings.” - Evelyn Madonia

“Wings.” - Rodney Fowler

“Grilled BBQ cheese burgers, potato salad and cowboy beans.” - Danielle Rae

“Hot dogs!” - Cody Lenz

“Grilled burgers, potato salad and baked beans or homemade chili if it’s cold outside.” - Sally Knight Raburn

“Pizza and wings.” - Curtis Babb

SPORTS DURANT WINS COMEBACK THRILLER OVER SUMNER

After suffering their first loss of the season to Plant City earlier in September, Durant football jumped back into the win column with a 47-17 win over Lennard before returning home to host the 5-0 Sumner Stingrays last Friday, coming away with a thrilling 28-27 victory in the game’s final seconds.

Lining up to receive the opening kick, Durant took over at the 30-yard line following a return from receiver Jaylin Torres. And on the first play from scrimmage, the Cougars immediately moved up to midfield on a pitch to running back Christian Gambrell. After an incomplete pass on first down, Durant was able to move the chains with a five-yard run from Emmanuel Lee and a fiveyard completion from quarterback Mike Ryan to Jaylin Torres, setting the Cougars up at the 37.

A swing pass to receiver Damari Styles looked to have the Cougars quickly moved down into the Sumner red zone at the 20, but a holding penalty moved Durant back and they were unable to overcome the initial loss as Ryan sent a pooch punt down to the Sumner 12.

Starting deep in their own territory, the Stingrays wasted no time moving down the field with a swing pass that gained 12 to the 26-yard line, followed by a carry to the 34 and a pair of short completions that left Sumner set up right near midfield at their own 48. On the ensuing first down, running back Devin Spencer opened up the scoring as he broke free for a long touchdown run up the right side to give Sumner a 7-0 lead with 5:50 remaining in the first quarter.

After another short kick from Sumner, Torres hauled in the kick and Durant took over at the 34-yard line to start their second drive of the contest. With a pass broken up on first and a run up the middle that resulted in a loss of two, the Cougars were immediately set up with a third-and-long as Ryan lofted a pass deep down the left sideline for a deep completion to Jayden Cornelius across midfield. Ryan was pressured on his next dropback and forced to throw the ball away, being flagged for an intentional grounding penalty that once again put Durant behind the chains and set them up with an insurmountable down and distance as they ultimately punted back to Sumner.

Once again backed up in their own territory at the 13 following a fair catch on the Durant punt, Sumner quickly began to make their way down the field again. After a short carry on first down, Spencer found daylight for another explosive run that put the Stingrays at the 36 and on the next play Durant’s front four nearly reached quarterback Layton Kennison for a big sack, but he was able to spin out of the pressure and take off for a big run across midfield to the Durant 43. Three consecutive runs moved the Stingrays all the way down to the Durant 18-yard line when Spencer yet again made his presence felt as he bolted up the right sideline for a touchdown run to extend the Sumner lead to 14-0 with 11:25 left in the second quarter.

Finding themselves in an early deficit, Durant took advantage of a personal foul penalty on Sumner that moved the ensuing kickoff back as the Cougars were able to take over near midfield at their own 45-yard line to start their next drive. And as the second quarter wore on, rain began to fall on the heated district matchup. With an incompletion on first down, Lee burst through the middle on a strong run up the middle on second down – plowing through defenders as he worked his way down to the Sumner 28-yard line. A tackle for loss on first set the Cougars up with second-and-15 and a short completion left Durant facing a third-and-11. Flushed out of the pocket, Ryan was forced to take off and was tackled at the line of scrimmage but a personal foul on Sumner gave the Cougars new life at the 15. A pair of runs for no gain, followed by a mishandled snap in the pouring rain, left Durant settling for a field goal attempt that ultimately fell shorth and turned the ball back over to Sumner at the 20-yard line.

After a successful defensive stand forced Sumner into punt formation, Durant was left with time for one more drive to claw back into the contest before halftime.

Jayden Forte brought in the Sumner punt at the Durant 45 with 3:22 left in the second and another personal foul penalty on the Stingrays immediately pushed possession across midfield to the 40. A first down carry for no gain and a swing pass that lost three left the Cougars facing a quick thirdand-13. Ryan rolled to his next on the play and fired incomplete for Cornelius, but in what quickly seemed to become a habit for Sumner, a personal foul penalty gave the Cougars a first down at the 28. A strong run from Lee took Durant to the 20 and a hard count from Ryan forced the Sumner front to jump offside for a first down at the 15. Lee once again punched a carry up the middle down to the six, then to the three, and after another Sumner offside penalty put Durant inside the two-yard line, Ryan was able to get across the goalline on a quarterback sneak to cut the deficit to 14-6 just before halftime.

As play stopped at the conclusion of the second quarter, rain continued to grow stronger and lightning entered the area – eventually forcing the remainder of the game to be postponed until Saturday morning.

With the game getting back rolling the next morning, Sumner wasted no time picking up where they left off the night before as they extended their lead with a touchdown, leaving the contest 20-6 as Quentin Pope came up with a crucial block on the extra point attempt to leave the Cougars deficit at just 14 points

Punching back, Durant responded with a score of their own on a touchdown pass to Cornelius that pulled the Cougars within seven and Sumner answered with a long, methodical scoring drive that pushed them back up by two scores as they led 27-13 with just over six minutes remaining in the contest.

Opening their ensuing drive at the 27-yard line and needing a score quickly, Durant was able to do just that as Ryan found Pope for

a 33-yard reception before Lee broke free for a 30-yard touchdown – pulling Durant back to within seven again at 27-20. And when the moment was the biggest, the Cougars’ defense stood tall as they forced just their second three-and-out of the game and left Sumner settling with a punt as Durant prepared for a one more crucial drive that would ultimately determine the game.

Marching their way down the field, picking up a pair of do-or-die fourth down conversions along the way, the Cougars found themselves sitting at the 21-yard line with just nine seconds left. Coming out of the timeout, Ryan dropped back to pass and fired a strike over the middle of the field to Styles who found space underneath the deep coverage and made his way into the end zone and brought the Cougars back within one, trailing 27-26. With a chance to tie the game and all but assuredly send the contest to overtime with an extra point, Durant opted to put the game in their own hands and attempt the two point conversion to win. Out of the shotgun formation, Ryan took the snap and handed the ball off to Cornelius as he darted to the right side on a sweep – looking up and tossing the ball to a wide open Hunter Smith for a successful two point conversion that sealed a 28-27 victory for the Cougars in the game’s final moments.

The victory pushed Durant to 5-1 on the year and 1-0 in the district, allowing them to leap over Sumner in the district standings where they trail only 5-0 Riverview. The Cougars will return to action this Friday as they host 2-4 Sickles.

Offensively for the Cougars, Ryan completed 10 of his 22 attempts for 153 yards and two passing touchdowns while adding one rushing touchdown. In the backfield, Lee led the charge with 148 yards and one touchdown on 22 carries, followed by Gambrell with 24 yards on three attempts. At receiver, Cornelius totaled 58 receiving yards and one touchdown on three catches, followed by Pope with 33 yards on one reception, Styles with 29 yards and one touchdown on three receptions, Lee with 19 yards on one reception, Torres with 14 yards on two receptions and Smith with three yards on one reception.

Defensively, linebackers Brant Bovee and Hale Sollmann each notched double digit tackles with 13 and 11, respectively, while Bovee also led the unit with two tackles for loss and the defense’s lone sack.

Across town, Plant City moved to 4-2 with a 54-14 win over previously unbeaten Alonso while Strawberry Crest fell to 3-2 with a 35-0 loss at the hands of Plant.

Offensively for the Raiders, quarterback Chris Denson completed 16 of his 21 attempts for 301 yards and four touchdowns while adding 98 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on the ground. Outside of Denson, Tony Marshall was the only other Raider to register a carry on the evening as he finished the contest with 176 rushing yards and one touchdown on 16 carries while adding 42 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. Out wide, Josh Gueh and Haven Pierce each totaled 72 receiving yards and one touchdown while

all of Pierce’s production came on one lone catch and Gueh did his damage across five receptions, followed by 52 yards and one touchdown on three catches from T.J. Knighten, 41 yards on three catches from C.J. McClain and 22 yards on two catches from Zykee Joyce.

Defensively, Travont Panier led the unit with 11 total tackles while Davin Stone-Grant totaled a team-high four tackles for loss and three sacks, followed by two sacks from Panier and one each from Simeon Hogan, Dacoby McDonald and Donta Jenkins. Trae’veon Smith, Michael Bell and Hogan each notched an interception while Smith added a forced fumble that was recovered by Panier.

Offensively for the Chargers, Roosevelt Miller manned the quarterback spot, completing two of his seven attempts for eight yards while adding three rushing yards. On the ground, Devin Blunt totaled 31 yards on 14 carries, Gage Reibsome totaled 31 yards on 10 carries and Thimothee Woods totaled 20 yards on one carry.

Defensively, Jake Curtin led the unit with five total tackles while Malachi Johnson, Jace Eldridge and Brice Schmidt each notched one tackle for loss.

Strawberry Crest will look to get back in the win column this Friday as they make their way to Middleton to face the 1-4 Tigers.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

The Cougars moves to 5-1 as they handed the Stingrays their first loss of the season with a last-second victory.

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

STRAWBERRY CREST

FALLS TO STRONG RIVERVIEW SQUAD

After a 12-4 start to the season, Strawberry Crest volleyball dropped two of three to end the month of September with a 3-0 victory over Leto between a 3-1 loss to Steinbrenner and a 3-2 loss to Wharton. Looking to get back into the win column on Monday, the road didn’t get any easier as the Chargers made their way to Riverview to face a 7-1 Sharks squad — dropping the match in three consecutive sets to fall to 13-7 on the year.

Opening the match strong, the Chargers quickly raced out to a 3-0 lead in the first set before Riverview was able to answer with 10 consecutive points to take a commanding 10-3 lead before Crest was able to stop the Sharks’ run and cut into the deficit at 12-5. As the Sharks continued to score, Crest did their best to stay alive in the set as a kill from senior Savannah Schwarz cut the Sharks lead down to 18-9, followed by another point from Schwarz and a stellar block from Schwarz and junior Ashlynn Miller to narrow the gap to 18-11. After a long rally put Riverview up 21-13, the set looked nearly out of reach but the Chargers responded with a valiant rally of their own. The Chargers scored to make it 22-15, Riverview answered for 23-16, an unbelievable

save from Miller kept the play alive before the Chargers scored and cut the deficit to 23-17. Riverview scored the next point to take a 24-17 lead and bring themselves just one point away from taking the set but Crest responded with seven consecutive points to knot the set at 24-24 and force a win-bytwo scenario. Riverview gained the advantage at 25-24 and the Chargers continued to battle before the Sharks ultimately took the set 28-26.

In the second set, Riverview opened with a 3-0 lead and the Chargers were able to battle back and cut the lead to 3-2 for the moment, but the Sharks proved too strong for Crest as they quickly rattled off an 8-2 run to take an 12-4 lead. A strong block from Schwarz ended the Sharks’ run to leave the set at 12-5. From that point on, the Chargers were resilient and able to go point-for-point with Riverview for the remainder of the set, but were unable to find any extended success like they did in the first set and ultimately fell into a 2-0 hole on the heels of a 25-15 second set.

Moving to the third set, the Chargers once again found themselves behind early as Riverview opened with a 5-0 run to start the final set. Looking to fight back, a kill from senior Gabrielle Friebolin cut the Riverview lead to 9-5, but the Sharks never allowed the result to come into doubt as they responded with a run of their own. With their backs

against the wall, trailing 24-15, Crest was able to notch three consecutive points but one decisive strike from Riverview clinched the 3-0 victory for the Sharks.

The Chargers faced Sumner on Wednesday night and will finish their regular season next Wednesday as they host 1-8 Blake.

Across town, Durant sits at 7-7 as they prepare to finish their regular season against 5-6 Freedom and 12-8 Newsome while 7-4 Plant City will end their year against 3-7 Hillsborough and 0-8 Brandon.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

The Chargers fell in three straight sets to move to 13-7 on the year.

OBITUARIES

Evelyn Marie Holmes

Evelyn Marie Holmes, a virtuous woman of grace, born under God in Ala. on Dec. 19, 1937, completed her earthly journey in Plant City on Sept. 12, 2023. A funeral service was held Sept. 18, 2023, at Haught Funeral Home in Plant City, FL. Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

Denise Ivette Burt and Kamari L. Burt

Denise Ivette Burt and Kamari L. Burt

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Denise Ivette Burt and her beloved son Kamari L. Burt on Sept. 25, 2023, in Tampa, Fla.

Friends and family will be received Oct. 6, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd Plant City, FL 33563. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m.

Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Hansel ‘Buddy’ Griffin Jr.

Hansel “Buddy” Griffin Jr. passed away peacefully in Plant City, Fla. on Sept. 27, 2023. If so desired donations may be made to St. Judes Childrens Hospital or Lifepath Hospice in Buddys name. A Funeral Service was held Oct. 3, 2023 at First Assembly of God, 602 Charlie Taylor Rd, Plant City, FL 33566. Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

Felipe Andrade Lara

Felipe Andrade Lara, a man of God, a beacon of light, and an unwavering pillar of strength, was called home to be with the Lord on Oct. 1, 2023. A Service will be held Oct. 7, 2023, 11 a.m. at Iglesia De Dios Torre Fuerta, 5335 US-92, Plant City, Fla., 33566.

Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Henry T. ‘Tom’ Tomlinson

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Gary L. Needham

Gary L. Needham, 74 passed away peacefully on Sept. 30, 2023, with his wife Marlyn Needham by his side. Gary served in the United States Air Force. Services will be held privately by the family. Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

Barbara Jeanne Damron

Barbara Jeanne Damron, 81, of Plant City, Fla., entered into eternal rest on Sept. 25, 2023. She was born on Nov. 11, 1941.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www. WellsMemorial.com for the Damron family.

813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Henry T. “Tom” Tomlinson passed away peacefully on Sept. 30, 2023, in Plant City, Fla. Tom served his country with honor and distinction for 18 years in the U.S. Navy. A Service was held Oct. 4, 2023 at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd Plant City, FL 33563.

Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Member FDIC

Jose

G. Hernandez ‘Lupe’

Jose G. Hernandez

“Lupe”, 52, of Plant City, born on May 31, 1971, in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 24, 2023. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Enedelia Hernandez

Enedelia Hernandez, 50, of Plant City, born on Dec. 12, 1972, in Brownsville, Tex., entered into eternal rest on Sept. 23, 2023. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Aniella Vianey ‘Ani’ Hernandez

Aniella Vianey “Ani” Hernandez, 22, of Plant City, born on March 31, 2001, in Brandon, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 23, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Alyssa Isabella ‘Lilly’ Hernandez

Alyssa Isabella “Lilly” Hernandez, 17, of Plant City, born on Sept. 18, 2006 in Brandon, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 23, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Julian Ediel Hernandez

Julian Ediel Hernandez, 10, of Plant City, born on April 17, 2014, in Brandon, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 23, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Jakub A. Lopez

Jakub A. Lopez, 17, of Plant City, born on Sept. 6, 2006, in Brandon, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 23, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Sue Mack

Sue Mack, 80, of Mulberry, born on Aug. 11, 1943, in Michigan, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 19, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Penny Cousin

Penny Cousin, 66, born on May 29, 1957, in Topeka, Kans., entered into eternal rest on Sept. 21, 2023. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Marcus Glenn Williamson

Marcus Glenn Williamson, 88, of Dover, born on Nov. 8, 1934, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 28, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

George Everett Self

George Everett Self was born on Oct. 13, 1928 in Newbern, Tenn., the son of Ashley and Lillian Self, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 28, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

William Jerry Bowdoin

William Jerry Bowdoin, 85, of Plant City, born on Nov. 5, 1937, in Kinston, Ala., entered into eternal rest on Sept. 28, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

BEST BET

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7

#FOX SQUIRREL CORN MAZE

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 6151 Varn Rd. Fall into a whirlwind of autumn enchantment at the Fox Squirrel Corn Maze in Plant City. On Saturdays and Sundays from Oct. 7 to Nov. 5, the excitement knows no bounds as weekends come alive with the magic of harvest and Halloween. Traverse a five-acre corn maze, a dynamic labyrinth of six-foot tall corn stalks. Challenge your tracking skills as you navigate the twists and turns, embracing the thrill of the hunt. Beyond the maze, explore the area’s largest pumpkin patch, soar on the 30-foot by 50-foot jump pad, take hayrides through the Cypress woods, create a custom wildflower bouquet, capture picturesque moments in Instaworthy spots throughout the festive area and enjoy oodles of games and goodies for young and young-at-heart. Fox Squirrel Corn Maze is the place for fall fun! Tickets are $12 each and children three and under are admitted free. For more information, visit www.foxsquirrelcornmaze.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7

GORDOSTRONG FUNDRAISER

The family of Guillermo Gama, the lone survivor from a tragic accident that took the lives of six Plant City residents last week, is holding a fundraiser to raise money toward ongoing medical expenses. The fundraiser will feature inflatables for kids, face painting, snow cones, food, vendors and a car and truck show. Donations are welcome. For more information on the location and donation drop offs, contact Jennifer Cantu at 813-836-1654.

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 first Saturday of every month.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 9

PLANT CITY GARDEN CLUB MEETING

9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 303 N Evers St. The Plant City Garden Club will host their monthly meeting at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. There will be a coffee meet and greet at 9:30, followed by a general meeting and guest speaker at 10. October’s guest speaker will be Patrick Strickland, owner of Stalk & Vine on 39. For more information, contact Tracey Brannigan at: traceyk@aol.com.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10

LIFE RECOVERY - ADDICTION

RECOVERY GROUP

6:30 to 8 p.m. at 2103 Mud Lake Rd. The Plant City Church of God hosts Life Recovery on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, a free, Christ centered, 12step group addiction recovery program for all those in need. Family is welcome to join alongside attendees and for more information, call or text Debbie at 813-763-1562 or Laverne at 813-763-1530.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11

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 benefits please take advantage of free assistance at the Bing House Museum, 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walk-ins welcomed or call 813-704-5800 to set a specific time.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14

OPEN MIC NIGHT

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

REELIN’ WITH A RANGER

8:30 to 10:30 am. at 1900 S Park Rd. Break out the rods and take a chance to “reel” with Plant City’s park rangers. An interactive family fishing derby for those three years old and over, the event will feature team trophies, outdoor games and food trucks on site. Preregistration is required for this catch-and-release event and teams are limited to six participants each. Registration is $10 and the deadline to register is Thursday, Oct. 12 by 5 p.m. All participants must bring their own pole, bait and bucket. If interested in becoming a sponsor or food vendor, contact can be made at 813-659-4255 or by email at iybarra@plantcitygov.com.

FISH FRY

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 405 W Baker St. The Plant City Men’s Group and the First Presbyterian Church of Plant City will be hosting a community ministry fundraiser in the form of a fish fry. The menu will include fried fish, hush puppies, baked beans and coleslaw. Plates will cost $10 and can be picked up via the drive through line that will be provided. For more information, visit www.fpcplantcity.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

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. 21, rain or shine. Cars and trucks of all makes, models and years can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music by DJ John Paul Gasca.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29

HARFEST

5 to 7 p.m. at 1107 Charlie Griffin Rd. All are invited to GracePoint Church’s free HarFEST event. Make your way down to enjoy live music from Southern Express Bluegrass Band and eat great food from their annual Chili Cook-Off competition while kids can enjoy bounce houses and hay rides. All are encouraged to bring a chair for this event full of fall fun. For more information, visit www.gracepointpc.org/ events.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1

SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS WITH ESTRANGED FAMILY

6:30 to 8 p.m. at 1107 Charlie Griffin Rd. Join other parents who are estranged from their adult children. PEAK (Parents of Estranged Adult Kids) group provides a safe place to listen, share and support others going through the hurt of adult family abandonment. Meetings will include group discussions, self-care and positive influence activities to help cope with the situation. PEAK is not appropriate for abusive relationships or mental illness. Meetings take place on the first Wednesday of each month at GracePoint Church. For more information, visit www.peaksupportgroup. com.

To have your event included in our calendar, visit the calendar section of our website at www.PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

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

FORECAST

90

70

MOON PHASES Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

2023 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, AVOCADO CARPETS 3 ROOMS $90 Includes Hallway cleaned Free

Emergency Storm Water, A/C Leaks, WATER REMOVAL STEAM CLEANED 50 cents per Sq.Ft.

TILE & GROUT STEAM CLEANED Broken Pipes, Toilet Overflow, etc

24-Hour Service AllSaintscc.com 813-986-1266  Carpet Repairs  Carpet Restoration & Dyeing  Minimum Service job $70.00

ONLINE Follow us on social media: @PCObserver on Instagram, @PlantObserver on Twitter and Plant City Observer on Facebook.

Brenda Miller took this photo of morning rain on a rain lily in her yard in Plant City.

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